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Best Day Trading Platforms and Brokers in Switzerland 2024

Written By

Jemma Grist

Written By

Jemma Grist

Jemma is a writer, editor and fact-checker focused on retail trading and investing. Jemma brings a unique perspective to the forex, stock, and cryptocurrency markets and works across several investment websites as a researcher and broker analyst.

» Jemma Grist Profile Page

Fact Checked By

James Barra

Fact Checked By

James Barra

James is an investment writer with a background in financial services. He has worked as a management consultant, where he delivered large-scale operational transformational programmes at some of Europe's biggest banks. James authors, edits and fact-checks content for a series of investing websites.

» James Barra Profile Page

Updated

Mar 20, 2024

The best day trading platforms in Switzerland offer terrific charting platforms, excellent pricing, fast execution and oversight by a trusted regulator, such as the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA).

Many top brokers also provide CHF accounts for convenient deposits alongside access to local markets, such as the SIX Swiss Exchange and popular currency pairs like the USD/CHF.

Explore the best brokers for day trading in Switzerland, drawing on our direct experiences and comprehensive testing.

Top 5 Platforms For Day Trading In Switzerland

Our tests show these are the top 5 brokers for day trading in Switzerland:

1. AvaTrade - 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.
2. Deriv.com - 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.
3. Pepperstone - 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.
4. XM - 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.
5. IC Markets - 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.

Best Day Trading Platforms and Brokers in Switzerland 2024 Comparison

Best Day Trading Platforms and Brokers in Switzerland 2024 Comparison

Broker	CHF Account	Minimum Deposit	Markets	Platforms	Leverage	Visit
	-	$100	CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting	WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade	1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)	Visit
	-	$5	CFDs, Multipliers, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities	Deriv Trader, MT5	1:1000	Visit
	✔	$0	CFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto, Spread Betting	MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade	1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)	Visit
	✔	$5	Forex, Stock CFDs, Turbo Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Precious Metals, Energies, Shares, Crypto, Futures	MT4, MT5	1:1000	Visit
	✔	$200	CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto	MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade	1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global)	Visit
	-	$100	CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto	MT4, MT5, TradingView	1:500	Visit
	✔	$50	CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities	MT4, MT5	1:30	Visit
	✔	$10	CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto	Exness Trade App, MT4, MT5, TradingCentral	1:2000	Visit
	-	$100	CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks, Crypto	MT4, MT5	1:500	Visit
	-	$50	CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, ETFs, Smart Portfolios, Commodities, Futures, Crypto, NFTs	eToro Web, CopyTrader, TradingCentral	-	Visit
	-	€200	CFDs on Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Forex, Cryptocurrencies, US Synthetic Shares & ETFs, Shares Baskets	MT4, MT5	1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)	Visit
	-	$20	Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto	MT4	1:1000	Visit
	-	$0	Forex, CFDs, Indices, Shares, Commodities, Futures, Bonds, Cryptos (Bahamas Entity Only)	MT4	1:500 (entity dependent)	Visit
	-	$100	Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities and Cryptos	Skilling Trader, MT4, cTrader, TradingView	1:1000	Visit
	✔	$0	CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting	Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentral	1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)	Visit

#1 - AvaTrade

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Review

Why We Chose 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.

• Instruments: CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting
• Regulator: ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBol, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM
• Platforms: WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
• Minimum Deposit: $100
• Minimum Trade: 0.01 Lots
• Leverage: 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)

Pros

• The broker’s unique risk management tool, AvaProtect, protects against losses up to $1 million and is easy to activate in the platform
• The broker offers reliable 24/5 multilingual customer support with fast response times during testing
• AvaTrade is a heavily regulated and trustworthy broker with licenses from the ASIC, CySEC and more

Cons

• A high $2000 minimum investment is required to use DupliTrade, which will be out of reach for many beginners
• There is no ECN account with raw spreads
• 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

Visit AvaTrade

#2 - Deriv.com

Visit

Review

Why We Chose 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.

