CFD Demo Accounts
CFD demo accounts provide a risk-free opportunity for traders to practice strategies, get to grips with platforms and test out brokers. This article will explain in more detail what CFD demo accounts are, how they work and how you can compare different brokers and their paper trading offerings. We have also provided a list of our top CFD demo trading brokers below.
Best CFD Demo Accounts
Here is a short overview of each broker's pros and cons
- Interactive Brokers - Over 8,000 CFDs are offered on a vast array of instruments, encompassing stocks, indices, forex, and commodities. Moreover, the TWS platform lends itself to seasoned day traders, offering a comprehensive selection of over 100 order types and algorithms, alongside premium market data sourced from reputable sources such as Reuters and Dow Jones.
- UnitedPips - UnitedPips supports CFD trading on a narrow selection of currencies, metals and cryptos. It somewhat compensates for the meagre asset range with high leverage up to 1:1000, seriously amplifying potential profits or losses, and spreads that don’t change with market conditions.
- IQCent - CFDs are available on forex, indices, commodities and cryptos, although the range of 175+ instruments is limited compared to alternatives such as Quotex with 400+. Leverage is available up to 1:500 but the $250 minimum deposit is noticeably higher than competitors.
- Plexytrade - Plexytrade offers a modest selection of CFDs, providing opportunities to speculate on upward/downward price movements across 15 indices, 48 US stocks, 3 commodities, 4 metals, and 5 cryptos. The free margin calculator allows you to work out how much you need to put down to open and maintain leveraged positions.
- Capitalcore - The range of CFDs at Capitalcore is narrow, with 6 precious metals, 6 indices, and a slim suite of stocks. Notably, there are no commodities such as oil or gas and spreads vary greatly. Tiered leverage is available depending on the account, from 1:100 to 1:2000.
- Videforex - Videforex CFDs are available on forex, indices, cryptocurrencies and commodities with up to 1:500 leverage and tight spreads from near zero. CFDs incur a commission fee of 1%–2.5% and up to 5% for leveraged trades.
CFD Demo Accounts Comparison
| Broker | CFD Leverage | Minimum Deposit | Minimum Trade | Regulators |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interactive Brokers | 1:50 | $0 | $100 | FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM |
| UnitedPips | 1:1000 | $10 | 0.01 Lots | IFSA |
| IQCent | 1:500 | $250 | $0.01 | - |
| Plexytrade | 1:2000 | $50 | 0.01 | - |
| Capitalcore | 1:2000 | $10 | 0.01 Lots (CFD/Forex), $1 (Binaries) | - |
| Videforex | 1:500 | $250 | $0.01 | - |
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."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
Interactive Brokers Quick Facts
| FTSE Spread | 0.005% (£1 Min) |
|---|---|
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.08-0.20 bps x trade value |
| Stocks Spread | 0.003 |
| Leverage | 1:50 |
| Regulator | FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM |
| Platforms | Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, TradingView, eSignal, TradingCentral, ProRealTime, Quantower |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF |
Pros
- 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.
- IBKR continues to deliver unmatched access to global stocks with tens of thousands of equities available from 100+ market centres in 24 countries, most recently the Saudi Stock Exchange.
- Interactive Brokers has launched ForecastTrader, a unique, zero-commission product where users can trade yes/no Forecast Contracts on political, economic, and climate events, with fixed $1 payouts per contract, 24/6 market access, and 3.83% APY on held positions.
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.
- You can only have one active session per account, so you can’t have your desktop program and mobile app running simultaneously, making for a sometimes frustrating trading 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.
UnitedPips
"UnitedPips is ideal for traders seeking leveraged trading opportunities, the security of fixed spreads, and the flexibility to deposit, withdraw, and trade cryptocurrencies - all in one sleek TradingView-powered platform."
