Best CFD Brokers in 2025

Contracts for Difference, or CFDs, are likely among the most popular financial instruments as they allow traders to take flexible access to global markets with the use of leverage. CFDs permit speculation in the price movements of assets such as stocks, indices, commodities, Forex, and cryptocurrencies without actually holding the underlying asset. Such flexibility, coupled with the facility of trading on margin, makes CFDs attractive to both retail and professional traders.

Not all brokers are created equal. Choosing the right CFD broker is important for your trading success because brokers provide the platform, tools, and resources you will use to execute your trades. A good broker guarantees transparent fees, solid technology, and the ability to trade with the assets you want. This guide explains what CFDs are, how they work, their advantages and risks, and, most importantly, what to look for when selecting the best CFD brokers.

List of best CFD brokers in 2025

The CFD market offers a range of excellent brokers providing competitive pricing, robust trading platforms, and a variety of tradable instruments. For traders seeking reliable partners for CFD trading, here are the top brokers delivering exceptional services this year.

FBS: Accessible CFD trading with low entry requirements

FBS is a globally recognized broker offering flexible and accessible CFD trading solutions for both beginners and experienced traders. With competitive spreads starting at 0.7 pip and leverage of up to 1:3,000, FBS provides an excellent environment for traders looking to maximize their market exposure.

FBS supports the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms, offering a wide range of tools for technical analysis, automated trading, and strategy optimization. Traders can access CFDs on Forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, ensuring a diverse trading portfolio. FBS operates under regulation by ASIC (Australia), FSC (Belize) and CySEC (Cyprus), ensuring a secure trading environment. Its low minimum deposit requirements make it highly accessible, particularly for traders in emerging markets. The broker also provides multilingual support, making it suitable for a global client base.

Pros

Low spreads starting at 0.7 pip.

High leverage of up to 1:3,000 for maximum flexibility.

Supports MT4 and MT5.

Low minimum deposit requirements.

Cons

Limited educational resources for advanced traders.

High leverage may not be suitable for all risk profiles.

Limited product range outside Forex and major CFDs.

Moneta Markets: User-friendly CFD broker with robust platforms

Moneta Markets is an emerging broker known for its simplified and user-friendly trading environment. The broker offers competitive spreads on 1,000+ trading assets, with leverage of up to 1:1,000, making it a solid choice for both beginners and seasoned traders.

Moneta Markets provides access to a wide range of CFDs, including Forex pairs, indices, commodities, and shares. The proprietary WebTrader platform, the AppTrader mobile app, and CopyTrader app for social trading are standout features, offering an intuitive design and integrated tools for charting and trade management. Additionally, traders have the option to use MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) for more advanced features.

The broker is regulated by the SCA (UAE) and the FSCA (South Africa), ensuring compliance with international standards. Moneta Markets also supports Islamic accounts, providing swap-free options for traders adhering to Sharia law. With a fast account setup, reliable customer support, and a 50% Cashback bonus for accounts funded with $500 or more, it remains a favorite for CFD traders.

Pros

Competitive spreads with leverage up to 1:1,000.

Supports WebTrader, MT4, and MT5 platforms.

50% Cashback bonus for accounts funded with $500 or more.

Offers swap-free Islamic accounts.

Fast and efficient account setup process.

Cons

Its proprietary platforms lack advanced customization features.

Educational resources are less comprehensive than those of some competitors.

Limited range of non-CFD instruments.

FP Markets: Tight spreads and advanced platforms for CFD trading

FP Markets is a well-established broker offering competitive conditions for CFD trading. With tight spreads starting from 0.0 pip on Raw Accounts and access to over 10,000 tradable instruments, FP Markets is ideal for traders seeking diversity and cost-efficiency.

The broker supports MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), cTrader and TradingView platforms, providing a range of advanced tools for technical analysis, automated trading, and multi-asset management. FP Markets’ lightning-fast execution speeds ensure minimal slippage, making it particularly appealing for scalpers and high-frequency traders.

Regulated by ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus), FSCA (South Africa), FSA (Seychelles) and CMA (Kenya), FP Markets prioritizes security and transparency. The broker’s multilingual support and extensive educational resources further enhance the trading experience for clients across the globe.

Pros

Tight spreads starting from 0.0 pip.

Access to over 10,000 tradable instruments.

