There are a number of costs to consider when dealing in equities, but principal amongst these are the commissions charged by your stockbroker.  These can vary from approximately £10 per trade (buy and sell) upwards and can be fixed price, based on a percentage of the value of the trade, or both. Financial spread betting is all-inclusive; no surprises and no extra costs. The spread betting company make their money within the small spread incurred on each trade.