One of the important aspects to consider is the time of day that you invest and there is a compelling case for pre-market trading. Many like to trade when the market is open and at its most volatile. However, with stocks being more accessible and active than ever before, there is a viable option for some investors looking for returns outside of these hours.
This review of brokers offering pre-market trading serves as a guide for anyone wanting to explore the opportunities and advantages of trading in the pre-market period. This includes an explanation of how it works, an evaluation of the good and bad of trading at this time, and finally tips and strategies to assist you. We have also compiled a list of the best brokers with pre-market trading in 2026.
Brokers With Extended Hours Trading
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- Demo account
- Platforms: eToro Web, CopyTrader, TradingCentral
- Min. deposit: $1000
61% of retail CFD accounts lose money. eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk. -
- Demo account
- Min. deposit: $0
- Min. trade: 0.01 Lots
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- Demo account
- Instruments: Stocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCs
- Regulator: SEC, FINRA, MAS, SFC, ASIC, CIRO, JFSA, SC
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- Demo account
- Regulator: FCA, ASIC, MAS, CIRO, BaFin, FMA, DFSA
- Platforms: Web, MT4, MT5, TradingView
69% of retail CFD accounts lose money. -
- Demo account
- Instruments: Stocks, Options, ETFs, Bonds
- Regulator: SEC, FINRA
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- Demo account
- Instruments: Stocks, ETFs, Options, Pink Sheets, Warrants
- Regulator: SEC, FINRA, CIRO, AFM, SCB
Learn how we test brokers and why you can trust our ratings.
Here is a short summary of why we think each broker belongs in this top list:
- eToro 4.0/5 When we tested eToro’s extended hours trading, U.S. equities were tradable from 09:00 to 01:00 (GMT). Spreads widened by up to 1 pip post-market, but limit and stop-loss orders triggered accurately. Liquidity in popular stocks remained high. Zero commissions on stocks helped offset overnight spread expansion.
- IG 4.8/5 During our tests, IG offered extended hours trading from 09:00 to 01:00 (GMT) on key U.S. stocks and indices. Spreads widened modestly (typically 0.5 to 1 pip) after market close. Stop-loss and limit orders were responsive, even in low-liquidity periods. No added commission on most extended-hour trades impressed us.
- Moomoo 3.2/5 During our tests, moomoo provided extended trading from 09:00 to 01:00 (GMT) for U.S. markets, plus full pre- and post-market sessions. Liquidity dipped slightly after hours, and spreads widened by 0.5 to 0.8 pips. Zero commission on U.S. stocks made off-hours trading cost-effective.
- CMC Markets 4.7/5 When we used CMC Markets, extended hours trading was available from 09:00 to 01:00 (GMT) on U.S. stocks and indices. Spreads widened modestly - around 0.5–0.9 pips - after market close, but order execution stayed consistent. Stop-loss and limit orders triggered accurately. Commission-free equity CFDs made off-hours trading accessible and cost-efficient.
- TradeUp 3.5/5 TradeUP offers extended-hours trading on U.S. stocks/ETFs - pre-market 4:00–9:30 a.m. ET and after-hours 4:00–8:00 p.m. ET. Like most brokers we’ve tested, it requires limit orders only during these sessions, but its commission-free model still applies out of hours.
- TradeZero 3.8/5 TradeZero is a stock and ETF broker established in the Bahamas in 2015. Though the global entity is regulated offshore, the US subsidiary is overseen by FINRA with SIPC registration. The powerful proprietary trading software makes it a popular choice for active day traders.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| eToro | 32237 | ||||
| IG | 10162 | ||||
| Moomoo | 740 | ||||
| CMC Markets | 3519 | ||||
| TradeUp | - | 1 | |||
| TradeZero | 3093 |
eToro
eToro's social trading platform leads the pack with a terrific user experience and active community chat that can help beginners find opportunities. There are also competitive fees on thousands of CFDs and real stocks, plus excellent rewards for experienced strategy providers.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
eToro quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, ETFs, Smart Portfolios, Commodities, Futures, Crypto, NFTs
- Regulator
- FCA, CySEC, MiCA, MFSA, FSRA, ASIC, FSAS, MAS, GFSC
- Platforms
- eToro Web, CopyTrader, TradingCentral
- Minimum Deposit
- $1000
- Minimum Trade
- $10
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, DKK
Pros
- eToro introduced EUR and GBP accounts, and more recently BTC and ETH payments, cutting conversion fees and providing a localized trading experience.
