Best CFD Brokers and Trading Platforms in Australia 2024
CFD brokers in Australia should be regulated by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC), which has strengthened its investor protections in recent years, limiting leverage to 1:30 for retail investors and taking legal action against trading platforms for over-marketing CFDs.
Explore our selection of the best CFD brokers in Australia. Every platform recommended has been exhaustively reviewed, earned the trust of our experts, and caters specifically to Aussie CFD traders.
Top 10 CFD Trading Platforms in Australia
Our tests show that these are the 10 top platforms for Australian CFD traders:
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1PepperstoneCFDs and FX are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 81.8% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs.
Ratings
$00.01 Lots1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCBCFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto, Spread BettingMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTradeVisa, Mastercard, Credit Card, Debit Card, PayPal, Wire Transfer, POLi, UnionPay, BPAY, Neteller, Skrill, PIX PaymentUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD -
2IC Markets
Ratings
$2000.01 Lots1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMACFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, CryptoMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTradePayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Visa, UnionPay, Wire Transfer, Rapid Transfer, Mastercard, POLi, BPAY, Credit Card, Klarna, Swift, SafeChargeUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD -
3AvaTrade
Ratings
$1000.01 Lots1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM, CIRO, AFMCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, FuturesWebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTradeSkrill, Wire Transfer, FasaPay, Mastercard, Perfect Money, Swift, MoneyGram, Credit Card, WebMoney, JCB Card, Debit Card, Neteller, BoletoUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD -
4Fusion Markets
Ratings
$00.01 Lots1:500ASIC, VFSC, FSACFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, CryptoMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, DupliTradeVisa, Skrill, Neteller, Mastercard, PayPal, Bitcoin Payments, FasaPay, Perfect Money, Doku Wallet, Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Dragonpay, Sticpay, Ethereum Payments, TransferWise, AstroPay, PayID, JetonCashUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD -
5XM
Ratings
$50.01 Lots1:30ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, IFSCCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Thematic Indices, Precious Metals, EnergiesMT4, MT5, TradingCentralCredit Card, Debit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Wire Transfer, Perfect Money, Apple Pay, Google Wallet, TransferWise, Visa, M-PesaUSD, EUR, GBP, JPY -
6Eightcap
Ratings
$1000.01 Lots1:30ASIC, FCA, CySEC, SCBCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, CryptoMT4, MT5, TradingViewNeteller, Skrill, Visa, UnionPay, Credit Card, Debit Card, Bitcoin Payments, Wire Transfer, FasaPay, BPAY, PayPal, Dragonpay, PIX PaymentUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD -
7eToroeToro AUS Capital Ltd ACN 612 791 803 AFSL 491139. OTC Derivatives are speculative and leveraged. Not suitable for all investors. Capital At Risk. See eToro T&Cs.
Ratings
$100$10FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSA, FSRA, MFSA, CNMV, AMFCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, ETFs, Smart Portfolios, Commodities, Futures, Crypto, NFTseToro Web, CopyTrader, TradingCentralVisa, Skrill, Neteller, Wire Transfer, Rapid Transfer, Swift, Debit Card, iDeal, Klarna, Sofort, Trustly, Przelewy24USD, EUR, GBP -
8FOREX.com20% Welcome Bonus Up To $5000
Ratings
$1000.01 Lots1:400NFA, CFTC, CIRO, FCA, CYSEC, ASIC, SFC, FSA, MAS, CIMAForex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Futures, Options, CryptoMT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentralWire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, ACH TransferUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN -
9Trade Nation200 Sign-Up Reward Points84% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
Ratings
$00.1 Lots1:500 (entity dependent)FCA, ASIC, FSCA, SCB, FSAForex, CFDs, Indices, Shares, Commodities, Futures, Bonds, Cryptos (Bahamas Entity Only)MT4Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Wire Transfer, Skrill, PayPal, Debit CardUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, ZAR, SEK, NOK, DKK -
10Vantage50% Welcome Deposit Bonus, earn redeemable rewards in the Vantage Rewards scheme
Ratings
$500.01 Lots1:500FCA, ASIC, FSCA, VFSCCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, BondsProTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView, DupliTradeSkrill, BPAY, JCB Card, AstroPay, Visa, Swift, Neteller, Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, UnionPay, FasaPay, Sticpay, Bitwallet, VoletUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, HKD, SGD, PLN
Here is a short overview of each broker's pros and cons
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- XM - XM is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker with 10+ million clients in 190+ countries. Since 2009, this trusted broker has been delivering low trading fees across its growing roster of 1000+ instruments. It’s also highly regulated, including by ASIC and CySEC and offers a comprehensive MetaTrader experience.
