Best CFD Trading Platforms and Brokers in Canada

CFD brokers in Canada are a popular option with local traders. Investors can access thousands of financial instruments through CFD platforms within one of the safest regulatory environments in the world. This page will list the best CFD brokers in Canada, as well as explaining what to look for in Canadian CFD platforms, including fees, regulatory status, market access and more.

Top 5 CFD Brokers In Canada

These are the 5 best CFD brokers for traders in Canada:

  1. AvaTrade - AvaTrade's 1250+ leveraged CFD products span a wide range of asset classes including stocks, indices, commodities, bonds, crypto, and ETFs. You can speculate on underlying assets in the broker’s feature-rich web and mobile platforms with market-leading research tools to help discover opportunities.
  2. Eightcap - Eightcap offers a wide range of trading options with 800+ CFDs across stocks, indices, bonds, commodities, and cryptocurrencies (depending on location), with leverage up to 1:30/1:500. It excels in its tools, notably the AI-enabled economic calendar covering 25+ countries with impact filters (high, medium, low). However, its commodities offering, particularly in softs like cotton and wheat, as well as the limited precious metal and energy assets, is its weakest area.
  3. FOREX.com - With the ability to take both long and short positions on 5,500+ CFDs across forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, FOREX.com excels. Its exclusive Web Trader platform offers an excellent trading experience, equipped with over 80 technical indicators and average execution speeds of just 20 milliseconds, ensuring an optimal environment for serious day traders.
  4. FXCC - FXCC offers a narrow range of CFDs beyond forex with a limited selection of metals, energies, indices and cryptos. However, it stands out with its high leverage up to 1:500, which will serve experienced day traders looking to maximize their buying power while speculating on rising and falling prices.
  5. Fusion Markets - You can go long or short on a range of CFDs covering forex, commodities, shares, indices and cryptos. High leverage up to 1:500 is available for experienced traders in some locations, whilst beginners will appreciate access to micro-lots. There are no restrictions on short-term trading strategies using CFDs.

Best CFD Trading Platforms and Brokers in Canada Comparison

Best CFD Trading Platforms and Brokers in Canada Comparison
Broker CFD Leverage Minimum Deposit Minimum Trade Regulators Visit
AvaTrade logo
1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro) $300 0.01 Lots ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBol, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM Visit
Eightcap logo
1:500 $100 0.01 Lots ASIC, FCA, xCySEC, SCB Visit
FOREX.com logo
1:200 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) $100 0.01 Lots NFA, CFTC, CIRO, FCA, CYSEC, ASIC, SFC, FSA, MAS, CIMA Visit
FXCC logo
1:500 $0 0.01 Lots CySEC Visit
Fusion Markets logo
1:500 $0 0.01 Lots ASIC, VFSC, FSA Visit
DNA Markets logo
1:500 $100 0.01 Lots ASIC Visit
InstaForex logo
1:1000 $1 0.10 of the lot (0.0001 of market lot for Cent.Standard and Cent.Eurica) BVI FSC Visit
BlackBull Markets logo
1:500 $0 0.01 Lots FMA, FSA Visit
BDSwiss logo
1:30 $10 0.01 Lots FSC, FSA Visit
CMC Markets logo
1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) $0 0.01 Lots FCA, ASIC, MAS, CIRO, BaFin, FMA, DFSA Visit
IQCent logo
1:500 $250 $0.01 IFMRRC Visit
Axi logo
1:400 $0 0.01 Lots FCA, ASIC, DFSA, FMA Visit
EagleFX logo
1:500 $10 0.01 Lots - Visit
VT Markets logo
1:500 $200 0.01 Lots ASIC, FSCA, SVGFSA Visit
Tradeview logo
1:400 (CIMA), 1:30 (MFSA) $100 0.01 Lots CIMA, MFSA Visit

#1 - AvaTrade

Why We Chose AvaTrade

AvaTrade's 1250+ leveraged CFD products span a wide range of asset classes including stocks, indices, commodities, bonds, crypto, and ETFs. You can speculate on underlying assets in the broker’s feature-rich web and mobile platforms with market-leading research tools to help discover opportunities.