Supports MT4 and MT5 platforms.

Regulated by ASIC and CySEC.

Strong educational resources for traders of all levels.

Cons

Limited availability of cryptocurrency CFDs.

Higher minimum deposits for premium account types.

IC Markets: Institutional-grade liquidity for CFD traders

IC Markets is a leading CFD broker known for its ultra-low spreads starting at 0.1 pip and high-speed execution supported by institutional-grade liquidity. The broker offers a wide range of CFDs, including Forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, catering to traders seeking flexibility and diversity.

IC Markets supports industry-standard platforms, including MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), and cTrader, providing robust tools for technical analysis and algorithmic trading. With leverage of up to 1:500, the broker accommodates traders with varying levels of experience and risk tolerance.

Regulated by ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus), and FSA (Seychelles), IC Markets ensures a secure and transparent trading environment. The broker also offers 24/5 multilingual customer support, making it a reliable choice for global CFD traders.

Pros

Ultra-low spreads starting at 0.1 pip.

Supports MT4, MT5, and cTrader platforms.

Regulated by ASIC, CySEC, and FSA.

High leverage of up to 1:500.

Fast execution with institutional-grade liquidity.

Cons

Commissions apply on Raw Spread accounts.

Limited proprietary trading tools.

Customer support is unavailable during weekends.

FxPro: Comprehensive CFD trading with diverse platforms

FxPro is a well-rounded broker offering a comprehensive range of CFDs across Forex, commodities, indices, and shares. With competitive spreads and leverage of up to 1:500, FXPro caters to both retail and professional traders seeking efficient and flexible trading conditions.

The broker supports multiple platforms, including MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), and cTrader, alongside its proprietary FxPro Edge and its mobile app. These platforms deliver advanced charting tools, customizable indicators, and support for automated trading strategies. FxPro’s focus on execution quality ensures reliable performance in all market conditions.

Regulated by FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), SCB (Bahamas), and FSCA (South Africa), FxPro provides a secure and transparent trading environment. The broker’s commitment to customer support and education makes it a trusted choice for CFD traders worldwide.

Pros

Diverse platform options, including proprietary FxPro Edge and mobile app.

Competitive spreads with leverage up to 1:30.

Regulated by FCA, CySEC, SCB, and FSCA.

Strong execution quality with minimal slippage.

Comprehensive educational resources for traders.

Cons

Higher fees on some account types compared to competitors.

Limited cryptocurrency offerings.

Its proprietary platform may lack some advanced features for professional traders.

What are CFDs?

CFDs, or Contracts for Difference, are financial derivatives that allow traders to make speculations on the change in price of underlying assets without owning them. Trading CFDs actually means you are entering into a contract with a broker to exchange the difference in the value of an asset from the time of opening and closing of the trade.

One of the distinguishing features of CFDs is that traders can go long (buy) or short (sell), making them a very flexible product to profit in rising as well as falling markets.

CFDs are traded on margin, meaning you can take control of a bigger position with less capital involved. This implies that your potential gains are higher, and so are your potential losses.

For example, if you believe a stock will increase in value, you can buy a CFD for the stock. You will make money on the difference if the price of the stock rises. You can, however, sell a CFD if you think the stock is going to decrease in value and then you will profit if the price falls.

However, CFDs also come with their own risks, the biggest of which is leverage. Traders must be aware that possible losses can exceed the amount deposited and should use strong risk-management strategies.

These are diverse markets covered by CFD trading:

  • Stocks: Buy and sell shares of global companies without owning the stock.
  • Indices: Speculate on the movement of major indices such as the S&P 500, Dow Jones, or Nasdaq
  • Commodities: Trade Gold, Oil, Natural Gas, and agricultural products.
  • Forex: Access the largest financial market, trading currency pairs like EUR/USD.
  • Cryptocurrencies: Speculate on digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

What are the fees of CFD trading?

CFD trading fees can vary significantly between brokers and should be a major factor in determining where to trade. The most common fees include:

Spread

The spread is the difference between the sell price (bid) and the buy price (ask) of a CFD, which is going to be your main cost for most trades, since brokers make their profit through the spread rather than by direct commission.

Definitely, tighter spreads are better for active traders, as this reduces their cost of entering or exiting a position.