UnitedPips Quick Facts
| FTSE Spread | NA |
|---|---|
| GBPUSD Spread | 1.3 |
| Stocks Spread | NA |
| Leverage | 1:1000 |
| Regulator | IFSA |
| Platforms | UniTrader |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- UnitedPips offers impressive leverage up to 1:1000 with zero swap fees or commissions, which can enhance potential returns for day traders and swing traders looking to control prominent positions with less capital.
- Although being handed off mid-chat due to shift changes during testing was frustrating, customer support is generally good with quick, helpful responses, and 24/7 support via phone and email for regional teams is a definite advantage.
- UnitedPips’ platform performs well, with an intuitive design that will appeal to beginners, while the TradingView integration delivers powerful charting tools without overwhelming users, making it straightforward to execute trades efficiently.
Cons
- UnitedPips lacks comprehensive research, while the educational content for beginner traders is woeful. Compared to brokers like eToro, which offers tutorials, webinars, and advanced courses, UnitedPips offers minimal resources to help new traders understand key concepts.
- UnitedPips' selection of tradable instruments is still minimal, comprising a bare minimum selection of forex, metals and crypto. There are no equities, indices or ETFs, which may be a drawback for experienced traders looking for diverse opportunities.
- Unlike brokers such as IG, UnitedPips is an offshore broker not regulated by any 'green tier' financial authorities, raising concerns for traders seeking assurance and protection under well-established regulatory frameworks.
IQCent
"IQCent is great for traders wanting bespoke binary assets, with a growing roster of 150+ products, including ‘Hype Pool’ contracts, which track trending events. Short-term expiries from 5 seconds, payouts that can hit 95% (with up to a 3% boost), and a TradingView charting package with 100+ indicators, also make it ideal for serious, fast-paced traders."
IQCent Quick Facts
| FTSE Spread | 1.4 |
|---|---|
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.8 |
| Stocks Spread | N/A |
| Leverage | 1:500 |
| Platforms | Online Platform, TradingView |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR |
Pros
- There's an accessible $0.01 minimum stake for new day traders with a small budget
- Keen traders can take part in trading contests with cash prizes
- IQCent has bolstered its asset range with 60+ new assets, including hot cryptos like TON and SHIB; top-tier stock CFDs such as TSLA and NVDA; plus exotic FX pairs like THB and HUF
Cons
- IQCent trails binary brokers like Quotex with its narrow investment offering of around 175 assets with limited stocks
- IQCent charges a punitive $10 monthly inactivity fee if you fail to place at least 1 trade per month
- There's no automated trading support for algo traders
Plexytrade
"Plexytrade is a newcomer in the brokerage scene with attention-grabbing features like 1:2000 leverage, zero spreads on select instruments and fast execution speeds of less than 46 milliseconds. However, the absence of regulation is a significant concern, while the non-existent research and educational tools place it far behind industry frontrunners."
Plexytrade Quick Facts
| FTSE Spread | 0.8 |
|---|---|
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.8 |
| Stocks Spread | 5 |
| Leverage | 1:2000 |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR |
Pros
- There are various VPS packages starting from $50 per month, but they become complimentary once specific deposit thresholds are reached.
- US residents are accepted as clients, distinguishing Plexytrade as one of the rare offshore brokers that cater to US-based traders.
- Despite lacking regulation, Plexytrade provides negative balance protection and reinforces safety protocols by holding client funds in segregated accounts.
Cons
- With around 100 instruments, Plexytrade restricts the flexibility of investors who prefer to trade across various assets, especially compared to Blackbull with its 26,000 securities.
- Plexytrade lacks regulation in major jurisdictions, significantly increasing the risks of opening an account and depositing funds.
- Deposits and withdrawals are exclusively facilitated through cryptocurrencies, as Plexytrade does not support bank cards, bank wire transfers, or e-wallets.
Capitalcore
"Capitalcore runs one of the most advanced binary options platforms we’ve tested, making it a stellar option if you need serious charting power, with TradingView integration offering over 5 chart types and 90 indicators. Its 'double up' and 'rollover' capabilities to replicate or extend short-term trades with a click, are also excellent for strategy development."
