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Compare 4 best CFD brokers in New Zealand 2025
In page navigation
- 1. Compare 4 best CFD brokers in New Zealand 2025
- 2. Best CFD brokers New Zealand
- 3. Our top 4 best CFD trading platforms in New Zealand, reviewed & compared
- 4. Is CFD trading legal in New Zealand?
- 5. How to find a reliable CFD broker in New Zealand
- 6. How to start trading CFDs in New Zealand
- 7. To summarise
- 8. FAQs
This detailed investing guide is the result of our extensive research. We’ve picked out the top CFD trading platforms that offer the best service to help you start CFD trading in New Zealand.
To identify the best services, we created a checklist of key criteria that a New Zealand CFD broker must meet in order to earn a high ranking. The features it must offer include:
- Regulatory approval from the Financial Markets Authority (FMA), the financial regulator in New Zealand
- A low-cost way to trade CFDs in New Zealand
- A free demo account for beginners
- A significant number of available trading instruments, including stocks, forex, commodities, and crypto CFDs where available
The results are clear: Our panel recommends Plus500 as the best CFD broker in New Zealand for 2025.
Best CFD brokers New Zealand
Copy link to sectionAlongside Plus500 , a number of other New Zealand CFD brokers impressed the experts. We rank these platforms highly, as CFD trading platforms in New Zealand that offer a secure, simple, and low cost trading experience.
Plus500
This information is NOT relevant to EU residents who are to be serviced by EU subsidiaries of the Plus500 Group, such as Plus500CY Ltd, authorized by CySEC (Reg. 250/14). Different regulatory requirements apply in Europe, such as leverage limitations and bonus restrictions.
IG Markets
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 75% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Eightcap
Our top 4 best CFD trading platforms in New Zealand, reviewed & compared
Copy link to sectionWe found 8 online brokers for users based in
1. Plus500. Best for international trading*
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Overview
We love Plus500 because it is one of the industry’s most transparent and reliable brokers. Its fees are clear and you’ll know exactly what you will be paying before you make a trade. Its technology driven platform gives access to futures contracts for some of the biggest indices.
Plus500 has something for all types of traders, no matter what level of experience. Its low margin requirements (starting at $100) and different contracts make it a top choice for day traders. At the same time, its trading academy is packed with educational content, perfect for beginners just starting.
For accurate instrument availability, visit plus500.com.
The fees: Plus500 charges a commission of $0.49 per Micro contract and $0.89 per Standard contract (per side). There is an Auto-Liquidation fee of $10 per contract. Other exchange fees may be applicable and can be found on the CME group website.
*Based on a comparison of 60+ leading brokers and trading platforms.
Highlights
| No. of tradable assets | 2800+ |
| Min. Deposit | $100 |
| ID verification required | Yes |
| Free demo account | Yes |
| Supported assets | Stock CFDs, ETF CFDs, Forex CFDs, Crypto CFDs, Index CFDs, Commodity CFDs |
| Mobile trading app | Yes |
| Web trading platform | Yes |
| Regulatory bodies | FSA, ASIC, FMA, FCA, CySEC |
Fees & Costs
| Trading fees | No |
| Inactivity fees | Yes |
| Rollover/overnight fees | Yes |
| Withdrawal fees | No |
| Spreads | Yes |
| Conversion fees | Yes |
Pros & Cons
This information is NOT relevant to EU residents who are to be serviced by EU subsidiaries of the Plus500 Group, such as Plus500CY Ltd, authorized by CySEC (Reg. 250/14). Different regulatory requirements apply in Europe, such as leverage limitations and bonus restrictions.
2. IG Markets: Best for trusted and transparent trading
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Overview
We love IG because it’s one of the most established and reputable names in the online trading industry, known for its reliability, comprehensive market offerings, and strong regulatory compliance. IG offers CFD trading in stocks, forex, commodities, indices, ETFs and more, with plenty of useful plugins and integrations to improve the trading experience.
One of the key strengths of IG Markets is its seamless integration with MetaTrader 4 (MT4), a popular third-party trading platform favored by many traders for its advanced charting tools, automated trading capabilities, and custom indicators. This integration allows users to leverage MT4’s sophisticated features while benefiting from IG Markets’ competitive pricing, reliable execution, and extensive market access.
Beyond its product range and platform integrations, IG Markets stands out for its commitment to education and customer support. The company offers a wealth of educational resources, such as webinars, tutorials, and market analysis, which help traders of all levels improve their knowledge and skills.
