Top 8 Best CFD Brokers Online in 2025

Ready to dive into the world of CFD trading, but overwhelmed by all the options? We get it. With dozens of brokers out there, finding the right fit as a beginner can feel like a maze.

That’s why we didn’t just make a list. We put 40+ top CFD brokers through rigorous testing – fees, security, market variety, the whole nine yards! We dissected everything, from their mobile apps to their research tools, according to these seven criteria:

• Commissions and fees
• Security and regulatory status
• Range of markets
• Mobile accessibility
• Demo and social trading features
• Research tools
• User reviews & feedback

Why? Because choosing the right platform from the start can make or break your trading experience.

Ready to see the results and find your perfect beginner CFD broker? Let’s go!

Best CFD broker online overall for 2025

Where can I find the best CFD trading platform?

We rank eToro as the best CFD broker in 2025.

Below are three more of the top CFD brokers that came out with the highest score from our experts. A low cost of trading CFDs, range of CFDs to trade, and high security were very important to our panel and each of these services scored well on both counts.

4.6

eToro

Min. Deposit $100

Fees 1%

No. assets 3600+

Demo account Yes

Visit site

eToro review

eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.

4.4

Public

Min. Deposit $20

Fees 1-2%

No. assets 9000+

Demo account No

Visit site

Public.com review

Cryptocurrency execution and custody services are provided by Apex Crypto LLC (NMLS ID 1828849) through a software licensing agreement between Apex Crypto LLC and Public Crypto LLC. Crypto trading on Public platforms is served by Public Crypto LLC and offered through APEX Crypto. Please ensure that you fully understand the risks involved before trading.

Best CFD brokers online

Min. Deposit n/a

Fees -

No. assets n/a

Demo account -

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Top 8 CFD trading platforms, reviewed

1. eToro. Best for beginners, copy-trading & demo-account

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4.5

Ratings

$100

Min. deposit

0% commission

Fees

3,600

No. assets

Yes

Demo account

Overview

We love eToro because it’s a crypto trading platform built with beginners and casual traders in mind. The platform combines an interactive, social trading experience with an easy-to-use interface, making it ideal for novice traders.

The far-reaching catalog of 100 cryptocurrencies includes big names like Bitcoin and Ethereum, as well as smaller crypto tokens with high growth potential. Some supported tokens can be seamlessly transferred to the eToro Money crypto wallet for safekeeping.

One feature we particularly appreciate is the ability to interact with eToro’s 35 million users on any asset, market, or portfolio page. If you find traders whose strategies match your risk tolerance, you can copy their portfolios automatically using eToro’s flagship copy trading functionality. eToro crypto’s Smart Portfolios offer a great entry point into digital currencies, an opportunity to learn and potentially benefit from the expertise of more experienced traders.

If you don’t feel comfortable investing your cash straight away, you can use a free demo account, credited with $100,000 virtual dollars. This offers plenty of opportunities to try out a trading strategy that works for you across the 100 crypto tokens available.

Highlights

No. of tradable assets	3600+
Min. Deposit	$100
ID verification required	Yes
Free demo account	Yes
Supported assets	Stock CFDs, ETF CFDs, Forex CFDs, Index CFDs, Commodity CFDs, NFTs, Crypto
Mobile trading app	Yes
Web trading platform	Yes
Regulatory bodies	ASIC, FCA, CySEC, FinCEN

Fees & Costs

Trading fees	Yes, on certain assets
Inactivity fees	Yes
Rollover/overnight fees	Yes, on CFDs
Withdrawal fees	Yes
Spreads	Yes, on certain assets
Conversion fees	Yes, for non-USD currencies

Pros & Cons

Great for beginners, simple to set up and get started Competitive, industry-leading commissions Popular ‘Copy Portfolios’ function lets you follow top traders Excellent customer service, with live chat support provided

Comparatively high fees for withdrawals and account inactivity Does not integrate with the MetaTrader platform High spreads on some assets

Read review Visit eToro

eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.

2. Public. Best for AI analysis

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4

Ratings

$20

Min. deposit

Spreads

Fees

9,000

No. assets

No

Demo account

Overview

We love Public because it makes use of cutting-edge AI technology to enhance your trading and investing experience. Public’s AI-powered feature, Public Alpha offers personalized insights and recommendations through its natural language interface in real time. 

