Brokers With Micro Accounts
Brokers with micro accounts offer straightforward access to forex markets for rookies and those on a budget. This guide will explain what micro trading accounts are and how they work. We also compare micro accounts to other popular trading solutions. Use our list of the best global brokers with micro accounts to get started today.
Micro Account Brokers
#1 - Forex.com
Forex.com boasts a global reputation with multiple awards and 20+ years experience. Regulated in the US, EU, UK and Canada they provide a huge range of markets, not just forex, and offer competitive fees on a cutting-edge platform. The brand also provides a suite of additional tools, from performance analytics and SMART Signals to advanced charts and strategy builders.
"Forex.com is an excellent broker for forex traders with over 80 currency pairs, tight spreads, low commissions and powerful platforms. The brand is also heavily regulated while its parent company is listed on the NASDAQ, giving it a high trust score."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: Forex, Spot Metals
- Regulator: NFA, CFTC
- Platforms: MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
- Min. Deposit: $100
- Min. Trade: 0.01 Lots
- Leverage: 1:50
Forex Trading
Forex.com is a leading FX broker. The brand offers a wide range of currency pairs and some of the lowest fees in the industry. Spreads on the EUR/USD come in as low as 0.0 with a $7 commission per $100k.
Stocks Trading
Forex.com offers access to thousands of US, EU and UK stocks, with spreads of just 1 point. Speculate on household names as well as new IPOs. US stocks are available from just 1.8 cents per share.
Pros
- Fast execution speed of less than 1 second
- VPS hosting for automated strategies
- Free demo account for prospective traders
Cons
- No copy trading platform
- $15 monthly inactivity fee
- Investment offering varies between countries
#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.
"We recommend NinjaTrader for high-volume futures traders looking for low fees and premium analysis tools."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto
- Regulator: NFA, CFTC
- Platforms: eSignal
- Min. Deposit: $50
- Min. Trade: 0.01 Lots
- Leverage: 1:50
Forex Trading
NinjaTrader supports the trading of popular currencies including the EUR/USD. The trading software also offers unique features tailored to forex trading, including specific order and market windows.
Stocks Trading
Stocks can be traded by connecting the NinjaTrader platform to supporting brokers. You can then take positions on large public companies and household names via advanced trading software.
Crypto Trading
Trade micro Bitcoin futures with low fees and leading charting tools. Get exposure to Bitcoin through CME Group's centralized exchange with robust risk management tools.
Pros
- Free platform access and trade simulation capabilities
- Thousands of add-ons and applications from developers in 150+ countries
- Widely respected and heavily authorized by the NFA and CFTC
Cons
- Premium platform tools come with an extra charge
- Non forex and futures trading requires signing up with partner brokers
- Withdrawal fee on some funding methods
#3 - 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.
"We recommend OANDA for US traders seeking a user-friendly platform with premium market research and a straightforward joining process. OANDA is a particularly good pick if you want a heavily regulated broker with a secure trading environment."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: Forex, Crypto
- Regulator: NFA, CFTC
- Platforms: MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist
- Min. Deposit: $0
- Min. Trade: 0.01 Lots
- Leverage: 1:50
Forex Trading
OANDA offers 68 forex pairs, more than many alternatives. The broker's in-house platform also offers impressive execution speeds and a suite of advanced charting and analysis tools.
Crypto Trading
Speculate on the world's biggest cryptos by market cap. Commissions are lower than many peers starting at 0.25%. Clients can spot trade cryptocurrencies on Paxos's itBit exchange through the OANDA platform via OANDA’s partnership with Paxos. Users can trade digital currencies in a few taps through the iOS and Android mobile app.
Pros
- Transparent pricing structure with no hidden charges
- Low minimum deposit for beginners
- Reliable, trustworthy and secure brand with authorization from tier-one regulators
Cons
- Customer support not available on the weekend
#4 - Kwakol Markets
Kwakol Markets is a Nigerian headquartered broker with strong regulatory oversight in Australia and Canada. A great selection of asset classes 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 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, AutoChartist
- Min. Deposit: $1
- Min. Trade: 0.01 Lots
- Leverage: 1:1000
CFD Trading
CFDs are available on a breath of underlying assets, including stocks, indices, commodities, forex and cryptos. High leverage up to 1:500 is available alongside a 0.01 minimum lot size and award-winning software. For the tightest spreads from 0 pips, opt for the Premium account.
