Best Day Trading Platforms and Brokers in 2024

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Written By
Contributor Image
Written By
James Barra
James is an investment writer with a background in financial services. He has worked as a management consultant, where he delivered large-scale operational transformational programmes at some of Europe's biggest banks. James authors, edits and fact-checks content for a series of investing websites.
Updated

The best brokers for day trading offer low fees, excellent charting platforms, fast execution, access to global markets, support trading with leverage, and provide accessible minimum deposits. They are also trusted. Every brokerage we recommend in this guide meets these criteria.

Top 5 Platforms For Day Trading

We have reviewed over 490 brokers as of (March 2024) and found that these are the 5 best platforms for day trading. Every day trading broker we evaluated using real money or a test account.

  1. FOREX.com - FOREX.com remains a best-in-class brokerage for active forex traders of all experience levels, with over 80 currency pairs, tight spreads from 0.0 pips and low commissions. The powerful charting platforms collectively offer over 100 technical indicators, as well as extensive research tools.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. eToro USA - eToro remains a top pick for traders looking for leading social investing and copy trading services. With a low deposit, zero commissions and an intuitive platform, the broker will meet the needs of newer day traders.
  5. OANDA US - OANDA remains 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.

Best Day Trading Platforms and Brokers in 2024 Comparison

Best Day Trading Platforms and Brokers in 2024 Comparison
Broker Minimum Deposit Markets Platforms Leverage Visit
FOREX.com logo
$100 Forex, Spot Metals MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral 1:50 Visit
Interactive Brokers logo
$0 Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral 1:50 Visit
NinjaTrader logo
$0 Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto NinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal 1:50 Visit
eToro USA logo
$10 Stocks, Options, ETFs, Crypto eToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader - Visit
OANDA US logo
$0 Forex, Crypto OANDA Trade, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist 1:50 Visit
DNA Markets logo
$100 CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks, Crypto MT4, MT5 1:500 Visit
LQDFX logo
$20 Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto MT4 1:1000 Visit
IG logo
$0 CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentral 1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro) Visit
Pocket Option logo
$50 Binary Options, Currencies, Commodities, Stocks, Indices, Cryptos Web, MT4, MT5 - Visit
IQCent logo
$250 Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto Online Platform, TradingView 1:500 Visit
Plus500 US logo
$100 Futures on Forex, Commodities, Cryptos, Indices, Interest Rates WebTrader, App - Visit
Moomoo logo
$0 Stocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCs Desktop Platform, Mobile App 1:2 Visit
Videforex logo
$250 Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto TradingView 1:500 Visit
CEX.IO logo
$20 Cryptos TradingView - Visit
Uphold logo
$0 Cryptos Desktop Platform, Mobile App - Visit

#1 - FOREX.com

Why We Chose FOREX.com

Founded in 1999, FOREX.com is now part of StoneX, a financial services organization serving over one million customers worldwide. Regulated in the US, UK, EU, Australia and beyond, the broker offers thousands of markets, not just forex, and provides excellent pricing on cutting-edge platforms.

  • Instruments: Forex, Spot Metals
  • Regulator: NFA, CFTC
  • Platforms: MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
  • Minimum Deposit: $100
  • Minimum Trade: 0.01 Lots
  • Leverage: 1:50

Pros

  • FOREX.com offers industry-leading forex pricing starting from 0.0 pips, alongside competitive cashback rebates of up to 15% for serious day traders.
  • Alongside a choice of leading platforms, FOREX.com offers a superb suite of supplementary tools including Trading Central research, SMART Signals pattern scanner, trading signals, and strategy builders.
  • The in-house Web Trader continues to shine as one of the best-designed platforms for aspiring day traders with a slick design and over 80 technical indicators for market analysis.

Cons

  • Demo accounts are frustratingly time-limited to 90 days, which doesn’t give you enough time to test day trading strategies effectively.
  • Funding options are limited compared to leading alternatives like IC Markets and don’t include many popular e-wallets, notably UnionPay and POLi.
  • There’s no negative balance protection for US clients, so you may find yourself owing more money than your initial deposit into your account.