- 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 800+ 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.
- eToro - eToro is a top-rated multi-asset platform which offers trading services in thousands of CFDs, stocks and cryptoassets. Launched in 2007, the brand has millions of active traders globally and is authorized by tier one regulators, including the FCA and CySEC. The brand is particularly popular for its comprehensive social trading platform. Cryptoasset investing is highly volatile and unregulated in the UK and some EU countries. No consumer protection. Tax on profits may apply. 51% of retail CFD accounts lose money.
- 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.
- Trade Nation - Trade Nation is a top FX and CFD broker regulated in multiple jurisdictions including the UK and Australia. The firm offers low-cost fixed and variable spreads on 1000+ assets with robust trading platforms and training materials. The Signal Centre can also be used for trade ideas.
- Vantage - Founded in 2009, Vantage offers trading on 1000+ short-term CFD products to over 900,000 clients. You can trade Forex CFDs from 0.0 pips on the RAW account through TradingView, MT4 or MT5. Vantage is ASIC-regulated and client funds are segregated. Copy traders will also appreciate the range of social trading tools.
Best CFD Brokers and Trading Platforms in Australia 2024 Comparison
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 Account | Yes |
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Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto, Spread Betting |
Regulator | FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB |
Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade |
Minimum Deposit | $0 |
Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- Pepperstone boasts impressive execution speeds, averaging around 30ms, facilitating fast order processing and execution that’s ideal for day trading.
- Pepperstone emerges as a low-cost broker, especially for serious day traders with spreads from 0.0 in the Razor account and rebates of 25%+ through the Active Trader program.
- Now offering spread betting through TradingView, Pepperstone provides a seamless, tax-efficient trading experience with advanced analysis tools.
Cons
- Pepperstone does not support cTrader Copy, a popular copy trading feature built into the excellent cTrader platform and available at alternatives like IC Markets, though it has introduced an intuitive copy trading app.
- 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.
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 Account | Yes |
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Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto |
Regulator | ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA |
Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade |
Minimum Deposit | $200 |
Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- 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.
- As a tightly regulated and widely respected broker, IC Markets prioritizes client security and transparency, helping to ensure a reliable trading experience globally.
Cons
- 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.
- Interest isn't paid on unused cash, an increasingly popular feature found at alternatives like Interactive Brokers.
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 Account | Yes |
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Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, Futures |
Regulator | ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM, CIRO, AFM |
Platforms | WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade |
Minimum Deposit | $100 |
Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
Leverage | 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro) |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD |
Pros
- WebTrader is well-suited to beginners and features a strong suite of technical analysis tools and market research for day traders
- The broker offers reliable 24/5 multilingual customer support with fast response times during testing
- AvaTrade is a heavily regulated and trustworthy broker with licenses from the ASIC, CySEC and more
Cons
- Traders from the US are not accepted
- 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
- There is no ECN account with raw spreads
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 Account | Yes |
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Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto |
Regulator | ASIC, VFSC, FSA |
Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, DupliTrade |
Minimum Deposit | $0 |
Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
Leverage | 1:500 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- 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.
- The range of charting platforms and social trading features is excellent, with MT4, MT5, cTrader and more recently TradingView, catering to a wide range of trader preferences.
- The market analysis features, Market Buzz and Analyst Views, are great tools for discovering opportunities and conveniently integrated into the client dashboard.
Cons
- Traders outside of Australia must sign up with weakly regulated global entities with limited safeguards and no negative balance protection.
- While the selection of currency pairs trumps most rivals, the broker's alternative investment offering is average with no stock CFDs beyond the US.
- There is no proprietary trading platform or app built with beginners in mind, a notable drawback compared to AvaTrade.
XM
"With a low $5 minimum deposit, advanced charting platforms in MT4 and MT5, expanding range of markets, and a Zero account offering spreads from 0.0, XM provides all the essentials for active traders, even earning our ‘Best MT4/MT5 Broker’ award in recent years."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
XM Quick Facts
Demo Account | Yes |
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Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Thematic Indices, Precious Metals, Energies |
Regulator | ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, IFSC |
Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingCentral |
Minimum Deposit | $5 |
Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
Leverage | 1:30 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, JPY |
Pros
- XM’s Zero account is ideal for day trading with spreads from 0.0 pips, 99.35% of orders executed in <1 second, and no requotes or rejections.
