Best CFD Trading Platforms In Australia

IC Markets: Lowest Commission CFD Trading Platform in Australia

IC Markets’ attractive list of CFD products, together with raw spreads that start from 0.0 pips; order speeds of 40 ms; deep liquidity pools; reduced slippage and powerful trading platforms, makes this CFD provider and forex broker a top choice for retail traders.

Australian residents can open a CFD trading account with IC Markets and start trading with a minimum deposit of USD$200 or the equivalent in Australian dollars.

IC Markets CFD Trading Accounts

Like all the best CFD brokers operating in Australia, IC Markets provides retail investors with a choice of account types designed to accommodate diverse trading strategies. True to its reputation, the brokerage offers attractive, tight spreads and low commissions, regardless of account type.

IC Markets Standard

Similar to the Pepperstone Standard Account described above, the IC Markets Standard account uses a no-dealing desk model and ECN-like trade execution to give CFD traders the benefit of low fees and high speeds. Variable spreads start at 0.6 pips, but traders pay no commission on trades.

IC Markets Raw Spread

More experienced traders accustomed to a particular trading platform can choose from between two ‘flavors’ of IC Markets’ Raw Spread account. While both offer spreads as low as 0.0 pips, commission structures vary depending on trading platform.

For CFD traders using a Raw Spread account with MetaTrader 4 or MetaTrader 5, commissions on a round-turn trade for a standard 100K start at AUD$7.00, but will vary depending on the base currency. For those who opt instead for a Raw Spread account with cTrader, IC Markets charges a commission equal to 0.0035% of the trade’s base currency.

IC Markets CFD Products

• Forex. IC Markets offers over sixty major and minor currency pairs at varying leverage rates: 30:1 for major pairs and 20:1 for minor pairs.
• Stock Indices. Traders can gain exposure to more than 25 global financial markets at leverage rates of 20:1 for major indices and 10:1 for minor indices.
• Commodities. From metals to agricultural products to energy, IC Markets allows traders to speculate on price movements at leverage of 10:1. (20:1 for gold.)
• Shares. IC Markets CFD traders can trade over 1,600 stocks at leverage rates of 5:1.
• Treasuries. Australian CFD traders can, if they wish, trade bonds with IC Markets at leverage rates of 10:1.
• Futures. IC Markets account holders can trade CFDs with futures as the underlying asset with leverage of 10:1.

IC Markets CFD Trading Platforms

When it comes to trading platforms and instruments, IC Markets has everything a CFD trader could possibly need, with an extensive array of platforms, tools, charts and integrations from which to choose.

As outlined above, IC Markets account holders in Australia can choose to execute trades via MetaTrader, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 or cTrader, depending on account type. Commonly regarded as the gold standard in online retail trading for spot trading and contracts for difference, these platforms have extensive indicators, drawing tools, and timeframes.

For those in search of more, however, IC Traders allows integrations with third-party tools such as Autochartist and VPS hosting, as well as home-grown account management and API trading solutions.

For those whose trading strategy includes social trading or copy trading, IC Markets’ integrations for MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 include MyFXBook, Zulutrade and MetaTrader Signals.

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Plus500: Best Risk Management for CFD Trading in Australia

Trading in contracts for difference, particularly on margin, can entail a high level of risk. Volatile market environments can lead to significant gains – and equally significant losses. Beginner traders and conservative investors may therefore feel more at ease opting for a brokerage with extensive risk management tools to help retail clients protect their active positions when trading complex derivatives.

Plus500 CFD Trading Accounts

Plus500 CFD Products

While more limited in the underlying assets and trading instruments available, Plus500 nevertheless offers retail investors access to a solid selection of financial products suitable for most retail investors and trading strategies.

• Stock Indices. Traders can gain exposure to more than 30 global financial markets, including ASX, at leverage rates of 20:1 for major indices and 10:1 for minor indices.
• Forex. Plus500 offers over 70 major and minor currency pairs at varying leverage rates: 30:1 for major pairs and 20:1 for minor pairs.
  Commodities. From metals to agricultural products to energy, IC Markets allows traders to speculate on price movements at leverage of 10:1 and 20:1 for gold.
• Options. Plus500 offers account holders exposure to 308 options with leverage up to 5:1.
• Crypto. Plus500 account holders can trade in 15 different cryptocurrencies at 2:1 leverage.
• Shares. IC Markets CFD traders can trade over 1,100 stocks at leverage rates of 5:1.
• ETFs. Plus500 CFD traders can choose from 98 ETFs at leverage rates of 5:1.

