Binary Options Alternatives

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Written By
Contributor Image
Written By
William Berg
William contributes to several investment websites, leveraging his experience as a consultant for IPOs in the Nordic market and background providing localization for forex trading software. William has worked as a writer and fact-checker for a long row of financial publications.
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Edited By
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Edited By
Tobias Robinson
Tobias is a partner at DayTrading.com, director of a UK limited company and active trader. He has over 25 years of experience in the financial industry and contributed via CySec to the regulatory response to digital options and CFD trading in Europe. Toby’s expertise and dedication to financial education make him a trusted voice in the industry, including a BBC investigation into digital options.
Updated

While binary options are a simple and potentially lucrative form of trading, some investors will want to expand their trading repertoire to include alternative instruments. This guide explores the best alternatives to binary options, from CFDs to spread betting and futures. We also explain how these trading instruments compare to binary options, unpacking their respective merits and drawbacks. Read on for a list of the best binary options alternatives.

Best Alternatives To Binary Options Brokers

Click a broker for details
  1. 1
    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
    1:500
    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
  2. 2
    IG
    Forex trading involves risk. Losses can exceed deposits.

    Ratings
    4.9 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.9 / 5
    5 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4 / 5

    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)
    FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting
    Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
    PayPal, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, Credit Card, Visa, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD
  3. 3
    IQCent
    20% to 200% Deposit Bonus

    Ratings
    2.5 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    2.4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    2.5 / 5
    3 / 5
    2 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.1 / 5

    $250
    $0.01
    1:500
    IFMRRC
    Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
    Online Platform, TradingView
    Credit Card, Debit Card, Wire Transfer, Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum Payments, Visa, Mastercard
    USD, EUR
  4. 4
    RedMars

    Ratings
    3.3 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4 / 5
    2.8 / 5
    3 / 5
    4.7 / 5
    4.6 / 5

    €250
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
    CySEC
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos
    MT5
    Credit Card, Wire Transfer, Debit Card, Sticpay, FasaPay, Bitcoin Payments, Trustly, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Klarna, Mastercard, Visa
    USD, EUR
  5. 5
    Interactive Brokers

    Ratings
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5

    $0
    $100
    1:50
    FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA
    Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies
    Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral
    Cheque, ACH Transfer, Wire Transfer, Automated Customer Account Transfer Service, TransferWise, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF
  6. 6
    Videforex
    20% to 200% Deposit Bonus

    $250
    $0.01
    1:500
    Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
    TradingView
    Skrill, Perfect Money, Bitcoin Payments, Neteller, Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Ethereum Payments
    USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB
  7. 7
    xChief
    $100 No Deposit Bonus

    $10
    0.01 Lots
    1:1000
    VFSC
    CFDs, Forex, Metals, Commodities, Stocks, Indices
    MT4, MT5
    Wire Transfer, Bitcoin Payments, Credit Card, UnionPay, Skrill, Neteller, WebMoney, Perfect Money, Debit Card, Ethereum Payments, FasaPay, Volet
    USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, CHF
  8. 8
    Axofa
    10% Deposit Bonus

    $1
    0.01 Lots
    1:1000
    SVGFSA
    Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities
    MT5
    Debit Card, Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Neteller, Skrill, Bitcoin Payments, Wire Transfer
    USD, IDR
  9. 9
    Sage FX
    $1,500 trading competition

    $10
    0.01 Lots
    1:500
    Pending
    Forex, indices, cryptos
    TradeLocker
    Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum Payments
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD
  10. 10
    Coinexx
    100% Deposit Welcome Bonus

    0.001 BTC
    0.01 Lots
    1:500
    Forex, Commodities, Indices, Cryptocurrencies
    MT4, MT5
    Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum Payments
    USD

Here is a summary of why we recommend these brokers:

  1. DNA Markets - DNA Markets offers a recently enhanced suite of 800+ CFDs covering stocks, indices, forex, commodities and cryptos, providing opportunities to speculate on rising and falling prices. There are no restrictions on strategies with leverage up to 1:30 (Australia) or 1:500 (rest of world).
  2. IG - IG offers a huge selection of 17,000+ CFDs, providing more trading opportunities than most CFD brokers. Traders can go long or short on popular markets like stocks, currencies, commodities and cryptos, while custom price alerts and the IG Academy continue to enhance the trading experience.
  3. IQCent - CFDs are available on forex, indices, commodities and cryptos, although the range of 100+ instruments is limited compared to alternatives such as Quotex with 400+. Leverage is available up to 1:500 but the $250 minimum deposit is noticeably higher than competitors.
  4. RedMars - RedMars caters to various short-term trading styles across popular asset classes, including 7 commodities, 14 indices, and 120+ stocks. Leverage is available up to 1:30 (retail) and 1:500 (pro), amplifying results. However, there is no calculator to help with understanding margin requirements and the depth of investments is limited.
  5. Interactive Brokers - Over 8,000 CFDs are offered on a vast array of instruments, encompassing stocks, indices, forex, and commodities. Moreover, the TWS platform lends itself to seasoned day traders, offering a comprehensive selection of over 100 order types and algorithms, alongside premium market data sourced from reputable sources such as Reuters and Dow Jones.
  6. Videforex - Videforex CFDs are available on forex, indices, cryptocurrencies and commodities with up to 1:500 leverage and tight spreads from near zero. CFDs incur a commission fee of 1%–2.5% and up to 5% for leveraged trades.
  7. xChief - You can trade a competitive range of CFDs encompassing crypto, indices, energies and metals, with very high leverage up to 1:1000. ECN pricing is available, with spreads from 0.0 pips and low commissions from $2.50. A Cent account is also available for those on a smaller budget.
  8. Axofa - CFDs are available on popular asset classes with a competitive $1 minimum deposit. The MT5 integration will allow serious short-term traders to utilize the vast library of technical tools, bots and indicators, but the lack of any CFD trading education puts the broker behind many alternatives.
  9. Sage FX - Trade CFDs on forex, stocks, metals, energies, indices, cryptos and dollar futures. Sage FX offers tight spreads and high leverage on all instruments from 1:100 to 1:500.
  10. Coinexx - Trade flexible CFDs on forex, commodities, indices and cryptos with tight spreads, fast execution, micro-lot trading and leverage up to 1:500. There are also no restrictions on day trading strategies.

Binary Options Alternatives Comparison

Binary Options Alternatives Comparison
Broker CFD Leverage Minimum Deposit Minimum Trade Regulators
DNA Markets logo
1:500 $100 0.01 Lots ASIC
IG logo
1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro) $0 0.01 Lots FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB
IQCent logo
1:500 $250 $0.01 IFMRRC
RedMars logo
1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) €250 0.01 Lots CySEC
Interactive Brokers logo
1:50 $0 $100 FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA
Videforex logo
1:500 $250 $0.01 -
xChief logo
1:1000 $10 0.01 Lots VFSC
Axofa logo
1:1000 $1 0.01 Lots SVGFSA
Sage FX logo
1:500 $10 0.01 Lots Pending
Coinexx logo
1:500 0.001 BTC 0.01 Lots -

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

FTSE Spread1.7
GBPUSD Spread1.0
Stocks Spread1.0 cent + $0.02 per share, per side (Apple)
Leverage1:500
RegulatorASIC
PlatformsMT4, MT5
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
  • Convenient account funding is available with 7 base currencies, a $100 deposit and a wide range of payment methods
  • The broker provides 24/5 customer support with response times of <2 minutes during testing

Cons

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

IG

"IG continues to provide a comprehensive package with an intuitive web platform and best-in-class education for beginners, plus advanced charting tools, real-time data, and fast execution speeds for experienced day traders."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

IG Quick Facts

FTSE Spread1.0
GBPUSD Spread0.9
Stocks Spread0.02
Leverage1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)
RegulatorFCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB
PlatformsWeb, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • The proprietary web-based platform continues to caters to traders of all levels, with advanced charting tools and real-time market data useful for day trading
  • IG is amongst the best in terms of its range of instruments, which includes stocks, forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, providing ample diversification opportunities
  • IG offers an extensive collection of professional and engaging educational resources, including webinars, articles, and analysis

Cons

  • IG applies an inactivity fee of $12 per month after 2 years, deterring casual investors
  • Beginners might find IG’s fee structure complex, with various fees for different types of trades or services, potentially leading to confusion or unexpected charges
  • While there is negative balance protection in the UK and EU, there is no account protection or guaranteed stop losses for US clients

IQCent

"IQCent will appeal to day traders looking for a straightforward binary options and CFD trading platform with low fees, a range of accounts, and copy trading. Getting started takes less than 1 minute and a $250 deposit. "

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

IQCent Quick Facts

Bonus Offer20% to 200% Deposit Bonus
FTSE Spread1.4
GBPUSD Spread0.8
Stocks SpreadN/A
Leverage1:500
RegulatorIFMRRC
PlatformsOnline Platform, TradingView
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR

Pros

  • Keen traders can take part in trading contests with cash prizes
  • The proprietary terminal offers TradingView-powered charts which deliver dozens of technical indicators and studies
  • There's an accessible $0.01 minimum stake for new day traders with a small budget

Cons

  • IQCent trails binary brokers like Quotex with its narrow investment offering of around 100 assets with no stocks
  • IQCent charges a punitive $10 monthly inactivity fee if you fail to place at least 1 trade per month
  • The market analysis is very basic with limited technical summaries and insights from analysts

RedMars

"RedMars is the best fit for experienced day traders familiar with the MetaTrader 5 platform and based in the EU, where the broker is authorized by the CySEC. However, the threadbare education and research tools make it unsuitable for beginners."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

RedMars Quick Facts

FTSE Spread15
GBPUSD Spread0.7
Stocks SpreadVariable
Leverage1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
RegulatorCySEC
PlatformsMT5
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR

Pros

  • Getting started on RedMars is incredibly easy - you can be up and running in just a few minutes based on tests
  • RedMars offers one of the best platforms for day trading, MT5, hosting 21 timeframes, dozens of analytical tools, flexible templates and algo trading
  • Clients in the EU, in particular, can trade with peace of mind knowing RedMars is authorized by the CySEC with up to €20K compensation available through the ICF in the event of bankruptcy

Cons

  • RedMars falls short for newer traders, with little in the way of education, no beginner-friendly platform, a steep minimum deposit, and inadequate support during testing
  • While RedMars' spreads are within industry averages, they don't offer a significant edge over the cheapest day trading brokers we've personally used, notably IC Markets
  • The no-frills trading environment offers little beyond the basics, with no Islamic account, PAMM account or copy trading.

Interactive Brokers

"Interactive Brokers is one of the best brokers for advanced day traders, providing powerful charting platforms, real-time data, and customizable layouts, notably through the new IBKR Desktop application. Its superb pricing and advanced order options also make it highly attractive for day traders, while its diverse range of equities is still among the best in the industry."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

Interactive Brokers Quick Facts

FTSE Spread0.005% (£1 Min)
GBPUSD Spread0.08-0.20 bps x trade value
Stocks Spread0.003
Leverage1:50
RegulatorFCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA
PlatformsTrader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF

Pros

  • While primarily geared towards experienced traders, IBKR has made moves to broaden its appeal in recent years, reducing its minimum deposit from $10,000 to $0.
  • With low commissions, tight spreads and a transparent fee structure, IBKR delivers a cost-effective environment for short-term traders.
  • The new IBKR Desktop platform takes the best of TWS while adding bespoke tools like Option Lattice and Screeners with MultiSort to create a genuinely impressive trading experience for day traders at every level.

Cons

  • You can only have one active session per account, so you can’t have your desktop program and mobile app running simultaneously, making for a sometimes frustrating trading experience.
  • IBKR provides a wide range of research tools, but their distribution across trading platforms and the web-based 'Account Management' page lacks consistency, leading to a confusing user experience.
  • TWS’s learning curve is steep, and beginners may find it challenging to navigate the platform and understand all the features. Plus500's web platform is much better suited to new traders.

Videforex

"Newer traders will find a lot to enjoy about trading binary options on Videforex's easy-to-use proprietary platform, as well as the broker's copy trading solution. Payouts also remain higher than most alternatives climbing to 98%."

William Berg, Reviewer

Videforex Quick Facts

Bonus Offer20% to 200% Deposit Bonus
FTSE SpreadFloating from 0.2
GBPUSD SpreadFloating from 0.1
Stocks SpreadNA
Leverage1:500
PlatformsTradingView
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB

Pros

  • The support times are fast and reliable based on tests - few brokers offer 24/7 multi-lingual video support
  • Traders can earn up to 98% payouts on 100+ assets with the broker’s binary options, which is in line with competing brands like IQCent
  • Videforex regularly runs trading contests, offering great practice opportunities and cash prizes to beginners and experienced traders

Cons

  • US clients aren’t accepted due to legal restrictions
  • The broker isn’t overseen by a trusted regulatory agency
  • No MetaTrader 4 integration

xChief

"xChief continues to prove popular with investors looking to trade highly leveraged CFDs on the popular MetaTrader platforms. The broker's rebate scheme and investment accounts will particularly appeal to seasoned traders. However, the lack of top-tier regulatory oversight is a major drawback."

William Berg, Reviewer

xChief Quick Facts

Bonus Offer$100 No Deposit Bonus
FTSE Spread70
GBPUSD Spread0.9
Stocks Spread50
Leverage1:1000
RegulatorVFSC
PlatformsMT4, MT5
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, JPY, CHF

Pros

  • The broker offers a turnover rebate scheme geared towards active investors, as well as trading credits and several other occasional bonuses
  • Traders can access a copy trading solution via the MetaQuotes Signals service
  • xChief offers STP/ECN execution with low spreads from 0.0 pips and low commission rates starting from $2.50 per side

Cons

  • xChief is an offshore broker with weak regulatory oversight from the VFSC, so traders will receive limited safeguards
  • The total range of 150+ assets is much lower than most competitors who typically offer hundreds
  • The broker trails competitors when it comes to research tools and educational resources

Axofa

"Axofa could be a good option for clients looking for social trading features alongside the MT5 platform. The low entry requirements and ECN spreads are particularly promising, but the lack of transparency and respected regulatory oversight raises security concerns."

William Berg, Reviewer

Axofa Quick Facts

Bonus Offer10% Deposit Bonus
FTSE SpreadNA
GBPUSD SpreadFrom 1.6 pips
Stocks SpreadNA
Leverage1:1000
RegulatorSVGFSA
PlatformsMT5
Account CurrenciesUSD, IDR

Pros

  • Axofa offers the MetaTrader 5 platform which will particularly serve intermediate to experienced traders looking for advanced charting tools
  • There's a proprietary social/copy trading service for beginners looking to follow successful strategies and for experienced traders looking to sell their strategies
  • Low ECN spreads are available from 0.0 pips, plus reasonable commissions at $3.50 per side

Cons

  • There is a lack of transparency around pricing and account conditions, which significantly reduces the trust score
  • Our team found inconsistencies between international subsidiaries and website information
  • The offshore operations and lack of any regulatory oversight is a major concern

Sage FX

"Sage FX will suit forex traders looking for high leverage and ECN spreads. The broker's prop trading service will also appeal to users looking for funded accounts with up to $200K available."