• Instruments: CFDs, Multipliers, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities
• Regulator: MFSA, LFSA, VFSC, BFSC
• Platforms: Deriv Trader, MT5
• Minimum Deposit: $5
• Minimum Trade: 0.01 Lots
• Leverage: 1:1000

Pros

• Beginners and experienced day traders can access a good range of 20+ technical indicators in Deriv Trader vs 30+ in MT5
• Traders can use multipliers between 1 and 30, with take profit, stop loss and deal cancellation parameters
• The free demo account is ideal for practicing short-term trading strategies and no registration is required

Cons

• 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+
• There are limited copy trading tools and analysis features compared to alternatives like IQ Cent

Visit Deriv.com

#3 - Pepperstone

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Review

Why We Chose 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.

• Instruments: CFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto, Spread Betting
• Regulator: FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB
• Platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade
• Minimum Deposit: $0
• Minimum Trade: 0.01 Lots
• Leverage: 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)

Pros

• Pepperstone emerges as a low-cost broker, especially for serious day traders with spreads from 0.0 in the Razor account and rebates of 25%+ through the Active Trader program.
• Now offering spread betting through TradingView, Pepperstone provides a seamless, tax-efficient trading experience with advanced analysis tools.
• Pepperstone boasts impressive execution speeds, averaging around 30ms, facilitating fast order processing and execution that’s ideal for day 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.
• There’s no simplified proprietary trading platform, nor are there any social trading features, which could be a disadvantage if you are new to day trading.
• Pepperstone does not support cTrader Copy, a popular copy trading feature built into the excellent cTrader platform and available at alternatives like IC Markets.

Visit Pepperstone

#4 - XM

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Review

Why We Chose 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.

• Instruments: Forex, Stock CFDs, Turbo Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Precious Metals, Energies, Shares, Crypto, Futures
• Regulator: ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, FSC, FSCA
• Platforms: MT4, MT5
• Minimum Deposit: $5
• Minimum Trade: 0.01 Lots
• Leverage: 1:1000

Pros

• The broker offers premium research including market sentiment, fundamental insights and strategy builders
• Accessible trading accounts with a $5 minimum deposit and fast account opening
• XM is a hugely respected broker authorized by tier-one regulators

Cons

• PayPal deposits are not supported
• There is weak regulatory oversight through the global entity
• There's $5 inactivity fee after only 3 months, though this won't affect active traders

Visit XM

#5 - IC Markets

Visit

Review

Why We Chose 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.

• Instruments: CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto
• Regulator: ASIC, CySEC, FSA
• Platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
• Minimum Deposit: $200
• Minimum Trade: 0.01 Lots
• Leverage: 1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global)

Pros

• With ultra-fast execution speeds averaging 35 milliseconds and deep liquidity, IC Markets provides an optimal trading environment for scalpers, hedgers, and algorithmic traders.
• IC Markets offers fast and dependable 24/5 support based on firsthand experience, particularly when it comes to accounts and funding issues.
• You have access to over 2,250 CFDs across various markets, including forex, commodities, indices, stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies, allowing for diversified trading strategies.

Cons

• Interest isn't paid on unused cash, an increasingly popular feature found at alternatives like Interactive Brokers.
• The breadth and depth of tutorials, webinars and educational resources still need work, trailing alternatives like CMC Markets and reducing its suitability for beginners.
• Despite four industry-leading third-party platforms, there is no proprietary software or trading app built with new traders in mind.

Visit IC Markets

Choosing A Day Trading Broker In Switzerland

Drawing on our extensive industry experience, there are several criteria we prioritize when determining the top day trading brokers for Swiss traders:

Choose A Trustworthy Broker

A trusted broker will be transparent about their business practices and importantly, help protect you from scams, which we’ve seen more of in recent years with increasing levels of sophistication.

The best sign of a trustworthy broker is a license from a respected regulator. In Switzerland, the Financial Markets Supervisory Authority (FINMA) oversees online brokers that offer popular day trading products, such as CFDs.

FINMA is a ‘Green-Tier’ regulator, meaning it provides the highest level of safeguards for retail investors, including up to 100,000 CHF in depositor protection should a licensed broker go bankrupt.

