UK.StockBrokers.com is committed to the highest ethical standards and reviews services independently. Learn How We Make Money

Saxo vs Barclays 2025

StockBrokers.com

Written by StockBrokers.com

April 17, 2025

In this head to head comparison of Saxo vs Barclays, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, investment options, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.

Saxo
4.5/5 Stars Overall
  • Minimum Deposit: £0
  • ISA: Yes
  • SIPP: Yes
Barclays
4/5 Stars Overall
  • Minimum Deposit: £0
  • ISA: Yes
  • SIPP: Yes

Fees

Alongside the cost per trade, most UK online brokers also charge a monthly, quarterly, or annual management fee, which varies based on the account type and balance. Based on our thorough review, Barclays offers better pricing than Saxo for share dealing.

Assuming a £30,000 portfolio size, here are the total annual costs for share dealing with both brokers, given different monthly activity scenarios.

5 trades per year - Saxo would cost 0.12% + 0.08% (or £3) per trade: a minimum of £51 per year, while Barclays would cost £105 per year.

12 trades per year - Saxo would cost 0.12% + 0.08% (or £3) per trade: a minimum of £72 per year, while Barclays would cost £75 or £147 per year.

36 trades per year - Saxo would cost 0.12% + 0.08% (or £3) per trade: a minimum of £144 per year, while Barclays would cost £75 or £291 per year.

120 trades per year - Saxo would cost 0.12% + 0.08% (or £3) per trade: a minimum of £396 per year, while Barclays would cost £75 or £795 per year.

3 fund trades per year - Saxo would cost £0 per year, while Barclays would cost £0 per year.

query_stats What type of trader are you?

New to the world of investing? See our picks for the Best UK Trading Platforms for Beginners. More experienced traders should read our guide to the Best UK Trading Platforms for Active Traders.

Investment Choices

For UK investors exploring online brokers, Saxo and Barclays present comprehensive investment choices, each receiving a 5-star rating from UK.StockBrokers.com. Both platforms enable share trading, ETFs, funds, corporate bonds, government bonds (gilts), and investment trusts, providing diverse options for those looking to build a varied portfolio. However, their offerings diverge in other areas. Saxo stands out by offering CFD trading, securing its top-ranked position (#1) among 21 brokers for investment choices, while Barclays does not provide this option. On the other hand, Barclays offers advisor services, unlike Saxo, ranking #9 in the same evaluation.

Neither broker supports crypto trading or spread betting, maintaining a traditional focus within their investment opportunities. Whether you require the breadth of Saxo's investment options or the advisory services from Barclays, both brokers cater to different investment needs while ensuring a solid foundation for your trading endeavours.

Feature Saxo logoSaxo
Barclays logoBarclays
Share Trading info Yes Yes
CFD Trading info Yes No
ETFs info Yes Yes
Funds info Yes Yes
Bonds - Government (Gilts) info Yes Yes
Investment Trusts info Yes Yes
Spread Betting info No No
Crypto Trading info No No
Advisor Services info No Yes
Investment Choices 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars

Featured Offers


4.5/5 Stars

Low-cost US and UK shares.

4.5/5 Stars

Professional’s Gateway to the World’s Markets.

Trading Tools

When comparing Saxo and Barclays for online trading tools, UK users will find Saxo significantly more feature-rich. While neither broker displays corporate events like earnings or dividends on charts, Saxo provides an impressive array of 20 drawing tools and 64 technical indicators, far outpacing Barclays, which offers none. Saxo users can also add personal notes and employ both index and stock overlays, giving traders versatile options for customizing their analysis. In contrast, Barclays lacks these features.

Both Saxo and Barclays support browser-based trading platforms, simplifying access across devices. However, Saxo takes a substantial lead with real-time market data, allowing traders to react swiftly to market changes—a crucial advantage Barclays does not offer. Additionally, both brokers allow the creation of alerts for stock price updates, ensuring traders never miss a crucial movement. Overall, Saxo presents a more comprehensive toolkit for those keen on in-depth chart analysis and up-to-the-minute market data.

