Best Brokers For Short Selling 2025
Short sellers aim to profit from market downturns. We’ve found the best brokers for short selling by assessing key factors: markets available to short, fees on short positions, platform quality, account minimums, and our trust in the broker.
Best Brokers For Short Selling 2025
These are the 6 best platforms based on our findings, offering either direct short selling or short selling through products like CFDs:
Here is a short overview of each broker's pros and cons
- Interactive Brokers - When we tested Interactive Brokers, short selling across stocks, forex, and CFDs was highly flexible. Borrow costs were transparent and often lower than most competitors we tested, averaging around 0.015% daily on forex CFDs and about 1.1% for equity CFDs, and restrictions were minimal. IBKR’s platforms and market data are also a step above much of the competition, making it ideal for advanced traders who rely on precise, tactical short-selling strategies.
- NinjaTrader - In our evaluations, NinjaTrader stood out for how easy it made short selling across futures and forex CFDs. Borrow costs were reasonable, roughly 0.02% daily on forex CFDs and around 1.3% for futures and equity CFDs. For those short selling through futures products, it provides more instruments and specific tool than almost every other firm we tested.
- Plus500US - When we tested Plus500US, short selling was straightforward - just sell to open on futures contracts like micro equity indices and crude oil, then buy to close. Because these are futures, there are limited borrow/locate hassles or borrow fees; costs are transparent (commission + exchange/NFA fees), margin updates in real time, and the web platform has a unique design that's genuinely intuitive and complete with integrated research tools..
- UnitedPips - When we put United Pips to the test, short selling across forex and CFDs was smooth and reliable. Borrow costs were competitive, around 0.03% daily on forex CFDs and roughly 1.7% for equity CFDs, and restrictions were minimal, letting us act fast on market dips. Execution held up well even in volatile conditions.
- IQCent - IQCent made bearish positions straightforward: we could open down (put) binary contracts on markets like currencies and crypto with expiries from seconds to a month, all with fixed, pre-declared payouts and no borrow/overnight financing to worry about. Execution felt snappy around news, which suited quick, tactical downside views.
- Capitalcore - On Capitalcore, expressing a short market thesis primarily means selecting down binary contracts, which brings with it the benefit of risks capped at the initial stake, and payout terms clearly displayed in the trade panel before entry. During testing, the simple workflow helped us rotate rapidly through setups without the CFD-specific constraints you get at some of the short selling brokers we've evaluated.
Best Brokers For Short Selling 2025 Comparison
| Broker | Short Selling Rating | Minimum Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive Brokers | / 5 | $0 |
| NinjaTrader | / 5 | $0 |
| Plus500US | / 5 | $100 |
| UnitedPips | / 5 | $10 |
| IQCent | / 5 | $250 |
| Capitalcore | / 5 | $10 |
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 Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies |
| Regulator | FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM |
| Platforms | Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, TradingView, eSignal, TradingCentral, ProRealTime, Quantower |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Minimum Trade | $100 |
| Leverage | 1:50 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF |
Pros
- Interactive Brokers has launched ForecastTrader, a unique, zero-commission product where users can trade yes/no Forecast Contracts on political, economic, and climate events, with fixed $1 payouts per contract, 24/6 market access, and 3.83% APY on held positions.
- With low commissions, tight spreads and a transparent fee structure, IBKR delivers a cost-effective environment for short-term traders.
- IBKR continues to deliver unmatched access to global stocks with tens of thousands of equities available from 100+ market centres in 24 countries, most recently the Saudi Stock Exchange.
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.
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 Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto |
| Regulator | NFA, CFTC |
| Platforms | NinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:50 |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- NinjaTrader is a widely respected and award-winning futures broker and is heavily authorized by the NFA and CFTC
- NinjaTrader continues to deliver comprehensive charting software for active day traders with bespoke technical indicators and widgets
- Traders can get free platform access and trade simulation capabilities in the unlimited demo
Cons
- The premium platform tools come with an extra charge
- There is a withdrawal fee on some funding methods
- Non forex and futures trading requires signing up with partner brokers
Plus500US
"Plus500US 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. Its powerful tools and reliable service helped it scoop second place in DayTrading.com's annual 'Best US Broker' award."
