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Best Day Trading Platforms and Brokers in Australia 2024

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Written By
Jemma Grist
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Written By
Jemma Grist
Jemma is a writer, editor and fact-checker focused on retail trading and investing. Jemma brings a unique perspective to the forex, stock, and cryptocurrency markets and works across several investment websites as a researcher and broker analyst.
» Jemma Grist Profile Page
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Fact Checked By
James Barra
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Fact Checked By
James Barra
James is an investment writer with a background in financial services. He has worked as a management consultant, where he delivered large-scale operational transformational programmes at some of Europe's biggest banks. James authors, edits and fact-checks content for a series of investing websites.
» James Barra Profile Page
Updated
Jun 30, 2024

The best brokers in Australia offer low fees, a range of day trading tools and favorable execution. Importantly, many platforms deliver conditions that ensure secure and convenient day trading for Aussie clients, including oversight from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and live accounts in AUD.

We also like to see platforms that offer excellent exposure to Australian markets, including the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and popular Aussie currency pairs like AUD/USD.

Our analysts have thoroughly tested hundreds of platforms and compiled a list of the best brokers for day trading in Australia. Many firms are ASIC-regulated and consistently top our rankings.

Top 10 Platforms For Day Trading In Australia

Our tests show that these are the 10 best day trading brokers in Australia:

Click a broker for details
  1. 1
    Pepperstone
    CFDs and FX are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs.
    Ratings
    4.6 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.1 / 5
    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
    FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB
    CFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto, Spread Betting
    MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade
    Visa, Mastercard, Credit Card, Debit Card, PayPal, Wire Transfer, POLi, UnionPay, BPAY, Neteller, Skrill
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD
    Go To Pepperstone
  2. 2
    IC Markets
    Ratings
    4.6 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.1 / 5
    4.2 / 5
    $200
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
    ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto
    MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
    PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Visa, UnionPay, Wire Transfer, Rapid Transfer, Mastercard, POLi, BPAY, Credit Card, Klarna, Swift, SafeCharge
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD
    Go To IC Markets
  3. 3
    AvaTrade
    Ratings
    4.8 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    $100
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)
    ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, Futures
    WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
    Skrill, Wire Transfer, FasaPay, Mastercard, Perfect Money, Swift, MoneyGram, Credit Card, WebMoney, JCB Card, Debit Card, Neteller, Boleto
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD
    Go To AvaTrade
  4. 4
    Fusion Markets
    Ratings
    3.5 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    1.3 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:500
    ASIC, VFSC, FSA
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
    MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, DupliTrade
    Visa, Skrill, Neteller, Mastercard, PayPal, Bitcoin Payments, FasaPay, Perfect Money, Doku Wallet, Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Dragonpay, Sticpay, Ethereum Payments, TransferWise, AstroPay, PayID, JetonCash
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD
    Go To Fusion Markets
  5. 5
    Eightcap
    Ratings
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.6 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    $100
    0.01 Lots
    1:30
    ASIC, FCA, CySEC, SCB, CNMV
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
    MT4, MT5, TradingView
    Neteller, Skrill, Visa, UnionPay, Credit Card, Debit Card, Bitcoin Payments, Wire Transfer, FasaPay, BPAY, PayPal, Dragonpay, PIX Payment
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD
    Go To Eightcap
  6. 6
    ThinkMarkets
    71.89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
    Ratings
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.2 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.2 / 5
    4.1 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4 / 5
    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:500
    FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, JFSA, FSA, DFSA, FMA
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, ETFs, Futures, Commodities, Crypto, Spread Betting (UK Only)
    ThinkTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
    Mastercard, POLi, BPAY, Credit Card, Visa, Skrill, Neteller, Wire Transfer, Google Wallet, Apple Pay
    USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, JPY, CHF
    Go To ThinkMarkets
  7. 7
    XM
    Ratings
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.7 / 5
    3.9 / 5
    $5
    0.01 Lots
    1:30
    ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, FSC, FSCA, CNMV, AMF
    Forex, Stock CFDs, Turbo Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Precious Metals, Energies, Shares, Crypto, Futures
    MT4, MT5
    Credit Card, Debit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Wire Transfer, Perfect Money, Apple Pay, Google Wallet, TransferWise, Visa, M-Pesa
    USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, JPY, ZAR, CHF, SGD, PLN, HUF
    Go To XM
  8. 8
    CityIndex
    All trading involves risk. Ensure you understand those risks before trading.
    Ratings
    4.4 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.2 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    2.8 / 5
    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail), 1:50 (Accredited Investor), 1:200 (Sophisticated Investor), 1:300 (Wholesale Investor), 1:400 (Professional Trader). Varies with jurisdiction.
    ASIC, FCA, MAS
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Cryptos, Options, Commodities, Bonds
    MT4, TradingView, TradingCentral
    PayNow, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, BPAY, Credit Card, PayID, Debit Card, Visa, PayPal
    USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CZK
    Go To CityIndex
  9. 9
    DNA Markets
    Ratings
    3 / 5
    4 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.9 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.6 / 5
    1.8 / 5
    1.6 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    $100
    0.01 Lots
    1:30
    ASIC
    CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks, Crypto
    MT4, MT5
    Credit Card, Debit Card, Wire Transfer, BPAY, Skrill, Neteller, Bitcoin Payments, Bitwallet, AstroPay, Mastercard
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD
    Go To DNA Markets
  10. 10
    FOREX.com
    20% Welcome Bonus Up To $5000
    Ratings
    4.9 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.6 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    $100
    0.01 Lots
    1:400
    NFA, CFTC, CIRO, FCA, CYSEC, ASIC, SFC, FSA, MAS, CIMA
    Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Futures, Options, Crypto
    MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
    Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, ACH Transfer
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN
    Go To FOREX.com