Tobias Robinson, Reviewer

Sage FX Quick Facts

Bonus Offer$1,500 trading competition
FTSE Spread5.0
GBPUSD Spread0.9
Stocks SpreadN/A
Leverage1:500
RegulatorPending
PlatformsTradeLocker
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD

Pros

  • Bonus offers and trading competitions
  • High leverage up to 1:500
  • Ability to deposit and withdraw via Bitcoin

Cons

  • Relatively narrow range of asset classes
  • Not regulated by any reputable body
  • Lacks educational resources and other extra features

Coinexx

"Traders seeking highly leveraged CFDs with a broker that uses crypto as a base account currency will find a good match in Coinexx. The ECN model also offer tight spreads from 0 pips. On the downside, traders should note the weak regulatory oversight."

Tobias Robinson, Reviewer

Coinexx Quick Facts

Bonus Offer100% Deposit Welcome Bonus
FTSE SpreadFrom 0.0 pips
GBPUSD SpreadFrom 0.0 pips
Stocks SpreadNA
Leverage1:500
PlatformsMT4, MT5
Account CurrenciesUSD

Pros

  • ECN execution model with tight spreads from 0 pips
  • Very high leverage up to 1:500
  • 100% deposit bonus for new clients

Cons

  • No regulatory oversight reduces safety
  • Limited educational materials for new traders
  • No copy trading service for aspiring investors

Binary Options Explained

The simple definition is that binary options are a simplified type of speculation where traders make straightforward price predictions about an asset over a set period. With the most basic contracts, investors need only predict if an asset’s price will be higher or lower than its current value after the contract expires. For example, will Twitter’s share price be higher or lower than $40 in six hours?

Binary options are similar to sports or event gambling in that users stake money for a fixed-odds return. Payouts on traditional binary options can reach 95%, while a losing trade will see the investor lose their initial stake.

Types Of Binary Options

Traders worldwide can use this investment vehicle to make price predictions on a wide range of markets. However, there are significant regional differences between European-style binary options and the alternatives for US residents.

Before diving into the alternatives to binary options, here is a brief overview of the differences between the USA and European-style instruments:

European Binary Options

European or traditional binary options allow investors to stake funds on the price movement of an asset in exchange for a fixed payout if their prediction is correct. However, some binary options brokers offer alternative variants for different trading strategies:

US-Style Binary Options

US-style binary options, also sometimes referred to as fixed-return options, differ because they are exchange-traded rather than sold over-the-counter (OTC) by individual brokers. This gives investors more flexibility to exit positions early and provides traders with additional security.

All US-style binary options offer a set payout of $100 per contract, with investors profiting from the difference between the price paid for a contract and the set final value.

Brokers often make their money from commissions for buying, selling and settling winning trades, similar to some of our binary options alternatives.

Markets

Binary options offer access to an excellent range of markets. However, it is worth noting that none of these assets are owned during the trade. Binary options are simply derivatives with which to speculate on price movements.

Here are some of the markets that binary options traders typically have access to:

Note, not all of the binary options alternatives listed below offer such wide market access.

Best binary options alternatives
Trading Binary Options On Focus Option

Pros Of Binary Options

Here are some of the reasons that binary options are popular with global investors:

Cons Of Binary Options

Here are some examples of why traders may prefer alternatives to binary options:

Binary Options Brokers

Click a broker for details
  1. 1
    Pocket Option
    50% Deposit Bonus

    Ratings
    2 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    2.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.2 / 5

    $50
    $1
    MISA
    Binary Options, Currencies, Commodities, Stocks, Indices, Cryptos
    Web, MT4, MT5
    Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Bitcoin Payments, Volet, Perfect Money, Visa, Mastercard, Debit Card, WebMoney, FasaPay, Ethereum Payments, Maestro, JetonCash
    USD
  2. 2
    IQCent
    20% to 200% Deposit Bonus

    Ratings
    2.5 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    2.4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    2.5 / 5
    3 / 5
    2 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.1 / 5

    $250
    $0.01
    1:500
    IFMRRC
    Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
    Online Platform, TradingView
    Credit Card, Debit Card, Wire Transfer, Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum Payments, Visa, Mastercard
    USD, EUR
  3. 3
    CloseOption
    $10 Welcome Gift

    $5
    $1
    National Bank of Georgia
    Binary Options on Forex & Cryptos
    Own
    PayPal, WebMoney, Mastercard, Perfect Money, Wire Transfer, Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum Payments
    USD
  4. 4
    Videforex
    20% to 200% Deposit Bonus

    $250
    $0.01
    1:500
    Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
    TradingView
    Skrill, Perfect Money, Bitcoin Payments, Neteller, Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Ethereum Payments
    USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB
  5. 5
    Binarium

    $5
    $1
    Forex, Stocks, Cryptos
    Own
    QIWI, Yandex Money, Bitcoin Payments, Neteller, WebMoney, Wire Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Credit Card, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, AUD, RUB
  6. 6
    BinaryCent
    20% - 200% deposit bonus

    $250
    $0.01
    1:500
    VFSC
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Cryptos, Options, Commodities
    Own
    Visa, Mastercard, Debit Card, Credit Card, Skrill, WebMoney, Neteller, Bitcoin Payments, Wire Transfer, Perfect Money, Ethereum Payments
    USD
  7. 7
    RaceOption
    20% - 200% Deposit Bonus

    $250
    $0.01
    1:500
    Binary Options, CFDs
    TradingView
    Credit Card, Debit Card, Bitcoin Payments, Neteller, Skrill, Perfect Money, Mastercard, Visa, Ethereum Payments
    USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB
  8. 8
    World Forex
    100% Deposit Bonus

    $1
    0.01 Lots
    1:1000
    SVGFSA
    Forex, CFD Stocks, Metals, Energies, Cryptos, Digital Contracts
    MT4, MT5
    Wire Transfer, Debit Card, Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Google Wallet, Apple Pay, Perfect Money, Bitcoin Payments, Volet
    USD, EUR, RUB

Here is a summary of why we recommend these brokers:

  1. Pocket Option - Established in 2017, Pocket Option is a binary options broker offering high/low contracts on forex, stocks, indices, commodities and cryptocurrencies. With over 100,000 active users and a global reach, the platform continues to prove popular with budding traders.
  2. IQCent - IQCent is an offshore binary options and CFD broker based in the Marshall Islands. The brand continues to offer a range of unique account types with bonuses and perks, including payout boosts, TradeBacks and free rollovers. With 100+ assets, around-the-clock trading and 98% payouts, the firm is popular with aspiring short-term traders.
  3. CloseOption - CloseOption is a Georgia-headquartered broker with over a decade in the trading industry. The brand offers high/low binary options trading on forex and crypto markets, with decent payouts, welcome bonuses, 24/7 customer support and intuitive trading software.
  4. Videforex - Launched in 2017, Videforex offers access to stock, index, crypto, forex and commodities markets via binary options and CFDs. The proprietary platform, mobile app and integrated copy trading are user-friendly and will suit new and casual traders, and the market analysis tools and trading contests provide good ways to improve your trading skills.
  5. Binarium - Binarium is an established international broker offering binary options trading on diverse markets including stocks, indices, forex, commodities and cryptocurrencies. Traders can start trading with as little as $1 and earn payouts up to 80% of their stake.
  6. BinaryCent - BinaryCent is an unregulated binary options broker that offers 24/7 trading on forex, cryptos and stocks with payouts up to 95%. Despite its lack of regulation, this broker takes client security seriously and stores client funds in European banks. The broker also offers CFDs with very high leverage up to 1:500.
  7. RaceOption - RaceOption is a binary options broker operating from the Marshall Islands. With over 1,500 clients, the broker aims to offer fast funding, low fees and a secure trading environment. Traders can access over 100 binary options and CFDs, plus copy trading and weekly prizes.
  8. World Forex - World Forex is an offshore broker registered in St Vincent and the Grenadines, offering commission-free trading with a $1 minimum deposit and 1:1000 leverage. Digital contracts are also available, offering beginners a straightforward way to speculate on popular financial markets.

Pocket Option

"Pocket Option excels for its easy-to-use web platform which provides a best-in-class user experience for short-term binary traders. The $50 minimum deposit is also accessible for beginners while opening an account is really easy. Looking at the negatives, Pocket Option still trails alternatives in its market offering and regulatory credentials."

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

Pocket Option Quick Facts

Bonus Offer50% Deposit Bonus
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsBinary Options, Currencies, Commodities, Stocks, Indices, Cryptos
RegulatorMISA
PlatformsWeb, MT4, MT5
Minimum Deposit$50
Minimum Trade$1
Account CurrenciesUSD

Pros

  • The web platform shines for its straightforward design and usability that will appeal to beginners looking to speculate on popular financial markets in a few clicks
  • Extremely fast and smooth sign-up process that takes less than 2 minutes
  • Well-funded traders who deposit $1000+ can qualify for a 2%+ payout boost, more tradable assets and exclusive perks

Cons

  • The MISA is a weak regulator with limited investor protection for retail traders
  • The maximum binary contract length of 4 hours is restrictive for longer-term trading strategies. Alternatives like Videforex offer binaries up to 1 month
  • Pocket Option offers a slimmed down iteration of the MT4 and MT5 that doesn't provide the full charting package for advanced traders

IQCent

"IQCent will appeal to day traders looking for a straightforward binary options and CFD trading platform with low fees, a range of accounts, and copy trading. Getting started takes less than 1 minute and a $250 deposit. "

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

IQCent Quick Facts

Bonus Offer20% to 200% Deposit Bonus
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsBinary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
RegulatorIFMRRC
PlatformsOnline Platform, TradingView
Minimum Deposit$250
Minimum Trade$0.01
Leverage1:500
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR

Pros

  • The broker offers up to 98% payouts on binary options, which is more than alternatives like Pocket Option, only offering up to 92%
  • The proprietary terminal offers TradingView-powered charts which deliver dozens of technical indicators and studies
  • Keen traders can take part in trading contests with cash prizes

Cons

  • IQCent charges a punitive $10 monthly inactivity fee if you fail to place at least 1 trade per month
  • The broker is not overseen by a respected regulator, though this is common among binary options firms
  • There's no automated trading support for algo traders

CloseOption

"CloseOption is a good pick for traders seeking a user-friendly binary options platform with high payouts and joining bonuses."

Tobias Robinson, Reviewer

CloseOption Quick Facts

Bonus Offer$10 Welcome Gift
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsBinary Options on Forex & Cryptos
RegulatorNational Bank of Georgia
PlatformsOwn
Minimum Deposit$5
Minimum Trade$1
Account CurrenciesUSD

Pros

  • New traders can get started with a $5 minimum deposit
  • Multiple global payment methods are available
  • CloseOption offers weekly trading tournaments with cash prizes

Cons

  • Clients need to deposit $50,000+ to qualify for the best payouts
  • Binary options are only available on fiat and digital currencies
  • CloseOption is not regulated by a well-regarded trading authority

Videforex

"Newer traders will find a lot to enjoy about trading binary options on Videforex's easy-to-use proprietary platform, as well as the broker's copy trading solution. Payouts also remain higher than most alternatives climbing to 98%."

William Berg, Reviewer

Videforex Quick Facts

Bonus Offer20% to 200% Deposit Bonus
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsBinary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
PlatformsTradingView
Minimum Deposit$250
Minimum Trade$0.01
Leverage1:500
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB

Pros

  • The firm facilitates both day trading and binary options which is great for those looking to diversify their portfolios
  • Videforex regularly runs trading contests, offering great practice opportunities and cash prizes to beginners and experienced traders
  • The support times are fast and reliable based on tests - few brokers offer 24/7 multi-lingual video support

Cons

  • US clients aren’t accepted due to legal restrictions
  • No MetaTrader 4 integration
  • The broker isn’t overseen by a trusted regulatory agency

Binarium

"Binarium is a good binary options broker for traders looking for an experienced brand with low deposit requirements and a welcome bonus."

William Berg, Reviewer

Binarium Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsForex, Stocks, Cryptos
PlatformsOwn
Minimum Deposit$5
Minimum Trade$1
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, AUD, RUB

Pros

  • Flexible payment methods and account currencies, including support for crypto payments
  • Segregated client funds
  • Demo account with virtual funds

Cons

  • Unregulated
  • No industry established trading terminals
  • Specific bonus terms and conditions to meet before being able to withdraw funds

BinaryCent

"Traders who want a reliable binary options broker with a streamlined platform and high payouts should try out BinaryCent."

Tobias Robinson, Reviewer

BinaryCent Quick Facts

Bonus Offer20% - 200% deposit bonus
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Cryptos, Options, Commodities
RegulatorVFSC
PlatformsOwn
Minimum Deposit$250
Minimum Trade$0.01
Leverage1:500
Account CurrenciesUSD

Pros

  • Trade binary contracts from $0.10 allowing trading opportunities for all budgets
  • Accepts a wide range of funding methods, including cryptos and e-wallets
  • Payouts up to 95% are higher than most competitors and increases profit potential

Cons

  • Not available to traders based in the US
  • The $250 minimum deposit is higher than most binary options brokers
  • Not overseen by any reputable regulator, raising risks and reducing customer protections

RaceOption

"RaceOption will appeal to traders new to binary options looking for copy trading, contests and 24/7 customer support. Experienced traders will also appreciate the account-based perks and bonuses."

William Berg, Reviewer

RaceOption Quick Facts

Bonus Offer20% - 200% Deposit Bonus
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsBinary Options, CFDs
PlatformsTradingView
Minimum Deposit$250
Minimum Trade$0.01
Leverage1:500
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB

Pros

  • Beginner-friendly copy trading opportunities in the broker's proprietary trading platform
  • First 3 trades are risk-free in the Silver and Gold accounts, with only $1,000 required to be eligible
  • Sign-up bonuses from 20%, plus weekly trading contests and prize giveaways

Cons

  • Limited educational resources
  • $250 minimum deposit is higher than other binary options brokers
  • Unregulated broker with lower safety score

World Forex

"World Forex provides both highly leveraged CFDs and digital contracts, making this a good broker for clients who want flexible and rewarding ways to trade. The copy trading service will also appeal to newer traders."

Tobias Robinson, Reviewer

World Forex Quick Facts

Bonus Offer100% Deposit Bonus
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsForex, CFD Stocks, Metals, Energies, Cryptos, Digital Contracts
RegulatorSVGFSA
PlatformsMT4, MT5
Minimum Deposit$1
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:1000
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, RUB

Pros

  • MT4, MT5 and a proprietary trading terminal
  • Swap-free account available
  • VPS hosting

Cons

  • Withdrawal fees apply
  • Weak regulation
  • No negative balance protection

Alternatives To Binary Options

Many alternative instruments offer solutions if binary options do not fulfil your trading needs. While this list is not exhaustive, some examples of the most popular and valuable binary options alternatives are:

Binary Options Alternative 1: CFDs

Our first binary options alternative is contracts for difference, or CFDs. CFDs are hugely popular trading instruments for forex and commodity markets. Similarly to binary options, investors have no ownership of an underlying asset and only trade on its market price.

Unfortunately for American investors, CFDs are heavily restricted in the US. However, in this article, there are other binary options alternatives listed that are available in the US.

Markets

This binary options alternative boasts a more comprehensive selection of markets, partly due to the many more brokers offering CFDs than binary options.