Public’s AI technology helps you make more informed decisions by analyzing massive amounts of data and providing actionable insights. These AI-driven insights are easily accessible and give users access to the latest advancements in financial analysis and trading. 

Not only do can you use AI to help your investments, Public is one of the lowest cost brokerage firms out there. You can invest in stocks and ETFs commission free. You can also buy and trade fractional shares and if you want to diversify, you can explore a range of alternative investments including music and film royalties. 

The fees: There are no fees for investing in stocks during regular trading hours in the US – 9.30am-4pm EST. There is a $2.99 fee for trades outside of regular hours. 

Highlights

No. of tradable assets	9,000 +
Min. Deposit	$20
ID verification required	Yes
Free demo account	No
Supported assets	Stocks, ETFs, Crypto, , ,
Mobile trading app	Yes
Web trading platform	Yes
Regulatory bodies	SEC, FINRA, SIPC

Fees & Costs

Trading fees	Yes
Inactivity fees	Yes
Rollover/overnight fees	No
Withdrawal fees	No
Spreads	Yes
Conversion fees	Yes

Pros & Cons

Commission free stock and ETF investing Share and compare your portfolio on a social trading platform Trade crypto, fractional shares, and alternative investments

You can't trade on margin or use leverage No forex, options, funds, metals, or bonds

Read review Visit

Cryptocurrency execution and custody services are provided by Apex Crypto LLC (NMLS ID 1828849) through a software licensing agreement between Apex Crypto LLC and Public Crypto LLC. Crypto trading on Public platforms is served by Public Crypto LLC and offered through APEX Crypto. Please ensure that you fully understand the risks involved before trading.

The best CFD brokers for your needs

What is the cheapest CFD broker?

Pepperstone is the best low fee CFD broker. It offers the best value as calculated through a combination of trading, overnight, and inactivity fees. Here is a low fee CFD brokers list:

What is the best low spread CFD broker?

Pepperstone has the lowest spreads of any CFD trading platform. It offers extremely low average spreads on popular assets like major forex pairs. Here are more low spread CFD platforms:

What is the best CFD forex broker?

City Index has the best range of forex pairs combined with a great CFD trading experience. You can trade the major, minor, and some exotic pairs. Here are more CFD brokers for trading forex:

What is the best CFD broker for trading with leverage?

AvaTrade has the best combination of leverage and user experience. Leverage is capped by law at 30:1 for retail traders in the UK and Europe, so you won’t be able to access any more leverage than that unless you are a professional CFD trader.

Here are the best CFD trading platforms for trading CFDs with leverage experience:

What is the best high leverage CFD broker?

Pepperstone offers the highest amount of leverage to professional CFD traders. You must meet various requirements to qualify as a professional, such as minimum trade turnover and proof of relevant experience. Here are more options to help you find a high leverage CFD broker online:

What is the best CFD broker for scalping?

Admiral Markets offers rapid trade execution with low trading fees. Speed and price are to of the most important considerations when scalping. Here are some more scalping CFD brokers:

What is the best CFD broker for US stocks?

Skilling is the best for trading US stock CFDs. There are more than 700 stocks available, including all the leading companies that are listed on the NYSE or NASDAQ stock exchange. Here is a list to help you find the best CFD platform for US CFDs:

What is the best small stakes CFD broker?

Skilling. To trade with small stakes, you need CFD brokers like Skilling that have low minimum trade sizes. You can start trading with a few pence once you’ve made an initial deposit. Here are more platforms for small stakes CFD trading:

What is the best CFD broker for advanced order execution?

City Index has the fastest order speed of the CFD trading platforms we surveyed. Its top of the range order execution means that you often get a better price on limit orders and it has a near perfect execution record. Here are more ways to trade CFDs with fast execution speeds:

What is the best CFD broker for professional traders?

Capital.com has the best combination of speed, cost, and analysis tools for the expert trader. Set the parameters of your order in advance, including entry and exit points, trade size, and limit price, and Capital will execute as soon as those triggers are set off. Here are more CFD options for the pros:

What is the best CFD broker for large traders?

FXCM is the best option for CFD traders who want to trade big and often. It offers no limit on max trade size, fast execution speeds, and a trading platform that integrates with MT4, MT5, and Trading View.