This is why we think these brokers are the best in this category:

  1. Pepperstone - Established in Australia in 2010, Pepperstone is a top-rated forex and CFD broker with over 400,000 clients worldwide. It offers access to 1,300+ instruments on leading platforms MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView, maintaining low, transparent fees. Pepperstone is also regulated by trusted authorities like the FCA, ASIC, and CySEC, ensuring a secure environment for day traders at all levels.
  2. IC Markets - IC Markets is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker known for its excellent pricing, comprehensive range of trading instruments, and premium trading technology. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Australia, the brokerage is regulated by the ASIC, CySEC and FSA, and has attracted more than 180,000 clients from over 200 countries.
  3. AvaTrade - AvaTrade is a leading forex and CFD broker, established in 2006 and regulated across 9 jurisdictions. Over 400,000 users have signed up with the broker which processes over 2 million trades each month. The firm offers multiple trading platforms, including MT4, MT5, and a proprietary WebTrader. 1250+ financial instruments are available for day trading, from CFDs to AvaOptions and now AvaFutures, alongside a comprehensive education center and multilingual customer support.
  4. Fusion Markets - Fusion Markets is an online broker established in 2017 and regulated by the ASIC, VFSC and FSA. It is best known for its low-cost forex and CFD trading, although its multiple account types and copy trading solutions cater to a range of traders. New clients can sign up and start trading in 3 easy steps.
  5. Eightcap - Eightcap is a multi-regulated forex and CFD broker established in Australia in 2009. The broker has proven popular with active day traders, providing 1,000+ instruments with tight spreads and notable improvements in recent years, integrating the leading TradingView platform, alongside AI-powered financial calendars and algo trading tools with zero coding experience required.
  6. ThinkMarkets - Founded in 2010, ThinkMarkets is a reputable CFD and forex broker with regulation from several top-tier bodies including the FCA and ASIC. The broker provides services to over 450,000 accounts from 11 global offices. Traders can use a bespoke platform, MT4 or MT5 to access a wide variety of assets including 3500+ stocks and ETFs, 46 forex pairs and over 20 cryptocurrencies.
  7. XM - XM is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker with 10+ million clients in 190+ countries. Since 2009, this trusted broker has been known for its low fees on 1000+ instruments. XM is regulated by multiple financial bodies, including the ASIC and CySEC.
  8. CityIndex - City Index is an established and award-winning forex, CFD and spread betting broker with top-tier global regulation, including in the UK (FCA) and Australia (ASIC). With 30+ years in the industry, 13,500+ instruments and 24/5 customer support, City Index is a solid pick for aspiring traders.
  9. DNA Markets - DNA Markets is a forex and CFD broker established in 2020. The broker operates two entities in Australia and the offshore jurisdiction, St Vincent and the Grenadines. Traders can access 800+ markets, with a Standard account for beginners and a Raw account for experienced traders. The reliable MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms are available, alongside Signal Start.
  10. FOREX.com - Founded in 1999, FOREX.com is now part of StoneX, a financial services organization serving over one million customers worldwide. Regulated in the US, UK, EU, Australia and beyond, the broker offers thousands of markets, not just forex, and provides excellent pricing on cutting-edge platforms.