The fees: For most assets, you don’t pay a trading fee but will be charged through the spread instead. That’s the difference between the buy and sell price of an asset. IG’s spreads are competitive but variable: you’ll pay a smaller spread on popular assets compared to less popular ones. Share trading works differently, and you’ll be charged a minimum fee on each trade of at least $15.
Highlights
| No. of tradable assets | 17,000+ |
| Min. Deposit | $0 |
| ID verification required | Yes |
| Free demo account | Yes |
| Supported assets | Stock CFDs, ETFs, Forex CFDs, Crypto CFDs, Index CFDs, Commodities |
| Mobile trading app | Yes |
| Web trading platform | Yes |
| Regulatory bodies | FSCA, MAS, FMA, ASIC, FCA, BaFin, FINMA, DFSA, BMA, CFTC, NFA |
Fees & Costs
| Trading fees | Yes |
| Inactivity fees | Yes |
| Rollover/overnight fees | Yes |
| Withdrawal fees | No |
| Spreads | Yes |
| Conversion fees | Yes |
Pros & Cons
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 75% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
3. Eightcap. Best online broker for choice of trading platform
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Overview
We love Eightcap because you have several trading platforms to choose from. You can choose between MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and TradingView. All of these platforms are favourites among retail traders. With the MetaTrade suite of platforms, you can access lots of technical indicators, custom tools, and expert advisors.
TradingView with Eightcap allows you to trade directly from your charts while accessing the hundreds of tools and features available. Eightcap has over 900 markets available including stocks, forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.
The fees: Eightcap is a CFD broker and charges spreads, commissions, or a combination of both. There are two account types available, RAW, and Standard. The RAW account has ultra-low spreads starting from 0.0 pips but charges $3.5 RT per lot. The standard account is commission-free for most assets and spreads start from 1 pip.
Highlights
| No. of tradable assets | 800+ |
| Min. Deposit | $100 |
| ID verification required | Yes |
| Free demo account | Yes |
| Supported assets | Stocks, Crypto, Commodities, , Indices |
| Mobile trading app | Yes |
| Web trading platform | Yes |
| Regulatory bodies | ASIC, FCA, CySEC |
Fees & Costs
| Trading fees | Yes |
| Inactivity fees | No |
| Rollover/overnight fees | Yes, on certain assets |
| Withdrawal fees | Yes, for certain payment methods |
| Spreads | Yes |
| Conversion fees | Yes, currency dependent |
Pros & Cons
4. AvaTrade. Best regulated broker for secure trading
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Overview
We love AvaTrade because it is a reliable CFD broker, that gives users access to a wide range of markets. As a CFD broker, AvaTrade lets you speculate on the price movements of various stock markets without owning the underlying assets. AvaTrade is a multi asset brokerage firm and includes CFDs on hundreds of global stocks including Google, Apple, Microsoft, and more.
AvaTrade is also highly regarded for its strong regulatory framework and commitment to security. AvaTrade is regulated in multiple jurisdictions, including Europe, Australia, Japan, South Africa, and the British Virgin Islands, which means it must adhere to stringent regulatory standards across the world.
AvaTrade isn’t just well regulated, it also employs advanced security measures to protect client funds and personal information, including segregated accounts and robust encryption technology.
The fees: There is no commission on any trading. AvaTrade makes money from the Bid/Ask spread instead. Stock spreads start from 0.13. Positions left overnight are charged a swap fee that varies depending on size. An inactivity fee of £/€/$50 per month is applicable if you don’t log in to your account for three consecutive months.
Highlights
| No. of tradable assets | 1250+ |
| Min. Deposit | $100 |
| ID verification required | Yes |
| Free demo account | Yes |
| Supported assets | Stocks, Stock CFDs, ETF CFDs, Forex CFDs, Crypto CFDs, Commodity CFDs, Index CFDs |
| Mobile trading app | Yes |
| Web trading platform | Yes |
| Regulatory bodies | FSCA, FSA, ASIC, CBI, MiFID, CySEC, BVIFSC, FRSA |
Fees & Costs
| Trading fees | No |
| Inactivity fees | Yes |
| Rollover/overnight fees | Yes |
| Withdrawal fees | No |
| Spreads | Yes |
| Conversion fees | No |
Pros & Cons
Is CFD trading legal in New Zealand?
Copy link to sectionYes, you can legally trade CFDs in New Zealand. However, certain aspects of CFD trading are regulated by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA). The restrictions generally work in your favour, as they are designed to protect traders from large, unexpected losses.
