Brokers With Low Minimum Deposit
Brokers with low minimum deposits are great for traders starting out – facilitating quick and easy access to the financial markets. So whilst many forex and stock trading platforms require thousands to open an account, some of the best online brokers offer little or no cash requirement. Here, we explain the benefits and drawbacks of platforms that require minimal capital outlay and list the top brokers with low minimum deposits.
Best Brokers With The Lowest Minimum Deposit
These are the best brokers for new traders with the lowest minimum deposit requirements:
- Interactive Brokers - $0
- NinjaTrader - $50
- eToro USA - $10
- OANDA US - $0
- Kwakol Markets - $1
Top 3 Broker Comparison
| Interactive Brokers | NinjaTrader | eToro USA | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $50 | $10 |
| Minimum Trade | $100 | 0.01 Lots | $10 |
| Deposit Methods | ACH Transfer, Apple Pay, Automated Customer Account Transfer Service, Cheque, Credit Card, Google Wallet, JCB Card, Mastercard, Payoneer, Samsung Pay, Wire Transfer | ACH Transfer, Debit Card, Wire Transfer | ACH Transfer, Debit Card, PayPal, Wire Transfer |
| Instruments | CFD, Forex, Stocks, Crypto, Futures, Options, Commodities | Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto | Stocks, Options, ETFs, Crypto |
| Platforms | AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral | NinjaTrader Futures, eSignal | Own |
| Leverage | 1:50 | 1:50 | |
| Regulators | SEC, FCA, IIROC, SFC | NFA, CFTC | SEC, FINRA |
| Visit | Visit | Visit | Visit |
#1 - Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers is a leading global brokerage that provides access to a comprehensive offering of stocks as well as forex, futures, metals, bonds and cryptos. The firm has over 40 years experience in the online trading industry and is heavily regulated by SEC, FCA, IIROC, and SFC. Day traders can use the proprietary Trader Workstation and can access powerful tools and data feeds as well as comprehensive educational resources.
"Experienced day traders seeking a regulated broker with sophisticated trading software and very low fees should look at IB. Their range of stocks also can't be beaten."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: CFD, Forex, Stocks, Crypto, Futures, Options, Commodities
- Regulator: SEC, FCA, IIROC, SFC
- Platforms: AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral
- Min. Deposit: $0
- Min. Trade: $100
- Leverage: 1:50
Pros
- Commission reimbursement with Toggle AI
- Proprietary Trader Workstation comes with powerful tools and charting capabilities
- Gives day traders unmatched access to global stocks with tens of thousands available from 100+ market centres in 24 countries
Cons
- Mediocre customer support
- The TWS platform falls short in terms of technical charting
- Platform and web interface are complex and difficult for beginners to pick up
#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.
"NinjaTrader is well-positioned to meet the demands of active futures traders looking for low fees and premium analysis tools. The platform hosts top-rate charting features with custom indicators. "
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto
- Regulator: NFA, CFTC
- Platforms: NinjaTrader Futures, eSignal
- Min. Deposit: $50
- Min. Trade: 0.01 Lots
- Leverage: 1:50
Pros
- Easy account opening that takes a few minutes
- Industry-leading futures broker with multiple awards
- Thousands of add-ons and applications from developers in 150+ countries
Cons
- Non forex and futures trading requires signing up with partner brokers
- Premium platform tools come with an extra charge
- Withdrawal fee on some funding methods
#3 - eToro USA
eToro is a social investing platform that offers 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, this brand is highly respected. eToro securities trading is offered by eToro USA Securities, Inc.
"eToro is a top pick for traders looking for social investing and copy trading. With a low deposit, zero commissions and an intuitive platform, the broker will meet the needs of newer traders."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: Stocks, Options, ETFs, Crypto
- Regulator: SEC, FINRA
- Platforms: Own
- Min. Deposit: $10
- Min. Trade: $10
Pros
- eToro USA Securities is a trustworthy, SEC-regulated broker that is a member of FINRA and SIPC
- The online broker offers an intuitive social investment network with straightforward copy trading on cryptos
- The $10 minimum deposit and straightforward account opening process means beginners can get started quickly
Cons
- Average fees may cut into the profit margins of day traders
- Execution speeds trail the fastest brokers
- Narrower range of instruments than some competitors
#4 - OANDA US
OANDA is a popular brand offering exceptional execution, low deposit requirements and advanced charting and trading platform features. The top-rated brand has over 25 years of experience and is regulated by trusted agencies, including the NFA/CFTC. Around the clock support is available, alongside flexible contract sizes and automated trade executions.
