Crypto CFDs are derivatives where the buyer and seller pay the difference between the opening and closing price of a token when the trade is closed. Day traders can go long and short with these crypto-backed instruments, meaning you can make profits whether digital asset prices rise or fall. They are usually traded using leverage (borrowed capital). This can supercharge profits, but it can also amplify losses when the crypto market moves quickly.
The guide will explain how crypto CFDs work, discuss their advantages and disadvantages, and list the steps to trade these short-term financial products. We’ve also vetted and listed the best brokers for trading crypto CFDs.
Top 6 Crypto CFD Brokers
We've evaluated the range of crypto CFDs and trading conditions at each of these top-rated brokers:
-
- FTSE Spread: 1.4
- GBPUSD Spread: 0.8
- Stocks Spread: 1.79 (Apple)
-
- FTSE Spread: 17.5
- GBPUSD Spread: 0.4
- Stocks Spread: 0.01
-
- FTSE Spread: 1.5
- GBPUSD Spread: 0.5
- Stocks Spread: No mark-up
-
- FTSE Spread: 2.5
- GBPUSD Spread: 1.5
- Stocks Spread: 1.53 (Apple)
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- FTSE Spread: 1.5
- GBPUSD Spread: 1.9
- Stocks Spread: 0.57 (Apple)
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. -
- FTSE Spread: 1.10
- GBPUSD Spread: 0.4
- Stocks Spread: 0.17 (Apple)
Learn how we test brokers and why you can trust our ratings.
This is why we think these brokers are the best in this category in 2026:
- XM 4.8/5 XM offers a handful of cryptocurrencies against the USD via the South African entity only. These are tradable via CFDs with very high leverage up to 1:500, amplifying potential returns but also losses. You can day trade major tokens like Bitcoin, Ethereum and Ripple, though the suite of tokens trails the 100+ crypto derivatives at some category leaders.
- RoboForex 4.5/5 RoboForex has launched 24/7 CFD crypto trading for popular tokens, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Cardano. Transparent fees, margin trading opportunities, and the reliable RoboForex execution make it suited to active crypto traders. Crypto trading is on select accounts like Pro, ProCent, and ECN accounts, alongside leverage up to 1:500 for BTC/ETH.
- 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.
- FXCC 4.6/5 FXCC has ramped up its range of cryptocurrencies for trading, going from under 10 to more than 30. There are no restrictions on crypto day trading strategies with Expert Advisors (EAs) permitted. Digital currencies can be traded 24/7 with no commission and leverage up to 1:20.
Compare Crypto CFD Trading Conditions
| Broker | Coins | Crypto Spread |
|---|---|---|
| XM | 5 | Variable |
| RoboForex | 6 | Variable |
| BlackBull | 27 | 12 average (Bitcoin) |
| Markets.com | 35 | 114.37 (BTC) |
| eToro | 79 | BTC 1% |
| FXCC | 31 | Variable |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XM | 3133 | ||||
| RoboForex | 773 | ||||
| BlackBull | 3515 | ||||
| Markets.com | 1257 | ||||
| eToro | 32200 | ||||
| FXCC | 220 |
XM
With a low $5 minimum deposit, advanced charting platforms in MT4 and MT5, expanding range of markets, and a Zero account offering spreads from 0.0, XM provides all the essentials for active traders, even earning our ‘Best MT4/MT5 Broker’ award in recent years.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
XM quick facts
- FTSE Spread
- 1.4
- GBPUSD Spread
- 0.8
- Stocks Spread
- 1.79 (Apple)
- Leverage
- 1:1000
- Regulator
- CySEC, DFSA, FSCA, SCA, FSA, FSC-Belize, FSC-Mauritius, CMA-Kenya, CMA-UAE
- Platforms
- MT4, MT5, TradingCentral
- Coins
- BTC, ETH, LTC, XRP, BCH
- Crypto Mining
- ✘No
- Auto Market Maker
- ✘No
- Crypto Spread
- Variable
- Crypto Lending
- ✘No
- Crypto Staking
- ✘No
- Minimum Deposit
- $5
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, ZAR
Pros
- XM’s growing roster of 1,400+ instruments provides diverse short-term trading opportunities, with unique turbo stocks, fractional shares, and more recently thematic indices.
