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 in Cuba 2026
These are the 6 best platforms based on our findings, offering either direct short selling or short selling through products like derivatives:
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- Demo account
- Platforms: MT4, MT5, TradingCentral
- Min. deposit: $5
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- Demo account
- Min. deposit: $100
- Min. trade: 0.01 Lots
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- Demo account
- Regulator: FSC
- Platforms: R StocksTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView
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- Demo account
- Min. deposit: $0
- Min. trade: 0.01 Lots
73-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs -
- Demo account
- Regulator: FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSC, SCB, FSA
- Platforms: MT4, MT5, TradingView, TradeLocker
71.28% of retail traders lose money when trading CFDs -
- Demo account
- Regulator: ASIC, VFSC, FSA
- Platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, DupliTrade
Learn how we test brokers and why you can trust our ratings.
Here is a short overview of each broker's pros and cons
- XM 4.8/5 During our tests with XM, short selling across forex and CFDs was seamless, with competitive borrow costs averaging about 0.04% daily on forex CFDs and around 2% for equity indices, and a few restrictions. We noticed execution stayed tight even during high-volatility periods, which is rare. XM’s platform made spotting short opportunities straightforward, and our experience showed it’s a dependable option for traders looking to capitalize on downward moves efficiently.
- AvaTrade 4.9/5 When we tested AvaTrade, short selling proved surprisingly flexible across major forex and CFD markets. Borrow costs were reasonable, averaging around 0.03% daily on forex CFDs and 1.5–2% for equity CFDs, and execution was smooth even during volatile moves. Restrictions were minimal, letting active traders react quickly to market swings. Our hands-on testing highlighted AvaTrade’s reliability for tactical short positions, making it a solid choice for traders who like to go against the trend.
- RoboForex 4.5/5 During our tests with RoboForex, short selling across forex and CFD markets felt seamless. Borrow costs were reasonable, they averaged roughly 0.035% daily on forex CFDs and about 1.8% for equity CFDs, and restrictions rarely got in the way of swift trades. Hands-on testing showed RoboForex is a solid choice for traders who like to move quickly against the trend.
- Pepperstone 4.8/5 In our hands-on testing, Pepperstone made short selling feel effortless, with very low borrowing costs across forex and CFD markets. Borrow costs averaged about 0.025% daily on forex CFDs and around 1.4% for equity CFDs. Restrictions were light, and execution stayed razor-sharp even during volatile sessions. We found the platform particularly reliable for rapid tactical trades.
- Eightcap 4.6/5 When we tested Eightcap, short selling was surprisingly flexible across forex and CFDs. Borrow costs were fair, roughly 0.03% daily on forex CFDs and around 1.7% for equity CFDs, and restrictions were minimal, allowing us to respond quickly to market swings. Our time using Eightcap showed it to be a practical choice for active traders who want efficient, responsive short-selling opportunities.
- Fusion Markets 4.6/5 In testing, Fusion Markets impressed with fast and reliable short selling across major forex and CFD pairs. Borrow costs were very low, around 0.02% daily on forex CFDs and about 1.3% for equity CFDs and restrictions were almost nonexistent, letting us act quickly on market moves. Execution stayed tight even during volatile periods.
Best Brokers For Short Selling 2026 Comparison
| Broker | Short Selling Rating | Minimum Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| XM | $5 | |
| AvaTrade | $100 | |
| RoboForex | $10 | |
| Pepperstone | $0 | |
| Eightcap | $100 | |
| Fusion Markets | $0 |
Community Sentiment
See how users rate these brokers based on the average customer ratings submitted on DayTrading.com, plus ratings from Trustpilot, the Apple App Store and Google Play.
| Broker | Our Users' Rating | Trustpilot Score | Trustpilot Reviews | iOS App Rating | Android App Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XM | 3134 | ||||
| AvaTrade | 13590 | ||||
| RoboForex | 776 | ||||
| Pepperstone | 3695 | ||||
| Eightcap | 3909 | ||||
| Fusion Markets | 10127 |
XM
With a low $5 minimum deposit, advanced charting platforms in MT4 and MT5, expanding range of markets, and a Zero account offering spreads from 0.0, XM provides all the essentials for active traders, even earning our ‘Best MT4/MT5 Broker’ award in recent years.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
XM quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Thematic Indices, Precious Metals, Energies
- Regulator
- CySEC, DFSA, FSCA, SCA, FSA, FSC-Belize, FSC-Mauritius, CMA-Kenya, CMA-UAE
- Platforms
- MT4, MT5, TradingCentral
- Minimum Deposit
- $5
- Minimum Trade
- 0.01 Lots
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, ZAR
Pros
- XM’s Zero account is ideal for day trading with spreads from 0.0 pips, 99.35% of orders executed in <1 second, and no requotes or rejections.
