You need to select a good trading platform.

 

When you first start trading, you need to select a platorm so you can place your trades. There are many platforms that offer spread betting services. Some will also offer Share Dealing, CFDs, Options and maybe more. What The SpreadBlog wants from a platform is to be able to trade individual equities like BP or Shell, Indices like FTSE 100, Commoditeis including Oil and Gold and finally Currencies. Pretty much all the spread betting platforms should offer these markets.  

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So what makes them all different?

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• Ease of use - I find some trading platfomrs cumbersome​.

• Cost - the trading platforms tend to make their money in 'the spread'. This is the difference between the buying and selling price of the market you are trading. So you want to have small (or tight) spreads. 

• Beginners - some platforms will offer introductory offers which allow you to trade with small amounts (as little as 10p per point) so you can get used to trading without risking too much capital.

• Educational Support - there are some really helpful educational videos and introductionary guides on most platfomrs. It is the ongoing commentary that I think is really useful.

• Cash Back Offers - some platforms offer interest on cash balances or 'cash back' incentives. In my opinion, these are a bit gimiky but could be useful for some people. Sometimes you'll end up trading in markets that you don't really want to be in just to try and get the reward - so be careful. 

• Accessibility - You'll need an App on your phone to trade as well. You might be out and about and wantt o adjust your stops or limits, or place new trades. So you need a good reliable app. Most offer this but if they don't, I'd forget it.

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