Forex Trading
Kwakol Markets offers a wider range of forex pairs than most competitors, with 90+ assets available. Users get fast execution speeds through the ECN model and competitive spreads. On the negative side, not all currency pairs are available on MT4.
Stocks Trading
Trade stocks with zero commissions and ultra-fast trade executions. Clients get exposure to US, EU, Asian and Russian stock markets on both the MT4 and MT5 platforms. Stocks are available as CFDs, so users will not own the underlying shares.
Crypto Trading
Trade cryptos against fiat currencies, other cryptocurrencies and metals like gold. This separates the broker from many alternatives that only offer cryptos paired with the USD. High leverage up to 1:20 on cryptos is available, plus support for Expert Advisors and copy trading.
Pros
- Demo account available
- Account manager and client support functions
- MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 integration
Cons
- Regional restrictions in certain countries
- Lack of deposit and withdrawal methods
- The only base currency is USD
#5 - Webull
Webull is a US-regulated trading app that offers stocks, options, forex, cryptos, ETFs, fractional shares and more. The firm is authorized by the SEC and FINRA with a strong trust rating. Low fees, no minimum investment and generous bonuses have made the discount broker popular with online investors.
"Webull is best for traders looking to buy and sell stocks on a user-friendly app with zero commissions."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: Stocks, ETFs, options, cryptos, forex, ADRs, fractional shares, OTCs
- Regulator: SEC, FINRA
- Platforms: Own
- Min. Deposit: $0
- Min. Trade: 0.01 Lots
- Leverage: 1:4
Forex Trading
Webull offers a modest collection of 17 currencies, including majors like EUR/USD. Forex can be traded on the feature-rich investing app with real-time quotes and low spreads.
Stocks Trading
Webull offers a fantastic list of 2000+ US stocks, fractional shares, options, ETFs, OTC, and ADRs. There is no commission on stocks, ETFs, and options. Full extended trading hours is available while custom screeners and watchlists aid the decision making process.
Crypto Trading
Webull offers trading on popular cryptos like Bitcoin against the US Dollar. With 35+ tokens and premium analysis tools, traders can review market trends and identify opportunities in a few taps.
Pros
- Respected brand with strong regulatory oversight
- Easy-to-use investment platform and mobile app
- No minimum deposit for beginners
Cons
- High deposit and withdrawal wire fees for non-US residents
- Sometimes sudden changes in trading conditions
- Day trading is limited for customers with less than $25,000 deposited
#6 - IG Group
IG is an award-winning broker that has an excellent reputation globally. The brand-US offers spread betting, CFD and forex trading across a comprehensive suite of markets. IG is also multi-regulated, provides a great trading app and has 50 years experience.
"IG offers a superb all-round package. Beginners will appreciate the user-friendly web platform and secure trading environment while established investors will rate the 17,000+ markets and top-tier market research."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting
- Regulator: FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA
- Platforms: MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
- Min. Deposit: $0
- Min. Trade: 0.01 Lots
- Leverage: 1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)
CFD Trading
IG offers an impressive suite of 17,000+ CFD instruments. Negative balance protection ensures accounts cannot drop below zero while custom price alerts and the IG Academy enhance the trading experience.
Forex Trading
IG offers currency trading on its award-winning web platform and mobile app. Comprehensive charts and forex analysis tools are also available through ProRealTime.
Stocks Trading
IG offers 13,000+ shares, with more listed firms than most competitors. Fees are low with no commission on US stocks. Extended hours trading is also available alongside ultra-fast execution speeds of 0.014 seconds.
Crypto Trading
11 popular cryptos are available, plus two crypto crosses. A crypto index is also offered, following the value of the top 10 digital currencies by market cap. All cryptos are available via CFDs.