Capitalcore Quick Facts
| FTSE Spread | 25 |
|---|---|
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.5 |
| Stocks Spread | 1.5 (Apple) |
| Leverage | 1:2000 |
| Platforms | WebTrader, Pro |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- The Capitalcore platform provides comprehensive charting tools and a wide range of 150+ technical indicators, ideal for detailed market analysis.
- While a relative newcomer to binary options space, its transparent, accessible service earned it runner up in DayTrading.com's 2025 'Best Binary Broker' award.
- Unlike most brokers, Capitalcore offers an unlimited demo account that takes under 5 minutes to open.
Cons
- Capitalcore’s threadbare education and research seriously trail category leaders like IG, making it less suitable for aspiring traders.
- Capitalcore is not regulated by major financial authorities and has an unproven reputation, raising concerns about the safety of client funds.
- Platform support is limited to proprietary software, so there's no integration with the market-leading MetaTrader or cTrader, which offer built-in economic news and support automated trading.
Videforex
"Videforex will serve traders looking for an easy-to-use platform to speculate on the direction of popular financial markets through binaries, especially cryptos and stocks, with dozens of assets added. The integration of TradingView charts also caters to technical traders. However, it requires a trade-off – no regulatory oversight, making it a risky choice. "
William Berg, Reviewer
Videforex Quick Facts
| FTSE Spread | Floating from 0.2 |
|---|---|
| GBPUSD Spread | Floating from 0.1 |
| Stocks Spread | NA |
| Leverage | 1:500 |
| Platforms | TradingView |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB |
Pros
- Videforex regularly runs trading contests, offering practice opportunities and cash prizes to beginners and experienced traders, with position sizes from just ¢0.01.
- Videforex is one of the few brokers with 24/7 multilingual video support, providing comprehensive assistance for active traders.
- With the addition of over 60 new assets, Videforex now gives traders access to in-demand crypto (TON, ARB, PEPE, SHIB), top-performing tech stocks (Tesla, Meta, Nvidia, Amazon), and a more diverse FX portfolio (THB, ZAR, and MXN).
Cons
- Videforex lacks authorization from a trusted regulator, meaning traders may receive little to zero safeguards like segregated client accounts.
- The absence of any educational tools is a serious drawback for newer traders who can find blogs, videos and live trading sessions at category leaders.
- The client terminal needs improvements based on our latest tests, sporting sometimes slow and unresponsive widgets which could dampen the experience for day traders.
How Do CFD Demo Accounts Work?
A demo account works just like a normal CFD account, only there is no material buy-in. Rather than depositing your own money, a demo account is funded with virtual capital that you spend in a simulated trading environment. However, the market movements are still accurate and brokers will still implement virtual trading fees, like spread markups and commissions, to maintain realism.
That being said, the liquidity seen in CFD demo accounts is usually infinite, i.e. orders are instantly filled at the shown price, no matter the asset. The real world, on the other hand, has limited liquidity, so slippage may occur.
Most brokers offer CFD demo accounts for free and with no time limit, so investors can practice trading strategies and explore new markets with no risk to their real money. This is a great way to start trading as you can hold out and only stake real funds when you feel comfortable.
Pros
- Given the simulated nature of CFD demo accounts and the virtual funds, there is no risk of real monetary loss
- Paper trading is a great way to trial a broker or trading platform without any commitment. For example, you may want to explore some new assets, charting tools or indicators without staking money before getting comfortable with them.
- CFD demo accounts are also a great way to refine or test trading strategies, ironing out snags and inefficiencies by identifying mistakes that don’t cost you real money. Once you are producing consistent results, you can take your strategy to the real world.
- Trading with simulated money for some time can give you a taste of inevitable drawdowns and low-yield periods. Experiencing these can help you practise sticking to your strategy and risk management approach until you rise again.