Here is a selection of leading options to help you find the best CFD trading platform for large traders:

Which is the best CFD broker with the best customer reviews?

Pepperstone has the best online customer reviews from several independent review websites. According to Trustpilot users, Pepperstone scores 4.5 / 5. The best CFD broker according to Google Play Store users is Interactive Brokers with a score of 4.8 / 5. Apple App Store users rank Pepperstone best with 4.4 / 5.

Best CFD brokers by country

The rules, regulations, and cost of CFD trading vary depending on where you live. Here you can find the best CFD trading platforms in each country.

• Best CFD brokers in Australia
• Best CFD brokers in Canada
• Best CFD brokers in Europe
• Best CFD brokers in France
• Best CFD brokers in Germany
• Best CFD brokers in India
• Best CFD brokers internationally
• Best CFD brokers in Ireland
• Best CFD brokers in Italy
• Best CFD brokers in Malaysia
• Best CFD brokers in the Netherlands
• Best CFD brokers in New Zealand
• Best CFD brokers in Nigeria
• Best CFD brokers in Norway
• Best CFD brokers in Poland
• Best CFD brokers in Portugal
• Best CFD brokers in Spain
• Best CFD brokers in Sweden
• Best CFD brokers in the UK

What are CFD brokers?

CFD brokers are trading platforms that allow you to trade financial assets using a ‘contract for difference’. In other words, you use a broker to trade CFD assets such as stocks, indices, commodities, currencies and cryptocurrencies without the need for the physical delivery of the underlying asset. 

What is CFD trading?

CFD trading is the online trading of financial assets in which traders aim to profit from the difference in the price of the underlying asset, without physical delivery or exchange of that asset taking place between buyer and seller. 

The assets in question are regular financial instruments, such as stocks on the London Stock Exchange, or major currency pairs. The difference between actually buying those stocks or forex pairs and using a CFD trade is that with a CFD trade, you never own the asset, you simply trade a contract that represents its current price.

For instance, the contracts on gold are based on the actual trading values of gold on the primary exchange where it is traded, which is the COMEX exchange in London. 

If someone is trading crude oil, there is no exchange or delivery of crude oil. Rather, the platform establishes the CFD trade contract on crude oil based on the price of crude oil on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) or the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE).

How does a CFD broker work?

The function of a CFD broker is to provide a CFD trader with access to the market where the assets are listed, with prices drawn from the underlying exchanges. They can then place various types of orders for the asset classes listed on their chosen platform. 

The principal aspect of using CFDs is that no exchange of the underlying asset takes place. The participants in the CFD trades are only trading the difference in prices of the contracts. These contracts are based on the prices of the underlying assets themselves. 

Whenever an order is placed, the order is matched by the online CFD broker using a dealing desk to ensure speedy execution, using a counter-order in the same quantity as the trader’s request. 

So if a trader places an order for an asset, it is transmitted through the front-end of the engine (such as the MT4 desktop or mobile client). It gets transmitted to the back-end of the software at the dealer’s dealing desk, where it is matched with a SELL order of the same quantity. Once executed, the execution order is transmitted back to the front-end, where it shows the trader that the order has been executed. The whole process lasts just milliseconds. 

Types of CFD brokers

CFD brokers specialise in contracts for difference, allowing you to trade CFDs on a wider range of financial instruments beyond popular currency pairs. But with so many CFD brokers and trading options available, choosing the best CFD brokers for your needs can be a difficult task.

Below, we’ve provided a quick breakdown of the different types of CFD brokers to help you understand which is the most suitable choice for you. 

• Market maker brokers. These CFD brokers set their own bid-ask spreads and execute trades directly with you. This can lead to potentially tighter spreads, especially during low volatility periods. However, it also raises a potential conflict of interest, as they profit when you lose and vice versa.
• Direct market access (DMA) brokers. With the best DMA brokers, you get direct access to global financial markets, connecting electronically to liquidity providers. This means transparent pricing with spreads reflecting real-time market conditions. DMA CFD accounts typically require larger minimum deposits and commission fees.
• STP/ECN brokers. Similar to DMA brokers, Straight Through Processing (STP) and Electronic Communication Network (ECN) brokers route your orders electronically to liquidity providers. This results in highly transparent pricing with no conflict of interest, as spreads depend on market depth. However, forex and CFD spreads can be wider due to fluctuating market liquidity.
• Hybrid brokers. As the name suggests, these brokers combine elements of both MM and DMA/ECN models. Hybrid brokers may offer tighter spreads for popular assets while providing DMA access for others. This offers flexibility for retail CFD accounts and both beginner and active traders. 