So, for example, if you're looking at a Gold CFD at a bid of $1,900 and an ask of $1,902, you're looking at a spread of $2. That's how much you have to get the price moving in your direction just to break even.

Commissions

Although many brokers offer commission-free CFD trading, some will charge a per-trade commission, especially for CFDs on stocks.

This commission is usually taken as a fraction of the value in trade or as a fixed rate. For example, a broker may charge 0.1% per trade or $5 per transaction.

Swap fees (Overnight financing)

CFDs are leveraged instruments, so carrying positions overnight involves financing fees. They are basically the interest rates that cover the amount borrowed to keep a leveraged position open.

Swap fees vary depending on the asset and the interest rates that are prevailing, which, therefore, is an important element for swing and long-term traders.

Inactivity fees

Some brokers charge inactivity fees when your account is not used for a predefined amount of time, say, six or twelve months.

These fees can nibble at your capital, so it's essential to stay active or choose a broker with no inactivity fees.

Currency conversion fees

If you deal in assets whose denominating currency is different from your account currency, then brokers might charge a conversion fee. In particular, Forex traders or those who trade international markets should pay attention to this.

What is the best trading platform for CFD trading?

Your trading platform is the most important part of your CFD trading, as it provides you with the main tool for trade execution, market analysis, and risk management. The best trading platforms for CFDs are those that confirm user-friendly interfaces with advanced tools, so both beginners and advanced traders can make the most of their trading strategies.

Key features of an ideal CFD trading platform

One must consider speed, reliability, charting, and access to automated trading tools when choosing a CFD platform. The main features one needs are as follows:

  • Usability: The platform must be easy to use, providing smooth navigation and clear processes to be performed.
  • Advanced charting and analysis: Rich charting capabilities, numerous technical indicators, and highly customizable layouts are essential for any market analysis.
  • Speed and stability: A robust platform ensures smooth execution with low latency even under high market volatility.
  • Automation and personalization: Features such as algorithmic trading, customizable interfaces, and scripting support make it a great trading experience.

Top trading platforms for CFD trading

Below is a closer look at some of the best platforms for CFD trading.

MetaTrader (MT4 and MT5)

The most-used CFD trading platforms are MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. They come with full-featured charting capabilities, support for automated trading via Expert Advisors (EAs), and a wide availability among brokers worldwide.

MT4 is perfect for traders of Forex and CFDs who look for simplicity and stability. It has a lot of technical indicators and a very user-friendly interface. MT5, on the other hand, is an advanced version of MT4 and supports multi-asset trading, more time frames, and additional technical tools. It is more suitable for traders who need access to a diverse range of assets, including stocks and commodities.

MetaTrader is especially popular with traders who appreciate customizability as it allows users to create and execute their own trading strategies via scripting.

TradingView

TradingView is a web-based platform that is widely appreciated by CFD traders thanks to its beautiful interface, strong charting tools, and social trading features. It offers huge technical analysis tools, social interaction with other traders, and even the creation of custom indicators.

While TradingView does not execute trades itself, it is well-integrated with a ton of brokers, allowing CFD traders to use its charts while managing trades through their broker's platform.

ProRealTime

ProRealTime is a professional-level trading platform designed for advanced traders looking for sophisticated charting and analysis tools. It is very popular among technical analysts and day traders.

It has a powerful backtesting engine, real-time data, and a large range of drawing and analysis tools. It also supports automated trading.

The platform is subscription-based, with premium features available for those requiring institutional-grade tools.

cTrader

cTrader is a very modern, highly customizable trading platform with an intuitive design and advanced order execution capabilities. It allows detailed trade analytics, with algorithmic trading support.

cTrader also has good integration with many brokers and is a great platform for any trader looking for a professional trading-oriented platform.

Choosing the right platform to fit your needs

If you’re a beginner or prefer a globally recognized platform with extensive resources, MetaTrader (MT4 or MT5) is an excellent choice.

  • For those traders relying much on charting and needing access to community insights, TradingView is the way to go.
  • Advanced traders who need precision in technical analysis and backtesting will like the features offered by ProRealTime.
  • Those traders looking for a modern, efficient platform with cutting-edge execution tools should check cTrader.

What is the minimum deposit for trading CFDs?

The minimum deposit to trade CFDs depends on the broker and also on the type of account. Online brokers usually have low minimum deposits, often as low as $100. Hence, CFDs are quite accessible to retail traders.