- XM stands out for its commitment to trader education, with a wealth of well-presented resources, including webinars, tutorials, and even real-time trading sessions through XM Live.
- XM’s customer support has delivered over years of testing, with 24/5 assistance in 25 languages, response times of <2 minutes and now a growing Telegram channel.
Cons
- XM is falling behind the curve by not offering cTrader and TradingView which are increasingly being favored over MetaTrader for their smoother user experience and superior charting packages.
- Although trusted and generally well-regulated, the XM global entity is registered with the weak IFSC regulator and UK clients are no longer accepted, reducing its market reach.
- XM relies solely on the MetaTrader platforms for desktop trading, so there’s no in-house downloadable or web-accessible solution for a more beginner-friendly user experience with unique features.
Eightcap
"Eightcap delivers in every area for day traders with a growing selection of charting platforms, education via Labs, and AI-powered tools. Now sporting 120+ crypto CFDs, 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 Account | Yes |
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Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto |
Regulator | ASIC, FCA, CySEC, SCB |
Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingView |
Minimum Deposit | $100 |
Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
Leverage | 1:30 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD |
Pros
- 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.
- Eightcap stands out with a selection of powerful trading tools and resources, including MT4 and MT5, the innovative algorithmic trading platform Capitalise.ai, and more recently the 50-million strong social trading network TradingView.
- Having excelled across all key areas for day traders, Eightcap outperformed every competitor to win our 'Best Overall Broker' award for 2024, also securing our 'Best Crypto Broker' title.
Cons
- Despite a useful library of educational guides and e-books in Labs, Eightcap still trails IG’s comprehensive toolkit for aspiring traders with its dedicated IG Academy app and 18 course categories.
- 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.
- In spite of an increasing variety of tools, Eightcap doesn't offer industry favorites like Autochartist or Trading Central, which offer cutting-edge charting analytics, live news, and market insights for short-term traders.
eToro
"eToro's social trading platform leads the pack with a terrific user experience and active community chat that can help beginners find opportunities. There are also competitive fees on thousands of CFDs and real stocks, plus excellent rewards for experienced strategy providers."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
eToro Quick Facts
Demo Account | Yes |
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Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, ETFs, Smart Portfolios, Commodities, Futures, Crypto, NFTs |
Regulator | FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSA, FSRA, MFSA, CNMV, AMF |
Platforms | eToro Web, CopyTrader, TradingCentral |
Minimum Deposit | $100 |
Minimum Trade | $10 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP |
Pros
- There's a comprehensive online training academy with accessible resources, from bitesize articles to comprehensive courses
- eToro has finally introduced EUR and GBP accounts, cutting conversion fees and providing a trading experience more tailored to local needs
- eToro has bolstered its investment offering, most recently with new crypto assets, now offering over 90 digital currencies
Cons
- Traders will face currency conversion fees for account denominations other than USD
- There are limited contact methods aside from the in-platform live chat
- The lack of additional charting platforms like MT4 will reduce the appeal for seasoned day traders accustomed to using third-party software
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 Offer | 20% Welcome Bonus Up To $5000 |
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Demo Account | Yes |
Instruments | Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Futures, Options, Crypto |
Regulator | NFA, CFTC, CIRO, FCA, CYSEC, ASIC, SFC, FSA, MAS, CIMA |
Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral |
Minimum Deposit | $100 |
Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
Leverage | 1:400 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN |
Pros
- FOREX.com offers industry-leading forex pricing starting from 0.0 pips, alongside competitive cashback rebates of up to 15% for serious day traders.
- The in-house Web Trader continues to shine as one of the best-designed platforms for aspiring day traders with a slick design and over 80 technical indicators for market analysis.
- There’s a wealth of educational resources including tutorials, webinars, and a stacked YouTube channel to help you get educated in the financial markets.
Cons
- Demo accounts are frustratingly time-limited to 90 days, which doesn’t give you enough time to test day trading strategies effectively.
- Funding options are limited compared to leading alternatives like IC Markets and don’t include many popular e-wallets, notably UnionPay and POLi.