Plus500US Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | Welcome Deposit Bonus up to $200 |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | Futures on Cryptocurrencies, Metals, Agriculture, Forex, Interest rates, Energy, Equity Index future contracts |
| Regulator | CFTC, NFA |
| Platforms | WebTrader, App |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.0 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:50 |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- The Futures Academy is an excellent resource for new traders with engaging videos and easy-to-follow articles, while the unlimited demo account is great for testing strategies
- Plus500 is a publicly traded company with a good reputation, over 24 million traders, and a sponsor of the Chicago Bulls.
- The straightforward account structure, pricing model and web platform offer an easier route into futures trading than rivals like NinjaTrader
Cons
- Plus500US does not offer social trading capabilities, a feature available at alternatives like eToro US which could strengthen its offering for aspiring traders
- The proprietary platform is user-friendly but lacks advanced technical analysis tools found in third-party solutions like MetaTrader 4
- While Plus500US continues to broaden its investment offering, it's currently restricted to around 50+ futures with no stocks
UnitedPips
"UnitedPips is ideal for traders seeking leveraged trading opportunities, the security of fixed spreads, and the flexibility to deposit, withdraw, and trade cryptocurrencies - all in one sleek TradingView-powered platform."
UnitedPips Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 40% Deposit Bonus |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Precious Metals, Crypto |
| Regulator | IFSA |
| Platforms | UniTrader |
| Minimum Deposit | $10 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:1000 |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- Although being handed off mid-chat due to shift changes during testing was frustrating, customer support is generally good with quick, helpful responses, and 24/7 support via phone and email for regional teams is a definite advantage.
- UnitedPips offers impressive leverage up to 1:1000 with zero swap fees or commissions, which can enhance potential returns for day traders and swing traders looking to control prominent positions with less capital.
- UnitedPips’ platform performs well, with an intuitive design that will appeal to beginners, while the TradingView integration delivers powerful charting tools without overwhelming users, making it straightforward to execute trades efficiently.
Cons
- UnitedPips lacks comprehensive research, while the educational content for beginner traders is woeful. Compared to brokers like eToro, which offers tutorials, webinars, and advanced courses, UnitedPips offers minimal resources to help new traders understand key concepts.
- UnitedPips' selection of tradable instruments is still minimal, comprising a bare minimum selection of forex, metals and crypto. There are no equities, indices or ETFs, which may be a drawback for experienced traders looking for diverse opportunities.
- Unlike brokers such as IG, UnitedPips is an offshore broker not regulated by any 'green tier' financial authorities, raising concerns for traders seeking assurance and protection under well-established regulatory frameworks.
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 Offer | 20% to 200% Deposit Bonus |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto |
| Regulator | IFMRRC |
| Platforms | Online Platform, TradingView |
| Minimum Deposit | $250 |
| Minimum Trade | $0.01 |
| Leverage | 1:500 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR |
Pros
- The broker's 24/7 customer support is fast and reliable, responding within 1 minute during tests
- The proprietary terminal offers TradingView-powered charts which deliver dozens of technical indicators and studies
- The broker offers up to 98% payouts on binary options, which is more than alternatives like Pocket Option, only offering up to 92%
Cons
- IQCent trails binary brokers like Quotex with its narrow investment offering of around 175 assets with limited stocks
- IQCent charges a punitive $10 monthly inactivity fee if you fail to place at least 1 trade per month
- There's no automated trading support for algo traders
Capitalcore
"The major selling points of Capitalcore are its easy-to-use binary platform which offers a strong charting package from TradingView, plus its 'double up' and 'rollover' capabilities to replicate or extend short-term trades with a click. However, its weak regulatory oversight and non-existent education place it far behind the top brokers."
Capitalcore Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 40% Deposit Bonus |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | Forex, Metals, Stocks, Cryptos, Futures Indices, Binary Options |
| Platforms | WebTrader, Pro |
| Minimum Deposit | $10 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots (CFD/Forex), $1 (Binaries) |
| Leverage | 1:2000 |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- The support team are available 24/7 and responded within minutes during testing with helpful responses.
- Unlike most brokers, Capitalcore offers an unlimited demo account that takes under 5 minutes to open.
- While a relative newcomer to binary options space, its transparent, accessible service earned it runner up in DayTrading.com's 2025 'Best Binary Broker' award.
Cons
- Platform support is limited to proprietary software, so there's no integration with the market-leading MetaTrader or cTrader, which offer built-in economic news and support automated trading.
- The web platform was inconsistent during testing, with occasional technical glitches that meant the trading platform wouldn’t load.