Pros
- Users have access to a comprehensive range of charts, market news, client sentiment data, and analysis tools
- Over 17,000 assets are available spanning stocks, forex, commodities, baskets, futures, options and more
- Share dealing and ISAs are available for longer term investing
Cons
- Inactivity charge
- No copy trading platform
#7 - IQCent
IQCent is an offshore binary options and CFD broker based in the Marshall Islands with 10+ payment methods and a low $50 starting deposit. With 100+ assets, around the clock trading and high payouts the brand is popular with aspiring traders.
"IQCent will appeal to newer traders who want a platform where they can trade both binary options and CFDs with copy trading support and regular contests."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
- Regulator: IFMRRC
- Platforms: TradingView
- Min. Deposit: $250
- Min. Trade: $0.01
- Leverage: 1:500
CFD Trading
IQCent CFDs are available on forex, stocks, indices, commodities and cryptos with leverage variable by asset to a maximum of 1:500, which is higher than many alternatives. 24/7 customer support is also available to assist new users.
Forex Trading
IQCent traders can access CFDs or binary options on 40+ forex pairs, including majors, minors and exotics. CFD spreads start from 0.7 pips and binary options payouts are decent up to 95%. Trading takes place through the broker's proprietary platform with advanced analysis tools.
Stocks Trading
IQCent offers CFDs and binaries on four German stocks: Lufthansa, Deutsche, Daimler and BMW. Traders can also speculate on stock markets via seven leading indices including US30, S&P500 and FTSE100.
Crypto Trading
IQCent offers 17 crypto assets through its own platform, including Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin. Leverage on crypto CFDs is limited to 1:10 while binary options payouts vary by token but are competitive.
Pros
- Copy trading service
- Both CFDs and binary options tradeable through a single terminal
- Trading contests with cash prizes
Cons
- No MetaTrader 4 platform
- A short period before an inactivity fee is charged
- Not overseen by any highly respected regulator
#8 - Videforex
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.
"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 are also higher than most alternatives climbing to 98%."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
- Platforms: TradingView
- Min. Deposit: $250
- Min. Trade: $0.01
- Leverage: 1:500
CFD Trading
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.
Forex Trading
Trade 35 major, minor and exotic forex pairs through CFDs with floating spreads from 0.1 pips. Alternatively, binary options allow you to speculate on rising and falling prices with a fixed stake and payout.
Stocks Trading
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.
Crypto Trading
Traders can speculate on crypto prices in pairs with USD and CNY through binary options and CFDs. The range of digital currencies is fairly narrow vs alternatives but major tokens like Bitcoin are available.
Pros
- Videforex regularly runs trading contests, offering great practice and cash prizes
- Withdrawals are usually processed within one hour
- You can enter positions with just ¢0.01
Cons
- US clients aren’t accepted due to legal restrictions
- The broker isn’t overseen by a trusted regulatory agency
- No MetaTrader 4 integration
#9 - ForexChief
ForexChief is a foreign exchange and CFD broker, established in 2014. The company is based offshore and registered with the VFSC and FMA. Users can choose between a wide selection of accounts and base currencies, making ForexChief accessible to global traders. The brand also stands out for its no deposit bonus and fee rebates for high-volume traders.
"ForexChief will prove popular with investors looking to trade highly leveraged CFDs on the popular MetaTrader platforms. The large welcome bonus and low starting deposit will also appeal to new traders."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: CFDs, Forex, Metals, Commodities, Stocks, Indices
- Regulator: VFSC
- Platforms: MT4, MT5
- Min. Deposit: $10
- Min. Trade: 0.01 Lots
- Leverage: 1:1000
CFD Trading
ForexChief offers a competitive range of CFDs, encompassing crypto, indices, energies and metals. A clear pricing schedule is available to clients with no hidden charges. Traders can also access very high leverage up to 1:1000.
Forex Trading
ForexChief supports spot foreign exchange trading on all account types for 40+ major, minor and exotic currency pairs on the leading MT4 and MT5 platforms. Spreads are tight starting from zero and there are no dealers or requotes.
Stocks Trading
ForexChief offers 100 US company stocks CFDs for MT4 DirectFX and Classic+ account holders. Investors can speculate on the price of some of the world's largest companies, including Apple and Coca Cola. Spreads start from 5.