Feature Saxo logoSaxo
Barclays logoBarclays
Web Platform info Yes Yes
Stock Alerts info Yes Yes
Charting - Indicators / Studies info 64 0
Charting - Drawing Tools info 20 0
Charting - Notes info Yes No
Charting - Display Corporate Events info No No
Charting - Stock Overlays info Yes No
Charting - Index Overlays info Yes No

ISAs and SIPPs

When comparing online brokers Saxo and Barclays for UK retirement accounts, both platforms cater to individuals seeking tax-efficient savings options. Saxo and Barclays each provide ISA accounts, allowing users to save and invest up to the annual limit without paying tax on returns. In addition to ISAs, both brokers also offer Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) accounts, giving more control over pension investments with the added benefit of tax relief. Whether you choose Saxo or Barclays, both offer comprehensive solutions for growing your retirement savings while maximizing tax efficiencies.

Dive deeper: Best SIPP Providers, Best Stocks and Shares ISA Providers.

Mobile App

For UK investors seeking top-tier mobile trading solutions, comparing Saxo and Barclays highlights significant differences. Both brokers provide iPhone and Android apps, ensuring wide accessibility. However, Saxo leads the pack with a 5-star mobile app rating from UK.StockBrokers.com, securing the #1 position among 21 brokers. Conversely, Barclays falls behind with a 2.5-star rating, landing at #21 in the same rankings. This contrast suggests Saxo's mobile services are highly sought after for their superior user experience, while Barclays may not meet the same benchmark of satisfaction for mobile users.

Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Apps UK.

Beginners and Education

For beginner investors looking at educational resources, Saxo and Barclays offer distinct advantages. Saxo shines with its top-tier rating of 5 stars from UK.StockBrokers.com, securing the impressive 3rd position out of 21 brokers, partly due to its engaging educational client webinars, which are also conveniently archived for on-demand viewing. While Saxo falls short on offering education specifically focused on share trading, funds, and retirement, Barclays fills this gap with resources on these crucial topics, earning a commendable 4.5-star rating and the 10th position overall. However, Barclays misses out on providing webinars, which could be a disadvantage for those who prefer learning through interactive sessions.

Feature Saxo logoSaxo
Barclays logoBarclays
Client Webinars info Yes No
Client Webinars (Archived) info Yes No
Education (Share Trading) info No Yes
Education (Funds) info No Yes
Education (Retirement) info No Yes
Education 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars

Dive deeper: Best UK Trading Platforms for Beginners.

Market Research

When comparing the market research features of Saxo and Barclays for UK investors, both platforms provide comprehensive research reports for funds, allowing users to make informed investment decisions. They each enable users to view portfolio allocation by asset class, enhancing transparency in investment management. Both Saxo and Barclays offer detailed research on shares, ETFs, and funds. However, a notable distinction is that Saxo provides research for Contracts for Difference (CFDs), which is absent in Barclays' offerings. Additionally, both Saxo and Barclays support research for bonds, catering to investors interested in fixed income instruments. Overall, while both brokers deliver extensive research tools, Saxo edges slightly ahead with its inclusion of CFDs research.

Feature Saxo logoSaxo
Barclays logoBarclays
Research - Shares info Yes Yes
Research - CFDs info Yes No
Research - ETFs info Yes Yes
Research - Bonds info Yes Yes
Research - Funds info Yes Yes
Fund Research - Research Reports info Yes Yes
Portfolio Allocation Breakdown info Yes Yes

Saxo vs Barclays Winner

Which broker is better overall, Saxo or Barclays? After collecting more than 900 data points over a 10-week period, we found Saxo to be a better trading platform overall.

Saxo’ trading platform is highly sophisticated and offers a huge range of international shares and funds. The biggest downside is the cost, as its charges are higher than its U.K. competitors. It's best suited for experienced investors rather than beginners.

Feature Saxo logoSaxo
Barclays logoBarclays
Overall Rating 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Charges & Fees 4/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Investment Choices 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Mobile App 5/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars
Website 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Ease of Use 4/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Education 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars

FAQs

Can you trade cryptocurrency with Saxo or Barclays?

Neither Saxo nor Barclays currently offer crypto trading, making these online brokers similar in their exclusion of cryptocurrency investment options.