- XM secured a category 5 license from the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) of the United Arab Emirates in late 2025, strengthening its regulatory credentials and making it a strong option for traders in the Middle East.
- XM has rolled out platform upgrades with integrated TradingView charts and an XM AI assistant, delivering faster execution, smarter analysis, and a sleeker, more intuitive trading experience.
Cons
- Although trusted and generally well-regulated in some regions, XM also has global entities registered with the weak regulators like FSC (Belize) and FSA (Seychelles), whilst UK clients are no longer accepted, reducing its market reach.
- XM is falling behind the curve by not offering cTrader, which is favored over MetaTrader by some serious traders for its smoother user experience and superior charting package.
- XM relies solely on the MetaTrader platforms for desktop trading, so there’s no in-house downloadable solution for a more beginner-friendly user experience with unique features.
RoboForex
RoboForex is great if you want a vast range of 12,000+ day trading markets with ECN accounts, powerful charting and loyalty promotions. It also stands out for stock traders with its user-friendly R StocksTrader platform, featuring 3,000+ shares, fees from $0.01 and sophisticated watchlists.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
RoboForex quick facts
- FTSE Spread
- 17.5
- GBPUSD Spread
- 0.4
- Stocks Spread
- 0.01
- Leverage
- 1:2000
- Regulator
- FSC
- Platforms
- R StocksTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView
- Coins
- BTC, ETH, XRP, SOL, DOGE, ADA
- Crypto Mining
- ✘No
- Auto Market Maker
- ✘No
- Crypto Spread
- Variable
- Crypto Lending
- ✘No
- Crypto Staking
- ✘No
- Minimum Deposit
- $10
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR
Pros
- RoboForex is known for its tight spreads starting from 0 pips and low minimum deposits from $10, making it accessible to those on a budget. The ability to trade with micro lots further lowers the barrier to entry for new traders.
- In 2026, RoboForex introduced swap-free trading across all accounts, removing overnight interest charges, and potentially appealing to swing forex traders, though spreads and commissions may still apply.
- In July MobileTrader Telegram Mini App was released - bringing out one of the first solutions we've seen that lets users execute trades and manage positions without leaving the Telegram messaging app.
Cons
- Despite 15+ years in the industry and registering with the Financial Commission, RoboForex is authorized by one ‘Red-Tier’ regulator – the FSC in Belize, lowering the level of regulatory protections for traders.
- RoboForex provides a variety of account types, which, while offering flexibility, can be overwhelming for newer traders trying to choose the most suitable option for their trading style. Alternatives, notably eToro, provide a smoother entry into online trading with one retail account.
- RoboForex now restricts base currency options to USD and EUR. This limitation may inconvenience day traders preferring to manage their accounts in other currencies, while potentially leading to conversion fees.
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
- FTSE Spread
- 1.5
- GBPUSD Spread
- 0.5
- Stocks Spread
- No mark-up
- Leverage
- 1:500
- Regulator
- FMA, FSA
- Platforms
- BlackBull Invest, BlackBull CopyTrader, MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist
- 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
- Minimum Deposit
- $0
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, ZAR, SGD
Pros
- BlackBull offers every ingredient for day traders; fast execution speeds of <100ms and tight spreads from 0.0 pips.
- BlackBulls’s research is superb, especially the daily ‘Trading Opportunities’ articles that break down complex market movements into easy-to-understand insights, making it simpler to capitalize on emerging trends.
- 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.
Cons
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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
- FTSE Spread
- 2.5
- GBPUSD Spread
- 1.5
- Stocks Spread
- 1.53 (Apple)
- Leverage
- 1:500
- Regulator
- ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, BVI FSC
- Platforms
- Web Platform, MT4, MT5, TradingCentral
- 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
- Minimum Deposit
- $200
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, ZAR, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, PLN, CZK
Pros
- 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.
- Within the 2,200+ CFDs, Markets.com offers thematic baskets like the Warren Buffett Blend and Cannabis Blend, which behaved like ready-made mini-ETFs during testing, saving the work of balancing weights manually.
- 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.
Cons
- During sign-up, we hit unclear account type explanations and got stuck in an email verification loop that locked us out for an hour - way less streamlined than other brokers we’ve tested.
