CFD Trading Software
CFD trading software is a vital element of any investor’s toolkit, facilitating trades and aiding with technical analysis. However, finding the best CFD trading platform can be hard given the variety on the market today. This review will show how you can compare the best platforms on the market, provide a comparison of the top platforms on offer and discuss which countries permit the use of CFD trading software.
Best CFD Trading Software
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DNA Markets
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$1000.01 Lots1:500ASICCFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks, CryptoMT4, MT5Credit Card, Debit Card, Wire Transfer, BPAY, Skrill, Neteller, Bitcoin Payments, Bitwallet, AstroPay, MastercardUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD -
2
IGForex trading involves risk. Losses can exceed deposits.
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$00.01 Lots1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOBCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread BettingWeb, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentralPayPal, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, Credit Card, Visa, Debit CardUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD -
3
IQCent20% to 200% Deposit Bonus
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$250$0.011:500IFMRRCBinary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, CryptoOnline Platform, TradingViewCredit Card, Debit Card, Wire Transfer, Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum Payments, Visa, MastercardUSD, EUR -
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RedMars
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
€2500.01 Lots1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)CySECCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, CryptosMT5Credit Card, Wire Transfer, Debit Card, Sticpay, FasaPay, Bitcoin Payments, Trustly, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Klarna, Mastercard, VisaUSD, EUR -
5
Interactive Brokers
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$0$1001:50FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMAStocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, CryptocurrenciesTrader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentralCheque, ACH Transfer, Wire Transfer, Automated Customer Account Transfer Service, TransferWise, Debit CardUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF -
6
Videforex20% to 200% Deposit Bonus
$250$0.011:500Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, CryptoTradingViewSkrill, Perfect Money, Bitcoin Payments, Neteller, Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Ethereum PaymentsUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB -
7
xChief$100 No Deposit Bonus
$100.01 Lots1:1000VFSCCFDs, Forex, Metals, Commodities, Stocks, IndicesMT4, MT5Wire Transfer, Bitcoin Payments, Credit Card, UnionPay, Skrill, Neteller, WebMoney, Perfect Money, Debit Card, Ethereum Payments, FasaPay, VoletUSD, EUR, GBP, JPY, CHF -
8
Axofa10% Deposit Bonus
$10.01 Lots1:1000SVGFSAForex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, CommoditiesMT5Debit Card, Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Neteller, Skrill, Bitcoin Payments, Wire TransferUSD, IDR -
9
Sage FX$1,500 trading competition
$100.01 Lots1:500PendingForex, indices, cryptosTradeLockerCredit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum PaymentsUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD -
10
Plexytrade120% Cash Welcome Bonus
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$500.011:2000UnregulatedCFDs, Forex, Indices, Stocks, Commodities, CryptoMT4, MT5Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum PaymentsUSD, EUR
Here is a short summary of why we think each broker belongs in this top list:
- DNA Markets - DNA Markets offers a recently enhanced suite of 800+ CFDs covering stocks, indices, forex, commodities and cryptos, providing opportunities to speculate on rising and falling prices. There are no restrictions on strategies with leverage up to 1:30 (Australia) or 1:500 (rest of world).
- IG - IG offers a huge selection of 17,000+ CFDs, providing more trading opportunities than most CFD brokers. Traders can go long or short on popular markets like stocks, currencies, commodities and cryptos, while custom price alerts and the IG Academy continue to enhance the trading experience.
- IQCent - CFDs are available on forex, indices, commodities and cryptos, although the range of 100+ 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.
- RedMars - RedMars caters to various short-term trading styles across popular asset classes, including 7 commodities, 14 indices, and 120+ stocks. Leverage is available up to 1:30 (retail) and 1:500 (pro), amplifying results. However, there is no calculator to help with understanding margin requirements and the depth of investments is limited.
- 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.
- 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.
- xChief - You can trade a competitive range of CFDs encompassing crypto, indices, energies and metals, with very high leverage up to 1:1000. ECN pricing is available, with spreads from 0.0 pips and low commissions from $2.50. A Cent account is also available for those on a smaller budget.
- Axofa - CFDs are available on popular asset classes with a competitive $1 minimum deposit. The MT5 integration will allow serious short-term traders to utilize the vast library of technical tools, bots and indicators, but the lack of any CFD trading education puts the broker behind many alternatives.
- Sage FX - Trade CFDs on forex, stocks, metals, energies, indices, cryptos and dollar futures. Sage FX offers tight spreads and high leverage on all instruments from 1:100 to 1:500.
- 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.