- Top copy traders can receive annual payments up to 1.5% of assets under copy in the broker's Popular Investor Program.
- eToro has bolstered its investment offering, regularly adding new crypto assets, and now offering over 100 digital currencies.
Cons
- There are no guaranteed stop loss orders which would be a useful risk management feature for beginners.
- The lack of additional charting platforms like MT4 will reduce the appeal for seasoned day traders accustomed to using third-party software.
- There is a $30 minimum withdrawal amount and a $5 fee, which will affect novices with low capital.
IG
IG continues to provide a comprehensive package with an intuitive web platform, best-in-class education for beginners, advanced charting tools bolstered by its recent TradingView integration, real-time data, and robust trade execution for experienced day traders.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
IG quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- CFDs (not in US), Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting (UK only)
- Regulator
- CFTC, NFA, FCA, BaFin, ASIC, FINMA, MAS, JFSA, FMA, DFSA, BMA, CONSOB
- Platforms
- Web, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral, ProRealTime
- Minimum Deposit
- $0
- Minimum Trade
- 0.01 Lots
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD
Pros
- As a well-established broker, IG operates under strict regulatory guidelines in multiple jurisdictions, maintaining a high level of trust.
- The ProRealTime advanced charting platform is free as long as certain modest monthly trading activity requirements are met.
- 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-$18 per month after 2 years, deterring casual investors.
- IG has discontinued its swap-free account, reducing its appeal to Islamic traders.
- 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.
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
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- Stocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCs
- Regulator
- SEC, FINRA, MAS, SFC, ASIC, CIRO, JFSA, SC
- Platforms
- Desktop Platform, Mobile App
- Minimum Deposit
- $0
- Minimum Trade
- $0
- Account Currencies
- USD, CAD, AUD, JPY, MYR, HKD, SGD, CNY
Pros
- There are reduced options contract fees from $0.65 to $0
- Moomoo's analytics and insights are impressive and detailed compared to other brands
- Moomoo is a Member of FINRA and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), adding another level of security for prospective clients
Cons
- Moomoo has faced multiple regulatory penalties in recent years, including fines and orders in 2026 that stopped it temporarily accepting some Japanese and Chinese clients
- The account range is narrow compared to other brokerages in its class with no managed portfolios or robo-advisor solutions
- There is no negative balance protection, which is a common safety feature at top-tier-regulated brokers
CMC Markets
With advanced charting tools and an extensive range of tradable CFDs, including an almost unrivalled selection of currencies and custom indices, CMC Markets provides a fantastic online platform for traders of all levels.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
CMC Markets quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Treasuries, Custom Indices, Spread Betting, Certificates and Warrants (Germany and Austria)
- Regulator
- FCA, ASIC, MAS, CIRO, BaFin, FMA, DFSA
- Platforms
- Web, MT4, MT5, TradingView
- Minimum Deposit
- $0
- Minimum Trade
- 0.01 Lots
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SEK, NOK, SGD, PLN
Pros
- The brokerage continues to stand out with its wide range of value-add resources, including pattern recognition scanners, webinars, tutorials, news feeds, and research from respected sources like Morningstar.
- CMC offers excellent pricing, including tight spreads and low trading fees for all but stock CFDs. The Alpha and Price+ schemes also offer perks for active traders with up to 40% discounts on spreads.
