Cardano is an established crypto token that aims to provide a secure, scalable and sustainable platform for smart contracts and other decentralized finance (DeFi) applications. In this article, we’ve explained all there is to know about this ambitious altcoin, including how to buy it, whether it is a good investment, and how to start trading. We’ve also listed some of the best brokers for trading Cardano.
Cardano Brokers & Exchanges
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- Crypto Spread: BTC 42.036
- Min. deposit: $200
- Regulator: ASIC, CySEC, FSA, SCB, CMA-Kenya
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- Crypto Spread: 30 (BTC)
- Min. deposit: $0
73-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs -
- Crypto Spread: From 0.04%
- Platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, DupliTrade
- Min. deposit: $0
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- Crypto Spread: 12 average (Bitcoin)
- Min. deposit: $0
- Regulator: FMA, FSA
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- Crypto Spread: 114.37 (BTC)
- Platforms: Web Platform, MT4, MT5, TradingCentral
- Min. deposit: $200
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- Crypto Spread: BTC 1%
- Crypto Staking
- Platforms: eToro Web, CopyTrader, TradingCentral
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.
Learn how we test brokers and why you can trust our ratings.
Here is a short overview of each broker's pros and cons
- IC 4.8/5 IC offers 20+ cryptocurrencies which are tradable via CFDs, including lesser-known tokens such as Avalanche, Kusama and Uniswap. Commission-free trading is available, and experienced crypto traders can access leverage in the MetaTrader platforms.
- Pepperstone 4.8/5 Pepperstone continues to prove itself as one of the most trusted crypto CFD brokers. Although its selection of digital tokens is average, you can trade popular cryptos like Bitcoin and altcoins like Ripple with up to 1:10 leverage, while its crypto indices provide a holistic view of the digital currency markets not found on most day trading platforms. It has also launched a dedicated crypto exchange in Australia - Pepperstone Crypto.
- Fusion Markets 4.6/5 Fusion Markets offers the best-known crypto tokens paired with USD, and up to 1:10 leverage depending on your location. Bitcoin spreads are competitive starting from 0.04%, while it shines for its top-notch charting tools in MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView.
- BlackBull 4.5/5 BlackBull excels for active traders interested in trading crypto. It has grown its selection of cryptocurrencies, now providing 27+ digital tokens, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Trump, with all cryptos paired with USD. But pricing is where it excels, with testing revealing average spreads of around 12 on BTC/USD - less than half that of competitors like Eightcap, plus there’s no commission, making it considerably cheaper than most crypto CFD brokers. BlackBull also offers separate well-presented crypto guides for beginner, intermediate and advanced traders. Up to 1:100 leverage is available on cryptos.
- Markets.com 4.4/5 Markets.com’s crypto offering covers 30+ major coins, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, with leverage options that vary by region but stay more conservative than on forex. Execution was generally smooth in our tests, though spreads were noticeably wider during high volatility, making it better for swing trades than ultra-short-term scalping.
- eToro 4.0/5 eToro leads the way in cryptocurrency trading, offering competitive spreads and a fixed 1% commission, plus their own wallet service. The broker offers a vast list of 100+ tokens which is continually being updated, including 29 new tokens in April 2025, from AI to memecoins. It also brought in crypto staking in 2025, allowing users to earn rewards for HODLing digital assets. Crypto investments are risky and may not suit retail investors. You could lose your entire investment. Understand the risks here.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IC | 2 | ||||
| Pepperstone | 3678 | ||||
| Fusion Markets | 10051 | ||||
| BlackBull | 3515 | ||||
| Markets.com | 1257 | ||||
| eToro | 32200 |
IC
IC (formerly IC Markets) offers superior pricing, exceptionally fast execution and seamless deposits. The introduction of advanced charting platforms, notably TradingView, and the Raw Trader Plus account, ensures it remains a top choice for intermediate to advanced day traders.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
IC quick facts
- Coins
- BTC, BCH, DOT, DSH, EMC, EOS, ETH, LNK, LTC, NMC, PPC, XLM, XRP, ADA, BNB, DOG, UNI, XTZ
- Crypto Mining
- ✘No
- Auto Market Maker
- ✘No
- Crypto Spread
- BTC 42.036
- Crypto Lending
- ✘No
- Crypto Staking
- ✘No
- Platforms
- MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade, Quantower
- Minimum Deposit
- $200
- Regulator
- ASIC, CySEC, FSA, SCB, CMA-Kenya
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD
Pros
- IC secured DayTrading.com's 'Best MT4/MT5 Broker' in 2025 for its seamless, industry-leading MetaTrader integration, refined over years to maximize the platform experience.
