CFD Trading Apps
Nowadays, investors have several platform options where they can trade contracts for difference – the most versatile being CFD trading apps. With their rise in popularity, new applications are entering the market all the time, making it increasingly hard to know how to find the best of the bunch. In this review, we’ll dive into what CFD trading apps are, how they work, their advantages and disadvantages, plus how to compare them. We’ve also listed the brokers offering the best CFD trading apps in 2024 below.
Top Brokers With CFD Trading Apps
These are the 5 top apps for trading CFDs based on our findings:
- AvaTrade - iOS & Android
- Deriv.com - iOS & Android
- Pepperstone - iOS & Android
- XM - iOS, Android & Windows
- IC Markets - iOS & Android
CFD Trading Apps Comparison
| Broker | iOS Rating | Android Rating | Minimum Deposit | Markets | Leverage | Regulators | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4.3 / 5 |
4 / 5 |
- | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting | 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro) | ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBol, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM | Visit |
|
4.2 / 5 |
4.5 / 5 |
$5 | CFDs, Multipliers, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities | 1:1000 | MFSA, LFSA, VFSC, BFSC | Visit |
|
4.4 / 5 |
4.1 / 5 |
$0 | CFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto, Spread Betting | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) | FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB | Visit |
|
4.7 / 5 |
3.9 / 5 |
$5 | Forex, Stock CFDs, Turbo Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Precious Metals, Energies, Shares, Crypto, Futures | - | ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, FSC, FSCA | Visit |
|
3.1 / 5 |
4.2 / 5 |
$200 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto | 1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global) | ASIC, CySEC, FSA | Visit |
|
4.8 / 5 |
4.4 / 5 |
$100 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities | - | ASIC, FCA, xCySEC, SCB | Visit |
|
3.4 / 5 |
4.1 / 5 |
$50 | CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities | 1:30 | CySEC | Visit |
|
4.8 / 5 |
4.4 / 5 |
$100 | CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks, Crypto | - | ASIC | Visit |
|
3.6 / 5 |
3.8 / 5 |
$100 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Cryptos, Futures, Options, Commodities | 1:200 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) | NFA, CFTC, CIRO, FCA, CYSEC, ASIC, SFC, FSA, MAS, CIMA | Visit |
|
4.8 / 5 |
4 / 5 |
$50 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, ETFs, Cryptos, Futures, Commodities, Bonds | - | FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSA, FSRA, MFSA | Visit |
|
4.7 / 5 |
4.4 / 5 |
$10 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures | 1:2000 | IFSC | Visit |
|
4.6 / 5 |
4 / 5 |
$0 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting | 1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro) | FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA | Visit |
|
5 / 5 |
3.8 / 5 |
$10 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto | 1:30 | FSC, FSA | Visit |
|
3.6 / 5 |
3.9 / 5 |
$50 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds | 1:500 | FCA, ASIC, FSCA, VFSC | Visit |
|
4.7 / 5 |
4.3 / 5 |
$100 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Futures | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro), 1:1000 (Via Prime Ash Capital Limited) | FCA, CySEC, FSCA, SCB, FSC | Visit |
#1 - AvaTrade
Why We Chose AvaTrade
AvaTradeGO consistently impresses with its comprehensive mobile trading experience, boasting an interface that’s not just easy to use, but genuinely intuitive. Navigating the app is a breeze, ensuring fast access to hundreds of markets, including forex, stocks, indices, commodities, ETFs, and bonds. However, what sets AvaTradeGO apart is its AvaProtect™ feature, offering an unmatched level of risk protection that’s rare to find elsewhere.
"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
- Mobile Apps: iOS & Android
- iOS App Rating: 4.3 / 5
- Android App Rating: 4 / 5
- 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
- Automated trading is supported through MetaTrader Expert Advisors (EAs), as well as the AvaSocial and DupliTrade tools
- The broker offers reliable 24/5 multilingual customer support with fast response times during testing
- The broker’s unique risk management tool, AvaProtect, protects against losses up to $1 million and is easy to activate in the platform
Cons
- There’s an above-average $50 inactivity fee after three months, though this won't impact active day traders
- 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
#2 - Deriv.com
Why We Chose Deriv.com
Deriv GO shines with its straightforward app design and diverse trading opportunities, from traditional markets to custom indices that simulate real-world markets and offer 24-hour trading, including on weekends. The in-app chat assistance, which can’t be found at many alternatives, is also fast and reliable, providing an important layer of support for new users.