- CMC Markets has added an AI News feature, using AI to surface and summarise market stories rather than place trades for you, hinting at where broker research tools are heading.
Cons
- Despite improvements, the web platform still requires enhancements to make it as intuitive to trade on as software from rivals like IG.
- The CMC Markets app offers the complete trading package but the design and user experience trails category leaders like eToro.
- An inactivity fee of $15 per month is applied after 12 months of inactivity, which may deter casual investors.
TradeUp
TradeUp is best suited to budget-conscious day traders looking to trade U.S. and global markets (via ADRs) with zero commissions on a user-friendly mobile app. Its more than 250 Chinese American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), including Alibaba Group (BABA), also make it suitable for trading Chinese equities.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
TradeUp quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- Stocks, Options, ETFs, Bonds
- Regulator
- SEC, FINRA
- Platforms
- Desktop, Web, Mobile
- Minimum Deposit
- $0.01
- Minimum Trade
- $1
- Account Currencies
- USD
Pros
- TradeUp offers commission-free trading on US stocks and ETFs, and support for fractional shares lets you buy portions of a share for as little as $1. This makes it a cost-effective choice for active day traders who want to minimize trading expenses.
- TradeUp runs an integrated and intuitive financial calendar that helps you track earnings, dividends, and IPOs relevant to your watchlist, enabling you to stay ahead of market-moving events.
- TradeUp’s platforms work smoothly across multiple devices based on our tests, including mobile apps for iOS and Android, a desktop app for Windows and Mac, and a web-based platform. This allows active traders to switch between devices without losing continuity, whether you’re at home or on the go.
Cons
- The platform's technical indicators have limited customization options from our use. On both mobile and web versions, you can't layer multiple indicators on the same chart simultaneously, which restricts more sophisticated chart analysis.
- TradeUp does not support popular third-party platforms like TradingView or cTrader, so traders who rely on those for advanced charting, automation, or community features won't find that flexibility.
- A 2026 security incident left the personal and financial data of 26,985 users vulnerable, including their Social Security numbers, driver's licenses, passports, and medical information.
TradeZero
TradeZero is best for experienced stock day traders, especially those trading momentum in small-caps or those chasing opportunities in pre- and after-hours sessions. It also suits short sellers needing hard-to-borrow locates and active options traders thanks to its direct routing tools and Level 2 data, though these typically require a paid platform subscription (ZeroPro or ZeroWeb).
James Barra, Reviewer
TradeZero quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- Stocks, ETFs, Options, Pink Sheets, Warrants
- Regulator
- SEC, FINRA, CIRO, AFM, SCB
- Platforms
- TZ1, ZeroPro, ZeroFree, ZeroMobile, TradingView
- Minimum Deposit
- $2,500 (US), $500 (International), $250 (Europe)
- Minimum Trade
- $1
- Account Currencies
- USD
Pros
- TradeZero brought out Developer 2026, giving experienced algo traders an API to automate stock and options trades and short locate workflows.
- TradeZero Europe is bolstering its regional footprint and local trading services by now accepting clients in Belgium, Luxembourg, Norway, and Denmark.
- TradeZero’s short-selling setup is one of the strongest we’ve tested, with pre-borrows, single-use locates, regular locates, and credit back on eligible unused locates - providing access to an inventory many legacy brokers simply don't.
Cons
- TradeZero was charged by the US SEC in 2022 over misleading statements concerning its meme-stock purchase halts, plus it had a $250k fine from FINRA in 2024 over compliance failures, and a $175k fine from CIRO in 2025 for inadequate supervision of client trading.
- Shorting costs can escalate quickly because locate fees are variable, overnight borrowing is market-based (and higher than some brokers), and odd-lot shorts are rounded up to the nearest 100 shares for borrow charging.
- The TradingView integration disappointed during our tests and is supported by wider user feedback, with access issues, freezes and occasional order-processing problems that make it harder to trust for frequent live execution.