CFD Trading Software Comparison
| Broker | CFD Leverage | Minimum Deposit | Minimum Trade | Regulators |
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1:500 | $100 | 0.01 Lots | ASIC |
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1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro) | $0 | 0.01 Lots | FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB |
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1:500 | $250 | $0.01 | IFMRRC |
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1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) | €250 | 0.01 Lots | CySEC |
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1:50 | $0 | $100 | FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA |
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1:500 | $250 | $0.01 | - |
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1:1000 | $10 | 0.01 Lots | VFSC |
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1:1000 | $1 | 0.01 Lots | SVGFSA |
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1:500 | $10 | 0.01 Lots | Pending |
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1:2000 | $50 | 0.01 | Unregulated |
DNA Markets
"DNA Markets is an excellent choice for short-term traders familiar with the MetaTrader platforms. The smooth sign-up process also makes it easy to get started while the $100 minimum deposit is accessible. That said, DNA Markets trails the top brokers in education, research and mobile trading. "
Jemma Grist, Reviewer
DNA Markets Quick Facts
| FTSE Spread | 1.7 |
|---|---|
| GBPUSD Spread | 1.0 |
| Stocks Spread | 1.0 cent + $0.02 per share, per side (Apple) |
| Leverage | 1:500 |
| Regulator | ASIC |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD |
Pros
- After a recent upgrade, there are now over 800 assets available to trade via CFDs, with a particularly impressive range of 120+ cryptos
- Short-term trading strategies are permitted including scalping and automated trading using Expert Advisors (EAs)
- DNA Markets offers top-rate platforms and charting tools for day traders with access to MT4 and MT5
Cons
- Despite access to MT4 and MT5, there is no proprietary trading app for seamless account management whilst on the go
- Unlike many alternatives, there are limited educational and research tools for traders seeking an all-in-one solution
- Although it continues to strengthen its client base and reputation, DNA Markets lacks the track record of top brokers like Vantage
IG
"IG continues to provide a comprehensive package with an intuitive web platform and best-in-class education for beginners, plus advanced charting tools, real-time data, and fast execution speeds for experienced day traders."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
IG Quick Facts
| FTSE Spread | 1.0 |
|---|---|
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.9 |
| Stocks Spread | 0.02 |
| Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro) |
| Regulator | FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB |
| Platforms | Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentral |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- The IG app offers a superb mobile trading experience with a clean design that helped it secure Runner Up at our Best Trading App award
- IG is amongst the best in terms of its range of instruments, which includes stocks, forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, providing ample diversification opportunities
- The ProRealTime advanced charting platform is free as long as certain modest monthly trading activity requirements are met
Cons
- Stock and CFD spreads still trail the cheapest brokers like CMC Markets based on tests
- IG applies an inactivity fee of $12 per month after 2 years, deterring casual investors
- While there is negative balance protection in the UK and EU, there is no account protection or guaranteed stop losses for US clients
IQCent
"IQCent will appeal to day traders looking for a straightforward binary options and CFD trading platform with low fees, a range of accounts, and copy trading. Getting started takes less than 1 minute and a $250 deposit. "
IQCent Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 20% to 200% Deposit Bonus |
|---|---|
| FTSE Spread | 1.4 |
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.8 |
| Stocks Spread | N/A |
| Leverage | 1:500 |
| Regulator | IFMRRC |
| Platforms | Online Platform, TradingView |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR |
Pros
- Keen traders can take part in trading contests with cash prizes
- The broker offers up to 98% payouts on binary options, which is more than alternatives like Pocket Option, only offering up to 92%
- CFD trading fees are competitive based on tests, including 0.7 pips on major forex pairs such as EUR/USD
Cons
- IQCent trails binary brokers like Quotex with its narrow investment offering of around 100 assets with no 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
RedMars
"RedMars is the best fit for experienced day traders familiar with the MetaTrader 5 platform and based in the EU, where the broker is authorized by the CySEC. However, the threadbare education and research tools make it unsuitable for beginners."
RedMars Quick Facts
| FTSE Spread | 15 |
|---|---|
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.7 |
| Stocks Spread | Variable |
| Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) |
| Regulator | CySEC |
| Platforms | MT5 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR |
Pros
- RedMars offers one of the best platforms for day trading, MT5, hosting 21 timeframes, dozens of analytical tools, flexible templates and algo trading
- The broker is one of a limited number of firms to offer an account specially designed for VIPs with premium support and invites to exclusive events
- The broker supports a range of flexible payment methods, including wire transfers, credit cards, e-wallets, and notably cryptocurrencies
Cons
- The no-frills trading environment offers little beyond the basics, with no Islamic account, PAMM account or copy trading.