Best Day Trading Platforms and Brokers in Australia 2024 Comparison

Best Day Trading Platforms and Brokers in Australia 2024 Comparison
Broker ASIC Regulated AUD Account Minimum Deposit Markets Platforms Leverage
Pepperstone logo
✔ ✔ $0 CFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto, Spread Betting MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
IC Markets logo
✔ ✔ $200 CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
AvaTrade logo
✔ ✔ $100 CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, Futures WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)
Fusion Markets logo
✔ ✔ $0 CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, DupliTrade 1:500
Eightcap logo
✔ ✔ $100 CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto MT4, MT5, TradingView 1:30
ThinkMarkets logo
✔ ✔ $0 CFDs, Forex, Stocks, ETFs, Futures, Commodities, Crypto, Spread Betting (UK Only) ThinkTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral 1:500
XM logo
✔ ✔ $5 Forex, Stock CFDs, Turbo Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Precious Metals, Energies, Shares, Crypto, Futures MT4, MT5 1:30
CityIndex logo
✔ ✔ $0 CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Cryptos, Options, Commodities, Bonds MT4, TradingView, TradingCentral 1:30 (Retail), 1:50 (Accredited Investor), 1:200 (Sophisticated Investor), 1:300 (Wholesale Investor), 1:400 (Professional Trader). Varies with jurisdiction.
DNA Markets logo
✔ ✔ $100 CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks, Crypto MT4, MT5 1:30
FOREX.com logo
✔ ✔ $100 Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Futures, Options, Crypto MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral 1:400

Pepperstone

"Pepperstone stands out as a top choice for day trading, offering razor-sharp spreads, ultra-fast execution, and advanced charting platforms for experienced traders. New traders are also welcomed with no minimum deposit, extensive educational resources, and exceptional 24/7 support."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

Pepperstone Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto, Spread Betting
RegulatorFCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB
PlatformsMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • There’s support for a range of industry-leading charting platforms including MT4, MT5, TradingView, and cTrader, catering to various short-term trading styles, including algo trading.
  • Pepperstone boasts impressive execution speeds, averaging around 30ms, facilitating fast order processing and execution that’s ideal for day trading.
  • Award-winning customer support is available via telephone, email or live chat with response times of <5 minutes during testing.

Cons

  • There’s no simplified proprietary trading platform, nor are there any social trading features, which could be a disadvantage if you are new to day trading.
  • Pepperstone’s demo accounts are active for only 30 days, which may not be not long enough to familiarize yourself with the different platforms and test trading strategies.
  • Despite enhancements to its range of markets, crypto offerings are relatively limited compared to other brokers such as eToro, with no option to invest in real coins.
Visit Pepperstone
Pepperstone Review

IC Markets

"IC Markets offers superior pricing, exceptionally fast execution and seamless deposits. The introduction of advanced charting platforms, notably TradingView, and the Raw Trader Plus account, ensures it remains a top choice for intermediate to advanced day traders."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

IC Markets Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto
RegulatorASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA
PlatformsMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
Minimum Deposit$200
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • As a tightly regulated and widely respected broker, IC Markets prioritizes client security and transparency, helping to ensure a reliable trading experience globally.
  • You have access to over 2,250 CFDs across various markets, including forex, commodities, indices, stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies, allowing for diversified trading strategies.
  • IC Markets offers fast and dependable 24/5 support based on firsthand experience, particularly when it comes to accounts and funding issues.