Plus500 CFD Trading Platforms

For enhanced protection in a volatile, high-risk environment Plus500 features three powerful risk management features: conditional stop-limit orders, stop-loss orders and trailing stop-loss orders. Note: conditional stop-limit orders ensure that traders take the maximum profit possible from an open position, whereas stop-loss orders ensure that losing positions close automatically. Taken together, these order types help CFD traders control risk and lock in profits.

Plus500 also provides negative balance protection. Designed to minimise potential financial losses, negative balance protection prevents CFD traders from incurring losses above the total balance of the trading account. The broker doesn’t profit from the trader’s losing positions.

Even better, the brokerage offers guaranteed stop losses to ensure that you exit positions at the precise price specified in your order – no slippage.

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*Your capital is at risk ‘72% of retail CFD accounts lose money’

eToro: Best CFD Trading Platform for Social Trading

Over the past decade, the Israeli social trading and copy trading platform eToro gained significant popularity with casual and beginner CFD traders. Ideally suited for those with minimal trading experience or technical know-how to track price movements, eToro has positioned itself as an investment community dedicated to making financial markets and trading accessible to all with easy-to-use tools for copying the positions of experienced traders and professional investors.

eToro CFD Trading Accounts

eToro offers Australian residents a single, easy-to-use account type designed to make copy trading and social trading both simple and inexpensive. CFD traders pay no commission on most trades, with eToro preferring to rely on spread fees and overnight fees to recover costs.

Consequently, eToro’s spreads are larger than some of the other best CFD trading brokerages that we reviewed. Spreads for forex, for example, start from 1.0 pip and move as high as 2.0 pips for commodities. Contracts for difference with stocks or ETFs as the underlying asset carry commission shares of 0.09%.

eToro CFD Products

• Forex. eToro offers 49 major and minor currency pairs at varying leverage rates: 30:1 for major pairs and 20:1 for minor pairs.
• Stock Indices. Traders with eToro gain exposure to 13 global financial markets and stock exchanges at leverage rates of 20:1 for major indices and 10:1 for minor indices.
• ETFs. eToro CFD traders can choose from 264 ETFs at leverage rates of 5:1.
• Commodities. eToro’s commodities offerings include 22 energies, four soft commodities and seven metals. Traders can speculate on price movements at leverage of 10:1 and 20:1 for gold.
• Stocks. eToro CFD traders can trade over 2,656 stocks at leverage rates of 5:1.
• Cryptocurrency. eToro has an impressive cryptocurrency offering – 46 cryptocurrencies at 2:1 leverage.

eToro CFD Trading Platforms

In keeping with its commitment to social trading and copy trading, eToro provides only web and mobile interfaces, powered by CopyTrader. Using CopyTrader, Australian CFD traders can easily identify other retail investors around the world with similar profiles and high-performance scores. The platform then allows clients to copy these ‘sibling’ investors, mirroring their trading activity.

eToro also touts its Smart Portfolios for new retail investors – themed collections of financial products with built-in investment strategies.

View eToro Review >>Visit eToro >>

*Your capital is at risk ‘68% of retail CFD accounts lose money’

ThinkMarkets: Best Mobile CFD Trading Platform in Australia

Founded in 2010, ThinkMarkets is a leading, multi-regulated forex and CFD provider.

ThinkMarkets CFD Trading Accounts

Of all the CFD trading brokerages we reviewed, ThinkMarkets stood out for the range of account types available. From a typical standard account, to tailored Think Pro accounts suited to experienced traders, to joint accounts for those who like to invest collaboratively, this brokerage has something for any Australian.

ThinkMarkets Standard

Like most of the standard account types reviewed here, the ThinkMarkets Standard account offers retail investors leverage of 30:1 and variable spreads on a variety of instruments, including forex, crypto and ETFs.

Standard account holders pay no minimum deposit to start trading and enjoy spreads starting from 0.9 points for CFD trading and 0.4 pips for forex.

ThinkMarkets ThinkZero

Aimed at CFD traders with a bit more know-how, the ThinkZero account affords customers tighter spreads and no commissions in exchange for a slightly higher minimum deposit. Those seeking to open a ThinkZero account will need to pay at least AUD$500 to begin trading, but enjoy tight spreads on forex – 0.0 pips and no commissions on CFD trades. (Note, however, that the 0.9 point spread remains.)