- There’s no negative balance protection for US clients, so you may find yourself owing more money than your initial deposit into your account.
Trade Nation
"Trade Nation is a good choice for newer traders looking for a wide range of financial markets on a user-friendly platform. There is no minimum deposit, free funding options and strong education."
William Berg, Reviewer
Trade Nation Quick Facts
Bonus Offer | 200 Sign-Up Reward Points |
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Demo Account | Yes |
Instruments | Forex, CFDs, Indices, Shares, Commodities, Futures, Bonds, Cryptos (Bahamas Entity Only) |
Regulator | FCA, ASIC, FSCA, SCB, FSA |
Platforms | MT4 |
Minimum Deposit | $0 |
Minimum Trade | 0.1 Lots |
Leverage | 1:500 (entity dependent) |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, ZAR, SEK, NOK, DKK |
Pros
- There is a low minimum deposit for beginners
- A choice of trading platforms and apps, including MT4, make the brand a good fit for savvy traders
- Trade Nation is a multi-regulated and respected broker that previously operated as Core Spreads
Cons
- Fewer legal protections with offshore entity
Vantage
"Vantage remains an excellent option for CFD traders seeking a tightly-regulated broker with access to the reliable MetaTrader platforms. The fast sign-up process and $50 minimum deposit make it very straightforward to start day trading quickly."
Jemma Grist, Reviewer
Vantage Quick Facts
Bonus Offer | 50% Welcome Deposit Bonus, earn redeemable rewards in the Vantage Rewards scheme |
---|---|
Demo Account | Yes |
Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds |
Regulator | FCA, ASIC, FSCA, VFSC |
Platforms | ProTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView, DupliTrade |
Minimum Deposit | $50 |
Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
Leverage | 1:500 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, HKD, SGD, PLN |
Pros
- It’s quick and easy to open a live account – taking less than 5 minutes
- There are no short-term strategy restrictions with hedging and scalping permitted
- There’s an excellent suite of day trading software, including the award-winning platforms MT4 and MT5
Cons
- The average execution speeds of 100ms to 250ms are slower than alternatives based on tests
- Unfortunately, cryptos are only available for Australian clients
- It's a shame that some clients will need to register with the offshore entity, which offers less regulatory protection
Choosing A CFD Broker in Australia
Our years in the industry and direct experience using CFD trading platforms shows there are several things to consider when selecting a broker:
Trust
We’ve selected CFD providers we trust after verifying they are regulated by the ASIC, ensuring the highest level of safeguards for Aussie traders. We also factored in our personal observations during the testing process, looking for dependable trading platforms with an excellent industry reputation.
The ASIC is the financial authority responsible for regulating CFD trading in Australia. It’s a ‘Green-tier’ regulator, meaning it actively monitors CFD brokers and provides the best investor protections.
Notably, the ASIC requires:
- Brokers market CFDs fairly by assessing traders’ suitability, with eToro coming under its crosshairs in 2023 for its appropriateness test.
- Brokers cap the leverage available to retail investors on popular underlying assets like the AUD/USD at 1:30, limiting potential losses.
- Brokers provide negative balance protection, ensuring investors can’t lose more than their account balance while trading leveraged CFDs.
- Brokers operate segregated accounts with trusted banks like the Australia & New Zealand Banking Group, keeping client money separate from the company should the firm face difficulties.
- Brokers should not entice CFD traders with bonuses, such as free trading credits, a practice popular in Australia during the 2010s.
- Fusion Markets (FMGP Trading Group Pty Ltd), is a highly trusted CFD provider in Australia. It’s regulated by the ASIC (AFSL #385620), headquartered in Melbourne, and operates Client Trust Accounts with the National Australia Bank (NAB).
Markets
Contracts for difference can be used to speculate on rising and falling prices across a huge range of underlying markets, from stocks and indices to forex, commodities, cryptos, and more.
For Australians, in particular, it may be worth looking for brokers with access to local markets, such as the Australian Stock Exchange and currency pairs with an AUD component.
We’ve recommended CFD trading platforms that provide access to popular Aussie markets, as well as global markets, providing an array of short-term trading opportunities for investors at every level.
The Australian economy is one of the strongest in the world and the country has not experienced a technical recession for over 27 years, the longest of any economy globally.
