Stake is no longer available in the UK. Stake closed its UK business, and on 15 November 2024 eligible Stake UK accounts were transferred to Freetrade. If you were a Stake UK customer, log in to Freetrade to manage your shares.
Stake launched in the UK in 2020, offering commission-free trading in US stocks and ETFs from a USD account. Below we explain what Stake offered and which UK platforms are the best alternatives for buying US shares in October 2026.
When investing, your capital is at risk and you may get back less than you invest.
What happened to Stake in the UK?
Stake was founded in Sydney, Australia, and opened to UK investors in February 2020. It gave UK clients commission-free access to US stocks and ETFs, with a 0.5% FX fee on deposits and withdrawals, but no ISA or SIPP and no UK shares. In 2024, Stake decided to leave the UK, and eligible accounts moved to Freetrade, which is now part of IG Group.
Best Stake alternatives for US shares in the UK
| Platform | US share commission | FX fee | ISA |
| Trading 212 | No commission (other fees may apply) | 0.15% | Yes |
| Interactive Brokers | $0.005 per share ($1 minimum) | 0.002% ($2 minimum) | Yes |
| Freetrade | £0 | Lower on paid plans | Yes |
| eToro | No commission (other fees may apply) | 0.75% (GBP to USD account) | Yes |
Sources: providers’ websites, October 2026. Other fees may apply.
On £1,000 of US shares, the FX fee alone costs £1.50 at Trading 212 and £7.50 at eToro, while Interactive Brokers charges the $2 minimum. For more detail, see our guide to the cheapest stock trading platforms in the UK.
Trading 212: no commission on stocks and ETFs. Other fees may apply. See terms and fees. 0.15% FX fee applies when converting funds. Other fees may apply. Trading 212 UK Ltd is authorised and regulated by the FCA (FRN 609146).
Sponsored code. To get a free fractional share worth up to £100, you can open an account with Trading 212 using the code FINTECH or this link. The share is worth between £8 and £100, and 80% of rewards are worth £25 or less. Terms apply.
When investing, your capital is at risk and you may get back less than invested. Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 52% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with eToro, and 58.9% with IBKR. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
FAQs
Is Stake still available in the UK?
No. Stake closed its UK business, and eligible accounts were transferred to Freetrade on 15 November 2024.
Where are my Stake shares now?
Eligible Stake UK accounts, including their shares, were moved to Freetrade. Log in to Freetrade to see your holdings.
What is the best alternative to Stake for US shares?
For most investors, Trading 212 has the lowest FX fee of the commission-free apps, at 0.15%, and offers an ISA. Interactive Brokers suits larger and more active investors. Freetrade is where former Stake UK accounts were moved.
Pedro is passionate about finance, marketing, and technology. He is a growth manager at several online projects and a former digital marketer for a fintech company.