Cons
- While leverage can increase trade sizes, and getting practice in with no risk of loss can be helpful, investors must be careful. CFD demo accounts can provide a false sense of security and lead to taking risks that are too great when you begin live trading.
- The simulated nature of demo accounts does not support all real-life trading characteristics, like slippage. Therefore, orders in a live account may not be filled at the same price as for a demo account and maintaining performance can be difficult
- Some, albeit not all, brokers will use their demo account as an advertising tool for their services. This can often produce tighter spreads and lower trading fees than would realistically be available in a live account, especially in fast-moving, volatile markets.
- CFD demo accounts may come with the full suite of a broker’s additional charting and analysis features, which may come at a cost for live trading accounts.
- While demo accounts can be good to get a feel for a broker or strategy, the safety they provide does not expose you to many of the psychological difficulties of live trading. For example, demo trading is often done with no fear, complacent risk management and overtrading.
How To compare CFD Demo Accounts
Several factors and considerations can be used to differentiate between options and find the best CFD demo accounts:
Platforms
The trading platform that the broker offers can make a significant impact on your experience. Platforms range from sleek and easy-to-use mobile applications that keep things simple to complex and sophisticated desktop trading clients or even proprietary web-based trading systems.
Functionality is an important and personal thing, some traders may want easy access to and integration with online automated trading robots, while others may prefer to carry out their trades manually using one-click trading. Some of the most popular trading platforms include MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5) and cTrader.
Markets
All CFD demo accounts will offer a variety of different markets, so it is important to look for one that offers the markets you are interested in. These will often include forex and stocks, while some brokers will also offer cryptos, indices and commodities.
Check out the assets your broker offers on both their demo account and whichever live account you are interested in opening afterwards. CFD trading follows standard market hours for its assets, i.e. exchange trading hours for stocks and indices, 24/5 for forex and 24/7 for cryptos.
Customer Support
Customer service is important for live trading as any lost time can mean you lose money. Using demo accounts can give you a good feel for a broker’s level of customer support, especially as you are likely to have more questions when paper trading. Try to find a broker with active customer support at all times you might be trading.
Education
When opening a CFD demo account, the aim is to learn, so finding a broker with a good range of high-quality educational tools can be very impactful. Some brokers offer one-to-one sessions to support demo trading, while others may have live webinars, online trading courses and educational blog posts.
Fees
While some brokers will offer a free demo account for anyone keen, others are not so accessible. Firms may charge for their demo trading services or require some level of deposit into a live trading account before they let you begin using their CFD demo accounts.
Final Word
CFD demo accounts offer a great way for those inexperienced to get a feel for CFD trading, different brokers and platforms or new markets. Moreover, they are a safe place to try new strategies or refine existing ones, with no risk of financial loss. However, care should be taken as their risk-free nature can result in complacency or an unhealthy risk appetite when it comes to live trading.
FAQs
What Is A CFD Demo Account?
CFD demo accounts are offered by some online brokers and provide risk-free, simulated CFD trading in real-time markets. These accounts are funded with virtual money and work much the same as live trading, albeit with better liquidity and often tighter spreads.
How Does A CFD Demo Account Work?
A demo account lets you execute trade orders on CFD assets based on real-time pricing data and fee structures. However, there is no risk involved as all money is simulated. Traders can usually select how much they wish to fund their account with (up to a predefined maximum) and begin trading immediately.
Why Should I Open A CFD Demo Account?
CFD demo accounts are a great way to explore a more unique area of trading without risking any real money. If you want to get into trading CFDs, try a new broker, platform or asset or refine and get to grips with a new trading strategy, demo trading can be a useful tool.
What Should I Look For In A CFD Demo Account?
There are many things to consider when opening a CFD demo account, including the markets on offer, platforms used and customer service. Don’t forget to think about fees and the broker’s live trading options before opening a demo account.
Do CFD Demo Accounts Have Fees?
CFD demo accounts are often free, though some brokers may charge for them. Moreover, some firms require a small deposit into a live trading account before you can make use of their demo options.