Cons

  • Despite four industry-leading third-party platforms, there is no proprietary software or trading app built with new traders in mind.
  • The breadth and depth of tutorials, webinars and educational resources still need work, trailing alternatives like CMC Markets and reducing its suitability for beginners.
  • There are fees for certain withdrawal methods, including a $20 wire charge, which can eat into profits, especially for frequent withdrawals.
Visit IC Markets
IC Markets Review

AvaTrade

"AvaTrade offers the full package for short-term traders. There is powerful charting software, reliable execution, transparent fees, and fast account opening with a low minimum deposit."

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

AvaTrade Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, Futures
RegulatorASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM
PlatformsWebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
Minimum Deposit$100
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD

Pros

  • There's a great range of fee-free deposit methods, including bank wire, credit cards and popular e-wallets like Skrill
  • AvaTrade is a heavily regulated and trustworthy broker with licenses from the ASIC, CySEC and more
  • Automated trading is supported through MetaTrader Expert Advisors (EAs), as well as the AvaSocial and DupliTrade tools

Cons

  • Traders from the US are not accepted
  • A high $2000 minimum investment is required to use DupliTrade, which will be out of reach for many beginners
  • It’s a shame that there are no rebate schemes for serious traders looking for additional perks - CMC Markets would be a better choice here
Visit AvaTrade
AvaTrade Review

Fusion Markets

"Fusion Markets is a standout option for forex traders looking for excellent pricing with spreads near zero, industry-low commissions and recently TradingView integration. It’s a particularly good broker for Australian traders where the company is headquartered and regulated by the ASIC."

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

Fusion Markets Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
RegulatorASIC, VFSC, FSA
PlatformsMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, DupliTrade
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:500
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • Fusion Markets continues to impress with its pricing that provides tight spreads with below-average commissions that will appeal to active day traders.
  • Fusion Markets offers best-in-class support with very fast, friendly and helpful responses during tests and no frustrating automated chatbot to navigate.
  • Average execution speeds of around 37 milliseconds are noticeably faster than many rivals and can help day traders secure optimal prices in fast-moving markets.

Cons

  • There is no proprietary trading platform or app built with beginners in mind, a notable drawback compared to AvaTrade.
  • Traders outside of Australia must sign up with weakly regulated global entities with limited safeguards and no negative balance protection.
  • Fusion Market trails alternatives, notably eToro and IG, in the education department with limited guides and live video sessions to upskill new traders.
Visit Fusion Markets
Fusion Markets Review

Eightcap

"Eightcap delivers in every area for day traders with a growing selection of charting platforms and AI-powered tools. Now sporting 250+ crypto CFDs and the Crypto Crusher market scanner, it's also become a stand-out choice for crypto trading, winning our 'Best Crypto Broker' award two years in a row."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

Eightcap Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
RegulatorASIC, FCA, CySEC, SCB, CNMV
PlatformsMT4, MT5, TradingView
Minimum Deposit$100
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:30
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD

Pros

  • Eightcap stands out with a selection of powerful trading tools, including MT4 and MT5, the innovative algorithmic trading platform Capitalise.ai, and more recently the 50-million strong social trading network TradingView.
  • With tight spreads from 0 pips, low commission fees, and high leverage up to 1:500 for certain clients, Eightcap provides cost-effective and flexible trading conditions that can accommodate an array of strategies, including day trading and scalping.
  • After bolstering its roster in 2021, Eightcap offers one of the most extensive selections of cryptocurrency CFDs in the market, with crypto/fiat pairs, crypto/crypto pairs, plus crypto indices for broader exposure to the market.

Cons

  • The demo account expires after 30 days and can only be extended upon request - a notable inconvenience compared to the likes of XM with its unlimited demo mode.
  • Eightcap needs to continue bolstering its suite of instruments to match category leaders like Blackbull Markets with its 26,000+ assets, featuring a particularly weak selection of commodities.
  • Despite a useful library of educational guides and e-books, Eightcap still trails IG’s comprehensive toolkit for aspiring traders with its dedicated IG Academy app and 18 course categories.
Visit Eightcap
Eightcap Review

ThinkMarkets

"With its diverse asset list, competitive fees and superb charting software, ThinkMarkets maintains its position as a top choice for most CFD traders. That said, experienced traders will particularly appreciate the range of advanced tools, including forex signals and VPS solutions."