"Deriv.com will suit day traders looking to make fast-paced trades using CFDs and multipliers with high leverage up to 1:1000. The broker is also the industry leader in synthetic indices, which simulate real market movements and are available around the clock. "
- DayTrading Review Team
- Mobile Apps: iOS & Android
- iOS App Rating: 4.2 / 5
- Android App Rating: 4.5 / 5
- FTSE Spread: 0.5
- GBPUSD Spread: 0.5
- Stocks Spread: 0.07
- Leverage: 1:1000
- Regulator: MFSA, LFSA, VFSC, BFSC
- Platforms: Deriv Trader, MT5
About Deriv.com
Deriv.com is a low cost, multi-asset broker with over 2.5 million global clients. With just a $5 minimum deposit, the firm offers CFDs, multipliers and more recently accumulators, alongside proprietary synthetic products which can't be found elsewhere. Deriv provides both its own in-house charting software and the hugely popular MetaTrader 5.
Pros
- The low $5 minimum initial deposit suits those on a lower budget
- Beginners and experienced day traders can access a good range of 20+ technical indicators in Deriv Trader vs 30+ in MT5
- There's a good range of fast deposit and withdrawal methods with zero payment fees and low minimum deposits
Cons
- There are limited copy trading tools and analysis features compared to alternatives like IQ Cent
- There's no loyalty program or rebate scheme for high volume traders
- The range of 100+ assets trails some competitors such as Quotex which offers 400+
#3 - Pepperstone
Why We Chose Pepperstone
Pepperstone excels for its excellent integration with the MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView apps, making it a standout option for day traders familiar with these leading third-party trading solutions. Despite the absence of a proprietary app, these platforms deliver a stable and reliable mobile trading experience, enhanced by Pepperstone’s almost unrivalled execution speeds and wide range of asset classes.
"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 24/7 support."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Mobile Apps: iOS & Android
- iOS App Rating: 4.4 / 5
- Android App Rating: 4.1 / 5
- FTSE Spread: 1.0
- GBPUSD Spread: 0.4
- Stocks Spread: 0.02
- Leverage: 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
- Regulator: FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB
- Platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade
About Pepperstone
Established in Australia in 2010, Pepperstone is a top-rated forex and CFD broker with over 400,000 clients worldwide. It offers access to 1,300+ instruments on leading platforms MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView, maintaining low, transparent fees. Pepperstone is also regulated by trusted authorities like the FCA, ASIC, and CySEC, ensuring a secure environment for day traders at all levels.
Pros
- Award-winning customer support is available via telephone, email or live chat with response times of <5 minutes during testing.
- Now offering spread betting through TradingView, Pepperstone provides a seamless, tax-efficient trading experience with advanced analysis tools.
- There’s support for a range of industry-leading charting platforms including MT4, MT5, TradingView, and cTrader, catering to various short-term trading styles, including algo trading.
Cons
- Despite enhancements to its range of markets, crypto offerings are relatively limited compared to other brokers such as eToro, with no option to invest in real coins.
- Pepperstone’s demo accounts are active for only 30 days, which may not be not long enough to familiarize yourself with the different platforms and test trading strategies.
- Pepperstone does not support cTrader Copy, a popular copy trading feature built into the excellent cTrader platform and available at alternatives like IC Markets.
#4 - XM
Why We Chose XM
XM offer a mobile app for both Android and iOS that has been specifically tailored to each platform, maximizing the functionality of both. The app delivers the MT4 and MT5 software on the move, with full access to the broker’s 1000+ instruments. Where they shine is their dependability with minimal glitches and delays during testing. The built-in news, trading journal and push notifications also ensure you have everything you need to day trade from your hand.
"XM is one of the best forex and CFD brokers we have tested. The flexible account types will suit a variety of short-term trading styles while the $5 minimum deposit and smooth sign-up process make it easy to start trading."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Mobile Apps: iOS, Android & Windows
- iOS App Rating: 4.7 / 5
- Android App Rating: 3.9 / 5
- FTSE Spread: 1.5 pts
- GBPUSD Spread: 1.9
- Stocks Spread: 0.002
- Regulator: ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, FSC, FSCA
- Platforms: MT4, MT5
About XM
XM is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker with 10+ million clients in 190+ countries. Since 2009, this trusted broker has been known for its low fees on 1000+ instruments. XM is regulated by multiple financial bodies, including the ASIC and CySEC.
Pros
- Powerful MT4 and MT5 platforms are available with 60+ and 80+ technical charting tools
- XM continues to deliver diverse and multilingual educational materials and offers a useful live education schedule for its webinars and insights
- Accessible trading accounts with a $5 minimum deposit and fast account opening
Cons
- There is weak regulatory oversight through the global entity
- PayPal deposits are not supported
- There's $5 inactivity fee after only 3 months, though this won't affect active traders
#5 - IC Markets
Why We Chose IC Markets
IC Markets deliver mobile apps for their cTrader, MT4, MT5 and TradingView platforms. They have been developed on Android and iOS separately, taking full advantage of the functionality available on each. With raw pricing, and spreads from 0.0, the apps deliver an excellent trading tool for all levels of trader. Yet what really stands out is how they’ve managed to maintain the lightning-fast execution speed IC Markets is known for, right within the apps. It’s a seamless trading experience that feels both professional and highly responsive.