It is also home to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), the largest stock exchange in the southern hemisphere, and the Sydney Stock Exchange (SSX). Its currency, the Australian dollar (AUD), is one-half of the fourth most traded currency pair globally – AUD/USD.
The country is also heavily influenced by trade between the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), such as Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia, and is part of an economic framework agreement known as ASEAN plus six.
CFD traders interested in commodities will also find Australia an attractive market, with mining making up around 7-8% of the country’s GDP. Iron, gold and copper are among the top commodities mined in the country.
- AvaTrade offers an excellent investment offering, especially for Australian CFD traders, with highlights including the Australia 200 Index and seven AUD currency pairs, including the AUD/USD, GBP/AUD and AUD/JPY. It also offers CFDs on gold and copper.
Leverage
The availability of leverage, which allows you to multiply your trading results (profits and losses) in return for a small outlay, known as margin, is one of the main draws of CFD trading.
However, we only recommend Australian CFD brokers that abide by ASIC’s rules which mandate retail investors can’t access leverage beyond 1:30 for major currency pairs, 1:20 for minor currency pairs, 1:10 for commodities, 1:5 for shares and 1:2 for cryptos.
Let’s say I want to go long on Telstra Corporation (TLS) following an announcement from a respected industry outlet suggesting a promising 5G rollout across Australia.I invest 200 AUD in a stock CFD using 1:5 leverage. This allows me to control 1,000 AUD (5 x 200 AUD).
If Telstra’s stock price rises by 10%, my position increases to 1,100 AUD, resulting in a 100 AUD profit (minus any fees).
- IC Markets offers leveraged CFDs in line with ASIC’s requirements, while excelling with its free Margin Calculator that shows you the required margin in AUD. Our experts have also traded CFDs at IC Markets using real money and praise its lightning-fast execution that caters to fast-paced strategies like day trading.
Cost
Pricing is a critical consideration for CFD traders, especially day traders executing many orders. That’s why we analyze spreads on a range of underlying assets, from forex and commodities to stocks and indices, helping us identify the cheapest CFD brokers for Australian traders.
You’ll typically pay a spread and/or commission when dealing in CFDs. Importantly, newer traders may prefer a spread-only account – these feature higher spreads but keep pricing simple with zero commissions. Alternatively, experienced day traders may favor a low-spread account with a fixed commission.
- Fusion Markets consistently excels as one of the lowest-cost CFD providers in Australia, with average spreads of 0.04 on the AUD/USD and an impressively low $2.25 commission per side. The ASX200 also averages 1.2, while gold (XAU/AUD) averages 2.72.
Funding
The top brokers in Australia ensure a smooth CFD trading experience by facilitating hassle-free deposits and withdrawals, with an accessible minimum investment of up to 250 USD, around 400 AUD.
We’ve researched the payment methods most important to Australian CFD traders and factored their availability into our broker ratings. For example, PayID is one of the most popular methods in Australia, with over a third of Aussies using it for an online transaction in recent years.
- City Index stands out with its excellent selection of convenient payment methods for Australian CFD traders, notably Pay ID and BPAY, alongside traditional bank cards and wire transfers. There is also no account minimum or deposit fees.
FAQ
Which Is The Best CFD Broker In Australia?
Find the best CFD broker in Australia for your needs using our latest rankings.
Every platform recommended has been personally tested by our industry experts, accepts CFD traders from Australia, and is authorized by the ASIC.
Who Regulates CFD Trading Platforms And Brokers In Australia?
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) regulates CFD trading platforms and brokers in Australia.
The ASIC is widely respected for its excellent investor safeguards, notably negative balance protection, limits on leverage, and its active pursuit of brokers for their over-marketing of CFDs and failing to provide appropriate suitability tests, notably eToro in 2023.
How Much Money Do I Need To Open A CFD Trading Account In Australia?
Our analysis shows you typically need up to 400 AUD to open a CFD trading account in Australia.
That said, some brokers cater to budget traders with no minimum investment. The highest-rated are Pepperstone and IC Markets.
Recommended Reading
Article Sources
- Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC)
- CFD Broker Check - ASIC Connect
- Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)
- Sydney Stock Exchange (SX)
- eToro Sued Over Marketing of CFDs - ASIC
- Snapshot of Australian Economy - Reserve Bank of Australia
- How Australians Pay - Reserve Bank of Australia
- Australia's Last Recession - Parliament of Australia
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