- You have access to over 2,250 CFDs across various markets, including forex, commodities, indices, stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies, allowing for diversified trading strategies.
- IC offers fast and dependable 24/7 support based on firsthand experience, particularly when it comes to accounts and funding issues.
Cons
- While IC offers a selection of metals and cryptos for trading via CFDs, the range is not as extensive as brokers like eToro, limiting opportunities for traders interested in these asset classes.
- There are fees for certain withdrawal methods, including a $20 wire charge, which can eat into profits, especially for frequent withdrawals.
- Interest isn't paid on unused cash, an increasingly popular feature found at alternatives like Interactive Brokers.
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
- Coins
- BCH, BTC, ETH, LTC, DASH, ADA, LINK, DOGE, EOS, DOT, XRP, XLM, XTZ, UNI, BNB
- Crypto Mining
- ✘No
- Auto Market Maker
- ✘No
- Crypto Spread
- 30 (BTC)
- Crypto Lending
- ✘No
- Crypto Staking
- ✘No
- Platforms
- Pepperstone Trading Platform, MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView
- Minimum Deposit
- $0
- Regulator
- FCA, ASIC, CySEC, BaFin, DFSA, SCA, SCB, CMA-Kenya
- 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.
- After adding spread betting through TradingView, Pepperstone provides a seamless, tax-efficient trading experience with advanced analysis tools for financial spread bettors in supported countries.
- Offers a dedicated CopyTrading app for traders who want a less active approach to trading, available in some countries.
Cons
- Overnight holding fees are higher than that found with some Market Maker brokers (usually Benchmark + 2.5%). This makes pepperstone an ideal broker for day traders and forex scalpers but less suitable for swing traders who often keep position open overnight.
- 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.
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
- Coins
- BTC, BCH, ADA, ETH, LTC, EOS, XLM, DOT, LNK, AVAX, SOL, MATIC, DOGE, BNB
- Crypto Mining
- ✘No
- Auto Market Maker
- ✘No
- Crypto Spread
- From 0.04%
- Crypto Lending
- ✘No
- Crypto Staking
- ✘No
- Platforms
- MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, DupliTrade
- Minimum Deposit
- $0
- Regulator
- ASIC, VFSC, FSA
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD
Pros
- Fusion Markets offers best-in-class support with very fast, friendly and helpful responses during tests and no frustrating automated chatbot to navigate.
- The range of charting platforms and social trading features is excellent, with MT4, MT5, cTrader and more recently TradingView, catering to a wide range of trader preferences.
- Fusion Markets continues to impress with its pricing that provides tight spreads with below-average commissions that will appeal to active day traders.
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.
- There is no proprietary trading platform or app built with beginners in mind, a notable drawback compared to AvaTrade.
BlackBull
After improving its trading infrastructure with Equinix servers in London, reducing latency for traders, BlackBull is an obvious choice if you want to day trade stock CFDs with ECN pricing. With competitive spreads and no commission on a growing roster of digital tokens paired with USD, BlackBull also works for active crypto traders.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
BlackBull quick facts
- Coins
- BTC, ETH, SOL, XLM, XRP, BCH, ADA, SUI, TRUMP, LNK, DOT, DOGE, AAVE, AXS, HED, LTC, TRX, UNI, PYTH, ARB, BNB, AVAX, NEAR, ILV, ATM, INJ, POLY
- Crypto Mining
- ✘No
- Auto Market Maker
- ✘No
- Crypto Spread
- 12 average (Bitcoin)
- Crypto Lending
- ✘No
- Crypto Staking
- ✘No
- Platforms
- BlackBull Invest, BlackBull CopyTrader, MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist
- Minimum Deposit
- $0
- Regulator
- FMA, FSA
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, ZAR, SGD
Pros
- BlackBull is a much greater fit for aspiring traders following the overhaul of its ECN Prime account, now featuring improved spreads averaging 0.16 on EUR/USD and a more accessible minimum deposit of $0 compared to the old $2,000.