"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."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Mobile Apps: iOS & Android
- iOS App Rating: 3.1 / 5
- Android App Rating: 4.2 / 5
- FTSE Spread: 1.0
- GBPUSD Spread: 0.23
- Stocks Spread: 0.02
- Leverage: 1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global)
- Regulator: ASIC, CySEC, FSA
- Platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
About IC Markets
IC Markets is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker known for its excellent pricing, comprehensive range of trading instruments, and premium trading technology. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Australia, the brokerage is regulated by the ASIC, CySEC and FSA, and has attracted more than 180,000 clients from over 200 countries.
Pros
- As a tightly regulated and widely respected broker, IC Markets prioritizes client security and transparency, helping to ensure a reliable trading experience globally.
- 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 Markets offers fast and dependable 24/5 support based on firsthand experience, particularly when it comes to accounts and funding issues.
Cons
- Interest isn't paid on unused cash, an increasingly popular feature found at alternatives like Interactive Brokers.
- Despite four industry-leading third-party platforms, there is no proprietary software or trading app built with new traders in mind.
- The breadth and depth of tutorials, webinars and educational resources still need work, trailing alternatives like CMC Markets and reducing its suitability for beginners.
What Is A CFD Trading App?
To start trading CFDs, you will need to use platform software provided by a broker. This can be accessed via desktop, web platform or mobile app. However, CFD trading using an application allows you to execute trades through a mobile device, such as a tablet or smartphone. CFD mobile trading has revolutionised traditional methods of investing, offering greater control on the go instead of being bound to your desktop.
The best CFD trading applications should offer the same tools, charts, services and markets with the same functionality as the web platform. However, this is not always the case as we will cover later.
How Do CFD Trading Apps Work?
CFD trading apps allow you to trade your chosen instruments with a mobile device wherever and whenever you want. Whether you’re investing from the UK, US or Australia, CFD trading apps offer global access to markets from one mobile trading platform. Your account usually accessed on your desktop should mirror the positions on your mobile app, making for seamless trading wherever you go.
The application will have the same interface as the desktop platform with mobile-optimized charting and technical analysis tools that are specifically designed for Android and iOS operating systems.
To start using a CFD trading app, you’ll need to download it through the app store of your choice. Once you’ve created a CFD trading account, you can explore the markets available and open long or short positions. Plus, you can set up trading alerts to receive in-app push notifications for instant updates on your trades and instruments. CFD trading app notifications allow you to monitor open positions on the platform and close them directly on the application.
Pros Of CFD Trading Apps
- Flexibility: The key benefit of CFD trading apps is the ability to trade on the go. Modern traders do not have to tie themselves to multiple trading screens for long hours. Instead, they have access to a powerful platform within the reach of their pocket.
- Instant Notifications: The best CFD trading apps have a wide range of notifications options, such as trading and price alerts. In this way, you’re able to keep up-to-date with trades instantly without waiting to hop on a web trading platform. CFD mobile traders have the option of setting up push, SMS or email notifications so you never miss a key event, order notification or price alert.
- Ubiquitous: CFD trading apps are becoming much more commonplace as platforms prioritise having mobile solutions. Nowadays, most regulated brokers offer CFD trading apps, so traders don’t have to restrict their options or compromise.
- Improved Technology: Top brokers are constantly developing and enhancing their CFD trading app software to match the tools and charts on the web-based platform. Therefore, the gap between the CFD mobile trading experience and desktop platform is narrowing.
- Full Functionality: CFD trading apps provide access to all the features you need to open, monitor and close your positions at any time and anywhere. Additionally, the best applications provide flexible access to thousands of global markets with fast execution.
Cons Of CFD Trading Apps
- Restrictions: Not all CFD trading apps will have equal access to markets compared to what is offered on desktop trading software. The restricted access can prevent the execution of a trader’s strategy and access to their full product portfolio.
- Connectivity Issues: Mobile connectivity can still be an issue in remote areas, making it difficult to access a mobile app-based CFD trading platform. Connection issues can cause a delay on a live data feed and potentially disrupt traders from placing an order whilst on the go. When the speed of execution is key, a delay in information can make or break trades.
- Limited Screen Size: Typically, web CFD trading software provides data that can be hard to view on a smaller screen. Therefore, traders may find the small screen size a big drawback of CFD trading apps.