"AvaTrade offers the full package for short-term traders. There is powerful charting software, reliable execution, transparent fees, and fast account opening with a low minimum deposit."

- DayTrading Review Team
  • FTSE Spread: 0.5
  • GBPUSD Spread: 1.5
  • Stocks Spread: 0.13
  • Leverage: 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)
  • Regulator: ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBol, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM
  • Platforms: WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade

About AvaTrade

AvaTrade is a leading forex and CFD broker, established in 2006 and regulated across 9 jurisdictions. Over 400,000 users have signed up with the broker which processes over 2 million trades each month. The firm offers multiple trading platforms, including MT4, MT5, and a proprietary WebTrader. 1250+ financial instruments are available for day trading, alongside a comprehensive education center and multilingual customer support.

Pros

  • The broker offers reliable 24/5 multilingual customer support with fast response times during testing
  • Day traders can access stable spreads and zero commissions with no hidden fees
  • AvaTrade is a heavily regulated and trustworthy broker with licenses from the ASIC, CySEC and more

Cons

  • It’s a shame that there are no rebate schemes for serious traders looking for additional perks - CMC Markets would be a better choice here
  • There is no ECN account with raw spreads
  • There’s an above-average $50 inactivity fee after three months, though this won't impact active day traders

#2 - Eightcap

Why We Chose Eightcap

Eightcap offers a wide range of trading options with 800+ CFDs across stocks, indices, bonds, commodities, and cryptocurrencies (depending on location), with leverage up to 1:30/1:500. It excels in its tools, notably the AI-enabled economic calendar covering 25+ countries with impact filters (high, medium, low). However, its commodities offering, particularly in softs like cotton and wheat, as well as the limited precious metal and energy assets, is its weakest area.

"Eightcap delivers in every area for day traders with a growing selection of charting platforms and AI-powered tools. Now sporting 250+ crypto CFDs and the Crypto Crusher market scanner, it's also become a stand-out choice for crypto trading, winning our 'Best Crypto Broker' award two years in a row."

- DayTrading Review Team
  • FTSE Spread: 1.2
  • GBPUSD Spread: 0.1
  • Stocks Spread: 0.03 (Apple Inc)
  • Leverage: 1:500
  • Regulator: ASIC, FCA, xCySEC, SCB
  • Platforms: MT4, MT5, TradingView

About Eightcap

Eightcap is a multi-regulated forex and CFD broker established in Australia in 2009. The broker has proven popular with active day traders, providing 1,000+ instruments with tight spreads and notable improvements in recent years, integrating the leading TradingView platform, alongside AI-powered financial calendars and algo trading tools with zero coding experience required.

Pros

  • With tight spreads from 0 pips, low commission fees, and high leverage up to 1:500 for certain clients, Eightcap provides cost-effective and flexible trading conditions that can accommodate an array of strategies, including day trading and scalping.
  • Having excelled across all key areas for day traders, Eightcap outperformed more than 490 competitors to win our 'Best Overall Broker' award for 2024, also securing our 'Best Crypto Broker' title.
  • After bolstering its roster in 2021, Eightcap offers one of the most extensive selections of cryptocurrency CFDs in the market, with crypto/fiat pairs, crypto/crypto pairs, plus crypto indices for broader exposure to the market.

Cons

  • Despite a useful library of educational guides and e-books, Eightcap still trails IG’s comprehensive toolkit for aspiring traders with its dedicated IG Academy app and 18 course categories.
  • Eightcap needs to continue bolstering its suite of instruments to match category leaders like Blackbull Markets with its 26,000+ assets, featuring a particularly weak selection of commodities.
  • In spite of an increasing variety of tools, Eightcap doesn't offer industry favorites like Autochartist or Trading Central, which offer cutting-edge charting analytics, live news, and market insights for short-term traders.