Using CFDs, traders can speculate on major, minor and exotic forex pairs, indices, stocks, ETFs, commodities, cryptos, bonds and interest rates markets.

Complexity

CFDs are slightly more complex than binary options despite being governed by the same principles of going either long or short on an asset. However, investors need not be experts to open a CFD trade.

The positive side of this added complexity, traders have more order types to choose from to create more precise positions.

Profit & Loss Potential

CFD trading promises the potential for far greater payouts through leverage. Some global CFD brokers offer leverage of 1:500 or even higher.

However, with greater potential for reward comes greater risk. Losses are not capped and can quickly wipe out significant capital when trading using high leverage. Our excerpts advise investors to use tools like a stop loss or trailing stop to minimize losses on CFDs.

Fees & Commissions

CFDs can be a cost-effective way of trading versus some of the other binary options alternatives outlined below. Typical broker fees are competitive and charged either through commission or are contained within the spread of a product.

However, customers should ensure that their broker has no hidden charges such as inactivity, deposit, withdrawal or platform fees.

Safety & Regulation

Regarding safety, CFDs rank higher than binary options due to a higher proportion of brokers being regulated.

However, this is not to say that fraudulent CFD brokers do not exist. For maximum protection, prospective clients should favour brokers regulated by a reputable body such as the FCA or ASIC.

Strategies

CFDs may have the least strategies available of all the binary options alternatives in this guide. Investors must ultimately pick between going long or short on an asset. While hedging is possible, other instruments are better suited to this strategy.

CFD Brokers

Click a broker for details
  1. 1
    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
    1:500
    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
  2. 2
    IG
    Forex trading involves risk. Losses can exceed deposits.

    Ratings
    4.9 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.9 / 5
    5 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4 / 5

    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)
    FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting
    Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
    PayPal, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, Credit Card, Visa, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD
  3. 3
    IQCent
    20% to 200% Deposit Bonus

    Ratings
    2.5 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    2.4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    2.5 / 5
    3 / 5
    2 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.1 / 5

    $250
    $0.01
    1:500
    IFMRRC
    Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
    Online Platform, TradingView
    Credit Card, Debit Card, Wire Transfer, Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum Payments, Visa, Mastercard
    USD, EUR
  4. 4
    RedMars

    Ratings
    3.3 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4 / 5
    2.8 / 5
    3 / 5
    4.7 / 5
    4.6 / 5

    €250
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
    CySEC
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos
    MT5
    Credit Card, Wire Transfer, Debit Card, Sticpay, FasaPay, Bitcoin Payments, Trustly, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Klarna, Mastercard, Visa
    USD, EUR
  5. 5
    Interactive Brokers

    Ratings
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5

    $0
    $100
    1:50
    FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA
    Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies
    Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral
    Cheque, ACH Transfer, Wire Transfer, Automated Customer Account Transfer Service, TransferWise, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF
  6. 6
    Videforex
    20% to 200% Deposit Bonus

    $250
    $0.01
    1:500
    Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
    TradingView
    Skrill, Perfect Money, Bitcoin Payments, Neteller, Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Ethereum Payments
    USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB
  7. 7
    xChief
    $100 No Deposit Bonus

    $10
    0.01 Lots
    1:1000
    VFSC
    CFDs, Forex, Metals, Commodities, Stocks, Indices
    MT4, MT5
    Wire Transfer, Bitcoin Payments, Credit Card, UnionPay, Skrill, Neteller, WebMoney, Perfect Money, Debit Card, Ethereum Payments, FasaPay, Volet
    USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, CHF
  8. 8
    Axofa
    10% Deposit Bonus

    $1
    0.01 Lots
    1:1000
    SVGFSA
    Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities
    MT5
    Debit Card, Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Neteller, Skrill, Bitcoin Payments, Wire Transfer
    USD, IDR
  9. 9
    Sage FX
    $1,500 trading competition

    $10
    0.01 Lots
    1:500
    Pending
    Forex, indices, cryptos
    TradeLocker
    Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum Payments
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD
  10. 10
    Coinexx
    100% Deposit Welcome Bonus

    0.001 BTC
    0.01 Lots
    1:500
    Forex, Commodities, Indices, Cryptocurrencies
    MT4, MT5
    Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum Payments
    USD

Here is a short overview of each broker's pros and cons

  1. DNA Markets - DNA Markets offers a recently enhanced suite of 800+ CFDs covering stocks, indices, forex, commodities and cryptos, providing opportunities to speculate on rising and falling prices. There are no restrictions on strategies with leverage up to 1:30 (Australia) or 1:500 (rest of world).
  2. IG - IG offers a huge selection of 17,000+ CFDs, providing more trading opportunities than most CFD brokers. Traders can go long or short on popular markets like stocks, currencies, commodities and cryptos, while custom price alerts and the IG Academy continue to enhance the trading experience.
  3. IQCent - CFDs are available on forex, indices, commodities and cryptos, although the range of 100+ instruments is limited compared to alternatives such as Quotex with 400+. Leverage is available up to 1:500 but the $250 minimum deposit is noticeably higher than competitors.
  4. RedMars - RedMars caters to various short-term trading styles across popular asset classes, including 7 commodities, 14 indices, and 120+ stocks. Leverage is available up to 1:30 (retail) and 1:500 (pro), amplifying results. However, there is no calculator to help with understanding margin requirements and the depth of investments is limited.
  5. Interactive Brokers - Over 8,000 CFDs are offered on a vast array of instruments, encompassing stocks, indices, forex, and commodities. Moreover, the TWS platform lends itself to seasoned day traders, offering a comprehensive selection of over 100 order types and algorithms, alongside premium market data sourced from reputable sources such as Reuters and Dow Jones.
  6. Videforex - Videforex CFDs are available on forex, indices, cryptocurrencies and commodities with up to 1:500 leverage and tight spreads from near zero. CFDs incur a commission fee of 1%–2.5% and up to 5% for leveraged trades.
  7. xChief - You can trade a competitive range of CFDs encompassing crypto, indices, energies and metals, with very high leverage up to 1:1000. ECN pricing is available, with spreads from 0.0 pips and low commissions from $2.50. A Cent account is also available for those on a smaller budget.
  8. Axofa - CFDs are available on popular asset classes with a competitive $1 minimum deposit. The MT5 integration will allow serious short-term traders to utilize the vast library of technical tools, bots and indicators, but the lack of any CFD trading education puts the broker behind many alternatives.
  9. Sage FX - Trade CFDs on forex, stocks, metals, energies, indices, cryptos and dollar futures. Sage FX offers tight spreads and high leverage on all instruments from 1:100 to 1:500.
  10. Coinexx - Trade flexible CFDs on forex, commodities, indices and cryptos with tight spreads, fast execution, micro-lot trading and leverage up to 1:500. There are also no restrictions on day trading strategies.

Binary Options Alternatives Comparison

Binary Options Alternatives Comparison
Broker CFD Leverage Minimum Deposit Minimum Trade Regulators
DNA Markets logo
1:500 $100 0.01 Lots ASIC
IG logo
1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro) $0 0.01 Lots FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB
IQCent logo
1:500 $250 $0.01 IFMRRC
RedMars logo
1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) €250 0.01 Lots CySEC
Interactive Brokers logo
1:50 $0 $100 FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA
Videforex logo
1:500 $250 $0.01 -
xChief logo
1:1000 $10 0.01 Lots VFSC
Axofa logo
1:1000 $1 0.01 Lots SVGFSA
Sage FX logo
1:500 $10 0.01 Lots Pending
Coinexx logo
1:500 0.001 BTC 0.01 Lots -

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

FTSE Spread1.7
GBPUSD Spread1.0
Stocks Spread1.0 cent + $0.02 per share, per side (Apple)
Leverage1:500
RegulatorASIC
PlatformsMT4, MT5
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD

Pros

  • After a recent upgrade, there are now over 800 assets available to trade via CFDs, with a particularly impressive range of 120+ cryptos
  • Convenient account funding is available with 7 base currencies, a $100 deposit and a wide range of payment methods
  • The broker provides 24/5 customer support with response times of <2 minutes during testing

Cons

  • 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
  • Unlike many alternatives, there are limited educational and research tools for traders seeking an all-in-one solution

IG

"IG continues to provide a comprehensive package with an intuitive web platform and best-in-class education for beginners, plus advanced charting tools, real-time data, and fast execution speeds for experienced day traders."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

IG Quick Facts

FTSE Spread1.0
GBPUSD Spread0.9
Stocks Spread0.02
Leverage1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)
RegulatorFCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB
PlatformsWeb, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • IG offers an extensive collection of professional and engaging educational resources, including webinars, articles, and analysis
  • As a well-established broker, IG operates under strict regulatory guidelines in multiple jurisdictions, maintaining a high level of trust
  • The proprietary web-based platform continues to caters to traders of all levels, with advanced charting tools and real-time market data useful for day trading

Cons

  • Beginners might find IG’s fee structure complex, with various fees for different types of trades or services, potentially leading to confusion or unexpected charges
  • Stock and CFD spreads still trail the cheapest brokers like CMC Markets based on tests
  • IG has discontinued its swap-free account, reducing its appeal to Islamic traders

IQCent

"IQCent will appeal to day traders looking for a straightforward binary options and CFD trading platform with low fees, a range of accounts, and copy trading. Getting started takes less than 1 minute and a $250 deposit. "

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

IQCent Quick Facts

Bonus Offer20% to 200% Deposit Bonus
FTSE Spread1.4
GBPUSD Spread0.8
Stocks SpreadN/A
Leverage1:500
RegulatorIFMRRC
PlatformsOnline Platform, TradingView
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR

Pros

  • IQCent is one of the few binary options brokers that also offers a copy trading service for hands-off traders
  • There's an accessible $0.01 minimum stake for new day traders with a small budget
  • Keen traders can take part in trading contests with cash prizes

Cons

  • IQCent trails binary brokers like Quotex with its narrow investment offering of around 100 assets with no stocks
  • IQCent charges a punitive $10 monthly inactivity fee if you fail to place at least 1 trade per month
  • The broker is not overseen by a respected regulator, though this is common among binary options firms

RedMars

"RedMars is the best fit for experienced day traders familiar with the MetaTrader 5 platform and based in the EU, where the broker is authorized by the CySEC. However, the threadbare education and research tools make it unsuitable for beginners."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

RedMars Quick Facts

FTSE Spread15
GBPUSD Spread0.7
Stocks SpreadVariable
Leverage1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
RegulatorCySEC
PlatformsMT5
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR

Pros

  • The broker is one of a limited number of firms to offer an account specially designed for VIPs with premium support and invites to exclusive events
  • Getting started on RedMars is incredibly easy - you can be up and running in just a few minutes based on tests
  • RedMars offers one of the best platforms for day trading, MT5, hosting 21 timeframes, dozens of analytical tools, flexible templates and algo trading

Cons

  • RedMars falls short for newer traders, with little in the way of education, no beginner-friendly platform, a steep minimum deposit, and inadequate support during testing
  • The no-frills trading environment offers little beyond the basics, with no Islamic account, PAMM account or copy trading.
  • With just 300 instruments, RedMars offers a narrow trading environment, particularly compared to category leaders like BlackBull Markets which offers 26,000 assets

Interactive Brokers

"Interactive Brokers is one of the best brokers for advanced day traders, providing powerful charting platforms, real-time data, and customizable layouts, notably through the new IBKR Desktop application. Its superb pricing and advanced order options also make it highly attractive for day traders, while its diverse range of equities is still among the best in the industry."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

Interactive Brokers Quick Facts

FTSE Spread0.005% (£1 Min)
GBPUSD Spread0.08-0.20 bps x trade value
Stocks Spread0.003
Leverage1:50
RegulatorFCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA
PlatformsTrader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF

Pros

  • IBKR continues to deliver unmatched access to global stocks with tens of thousands of equities available from 100+ market centres in 24 countries.
  • The new IBKR Desktop platform takes the best of TWS while adding bespoke tools like Option Lattice and Screeners with MultiSort to create a genuinely impressive trading experience for day traders at every level.
  • While primarily geared towards experienced traders, IBKR has made moves to broaden its appeal in recent years, reducing its minimum deposit from $10,000 to $0.

Cons

  • IBKR provides a wide range of research tools, but their distribution across trading platforms and the web-based 'Account Management' page lacks consistency, leading to a confusing user experience.
  • You can only have one active session per account, so you can’t have your desktop program and mobile app running simultaneously, making for a sometimes frustrating trading experience.
  • TWS’s learning curve is steep, and beginners may find it challenging to navigate the platform and understand all the features. Plus500's web platform is much better suited to new traders.

Videforex

"Newer traders will find a lot to enjoy about trading binary options on Videforex's easy-to-use proprietary platform, as well as the broker's copy trading solution. Payouts also remain higher than most alternatives climbing to 98%."

William Berg, Reviewer

Videforex Quick Facts

Bonus Offer20% to 200% Deposit Bonus
FTSE SpreadFloating from 0.2
GBPUSD SpreadFloating from 0.1
Stocks SpreadNA
Leverage1:500
PlatformsTradingView
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB

Pros

  • You can easily mirror the trades of experienced investors with low fees
  • Traders can earn up to 98% payouts on 100+ assets with the broker’s binary options, which is in line with competing brands like IQCent
  • The support times are fast and reliable based on tests - few brokers offer 24/7 multi-lingual video support

Cons

  • The broker isn’t overseen by a trusted regulatory agency
  • US clients aren’t accepted due to legal restrictions
  • No MetaTrader 4 integration

xChief

"xChief continues to prove popular with investors looking to trade highly leveraged CFDs on the popular MetaTrader platforms. The broker's rebate scheme and investment accounts will particularly appeal to seasoned traders. However, the lack of top-tier regulatory oversight is a major drawback."

William Berg, Reviewer

xChief Quick Facts

Bonus Offer$100 No Deposit Bonus
FTSE Spread70
GBPUSD Spread0.9
Stocks Spread50
Leverage1:1000
RegulatorVFSC
PlatformsMT4, MT5
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, JPY, CHF

Pros

  • xChief offers STP/ECN execution with low spreads from 0.0 pips and low commission rates starting from $2.50 per side
  • The broker offers a turnover rebate scheme geared towards active investors, as well as trading credits and several other occasional bonuses
  • xChief delivers a high-quality day trading environment via the MT4 and MT5 platforms, with market-leading charts, indicators and tools

Cons

  • Fees and minimums are imposed on most withdrawal methods, including a €60 minimum for SWIFT bank transfers
  • xChief is an offshore broker with weak regulatory oversight from the VFSC, so traders will receive limited safeguards
  • The broker trails competitors when it comes to research tools and educational resources

Axofa

"Axofa could be a good option for clients looking for social trading features alongside the MT5 platform. The low entry requirements and ECN spreads are particularly promising, but the lack of transparency and respected regulatory oversight raises security concerns."