- The proprietary web platform felt a bit basic once we pushed into advanced charting with fewer drawing/indicator options than full TradingView or MetaTrader.
- 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.
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
- FTSE Spread
- 1.5
- GBPUSD Spread
- 1.9
- Stocks Spread
- 0.57 (Apple)
- Leverage
- 1:30 EU
- Regulator
- FCA, CySEC, MiCA, MFSA, FSRA, ASIC, FSAS, MAS, GFSC
- Platforms
- eToro Web, CopyTrader, TradingCentral
- 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
- Minimum Deposit
- $50
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, DKK
Pros
- There's a comprehensive online training academy with accessible resources, from bitesize articles to comprehensive courses.
- eToro introduced automated crypto staking (except for Ethereum which requires opt-in) providing a route to passive income.
- 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.
Cons
- 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.
- There is a $30 minimum withdrawal amount and a $5 fee, which will affect novices with low capital.
FXCC
FXCC continues to prove itself an excellent option for day traders with a particularly strong selection of 70+ currency pairs, ultra-tight spreads from 0.0 pips during testing, and a free VPS for qualifying traders.
Jemma Grist, Reviewer
FXCC quick facts
- FTSE Spread
- 1.10
- GBPUSD Spread
- 0.4
- Stocks Spread
- 0.17 (Apple)
- Leverage
- 1:1000
- Regulator
- CySEC, MISA
- Platforms
- MT4, MT5
- Coins
- BTC, BCH, ETH, LTC, XMR, DASH, XRP, ALG, ATO, AVE, AVX, AXS, BNB, BSV, CKE, DOT, ENJ, FTM, LNK, MEL, MNA, MTC, SHB, SND, SNX, SOL, TRP, UNI, WAV, XTZ, YFI
- Crypto Mining
- ✘No
- Auto Market Maker
- ✘No
- Crypto Spread
- Variable
- Crypto Lending
- ✘No
- Crypto Staking
- ✘No
- Minimum Deposit
- $0
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, CAD
Pros
- Customer support still relies on human agents with response times of under three minutes on live chat during our tests and knowledgeable reps - a welcome break from the frustrating AI chatbots increasingly offered by brokers.
- The free VPS for qualifying traders and the ability to build or buy EAs on MetaTrader make FXCC a strong option for algo traders.
- FXCC’s ECN XL account has been built with active traders in mind, featuring spreads from 0.0 with no commission, while also passing our execution speed benchmark for day traders.
Cons
- Although FXCC has bolstered its range of markets with US, European and Asian stocks, the choice of metals and energies is light, and there are no soft commodities.
- Although regulated by the CySEC, FXCC’s offshore entity operates with weak regulatory oversight from MISA and may not provide safeguards like investor compensation in the event of broker insolvency.
- FXCC charges steep withdrawal fees on many of its payment methods, including $45 for bank transfers and 2% crypto transfers, which may cut into the returns of traders making regular withdrawals.
What Are Crypto CFDs?
Crypto CFDs are financial instruments that track price movements in cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin.
They enable speculators to bet on whether crypto prices will rise or fall without having to own the underlying asset itself, a characteristic of all CFDs.
You can bet on crypto prices rising by taking a ‘long’ position, or speculate that values will drop by going ‘short’.
Like many derivatives, crypto-backed CFDs are popular with short-term traders who wish to use leverage. These are funds that you can borrow from a brokerage to control a larger position.
You will put down a deposit (known as margin) that allows you to open and hold a position in a cryptocurrency. Your broker will specify the minimum balance you must maintain in your account relative to the total value of the leveraged position.
Based on our many years in the industry, the level of leverage available on crypto CFDs typically ranges from 1:2 to over 1:20. A $100 outlay with 1:2 leverage would give you $200 (2 x $100) in buying power, while 1:20 leverage would give you $2,000 (20 x $100).

Due to their volatile nature, crypto CFDs are normally available with less leverage than other financial instruments, such as fiat currencies, protecting against significant losses in fast-moving markets.
Importantly, if you fall short of the margin requirements, the brokerage will demand that you deposit more cash. This is known as a margin call. If you fail to do this you may find your cryptocurrency CFD position liquidated by your broker – an extremely frustrating situation.
Crypto CFDs are controversial financial securities. While they can significantly enhance your returns, they can result in whopping losses when things go wrong.