We verify the regulatory credentials of every day trading broker we review. We also consider their years in the industry, whether they are listed on a stock exchange, and overlay our personal observations during the testing process, to decide whether they can be trusted.

Select A Broker With Great Pricing

We seek out the brokers with the best possible trading and non-trading fees for the service provided. This is because tight spreads on markets like USD/CHF and the Swiss Market Index, alongside low or no commissions, can be particularly valuable for day traders looking to maximize returns.

On the same note, non-trading fees such as inactivity penalties and funding charges if converting from CHF to an account in USD can make a difference for both casual and active day traders looking to keep costs down.

Pick A Broker With A Wide Range Of Day Trading Markets

For many Swiss day traders, it will be important to gain exposure to local markets, as well as opportunities from regions and economies further afield.

Therefore, we favor brokers with an excellent investment offering, for example, currency pairs such as the USD/CHF, indices like the Swiss Market Index and stocks listed on the SIX, such as Nestle:NESN.

Critically, we also look for products designed for short-term trading, such as contracts for difference (CFDs), allowing users to bet on upward and downward price movements throughout the day.

Prioritize Brokers With High-Quality Charting Software

Day trading strategies often rely heavily on charting tools and technical analysis. That’s why we test each platform using real-money accounts and demo simulators, to evaluate their suitability for short-term trading.

These evaluations take into account the overall design and usability of the software, alongside the availability of various charting types, timeframes, technical indicators, drawing tools, and more.

MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), TradingView and cTrader are still the most popular charting platforms, especially with serious day traders. That said, some brokers also deliver their own simplified software which is often more suitable for newer traders based on our personal experiences.

Pick A Day Trading Broker With Fast Execution

Day traders need reliable order execution when trading fast-moving markets, such as the most volatile Swiss stocks like Meyer Burger (MBTN), Spexis (SPEX) and Addex (ADXN).

This is because fast execution helps to reduce slippage (the difference between the expected fill price and the actual fill price), and many top brokers ensure that the resulting fill rate is high, enabling day traders to secure optimal prices.

That’s why we evaluate order execution information and data where practical, and from our years in the day trading industry, consider speeds of less than 100 milliseconds ‘fast’.

Choose A Broker With Flexible Leverage and Margin Requirements

Day trading with flexible leverage means you can increase your purchasing power with a small initial outlay, greatly enhancing your buying power and potential results (returns and losses).

Leverage is a particularly useful tool for experienced day traders with a robust risk management strategy.

Typically, brokers regulated by FINMA can only offer leverage up to 1:30 (3.33% margin) on major currency pairs. So, if you put down 1,000 fr to open a position on the EUR/CHF, the value of your trade will be x30 (30,000 fr).

I’m seeing an increasing number of online brokers registered outside of Switzerland, notably in offshore jurisdictions, offer very high leverage of over 1:1000 to retail day traders.

I do not recommend this, especially for newer traders. Losses can accumulate significantly.

Jemma Grist

Author

Methodology

To list the best day trading brokers in Switzerland, we first identified those accepting Swiss traders, then we ranked them by their overarching rating which takes into account multiple factors, notably:

FAQ

Who Regulates Day Trading Platforms In Switzerland?

The Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) is the regulator responsible for overseeing day trading platforms in Switzerland.

That said, many brokers that accept Swiss traders are regulated by other reputable agencies, such as the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

How Much Money Do I Need To Start Day Trading In Switzerland?

Based on our comprehensive analysis, most brokers accepting day traders from Switzerland let you open an account with less than €250, around 240 CHF.

Some of the best beginner-friendly brokers even let you start with no minimum investment, notably Pepperstone.

Which Is The Best Day Trading Broker In Switzerland?

Our list of the best day trading platforms and brokers in Switzerland will help you find the right firm for your requirements.

Many of the brokers we evaluated are authorized by FINMA or another respected regulator and offer optimal conditions for day traders in Switzerland, including CHF accounts and access to Swiss markets.