ThinkMarkets CFD Products

• Forex. Spreads for standard account holders start at 0.4 pips, while ThinkZero and ThinkPro account holders may see spreads as tight as 0.0 pips spreads. All account types benefit from 30:1 leverage and access to 46 forex pairs.
• Commodities. ThinkMarkets allows CFD trading across the energy and precious metals markets, with 10:1 leverage for all commodities save gold, which trades at 20:1.
• Crypto. ThinkMarkets account holders can trade in 21 different cryptocurrencies at 2:1 leverage.
• Stock Indices. Traders with ThinkMarkets gain exposure to 26 global financial markets and stock exchanges at 20:1 leverage.
• Shares. ThinkMarkets CFD traders can trade over 400 stocks at leverage rates of 5:1.
• ETFs. ThinkMarkets CFD traders can choose from 59 ETFs at leverage rates of 5:1.

ThinkMarkets CFD Trading Platforms

In addition to MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, ThinkMarkets also offers CFD traders the option to trade using ThinkTrader, the brokerage’s proprietary interface, accessible to any iOS or Android-based device, as well as on web and desktop.

ThinkTrader’s mobile interface, in particular, offers traders a unique set of powerful features that elevate the tablet or smartphone trading experience. Account holders can view up to four charts simultaneously on a mobile screen and have access to

For those more accustomed to MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, ThinkMarkets provides access to both for all account types.

View ThinkMarkets Review >>Visit ThinkMarkets >>

*Your capital is at risk ‘71.89% of retail CFD accounts lose money’

IG: Best CFD Trading Platform for Forex Trading

Founded in 1974, FTSE 250-listed IG offers retail investor account holders the peace of mind that comes from partnering with a trusted, established broker routinely identified as one of the best CFD brokers operating in Australia.

With an easy-to-use interface, powerful technical analysis and impressively deep market research, IG supports most trading strategies and provides access to a wide variety of financial products. Where the brokerage shines, however, is its forex offering.

IG CFD Trading Accounts

IG CFD

An IG CFD Trading account, as the name suggests, provides a trading experience tailored specifically to complex derivatives. While the brokerage does act as a market maker, low commissions keep this account type attractive.

Variable spreads start at 0.6 pips for forex trading, and CFD traders pay only 0.1% per share on round-turn trades per standard lot with no commission or additional trading costs for other investment activities.

IG DMA

For high-volume traders, the IG DMA account’s direct market access, no-dealing desk model and tiered commission rates have much to recommend it. As with the IG CFD account, CFD traders pay only 0.1% per share on round-turn trades per standard lot, and no commission for other investment activities.

The IG DMA account does come with limitations, however. CFD traders will need to execute trades via the brokerage’s in-house desktop trading interface together with the L2 dealer platform.

Variable spreads start at 0.0 pips for forex, with commissions gradually decreasing as trade volume rises, starting at USD$60 per million.
Both the IG CFD and IG DMA accounts carry a hefty minimum deposit – AUD$450 to start trading – however, account holders have the option to pay and fund the account via credit card, PayPal or debit card.

IG CFD Products

• Forex. IG offers 100 major and minor currency pairs at varying leverage rates: 30:1 for major pairs and 20:1 for minor pairs.
  Stock Indices. Traders with IG gain exposure to over 80 global financial markets at 20:1 leverage.
• Commodities. With more than 135 energy, agricultural and metal commodities, IG has the broadest range of offerings of any broker we reviewed. Leverage starts at 10:1, with 20:1 for gold.
• Shares. IG CFD traders can trade over 13,000 stocks at leverage rates of 5:1.
• Cryptocurrencies. IG account holders can trade in 12 different cryptocurrencies at 2:1 leverage.
• Options. IG offers account holders exposure to over 13,000 options with leverage up to 5:1.
• Treasuries. Australian CFD traders can, if they wish, trade bonds with IG at leverage rates of 10:1.
• Interests. IG provides account holders with access to six interests, with leverage capped at 5:1.

IG CFD Trading Platforms

From advanced charting capabilities – 32 indicators and 20 drawing tools – to remarkably comprehensive market research, IG’s proprietary platforms have all the infrastructure a new trader might need and all the power an experienced trader could want. Prefer to practice your strategy and technical analysis? IG offers a demo account for those just starting out.

CFD traders interested in implementing sophisticated strategies can choose from among IG’s specialist platforms: ProRealTime or MetaTrader4. The brokerage’s in-house charting tools are more than sufficient for most traders, those in search of advanced charting options may prefer to trade via the ProRealTime platform.

View IG Markets Review >>Visit IG >>

IG Markets is a market maker broker, other market maker brokers to consider include CMC Markets and AvaTrade.

Eightcap: Best CFD Broker For Crypto, Including Bitcoin

With over 250 cryptocurrencies available to trade, it’s safe to say Eightcap has claimed the title of best CFD broker for cryptocurrency and bitcoin in Australia. In addition to trading cryptocurrency against USD, Eightcap also allows traders to cross pair cryptocurrencies, as well as trade crypto indices.