- With two ECN-powered accounts (Standard and Prime), plus Prime+ - an active trader rewards program offering trading rebates - BlackBull accommodates beginners through to high-volume active traders.
- After partnering with ZuluTrade and Myfxbook, alongside improvements to its own CopyTrader, and finally enabling cTrader Copy, BlackBull offers one of the most comprehensive copy trading experiences we've seen.
Cons
- Unlike most top brokers, BlackBull charges an irritating $5 withdrawal fee, which can detract from the overall cost-effectiveness, especially for active traders who frequently move funds.
- Despite a growing selection of 2,180+ assets, including additions to its Asia Pacific indices, they are mainly stocks with an average selection of currency pairs and indices.
- Although the Education Hub now features improvements like webinars and tutorials, the courses we’ve explored need more focus on explaining the wider economic factors influencing prices.
Markets.com
Markets.com is best suited to retail investors who trade frequently but don’t want to calculate commissions, thanks to its spread-only pricing (EUR/USD around 1.3 pips). It especially appeals to short-term traders who value fast execution, flexible asset choice spanning 2,200+ instruments and proprietary tools like hedge fund confidence indices and insider trade alerts.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
Markets.com quick facts
- Coins
- XLM, PENGU, BTC, XTZ, SNX, YFI, TRX, HLP, HIVE, VAULTA, CRV, RSR, BAT, AAVE, VANA, VIRTUAL, XRP, DOGE, LTC, SKY, XMR, ADA, BCH, DASH, AVAX, BGB, PI, ETH, WLFI, TON, ZRX, SOL, DOT, LINK, UNI
- Crypto Mining
- ✘No
- Auto Market Maker
- ✘No
- Crypto Spread
- 114.37 (BTC)
- Crypto Lending
- ✘No
- Crypto Staking
- ✘No
- Platforms
- Web Platform, MT4, MT5, TradingCentral
- Minimum Deposit
- $200
- Regulator
- ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, BVI FSC
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, ZAR, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, PLN, CZK
Pros
- Markets.com provides commission-free trading on most assets with spreads starting from around 0.6 pips on major forex pairs, making it cost-effective for casual traders.
- Markets.com’s Hedge Fund Confidence and Insider Trading tools pulls SEC filings into the dashboard within 24 hours of disclosure, helping to spot fund moves and C-suite buys before most retail newsfeeds updated.
- Switching between the proprietary web platform (great for alerts and quick analysis) and MT5 (strong for algorithmic EAs) was smooth in our tests; positions synced across desktop, web, and mobile without gaps or re-quotes.
Cons
- Inactivity charges kick in after just 3 months, while variable spreads are wider than top ECN brokers during testing, which may deter day traders and high-frequency traders.
- The proprietary web platform felt a bit basic once we pushed into advanced charting with fewer drawing/indicator options than full TradingView or MetaTrader.
- While CySEC and FSCA oversight is solid, the SVGFSA and BVIFSC entities offers 1:500 leverage under a light-touch framework, meaning protections like compensation schemes and strict conduct rules lag behind the strictest regulatory standards.
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
- Coins
- BTC, ETH, BCH, XRP, DASH, LTC, ETC, API3, CRO, SKL, IMX, ADA, MIOTA, XLM, EOS, NEO, TRX, ZEC, BNB, XTZ, DOT, MKR, COMP, LINK, UNI, YFI, DOGE, AAVE, FIL, ALGO, ATOM, MANA, APE, LRC, ENJ, BICO, BAT, BNT, OGN, MATIC and many more
- Crypto Mining
- ✘No
- Auto Market Maker
- ✘No
- Crypto Spread
- BTC 1%
- Crypto Lending
- ✘No
- Crypto Staking
- ✔Yes
- Platforms
- eToro Web, CopyTrader, TradingCentral
- Minimum Deposit
- $10000
- Regulator
- FCA, CySEC, MiCA, MFSA, FSRA, ASIC, FSAS, MAS, GFSC
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, DKK
Pros
- Top copy traders can receive annual payments up to 1.5% of assets under copy in the broker's Popular Investor Program.
- The eToro Club entry barrier has been lowered, with a $4.99/month subscription providing access to 18 perks, including a debit card that turns shopping into equities with 4% back in shares.
- eToro introduced automated crypto staking (except for Ethereum which requires opt-in) providing a route to passive income.
