Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 70% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
UK Regulated Stockbroker Since 2009 | Client funds held with IG | FSCS protection up to £85,000 | Best CFD Broker 2026
Ways to access the markets
Choose between Spread Betting, CFD Trading and Share Dealing depending on how you want to trade.
Spread Betting vs CFDs vs Share Dealing
What's the Difference?
Spread betting and CFDs allow you to trade rising and falling market prices without owning the underlying asset.
Share dealing involves buying and owning the shares themselves. Each offers different advantages, costs and UK tax treatment.
Feature | Spread Betting | CFD Trading | Share Dealing |
|---|---|---|---|
Go long or short | Yes | Yes | No |
Leverage | Yes | Yes | No |
Capital Gains Tax | Normally exempt* | Generally applies* | Generally applies* |
Stamp duty | No | No | Usually 0.5% on UK shares* |
Share ownership | No | No | Yes |
Dividends | Cash adjustments | Cash adjustments | Dividends where eligible |
Position sizing | £ per point | Contracts or units | Number of shares |
Overnight funding | May apply | May apply | No |
Markets to Trade
Explore global financial markets through Guardian Stockbrokers, combining IG trading technology with direct access to experienced UK brokers.
Best CFD Broker 2026
Guardian Stockbrokers was named Best CFD Broker 2026 at the ADVFN International Financial Awards.
What our clients say
Trusted by traders across the UK
Professionalism, Responsiveness
Professional and proactive I’m really happy that they were recommended to me.
I would recommend Guardian Stockbrokers.
Professionalism, Quality,
Responsiveness, Value
I could not more highly recommend Guardian Stockbrokers, everyone has been brilliant. The attentiveness, training and technical detail provided, has enabled a fast track learning and an ability to manage the portfolio in a way that would far exceed my own capabilities.
Professionalism, Responsiveness
I've known Guardian Stockbrokers since their inception.
When dealing with trading, you want to work with people that are professional, personable and trustworthy.
Guardian Stockbrokers are all of the above.
I'd recommend them any day!
* Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may change. Tax laws may differ outside the UK.