Eightcap CFD Trading Accounts

Eightcap Standard

Australian crypto trading enthusiasts will benefit from the brokerage’s no-dealing desk model and ECN-like trading conditions. Minimum spreads on a Standard account begin at 1.0 pip, but account holders pay no commission or funding fees. Forex leverage starts at 30:1, however the broker does permit scalping, hedging and Expert Advisers (EAs) for algorithmic trading.

Eightcap’s Standard account requires a minimum deposit of AUD$500 to start trading, however traders can fund their accounts via credit card, bank transfer and online wallets.

Eightcap Raw

Traders who choose Eightcap’s Raw account will likewise enjoy fast execution speeds and minimal markups due to the no-dealing desk setup and ECN-style trade execution. They’ll also see tighter spreads – as low as 0.0 pips – but pay a commission of AUD$7.00 on every round-turn trade of a standard lot. Leverage is also set at 30:1.

The Raw account requires a slightly smaller minimum deposit of AUD$250, also payable by credit card, bank transfer and online wallet.

Eightcap CFD Products

• Forex. Eightcap offers 40 major and minor currency pairs at varying leverage rates: 30:1 for major pairs and 20:1 for minor pairs.
• Crypto. Eightcap account holders can trade in 250 different cryptocurrencies, plus five crypto indices, at 2:1 leverage.
• Commodities. Eightcap’s commodities offerings focus on energy and precious metals. Leverage is capped at 10:1, except for gold, which is capped at 20:1.
• Shares. Eightcap CFD traders can trade over 400 stocks at leverage rates of 5:1.
• Stock Indices. Traders with Eightcap gain exposure to 10 global financial markets at 20:1 leverage for major indices and 10:1 for minor indices.

Eightcap CFD Trading Platforms

Eightcap’s approach to trading platforms, like its CFD product offerings, shows a distinct focus on what the brokerage knows customers want: technical analysis tools and solutions for trading cryptocurrency.

In addition to MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms, with optional Fx Blue Labs integrations for forex, CFD traders have a selection of additional solutions from which to choose, depending on trading strategy. Capitalise.AI supports automated trading, while MetaTrader Signals gives social and copy traders a boost. Finally, for algorithmic trading, Eightcap offers integrations with The Amazing Trader.

View FP Markets Review >>Visit FP Markets >>

City Index: Best CFD Trading Platform for Share Trading

City Index CFD Trading Accounts

City Index Personal

A solid, standard account, the CityIndex Personal provides CFD traders with the speedy execution of straight-through processing (STP) or direct market access (DMA)-style trading, together with the straightforward fee structure of a market maker account.

Minimum forex spreads start at 0.5 pips, and CityIndex keeps commissions low, charging just 0.1% on round-turn trades of standard lots for shares. Leverage is capped at the maximum allowed by ASIC regulations: 30:1 for major pairs, 20:1 for minor pairs.

CityIndex DMA

For CFD traders and forex traders in search of tighter spreads, the CityIndex DMA account offers minimum spreads from 0.0 pips, offset by slightly higher commissions for shares: 0.8% on round-turn trades of standard lots

Forex traders and CFD traders alike will need to put down an AUD$150 deposit in order to begin trading with CityIndex, as well as pay funding costs of 2%, both of which can be done via credit card, bank transfer or PayPal.

City Index CFD Products

• Stock Indices. Traders with CityIndex gain exposure to 20 global financial markets at 20:1 leverage for major indices and 10:1 for minor indices.
• Shares. CityIndex CFD traders can trade over 4,500 stocks at leverage rates of 5:1.
• Forex. CityIndex offers 84 major and minor currency pairs at varying leverage rates: 30:1 for major pairs and 20:1 for minor pairs.
  Commodities. CityIndex’s commodities offerings include 8 energies, 18 soft commodities and four metals. Traders can speculate on price movements at leverage of 10:1 and 20:1 for gold.
• Cryptocurrency. CityIndex account holders can trade in 25 different cryptocurrencies at 2:1 leverage.
• Treasuries. Australian CFD traders have the option to trade bonds with CityIndex at leverage rates of 5:1.
• Interests. CityIndex provides account holders with access to three interests, with leverage capped at 5:1.

City Index CFD Trading Platforms

In addition to proprietary webtrader and mobile interfaces, CityIndex allows CFD traders to execute traders via MetaTrader 4.
The brokerage’s trading platform offering likewise includes a suite of proprietary technical analysis tools, including strategy tools from Trading Central, performance analytics, smart signals and risk management solutions.

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