William Berg, Reviewer

Axofa Quick Facts

Bonus Offer10% Deposit Bonus
FTSE SpreadNA
GBPUSD SpreadFrom 1.6 pips
Stocks SpreadNA
Leverage1:1000
RegulatorSVGFSA
PlatformsMT5
Account CurrenciesUSD, IDR

Pros

  • There's a proprietary social/copy trading service for beginners looking to follow successful strategies and for experienced traders looking to sell their strategies
  • Low ECN spreads are available from 0.0 pips, plus reasonable commissions at $3.50 per side
  • Axofa offers the MetaTrader 5 platform which will particularly serve intermediate to experienced traders looking for advanced charting tools

Cons

  • Our team found inconsistencies between international subsidiaries and website information
  • There is limited verifiable information about the broker’s owners and background
  • There is a lack of transparency around pricing and account conditions, which significantly reduces the trust score

Sage FX

"Sage FX will suit forex traders looking for high leverage and ECN spreads. The broker's prop trading service will also appeal to users looking for funded accounts with up to $200K available."

Tobias Robinson, Reviewer

Sage FX Quick Facts

Bonus Offer$1,500 trading competition
FTSE Spread5.0
GBPUSD Spread0.9
Stocks SpreadN/A
Leverage1:500
RegulatorPending
PlatformsTradeLocker
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD

Pros

  • Ability to deposit and withdraw via Bitcoin
  • Prop trading accounts with multiple funding tiers
  • Fast withdrawal processing

Cons

  • Relatively narrow range of asset classes
  • Not regulated by any reputable body
  • Lacks educational resources and other extra features

Coinexx

"Traders seeking highly leveraged CFDs with a broker that uses crypto as a base account currency will find a good match in Coinexx. The ECN model also offer tight spreads from 0 pips. On the downside, traders should note the weak regulatory oversight."

Tobias Robinson, Reviewer

Coinexx Quick Facts

Bonus Offer100% Deposit Welcome Bonus
FTSE SpreadFrom 0.0 pips
GBPUSD SpreadFrom 0.0 pips
Stocks SpreadNA
Leverage1:500
PlatformsMT4, MT5
Account CurrenciesUSD

Pros

  • Very high leverage up to 1:500
  • Demo account available to prospective traders
  • ECN execution model with tight spreads from 0 pips

Cons

  • No copy trading service for aspiring investors
  • No regulatory oversight reduces safety
  • Limited educational materials for new traders

Binary Options Alternative 2: Vanilla Options

Vanilla options are a popular derivative due to their high payouts and ability to cash settle. This also makes them one of the best alternatives to binary options.

Markets

Options are a primarily US-focussed instrument for making predictions about single stocks. Also available are indices and some commodities.

Complexity

Understanding regular options is more complex vs learning binary options. Contract prices are determined by a set of complex variables referred to as the Greeks, and investors need to be equipped with knowledge of financial concepts such as implied volatility and hedge ratios.

Profit & Loss Potential

Unlike binary options, there are no limits on the profit investors can make with a successful options trade. Options contracts also contain high innate leverage, with one contract based on 100 units of an asset.

However, with this potential for high rewards comes unlimited risk.

Fees & Commissions

Several brokers specialize in low-cost options trading– shop around to find competitive fees and commissions.

Safety & Regulation

Vanilla options are a highly regulated instrument versus some of the other binary options alternatives listed in this guide. When trading with a trusted broker, investors can trade this binary options alternative with confidence.

Strategies

Investors can choose to write options contracts or purchase them from an exchange as speculative assets or for hedging existing trades. Options spreads can be used to profit from various trading metrics such as volatility or direction.

Traders can also sell covered calls to lock in smaller but safer profits consistently– a strategy available with binary options.

Vanilla Options Brokers

Click a broker for details
  1. 1
    FOREX.com
    Active Trader Program With A 15% Reduction In Costs

    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
    1:50
    NFA, CFTC
    Forex, Stocks, Futures, Futures Options
    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
  2. 2
    NinjaTrader

    Ratings
    4.3 / 5
    2.8 / 5
    2.9 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.2 / 5

    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:50
    NFA, CFTC
    Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto
    NinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal
    ACH Transfer, Debit Card, Wire Transfer
    USD
  3. 3
    eToro USA
    Invest $100 and get $10
    https://www.daytrading.com/ is not an affiliate and may be compensated if you access certain products or services offered by the MSB and/or the BD.

    Ratings
    4.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.9 / 5
    3.4 / 5
    4 / 5
    3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5

    $10
    $10
    SEC, FINRA
    Stocks, Options, ETFs, Crypto
    eToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader
    ACH Transfer, Debit Card, PayPal, Wire Transfer
    USD
  4. 4
    IG
    Forex trading involves risk. Losses can exceed deposits.

    Ratings
    4.9 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.9 / 5
    5 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4 / 5

    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)
    FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting
    Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
    PayPal, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, Credit Card, Visa, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD
  5. 5
    Interactive Brokers

    Ratings
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5

    $0
    $100
    1:50
    FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA
    Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies
    Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral
    Cheque, ACH Transfer, Wire Transfer, Automated Customer Account Transfer Service, TransferWise, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF
  6. 6
    Moomoo
    Get up to 15 free stocks worth up to $2000

    Ratings
    4.8 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3 / 5
    2 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    3.3 / 5

    $0
    $0
    1:2
    SEC, FINRA, MAS, ASIC, SFC
    Stocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCs
    Desktop Platform, Mobile App
    Wire Transfer, ACH Transfer
    USD, HKD, SGD
  7. 7
    Firstrade
    Deposit Bonus Up To $4000

    $0
    $1
    SEC, FINRA
    Stocks, ETFs, Options, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Cryptos, Fixed
    Own
    ACH Transfer, Wire Transfer, Cheque, Automated Customer Account Transfer Service
    USD
  8. 8
    Zacks Trade

    $2500
    $3
    FINRA
    Stocks, ETFs, Cryptos, Options, Bonds
    Own
    Wire Transfer, ACH Transfer, Cheque
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, INR, JPY, ZAR, TRY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD, RUB, PLN, CZK, HUF
  9. 9
    BinaryCent
    20% - 200% deposit bonus

    $250
    $0.01
    1:500
    VFSC
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Cryptos, Options, Commodities
    Own
    Visa, Mastercard, Debit Card, Credit Card, Skrill, WebMoney, Neteller, Bitcoin Payments, Wire Transfer, Perfect Money, Ethereum Payments
    USD

Here is a summary of why we recommend these brokers:

  1. 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.
  2. NinjaTrader - NinjaTrader is a US-headquartered and regulated brokerage that specializes in futures trading. There are three pricing plans to suit different needs and budgets, as well as ultra-low margins on popular contracts. The brand's award-winning charting software and trading platform also offers a high-degree of customization and superb technical analysis features.
  3. eToro USA - eToro is a social investing platform that offers short-term and long-term trading on stocks, ETFs, options and crypto. The broker is well-known for its user-friendly community-centred platform and competitive fees. With FINRA and SIPC oversight and millions of users across the world, eToro is still one of the most respected brands in the industry. eToro securities trading is offered by eToro USA Securities, Inc.
  4. IG - Founded in 1974, IG is part of IG Group Holdings Plc, a publicly traded (LSE: IGG) brokerage. The brand-US offers spread betting, CFD and forex trading across an almost unrivalled selection of 17,000+ markets, with a range of user-friendly platforms and investing apps. For 50 years, IG has maintained its position as an industry leader, excelling in all key areas for traders.
  5. Interactive Brokers - Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a premier brokerage, providing access to 150 markets in 33 countries, along with a suite of comprehensive investment services. With over 40 years of experience, this Nasdaq-listed firm adheres to stringent regulations by the SEC, FCA, CIRO, and SFC, amongst others, and is one of the most trusted brokers for trading around the globe.
  6. Moomoo - Moomoo is an SEC-regulated app-based investment platform that offers a straightforward and affordable way to invest in Chinese, Hong Kong, Singaporean, Australian and US stocks, ETFs and other assets. Margin trading is available and the brand offers a zero-deposit account as well as several bonuses.
  7. Firstrade - Firstrade is a US-headquartered discount broker-dealer with authorization from the SEC. The company is also a member of FINRA/SIPC. With welcome bonuses, powerful tools and apps, plus commission-free trading, Firstrade Securities is a popular online brokerage. It is also quick and easy to open a new account.
  8. Zacks Trade - Zacks Trade is a FINRA-regulated US broker offering trading on stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, bonds and more through a proprietary terminal. The broker is geared toward active traders and offers very affordable fees on most assets as well as an app and a vast amount of market data.
  9. BinaryCent - BinaryCent is an unregulated binary options broker that offers 24/7 trading on forex, cryptos and stocks with payouts up to 95%. Despite its lack of regulation, this broker takes client security seriously and stores client funds in European banks. The broker also offers CFDs with very high leverage up to 1:500.

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 OfferActive Trader Program With A 15% Reduction In Costs
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsForex, Stocks, Futures, Futures Options
RegulatorNFA, CFTC
PlatformsMT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$100
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:50
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN

Pros

  • 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.
  • FOREX.com offers industry-leading forex pricing starting from 0.0 pips, alongside competitive cashback rebates of up to 15% for serious day traders.
  • 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.

Cons

  • Funding options are limited compared to leading alternatives like IC Markets and don’t include many popular e-wallets, notably UnionPay and POLi.
  • Demo accounts are frustratingly time-limited to 90 days, which doesn’t give you enough time to test day trading strategies effectively.
  • FOREX.com's MT4 platform offers approximately 600 instruments, significantly fewer than the over 5,500 available on its non-MetaTrader platforms.

NinjaTrader

"NinjaTrader continues to meet the demands of active futures traders looking for low fees and premium analysis tools. The platform hosts top-rate charting features including hundreds of indicators and 10+ chart types."

Tobias Robinson, Reviewer

NinjaTrader Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsForex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto
RegulatorNFA, CFTC
PlatformsNinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:50
Account CurrenciesUSD

Pros

  • You can get thousands of add-ons and applications from developers in 150+ countries
  • Low fees are offered, with $50 day trading margins & commissions from $.09 per micro contract
  • NinjaTrader is a widely respected and award-winning futures broker and is heavily authorized by the NFA and CFTC

Cons

  • There is a withdrawal fee on some funding methods
  • Non forex and futures trading requires signing up with partner brokers
  • The premium platform tools come with an extra charge

eToro USA

"eToro remains a top pick for traders looking for leading social investing and copy trading services. With a low deposit, zero commissions and an intuitive platform, the broker will meet the needs of newer day traders."

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

eToro USA Quick Facts

Bonus OfferInvest $100 and get $10
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsStocks, Options, ETFs, Crypto
RegulatorSEC, FINRA
PlatformseToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader
Minimum Deposit$10
Minimum Trade$10
Account CurrenciesUSD

Pros

  • The online broker offers an intuitive social investment network with straightforward copy trading on cryptos
  • The broker's Academy offers comprehensive learning materials for beginners to advanced-level investors
  • A free demo account means new users and prospective day traders can try the broker risk-free

Cons

  • Average fees may cut into the profit margins of day traders
  • The proprietary terminal doesn't support trading bots and there are no additional stock market analysis tools
  • There's no MetaTrader 4 platform integration for traders who are accustomed to using third-party charting tools

IG

"IG continues to provide a comprehensive package with an intuitive web platform and best-in-class education for beginners, plus advanced charting tools, real-time data, and fast execution speeds for experienced day traders."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

IG Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting
RegulatorFCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB
PlatformsWeb, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • The proprietary web-based platform continues to caters to traders of all levels, with advanced charting tools and real-time market data useful for day trading
  • IG offers an extensive collection of professional and engaging educational resources, including webinars, articles, and analysis
  • The ProRealTime advanced charting platform is free as long as certain modest monthly trading activity requirements are met

Cons

  • Stock and CFD spreads still trail the cheapest brokers like CMC Markets based on tests
  • Beginners might find IG’s fee structure complex, with various fees for different types of trades or services, potentially leading to confusion or unexpected charges
  • IG has discontinued its swap-free account, reducing its appeal to Islamic traders

Interactive Brokers

"Interactive Brokers is one of the best brokers for advanced day traders, providing powerful charting platforms, real-time data, and customizable layouts, notably through the new IBKR Desktop application. Its superb pricing and advanced order options also make it highly attractive for day traders, while its diverse range of equities is still among the best in the industry."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

Interactive Brokers Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsStocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies
RegulatorFCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA
PlatformsTrader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade$100
Leverage1:50
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF

Pros

  • There's a vast library of free or paid third-party research subscriptions catering to all types of traders, plus you can enjoy commission reimbursements from IBKR if you subscribe to Toggle AI.
  • With low commissions, tight spreads and a transparent fee structure, IBKR delivers a cost-effective environment for short-term traders.
  • IBKR is one of the most respected and trusted brokerages and is regulated by top-tier authorities, so you can have confidence in the integrity and security of your trading account.

Cons

  • Support can be slow and frustrating based on tests, so you might find it challenging to reach customer service representatives promptly or encounter delays in resolving issues.
  • IBKR provides a wide range of research tools, but their distribution across trading platforms and the web-based 'Account Management' page lacks consistency, leading to a confusing user experience.
  • You can only have one active session per account, so you can’t have your desktop program and mobile app running simultaneously, making for a sometimes frustrating trading experience.

Moomoo

"Moomoo remains an excellent choice for new and intermediate stock traders who want to build a diverse investment portfolio. What really stands out is the broker's user-friendly app and the low trading fees."

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

Moomoo Quick Facts

Bonus OfferGet up to 15 free stocks worth up to $2000
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsStocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCs
RegulatorSEC, FINRA, MAS, ASIC, SFC
PlatformsDesktop Platform, Mobile App
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade$0
Leverage1:2
Account CurrenciesUSD, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • The broker offers access to extended pre-market trading hours
  • The ‘Moomoo Token’ generates dynamic passwords for transaction security - a unique and helpful safety feature
  • There is no minimum deposit requirement making the broker accessible for beginners

Cons

  • It's a shame that there is no 2 factor authentication (2FA), despite the other security features on offer
  • There is no phone or live chat support - common options at most other brokers
  • There is no negative balance protection, which is a common safety feature at top-tier-regulated brokers

Firstrade

"We recommend Firstrade for beginner investors looking to trade US stocks with no commissions. There is a wealth of free education plus premium-quality research and trading ideas from Morningstar, Briefing.com, Zacks and Benzinga."

William Berg, Reviewer

Firstrade Quick Facts

Bonus OfferDeposit Bonus Up To $4000
Demo AccountNo
InstrumentsStocks, ETFs, Options, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Cryptos, Fixed
RegulatorSEC, FINRA
PlatformsOwn
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade$1
Account CurrenciesUSD

Pros

  • Access to education, research, and tools
  • Multiple customer support options
  • Premarket trading

Cons

  • No forex or futures trading
  • No demo/paper trading account
  • No 24/7 customer support

Zacks Trade

"Zacks Trade will suit active day traders with experience using powerful platforms. Fees and margin rates are low while the market research is excellent."

Tobias Robinson, Reviewer

Zacks Trade Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsStocks, ETFs, Cryptos, Options, Bonds
RegulatorFINRA
PlatformsOwn
Minimum Deposit$2500
Minimum Trade$3
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, INR, JPY, ZAR, TRY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD, RUB, PLN, CZK, HUF

Pros

  • Demo account
  • Regulated by FINRA with access to the Securities Investor Protection Corporation
  • 20+ account denominations

Cons

  • No MT4 or MT5 platform integration
  • No forex, commodities or futures trading
  • High minimum requirement of $2,500

BinaryCent

"Traders who want a reliable binary options broker with a streamlined platform and high payouts should try out BinaryCent."