- With just 300 instruments, RedMars offers a narrow trading environment, particularly compared to category leaders like BlackBull Markets which offers 26,000 assets
- RedMars falls short for newer traders, with little in the way of education, no beginner-friendly platform, a steep minimum deposit, and inadequate support during testing
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."
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 |
| Platforms | Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral |
| 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.
- The new IBKR Desktop platform takes the best of TWS while adding bespoke tools like Option Lattice and Screeners with MultiSort to create a genuinely impressive trading experience for day traders at every level.
- The TWS platform has clearly been built for intermediate and advanced traders and comes with over 100 order types and a reliable real-time market data feed that rarely goes offline.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
Videforex
"Newer traders will find a lot to enjoy about trading binary options on Videforex's easy-to-use proprietary platform, as well as the broker's copy trading solution. Payouts also remain higher than most alternatives climbing to 98%."
Videforex Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 20% to 200% Deposit Bonus |
|---|---|
| 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
- Traders can earn up to 98% payouts on 100+ assets with the broker’s binary options, which is in line with competing brands like IQCent
- You can easily mirror the trades of experienced investors with low fees
- Global clients can make free and fast transfers via a wide range of payment types, from credit cards to cryptocurrencies
Cons
- The broker isn’t overseen by a trusted regulatory agency
- No MetaTrader 4 integration
- US clients aren’t accepted due to legal restrictions
xChief
"xChief continues to prove popular with investors looking to trade highly leveraged CFDs on the popular MetaTrader platforms. The broker's rebate scheme and investment accounts will particularly appeal to seasoned traders. However, the lack of top-tier regulatory oversight is a major drawback."
xChief Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | $100 No Deposit Bonus |
|---|---|
| FTSE Spread | 70 |
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.9 |
| Stocks Spread | 50 |
| Leverage | 1:1000 |
| Regulator | VFSC |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, CHF |
Pros
- The low minimum deposit of $10 will appeal to beginners, as well as the beginners’ guides in the Library
- The broker offers a turnover rebate scheme geared towards active investors, as well as trading credits and several other occasional bonuses
- xChief offers STP/ECN execution with low spreads from 0.0 pips and low commission rates starting from $2.50 per side
Cons
- The broker trails competitors when it comes to research tools and educational resources
- xChief is an offshore broker with weak regulatory oversight from the VFSC, so traders will receive limited safeguards
- The Classic+ and Cent accounts provide access to fewer instruments than the other account types, at 50+ and 35+, respectively
Axofa
"Axofa could be a good option for clients looking for social trading features alongside the MT5 platform. The low entry requirements and ECN spreads are particularly promising, but the lack of transparency and respected regulatory oversight raises security concerns."
Axofa Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 10% Deposit Bonus |
|---|---|
| FTSE Spread | NA |
| GBPUSD Spread | From 1.6 pips |
| Stocks Spread | NA |
| Leverage | 1:1000 |
| Regulator | SVGFSA |
| Platforms | MT5 |
| Account Currencies | USD, IDR |
Pros
- The $1 minimum deposit across all 3 accounts will appeal to novices and those on a budget
- Axofa offers the MetaTrader 5 platform which will particularly serve intermediate to experienced traders looking for advanced charting tools
- There's a proprietary social/copy trading service for beginners looking to follow successful strategies and for experienced traders looking to sell their strategies
Cons
- There is limited verifiable information about the broker’s owners and background
- The offshore operations and lack of any regulatory oversight is a major concern
- Our team found inconsistencies between international subsidiaries and website information
Sage FX
"Sage FX will suit forex traders looking for high leverage and ECN spreads. The broker's prop trading service will also appeal to users looking for funded accounts with up to $200K available."
Sage FX Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | $1,500 trading competition |
|---|---|
| FTSE Spread | 5.0 |
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.9 |
| Stocks Spread | N/A |
| Leverage | 1:500 |
| Regulator | Pending |
| Platforms | TradeLocker |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD |
Pros
- Bonus offers and trading competitions
- Flexible accounts with STP and ECN solutions available
- Prop trading accounts with multiple funding tiers
Cons
- Not regulated by any reputable body
- Lacks educational resources and other extra features
- Relatively narrow range of asset classes
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
| Bonus Offer | 120% Cash Welcome Bonus |
|---|---|
| FTSE Spread | 0.8 |
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.8 |
| Stocks Spread | 5 |
| Leverage | 1:2000 |
| Regulator | Unregulated |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR |
Pros
- 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.
- Plexytrade accommodates a range of trading methods and short-term strategies, including scalping, hedging, and automated trading.
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.