- Capitalcore is not regulated by major financial authorities and has an unproven reputation, raising concerns about the safety of client funds.
Comparing Short Selling Brokers
Based on our exhaustive tests, the best brokers for short selling are trusted and offer a range of markets, low fees, excellent platforms, and accessible minimum deposits.
We unpack these comparison factors and our methodology below.
Trust
When we put together this list, our top priority was choosing trustworthy short selling brokers.
Only those who meet our stringent trust standards, including having up-to-date regulatory credentials and earning a solid reputation with our in-house experts, make the cut.
- eToro continues to distinguish itself through its stellar record with 25+ million users and authorization from multiple tier-one regulators including the US SEC and UK FCA.
Markets
Short selling brokers provide opportunities to profit when an asset’s price decreases, either through products like contracts for difference (CFDs) or by directly loaning the asset, such as stocks, to traders to rebuy later at a lower price.
We look for short selling brokers that offer a diverse range of markets, ensuring traders can capitalize on shorting opportunities across company shares, stock indices, currencies, or crypto tokens.
- AvaTrade excels for its extensive market offerings, allowing short positions through CFDs across 1,250+ stocks, indices, forex, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.
Fees
Short selling can involve certain fees including transaction costs, interest charged on borrowed funds, as well as standard interest rates on margin accounts.
We only select short selling brokers that offer highly competitive rates, but more than this we seek out those that offer good value for money by reviewing the total costs and how the services on offer weigh up.
Brokers frequently adjust their rates, so we also periodically review pricing structures to make sure short sellers have the latest information.
- Moomoo shines for its low fees with zero commissions and competitive short selling rates that vary depending on daily market supply.
Platforms
Traders need a fast, smooth and responsive platform or app to get the best results while short selling.
However, what separates the best short selling brokers for us is their valuable insights into securities that can be shorted, including the quantity available and alerts to significant changes in short interest rates and costs, to support decision-making.
- Interactive Brokers stands out with its comprehensive IBKR’s Securities Loan Borrow (SLB), offering real-time updates on shortable quantities, live and historical borrowing rates, and more throughout the day.
Account Minimums
Brokerages with low minimum deposits are the most accessible and allow traders of all stripes to test out brokers’ services and start shorting securities before risking substantial capital.
Recognizing the potential of margin trading for short sellers with limited funds, we favor brokers offering minimum deposits of $500 or less.
- Webull excels as one of the most accessible short selling brokers with no minimum deposit.
Methodology
Compiling our list of the top short selling brokers involved a 5-step, hands-on approach:
- Regulatory credentials – We went beyond the details advertised, verifying each broker’s license on the relevant agency’s website to ensure it was valid.
- Trading fees – We compared fees comprehensively – examining commissions, interest on borrowing, and any additional costs – to ensure brokers offer a cost-effective environment for short sellers.
- Platform quality – Putting platforms and tools to the test, we actively placed paper trades, assessing their suitability specifically for short selling.
- Trading markets – We investigated the markets and instruments available for short selling to ensure users have ample trading opportunities.
- Account opening – Recognizing the importance of accessibility, we verified that the minimum deposit required to open an account was reasonable, helping new short sellers get started.
FAQ
What Is Short Selling?
Short selling involves borrowing an asset to sell it in a bet that its price will drop, allowing you to buy it back at a later date and pocket the difference in price (minus any fees).
Alternatively, short sellers can speculate on falling prices using derivatives like contracts for difference (CFDs), whereby you don’t take ownership of the underlying asset.
Can Anyone Short Sell?
Thanks to the wide availability of online brokers, it is easier than ever to short stocks and other securities today. If you are able to sign up with the brokers on our list, then you can start short selling.
What Are The Benefits Of Short Selling?
Shorting can be a lucrative trading strategy when it comes off. Asset prices do not normally rise indefinitely, and short selling gives traders an opportunity to anticipate price drops and make money from the inevitable.
What Are The Risks Of Short Selling?
If you had bought one Bitcoin in 2019 for $5000, the maximum amount you would have risked losing was $5000 if the price went to zero. But in fact, the price rose to a peak above $60,000, so if you had shorted Bitcoin you would have potentially lost more than $55,000 (excluding any fees).
This illustrates how a short trade can be riskier than a straightforward buy, as there is no limit to how high an asset’s price can rise.