#3 - FOREX.com

Why We Chose FOREX.com

With the ability to take both long and short positions on 5,500+ CFDs across forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, FOREX.com excels. Its exclusive Web Trader platform offers an excellent trading experience, equipped with over 80 technical indicators and average execution speeds of just 20 milliseconds, ensuring an optimal environment for serious day traders.

"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."

- DayTrading Review Team
  • FTSE Spread: 1.0
  • GBPUSD Spread: 1.3
  • Stocks Spread: 0.14
  • Leverage: 1:200 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
  • Regulator: NFA, CFTC, CIRO, FCA, CYSEC, ASIC, SFC, FSA, MAS, CIMA
  • Platforms: MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral

About 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.

Pros

  • 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.
  • With over 20 years of experience, excellent regulatory oversight, and multiple accolades including runner-up in our 'Best Forex Broker' awards, FOREX.com boasts a global reputation as a trusted brokerage.
  • There’s a wealth of educational resources including tutorials, webinars, and a stacked YouTube channel to help you get educated in the financial markets.

Cons

  • Demo accounts are frustratingly time-limited to 90 days, which doesn’t give you enough time to test day trading strategies effectively.
  • FOREX.com's MT4 platform offers approximately 600 instruments, significantly fewer than the over 5,500 available on its non-MetaTrader platforms.
  • There’s no negative balance protection for US clients, so you may find yourself owing more money than your initial deposit into your account.

#4 - FXCC

Why We Chose FXCC

FXCC offers a narrow range of CFDs beyond forex with a limited selection of metals, energies, indices and cryptos. However, it stands out with its high leverage up to 1:500, which will serve experienced day traders looking to maximize their buying power while speculating on rising and falling prices.

"FXCC continues to prove itself an excellent option for forex day traders with an extensive range of 70+ currency pairs, ultra-tight spreads from 0.0 pips during testing, and high leverage up to 1:500 in the ECN XL account. "

- DayTrading Review Team
  • FTSE Spread: Variable
  • GBPUSD Spread: 1.0
  • Stocks Spread: NA
  • Leverage: 1:500
  • Regulator: CySEC
  • Platforms: MT4

About FXCC

FXCC is an established broker that’s been offering low-cost online trading since 2010. Registered in Nevis and regulated by the CySEC, it stands out for its ECN trading conditions, no minimum deposit and smooth account opening that takes less than 5 minutes.

Pros

  • The free education section, including the 'Traders Corner' blog, offers a large selection of materials that will serve all experience levels
  • There are no deposit fees except industry-standard mining charges on cryptos, which is advantageous for active traders
  • Competitive and transparent ECN spreads from 0.0 pips with zero commissions, making FXCC one of the cheapest forex brokers

Cons

  • Although MetaTrader 4 continues to shine for technical analysis, the subpar design dampens the trading experience, especially compared to modern alternatives like TradingView
  • FXCC’s single platform offering is a major drawback compared to many alternatives, notably AvaTrade which provides 5 platforms to suit different trader preferences
  • High withdrawal fees may catch out unsuspecting traders, including a significant $45 charge for bank wire payments

#5 - Fusion Markets

Why We Chose Fusion Markets

You can go long or short on a range of CFDs covering forex, commodities, shares, indices and cryptos. High leverage up to 1:500 is available for experienced traders in some locations, whilst beginners will appreciate access to micro-lots. There are no restrictions on short-term trading strategies using CFDs.

"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."

- DayTrading Review Team
  • FTSE Spread: 1.0
  • GBPUSD Spread: 0.13
  • Stocks Spread: 0.01 (Apple Inc)
  • Leverage: 1:500
  • Regulator: ASIC, VFSC, FSA
  • Platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, DupliTrade

About Fusion Markets

Fusion Markets is an online broker established in 2017 and regulated by the ASIC, VFSC and FSA. It is best known for its low-cost forex and CFD trading, although its multiple account types and copy trading solutions cater to a range of traders. New clients can sign up and start trading in 3 easy steps.