- Deposits and withdrawals are exclusively facilitated through cryptocurrencies, as Plexytrade does not support bank cards, bank wire transfers, or e-wallets.
- Plexytrade lacks regulation in major jurisdictions, significantly increasing the risks of opening an account and depositing funds.
How CFD Trading Works
CFD stands for ‘contract for difference’, an agreement between a buyer and seller to exchange the difference between the current price of an asset and its value at the contract’s expiry date.
So, if an asset goes up in value after purchase, the trader will be able to close the position having made a profit; if the asset loses value, they’ll have made a loss.
CFDs are a type of derivative contract. Their value is derived from that of the underlying asset and traders simply speculate on the price movements without owning the instrument itself.
They are also leveraged products, meaning investors can only put up a fraction of the trade value as a deposit to open a position.
This means that the results of a trade are multiplied, creating larger profits than could have been achieved purely from the original deposit amount. However, leverage also amplifies the risk and losses can exceed your deposit amount.
The best CFD trading platforms provide a gateway to global financial markets, whether you’re trading from Australia, Singapore, Germany, New Zealand (NZ), UAE, South Africa, the UK, Malaysia or Canada. However, the CFD trading software on offer varies by broker, with the top options primarily being MetaTrader4 (MT4) and MetaTrader5 (MT5), a proprietary platform or API capabilities for integrating bespoke CFD trading software.
The best CFD trading software will provide a range of order types, technical analysis indicators, charts, timeframes and more. However, as we touch on later, even the best CFD trading platforms are banned in certain countries (including the US), so your selection could be limited by your jurisdiction.
Best CFD Trading Software Comparison
MT4
MetaTrader 4 is the most popular CFD trading software in the world. It offers 30 built-in technical indicators, access to thousands of trading signals and interactive charts with nine timeframes.
The MT4 Codebase allows investors to access automated trading software (known as bots or Expert Advisors) that execute positions using algorithms. Plus, trade sizes as small as 0.01 lots mean traders can utilise risk management techniques with smaller positions for hedging.
Collectively, these features make it one of the best CFD trading platforms across the globe, including in locations that are well-known for being financial service hubs, such as the UK, UAE, Singapore, Australia and Europe (EU).
MT5
MetaTrader 5 is another popular CFD trading platform, highly regarded in the industry and provided by the same software developers at MetaQuotes. In many ways, MT5 is more advanced than MT4, offering more technical indicators and charting tools, more sophisticated backend infrastructure and additional order types.
Moreover, the MT5 CFD trading software is ideal for experienced CFD traders, equipped with the latest charts and tools like oscillators, Bill Williams and volume indicators.
In particular, MT5’s CFD trading software allows for switching between several broker accounts. Automated trading and EAs are also supported in the same way as with MT4.
ProRealTime
ProRealTime is the CFD trading platform offered by IG Markets for online CFD trading. Notably, this CFD trading software is designed for automation and is equipped with assisted creation tools that allow you to build your strategies without any coding.
Additionally, the CFD trading software offers 100 indicators that are suited to both new and advanced traders. The software is also free for users who trade at least four times a month.
Trader Workstation
Trader Workstation is another great piece of CFD trading software that is designed for active CFD day traders who wish to utilise multiple assets.
The TWS Mosaic CFD trading software offers easy access to order management, charts, watchlists and tools on a customisable interface. Users can get real-time access to news, research and market data.
Additionally, Trader Workstations offers over 100 order types and algorithms that limit risk, speed execution and price improvement. However, Trader Workstation is only available on desktop and is not best-suited for beginners.
eToro CopyTrader
eToro is a CFD trading platform provider. It is well known for its social trading platform where you can follow the most successful top investors. CFD traders can monitor signals and copy successful trader’s positions. With its vast user base, CFD traders can enjoy a highly liquid environment across multiple assets. Plus, its user-friendly interface makes it one of the best CFD social trading platforms for beginners.
eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.
Thinkorswim
Thinkorswim is a popular CFD trading software provided by TD Ameritrade. Thinkorswim is typically used for short to medium term CFD trades and is accessible via a desktop, web or mobile. The software has real-time research features and advanced trading and backtesting capabilities. It also offers additional order types beyond the standard ones, such as trailing stop %, stop-limit and limit on close. Therefore, Thinkorswim CFD trading software is more suited to advanced CFD traders.
How To Compare CFD Trading Software
Market Access
CFD trading allows you to trade in multiple markets with ease, including stocks and shares, indices, cryptocurrencies and commodities. However, when making your comparison, be aware that some platforms specialise in a few assets while other software offers access to thousands of global markets. Check out the CFD trading software you’re interested in beforehand to ensure it caters to your needs.