"OANDA is 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."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: Forex, Crypto
- Regulator: NFA, CFTC
- Platforms: MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist
- Min. Deposit: $0
- Min. Trade: 0.01 Lots
- Leverage: 1:50
Pros
- Wide selection of instruments including 68 forex pairs
- Fast and reliable order execution
- Feature-rich app with 50 indicators, 11 drawing tools and 9 charting styles
Cons
- Customer support not available on the weekend
#5 - Kwakol Markets
Kwakol Markets is a Nigerian headquartered broker with strong regulatory oversight in Australia and Canada. A great selection of day trading assets are available, including synthetic products that simulate realistic market activity. Clients can trade on the MT4, MT5 and cTrader platforms, as well as a copy trading solution whereby a fee is only paid on profitable trades.
"Kwakol Markets is a good option for newer traders with a dedicated learning academy, copy trading and a choice of reliable charting platforms. New clients can also sign up and start trading in four straightforward steps."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
- Regulator: ASIC, FINTRAC
- Platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader, AutoChartist
- Min. Deposit: $1
- Min. Trade: 0.01 Lots
- Leverage: 1:1000
Pros
- You can access 1000+ short-term investment, including cryptos and synthetic products
- There's a wide range of free learning resources for beginners, including an eBook, online courses and a Telegram community channel
- The MT4, MT5 and cTrader platforms offer a comprehensive charting environment for active day traders
Cons
- The only base currency available is USD
- You must deposit at least $10,000 to access the best trading conditions
- There's a limited range of funding methods, with just bank transfers, card payments, and PayPal available
Minimum Deposits Explained
Online brokers typically require a deposit to set up an account and start trading. So whether you’re trading stocks, forex or binary options, you’ll often need to put down hundreds or thousands before you can open a position. Of course, minimum deposits vary between providers.
Brokers with low minimum deposits can appeal to traders looking to test a live account before investing significant cash. They can also be used to diversify risk exposure by breaking up a large pot between multiple strategies and platforms. Additionally, some strategies can only be tested under real-market conditions, so a paper trading account won’t tick the box.
Market makers, brokers that take the opposing side of trades, generally have the lowest minimums, though ECN forex brokers can also offer little to no deposit requirement. But while capital requirements may vary, it’s important to still choose a broker that’s regulated and offers the trading tools you need to be successful. For example, brokers in Europe are usually regulated by the CySEC while Australian traders should look for licensing from the ASIC and UK investors for oversight from the FCA. Equally, South African and Kenyan investors should check providers are licensed in their jurisdiction.
Pros Of Brokers With Low Minimum Deposits
There are several benefits to opening an account with low or no minimum deposit:
- Beginners – New starters can learn about the forex market, for example, without risking more than they can afford.
- Access – If you want to test several markets, you can spread your pot across multiple assets, from indices like the NASDAQ to precious metals such as gold.
- Order size – Brokers with low minimum deposits may accept smaller order sizes which can appeal to those with less cash.
- Resources – Most brokers provide a range of guides, tutorials and tips to help support trading strategies, and a small deposit, even just $1, could grant you access to a company’s suite of tools.
Cons Of Brokers With Low Minimum Deposits
There are several drawbacks to using brokers with low minimum deposits:
- Scams – There are a large number of retail trading scams online. And some brokers may lower capital requirements to reel traders in. As a result, investors should check a broker is still regulated by the relevant authority and receives positive reviews.
- Hidden fees – Platforms may reduce cash requirements and then charge extra for other trading services, from account inactivity fees to monthly maintenance costs. That’s why it’s important to opt for a legitimate broker with transparent pricing.
Final Word
Online brokers with low or no minimum deposits are a great option for new traders. They connect investors to the financial markets, allowing traders to test a broker’s range of services or refine strategies. However, it’s important not to forget that you still need a legitimate platform with the necessary tools, market access, and regulatory protection. Check out our list of the best brokers with low minimum deposits to start trading today.
FAQ
Why Do Brokers Require A Minimum Deposit?
Online brokers require an initial payment to cover the costs of creating an account and to ensure traders have enough capital to open positions in their chosen market. Minimum deposits vary from several thousand dollars to just $1.
Who Are The Best Binary Options Brokers With Low Minimum Deposits?
Among the best binary options platforms accepting low deposits is IQ Option. A $10 payment is needed to get started and clients can trade cryptocurrencies, stocks and digital options. For more alternatives, see the list of low deposit binary options brokers.
Can I Trade Forex With $1?
Yes, some online brokers offer minimum deposits from just $1, including regulated trading platforms. See our list for leading recommendations and detailed reviews.
Which Online Brokers Have A Minimum Deposit Of $10?
There are a number of trading platforms offering deposits from just $10, including RoboForex and FXTM. Both provide access to a range of leveraged trading products with competitive spreads and reliable customer support.
Who Are The Best HFX Brokers With Low Minimum Deposits?
Some of the best FX brokers with low minimum deposits include Forex.com and XM. They offer an impressive suite of tools and hundreds of trading assets alongside free mobile applications.