Primarily this means there are limitations on the amount of leverage that CFD brokers in New Zealand can offer, along with a limit on the maximum losses any retail customer account can experience. In addition, they must clearly warn traders of the risks involved so you can make informed trading decisions.
How to find a reliable CFD broker in New Zealand
Copy link to sectionThe key features that separate the best CFD broker in New Zealand from the rest are security, cost, the range of markets available. Keep those in mind and you won’t run into too many problems.
If you need more help making up your mind, use this short Q&A to find the best CFD trading platform in New Zealand.
Are CFD brokers in New Zealand regulated?
Copy link to sectionYes, CFD trading platforms in New Zealand are licensed and regulated by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA). The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) sets the rules on New Zealand CFD trading, such as how much leverage is available when you trade a contract for difference (CFD), along with which assets and markets are available.
| Region | Plus500 regulators | IG Markets regulators | Eightcap regulators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Africa | FSA | FSCA | – |
| Asia | – | MAS | – |
| Australasia | ASIC, FMA | FMA, ASIC | ASIC |
| Europe | FCA, CySEC | FCA, BaFin, FINMA | FCA, CySEC |
| International | – | DFSA, BMA | – |
| North America | – | CFTC, NFA | – |
| South America | – | – | – |
| View more > | Plus500 > | IG Markets > | Eightcap > |
How else do CFD trading platforms in New Zealand protect me?
Copy link to sectionThe top CFD brokers in New Zealand offer negative balance protection, which is a form of insurance that protects you from losing more money than you have in your account. This is particularly useful if you use leverage or short CFDs, as it’s possible to lose significantly more than the initial value of your trade.
A Kiwi CFD broker should also protect you by providing Two Factor Authentication (2FA) to secure your account and with a customer service line that’s always open and available to help.
What types of Kiwi CFD brokers are there?
Copy link to sectionMost of the time, you’re going to be dealing with market makers. A market maker is a CFD broker in New Zealand that effectively creates a market for any asset at all times, so you can always buy or sell.
Other forms of New Zealand CFD brokers include direct market access (DMA) brokers or STP/ECN brokers. These offer faster trade execution or allow you to buy and sell from other traders directly, rather than through an intermediary. Though the truth is that these services are geared towards professional or high volume traders, rather than casual users.
How much do CFD brokers in New Zealand cost?
Copy link to sectionMost CFD brokers in New Zealand offer no-commission trading, so you don’t have to pay each time you make a trade. However, the costs come elsewhere, usually in the form of the spread.
The spread is the difference between the buy and sell price of a contract for difference (CFD). The best New Zealand CFD trading platforms make money by taking a cut of that difference, so you can compare the costs of using different platforms by comparing the spreads. The lower the difference between the buy and sell price, the more cost-effective a platform is.
Here are the types of fees you may encounter when using a CFD broker in New Zealand:
| Fee | Plus500 fees | IG Markets fees | Eightcap fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trading fees | No | Yes | Yes |
| Inactivity fees | Yes | Yes | No |
| Rollover/overnight fees | Yes | Yes | Yes, on certain assets |
| Withdrawal fees | No | No | Yes, for certain payment methods |
| Spreads | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Conversion fees | Yes | Yes | Yes, currency dependent |
| View more > | Plus500 > | IG Markets > | Eightcap > |
Here are the spreads for the top 3 CFD brokers in New Zealand:
| Product | Plus500 spreads | IG Markets spreads | Eightcap spreads |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock CFDs | 0.10% | 0.10% | From 1.2 pts |
| ETF CFDs | 0.10% | 0.10% | – |
| Forex CFDs | 0.8 pips | 0.6 pips | From 0.0pips |
| Crypto CFDs | 2% | Variable | From 0.5% |
| Index CFDs | 0.20% | 0.10% | From 1.2 USD |
| Commodity CFDs | 0.50% | 0.3 pts | From 0.12 USD |
| View all tradable assets > | Plus500 > | IG Markets > | Eightcap > |
Which assets can I trade through a New Zealand CFD broker?
Copy link to sectionAny CFD broker in New Zealand will offer currency and commodity markets. CFDs are the most common way to trade forex and commodities like gold and oil.
Then the rules can change depending on the whims of the Financial Markets Authority (FMA). Generally, you can trade stock CFDs, though the available companies may vary. In addition, you may be able to trade:
- Crypto CFDs
- ETF CFDs
- Indices CFDs
Though the regulation for crypto CFDs, in particular, can change rapidly.