#2 - Interactive Brokers

Why We Chose Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a premier brokerage for experienced traders, providing access to 150 markets in 33 countries, along with a suite of comprehensive investment services. With over 40 years of experience, this Nasdaq-listed firm adheres to stringent regulations by the SEC, FCA, CIRO, and SFC, amongst others, and is one of the most trusted brokers for trading around the globe.

  • Instruments: Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies
  • Regulator: FCA, SEC, FINRA, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB
  • Platforms: Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral
  • Minimum Deposit: $0
  • Minimum Trade: $100
  • Leverage: 1:50

Pros

  • IBKR continues to deliver unmatched access to global stocks with tens of thousands of equities available from 100+ market centres in 24 countries.
  • IBKR is one of the most respected and trusted brokerages and is regulated by top-tier authorities, so you can have confidence in the integrity and security of your trading account.
  • While primarily geared towards experienced traders, IBKR has made moves to broaden its appeal in recent years, reducing its minimum deposit from $10,000 to $0.

Cons

  • Support can be slow and frustrating based on tests, so you might find it challenging to reach customer service representatives promptly or encounter delays in resolving issues.
  • 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.

#3 - NinjaTrader

Why We Chose 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.

  • 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

Pros

  • 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
  • NinjaTrader is a widely respected and award-winning futures broker and is heavily authorized by the NFA and CFTC

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

#4 - eToro USA

Why We Chose eToro USA

eToro is a social investing platform that offers short-term and long-term trading on 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, eToro is still one of the most respected brands in the industry. eToro securities trading is offered by eToro USA Securities, Inc.

  • Instruments: Stocks, Options, ETFs, Crypto
  • Regulator: SEC, FINRA
  • Platforms: eToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader
  • Minimum Deposit: $10
  • Minimum Trade: $10

Pros

  • Investors can access Smart Portfolios for a more hands-off approach, covering a range of sectors and markets such as renewable energy and artificial intelligence
  • The online broker offers an intuitive social investment network with straightforward copy trading on cryptos
  • eToro USA Securities is a trustworthy, SEC-regulated broker that is a member of FINRA and SIPC

Cons

  • There's no MetaTrader 4 platform integration for traders who are accustomed to using third-party charting tools
  • The proprietary terminal doesn't support trading bots and there are no additional stock market analysis tools
  • Average fees may cut into the profit margins of day traders

#5 - OANDA US

Why We Chose 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 for short-term traders, alongside flexible contract sizes and automated trade executions.

  • Instruments: Forex, Crypto
  • Regulator: NFA, CFTC
  • Platforms: OANDA Trade, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist
  • Minimum Deposit: $0
  • Minimum Trade: 0.01 Lots
  • Leverage: 1:50

Pros

  • The proprietary OANDA web platform continues to deliver a highly competitive charting environment, including 65+ technical indicators powered by TradingView
  • OANDA is a reliable, trustworthy and secure brand with authorization from tier-one regulators including the CFTC
  • The broker offers a transparent pricing structure with no hidden charges

Cons

  • The range of day trading markets is limited to forex and cryptos only
  • There's only a small range of payment methods available, with no e-wallets supported
  • It's a shame that customer support is not available on weekends

How We Rate Day Trading Brokers

Below, we explain the key factors our team consider when comparing day trading platforms.

Trust

Choosing a trustworthy day broker is the most important consideration. This will help protect you from scams and unfair trading practices, while safeguarding your funds.

We only recommend day trading platforms that we trust, an assessment we continuously make by considering the quality of regulatory licenses, the broker’s years in the industry, and their reputation.

You can see which bodies regulate our best brokers below.