Tobias Robinson, Reviewer

BinaryCent Quick Facts

Bonus Offer20% - 200% deposit bonus
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Cryptos, Options, Commodities
RegulatorVFSC
PlatformsOwn
Minimum Deposit$250
Minimum Trade$0.01
Leverage1:500
Account CurrenciesUSD

Pros

  • Payouts up to 95% are higher than most competitors and increases profit potential
  • Accepts a wide range of funding methods, including cryptos and e-wallets
  • Copy trading and binary options bots are useful for beginner traders

Cons

  • The $250 minimum deposit is higher than most binary options brokers
  • Not overseen by any reputable regulator, raising risks and reducing customer protections
  • Not available to traders based in the US

Binary Options Alternative 3: Futures

Futures are one of the most unique alternatives to binary options and forex trading. These are agreements to buy or sell an asset for a set price at a specific time. These derivatives were primarily used within the commodities industry as a hedge against future price fluctuations but are now a well-used financial instrument for many markets.

This type of trading involves the delivery of physical assets at expiry. It is exchange-traded rather than sold over-the-counter (OTC). Futures contracts are primarily associated with US markets, but EU and UK investors can still get involved.

Markets

While futures were first used on commodity markets such as cattle, wheat and orange juice, this instrument has expanded to cover assets like equities and cryptocurrencies.

Complexity

Futures are a fairly complex product compared to binary options. Though, with a thorough education, these contracts offer far greater strategic potential and can form a vital element of an expert investor’s trading arsenal.

Profit & Loss Potential

Futures contracts typically involve 1,000 units of a specific asset, and most futures brokers offer the opportunity to trade on margin for enhanced trading leverage. This gives investors the chance to make significant trading profits or losses.

It is with mentioning that futures can also be utilized to hedge against spot instruments to reduce risk.

Fees & Commissions

Fees for futures contracts can be higher than other instruments and binary options alternatives. However, traders will often receive a fee discount for high-volume trading or creating high-capital accounts.

Holding positions overnight will also come with swap fees, so this binary options alternative is best utilized for day trading or short-term swing trading.

Safety & Regulation

As with many binary options alternatives for US citizens, American futures contracts are regulated by the CTFC. Combined with the exchange-traded nature of futures contracts, this instrument is one of the safest to trade vs binary options.

Strategies

Regarding strategy, most traders will not hold futures contracts until expiry but look to resell their positions before the contract is automatically closed out. This is to avoid having to take delivery of the physical asset, such as barrels of oil.

Futures pricing can swing dramatically based on news and events, so acting quickly to any upcoming market changes will pay dividends with this instrument.

Futures Brokers

Click a broker for details
  1. 1
    FOREX.com
    Active Trader Program With A 15% Reduction In Costs

    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
    1:50
    NFA, CFTC
    Forex, Stocks, Futures, Futures Options
    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
  2. 2
    NinjaTrader

    Ratings
    4.3 / 5
    2.8 / 5
    2.9 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.2 / 5

    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:50
    NFA, CFTC
    Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto
    NinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal
    ACH Transfer, Debit Card, Wire Transfer
    USD
  3. 3
    IG
    Forex trading involves risk. Losses can exceed deposits.

    Ratings
    4.9 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.9 / 5
    5 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4 / 5

    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)
    FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting
    Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
    PayPal, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, Credit Card, Visa, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD
  4. 4
    Interactive Brokers

    Ratings
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5

    $0
    $100
    1:50
    FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA
    Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies
    Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral
    Cheque, ACH Transfer, Wire Transfer, Automated Customer Account Transfer Service, TransferWise, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF
  5. 5
    Plus500 US
    Welcome Deposit Bonus up to $200
    Trading with leverage involves risk.

    Ratings
    3.5 / 5
    3.7 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    2.8 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.1 / 5
    4.3 / 5

    $100
    0.0 Lots
    CFTC, NFA
    Futures on Forex, Commodities, Cryptos, Indices, Interest Rates
    WebTrader, App
    ACH Transfer, Wire Transfer, Debit Card, Mastercard, Visa
    USD
  6. 6
    Moomoo
    Get up to 15 free stocks worth up to $2000

    Ratings
    4.8 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3 / 5
    2 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    3.3 / 5

    $0
    $0
    1:2
    SEC, FINRA, MAS, ASIC, SFC
    Stocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCs
    Desktop Platform, Mobile App
    Wire Transfer, ACH Transfer
    USD, HKD, SGD
  7. 7
    Videforex
    20% to 200% Deposit Bonus

    $250
    $0.01
    1:500
    Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
    TradingView
    Skrill, Perfect Money, Bitcoin Payments, Neteller, Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Ethereum Payments
    USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB
  8. 8
    Axofa
    10% Deposit Bonus

    $1
    0.01 Lots
    1:1000
    SVGFSA
    Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities
    MT5
    Debit Card, Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Neteller, Skrill, Bitcoin Payments, Wire Transfer
    USD, IDR
  9. 9
    Kraken
    Lower fees when trading volume exceeds $50,000 in 30 days

    $10
    Variable
    FCA, FinCEN, FINTRAC, AUSTRAC, FSA
    Cryptos
    AlgoTrader
    Bitcoin Payments, Wire Transfer, PayID, Silvergate Bank Transfer, Etana, Ethereum Payments
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF
  10. 10
    InstaTrade

    Ratings
    2.5 / 5
    3 / 5
    3 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.4 / 5

    $1
    0.01
    1:1000
    BVI FSC
    FISP, CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos, Futures
    InstaTrade Gear, MT4
    Visa, Mastercard, Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum Payments
    USD, EUR, RUB

Here is a short overview of each broker's pros and cons

  1. 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.
  2. NinjaTrader - NinjaTrader is a US-headquartered and regulated brokerage that specializes in futures trading. There are three pricing plans to suit different needs and budgets, as well as ultra-low margins on popular contracts. The brand's award-winning charting software and trading platform also offers a high-degree of customization and superb technical analysis features.
  3. IG - Founded in 1974, IG is part of IG Group Holdings Plc, a publicly traded (LSE: IGG) brokerage. The brand-US offers spread betting, CFD and forex trading across an almost unrivalled selection of 17,000+ markets, with a range of user-friendly platforms and investing apps. For 50 years, IG has maintained its position as an industry leader, excelling in all key areas for traders.
  4. Interactive Brokers - Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a premier brokerage, providing access to 150 markets in 33 countries, along with a suite of comprehensive investment services. With over 40 years of experience, this Nasdaq-listed firm adheres to stringent regulations by the SEC, FCA, CIRO, and SFC, amongst others, and is one of the most trusted brokers for trading around the globe.
  5. Plus500 US - Plus500 is a well-established broker that entered the US market in 2021. Authorized by the CFTC and NFA, it provides futures trading on forex, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and interest rates. With a 10-minute sign-up, a manageable $100 minimum deposit, and a straightforward web platform, Plus500 continues to strengthen its offering for traders in the US.
  6. Moomoo - Moomoo is an SEC-regulated app-based investment platform that offers a straightforward and affordable way to invest in Chinese, Hong Kong, Singaporean, Australian and US stocks, ETFs and other assets. Margin trading is available and the brand offers a zero-deposit account as well as several bonuses.
  7. Videforex - Launched in 2017, Videforex offers access to stock, index, crypto, forex and commodities markets via binary options and CFDs. The proprietary platform, mobile app and integrated copy trading are user-friendly and will suit new and casual traders, and the market analysis tools and trading contests provide good ways to improve your trading skills.
  8. Axofa - Axofa is a forex and CFD broker registered in St Vincent and the Grenadines. The broker offers three account types with access to forex, commodities and indices. With ECN processing, low minimum deposits and no commissions, Axofa remains an attractive option, although the broker does not hold a reputable license.
  9. Kraken - Kraken is a leading cryptocurrency exchange with a proprietary trading terminal and a list of 220+ tradeable crypto tokens. Up to 1:5 leverage is available with stable rollover fees on spot crypto trading and up to 1:50 on futures. The exchange also supports crypto staking and has an interactive NFT marketplace.
  10. InstaTrade - InstaTrade, based in the British Virgin Islands, is an online broker specializing in fixed income structured products and active trading through CFDs. Its zero-spread accounts, excellent research notably through InstaTrade TV, and access to the popular MT4 alongside its own web-accessible InstaTrade Gear, make it an attractive option for short-term traders at every level.

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 OfferActive Trader Program With A 15% Reduction In Costs
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsForex, Stocks, Futures, Futures Options
RegulatorNFA, CFTC
PlatformsMT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$100
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:50
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN

Pros

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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

  • Funding options are limited compared to leading alternatives like IC Markets and don’t include many popular e-wallets, notably UnionPay and POLi.
  • 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.

NinjaTrader

"NinjaTrader continues to meet the demands of active futures traders looking for low fees and premium analysis tools. The platform hosts top-rate charting features including hundreds of indicators and 10+ chart types."

Tobias Robinson, Reviewer

NinjaTrader Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsForex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto
RegulatorNFA, CFTC
PlatformsNinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:50
Account CurrenciesUSD

Pros

  • Low fees are offered, with $50 day trading margins & commissions from $.09 per micro contract
  • Traders can get free platform access and trade simulation capabilities in the unlimited demo
  • NinjaTrader is a widely respected and award-winning futures broker and is heavily authorized by the NFA and CFTC

Cons

  • Non forex and futures trading requires signing up with partner brokers
  • There is a withdrawal fee on some funding methods
  • The premium platform tools come with an extra charge

IG

"IG continues to provide a comprehensive package with an intuitive web platform and best-in-class education for beginners, plus advanced charting tools, real-time data, and fast execution speeds for experienced day traders."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

IG Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting
RegulatorFCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB
PlatformsWeb, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • IG is amongst the best in terms of its range of instruments, which includes stocks, forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, providing ample diversification opportunities
  • The IG app offers a superb mobile trading experience with a clean design that helped it secure Runner Up at our Best Trading App award
  • IG offers an extensive collection of professional and engaging educational resources, including webinars, articles, and analysis

Cons

  • IG applies an inactivity fee of $12 per month after 2 years, deterring casual investors
  • Beginners might find IG’s fee structure complex, with various fees for different types of trades or services, potentially leading to confusion or unexpected charges
  • While there is negative balance protection in the UK and EU, there is no account protection or guaranteed stop losses for US clients

Interactive Brokers

"Interactive Brokers is one of the best brokers for advanced day traders, providing powerful charting platforms, real-time data, and customizable layouts, notably through the new IBKR Desktop application. Its superb pricing and advanced order options also make it highly attractive for day traders, while its diverse range of equities is still among the best in the industry."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

Interactive Brokers Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsStocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies
RegulatorFCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA
PlatformsTrader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade$100
Leverage1:50
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF

Pros

  • While primarily geared towards experienced traders, IBKR has made moves to broaden its appeal in recent years, reducing its minimum deposit from $10,000 to $0.
  • IBKR continues to deliver unmatched access to global stocks with tens of thousands of equities available from 100+ market centres in 24 countries.
  • The TWS platform has clearly been built for intermediate and advanced traders and comes with over 100 order types and a reliable real-time market data feed that rarely goes offline.

Cons

  • You can only have one active session per account, so you can’t have your desktop program and mobile app running simultaneously, making for a sometimes frustrating trading experience.
  • Support can be slow and frustrating based on tests, so you might find it challenging to reach customer service representatives promptly or encounter delays in resolving issues.
  • IBKR provides a wide range of research tools, but their distribution across trading platforms and the web-based 'Account Management' page lacks consistency, leading to a confusing user experience.

Plus500 US

"Plus500 US stands out as an excellent choice for beginners, offering a very user-friendly platform, low day trading margins, and access to the Futures Academy to enhance trading skills."

Michael MacKenzie, Reviewer

Plus500 US Quick Facts

Bonus OfferWelcome Deposit Bonus up to $200
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsFutures on Forex, Commodities, Cryptos, Indices, Interest Rates
RegulatorCFTC, NFA
PlatformsWebTrader, App
Minimum Deposit$100
Minimum Trade0.0 Lots
Account CurrenciesUSD

Pros

  • Plus500 US excels for its low fees with very competitive day trading margins and no inactivity fees, live data fees, routing fees, or platform fees
  • The trading app provides a terrific user experience with a modern design, a clean layout and mobile-optimized charts
  • The straightforward account structure, pricing model and web platform offer an easier route into futures trading than rivals like NinjaTrader

Cons

  • While Plus500 US continues to broaden its investment offering, it's currently restricted to around 50+ futures with no stocks
  • Despite competitive pricing, Plus500 US lacks a discount program for high-volume day traders, a scheme found at brokers like Interactive Brokers
  • The proprietary platform is user-friendly but lacks advanced technical analysis tools found in third-party solutions like MetaTrader 4

Moomoo

"Moomoo remains an excellent choice for new and intermediate stock traders who want to build a diverse investment portfolio. What really stands out is the broker's user-friendly app and the low trading fees."

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

Moomoo Quick Facts

Bonus OfferGet up to 15 free stocks worth up to $2000
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsStocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCs
RegulatorSEC, FINRA, MAS, ASIC, SFC
PlatformsDesktop Platform, Mobile App
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade$0
Leverage1:2
Account CurrenciesUSD, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • Moomoo's analytics and insights are impressive and detailed compared to other brands
  • The broker offers access to extended pre-market trading hours
  • There are reduced options contract fees from $0.65 to $0

Cons

  • There is no phone or live chat support - common options at most other brokers
  • There is no negative balance protection, which is a common safety feature at top-tier-regulated brokers
  • It's a shame that there is no 2 factor authentication (2FA), despite the other security features on offer

Videforex

"Newer traders will find a lot to enjoy about trading binary options on Videforex's easy-to-use proprietary platform, as well as the broker's copy trading solution. Payouts also remain higher than most alternatives climbing to 98%."

William Berg, Reviewer

Videforex Quick Facts

Bonus Offer20% to 200% Deposit Bonus
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsBinary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
PlatformsTradingView
Minimum Deposit$250
Minimum Trade$0.01
Leverage1:500
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB

Pros

  • Videforex allows you to enter positions with just ¢0.01
  • The support times are fast and reliable based on tests - few brokers offer 24/7 multi-lingual video support
  • Traders can earn up to 98% payouts on 100+ assets with the broker’s binary options, which is in line with competing brands like IQCent

Cons

  • No MetaTrader 4 integration
  • US clients aren’t accepted due to legal restrictions
  • The broker isn’t overseen by a trusted regulatory agency

Axofa

"Axofa could be a good option for clients looking for social trading features alongside the MT5 platform. The low entry requirements and ECN spreads are particularly promising, but the lack of transparency and respected regulatory oversight raises security concerns."