Pros

  • Fusion Markets offers best-in-class support with very fast, friendly and helpful responses during tests and no frustrating automated chatbot to navigate.
  • Average execution speeds of around 37 milliseconds are noticeably faster than many rivals and can help day traders secure optimal prices in fast-moving markets.
  • Fusion Markets continues to impress with its pricing that provides tight spreads with below-average commissions that will appeal to active day traders.

Cons

  • Fusion Market trails alternatives, notably eToro and IG, in the education department with limited guides and live video sessions to upskill new traders.
  • While the selection of currency pairs trumps most rivals, the broker's alternative investment offering is average with no stock CFDs beyond the US.
  • The demo account expires after 30 days, limiting its potential as a useful trading tool alongside a real-money account.

What Is A CFD?

A Contract For Difference (CFD) is a type of derivative investment that allows traders to benefit from market fluctuations without owning the underlying asset. They are an agreement between an investor and a CFD broker to pay the difference between the initial and closing price of a position.

CFDs have been available to Canadian retail investors since October 2009, though there has been a recent rise in the number of CFD brokers operating in the country. This popularity has been driven by the straightforward, low-cost access to markets provided by CFD brokers in Canada. Traders are given exposure to the full value of an asset without having to put up the whole amount or own the underlying asset.

How CFD Brokers In Canada Work

Most Canadian CFD brokers offer a free, user-friendly platform that provides clients with a long list of assets, plus the ability to carry out market analysis and execute orders. Some of the most useful functions, which are generally offered by the best CFD brokers in Canada and the top offshore platforms, are a range of order types and a good selection of charts, indicators and automated trading tools.

The leading CFD brokers in Canada offer access to thousands of financial instruments. These might include forex pairs with the CAD, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, stock indices, commodities, individual shares and treasury bonds.CFD Brokers in Canada Chart Tools

How To Compare CFD Brokers In Canada

Finding the best Canadian CFD broker is a subjective journey, as everyone has different requirements and goals. Some important things to look for when choosing a CFD platform based in Canada or offshore include:

Fees

Most CFD brokers in Canada make money through spreads, so for you to break even, your chosen security will need to rise by at least the spread amount. It then follows that lower spreads will provide you with more earning potential. CFD brokers in Canada can offer spreads as low as 0.2 pips on major currency pairs like EUR/USD.

There may also be other charges, such as trading fees, minimum deposits, withdrawal fees or commissions. Users should aim to consider all costs from initial deposit through to withdrawal when comparing the fee structures of different brokers.

Leverage

CFD brokers in Canada are popular because traders can access high exposure levels through leveraged trading. The Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) has defined margin limits which are outlined in its Rule 100 document. Although Canadian leverage rates may not be as high as those in countries like the UK and Australia, their CFD brokerages are among the safest in the world, in no small part thanks to these limitations. A sample list of current IIROC CFD margin rates is available on OANDA Canada’s website.

Market Access

CFD brokers in Canada offer a wide range of CFD instruments. Be sure to opt for a broker that gives access to the markets you are interested in. The best CFD brokers in Canada will allow CFD trading on forex pairs such as EUR/USD and GBP/USD, cryptocurrencies, stock indices, commodities, shares, treasury bonds and more.

Canadian Regulation

The top CFD brokers in Canada operate under strict local regulation by the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC). Opening an account with an IIROC regulated broker automatically provides membership to the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF), which offers traders impressive levels of protection. This includes cover against broker insolvency with reimbursements up to 1 million CAD.

IIROC Canadian CFD Broker Regulatory Agency

If you open an account with a broker based elsewhere, check that they’re licensed by a reputable international agency, such as the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). This will help you avoid any online scams.

Bonuses

It is common for CFD brokers to offer referral scheme rewards, through which users can typically earn around $250 by referring customers who open CFD accounts. The tight regulation in Canada does limit promotions and bonuses that CFD brokers can offer, so be wary of those with deals that seem too good to be true. If in doubt, the IIROC website has clear information regarding what can be offered.