How Does Pre-Market Trading Work?
Trading markets are traditionally open between the hours of 9:30 am and 4:00 pm EST. In the case of pre-market trading, however, early risers can trade as early as 4:00 am, depending on their broker.
Previously, access to the pre-market period was difficult for retail traders, but nowadays it is offered by multiple online brokers and trading platforms.
The actual process involved in trading on the pre-market is similar to investing during open hours. You simply start by choosing what it is you want to trade, next specify any trade conditions, and then finalize the trade with the broker. The nuances are in the strategy you adopt, as the pre-market trading period has distinct characteristics.
Pros And Cons Of Brokers With Pre-Market Trading
Positives
- Quick reaction to overnight news – Investing during the pre-market period gives you a head start on anyone who trades on the open market. This means that any developments which could have major implications for stocks and other assets can be taken advantage of earlier by making use of the pre-market window.
- Access – The extra hours of the pre-market period give you more opportunities to make trades and generate gains. For anyone that has a busy schedule, it might not always be ideal to be limited to the open market hours so having the alternative of trading during the pre-market session can be a big perk.
- Early Start – The pre-market gives a great indication of what trends may occur during regular trading hours. Any stocks and currency pairs which are trading high during the pre-market will often continue similar trends going into the open market and, similarly, stocks trading lower tend to remain so too.
Negatives
- Competition with experienced traders – The pre-market period can be a risky environment for less experienced traders. Many professional traders like to take advantage of this session and will often have better access to information, more capital, and ultra-fast trade executions and tools.
- Price uncertainty – Prices during the pre-market period can be more difficult to predict in comparison to the open market. The values of assets can differ significantly from what they are during regular hours. Slippage can also impact prices.
- Liquidity shortage – With reduced activity during the pre-market session it can be difficult to find available buyers or sellers, making it difficult to convert your assets into cash at short notice. This shortage can also lead to the prices of securities becoming more volatile.
Strategies Explained
Due to the risks involved with the pre-market, it’s important to go into this trading window with an effective trading strategy and reliable data. Daily investments need to be carefully planned and should be executed with thorough research beforehand.
Firstly, it is important to pay attention to big news announcements. One of the key advantages of the pre-market is the early jump you can get on major price moves which trend exponentially after the extra activity during regular hours. Investments made shortly after news which causes big price moves can be an effective way to generate profits.
Economic indicators also provide valuable information to which you should pay attention when setting your trading strategy. These will give a forecast for the expected values of assets and usually set a precedence for how the price will move. The best brokers with pre-market trading offer a range of technical indicators and drawing tools to help traders forecast upcoming price trends.
Final Word
The pre-market session is a volatile period of the day which can make it more difficult to predict for beginners. When explored to its fullest advantage, it can be an opportunity to make trades early and get ahead of the competition. These early hours are an important period of the trading day, have an effect on opening prices and setting the stage for what is likely to happen during the traditional market.
Use our list of the top brokers with pre-market trading to get started today.
FAQ
What Hours Count As Pre-Market Trading?
Generally, pre-market hours are between 4:00 am and 9:30 am EST. But depending on your broker, the pre-market hours available for trading will vary, so check to ensure you know the specific hours you can trade with their service.
How Do You Choose Suitable Assets During Pre-Market Trading?
There is not as much activity during the pre-market period so, as you would expect, it is worth choosing assets likely to gain traction with other investors. Paying attention to any news or economic indicators can act as a good guide for choosing suitable investments. Open your brokerage platform and conduct technical and fundamental analysis. The top brokers provide tools to identify upcoming price patterns, alongside the biggest gainers.
What Is The Best Broker With Pre-Market Trading?
There is no one online broker that is best for everyone so it is worth exploring the different options. Pick the right platform for you based on your level of experience and the hours you would like to have access to the market. Also consider which markets you want access to, from New York-listed exchanges to futures listed in London. Check out our comparison of the best brokers for pre-market trading in 2026 here.