Tobias Robinson, Reviewer

ThinkMarkets Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, ETFs, Futures, Commodities, Crypto, Spread Betting (UK Only)
RegulatorFCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, JFSA, FSA, DFSA, FMA
PlatformsThinkTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:500
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, JPY, CHF

Pros

  • Three stable and award-winning platforms plus seamless integration with the broker's Signal Centre
  • Free VPS hosting available for MT4 and MT5, ideal for traders using Expert Advisors (EAs)
  • Low fees with competitive spreads on the commission-free account and very tight spreads and a low $3.5 commission on ThinkZero

Cons

  • Limited bonus offers, refer-a-friend schemes or trading competitions
  • $500 minimum deposit for ThinkZero account
  • Not many payment methods available for UK traders
Visit ThinkMarkets
ThinkMarkets Review

XM

"XM is one of the best forex and CFD brokers we have tested. The flexible account types will suit a variety of short-term trading styles while the $5 minimum deposit and smooth sign-up process make it easy to start trading."

William Berg, Reviewer

XM Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsForex, Stock CFDs, Turbo Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Precious Metals, Energies, Shares, Crypto, Futures
RegulatorASIC, CySEC, DFSA, FSC, FSCA, CNMV, AMF
PlatformsMT4, MT5
Minimum Deposit$5
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:30
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, JPY, ZAR, CHF, SGD, PLN, HUF

Pros

  • XM is a hugely respected broker authorized by tier-one regulators
  • Accessible trading accounts with a $5 minimum deposit and fast account opening
  • 1000+ instruments are available, including recently added thematic indices, providing exposure to emerging industries

Cons

  • There's $5 inactivity fee after only 3 months, though this won't affect active traders
  • PayPal deposits are not supported
  • There is weak regulatory oversight through the global entity
Visit XM
XM Review

CityIndex

"City Index is best for new and intermediate traders looking for a wide selection of assets on user-friendly platforms."

Tobias Robinson, Reviewer

CityIndex Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Cryptos, Options, Commodities, Bonds
RegulatorASIC, FCA, MAS
PlatformsMT4, TradingView, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:30 (Retail), 1:50 (Accredited Investor), 1:200 (Sophisticated Investor), 1:300 (Wholesale Investor), 1:400 (Professional Trader). Varies with jurisdiction.
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CZK

Pros

  • Industry-leading platforms including MT4, plus access to cutting-edge third-party tools like TradingView
  • Extended hours trading on 70+ popular shares including Amazon and Tesla
  • Tight spreads from 0.5 pips on EUR/USD and competitive commissions on CFD shares

Cons

  • No Islamic account for Muslim traders
  • $15 monthly inactivity fee
  • US traders not accepted
Visit CityIndex
CityIndex Review

DNA Markets

"DNA Markets is an excellent choice for short-term traders familiar with the MetaTrader platforms. The smooth sign-up process also makes it easy to get started while the $100 minimum deposit is accessible. That said, DNA Markets trails the top brokers in education, research and mobile trading. "

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

DNA Markets Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks, Crypto
RegulatorASIC
PlatformsMT4, MT5
Minimum Deposit$100
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:30
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD

Pros

  • DNA Markets offers top-rate platforms and charting tools for day traders with access to MT4 and MT5
  • The broker provides 24/5 customer support with response times of <2 minutes during testing
  • You can access low trading fees with spreads from 0.0 pips in the Raw account and zero non-trading fees

Cons

  • Unlike many alternatives, there are limited educational and research tools for traders seeking an all-in-one solution
  • Despite access to MT4 and MT5, there is no proprietary trading app for seamless account management whilst on the go
  • Although it continues to strengthen its client base and reputation, DNA Markets lacks the track record of top brokers like Vantage
Visit DNA Markets
DNA Markets Review

FOREX.com

"FOREX.com remains a best-in-class brokerage for active forex traders of all experience levels, with over 80 currency pairs, tight spreads from 0.0 pips and low commissions. The powerful charting platforms collectively offer over 100 technical indicators, as well as extensive research tools."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

FOREX.com Quick Facts

Bonus Offer20% Welcome Bonus Up To $5000
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsForex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Futures, Options, Crypto
RegulatorNFA, CFTC, CIRO, FCA, CYSEC, ASIC, SFC, FSA, MAS, CIMA
PlatformsMT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$100
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:400
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN

Pros

  • Alongside a choice of leading platforms, FOREX.com offers a superb suite of supplementary tools including Trading Central research, SMART Signals pattern scanner, trading signals, and strategy builders.
  • FOREX.com offers industry-leading forex pricing starting from 0.0 pips, alongside competitive cashback rebates of up to 15% for serious day traders.
  • With over 20 years of experience, excellent regulatory oversight, and multiple accolades including runner-up in our 'Best Forex Broker' awards, FOREX.com boasts a global reputation as a trusted brokerage.

Cons

  • Demo accounts are frustratingly time-limited to 90 days, which doesn’t give you enough time to test day trading strategies effectively.
  • There’s no negative balance protection for US clients, so you may find yourself owing more money than your initial deposit into your account.
  • Funding options are limited compared to leading alternatives like IC Markets and don’t include many popular e-wallets, notably UnionPay and POLi.
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FOREX.com Review

Choosing A Day Trading Broker In Australia

Leveraging the decades of industry experience across our expert team, we prioritize several conditions when choosing the best day trading platforms:

Regulation and Trust

Choose a reputable day trading platform that you can trust.

A trustworthy broker will be authorized by a reputable regulator and will be transparent about any measures it has in place to protect you from unfair trading practices and scams.

Unfortunately, some incidents have gained infamy in Australia in recent years, including the brutal ‘Pig Butchering’ scam, which made up 31% of reported scams in 2023.

In this highly manipulative scam, the fraudsters built trust with the victim over a prolonged period before pushing them into fake investment opportunities. This method of going for the ‘full hog’ is particularly malicious since it targets lonely or vulnerable people.

That’s why we always check whether the broker is regulated by a ‘green tier’ authority, such as the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). Looking for this, combined with strong industry credentials and a long track record, are priorities during our routine tests.

The ASIC has strict measures in place to monitor day trading brokers operating in Australia, including enforcement proceedings and civil penalties.

To help protect consumers, it also runs the Moneysmart website which contains comprehensive advice on financial planning, online safety and scams.

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Jemma Grist
Author
ASIC register showing AvaTrade license
AvaTrade License – ASIC
  • AvaTrade maintains its position as one of the most heavily regulated platforms, with licenses from several top-tier authorities, including the ASIC. It also boasts a stellar industry reputation.

Day Trading Fees

Opt for a low-cost broker with competitive pricing.

If you’re an active day trader, keeping transaction costs low will be important to you.

We look out for brokerages that offer the full trading package at a low overall cost. This includes competitive trading fees, from low spreads and commissions to zero funding fees.

Spreads on popular currency pairs at Fusion Markets, including AUD/USD
Fusion Markets – Forex Spreads

If certain parts of the service are paid for, then we also take into account the quality of the resources or tools provided. It can often be worth paying for top-quality charting tools, for example, if it saves you time and increases your potential for success.

  • Fusion Markets remains one of the lowest-cost brokers that we’ve evaluated, especially for Aussie day traders. Alongside a $0 minimum deposit, you can expect forex commissions as low as $2.25 per side, plus spreads from 0.0 pips on AUD/USD.

Charting Platforms and Apps

Choose a user-friendly platform with a range of short-term trading tools.

To ensure an optimum day trading environment, pick a broker that delivers comprehensive charting tools for technical analysis.

In particular, we prioritize brokers that offer a good selection of indicators and drawing tools. Familiarizing yourself with a range of volatility tools, moving averages and technical studies, for example, can help you uncover short-term market opportunities.

MT4 platform at Pepperstone, showing list of technical indicators
Pepperstone – MT4 Platform
  • Pepperstone is an excellent choice here, with a leading range of charting platforms and third-party analysis tools, including MetaTrader 4 (MT4), cTrader, and Autochartist. Whether you trade on the go or execute complex algo strategies, there’s something for everyone at this broker.

Tradable Assets

Pick a broker that offers a diverse range of day trading markets.

Having access to a wide range of assets will allow you to build a diversified portfolio, hedge against risks and gain confidence trading the financial markets.