Top 5 Platforms For Day Trading - Regulator Data
FOREX.com Interactive Brokers NinjaTrader eToro USA OANDA US
Trust Rating
Regulators NFA, CFTC FCA, SEC, FINRA, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB NFA, CFTC SEC, FINRA NFA, CFTC
Visit Visit Visit Visit Visit Visit
Review Review Review Review Review Review

Fees

Choosing a broker with low fees is critical when you are day trading because a large volume of trades can lead to significant costs, impacting overall profitability.

Our recommended platforms offer low day trading fees, an evaluation we make year-on-year by recording and comparing trading and non-trading fees.

Day trading spreads on forex at CMC Markets
CMC Markets – Fees

Importantly, we also weigh costs with the quality of the services provided – if you simply pick the broker with the lowest fees, you might compromise on platform features or face hidden costs later.

You can compare the typical fees you will incur at our best brokers below.

Top 5 Platforms For Day Trading - Fee Data
FOREX.com Interactive Brokers NinjaTrader eToro USA OANDA US
Fee Rating
EUR/USD Spread 1.2 0.08-0.20 bps x trade value 1.3 1.6
Oil Spread 2.5 0.25-0.85
Stock Fee 0.14 0.003 $0
Inactivity Fee $15 $0 $25 $10 $0
Visit Visit Visit Visit Visit Visit
Review Review Review Review Review Review

Platforms

Choosing a broker with a high-quality charting platform is essential for day trading because most intraday traders use technical analysis to identify trading opportunities.

Most brokers offer several platforms to choose from, some will tick the boxes for the average day trader with an intuitive design and user-friendly interface, while others offer more advanced charting packages and analysis tools for the veteran trader.

I recommend using a demo account to make sure the platform works for you.

A demo account will allow you to explore the platform risk-free and assess the broker’s reliability before trading with real money.

author image
James Barra
Author
Day trading on MetaTrader 4 platform
MetaTrader 4 Platform

Our recommend brokers offer top-rate platforms, an assessment we routinely make by testing the software available and evaluating their usability, charting packages and trading tools.

You can compare the platforms and apps available at our best brokers below.

Top 5 Brokers For Day Trading - Platform Data
FOREX.com Interactive Brokers NinjaTrader eToro USA OANDA US
Platform Rating
Charting Platforms MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral NinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal eToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader OANDA Trade, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist
Mobile App iOS & Android iOS & Android iOS & Android iOS & Android iOS & Android
Automated Trading Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader Capitalise.ai & TWS API NinjaScript or via Automated Trading Interface No Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader
Visit Visit Visit Visit Visit Visit
Review Review Review Review Review Review

Markets

Choosing a broker that provides trading opportunities on the markets you are interested in is critical, as not every firm offers every asset type.

Our recommended brokers provide access to popular global markets, such as stocks, forex and commodities, something we confirm by signing in to brokers’ platforms to record the assets available.

We also consider the availability of trading vehicles that cater specifically to day traders, such as contracts for difference (CFDs). This derivative allows you to speculate on rising and falling prices without owning the underlying asset.

You can compare the financial markets available at our best brokers below.

Top 5 Platforms For Day Trading - Markets Data
FOREX.com Interactive Brokers NinjaTrader eToro USA OANDA US
Markets Rating
Day Trading Markets Forex, Spot Metals Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto Stocks, Options, ETFs, Crypto Forex, Crypto
Visit Visit Visit Visit Visit Visit
Review Review Review Review Review Review

Note market access may vary depending on jurisdictional rules.


Order Execution

Choosing a broker with fast execution speeds is crucial for day trading due to the rapid pace of market fluctuations. A delay in order execution could lead to you missing trades or less favorable prices.

Execution quality is also a critical consideration and encompasses factors like speed, price, and the probability of execution, helping to gauge whether you will secure the optimal trade.

Infographic showing importance of day trading brokers offering good execution quality

Our recommended platforms offer fast and reliable execution, a judgement we make by reviewing execution policies and considering average execution speeds (where data is available).

You can see whether our best brokers meet our execution benchmarks below.

