Overall Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.2/5.0)

Core Spreads is a UK-based spread betting and CFD broker offering tight fixed spreads, MetaTrader 4, and a proprietary trading platform called CoreTrader. Operated by Trade Nation Financial UK Ltd, Core Spreads was known for its simple pricing model, zero commissions, and FCA regulation. However, the Core Spreads brand has since been fully integrated into Trade Nation, and while existing clients were migrated, the Core Spreads website is no longer active. This Core Spreads review evaluates its former offering and transition.

Key Features

Core Spreads catered to traders seeking low-cost access to global markets, especially via spread betting.

• Platforms:
  • CoreTrader – Proprietary web platform with clean interface
  • MetaTrader 4 (MT4) – For advanced charting and algorithmic strategies
• Products Offered:
  • Forex, indices, shares, commodities, and treasuries
  • Spread betting (UK only) and CFDs (international clients)
• Account Features:
  • Fixed spreads on all instruments
  • No commissions – spreads only model
  • Free demo account for all traders

Regulation and Security

Core Spreads was well-regulated and remains so under the Trade Nation brand.

• Regulated by the FCA (UK) – FRN 525164
• Client Money Protection: Segregated accounts under FCA client money rules
• FSCS Coverage: Clients were protected up to £85,000
• Negative Balance Protection: Offered to retail clients
• Data Security: SSL encryption and two-factor authentication

Pricing and Costs

Core Spreads offered a transparent, low-cost trading model focused on fixed spreads.

• Spreads:
  • EUR/USD: Fixed at 0.6 pips
  • UK 100: 0.8 points
• Commissions:
  • No commission on any product
• Minimum Deposit:
  • £50
• Deposit & Withdrawal Fees:
  • None – all payments processed free of charge
• Inactivity Fees:
  • None disclosed

Educational Resources and Customer Support

Core Spreads provided a basic knowledge centre and accessible customer service.

• Education:
  • Platform guides, spread betting explainers, and CFD basics
  • Limited in-depth strategy training
• Market Analysis:
  • Brief daily updates and economic calendars
• Support Access:
  • 24/5 via phone, live chat, and email
  • UK-based support team with fast response times

Risk Management Tools

The platform offered basic risk control features, especially through fixed spreads.

• Order Types:
  • Stop-loss, take-profit, and guaranteed stop (on selected markets)
• Fixed Spreads:
  • Help reduce slippage and unpredictable execution costs
• Leverage:
  • Up to 1:30 for retail clients
  • Higher for professional clients upon eligibility

Pros and Cons

Pros

• FCA-regulated broker with strong client protections
• Tight, fixed spreads with no commissions
• User-friendly CoreTrader platform
• Fast execution and simple account setup
• UK spread betting option available

Cons

• Brand retired and merged with Trade Nation
• Limited education and research tools
• No MT5 or advanced analytics
• No longer accepting new clients under Core Spreads

Conclusion: Is Core Spreads the Right Choice?

Core Spreads was a reputable low-cost broker regulated by the FCA, best known for fixed spreads, simple pricing, and solid support. While the brand has now transitioned into Trade Nation, the core strengths — including regulation, transparency, and pricing — remain intact under the new name.

If you’re a trader seeking tight spreads, no commissions, and a regulated UK broker, Trade Nation (formerly Core Spreads) is worth considering.