- XM has rolled out platform upgrades with integrated TradingView charts and an XM AI assistant, delivering faster execution, smarter analysis, and a sleeker, more intuitive trading experience.
- XM stands out for its commitment to trader education, with a wealth of well-presented resources, including webinars, tutorials, and even real-time trading sessions through XM Live.
Cons
- Although trusted and generally well-regulated in some regions, XM also has global entities registered with the weak regulators like FSC (Belize) and FSA (Seychelles), whilst UK clients are no longer accepted, reducing its market reach.
- XM relies solely on the MetaTrader platforms for desktop trading, so there’s no in-house downloadable solution for a more beginner-friendly user experience with unique features.
- XM is falling behind the curve by not offering cTrader, which is favored over MetaTrader by some serious traders for its smoother user experience and superior charting package.
AvaTrade
AvaTrade offers active traders everything they need: an intuitive WebTrader, powerful AvaProtect risk management, a smooth 5-minute sign-up process, and dependable support you can rely on in fast-moving markets.
Jemma Grist, Reviewer
AvaTrade quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, Futures
- Regulator
- ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, JFSA, BVI, FSRA/ADGM, AFM, CMA-Kenya, CIRO (via Friedberg Direct)
- Platforms
- WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
- Minimum Deposit
- $100
- Minimum Trade
- 0.01 Lots
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, ZAR
Pros
- The WebTrader excelled in our hands-on tests, sporting a user-friendly interface for beginners, complete with robust charting tools like 6 chart layouts and 60+ technical indicators.
- Support at AvaTrade performed excellently during testing, with response times of 3 minutes and localized support in major trading jurisdictions, including the UK, Europe and the Middle East.
- Years on, AvaTrade remains one of the few brokers offering a bespoke risk management tool, AvaProtect, that insures losses up to $1M for a fee and is easy to activate on the platform.
Cons
- While signing up is a breeze, AvaTrade lacks an ECN account like Pepperstone or IC Markets, which provides the raw spreads and ultra-fast execution many day traders are looking for.
- The AvaSocial app is good but not great – the look and feel, plus the navigation between finding strategy providers and account management needs upgrading to rival category leaders like eToro.
- AvaTrade’s WebTrader has improved, but work is still needed in terms of customizability – frustratingly widgets like market watch and watchlists can’t be hidden, moved, or resized.
RoboForex
RoboForex is great if you want a vast range of 12,000+ day trading markets with ECN accounts, powerful charting and loyalty promotions. It also stands out for stock traders with its user-friendly R StocksTrader platform, featuring 3,000+ shares, fees from $0.01 and sophisticated watchlists.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
RoboForex quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Crypto
- Regulator
- FSC
- Platforms
- R StocksTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView
- Minimum Deposit
- $10
- Minimum Trade
- 0.01 Lots
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR
Pros
- In July MobileTrader Telegram Mini App was released - bringing out one of the first solutions we've seen that lets users execute trades and manage positions without leaving the Telegram messaging app.
- The R Stocks Trader platform rivals leading solutions like MT4, with netting and hedging capabilities, comprehensive backtesting, Level II pricing, and a flexible workspace.
- RoboForex is known for its tight spreads starting from 0 pips and low minimum deposits from $10, making it accessible to those on a budget. The ability to trade with micro lots further lowers the barrier to entry for new traders.
Cons
- Despite 15+ years in the industry and registering with the Financial Commission, RoboForex is authorized by one ‘Red-Tier’ regulator – the FSC in Belize, lowering the level of regulatory protections for traders.
- RoboForex provides a variety of account types, which, while offering flexibility, can be overwhelming for newer traders trying to choose the most suitable option for their trading style. Alternatives, notably eToro, provide a smoother entry into online trading with one retail account.
- While RoboForex offers competitive spreads, some of its account types come with high trading commissions up to $20 per lot, trailing the cheapest brokers, such as IC Markets.
Pepperstone
Pepperstone stands out as a top choice for day trading, offering razor-sharp spreads, ultra-fast execution, and advanced charting platforms for experienced traders. New traders are also welcomed with no minimum deposit, extensive educational resources, and exceptional 24/5 support (18h a day on weekends).