Crypto Trading
ForexChief supports crypto trading with five major digital currencies paired against the US dollar. Traders can bet on rising and falling prices with leveraged CFDs and market-leading trading software.
Pros
- MT4 and MT5 integration
- STP/ECN execution with low spreads from 0.0 pips
- A welcome deposit bonus is offered to new users
Cons
- Limited market research
- Weak regulatory oversight
- Withdrawal fees on several payment methods
#10 - 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 could be an attractive option, although the broker does not hold a reputable license.
"Axofa could be a good option for clients looking for social trading features alongside the MT5 platform, and are willing to trade with an offshore brand."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities
- Regulator: SVGFSA
- Platforms: MT5
- Min. Deposit: $1
- Min. Trade: 0.01 Lots
- Leverage: 1:1000
CFD Trading
CFDs are available on popular asset classes with a competitive $1 minimum deposit. The broker offers very high, unrestricted leverage of 1:1000, which will amplify both profits and losses.
Forex Trading
Axofa offers 50+ forex pairs with raw spreads and low commissions. On the downside, the broker is not particularly transparent when it comes to their account conditions and fees.
Stocks Trading
A decent selection of 100+ popular international stocks are available. Traders can also test out their strategies in the free MT5 demo account, though the conditions are more limited vs other brokers.
Pros
- Negative balance protection
- Low starting deposit of $1 for beginners
- Proprietary mobile app
Cons
- Limited verifiable information about the broker’s owners and background
- Unregulated broker
- Inconsistencies between international subsidiaries and website information
Micro Accounts Explained
A micro account is one of the smallest of several different-sized trading accounts – the smallest being nano accounts which are rarely offered. Micro accounts essentially offer low contract sizes, called micro lots, which are 1,000 units of currency. The typical pip value with a micro lot is $0.1. They also commonly go under the name of ‘cent’ accounts.
Brokers who offer micro accounts are best for beginner retail investors who want to access the forex market, or for investors who wish to demo new strategies without risking too much capital.
Micro accounts are primarily found at forex and CFD brokers. Most online brokerages either require no minimum deposit for a micro account, or the deposit is significantly less than the requirements of a standard account, for example, often around $10.
Importantly, other trading conditions and features don’t usually differ from standard live accounts.
Criteria & Qualification
A micro account allows investors to buy smaller contracts with fewer margin requirements. The smallest contract available to purchase is called a micro lot, which is 1% of the size of a standard lot, meaning it is equal to 1,000 units of the base currency.
For comparison, mini accounts offer mini lots as their smallest contract, which are 10,000 units of the base currency. Standard accounts offer standard lots as their smallest currency, which are larger, at 100,000 units of the base currency.
Let’s say an investor wishes to trade EUR/USD. In this case, the euro is the base currency. So, a micro lot of this currency pair would involve the purchase of 1,000 EUR. And you can buy as many micro lots as the capital in your account allows.
Though brokers with micro accounts mean smaller contracts, they do not necessarily mean smaller yields are payable. If the brokerage offers high leverage, traders can amplify their receivable profit. Of course, when trading with leverage, it is important to remember that losses will also be multiplied.
Tip: ensure you have the best rates on your chosen currencies, whether it be the South African Rand (ZAR), Great British Pound (GBP), Canadian Dollar (CAD), or Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD).
Who Should Use A Micro Account?
Perfect for beginners who do not want to risk a lot of capital but want to get into retail trading, forex brokers that offer micro lots are a great step up from demo accounts, in which you practice trading with virtual cash.
Those who have traded before can also use brokers with micro accounts to try any number of new strategies before making large buy and sell orders. This will help gauge if a strategy or trading system works before taking on too much risk.
Compatible Account Types
Cash
Cash accounts can be used jointly with micro accounts as they are also beginner-friendly. Importantly, investors can only use the finances they have deposited into their account, with no margin or leverage trading.
Providers and businesses with these type of cash accounts offer the same tools as regular trading accounts, including the MT4 platform and secure management login and opening.
Managed
When an investor allows another person to manage their capital and account, this is described as managed. It is, naturally, risky to not have control over your funds. Some brokers offer managed micro accounts, but it is important to be thorough with checks on who you are allowing to manage your account, especially as trading can be leveraged, so any losses made by the manager will be amplified. Also check timelines as leaving your capital for 6 months or more may not be possible for some investors.
