Cryptocurrency CFD Brokers
Written By
James Barra
Written By
James Barra
Edited By
Tobias Robinson
Edited By
Tobias Robinson
Fact Checked By
William Berg
Fact Checked By
William Berg
Updated
Jul 24, 2024
We test CFD Cryptocurrency brokers in this updated review for 2026.
Top 6 Crypto CFD Brokers
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:
- Interactive Brokers - IBKR lets you purchase and hold Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, and Litecoin at competitive commission rates and without needing a crypto wallet. Additionally, there is a range of other diverse assets to explore, such as crypto indices like the NYSE Bitcoin Index, as well as futures contracts like the BAKKT Bitcoin Futures.
- UnitedPips - UnitedPips offers trading on four leading cryptos (Bitcoin, Ethereu, Litecoin, and Ripple) with high leverage up to 1:5. It also supports deposits and withdrawals in cryptos making it convenient for serious crypto enthusiasts.
- Plexytrade - Plexytrade lets traders capitalize on the inherent volatility of the cryptocurrency market by offering leveraged trading on 5 popular cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin. However, the threadbare offering of digital tokens seriously trails leading brokers like Eightcap with its 100+ crypto derivatives.
- xChief - xChief’s range of 5 cryptocurrencies paired with USD is smaller than most competitors. In addition, the average BTCUSD spread of 30 pips is not the cheapest. That said, the broker does offer some useful crypto trading guides for beginners.
- InstaTrade - InstaTrade offers a modest selection of around 12 cryptos against the USD, tradable via CFDs. Fees are low, especially for major assets like BTC/USD with spreads from 0. There's also a dedicated cryptocurrency blog with useful technical insights to support short-term trading decisions.
- Focus Markets - Focus Markets has clearly been built for crypto traders, offering an impressive 90+ derivatives, including major tokens like Bitcoin, Ethereum and Ripple. With high leverage, a commission-free trading account and fast execution on MT5, it delivers a reliable environment for active crypto traders.
Cryptocurrency CFD Brokers Comparison
| Broker | Minimum Deposit | Leverage | Platforms | Coins | Crypto Spread |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interactive Brokers | $0 | 1:50 | Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, TradingView, eSignal, TradingCentral, ProRealTime, Quantower | 4 | 0.12%-0.18% |
| UnitedPips | $10 | 1:1000 | UniTrader | 4 | 500 |
| Plexytrade | $50 | 1:2000 | MT4, MT5 | 5 | 1.1 |
| xChief | $10 | 1:1000 | MT4, MT5 | 5 | Variable |
| InstaTrade | $1 | 1:1000 | InstaTrade Gear, MT4 | 12 | - |
| Focus Markets | $100 | 1:500 | MT5 | 4 | Variable |
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 |
| Coins | BTC, LTC, ETH, XRP |
| Crypto Mining | No |
| Auto Market Maker | No |
| Crypto Spread | 0.12%-0.18% |
| Crypto Lending | No |
| Crypto Staking | No |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF |
Pros
- IBKR is one of the most respected and trusted brokerages and is regulated by top-tier authorities, so you can have confidence in the integrity and security of your trading account.
- 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
- IBKR provides a wide range of research tools, but their distribution across trading platforms and the web-based 'Account Management' page lacks consistency, leading to a confusing user 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.
- 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.
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 |
| Coins | BTC, ETH, LTC, XRP |
| Crypto Mining | No |
| Auto Market Maker | No |
| Crypto Spread | 500 |
| Crypto Lending | No |
| Crypto Staking | No |
| Minimum Deposit | $10 |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- 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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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 |
| Coins | BTC, ETH, LTC, SOL, XRP |
| Crypto Mining | No |
| Auto Market Maker | No |
| Crypto Spread | 1.1 |
| Crypto Lending | No |
| Crypto Staking | No |
| Minimum Deposit | $50 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR |
Pros
- Despite lacking regulation, Plexytrade provides negative balance protection and reinforces safety protocols by holding client funds in segregated accounts.
- There are various VPS packages starting from $50 per month, but they become complimentary once specific deposit thresholds are reached.
- Plexytrade accommodates a range of trading methods and short-term strategies, including scalping, hedging, and automated trading.
Cons
- There are no research and educational materials, falling short of alternatives like IG, while access to the economic calendar is restricted to clients with balances of $500.
- Plexytrade lacks regulation in major jurisdictions, significantly increasing the risks of opening an account and depositing funds.
- 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.