Types of CFD accounts 

CFD brokers offer a range of options to suit diverse trading needs and preferences. Below we’ll explore the most common account types to help you choose the most appropriate account type. 

• Standard accounts. Standard CFD accounts are the most common option for many retail CFD investors and traders. They typically require minimum deposits and offer access to a broad selection of financial instruments and currency pairs. Many standard accounts even come equipped with advanced trading tools and market research support, making them perfect for both beginner and active traders.
• Mini and micro accounts. If you’re just starting out, or want to trade with little money, Mini or Micro accounts are ideal. They have significantly smaller minimum deposits and trade sizes. However they may have limited access to certain financial instruments compared to standard accounts, but they’re excellent for learning the ropes.
• Demo accounts. If you don’t want to risk any money at all, the best demo accounts are the top option. They allow you to experiment with trading strategies, explore different asset classes, and familiarise yourself with a broker’s CFD trading platform and features completely risk-free. 
• Islamic accounts. Halal CFD accounts cater to Muslim forex traders and CFD investors. The best Islamic brokers and trading platforms comply with Sharia law by avoiding interest-based charges. These accounts offer alternative fee structures, like swap-free trading. There are many types of Sharia accounts, such as Islamic forex brokers.

How to choose the best CFD broker for your needs?

There are many things to look out for, we recommend these as your core focus when picking the best CFD trading platform:

• Use a regulated platform. Make sure to pick a CFD trading platform that is regulated by the financial authority where you live. For instance, activity in the United States is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
• Payment method variety. There are lots of different ways to fund CFD brokers. You typically get convenient deposit methods such as credit/debit cards and e-wallets such as Skrill, Neteller, and PayPal. Make sure your preferred payment method is available.
• Large asset selection. The best CFD trading platform will have a large number of assets, providing you with flexibility in terms of what you can trade. Is the currency market in a slow march? You can switch over to stocks or indices. Choose brokers with a large asset selection such as stocks, bonds and more and you won’t get stuck in non-performing markets. 
• Good reputation. Certain online CFD trading platforms may have a good offering, but if their user experience leaves something to be desired, they’re probably best avoided. Always check for online reviews provided by real, verified users. This step can save you a lot of trouble in the long run. 
• Ease of use. The best CFD brokers are well-designed and pleasing to the eye. Badly designed ones can be counterintuitive to use and induce visual fatigue over long periods of use. Speed and ease of use are vital factors when you’re trading.
• Demo account. Many top CFD brokers offer demo accounts to practice trading your skills in a ‘false’ market environment. It mimics the real world, but your balance is essentially fake. Start with $100 or $100,000 and get started!

Quick answers to key questions

Do I own the assets I’m trading on a CFD trading platform?

No. When you trade CFDs you don’t own any underlying assets, it’s purely a means of speculating on price.

The advantage is that you don’t have to bother with the logistics of transporting your assets from an online CFD broker to a point of exchange or worry about the safety and security of the assets.

You only trade on the underlying price changes of each asset so you can perform CFD trades faster and take advantage of price fluctuations much quicker.

Trades on CFD platforms are also leveraged, so you don’t need a large capital outlay to get involved with CFD trading. This makes CFD trading ideal for professional traders and offers enough flexibility for most retail CFD traders as well.

What options do I have when CFD trading?

You can either take a long position with the expectation that the price will rise, or – crucially – a short position if you expect the prices to fall. The ability to go short is one of the biggest differences between CFD trading vs trading the underlying asset.

So if you purchase an asset for, say, $1.50 per unit and you purchase 100 units of the asset, the entry price would cost you $150. If the price rises to $2.10 per unit, the position would be worth $210. Therefore, your profit (the difference between the entry and exit price) would be 210 – 150 = $60. 

Similarly, if you short an asset for $400 and the price falls to $230, your profit would be the difference between 400 and 230, which is $170.

Will I have to verify my CFD trading account?

Yes. International financial regulations require that all services must verify the identity and residence of all clients on their platforms. Some may go a step further to ask you for statements of accounts from where your funds will come from.