Cons
- The lack of additional charting platforms like MT4 will reduce the appeal for seasoned day traders accustomed to using third-party software.
- There are no guaranteed stop loss orders which would be a useful risk management feature for beginners.
- There are limited contact methods aside from the in-platform live chat.
What Is Cardano?
Cardano is a cryptocurrency with the ticker symbol ADA, named after the mathematicians Gerlado Cardano and Ada Lovelace. Just like other cryptos, it uses blockchain technology to record transaction history.
Founder, Charles Hoskinson, was one of the original creators of Ethereum (ETH) but left the project following a disagreement with co-founder Vitalik Buterin over venture capital investment.
Cardano’s Initial Coin Offering (ICO) ran from September 2015 to January 2017, raising approximately $62 million across four funding stages. The mainnet officially launched on September 27, 2017, with an initial market cap of approximately $600 million. ADA exploded in value in the coming years to reach a market cap in the billions, but like other crypto tokens Cardano is highly volatile and has undergone severe price fluctuations since its launch.
Similar to Ethereum, Cardano’s aim is to run smart contracts which can be developed using the programming language, Javascript. ADA itself is written in Haskell.
Cardano has no official owner. It is a decentralized currency meaning every ADA holder has a stake in the Cardano network. It does not have a white paper, unlike most other altcoins, but instead is the first crypto to be peer-reviewed. It is steered by the Cardano Foundation, an independent Swiss not-for-profit organization that oversees the advancement of the protocol.
The Cardano Foundation set out its mission statement, with the core aim to increase adoption of the network. Cardano is a limited supply coin with a max of 45 billion ADA.
How Cardano Works
Cardano works by using a two-layer system. The first layer is called the Cardano Settlement Layer (CSL) which processes transactions in the ADA cryptocurrency. The second layer is known as the Control Layer, which is used to process the smart contracts.
Underpinning all of this is the Ouroboros algorithm, developed by Input Output Global (IOG) based on peer-reviewed academic research. It is Ouroboros that uses the proof-of-stake protocol to mine coins. This means that rather than everyone mining new blocks all the time, the network elects a few nodes to mine the next block. For this reason, ADA is known as a 3rd generation cryptocurrency.
How To Start Trading Cardano
To start trading Cardano, you’ll need to select a trading broker that offers crypto. Popular platforms listing ADA include eToro and Coinbase. There are a number of brokers that offer CFDs on cryptos which have benefits over owning the underlying asset, such as negating the requirement for an e-wallet to store your funds and are therefore the preferred choice for some traders. It’s worth shopping around for the best fees and features. Check our list for the most reliable Cardano brokers.
Regulated brokers are subject to Know Your Customer (KYC) identity checks. So you’ll often need to provide a form of ID and a photograph before you can trade any substantial amount. Once you’ve been verified, you can purchase Cardano through most payment methods, including wire transfer and credit/debit card.
Broker functionality is also vital. If you’re looking to start day trading Cardano, you’ll need a charting platform that suits your trading style and timeframes, as well as useful research tools and other features you want to use, such as copy or auto trading.
We’ve found TradingView to be a superb platform for day-trading Cardano (ADA), because it integrates research tools, strategy testing and social trading features on an attractive and easy-to-use platform. However many brokers for trading ADA use the time-tested MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms, and these are still options I rate highly.
Jemma GristAuthorCardano & Regulators
Like other crypto tokens, Cardano has historically existed in something of a grey area for regulators, with the entire crypto sector largely unregulated during its early years.
This has led to some restrictions and some lack of clarity for trading ADA. In the UK, for example, contracts for difference (CFDs) are not available for ADA and other crypto tokens since a 2020 ban by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Meanwhile, crypto exchanges have tended to exist in a regulatory grey area without strong regulatory oversight, though traders will find well regulated crypto brokers on the market.
The legal status of Cardano started to clear up as global regulators caught up with the burgeoning investment in crypto. The US Congress’ 2025 CLARITY act, for example, provided a clearer definition of ADA and other cryptocurrencies as “digital commodities“; in the same year, laws in Pakistan and Vietnam began to lay out regulatory frameworks for trading cryptocurrencies including Cardano.