William Berg, Reviewer

Axofa Quick Facts

Bonus Offer10% Deposit Bonus
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsForex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities
RegulatorSVGFSA
PlatformsMT5
Minimum Deposit$1
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:1000
Account CurrenciesUSD, IDR

Pros

  • Low ECN spreads are available from 0.0 pips, plus reasonable commissions at $3.50 per side
  • Axofa offers the MetaTrader 5 platform which will particularly serve intermediate to experienced traders looking for advanced charting tools
  • There's a proprietary social/copy trading service for beginners looking to follow successful strategies and for experienced traders looking to sell their strategies

Cons

  • The offshore operations and lack of any regulatory oversight is a major concern
  • There is a lack of transparency around pricing and account conditions, which significantly reduces the trust score
  • There is limited verifiable information about the broker’s owners and background

Kraken

"Kraken will suit traders looking for a diverse list of cryptos including Bitcoin and a good security track record."

William Berg, Reviewer

Kraken Quick Facts

Bonus OfferLower fees when trading volume exceeds $50,000 in 30 days
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCryptos
RegulatorFCA, FinCEN, FINTRAC, AUSTRAC, FSA
PlatformsAlgoTrader
Minimum Deposit$10
Minimum TradeVariable
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF

Pros

  • Low exchange fees on Kraken Pro
  • NFT marketplace and crypto staking available
  • 50x leverage on futures trading

Cons

  • Slow verification process on Pro account
  • Does not support many newer altcoins
  • Does not accept fiat deposits

InstaTrade

"Although InstaTrade offers active trading on a comprehensive platform, it stands out with its fairly unique Fixed Income Structured Product (FISP), providing passive investment opportunities with up to 50% returns in 6 months if conditions are met. "

Christian Harris, Reviewer

InstaTrade Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsFISP, CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos, Futures
RegulatorBVI FSC
PlatformsInstaTrade Gear, MT4
Minimum Deposit$1
Minimum Trade0.01
Leverage1:1000
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, RUB

Pros

  • InstaTrade TV, consisting of video interviews and valuable market insights spanning equities, cryptos and more, helps identify opportunities and inform short-term trades.
  • InstaTrade claims to "guarantee" returns through the structured element of its passive trading solution (FISP), with applications approved within 24 hours.
  • VPS hosting caters to algo trading strategies with a dedicated physical server providing rapid execution speeds as low as 9 milliseconds.

Cons

  • InstaTrade is registered in the offshore jurisdiction of the British Virgin Islands, resulting in limited regulatory safeguards for retail investors.
  • Profits are only guaranteed in the FISP if investors do not reach the 50% profit level and attract other users with a total sum of $4 for each dollar in compensation.
  • Marketing of the FISP, especially phrasing around the “guarantee of profitability” and the “elimination of risks of trading on financial markets” raises concerns.

Binary Options Alternative 4: Spread Betting

One of the top instruments in our binary options alternatives examples is spread betting. Spread betting works similarly to CFD trading but comes with tax advantages in some regions as it is classed as gambling rather than trading.

Markets

As there are fewer spread betting brokers than CFD providers, there will be a smaller range of assets to choose from. However, spread betting speculation is still available for forex, indices, commodities, stocks and crypto markets.

Complexity

Spread betting is a reasonably straightforward instrument. However, expert traders can add complexity using order tools such as stop losses, take profit levels and automated trading bots.

Profit & Loss Potential

As with CFDs, traders can access significant leverage to multiply potential profits and losses when spread betting.

However, these levels are still likely lower than the high leverage available through international CFD brokers. This is because most spread betting providers are EU or UK-based and therefore have to comply with ESMA regulations limiting maximum margin.

Fees & Commissions

Fees and commissions are low with this alternative to binary options but will vary from broker to broker.

Safety & Regulation

Spread betting tends to be safer than CFDs and binary options due to the EU regulation of most brokers. In addition, as a more obscure field, fewer fraudulent providers are out there.

Strategies

As with CFDs, the range of strategies available is relatively limited. This binary options alternative is best suited to strong, short-term directional price movements, with significant profits available for successful speculation.

Spread Betting Brokers

Click a broker for details
  1. 1
    IG
    Forex trading involves risk. Losses can exceed deposits.

    Ratings
    4.9 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.9 / 5
    5 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4 / 5

    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)
    FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting
    Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
    PayPal, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, Credit Card, Visa, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD

Here is a short overview of each broker's pros and cons

  1. IG - IG offers spread betting on 17,000+ markets, including currencies, indices, shares and commodities - more than almost every alternative. Notably, IG also offers spread bets on less commonly offered assets like IPOs, allowing experienced traders to diversify their portfolios. For casual traders, IG also offers the opportunity to spread bet on weekend markets – a terrific feature that we don’t come across often.

IG

"IG continues to provide a comprehensive package with an intuitive web platform and best-in-class education for beginners, plus advanced charting tools, real-time data, and fast execution speeds for experienced day traders."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

IG Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting
RegulatorFCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB
PlatformsWeb, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • The IG app offers a superb mobile trading experience with a clean design that helped it secure Runner Up at our Best Trading App award
  • The ProRealTime advanced charting platform is free as long as certain modest monthly trading activity requirements are met
  • As a well-established broker, IG operates under strict regulatory guidelines in multiple jurisdictions, maintaining a high level of trust

Cons

  • Stock and CFD spreads still trail the cheapest brokers like CMC Markets based on tests
  • While there is negative balance protection in the UK and EU, there is no account protection or guaranteed stop losses for US clients
  • IG applies an inactivity fee of $12 per month after 2 years, deterring casual investors

Binary Options Alternative 5: Stock Trading

Stock trading is the most simple and common form of trading and one of the most popular alternatives to binary options. Investors can purchase single stocks, ETFs or mutual funds containing hand-picked segments of specific sectors or global markets.

Markets

The best stock trading brokers will offer thousands of stocks from many international regions, with equities from the USA, EU and UK reasonably standard for all. Some brokers will support mutual fund investing, while others may focus solely on single stocks and ETFs for day trading.

Complexity

Suitable for beginners up to experts, stock trading offers opportunities for day trading, swing trading, long-term investing or earning profit from dividends. This can be as simple as buying a stock and holding it for an extended period to as complex as setting up an automated dividend portfolio targeting the biggest yielding companies in a region.

Profit & Loss Potential

While margin trading is possible through some brokers, most stock trading is done on cash accounts. As a result, stock trading does not typically offer as much profit potential as derivative assets such as binary options, CFDs or vanilla options.

Fees & Commissions

Of all the binary options alternatives available, stock trading has the most variance in its fees. Some brokers allow free investing, while others charge commissions per stock or a dealing fee per trade.

In addition, some more traditional brokers, specifically international companies, will charge account fees. To offset these, many regions, including the USA and UK, offer tax-advantaged stock accounts that investors can use for retirement or general savings.

Safety & Regulation

There is no shortage of highly regulated brokers when making a stock trading investment. Regional regulators also protect the equities themselves for additional peace of mind. This is a key benefit over some of the other binary options alternatives explored below, including crypto exchanges.

Strategies

One of the greatest strengths of stock investing is the flexibility afforded for trading. Traders can hold positions for an unrestricted period, going long or short on an asset.

With this binary options alternative, investors can target high dividend-yield stocks to be paid an income from holding equities. Or, traders can set up bots to buy and sell based on preset parameters. Investors can even hedge spot stocks with futures positions to reduce risk.

Stock Brokers

Click a broker for details
  1. 1
    FOREX.com
    Active Trader Program With A 15% Reduction In Costs

    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
    1:50
    NFA, CFTC
    Forex, Stocks, Futures, Futures Options
    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
  2. 2
    eToro USA
    Invest $100 and get $10
    https://www.daytrading.com/ is not an affiliate and may be compensated if you access certain products or services offered by the MSB and/or the BD.

    Ratings
    4.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.9 / 5
    3.4 / 5
    4 / 5
    3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5

    $10
    $10
    SEC, FINRA
    Stocks, Options, ETFs, Crypto
    eToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader
    ACH Transfer, Debit Card, PayPal, Wire Transfer
    USD
  3. 3
    NinjaTrader

    Ratings
    4.3 / 5
    2.8 / 5
    2.9 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.2 / 5

    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:50
    NFA, CFTC
    Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto
    NinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal
    ACH Transfer, Debit Card, Wire Transfer
    USD
  4. 4
    Interactive Brokers

    Ratings
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5

    $0
    $100
    1:50
    FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA
    Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies
    Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral
    Cheque, ACH Transfer, Wire Transfer, Automated Customer Account Transfer Service, TransferWise, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF
  5. 5
    IG
    Forex trading involves risk. Losses can exceed deposits.

    Ratings
    4.9 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.9 / 5
    5 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4 / 5

    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)
    FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting
    Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
    PayPal, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, Credit Card, Visa, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD
  6. 6
    Videforex
    20% to 200% Deposit Bonus

    $250
    $0.01
    1:500
    Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
    TradingView
    Skrill, Perfect Money, Bitcoin Payments, Neteller, Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Ethereum Payments
    USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB
  7. 7
    Empower

    $1 (Cash), $100,000 (Robo Advisor)
    Variable
    SEC, FINRA
    Stocks, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Fixed Income
    Own
    Wire Transfer
    USD
  8. 8
    RedMars

    Ratings
    3.3 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4 / 5
    2.8 / 5
    3 / 5
    4.7 / 5
    4.6 / 5

    €250
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
    CySEC
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos
    MT5
    Credit Card, Wire Transfer, Debit Card, Sticpay, FasaPay, Bitcoin Payments, Trustly, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Klarna, Mastercard, Visa
    USD, EUR
  9. 9
    Axofa
    10% Deposit Bonus

    $1
    0.01 Lots
    1:1000
    SVGFSA
    Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities
    MT5
    Debit Card, Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Neteller, Skrill, Bitcoin Payments, Wire Transfer
    USD, IDR
  10. 10
    Binarium

    $5
    $1
    Forex, Stocks, Cryptos
    Own
    QIWI, Yandex Money, Bitcoin Payments, Neteller, WebMoney, Wire Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Credit Card, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, AUD, RUB

Here is a short overview of each broker's pros and cons

  1. FOREX.com - FOREX.com provides access to a wide array of US, EU, and UK stock CFDs, featuring spreads as narrow as 1 point. This enables you to speculate on established household names and emerging IPOs, fostering ample opportunities for diversification within stock portfolios. US stocks are accessible from as low as 1.8 cents per share.
  2. eToro USA - You can trade 3000+ popular US stocks and ETFs at eToro US, with zero commissions and fractional shares available. The broker remains an excellent choice for beginner stock traders, thanks to its comprehensive eToro Academy and user-friendly stock market research features.
  3. NinjaTrader - Stocks can be traded by connecting the NinjaTrader platform to supporting brokers. The firm also provides access to a range of index futures via standard and micro contracts, including the E-Mini S&P 500 Index Futures and E-Mini Russell 2000 Index Futures.
  4. Interactive Brokers - IBKR provides access to an unparalleled array of equity products originating from 24 diverse countries. Whether seeking capital appreciation, dividends, or voting rights, you can directly invest in stocks. Alternatively, you can engage in speculative trading on price movements through CFDs, futures and more than 13,000 ETFs. IBKR also enhanced its European equity derivatives offering in 2024 by adding trading on CBOE Europe Derivatives (CEDX).
  5. IG - IG offers 13,000+ shares to trade or invest in, with more listed firms than nearly every competitor. The broker also excels for its zero commissions on US shares, while out-of-hours trading provides access to 70+ shares, plus popular ETFs and trusts, when the markets are closed.
  6. Videforex - Trade binary options and CFDs on global stocks from US, European, Russian and Asian exchanges, as well as 37 indices covering a wide range of global markets. The access to stocks trumps many binary options brokers.
  7. Empower - Empower offers opportunities on a range of sectors spanning major US stock exchanges, from financial services to technology and manufacturing. We rate the commission-free pricing and thousands of mutual funds and ETFs available in the self-investing account or ready-made portfolios.
  8. RedMars - RedMars offers over 120 stock CFDs, covering popular US, UK and European markets. Commission-free trading on stocks is also available, providing straightforward pricing. However, there are zero stock screeners to aid trading decisions, while competitors like IG offer superior access to the stock market with over 17,000 shares.
  9. Axofa - A small selection of 100+ popular international stocks is available. Trading is available on the MT5 platform, which delivers reliable stock market news straight to your dashboard. That said, it’s disappointing that the broker doesn’t provide any additional research tools.
  10. Binarium - Go long or short on blue chip stocks like Apple and Microsoft. You can place high/low binaries on the user-friendly platform. The suite of stocks is focused on US markets, however.

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 OfferActive Trader Program With A 15% Reduction In Costs
Fractional SharesNo
Demo AccountYes
RegulatorNFA, CFTC
PlatformsMT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$100
AutomationYes
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN

Stock Exchanges

FOREX.com offers trading on 14 stock exchanges:

  • Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)
  • Borsa Italiana
  • CAC 40 Index France
  • DAX GER 40 Index
  • Dow Jones
  • Euronext
  • FTSE UK Index
  • Hang Seng
  • Hong Kong Stock Exchange
  • IBEX 35
  • Japan Exchange Group
  • Nasdaq
  • S&P 500
  • SIX Swiss Exchange

Pros

  • 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.
  • FOREX.com offers industry-leading forex pricing starting from 0.0 pips, alongside competitive cashback rebates of up to 15% for serious day traders.
  • 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

  • Funding options are limited compared to leading alternatives like IC Markets and don’t include many popular e-wallets, notably UnionPay and POLi.
  • 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.

eToro USA

"eToro remains a top pick for traders looking for leading social investing and copy trading services. With a low deposit, zero commissions and an intuitive platform, the broker will meet the needs of newer day traders."

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

eToro USA Quick Facts

Bonus OfferInvest $100 and get $10
Fractional SharesYes
Demo AccountYes
RegulatorSEC, FINRA
PlatformseToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader
Minimum Deposit$10
AutomationYes
Account CurrenciesUSD

Stock Exchanges

eToro USA offers trading on 3 stock exchanges:

  • Dow Jones
  • New York Stock Exchange
  • S&P 500

Pros

  • The $10 minimum deposit and straightforward account opening process means beginners can get started quickly
  • Investors can access Smart Portfolios for a more hands-off approach, covering a range of sectors and markets such as renewable energy and artificial intelligence
  • The broker's Academy offers comprehensive learning materials for beginners to advanced-level investors

Cons

  • There's a narrower range of day trading instruments available compared to competitors, with only stocks, ETFs and cryptos
  • Average fees may cut into the profit margins of day traders
  • There's no MetaTrader 4 platform integration for traders who are accustomed to using third-party charting tools

NinjaTrader

"NinjaTrader continues to meet the demands of active futures traders looking for low fees and premium analysis tools. The platform hosts top-rate charting features including hundreds of indicators and 10+ chart types."