CFD brokers must be regulated, and providing your identity with and residence with a government-issued ID such as an international passport/driver’s license or a utility bill/bank statement will suffice to verify your account. 

Is online CFD trading secure?

It is very secure. Many CFD brokers have implemented a segregated accounting system for their clients where the primary capital is lodged in the members’ area and only deployed on the trader’s express requests.

Some of these processes are now protected using 2-factor authentication (via SMS or email). Furthermore, many platforms use very high-grade encryption protocols to protect all CFD trader information entered on their websites.

Can I trade multiple assets on a CFD trading platform?

Yes, it’s possible to trade CFDs on virtually any financial asset. It’s most commonly used to trade forex pairs, but many of the best CFD trading platforms offer commodity CFDs and stock CFDs, as well as exchange-traded funds.

Crypto CFDs are available in some countries, like the US, but not in others.

Will I be charged a fee to trade CFDs?

You normally won’t have to pay any commission fees but a rollover fee will be applied for keeping your CFD trades open overnight or over the weekend. Sometimes flat-rate withdrawal fees are applied.

Can I use CFD trading apps?

Yes, most CFD trading platforms offer a mobile app, with virtually the same features as the desktop version. You can trade CFD instruments on the go or from the comfort of your couch.

How are CFDs different from stocks?

CFDs let you speculate on the price movements of stocks and other financial markets without owning the underlying asset. Instead of buying the stock outright, CFD trades simply involve opening a contract with a broker on the stock price change. When trading stocks, you buy and own shares in a company, giving true ownership and potential dividends.

How are CFDs different from forex?

While forex trading focuses strictly on currency pairs, CFD trading lets you speculate on currencies plus indices, bonds, interest rates, commodities, and crypto. CFD brokers provide access to more diverse financial instruments than forex brokers. However, both allow leveraged trading.

Which broker has the most CFDs?

eToro has the largest collection of CFDs available to trade, with more than 3000 available to trade. Here are some more brokers with the most CFDs available:

What are the advantages of using a CFD broker?

When trading CFDs, the best CFD trading platform provides exposure to almost any popular asset without having to own or physically deliver that asset. Your trades can be leveraged, allowing you to use a small amount of collateral to control large positions, while the spreads are usually low and trades are commission-free.

CFD trading is also more or less instant and is suited to a relatively active trading style. It’s best for people who are looking to speculate on price movements rather than benefit from the long term advantages of holding certain assets.

And what are the drawbacks?

When you trade CFDs, the drawback of not owning underlying assets is that you don’t get any of the benefits of ownership. So you aren’t entitled to dividends if you own a stock CFD, which you would be if you owned the stock itself.

Similarly, you can’t use gold as a long-term hedge or store of value because you don’t own any gold bullion if you trade CFDs.

In addition, CFDs have recently come under leverage restrictions in various places around the world. One such limitation comes from the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA). Therefore, services of this type in the UK and EU have started to apply restrictions, reducing leverage – which used to be as high as 1:500 – to 1:30 at most for casual CFD traders.

Crypto CFDs have been banned entirely in the UK to protect investors from using leverage to speculate on unrestricted and volatile assets.

Should I use a CFD trading platform?

CFD brokers are ideal if you want to trade multiple asset classes and want to generate short term results through an active trading strategy. Online CFD trading platforms offer a lot of flexibility: you can go short, use leverage, and buy and sell assets much faster than is possible elsewhere.

Furthermore, financial brokers in the US are regulated, and many are members of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation SIPC, which entitles you to deposit insurance when you open an CFD trading account with any of the best platforms for CFD trading.

This is a form of trader insurance contributed by the broker on your behalf. The scheme provides a maximum compensation of $500,000 ($250,000 cash) to CFD traders whose monies are lost as a result of broker insolvency or liquidation.

Ultimately, it depends on what’s important to you. Trading CFDs may not be best suited to investors with a long term view in mind. But the low cost of trading means a CFD trading app is a relatively simple way for beginner traders to get started.

Your verdict: Best CFD brokers according to our users

As part of our expert research and testing, we gather views and feedback from a wide variety of everyday users. We collect this feedback and use it to influence the final ranking of each of the top CFD trading platforms.

Below you can get into the nitty-gritty of the data, and compare user reviews from across the best CFD brokers.

FAQs