Pros Of Trading Cardano
- Development – ADA is undergoing constant development to resolve issues that restrict ETH and BTC. The ‘Goguen’ roadmap details vast plans for improvement with the aim of adding the ability to build decentralized applications (DAPPS). This has included the addition of a multi-currency ledger, Native Tokens and NFT marketplace functionality. A 2018 memorandum of understanding with the government in Ethiopia explored the possibility of deploying ADA for use in the coffee and agritech sectors, illustrating the potential use cases of this crypto token.
- Scaleable – Because Cardano uses a POS chain, it is much more scalable than other coins. With Bitcoin, all holders are mining the crypto all the time, making it incredibly resource intensive. The ADA network is different because it nominates a holder to mine during an epoch slot (a period of time). If the holder does not show up or mine, someone else will be reelected instead. ADA owners can increase the likelihood of being nominated to mine by adding their share to a stake pool. In this way, ADA is more environmentally friendly and scalable than competitors.
- The internet of blockchains – Currently, cryptocurrency is limited because while there are numerous coins available, they require an intermediate broker to allow you to exchange them. ADA has released a multi-currency ledger as part of the Goguen update which will allow you to store multiple currencies on one blockchain. This means that exchanging Litecoin (LTC) for Polkadot (DOT) will soon be possible on the Cardano network, making the crypto market as decentralised as possible.
- Governance – Cardano’s fresh take on project governance puts the power in the hands of ADA holders. Individuals with a stake in ADA can vote on the future of the platform. Ideas go through funding rounds as part of Project Catalyst. ADA holders can vote on ideas such as the ability to earn staking rewards from your ADA holdings while also generating yield from DeFi protocols or new blockchain explorers. In this way, Cardano curates an ecosystem where the robustness of the network is put front and centre.
Cons Of Trading Cardano
- Capability – Despite ambitious development plans, Cardano has yet to release many capabilities. Ethereum already has smart contracts, the main focus of ADA’s development. There’s a lot of hype about Cardano being better than the rest, but much of this progress has yet to materialise.
- Traction – Some investors would say that the low price means room to grow. But Cardano has consistently underperformed compared to the top cryptocurrencies by market cap, and newer tokens like Solana (SOL) have amassed huge numbers of users while ADA has remained a relatively small-time player.
Security
Cardano is provably secure, meaning that it has been mathematically proven. This security is guaranteed as long as 51% of the stake is held by honest participants, which are achieved through random leadership selection. However, its reliance on this fact means that it is technically not immune to 51% attacks, like the one that left Ethereum Classic vulnerable in early 2019.
If this happened, the blockchain would have to be forked, which risks losing ledger information. Despite this, an attack of this scale is unlikely. Currently, a 51% stake in ADA would require over $20bn in capital, making it an expensive game for hackers to undertake.
Final Word On Trading Cardano
In conclusion, Cardano is a cryptocurrency with serious ambition. Its aim to resolve the faults that plague Bitcoin and Ethereum make it an attractive proposition for investors. With NFTs, Native Tokens and the so-called ‘internet of crypto’ all in the development pipeline, there’s a lot to be excited about. But it still has some way to go to match the adoption of the top tokens like BTC. Plus, the development of functionality has been slow. So, is Cardano a good investment for traders? That remains to be seen.
FAQ
Is Cardano Better Than Bitcoin?
Cardano developers have worked to overcome many of Bitcoin’s biggest faults. In particular, its proof-of-stake blockchain means reduced environmental impact vs BTC. The altcoin’s ambitions are vast, with smart contracts, native tokens and multi-currency ledgers in the pipeline. But, its market cap is much lower than Bitcoin, suggesting that adoption is not yet sufficiently strong to push it into the top tier.
What Is A Cardano Staking Pool?
A staking pool is a collection of Cardano holders that join together with the aim of being selected to stake the network. Staking is the process of validating transactions on the ADA blockchain. Those that do so can earn a return on their investment and so staking pools help coin holders maximise their returns.
Why Is The Cardano Ticker Symbol ADA?
Cardano’s founders named the ticker symbol after the mathematician Ada Lovelace. Lovelace is widely regarded as the first person to publish an algorithm that intended to be carried out by a machine.
Who Is The Founder Of Cardano?
Cardano was founded by Charles Hoskinson. Hoskinson was one of the co-founders of Ethereum but left following a disagreement about venture capital.
Is Cardano Decentralized?
Yes, Cardano is the world’s most decentralized cryptocurrency with over 21.75 billion ADA staked on the network which represents 69 per cent of its total circulating supply.