Infographic showing popular Australian day trading markets
Day Trading Markets

For Australian traders, we look out for popular currency pairs like AUD/USD and GBP/AUD, as well as stock markets like the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).

Most top brokers typically offer trading via contracts for difference (CFDs). These are short-term derivative products that allow you to speculate on price movements without taking ownership of the asset.

List of Australian share CFDs available at Vantage
Vantage – Share CFDs
  • Vantage continues to offer a strong range of 1000+ assets for Australian day traders, including popular currencies and commodities like gold and silver against the AUD, plus dozens of ASX-listed share CFDs.

Execution Speed and Quality

Consider the broker’s execution policy and whether it will optimize your day trading strategies.

This will include the likelihood, quality and speed of execution which, when performing optimally, will ensure the best possible conditions for short-term strategies.

Premium trading and execution conditions at IC Markets
IC Markets – Execution

The good news is that many leading brokerages with fast execution operate in Australia, and we favor those with speeds of less than 100 milliseconds.

  • IC Markets continually excels in this category, with orders executed in around 35 milliseconds. Experienced short-term traders can also access a VPS subscription which delivers ultra-low latency and reduced slippage.

Leverage and Margin Requirements

Make sure the broker has transparent leverage and margin requirements.

Trading with leverage appeals to many day traders looking to maximize their potential returns with a small initial deposit.

That said, leverage trading is inherently risky, so it’s important to register with a broker that is transparent about their margin requirements.

  • OANDA is an excellent choice for Australian traders looking for a trustworthy ASIC-regulated broker that provides margin rates up-front. The broker also offers guaranteed stop-loss orders (GSLO) plus additional margin relief for pro traders.

Minimum Account Deposit

Choose a broker with an affordable minimum deposit requirement that suits your budget.

Anything below $500 is reasonable, though most leading Australian day trading platforms offer a minimum deposit of less than $200. This is ideal for beginners who may be on a smaller budget.

It’s also worth looking out for brokers who offer accounts denominated in AUD, which will save you exchange fees when it comes to funding.

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Tip: Consider setting up a demo account in AUD so you can practice your trading strategies and assess potential trading costs without having to put down a deposit.
  • ThinkMarkets is a great beginner-friendly option, offering a competitive AUD account with no minimum deposit requirement.

Methodology

Our approach to finding the best day trading platforms in Australia involved comprehensive qualitative and quantitative assessments of each broker. In particular:

  • We ensured that the platform accepts Australian day traders.
  • We checked for a trustworthy license from a reputable agency, such as the ASIC.
  • We focused on brokers with low day trading fees.
  • We prioritized charting platforms that cater to short-term strategies.
  • We checked the broker’s execution speeds and pricing.
  • We favored platforms with reasonable margin and leverage requirements.
  • We picked brokers that offer an affordable minimum deposit.

DayTrading.com broker testing methodology overview

Bottom Line

We’ve tested and evaluated dozens of platforms to find you the best day trading brokers in Australia.

Before signing up, check that your chosen broker is listed on the respective regulator’s website. We also recommend trying out the platform in a demo account to determine if the platform is stable, easy to use, and offers the instruments you want to trade.

FAQ

How Much Money Do I Need To Start Day Trading In Australia?

Most brokers offer live trading accounts with an initial deposit of $500 or less, with some even requiring no minimum deposit. ThinkMarkets, for example, is a great choice for beginners on a budget with zero minimum.

Who Regulates Day Trading Platforms In Australia?

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is the primary regulatory authority that oversees financial markets in Australia.

We consider the ASIC a ‘green tier’ agency, which means it offers the highest standards of financial safeguarding for Australian clients.

That said, it’s important to understand the inherent risks of day trading and always ensure you have a solid risk management strategy in place.

Which Are The Best Brokers That Accept Day Traders From Australia?

Check our list of the best day trading brokers in Australia to find the right option for you. Many of these firms offer services tailored to Australian clients, including an AUD account, ASIC regulation, and a range of tradable assets popular in Australia.

Article Sources

The writing and editorial team at DayTrading.com use credible sources to support their work. These include government agencies, white papers, research institutes, and engagement with industry professionals. Content is written free from bias and is fact-checked where appropriate. Learn more about why you can trust DayTrading.com