Look into the fees charged and reviews from other customers on our site, Google or Trustpilot, to ensure you can trust the service.
PAMM
Percentage Allocation Module Management (PAMM) accounts allow investors to group funds while experienced market professionals do the trading. These are arguably safer than managed accounts and are more heavily regulated.
The total profits earned are split between the manager, who receives a portion, as well as between each individual trader whose money was pooled, proportionate to their contribution to the total finances.
A PAMM account may have a higher chance of profit than a micro account, but the amount made will be less as it is split between multiple parties.
ECN
Electronic Communication Network (ECN) accounts are offered by Non-Desk Dealing (NDD) brokers. They can also offer Direct Market Access (DMA) accounts.
NDD brokers allow traders direct access to interbank market rates of exchange. ECN brokers do this by allowing sellers to bid for an order anonymously. With DMA accounts, those who are lending are not anonymous.
ECN brokers do not generally offer micro accounts and these types of accounts are not to be confused with dematerialised (or demat) accounts.
Pros Of Micro Trading Accounts
- Risk control: Smaller lot sizes allow traders to control their risk exposure. For example, in a standard lot, two pip movements in the EUR/GBP is equal to a £20 profit or loss, whereas two pip movement in a micro lot is £0.20.
- Free from additional costs: Micro accounts are a common way for budding investors to begin learning how to trade forex and cryptos with competitive fees.
- Leverage: Profits can be magnified with leverage, so micro accounts do not have to sacrifice profits in return for limited upfront investment. Leveraged trading is also available on multiple assets, from indices like the NASDAQ to ETFs.
- No maximum: The only limit to how many micro lots you can purchase is the money you deposit into your account. This means you can trade using a micro account for as long as you wish, whether it be 6 months or 365 days. As long as you make the right forex trading decisions, there is no compromise on the amount of profits you could potentially earn.
Cons Of Micro Trading Accounts
- Returns: Smaller initial investments tend to lead to lower returns. Leverage can amplify profits, but they also multiply losses, so beginners may not be comfortable trading on margin.
- Upgrading: Once you feel ready to move onto a larger account, you will need to close the micro account and reopen a new mini/standard account. Fortunately, many top brokers with micro accounts also offer mini and standard account solutions.
Final Word On Brokers With Micro Accounts
With as many as 80% of day traders estimated to lose money over a year, with the median loss being -36.30%, it is important to be adequately prepared before getting into trading. Check out which brokers with micro account options have low and high interest rates or zero spread accounts, meaning competitive fees. Micro accounts are a perfect way to introduce yourself to trading before committing to investing larger amounts.
Check out our list of the best brokers with micro accounts to start trading.
FAQ
Are Brokers With Micro Accounts Halal?
Brokers who offer micro accounts may be halal depending on their trading conditions. If there are no overnight finance charges and investors don’t speculate on prohibited industries, such as gambling or tobacco, then micro accounts may comply with Shariah Law. Speak to a local religious leader for guidance.
Which Brokers Offer Micro Accounts?
AvaTrade, City Index, Tiger Brokers, Zerodha and XM are all examples of micro entity accounts. Popular brokerages that do not offer the trading solution include Interactive Brokers and Vanguard. Alternatively, see our guide to the best trading platforms for micro e-mini futures here.
Do UK Brokers Offer Micro Accounts?
Yes – use our list of the top brokers with micro accounts to find a suitable provider. Brokerages in Europe, Canada, Singapore, and Hong Kong also offer micro accounts. Examples include IG, which is available in Zurich, London and elsewhere.
Where Can I Learn More About Brokers With Micro Accounts?
Yahoo Finance, Reddit pages, and YouTube videos can all help broaden your knowledge of micro accounts. Also read up on our guide to forex trading for guidance on getting started.
What Is A Demat Account?
Demat accounts are dematerialised accounts. They are now the norm as they eliminate the need for paper certificates and contracts. It is essentially where bookkeeping is performed electronically, making it more accurate, quicker, and safer when trading.