Higher deposits, however, in the range from $1,000 to $10,000, may open premium accounts with a few more perks, such as tighter spreads, priority customer support, and advanced tools.

Starting with the minimum deposit can be a good way to test the waters for beginners, but make sure you have enough funds to handle margin requirements and avoid over-leveraging.

Most brokers allow deposits by various means, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets. The chosen broker should support your preferred payment system, and check whether there are some fees associated with depositing, but even with the withdrawal process.

How to choose a CFD broker?

Of all the decisions a trader has to make, the most important is definitely picking the right CFD broker. The broker you choose will directly impact your trading experience, costs, and ultimately your profitability.

There are just so many choices, and it's good to know what you should look for in a CFD broker so that you trade in the most secure, cost-effective, and efficient environment possible. Please read through the following detailed guide on how to go about it.

Regulation and safety

First of all, it is important to establish whether the broker in question is regulated by a reputable financial regulatory authority. The regulation gives assurance that the broker will operate with transparency and within strict financial and operational standards that provide security for your funds.

They also segregate client funds from operational funds, meaning your money is safe in case the broker goes bankrupt. They are also committed to fair trading practices and have dispute resolution channels in place.

Among the regulators to look for are the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) in the United Kingdom, ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission) in Australia and the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) in the United States.

One can visit the broker's website and look at the bottom of the homepage for their regulatory information and cross-verify that on the official website of the regulator.

Fees and charges

Trading costs can eat into your profitability, so it's important to choose a broker with competitive and transparent fees. As detailed above, the main costs to consider are spreads, commissions, swap fees, and any hidden costs.

Keep an eye out for the less obvious costs, like inactivity charges, deposit/withdrawal fees, or currency conversion charges when buying/selling assets where the trading currency differs from the base currency of your account.

Trading platforms and tools

The trading platform is the interface through which you will execute trades, analyze markets, and manage your portfolio. Ineffective CFD trading often involves a poor-quality platform. Compare brokers by the platforms they offer and their features.

Check if the broker provides popular platforms such as MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), Tradingview, ProRealTime, cTrader, or proprietary platforms. The latter is a custom-built platform that will usually bring in some exclusive features around the broker's services.

Advanced charting, leading technical indicators, and risk-management tools are all first-class decision-making aids.

Last but not least, ensure that the broker has a solid mobile app for trading on the go with seamless syncing to the desktop platform.

Tradable assets

The best CFD brokers basically give access to a wide range of markets, allowing one to diversify their portfolio and grab many more opportunities.

Find brokers that deal in CFDs on stocks, indices, Forex, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.

A diversified portfolio, therefore, enables flexibility in your trading strategy and will help you to hedge the risks in a better way.

Leverage and margin requirements

CFD trading is leveraged, so you can control large positions using less capital. However, the degree of leverage is a function of the broker and also varies from region to region because of regulatory restrictions.

Compare leverage ratios that brokers offer: for example, a broker might offer leverage of 30:1 for Forex but only 10:1 for stocks and 2:1 for cryptocurrencies. Be sure this leverage is suitable in consideration of your risk tolerance and trading objectives.

Check the margin requirements of the broker, determining the capital required to open a position. Lower margins give more flexibility but can raise the risk.

Customer education and support

Customer support is very important for any account problems, technical issues, or trading questions. Consider a broker that has 24/5 or 24/7 support with live chat, email, or phone.

Free learning tools are available at most major brokers, allowing one to learn the basic elements of CFD trading using webinars, tutorials, eBooks, and demo accounts.

Account types and minimum deposits

Many brokers provide more than one account type for various trading profiles. Consider the following to determine which one best fits your needs:

  • Standard accounts are better suited for beginners and typically have low minimum deposits (e.g., $100-$500).
  • Premium accounts are more designed for experienced traders, offering benefits like tighter spreads, lower fees, and a dedicated account manager, but requiring higher deposits (e.g., $1,000-$10,000).

Make sure the broker has a demo account where you can test the trading without using real money.

Account types and minimum deposits

Pick a broker with a good reputation among the trading community. Look for brokers that have good reviews, past history of ethical conduct, and transparent policies in place.

Use online forums, trader reviews, and regulatory complaint records to judge the broker's reputation.