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
| FTSE Spread | 70 |
|---|---|
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.9 |
| Stocks Spread | 50 |
| Leverage | 1:1000 |
| Regulator | ASIC |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5 |
| Coins | BTC, BCH, ETH, LTC, XRP |
| Crypto Mining | No |
| Auto Market Maker | No |
| Crypto Spread | Variable |
| Crypto Lending | No |
| Crypto Staking | No |
| Minimum Deposit | $10 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, CHF |
Pros
- xChief offers STP/ECN execution with low spreads from 0.0 pips and low commission rates starting from $2.50 per side
- The broker offers several account types to suit different traders, including a Cent account for beginners and pro-level hedging/netting accounts
- xChief delivers a high-quality day trading environment via the MT4 and MT5 platforms, with market-leading charts, indicators and tools
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
- Fees and minimums are imposed on most withdrawal methods, including a €60 minimum for SWIFT bank transfers
InstaTrade
"Although InstaTrade offers active trading on a comprehensive platform, it stands out with its fairly unique Fixed Income Structured Product (FISP), providing passive investment opportunities with up to 50% returns in 6 months if conditions are met. "
InstaTrade Quick Facts
| FTSE Spread | 660 |
|---|---|
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.2 |
| Stocks Spread | 8 (Apple Inc) |
| Leverage | 1:1000 |
| Regulator | BVI FSC |
| Platforms | InstaTrade Gear, MT4 |
| Coins | BTC, ETH, XRP, LTC, SOL, UNI, DOGE, BCH, FIL, ADA, DOT, LINK |
| Crypto Mining | No |
| Auto Market Maker | No |
| Crypto Lending | No |
| Crypto Staking | No |
| Minimum Deposit | $1 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, RUB |
Pros
- VPS hosting caters to algo trading strategies with a dedicated physical server providing rapid execution speeds as low as 9 milliseconds.
- Despite an average investment offering of around 300 assets, InstaTrade offers a particularly strong suite of currency pairs, catering to advanced traders seeking opportunities in volatile exotics.
- InstaTrade delivers an excellent suite of charting tools for day traders with its web trader comprising 250+ indicators, 11 chart types and a user-friendly design.
Cons
- InstaTrade sports one of the most cluttered websites and client cabinets in the industry, potentially overwhelming new traders, especially compared to XTB’s intuitive trading journey and resources.
- InstaTrade’s growing educational tools provide valuable information for aspiring traders, but still trail category leaders like eToro with no structured course based on experience level.
- Profits are only guaranteed in the FISP if investors do not reach the 50% profit level and attract other users with a total sum of $4 for each dollar in compensation.
Focus Markets
"Focus Markets is perfect for experienced traders familiar with MetaTrader 5, offering flexible crypto transactions (USDT and BTC) and access to over 90 cryptocurrencies for seamless speculation, deposits, and withdrawals."
Focus Markets Quick Facts
| FTSE Spread | 1.2 |
|---|---|
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.0 |
| Stocks Spread | Variable |
| Leverage | 1:500 |
| Regulator | ASIC, SVGFSA |
| Platforms | MT5 |
| Coins | BTC, ETH, XRP, LTC |
| Crypto Mining | No |
| Auto Market Maker | No |
| Crypto Spread | Variable |
| Crypto Lending | No |
| Crypto Staking | No |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, SGD |
Pros
- Focus Markets excelled in the deposit and withdrawal category during testing, offering more base currencies than most competitors, including USD, CAD and EUR - and a range of traditional and popular crypto payment options, including BTC and USDT.
- While its meagre four commodities won’t meet the needs of some serious traders interested in softs and metals, Focus Markets offers a huge suite of 90+ cryptos, providing short-term opportunities on high-reward, high-risk assets.
- Focus Markets’ MT5 platform delivered fast, seamless trade execution during testing with advanced charting, multiple timeframes, and useful tools like Depth of Market (DOM). Its clean interface made navigation easy, while clear risk/reward ratios ensures precise trading.
Cons
- Focus Markets’ 24/5 support lacks direct phone help and unresponsive live chat, while email replies took a full business day during our latest tests. This slow support is a major drawback for active traders who need quick resolutions.
- Regulatory protection is a location lottery at Focus Markets – Australian traders benefit from strong ASIC oversight, but those using the SVGFSA-registered entity face limited recourse options in disputes.
- Focus Markets still has a long way to go to compete with the best brokers - with virtually zero research tools and education, plus limited value-add features like VPS hosting, copy trading and swap-free accounts.