Top 5 Platforms For Day Trading - Order Execution Data
FOREX.com Interactive Brokers NinjaTrader eToro USA OANDA US
Fast Execution Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Visit Visit Visit Visit Visit Visit
Review Review Review Review Review Review

Leverage & Margin RequirementsInfographic showing the benefits and risks of using leverage on day trading platforms

Choosing a broker with access to leverage trading is an important consideration for day trading, as it can magnify your profits by enabling control of larger positions with less capital.

However, it also escalates the risk of larger losses, so beginners in particular should be very careful. Effective risk management is crucial, alongside an awareness of your broker’s margin requirements which set the minimum capital you need.

You can compare the leverage available at our best brokers below.

Top 5 Platforms For Day Trading - Leverage Data
FOREX.com Interactive Brokers NinjaTrader eToro USA OANDA US
Margin Trading Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Leverage Available 1:50 1:50 1:50 1:50
Visit Visit Visit Visit Visit Visit
Review Review Review Review Review Review

Note leverage may vary depending on jurisdictional rules and the market being traded.


Minimum Deposit

Choosing a broker with a low minimum deposit will be particularly important for new day traders on a budget.

Our recommend day trading platforms have achievable entry requirements, an evaluation we make by weighing the minimum investment with the suitability of accounts for different traders, from beginners through to intermediate and advanced traders.

You can compare the account minimums at our best brokers below.

Top 5 Platforms For Day Trading - Minimum Investment Data
FOREX.com Interactive Brokers NinjaTrader eToro USA OANDA US
Minimum Deposit $100 $0 $0 $10 $0
Minimum Trade 0.01 Lots $100 0.01 Lots $10 0.01 Lots
Visit Visit Visit Visit Visit Visit
Review Review Review Review Review Review

Methodology

To find the best brokers for day trading we considered quantitative data and qualitative insights gathered during our comprehensive reviews, focusing on 7 criteria:

  • We verified that brokers are authorized by a trusted regulator 
  • We recorded and analyzed the fees you will encounter day trading
  • We tested the suitability of the platform for short-term traders
  • We compared the markets available for day trading
  • We investigated the speed of order executions
  • We determined the level of support for leveraged trading
  • We checked the minimum deposit required to start trading

DayTrading.com testing methodology infographic

Bottom Line

Choosing a broker for day trading is a personal decision that will depend on your individual needs. However, our selection of top-rated platforms is a great place to start. Our exhaustive evaluation process takes into account the key factors that determine a broker’s suitability for short-term trading.

FAQ

What Is Day Trading?

Day trading is a strategy where individuals buy and sell financial instruments within the same trading day, seeking to profit from short-term price movements.

What Are The Benefits Of Day Trading?

Day trading offers the potential for fast profits as traders take advantage of short-term price fluctuations. Additionally, day traders can operate with reduced overnight risk since they often close positions before the market closes.

What Are The Risks Of Day Trading?

Day trading entails several risks. Firstly, there is the risk of financial loss if you make losing trades because of market volatility and emotional decision-making.

There is also the risk of signing up with fraudulent brokers operating scams, making it important to choose a trusted and regulated day trading broker.

Do I Need A Broker To Day Trade?

Yes, you normally need a broker to day trade. Your broker will provide a platform and the infrastructure to execute intraday trades in financial markets.

What Brokers Do Day Traders Use?

We have ranked the best brokers for day traders. In conducting our comparison, we considered multiple factors, from regulatory credentials and fees to the quality of the platform for intraday trading, the speed of order executions, and the minimum deposit to open an account.

How Do I Open A Day Trading Account?

To open a day trading account you will need to sign up with a broker. You usually need to provide basic contact details and information about your trading experience and source of funds, a process which often takes around 15 minutes.

Most regulated day trading brokers also need to verify your identity and address before you can unlock all trading features.

How Much Money Do I Need To Start Day Trading?

Account minimums vary between day trading platforms. Some require thousands of dollars in return for sophisticated features that cater to advanced traders. Alternatively, many brokers have an accessible minimum deposit of less than $500. Some brokerages even have no minimum deposit.

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