To buy and sell the underlying assets, rather than using CFDs, consider using the best trading platform in NZ, the best Kiwi forex broker, or the best crypto exchange in New Zealand.
| Product | Plus500 assets | IG Markets assets | Eightcap assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock CFDs | 1,800+ | 17,000 + | 590 |
| ETF CFDs | 100+ | – | – |
| Forex CFDs | 50+ | 99 | 56 |
| Crypto CFDs | 40+ | 10 | 122 |
| Index CFDs | 20+ | 80 + | 16 (17 on TradingView) |
| Commodity CFDs | 20+ | – | 16 |
| View more > | Plus500 > | IG Markets > | Eightcap > |
Note that all listed instruments on Plus500 are available to trade as CFDs.
Can I use leverage to trade CFDs in New Zealand?
Copy link to sectionYes, it’s common and legal to trade CFDs with leverage in New Zealand. The maximum permitted leverage is set by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA), and all CFD brokers in New Zealand must abide by those rules.
In reality, each CFD broker in New Zealand also offers differing leverage on different assets. Currency pairs offer the most leverage, as it’s a vital part of successful forex trading, while stock and crypto CFDs generally offer the lowest.
| Product | Plus500 maximum leverage | IG Markets maximum leverage | Eightcap maximum leverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock CFDs | 1:5 | 1:5 | 5:1 |
| ETF CFDs | 1:5 | 1:5 | – |
| Forex CFDs | 1:30 | 1:30 | 500:1 |
| Crypto CFDs | 1:2 | 1:5 | 2:1 |
| Index CFDs | 1:20 | 1:20 | 20:1 |
| Commodity CFDs | Up to 1:20 | – | 10:1 |
| View more > | Plus500 > | IG Markets > | Eightcap > |
Are there any other ways to trade?
Copy link to sectionYes, one of the most appealing aspects of CFD trading for beginners is the fact you can use CFDs to trade for and against the market. Shorting is when you place a trade on an asset or market to fall in value, and is a very popular way to trade.
Because of that, you can also use CFDs to hedge other trades that you have open. This is where you place a trade on the opposite position to one you made previously. It’s used as a risk management strategy to minimise losses or lock in profit in case something changes.
Do CFD platforms in New Zealand offer professional trading accounts?
Copy link to sectionYes, generally they do, although the qualifications can be steep. Most of the best trading platforms in New Zealand offer a retail account to all users, then provide faster execution speeds or lower spreads to high volume users who must meet certain capital requirements.
These accounts are only accessible to a small number of people, who have both significant starting funds and a high annual turnover. Unless you can supply the equivalent of at least $500,000 as a qualifying deposit, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to sign up to a professional account with any Kiwi CFD provider.
How to start trading CFDs in New Zealand
Copy link to sectionFollow this guide to learn how to use a CFD trading platform in New Zealand and to place your first CFD trade.
Step 1. Create an account
Copy link to sectionChoose the best CFD broker in New Zealand and sign up with your email and contact details. You may be asked to supply some photo ID to meet Financial Markets Authority (FMA) regulations.
Step 2. Deposit some money
Copy link to sectionFund your account with your favoured payment method. Most CFD brokers in New Zealand accept bank transfers, card payments, and some e-wallets like PayPal.
Step 3. Choose what to trade
Copy link to sectionSearch for the asset you want to trade. Stock CFDs can be found by searching for the correct ticker symbol, and the same is true for currency pairs, commodities, and crypto CFDs as well.
Step 4. Decide whether to go long or short, and set your position size
Copy link to sectionChoose whether to buy (go long) or sell (short) the asset. Then enter how much you want to trade (this is known as the ‘margin’) and how much leverage you want to use.
Step 5. Finalise the trade
Copy link to sectionCheck the details and execute the trade once you’re happy with it. After that, keep monitoring the position regularly until you’re ready to close it out. Consider setting stop-loss limits to protect you from unexpected swings in the market.
To summarise
Copy link to sectionCFD trading is a popular and accessible way to trade for all New Zealand users, but there are a few risks as well. Kiwi CFD providers give you access to global markets and a greater range of trading options, so you can back markets to go both up and down.
However, using leverage can lead to significant losses and, with CFDs, you don’t own the underlying assets themselves, so you have less investor protection than – for example – company shareholders.
This guide picks out the 4 best CFD brokers in New Zealand, based on their cost, accessibility, and the range of products available. Once you fully understand the pros and cons, choose any of the top CFD trading platforms above to get started with. It only takes a few minutes to start trading CFDs in New Zealand.