Conclusion

CFD trading is a powerful way to enter global markets with unparalleled flexibility and profit potential. However, its leveraged nature calls for careful planning, strong risk management, and a deep understanding of market dynamics.

Making a major choice for CFD traders is selecting the right broker. A good broker should have competitive pricing, access to a wide variety of markets, a reliable platform, and strong customer support. Remember to keep regulation, transparency, and alignment with your trading goals at the very top of your priority list as you look for a CFD broker.

FOREX BROKERS FAQs

How to choose a Forex Broker?

When choosing a Forex broker, it is crucial to look beyond surface-level features and consider comprehensive data sets provided by various brokers. The following key factors should be evaluated:

Trading Platform and Execution: Assess the reliability, speed, and functionality of the trading platform. Look for features such as customisable interfaces, advanced charting tools, order execution speed, and mobile trading app availability. Analyse historical data on platform performance, including uptime, latency, and order execution times.

Asset Offering and Market Coverage: Examine the range of tradable assets and market coverage offered by each broker. Evaluate data sets on available currency pairs, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies. Consider factors like liquidity, spreads, and overnight financing rates across different asset classes.

Regulatory Compliance and Security: Review data sets related to regulatory compliance and security measures implemented by brokers. Check for licences from reputable financial authorities and adherence to strict regulatory standards. Assess the broker's track record regarding security breaches, data protection measures, and client fund segregation.

Trading Costs and Fee Structures: Analyse fee structures, spreads, commissions, and hidden charges associated with trading. Compare data sets on bid-ask spreads, overnight financing rates, deposit/withdrawal fees, and inactivity fees across different brokers. Consider the overall cost of trading, including transaction costs and funding expenses.

By thoroughly analysing these factors and comparing the offerings of different brokers, you can make an informed decision and find a forex broker that aligns with your trading objectives, preferences, and risk tolerance.

How to know which Forex broker is the best?

To determine the best Forex broker, it is essential to compare data sets across various brokers and tailor your selection to your personal needs.

The best top-tier brokers will have a very wide range of tradable assets, good liquidity providers, STP (straight through processing), low spreads, fees, and commissions.

They will have full regulatory compliance with reputable authorities, strong security measures, data protection, and fund segregation.

Deposits and withdrawals will be fast, and the interface easily navigated.

By thoroughly comparing the data sets covered, you can identify the Forex broker that best meets your trading objectives and personal needs, ensuring a well-informed and tailored decision.

What is Forex trading?

Forex trading, also known as foreign exchange trading, is the act of buying and selling currencies on the foreign exchange market with the aim of making a profit. It is one of the largest and most liquid financial markets globally, with a daily trading volume exceeding $6 trillion.

At its core, Forex trading involves speculating on the relative value of different currencies. Traders aim to profit from fluctuations in exchange rates between currency pairs, such as EUR/USD or GBP/JPY. The Forex market operates 24 hours a day, five days a week, allowing traders to engage in trading activities at any time.

Forex trading is also a loose term for CFD trading. CFD is short for ‘contract for difference’ and is the method of speculating on the underlying price of an asset, like shares, indices, commodities, cryptos as well as currencies.

Forex trading offers advantages, including high liquidity, low transaction costs, and the ability to trade on leverage, which allows traders to control larger positions with a small amount of capital. However, it also carries risks, so traders should carefully consider their risk tolerance and trading strategies before entering the market.

Is Forex profitable?

Forex trading has the potential to be profitable for traders who possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and discipline. However, it is essential to understand that forex trading is not a guaranteed way to make money, and success should never be taken for granted.

The profitability of Forex trading depends on key factors, including market conditions, trading strategy, risk management, and individual trader psychology. While some traders may experience significant profits, others may incur losses. It is crucial to approach Forex trading with realistic expectations and a well-defined trading plan.

One of the advantages of Forex trading is its high liquidity, allowing traders to enter and exit positions with ease. Additionally, the ability to trade on leverage can amplify profits, but it also increases the potential for losses. Effective risk management is essential to protect capital and ensure long-term profitability.

Whether Forex trading is profitable for an individual trader depends on their ability to analyse the market, implement a sound trading strategy, and manage risk effectively.

Success in Forex trading requires continuous learning, adaptability, and discipline. While it can be profitable, it is not without risks, and traders should be prepared to face both profits and losses in their trading journey.