Fees
Whether you’re trading from the UK, Australia or India, most users will be looking for the cheapest CFD trading platform with low commissions. On the other hand, a high-quality service could be the difference between a profitable trade and one that pushes you into the red. The key is to find a happy medium between the two that is most suited to your needs. If you’re a frequent trader, like a scalper, the cheapest CFD trading platform may make more sense, with low fees being vital for your strategy. On the other hand, you may be an advanced trader who wants access to the best tools for technical analysis.
Tools and Features
CFD trading software can vary in the breadth of trading tools on offer. Some advanced CFD trading platforms have charts, indicators and graphical objects used for technical analysis, while others also feature news and sentiments suited to fundamental analysis. On top of that, some CFD trading software comes with automated trading features, APIs, backtesting capability, signals or copy trading functionality. The software you choose should depend on the tools you need to maximise your CFD trading strategy.
Deposit and Withdrawals
It is important to consider whether your CFD broker offers a range of payment methods for funding your CFD trading account. The best CFD trading platforms could allow you to fund your account in any number of ways, including via globalcollect, debit/credit card and even cryptocurrency. Instant deposits and withdrawals are other popular factors that can make or break your trading experience.
User Interface
Your skill level also plays a part in which CFD trading software to choose. A platform that allows for several accounts, hundreds of indicators, detailed price information and several order types can be overwhelming for a beginner, even if it is the best CFD trading platform. Ensure that the CFD trading software’s user interface has all the features that are compatible with your experience.
Leverage
A key advantage of CFDs is the ability to trade with leverage. While most regulated brokers will be limited to the leverage they’re permitted to offer, it is worth shopping around for a suitable leverage amount. CFDs are a very risky instrument that requires careful risk management, so consider whether high leverage fits with your trading strategy. For added security, opt for a CFD provider with negative balance protection and a piece of CFD trading software with sophisticated risk management options.
Mobile Trading
Are you someone that likes to trade CFDs on the go? Unfortunately, not all top CFD trading software is available via an app, which may restrict your trade activity to times when a desktop is accessible. If you wish to trade away from the home office, selecting CFD trading software that is available on a mobile will be key.
CFD Trading Software Around The World
Not all CFD trading software is permitted to operate in every country due to regulation. Therefore, when looking for the best CFD trading platform, it is important to understand the rules and requirements around CFD trading from your country.
CFD trading software is permitted in many of the biggest global financial hubs, including the UK, Germany, Singapore, Australia, South Africa, Canada and Malaysia. While CFD trading platforms are permitted in India, there is limited regulatory oversight through a licensing system. Therefore the best CFD trading platforms for Indian traders can often be found with regulated offshore brokers.
As for the US, CFD trading platforms are banned by the Securities and Exchange Commission for US residents and, while CFD trading software is permitted in Australia, the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) has issued tougher restrictions on leverage offered to retail clients.
Final Word
CFD trading software provides a gateway to CFD markets, allowing traders to open positions and complete vital analyses. However, when it comes to the best CFD trading software, there is no one-size-fits-all. Each CFD trading platform will cater to different trading strategies, experience levels and markets. Nonetheless, the most popular pieces of CFD trading software in the market are the MT4 and MT5 platforms, available with many of the top brokers.
FAQs
What Is CFD Trading Software?
CFD trading software provides a gateway for traders to analyse the market and open and close positions. It is the platform interface that enables transactions between traders and the broker and provides access to the markets.
What Are The Cheapest CFD Trading Platforms?
The cheapest CFD trading platforms will be dictated by the broker and not the choice of the software itself. Opt for a broker with low commission, no hidden fees and low interest on overnight positions. Additionally, you should consider any deposit and withdrawal charges or minimum deposit requirements.
What Is The Best CFD Trading Platform For Beginners?
MetaTrader’s MT4 is one of the best CFD trading platforms for beginners. MT4 is available for users all over the world, including the UK, Australia and UAE. The platform has a user-friendly interface with a good range of tools and charts to suit new traders.
Can I Trade On CFD Trading Software In The US?
Unfortunately, CFD trading platforms are not permitted in the US. The Securities and Exchange Commission has banned US residents from trading CFDs. US traders can still trade on unregulated CFD trading platforms but run the danger of being scammed in an already risky market.
How Do I Know If A CFD Trading Software Is Good For Me?
Most CFD providers offer the opportunity for virtual or ‘paper’ trading using a demo account. This gives traders the ability to test out the CFD trading software and its functionality before committing to a real, live account. Demo accounts are ideal for those new to trading as they provide a risk-free environment to test out strategies with virtual funds.