Royston WildAuthorA Crypto CFD Trade In Action
To help you understand how a crypto CFD trade works in reality, let’s look at an example…
Initial Scenario
- Current Bitcoin Price: $60,000
- My Deposit (Margin): $1,000
Objective
I anticipate that the price of Bitcoin will increase following an announcement from an established public company that it’s bought a large amount of the digital currency, so I decide to enter a long position (buy) using a Bitcoin CFD with 10x leverage.
The 10x leverage means that my $1,000 deposit allows me to control a position worth 10 times my deposit, so $1000 x 10 = $10,000.
Trade Execution
- Price Movement: The price of Bitcoin rises over the next 6 hours
- New Bitcoin Price: $62,500
Importantly, Bitcoin CFDs are only settled when I choose (or the broker closes it because I have failed to meet margin requirements).
Calculating My Profit
- Determine the price movement: The price moved from $60,000 to $62,500, which is a $2,500 increase.
- Calculate the percentage increase: The increase is $2,500 on the original $60,000, which is a 4.17% increase.
- Apply the percentage to my controlled amount: Since I control $10,000 worth of Bitcoin, a 4.17% increase on my position is $10,000 x 4.17% = $417. My profit excludes trading fees.
If I had not used leverage and simply invested my $1,000 directly into Bitcoin, my profit from the price increase from $60,000 to $62,500 would have been approximately $41.67 ($1,000 x 4.17%), excluding any fees, demonstrating the huge impact of leverage.
If The Price Had Fallen
If, instead, the price of Bitcoin had fallen to $58,000, I would calculate my loss in a similar manner. The price movement would be a $2,000 decrease, equating to a 3.33% decrease. On my $10,000 position, a 3.33% decrease would result in a $330 loss.
While this won’t impact day traders, if you keep a Bitcoin CFD trade open overnight, you may incur interest charges, potentially increasing the cost of trading.
Royston WildAuthorShould I Trade Crypto CFDs Instead Of Crypto Directly?
You can trade cryptocurrency directly on a specialist crypto exchange like Coinbase. However, trading a crypto-based CFD can have advantages over buying and selling digital currencies themselves. These include:
- Eliminating wallet management: If I buy cryptocurrency on an exchange, I also need to set up a digital wallet in which to store the asset. These can only be accessed via a private ‘key’, a code that can easily be lost or stolen. Trading cryptocurrency CFDs eliminates this threat and also makes day trading much simpler.
- Better liquidity: Crypto CFDs tend to have higher trading volumes than digital tokens and, as a consequence, much deeper liquidity. This can result in reduced costs through tighter bid and ask spreads, while short-term traders can also be able to enter and exit positions more quickly.
- Tighter regulation: Regulatory oversight of CFDs tends to be much tighter than the cryptocurrency market more broadly. This provides traders with an enhanced level of protection. However, day traders who use overseas brokers should carefully check their regulatory status.
- Leverage: I may be able to obtain higher leverage by trading a crypto-based derivative than by dealing in the digital currency itself, potentially increasing profits (and losses).
Trading crypto CFDs instead of the underlying cryptocurrency also has drawbacks. These can include the potential for higher trading fees and increased counterparty risk (the danger that the broker may fail to meet its contractual obligations).
Also, despite improvements in recent years, there is still often a limited choice of digital tokens beyond the biggest and most well-known, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin.
Royston WildAuthorHow To Trade Cryptocurrency CFDs
If allowed in your jurisdiction, day trading crypto CFDs requires 3 steps:
- Choose a CFD crypto broker
- Develop a strategy
- Place a trade
Choose A Crypto Broker
The first step is to choose a broker with cryptocurrency CFDs. I always start by checking that the company is trusted; there are vast numbers of unregulated crypto CFD brokers doing business across the globe with scams prevalent.
Next, consider the levels of leverage that you’re able to take advantage of. After all, the ability to use borrowed funds from a broker is one of the major selling points of day trading crypto CFDs.
Also look for brokers with negative balance protection. This will ensure that you cannot lose more than the funds that are already in your account when trading with leverage.
Once you’re happy with these points, check the pricing – low spreads will help maximize profits, especially for active day traders.
Finally, make sure the trading platform is easy to use with the charting tools you need to analyze and forecast cryptocurrency price movements. This is really important – an intuitive platform can really enhance the trading environment in my experience.