Accounts

The best CFD brokers in Canada offer a variety of account types that cater to traders of differing needs. When choosing a platform, be sure to make a thorough comparison to pick the account type best suited to your requirements. Common characteristics that vary are minimum deposits and lot sizes, spreads and available instruments.

Platforms

MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), and NinjaTrader are the most popular platforms offered by Canadian CFD brokers. Mobile apps and web trader options are also widely available. Different platforms may also be better suited to your needs, depending on your trading style and frequency. Compare features like technical analysis tools and automated trading options when deciding which is the best broker for you.

Mobile Apps

CFD positions are often held over short timeframes, sometimes only a few hours. A mobile app will allow you to take advantage of short-term market fluctuations as you will always have your platform to hand.

The best CFD brokers in Canada have developed their own applications that replicate the functionality of traditional desktop platforms, and most will offer MT4 and MT5 mobile apps that can be downloaded alongside proprietary software.

Tools

Traders should keep an eye out for Canadian CFD brokers that offer a range of advanced tools, such as customizable indicators and algorithmic trading features. These tools will help you improve your investing techniques and understanding of the markets. The top platforms also offer extensive tutorials and educational materials, which are a great way for beginners to improve their strategies.

Top CFD brokers in Canada

Customer Support

Should you run into any problems or have an important question, you’ll want to be with a Canadian CFD broker that has active customer support. The best CFD brokers in Canada offer 24/5 live chat as well as email, telephone and fax contact options. User reviews on sites like Trustpilot are a great way to gauge the reputation of a broker’s customer service.

Deposits & Withdrawals

The top CFD brokers in Canada allow users to make payments and deposits through a variety of means. These will typically include credit/debit cards, bank transfers, PayPal and e-wallets like Skrill or Neteller.

Find a platform that allows straightforward withdrawal options, ideally with low fees. The ease with which you can deposit and withdraw will improve your overall experience and lower transfer charges will maximize your profit margins.

Taxes

If you are using a CFD broker in Canada, you may be subject to Canadian tax rules. Depending on how you complete your tax return and other factors, your profits will either come under capital gain tax or business income tax. If you are reporting your profits as business income tax, you will be able to deduct any losses.

Consult a local tax advisor to get tailored information about reporting your profits.

Final Word On CFD Brokers In Canada

As well as offering access to a wide variety of markets and securities, CFD brokers in Canada are highly regulated, which means they are among the safest in the world. The strict regulation affords users impressive protection of up to 1 million CAD. However, you may still be opening yourself up to risks if you intend to use high leverage rates for your strategies. Each provider will offer different fees, market access, platforms and more, so make a thorough comparison of our list of the best CFD brokers in Canada to find the platform that’s right for you.

FAQs

What Is The Best CFD Broker In Canada?

When choosing the top CFD broker in Canada it is important to consider factors such as fees, market access, customer support and available platforms. We have compiled a list of the best CFD brokers in Canada here.

Yes, CFD brokers are legal in Canada but they must be registered with the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC). IIROC has a list of the registered brokers on its website. Alternatively, you can open a CFD account with an offshore platform.

What Are The Advantages Of Having A CFD Broker In Canada?

The regulatory environment in Canada is relatively secure. Clients of CFD brokers in Canada are protected up to 1 million CAD under the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC). However, strict leverage limitations are in place that may cause difficulties for margin trading strategies.

Do I Pay Tax If I Have A CFD Broker In Canada?

If you make a profit with a CFD broker in Canada, you may have to pay capital gains or business income tax. This must be paid before the end of the tax year on December 31st. You should speak to a local tax advisor for more information.

What Assets Can You Trade With A CFD Broker In Canada?

CFD brokers in Canada offer traders a wide variety of assets to speculate on. These will typically include forex pairs such as EUR/USD and GBP/USD, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, stock indices, commodities, shares and bonds.