Popular Guides

Popular Stock Broker Reviews

More Guides


Select Brokers

×
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxAJ Bell
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxBarclays
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxBestinvest
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxCharles Stanley Direct
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxCMC Invest
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxeToro
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxFidelity International
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxFreetrade
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxHalifax
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxHargreaves Lansdown
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxIG
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxInteractive Brokers
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxInteractive Investor
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxLloyds Bank
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxRevolut
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxRobinhood UK
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxSaxo
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxTrading 212
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxVanguard UK Investor
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxWebull
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxXTB

Compare

0 of 5
Overall Rating Saxo Barclays
Overall Rating 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Charges & Fees 4/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Investment Choices 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Mobile App 5/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars
Website 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Ease of Use 4/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Education 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Review Saxo Review Barclays Review
Winner check_circle
Investments Saxo Barclays
ISA info Yes Yes
SIPP info Yes Yes
Share Trading info Yes Yes
CFD Trading info Yes No
Funds info Yes Yes
ETFs info Yes Yes
Bonds - Corporate info Yes Yes
Bonds - Government (Gilts) info Yes Yes
Investment Trusts info Yes Yes
Spread Betting info No No
Crypto Trading info No No
Advisor Services info No Yes
Trading Fees Saxo Barclays
Minimum Deposit info £0 £0
Share Trading: 0-9 Deals/ Month info From £3 or 0.08% £6
Share Trading: 10-19 Deals/ Month info From £3 or 0.08% £6
Share Trading: 20+ Deals/ Month info From £3 or 0.08% £6
5 trades per year (£30k portfolio) info 0.12% + 0.08% (or £3) per trade: a minimum of £51 £105
12 trades per year (£30k portfolio) info 0.12% + 0.08% (or £3) per trade: a minimum of £72 £75 or £147
36 trades per year (£30k portfolio) info 0.12% + 0.08% (or £3) per trade: a minimum of £144 £75 or £291
120 trades per year (£30k portfolio) info 0.12% + 0.08% (or £3) per trade: a minimum of £396 £75 or £795
3 fund trades per year (£30k portfolio) info 0.4% + 0% commission: £120 £75
Annual Custody Fee: £0 - £250,000 info Up to £800 info £0 - £525
Annual Custody Fee: £250K-£500K info £500 to £1,000 £525 - £650
Annual Custody Fee: £500,000 - £1m info Up to £1,998 £650 - £850
Annual Custody Fee: £1m and over info £1,000 £850 and up
Bonds - Corporate - Fee info €20 minimum £6
Bonds - Government (Gilts) - Fee info €20 minimum £6
ETFs - Fee info From $1 £6
Investment Trusts - Fee info From $1 / £3 / €10 £6
Telephone Dealing Fee info £50 £25
Broker Screenshots Saxo Barclays
Website Gallery (click to expand)
Mobile Trading Apps Gallery (click to expand)
Education Gallery (click to expand)
Platforms & Tools Saxo Barclays
Web Platform info Yes Yes
iPhone App info Yes Yes
Android App info Yes Yes
Stock Alerts info Yes Yes
Charting - Indicators / Studies info 64 0
Charting - Drawing Tools info 20 0
Charting - Notes info Yes No
Charting - Display Corporate Events info No No
Charting - Stock Overlays info Yes No
Charting - Index Overlays info Yes No
Research Saxo Barclays
Research - Shares info Yes Yes
Research - CFDs info Yes No
Research - Funds info Yes Yes
Fund Research - Research Reports info Yes Yes
Research - ETFs info Yes Yes
Research - Bonds info Yes Yes
Portfolio Allocation Breakdown info Yes Yes
Education Saxo Barclays
Education (Share Trading) info No Yes
Education (Funds) info No Yes
Education (Retirement) info No Yes
Client Webinars info Yes No
Client Webinars (Archived) info Yes No
Overall Summary Saxo Barclays
Overall Rating 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Charges & Fees 4/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Investment Choices 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Mobile App 5/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars
Website 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Ease of Use 4/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Education 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Review Saxo Review Barclays Review
Winner check_circle
arrow_upward

close