How To Compare CFD Trading Apps
When it comes to choosing the best CFD trading apps, there are several factors to consider:
Compatibility
Before you open an account with a CFD trading app, you want to make sure their mobile platform is compatible with your tablet or smartphone. Check whether the application is suitable for an iOS or Android operating system and available for download on the App Store or Google Play Store.
Features
Each CFD trading app has unique features that will suit your personal trading style. Some may require a watchlist or specific order types, while some may need trading alerts or one-click execution. In particular, scalpers may want a selection of charts with up to one-minute timeframes.
Fees
Traders should always consider the transactions costs of a CFD trading app. However, these are likely to be the same as you’d get on a desktop. Regardless of the platform, brokers will usually charge interest for long positions held overnight on CFDs. Commission charges will be a percentage of a trade size e.g. 0.3% or as a minimum charge, like $7. However, some CFD trading apps provide commission-free trading depending on the broker you select.
Market Access
Do you wish to trade CFDs in indices, shares, commodities or forex? Do you want access to the global markets? Some CFD trading apps restrict access to some assets or currency pairs, which you’ll have to consider before opening an account. The best CFD trading apps in the UK, Germany and Australia, such as IG and CMC Markets offer global market access.
Reliability
CFD trading apps need to be dependable, especially when your live funds are on the line. These factors can make or break your profitability. Can you execute instant orders with up to date and live price quotes? You’ll want to ensure that the pricing structure is transparent with no hidden fees. While you don’t need to choose a regulated CFD trading app to enter the market, a licensed provider authenticates the application’s legitimacy.
Security
The best CFD trading apps should take additional steps to ensure account security. Some key features to note are two-factor authentication, SSL encryption and segregated bank accounts. Additionally, regulated CFD trading applications provide an additional layer of compensation should the provider go bankrupt.
Deposit & Withdrawals
Not all deposit & withdrawal times are the same across CFD trading apps. Some brokers will allow instant deposits to your account, meaning you can begin trading right away. However, longer deposit times are common, making same-day trading difficult. Consider, does the CFD trading app provide a wide range of payment methods or your most preferred payment option?
Customer Support
Sometimes, you may encounter issues with the CFD trading app that need to be resolved with urgency. Therefore, it’s vital that you opt for a reliable and responsive customer support team. Nowadays, the best CFD trading apps offer in-app 24/7 support in multiple languages.
Education
Whether you’re a new CFD trader or an experienced professional, CFD trading apps usually offer educational resources. As a leveraged instrument, trading CFDs are highly risky. Therefore, careful risk management should be embedded into your strategy. Make use of stop-losses and buy limit orders so that you don’t run the risk of losing more than you can afford.
Final Word On CFD Trading Apps
In this article, we covered how to compare CFD trading apps for iOS and Android and discussed how the flexibility that comes with mobile applications can benefit your strategy. However, traders must also consider the limitations of mobile trading, in particular, connectivity issues and screen size. Whether you’re trading in the US, UK or Australia, choosing the best CFD trading apps can be overwhelming with the wide range of options. Nonetheless, the level of innovation among the best CFD trading apps means that prioritising your investing needs can come first.
FAQs
How Do I Get Started Trading CFDs?
To start trading CFDs, you will need to open an account with an online broker. Brokers facilitate access to the market through CFD trading software. This is provided through web-based, desktop or mobile platforms. You will then need to fund your trading account. CFD trading apps allow you to manage and execute your trades on the go. Plus, you can test out a CFD trading app with a free demo account.
How Do I Find The Best CFD Trading Apps?
Choosing the best CFD trading apps for you will depend on several factors, such as your trading style, skill level and even your country. Therefore, you should consider your priorities during your research. Perhaps commission-free trading is important to you, or an application with a wide range of tools for technical analysis. Some of the best CFD trading apps to download in the UK and Australia from regulated brokers include CMC Markets, IG and eToro.
What Is The Difference Between Web-based CFD Trading Software And CFD Trading Apps?
The main difference between web-based CFD trading software and a mobile application is that you can trade on the go without being tied to your desktop. However, some brokers allow differences in instruments on CFD trading apps vs desktop platforms. Another key difference is the limitation of screen size when comparing a mobile device and desktop. This can make technical analysis difficult for traders that love to dive into the data. Fees, deposit and withdrawal methods should remain the same between platforms, but it is worth noting any differences on the broker’s website.
How Do I Test CFD Trading Apps?
Most CFD trading apps offer a free demo account to test out their platform in a simulated environment with virtual funds. Generally, you will only be asked to input a few simple details, such as your name and email to get started.
Does Barclays Offer A CFD Trading App?
Barclays offers a trading app for novice and experienced investors called Smart Investor, which can be accessed through their mobile banking app. Here, you can invest in thousands of instruments, including derivatives like CFDs.