Tobias Robinson, Reviewer

NinjaTrader Quick Facts

Fractional SharesNo
Demo AccountYes
RegulatorNFA, CFTC
PlatformsNinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal
Minimum Deposit$0
AutomationYes
Account CurrenciesUSD

Stock Exchanges

NinjaTrader offers trading on 2 stock exchanges:

  • Chicago Mercantile Exchange
  • New York Stock Exchange

Pros

  • Low fees are offered, with $50 day trading margins & commissions from $.09 per micro contract
  • Traders can get free platform access and trade simulation capabilities in the unlimited demo
  • NinjaTrader is a widely respected and award-winning futures broker and is heavily authorized by the NFA and CFTC

Cons

  • There is a withdrawal fee on some funding methods
  • The premium platform tools come with an extra charge
  • Non forex and futures trading requires signing up with partner brokers

Interactive Brokers

"Interactive Brokers is one of the best brokers for advanced day traders, providing powerful charting platforms, real-time data, and customizable layouts, notably through the new IBKR Desktop application. Its superb pricing and advanced order options also make it highly attractive for day traders, while its diverse range of equities is still among the best in the industry."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

Interactive Brokers Quick Facts

Fractional SharesYes
Demo AccountYes
RegulatorFCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA
PlatformsTrader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$0
AutomationYes
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF

Stock Exchanges

Interactive Brokers offers trading on 15 stock exchanges:

  • Borsa Italiana
  • CAC 40 Index France
  • Chicago Mercantile Exchange
  • Euronext
  • IBEX 35
  • Japan Exchange Group
  • Korean Stock Exchange
  • London Metal Exchange
  • London Stock Exchange
  • Nasdaq
  • Nasdaq Nordic & Baltics
  • New York Stock Exchange
  • Russell 2000
  • Shenzhen Stock Exchange
  • Toronto Stock Exchange

Pros

  • While primarily geared towards experienced traders, IBKR has made moves to broaden its appeal in recent years, reducing its minimum deposit from $10,000 to $0.
  • IBKR is one of the most respected and trusted brokerages and is regulated by top-tier authorities, so you can have confidence in the integrity and security of your trading account.
  • With low commissions, tight spreads and a transparent fee structure, IBKR delivers a cost-effective environment for short-term traders.

Cons

  • Support can be slow and frustrating based on tests, so you might find it challenging to reach customer service representatives promptly or encounter delays in resolving issues.
  • IBKR provides a wide range of research tools, but their distribution across trading platforms and the web-based 'Account Management' page lacks consistency, leading to a confusing user experience.
  • TWS’s learning curve is steep, and beginners may find it challenging to navigate the platform and understand all the features. Plus500's web platform is much better suited to new traders.

IG

"IG continues to provide a comprehensive package with an intuitive web platform and best-in-class education for beginners, plus advanced charting tools, real-time data, and fast execution speeds for experienced day traders."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

IG Quick Facts

Fractional SharesNo
Demo AccountYes
RegulatorFCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB
PlatformsWeb, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$0
AutomationYes
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD

Stock Exchanges

IG offers trading on 20 stock exchanges:

  • Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)
  • Bombay Stock Exchange
  • Borsa Italiana
  • Deutsche Boerse
  • Dow Jones
  • Euronext
  • Hong Kong Stock Exchange
  • IBEX 35
  • Japan Exchange Group
  • Korean Stock Exchange
  • London Stock Exchange
  • National Stock Exchange Of India
  • Russell 2000
  • S&P 500
  • SIX Swiss Exchange
  • Shanghai Stock Exchange
  • Shenzhen Stock Exchange
  • Tadawul
  • Taiwan Stock Exchange
  • Toronto Stock Exchange

Pros

  • IG offers an extensive collection of professional and engaging educational resources, including webinars, articles, and analysis
  • The proprietary web-based platform continues to caters to traders of all levels, with advanced charting tools and real-time market data useful for day trading
  • IG is amongst the best in terms of its range of instruments, which includes stocks, forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, providing ample diversification opportunities

Cons

  • While there is negative balance protection in the UK and EU, there is no account protection or guaranteed stop losses for US clients
  • Beginners might find IG’s fee structure complex, with various fees for different types of trades or services, potentially leading to confusion or unexpected charges
  • Stock and CFD spreads still trail the cheapest brokers like CMC Markets based on tests

Videforex

"Newer traders will find a lot to enjoy about trading binary options on Videforex's easy-to-use proprietary platform, as well as the broker's copy trading solution. Payouts also remain higher than most alternatives climbing to 98%."

William Berg, Reviewer

Videforex Quick Facts

Bonus Offer20% to 200% Deposit Bonus
Fractional SharesNo
Demo AccountYes
PlatformsTradingView
Minimum Deposit$250
AutomationYes
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB

Stock Exchanges

Videforex offers trading on 7 stock exchanges:

  • Dow Jones
  • FTSE UK Index
  • Hong Kong Stock Exchange
  • IBEX 35
  • Nasdaq
  • S&P 500
  • SIX Swiss Exchange

Pros

  • You can easily mirror the trades of experienced investors with low fees
  • The firm facilitates both day trading and binary options which is great for those looking to diversify their portfolios
  • Videforex allows you to enter positions with just ¢0.01

Cons

  • No MetaTrader 4 integration
  • US clients aren’t accepted due to legal restrictions
  • The broker isn’t overseen by a trusted regulatory agency

Empower

"Empower is best for hands-off investors looking for a US-regulated platform and robo-advisor with free financial planning services. However, investors need to be willing to make a large minimum investment and pay higher than average fees for premium services."

William Berg, Reviewer

Empower Quick Facts

Fractional SharesNo
Demo AccountNo
RegulatorSEC, FINRA
PlatformsOwn
Minimum Deposit$1 (Cash), $100,000 (Robo Advisor)
AutomationYes
Account CurrenciesUSD

Stock Exchanges

Empower offers trading on 4 stock exchanges:

  • Dow Jones
  • Nasdaq
  • New York Stock Exchange
  • S&P 500

Pros

  • Highly rated mobile app available on Apple and Android devices
  • Beginner-friendly financial dashboard with customizable widgets
  • Intelligent budgeting and portfolio management tools

Cons

  • No forex, commodity or crypto trading
  • Only available in the US
  • No demo account for prospective users

RedMars

"RedMars is the best fit for experienced day traders familiar with the MetaTrader 5 platform and based in the EU, where the broker is authorized by the CySEC. However, the threadbare education and research tools make it unsuitable for beginners."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

RedMars Quick Facts

Fractional SharesNo
Demo AccountYes
RegulatorCySEC
PlatformsMT5
Minimum Deposit€250
AutomationYes
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR

Stock Exchanges

RedMars offers trading on 15 stock exchanges:

  • Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)
  • CAC 40 Index France
  • DAX GER 40 Index
  • Dow Jones
  • Euronext
  • Hong Kong Stock Exchange
  • IBEX 35
  • Japan Exchange Group
  • London Stock Exchange
  • Nasdaq
  • National Stock Exchange Of India
  • New York Stock Exchange
  • S&P 500
  • Shanghai Stock Exchange
  • Shenzhen Stock Exchange

Pros

  • RedMars offers one of the best platforms for day trading, MT5, hosting 21 timeframes, dozens of analytical tools, flexible templates and algo trading
  • The broker is one of a limited number of firms to offer an account specially designed for VIPs with premium support and invites to exclusive events
  • The broker supports a range of flexible payment methods, including wire transfers, credit cards, e-wallets, and notably cryptocurrencies

Cons

  • The no-frills trading environment offers little beyond the basics, with no Islamic account, PAMM account or copy trading.
  • RedMars falls short for newer traders, with little in the way of education, no beginner-friendly platform, a steep minimum deposit, and inadequate support during testing
  • While RedMars' spreads are within industry averages, they don't offer a significant edge over the cheapest day trading brokers we've personally used, notably IC Markets

Axofa

"Axofa could be a good option for clients looking for social trading features alongside the MT5 platform. The low entry requirements and ECN spreads are particularly promising, but the lack of transparency and respected regulatory oversight raises security concerns."

William Berg, Reviewer

Axofa Quick Facts

Bonus Offer10% Deposit Bonus
Fractional SharesNo
Demo AccountYes
RegulatorSVGFSA
PlatformsMT5
Minimum Deposit$1
AutomationYes
Account CurrenciesUSD, IDR

Stock Exchanges

Axofa offers trading on 2 stock exchanges:

  • Nasdaq
  • S&P 500

Pros

  • The $1 minimum deposit across all 3 accounts will appeal to novices and those on a budget
  • There's a proprietary social/copy trading service for beginners looking to follow successful strategies and for experienced traders looking to sell their strategies
  • Low ECN spreads are available from 0.0 pips, plus reasonable commissions at $3.50 per side

Cons

  • Our team found inconsistencies between international subsidiaries and website information
  • There is a lack of transparency around pricing and account conditions, which significantly reduces the trust score
  • There is limited verifiable information about the broker’s owners and background

Binarium

"Binarium is a good binary options broker for traders looking for an experienced brand with low deposit requirements and a welcome bonus."

William Berg, Reviewer

Binarium Quick Facts

Fractional SharesNo
Demo AccountYes
PlatformsOwn
Minimum Deposit$5
AutomationNo
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, AUD, RUB

Stock Exchanges

Binarium offers trading on 0 stock exchanges:

Pros

  • Community forum platform
  • Promotions including 100% welcome bonus and trading tournaments
  • Enhanced educational features

Cons

  • Limited information on broker’s website
  • Specific bonus terms and conditions to meet before being able to withdraw funds
  • No industry established trading terminals

Binary Options Alternative 6: Cryptocurrency

The newest market on this list, cryptocurrency products can be traded as derivatives through binary options, CFDs or spread betting. However, the asset class has far more utility to investors.

Markets

There are more and more crypto tokens being created at all times, with thousands of coins and projects in existence. While not all of these are legitimate, more cautious investors can stick to more well-known coins such as Bitcoin and Ethereum for greater peace of mind.

Complexity

Similarly to stock investing, cryptocurrency trading can be as simple or complex as a trader desires. Investors can buy and hold crypto tokens, stake them for interest or utilize bots on sites such as Pionex for round-the-clock automated trading.

Profit & Loss Potential

The crypto markets are notoriously volatile and have seen some meteoric price rises and falls in their brief history. Investors should be prepared for these conditions or even a complete collapse of a coin like Terra in 2022.

Fees & Commissions

Many exchanges offer very low, competitive fees on this binary options alternative. These are usually displayed in the form of maker and taker fees, often shown as a percentage.

Safety & Regulation

Crypto is almost entirely unregulated and scams are rife within the broker space and the coins themselves. As a result, more cautious investors may wish to avoid this binary options alternative or track selected crypto markets using a more secure ETF.

Strategies

Traders can buy and hold tokens long-term or take advantage of the volatile crypto markets to day trade.

Advanced strategies such as spot/futures arbitrage are available for major tokens such as BTC and ETH and can yield solid and low-risk returns.

Similarly to dividend investing, traders can stake crypto tokens for a fixed reward, with some providers offering upwards of 10% annual returns for this strategy.

Crypto Brokers

Click a broker for details
  1. 1
    eToro USA
    Invest $100 and get $10
    https://www.daytrading.com/ is not an affiliate and may be compensated if you access certain products or services offered by the MSB and/or the BD.

    Ratings
    4.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.9 / 5
    3.4 / 5
    4 / 5
    3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5

    $10
    $10
    SEC, FINRA
    Stocks, Options, ETFs, Crypto
    eToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader
    ACH Transfer, Debit Card, PayPal, Wire Transfer
    USD
  2. 2
    NinjaTrader

    Ratings
    4.3 / 5
    2.8 / 5
    2.9 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.2 / 5

    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:50
    NFA, CFTC
    Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto
    NinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal
    ACH Transfer, Debit Card, Wire Transfer
    USD
  3. 3
    OANDA US
    CFDs are not available to residents in the United States.

    Ratings
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    2.8 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.7 / 5
    3.7 / 5

    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:50
    NFA, CFTC
    Forex, Crypto with Paxos (Cryptocurrencies are offered through Paxos. Paxos is a separate legal entity from OANDA)
    OANDA Trade, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist
    Wire Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Debit Card, ACH Transfer
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD
  4. 4
    IG
    Forex trading involves risk. Losses can exceed deposits.

    Ratings
    4.9 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.9 / 5
    5 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4 / 5

    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)
    FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting
    Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
    PayPal, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, Credit Card, Visa, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD
  5. 5
    Uphold
    Terms Apply. Cryptoassets are highly volatile. Your capital is at risk.

    Ratings
    3 / 5
    0 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    2.3 / 5
    0 / 5
    0 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.4 / 5

    $0
    $1
    Cryptos
    Desktop Platform, Mobile App
    Wire Transfer, ACH Transfer, Bitcoin Payments, Debit Card, Credit Card, Mastercard, Visa, Ethereum Payments
    USD, EUR, GBP
  6. 6
    IQCent
    20% to 200% Deposit Bonus

    Ratings
    2.5 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    2.4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    2.5 / 5
    3 / 5
    2 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.1 / 5

    $250
    $0.01
    1:500
    IFMRRC
    Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
    Online Platform, TradingView
    Credit Card, Debit Card, Wire Transfer, Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum Payments, Visa, Mastercard
    USD, EUR
  7. 7
    Plexytrade
    120% Cash Welcome Bonus

    Ratings
    1.5 / 5
    2.5 / 5
    2.5 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    2.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    0.5 / 5
    0.5 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.7 / 5

    $50
    0.01
    1:2000
    Unregulated
    CFDs, Forex, Indices, Stocks, Commodities, Crypto
    MT4, MT5
    Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum Payments
    USD, EUR
  8. 8
    Firstrade
    Deposit Bonus Up To $4000

    $0
    $1
    SEC, FINRA
    Stocks, ETFs, Options, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Cryptos, Fixed
    Own
    ACH Transfer, Wire Transfer, Cheque, Automated Customer Account Transfer Service
    USD
  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
    1:500
    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
  10. 10
    BinaryCent
    20% - 200% deposit bonus

    $250
    $0.01
    1:500
    VFSC
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Cryptos, Options, Commodities
    Own
    Visa, Mastercard, Debit Card, Credit Card, Skrill, WebMoney, Neteller, Bitcoin Payments, Wire Transfer, Perfect Money, Ethereum Payments
    USD

Here is a summary of why we recommend these brokers:

  1. eToro USA - eToro US offers 24 tradeable cryptoassets, with just a 1% buying/selling fee added to the spread. Additionally, there are 80 different coins available through the broker’s proprietary wallet service. You can also practice your crypto strategies easily by switching between live and demo mode. Crypto asset investing is highly volatile and unregulated. No consumer protection. Tax on profits may apply.
  2. NinjaTrader - You can get exposure to micro Bitcoin futures through the CME Group’s centralized exchange, which is highly regulated by the US CFTC. Micro contracts allow you to trade a fractional size of one Bitcoin, giving you more risk control and order flexibility.
  3. OANDA US - Cryptocurrency trading is offered via Paxos, a separate entity from Oanda. You can speculate on the world’s biggest cryptos by market cap. Commissions are lower than many peers starting at 0.25%. Through the broker’s partnership with Paxos, clients can spot trade cryptocurrencies on the itBit exchange through the OANDA native platform.
  4. IG - IG's modest selection of 11 crypto CFDs trails top crypto brokers like Vantage which offers 40+ tokens. That said, it stands out with its crypto index, which tracks the value of the top 10 digital currencies by market cap and provides a holistic way to speculate on the value of the crypto market.
  5. Uphold - You can buy and sell 250+ crypto assets with fiat currencies or in crypto pairs using the straightforward mobile app or through Uphold's browser-based account homepage. This is significantly more than many rivals. You can also earn up to 16% APY by staking one or more out of 32 valid tokens, or send tokens to an external wallet.
  6. IQCent - IQCent offers 17 crypto pairs through its proprietary terminal, including Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin. Leverage on crypto CFDs is capped at 1:10, whilst binary options payouts vary by token but remain competitive. OTC assets, for example, pay out up to 95%.
  7. Plexytrade - Plexytrade lets traders capitalize on the inherent volatility of the cryptocurrency market by offering leveraged trading on 5 popular cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin. However, the threadbare offering of digital tokens seriously trails leading brokers like Eightcap with its 100+ crypto derivatives.
  8. Firstrade - Take positions on dozens of leading cryptocurrencies with low fees and 24/7 investing. Traders need just $1 to start speculating on popular tokens like Bitcoin. Clients can also buy cryptos instantly in a few straightforward steps.
  9. DNA Markets - You can trade a strong range of 120+ cryptos 24/7, surpassing alternatives like Vantage with its 40+ tokens. That said, the spread from 170 on Bitcoin is significantly higher than the cheapest crypto brokers.
  10. BinaryCent - BinaryCent offers trading on a decent list of cryptocurrencies, including major tokens like Bitcoin. The broker also accepts crypto deposits and withdrawals, making it straightforward to fund, trade and manage your activities in digital currencies.

eToro USA

"eToro remains a top pick for traders looking for leading social investing and copy trading services. With a low deposit, zero commissions and an intuitive platform, the broker will meet the needs of newer day traders."