Christian Harris, Reviewer
Pepperstone quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- CFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto CFDs, Spread Betting
- Regulator
- FCA, ASIC, CySEC, BaFin, DFSA, SCA, SCB, CMA-Kenya
- Platforms
- Pepperstone Trading Platform, MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView
- Minimum Deposit
- $0
- Minimum Trade
- 0.01 Lots
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD
Pros
- Pepperstone has started providing trading in pre-IPO perpetual futures like SpaceX (SPCX.US-PERP) in select regions, such as the UAE.
- Offers a dedicated CopyTrading app for traders who want a less active approach to trading, available in some countries.
- There’s support for a range of industry-leading charting platforms including MT4, MT5, TradingView, and cTrader, catering to various short-term trading styles, including algo trading.
Cons
- Despite improvements to its range of markets, crypto CFD offerings are still fairly limited compared to other brokers who focus on this area, such as Eightcap, and there's no option to invest in real coins.
- Pepperstone has removed support for several tools that elevated the trading experience for active retail traders, notably Autochartist, Capitalise.ai and a free VPS for qualifying traders (now only pro traders in some countries).
- Execution may not feel as reliable in fast markets as headline speeds suggest. In our own testing, execution was fast at desired prices, but some community complaints focus on slippage, stop-loss fills and spread-sensitive order triggers during volatile conditions.
Eightcap
Eightcap delivers in every area for day traders with a growing selection of charting platforms, education via Labs, and AI-powered tools. Now sporting 120+ crypto CFDs, it's also become a stand-out choice for crypto trading, winning our 'Best Crypto Broker' award two years in a row.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
Eightcap quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- CFDs in Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
- Regulator
- FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSC, SCB, FSA
- Platforms
- MT4, MT5, TradingView, TradeLocker
- Minimum Deposit
- $100
- Minimum Trade
- 0.01 Lots
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD
Pros
- After bolstering its roster in 2021, Eightcap offers one of the most extensive selections of cryptocurrency CFDs in the market, with crypto/fiat pairs, crypto/crypto pairs, plus crypto indices for broader exposure to the market.
- Eightcap stands out with a selection of powerful trading tools and resources, including MT4 and MT5, and more recently the 100-million strong social trading network TradingView.
- Having excelled across all key areas for day traders, Eightcap outperformed every competitor to win our 'Best Overall Broker' award for 2024, also securing our 'Best Crypto Broker' title for 2025 and 'Best TradingView Broker' for 2025.
Cons
- Eightcap needs to continue bolstering its suite of 800+ instruments to match category leaders like Blackbull Markets with its 26,000+ assets, featuring a particularly weak selection of commodities.
- The demo account expires after 30 days and can only be extended upon request - a notable inconvenience compared to the likes of XM with its unlimited demo mode.
- In spite of an increasing variety of tools, Eightcap doesn't offer industry favorites like Autochartist or Trading Central, which offer cutting-edge charting analytics, live news, and market insights for short-term traders.
Fusion Markets
Fusion Markets is a standout option for forex traders looking for excellent pricing with spreads near zero, industry-low commissions and recently TradingView integration. It’s a particularly good broker for Australian traders where the company is headquartered and regulated by the ASIC.
Jemma Grist, Reviewer
Fusion Markets quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
- Regulator
- ASIC, VFSC, FSA
- Platforms
- MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, DupliTrade
- Minimum Deposit
- $0
- Minimum Trade
- 0.01 Lots
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD
Pros
- The market analysis features, Market Buzz and Analyst Views, are great tools for discovering opportunities and conveniently integrated into the client dashboard.
- Fusion Markets continues to impress with its pricing that provides tight spreads with below-average commissions that will appeal to active day traders.
- Fusion Markets is set up to support algo traders with a sponsored VPS solution and a 25% discount if you opt for the NYC Servers VPS for MT4 or cTrader.
Cons
- The demo account expires after 30 days, limiting its potential as a useful trading tool alongside a real-money account.
- Fusion Market trails alternatives, notably IG, in the education department with limited guides and live video sessions to upskill new traders.
- While the selection of currency pairs trumps most rivals, the broker's alternative investment offering is average with no stock CFDs beyond the US.
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), which aren’t allowed in all countries including the US, 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 derivatives 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.
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) in countries that allow it, 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.