This Core Spreads review evaluates the UK-based broker’s regulatory framework, trading conditions, and market offering. Core Spreads provides tight fixed spreads on forex and CFD products via simplified trading accounts and two proprietary platforms, catering primarily to cost-conscious retail traders in the UK and EU regions.

Regulation and Safety

Core Spreads operates under Trade Nation Financial UK Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), license number 525164. Regulatory protections include:

• FSCS protection up to £85,000 for eligible clients
• Segregated client accounts in Tier 1 UK banks
• Negative balance protection
• Regular audits and financial reporting under FCA oversight

International clients are onboarded through Trade Nation Ltd, regulated by the SCB in the Bahamas, offering fewer protections but access to higher leverage.

Execution Model and Trading Platforms

Core Spreads uses a market maker execution model with no dealing desk intervention (NDD). Two proprietary platforms are available:

• CoreTrader2: Fixed spread trading with no commissions
• MetaTrader 4 (MT4): Variable spreads with optional Expert Advisor (EA) support

Mobile and web access are supported on both platforms. FIX API and VPS hosting are not offered.

Markets and Instruments

Core Spreads offers over 1,000 instruments via spread betting and CFDs:

• Forex – 40+ major and minor pairs
• Indices – UK100, US500, NASDAQ, GER40
• Commodities – Gold, Silver, Oil, Natural Gas
• Shares – UK, US, and global equities
• Bonds and Interest Rates – Limited coverage

Cryptocurrencies are not offered. All products are leveraged and settled as derivatives.

Accounts, Spreads and Leverage

Core Spreads offers one unified account per platform type:

• CoreTrader2: Fixed spreads (e.g., 0.6 pips EUR/USD), zero commission
• MT4 Account: Variable spreads (from 0.3 pips), zero commission

Account features include:

• Minimum deposit: £100
• Leverage: Up to 1:30 (FCA retail), up to 1:200 (SCB international)
• Stop-out level: 50%

Islamic accounts are not advertised. Professional clients can apply for higher leverage and fewer restrictions.

Funding and Base Currencies

Supported deposit and withdrawal methods include:

• Bank transfer
• Credit/debit cards
• Skrill (UK clients)

Accepted base currencies: GBP, USD, EUR, AUD. Deposits are processed same-day; withdrawals within 1–3 working days. No deposit fees; withdrawal fees may apply for international bank wires.

Client Protections and Features

As an FCA-regulated broker, Core Spreads offers core client protection features:

• FSCS protection up to £85,000
• Negative balance protection for retail accounts
• Two-factor authentication (2FA)
• Encrypted client portal and segregated funds

Clients onboarded via SCB Bahamas do not receive FSCS or EU protections but may access higher leverage and simplified onboarding.

Institutional and Retail Offering

Core Spreads is primarily a retail-focused broker. It does not offer institutional services such as white-label, FIX API, or prime brokerage. Features include:

• Spread betting and CFD trading
• Account management tools and trade history reports
• Basic education centre and platform tutorials

Professional accounts may qualify for tighter margins but with reduced protections.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• FCA regulation with FSCS protection
• Fixed spreads available on CoreTrader2
• Low minimum deposit requirement (£100)
• Fast, simple account setup for UK and international clients
• Spread betting and CFD trading from one account

Cons

• No cryptocurrencies or MT5 access
• No FIX API or VPS hosting
• Limited educational and research tools
• Market maker model may not appeal to all traders

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Core Spreads regulated in the UK?

Yes, Core Spreads is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under license number 525164.

What trading platforms does Core Spreads offer?

Core Spreads offers its proprietary CoreTrader2 platform and MetaTrader 4 (MT4) for CFD and spread betting.

What is the minimum deposit at Core Spreads?

The minimum deposit required to open an account is £100 or equivalent in supported currencies.

Does Core Spreads offer fixed or variable spreads?

Both are available: CoreTrader2 uses fixed spreads, while MT4 accounts use variable spreads starting from 0.3 pips.

Is cryptocurrency trading available at Core Spreads?

No, Core Spreads does not currently offer cryptocurrency CFDs or spread betting.