Develop A Strategy
Successful CFD crypto trading requires a well-thought-out strategy, typically entailing technical analysis if you’re short-term trading, though it could also include fundamental analysis.
Determine in advance your entry and exit points, stop-loss orders, and take-profit levels. Backtest your strategy where possible, making use of a demo account if needed, and remain adaptable to changing market conditions – crypto prices are notoriously volatile.
Two popular strategies for short-term crypto CFD trading include:
Breakout Trading – This strategy involves identifying a channel of resistance and support levels that the asset is consistently oscillating between. A breakout trader would wait until the price breaks through either level and then open a position for the breakout to be consolidated and become a new trend.
Contrarian Trading – This strategy is similar to swing trading, entailing betting against a consolidated trend as you are anticipating its reversal. This can be indicated in several ways, for example, a declining trading volume.
Place A Trade
You should be able to execute a cryptocurrency CFD trade directly in the broker’s platform or mobile trading app in a few clicks, inputting long/short, position size and any risk management parameters.
Importantly, begin day trading crypto CFDs with an amount of capital you can afford to lose. Start small to test your strategy under real market conditions.
Always stay informed about market news and events that could affect crypto prices, and be prepared to adjust your strategy as needed.
A Restricted Asset Class
Their high-risk nature means that trading crypto CFDs is closely regulated in many countries and even outlawed in others.
For example, in January 2021, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK banned retail traders from speculating on cryptocurrencies through derivatives like CFDs. Retail clients in the UK can only trade crypto CFDs with offshore, weakly regulated brokers with limited legal protections.
That said, the FCA has left the door open for professional traders to continue dealing in crypto derivatives.

The high-risk nature of CFDs means many territories have prohibited them regardless of which underlying asset they are linked to. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), for instance, has prohibited any US citizens from dealing in these contracts.
Certain regions like the European Union and Australia have strict rules on the trading of CFDs, including crypto CFDs, while some like Hong Kong prevent their citizens from trading them unless they use an overseas broker.
Bottom Line
Since the creation of Bitcoin in 2009, hundreds of other cryptocurrencies have been created and now form a massive part of the day trading landscape. CFDs are extremely popular ways to capitalize on these new-age assets, although the wide-scale availability of leverage adds extra danger to these trades.
Investors who decide to deal in these financial instruments should be fully aware of these risks, and must have a detailed understanding of cryptocurrency markets before taking the plunge.
To get started, see our ranking of the best brokers with crypto CFDs. Alternatively, trading cryptocurrency-backed CFDs via a demo account is a lowe-risk first step for newer traders.
FAQ
How Does CFD Crypto Trading Work?
Two parties will enter a contract that states that the difference between the opening and closing values of the digital asset will be paid by either the broker or trader (depending on the type taken out and the direction of price movement).
Importantly, CFDs are derivatives, so you do not take ownership of the underlying digital asset, you simply make or lose money based on the change in its value.
Do I Need A Digital Wallet For CFD Crypto Trading?
No, you do not need a digital wallet. Digital wallets are used when you own digital currencies, which is not the case for CFD crypto trading, and is part of their appeal to short-term speculators.
What Cryptocurrencies Can I Trade CFDs With?
It is primarily the cryptos with the biggest market capitalization that brokers will offer CFDs for. These include Bitcoin, Ripple, Ethereum and Litecoin.
Having said that, we’re seeing brokers expand their suite of cryptocurrency CFDs, with Eightcap standing out for its around 100 crypto derivatives.
How Much Money Do I Need To Trade Crypto CFDs?
CFD crypto trading is much akin to betting in that you can put as much or as little money as you wish (to a point) on the trade.
The use of leverage can also increase market exposure by allowing you to front only a portion of a trade’s stake, for example, less than $100.
Importantly, given the derivative nature of CFDs, you do not need to be able to purchase one whole Bitcoin, for example, to begin trading.
What Time Does Crypto CFD Trading Cease?
As cryptocurrencies are not traded on one specific regulated exchange, they are open for CFD trading 24/7, all year round.
That said, there are times of higher and lower market activity that will often follow the peak trading hours of popular physical exchanges, which can affect profits through slippage and volatility.
Article Sources
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