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

eToro USA Quick Facts

Bonus OfferInvest $100 and get $10
CoinsBTC, ETH, BCH, DASH, LTC, ETC, MIOTA, XLM, EOS, NEO, ZEC, XTZ, MKR, COMP, LINK, UNI, YFI, DOGE, AAVE, ALGO, MANA, ENJ, BAT, MATIC, FLR, SHIBxM
Crypto MiningNo
Auto Market MakerNo
Crypto SpreadBTC 0.75%
Crypto LendingNo
Crypto StakingNo
PlatformseToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader
Minimum Deposit$10
RegulatorSEC, FINRA
Account CurrenciesUSD

Pros

  • The $10 minimum deposit and straightforward account opening process means beginners can get started quickly
  • eToro USA Securities is a trustworthy, SEC-regulated broker that is a member of FINRA and SIPC
  • The broker's Academy offers comprehensive learning materials for beginners to advanced-level investors

Cons

  • There's a narrower range of day trading instruments available compared to competitors, with only stocks, ETFs and cryptos
  • The proprietary terminal doesn't support trading bots and there are no additional stock market analysis tools
  • There's no MetaTrader 4 platform integration for traders who are accustomed to using third-party charting tools

NinjaTrader

"NinjaTrader continues to meet the demands of active futures traders looking for low fees and premium analysis tools. The platform hosts top-rate charting features including hundreds of indicators and 10+ chart types."

Tobias Robinson, Reviewer

NinjaTrader Quick Facts

CoinsBTC
Crypto MiningNo
Auto Market MakerNo
Crypto SpreadFloating
Crypto LendingNo
Crypto StakingNo
PlatformsNinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal
Minimum Deposit$0
RegulatorNFA, CFTC
Account CurrenciesUSD

Pros

  • NinjaTrader is a widely respected and award-winning futures broker and is heavily authorized by the NFA and CFTC
  • Traders can get free platform access and trade simulation capabilities in the unlimited demo
  • You can get thousands of add-ons and applications from developers in 150+ countries

Cons

  • The premium platform tools come with an extra charge
  • Non forex and futures trading requires signing up with partner brokers
  • There is a withdrawal fee on some funding methods

OANDA US

"OANDA remains an excellent broker for US day traders seeking a user-friendly platform with premium analysis tools and a straightforward joining process. OANDA is also heavily regulated with a very high trust score."

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

OANDA US Quick Facts

CoinsBTC, ETH, LTC, BCH, PAXG, LINK, UNI, AAVE
Crypto MiningNo
Auto Market MakerNo
Crypto Spread$100
Crypto LendingNo
Crypto StakingNo
PlatformsOANDA Trade, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist
Minimum Deposit$0
RegulatorNFA, CFTC
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • OANDA is a reliable, trustworthy and secure brand with authorization from tier-one regulators including the CFTC
  • The broker offers a transparent pricing structure with no hidden charges
  • Beginners can get started easily with $0 minimum initial deposit

Cons

  • The range of day trading markets is limited to forex and cryptos only
  • It's a shame that customer support is not available on weekends
  • There's only a small range of payment methods available, with no e-wallets supported

IG

"IG continues to provide a comprehensive package with an intuitive web platform and best-in-class education for beginners, plus advanced charting tools, real-time data, and fast execution speeds for experienced day traders."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

IG Quick Facts

CoinsBTC, BCH, LTC, ETH, ADA, DOT, DOGE, LINK, UNI, XLM
Crypto MiningNo
Auto Market MakerNo
Crypto SpreadVariable
Crypto LendingNo
Crypto StakingNo
PlatformsWeb, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$0
RegulatorFCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • The proprietary web-based platform continues to caters to traders of all levels, with advanced charting tools and real-time market data useful for day trading
  • IG offers an extensive collection of professional and engaging educational resources, including webinars, articles, and analysis
  • The IG app offers a superb mobile trading experience with a clean design that helped it secure Runner Up at our Best Trading App award

Cons

  • IG applies an inactivity fee of $12 per month after 2 years, deterring casual investors
  • While there is negative balance protection in the UK and EU, there is no account protection or guaranteed stop losses for US clients
  • Beginners might find IG’s fee structure complex, with various fees for different types of trades or services, potentially leading to confusion or unexpected charges

Uphold

"Uphold remains a top choice for crypto investors looking for a one-stop-shop solution to accessing the markets. There are over 250 tokens to buy, sell and trade through flexible platform options."

William Berg, Reviewer

Uphold Quick Facts

CoinsBTC, BTCO, AAVE, ALCX, DYDX, INH, XYO, API3, GHST, LSK, AUDIO, GLMR, NMR, CAKE, GODS, REQ, CHR, TRB, DAO, ROOK, XRP, ETH, BAT, ADA, ALGO, ATOM, AVAX, AXS, BCH, BAL, BTG, CSPR, COMP, CRV, DASH, DCR, DGB, DOGE, DOT, EGLD and many more
Crypto MiningNo
Auto Market MakerNo
Crypto SpreadUp to 1.5%
Crypto LendingNo
Crypto StakingYes
PlatformsDesktop Platform, Mobile App
Minimum Deposit$0
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP

Pros

  • Uphold is 100% reserved which helps to protect client funds
  • Crypto staking is available on 30+ tokens with above-average rates up to 16%
  • UK users can get the Uphold card with up to 2% cashback in XRP

Cons

  • Uphold operates with limited regulatory oversight
  • Customer service is slow based on tests, with limited contact options
  • The charting analysis features on the platform trail specialist exchanges

IQCent

"IQCent will appeal to day traders looking for a straightforward binary options and CFD trading platform with low fees, a range of accounts, and copy trading. Getting started takes less than 1 minute and a $250 deposit. "

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

IQCent Quick Facts

Bonus Offer20% to 200% Deposit Bonus
CoinsBTC, ETH, LTC, ETC, DOGE, MATIC, QNT, SOL, XRP, USDT, XMR, BNB
Crypto MiningNo
Auto Market MakerNo
Crypto SpreadVariable
Crypto LendingNo
Crypto StakingNo
PlatformsOnline Platform, TradingView
Minimum Deposit$250
RegulatorIFMRRC
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR

Pros

  • There's an accessible $0.01 minimum stake for new day traders with a small budget
  • Keen traders can take part in trading contests with cash prizes
  • CFD trading fees are competitive based on tests, including 0.7 pips on major forex pairs such as EUR/USD

Cons

  • There's no automated trading support for algo traders
  • IQCent charges a punitive $10 monthly inactivity fee if you fail to place at least 1 trade per month
  • The market analysis is very basic with limited technical summaries and insights from analysts

Plexytrade

"Plexytrade is a newcomer in the brokerage scene with attention-grabbing features like 1:2000 leverage, zero spreads on select instruments and fast execution speeds of less than 46 milliseconds. However, the absence of regulation is a significant concern, while the non-existent research and educational tools place it far behind industry frontrunners."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

Plexytrade Quick Facts

Bonus Offer120% Cash Welcome Bonus
CoinsBTC, ETH, LTC, SOL, XRP
Crypto MiningNo
Auto Market MakerNo
Crypto Spread1.1
Crypto LendingNo
Crypto StakingNo
PlatformsMT4, MT5
Minimum Deposit$50
RegulatorUnregulated
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR

Pros

  • US residents are accepted as clients, distinguishing Plexytrade as one of the rare offshore brokers that cater to US-based traders.
  • Plexytrade accommodates a range of trading methods and short-term strategies, including scalping, hedging, and automated trading.
  • Despite lacking regulation, Plexytrade provides negative balance protection and reinforces safety protocols by holding client funds in segregated accounts.

Cons

  • There are no research and educational materials, falling short of alternatives like IG, while access to the economic calendar is restricted to clients with balances of $500.
  • With around 100 instruments, Plexytrade restricts the flexibility of investors who prefer to trade across various assets, especially compared to Blackbull with its 26,000 securities.
  • Plexytrade lacks regulation in major jurisdictions, significantly increasing the risks of opening an account and depositing funds.

Firstrade

"We recommend Firstrade for beginner investors looking to trade US stocks with no commissions. There is a wealth of free education plus premium-quality research and trading ideas from Morningstar, Briefing.com, Zacks and Benzinga."

William Berg, Reviewer

Firstrade Quick Facts

Bonus OfferDeposit Bonus Up To $4000
CoinsALGO, AVAX, BAT, BTC, BCH, ADA, LINK, ATOM, CRO, CRV, MANA, DOGE, ETH, ETC, FTM, LTC, LRC, MATIC, REN, SHIB, SOL, XLM, SUSHI, GRT, UNI, YFI
Crypto MiningNo
Auto Market MakerNo
Crypto SpreadVariable
Crypto LendingNo
Crypto StakingNo
PlatformsOwn
Minimum Deposit$0
RegulatorSEC, FINRA
Account CurrenciesUSD

Pros

  • Multiple customer support options
  • Access to education, research, and tools
  • Stop limit and trailing stop orders supported

Cons

  • No forex or futures trading
  • No demo/paper trading account
  • No copy trading

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

CoinsBTC, ETH, LTC, XRP, 1INCH, AAVE, ADA, AGIX, ALCX, ALGO, ALPHA, APE, APT, ARB, ASTR, ATOM, AUDIO, AVAX, AXS, BADGER, BAND, BAT, BCH, BLUR, BNB, BNT, BTTC, CAKE, CELO, CFX, CHR, CHZ, CLV, COMP, CREAM, CRV, DENT, DODO, DOGE, DOT and many more
Crypto MiningNo
Auto Market MakerNo
Crypto Spread$28 (Bitcoin)
Crypto LendingNo
Crypto StakingNo
PlatformsMT4, MT5
Minimum Deposit$100
RegulatorASIC
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD

Pros

  • After a recent upgrade, there are now over 800 assets available to trade via CFDs, with a particularly impressive range of 120+ cryptos
  • You can access low trading fees with spreads from 0.0 pips in the Raw account and zero non-trading fees
  • Convenient account funding is available with 7 base currencies, a $100 deposit and a wide range of payment methods

Cons

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

BinaryCent

"Traders who want a reliable binary options broker with a streamlined platform and high payouts should try out BinaryCent."

Tobias Robinson, Reviewer

BinaryCent Quick Facts

Bonus Offer20% - 200% deposit bonus
CoinsZEC, XRP, XMR, SAN, OMG, LTC, BTC, IOT, ETH, ETC, EOS, DSH
Crypto MiningNo
Auto Market MakerNo
Crypto SpreadN/A
Crypto LendingNo
Crypto StakingNo
PlatformsOwn
Minimum Deposit$250
RegulatorVFSC
Account CurrenciesUSD

Pros

  • Trade binary contracts from $0.10 allowing trading opportunities for all budgets
  • Payouts up to 95% are higher than most competitors and increases profit potential
  • Accepts a wide range of funding methods, including cryptos and e-wallets

Cons

  • Not available to traders based in the US
  • Not overseen by any reputable regulator, raising risks and reducing customer protections
  • The $250 minimum deposit is higher than most binary options brokers

Binary Options Alternatives: Further Considerations

Now you have discovered some of the popular alternatives to binary options, here is some additional information to consider to help you get started trading with one of these instruments.

Brokerages

When looking at binary options alternatives, choosing a brokerage is an essential step for safe and low-cost trading. Here are some general qualities to look out for to find the best brokers:

Education

The most straightforward binary options strategy is applicable for many of the alternatives in this article, which is going long or short on an asset. However, a more thorough education is required to gain an edge when using instruments such as standard options, stock trading and futures.

There are many trading courses, videos and guides on how to get started trading each of these binary options alternatives. We found that trading using a demo account is invaluable for traders new to a specific market or instrument.

Regional Considerations

While all these instruments trade on global markets, some binary options alternatives have regional restrictions. For example, CFDs are banned for Canadian and US residents and crypto derivatives are restricted for investors in the UK.

Additionally, binary options are classed as gambling in some jurisdictions, such as the UK. Therefore, they have tax advantages over other forms of trading. The rules on binary options and their alternatives will be different for other regions too, such as Australia, Korea, India, Germany, Canada and for US citizens.

Ensure you understand your local trading tax rules before getting started.

Final Word On Binary Options Alternatives

Investors that either cannot or do not want to trade using binary options are spoilt for choice in their alternatives. Trading methods such as CFDs and spread betting offer similar types of speculation but with key differences such as uncapped losses and gains. Traders can also draw upon instruments such as futures and vanilla options for more advanced investing in a more secure and regulated space.

FAQs

Which Alternatives To Binary Options Suit Day Trading?

Some of the most popular alternatives to binary options for day trading are stock trading, CFDs and spread betting. These formats allow investors to capitalize on intra-day price movements, often with high leverage.

Which Binary Options Alternatives Are Halal?

Whether an instrument is halal or haram can depend on the specific trading strategy or the account used. For example, Muslim CFD traders can open special Islamic accounts to comply with their religious principles, while crypto staking is more of a grey area.

Are Alternatives To Binary Options Good Or Bad?

There are several benefits and disadvantages to alternative trading methods to binary options. Almost all binary options alternatives benefit from greater regulatory oversight, security, and payout potential. However, binary options are simple and have capped losses to prevent investors from losing more than they stake.

Are Binary Options The Same As Options?

Binary options are less complex than traditional options but offer lower potential rewards for a successful trade. When comparing binary options vs regular options, these methods suit different market conditions and trader profiles.

Do Binary Options Alternatives Come With Demo Accounts?

Demo accounts are key for traders wanting to learn new markets or instruments. They are commonly offered to investors when trading CFDs, stocks or binary options. However, they may be harder to come by for alternatives such as futures and cryptos.