Copy Trading Crypto
From understanding how it works to selecting the best platforms, this guide demystifies the process of copy trading crypto, empowering both novice and experienced traders to replicate the strategies of successful traders in the digital currency space.
Best Crypto Copy Trading Platforms
These are the highest-rated platforms that offer copy trading on cryptocurrencies based on our reviews:
#1 - AvaTrade
Why We Chose AvaTrade
AvaTrade maintains a top position when it comes to social and copy trading tools. Traders can access the proprietary AvaSocial app as well as popular third-party platforms, DupliTrade and ZuluTrade. The comprehensive performance metrics can help you find the right strategy provider for your goals and risk appetite.
"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
- 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 Trade: 0.01 Lots
- Leverage: 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)
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’s unique risk management tool, AvaProtect, protects against losses up to $1 million and is easy to activate in the platform
- There's a great range of fee-free deposit methods, including bank wire, credit cards and popular e-wallets like Skrill
Cons
- There is no ECN account with raw spreads
- A high $2000 minimum investment is required to use DupliTrade, which will be out of reach for many beginners
- 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
#2 - Deriv.com
Why We Chose Deriv.com
Deriv allows clients to replicate the positions of experienced traders through signals on DMT5. You can receive signals in real-time and decide whether to action trades in your own account. The best part is that the process of copying is fully automated, which is ideal for beginners seeking a hands-off approach.
"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
- 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
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
- Deriv bolstered its short-term trading opportunities in 2024 with accumulator options on simulated indices featuring up to 5% growth rates
- The low $5 minimum initial deposit suits those on a lower budget
- Deriv continues to offer fast and reliable 24/7 support and the WhatsApp service is particularly convenient
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
#3 - Pepperstone
Why We Chose Pepperstone
Pepperstone facilitates the replication of experienced traders' strategies through MetaTrader Signals and DupliTrade. However, it lacks support for cTrader Copy and does not offer a proprietary social trading network similar to those found on platforms like eToro or Vantage, which foster lively social trading communities for aspiring traders.
"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
- 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)
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
- 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.
- Pepperstone boasts impressive execution speeds, averaging around 30ms, facilitating fast order processing and execution that’s ideal for day trading.
- Award-winning customer support is available via telephone, email or live chat with response times of <5 minutes during testing.
Cons
- 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.
- 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.
#4 - XM
Why We Chose XM
XM global offers a pre-integrated signals service via the MT5 platform. Aspiring investors can view detailed performance metrics and copy the trades of strategy managers. It's easy to set up, only requiring a handful of steps after logging in to your MQL5 community account.
"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
- 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
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
- Transparent and low fees with spreads from 0.0 pips that will help protect day trading profit margins
- 1000+ instruments are available, including recently added thematic indices, providing exposure to emerging industries
- 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
Launched in February 2023, the IC Social app offers an intuitive way to learn, share, and mirror the positions of other traders with just a few clicks. Additionally, the app features risk management tools and supports dedicated trading groups. Alternatively, IC Markets grants access to Signal Start, along with well-known third-party copy trading platforms including ZuluTrade and cTrader Copy.
"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
- 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)
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
- IC Markets offers among the tightest spreads in the industry, with 0.0-pip spreads on major currency pairs, making it especially cost-effective for day traders.
- IC Markets offers fast and dependable 24/5 support based on firsthand experience, particularly when it comes to accounts and funding issues.
- With ultra-fast execution speeds averaging 35 milliseconds and deep liquidity, IC Markets provides an optimal trading environment for scalpers, hedgers, and algorithmic traders.
Cons
- There are fees for certain withdrawal methods, including a $20 wire charge, which can eat into profits, especially for frequent withdrawals.
- Despite four industry-leading third-party platforms, there is no proprietary software or trading app built with new traders in mind.
- While IC Markets offers a selection of metals and cryptos for trading via CFDs, the range is not as extensive as brokers like eToro, limiting opportunities for traders interested in these asset classes.
How To Choose The Best Crypto Copy Trading Platforms
Choosing the best crypto copy trading service requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure a reliable and effective experience:
- Research & Due Diligence: Consider the platform’s reputation, user reviews, and historical performance. Verify the legitimacy of the service, checking for licenses and compliance with regulations. eToro stands out as a multi-regulated and widely embraced social trading platform. I’ve personally used eToro’s copy trading service for years and can vouch for its legitimacy.
- User Interface & Experience: Assess the overall trading experience of the platform. A user-friendly interface can make it easier for you to navigate, monitor your trades, and make informed decisions. Bybit provides a distinctive copy trading feature, allowing you to participate as either a trader to be copied or an investor seeking to replicate the strategies of others. This platform creates a fun social trading atmosphere.
- Fees & Costs: Understand the fee structure of the crypto copy trading service. Different platforms may charge subscription fees, performance fees, or spreads. Evaluate how these fees may impact your overall returns and choose a platform that aligns with your goals. Vantage keeps things simple for copy traders, appealing to beginners especially by charging no additional fees beyond the crypto spread.
- Traders’ Track Record: Evaluate the track records of the signal providers available. Examine their historical performance, risk management strategies, and consistency. Diversify your investments by selecting crypto traders with proven success in different market conditions. eToro excels here, providing you with diverse filters to locate crypto traders, complete with detailed performance information.
- Risk Management: Assess the risk management features offered by the platform. Look for tools that allow you to set stop-loss limits, allocate capital easily, and manage the overall risk exposure of your crypto copy trading portfolio. These are all features available at Pepperstone.
- Customer Support: Consider the quality of customer support provided by the platform. Quick and responsive support can be crucial in addressing any issues or concerns you may have during your crypto copy trading journey. AvaTrade is a great option if you want reliable support that is available 24/5 with fast response times based on our tests.
- Community & Social Features: Some platforms offer social features that allow you to interact and share insights, which can be a great tool for beginners in particular. eToro stands out here as one of the largest social investment networks with millions of users globally, providing helpful insights into crypto market trends.
How To Avoid Dodgy Crypto Copy Trading Platforms
There are many legitimate and trustworthy brokers in the cryptocurrency market, but due to the decentralized and relatively new nature of the industry, there have been instances of scams.
Always prioritize security and due diligence and watch out for these warning signs that we’ve collated following our own experiences in this space:
- Unclear Fee Structure: Be wary of platforms with unclear or exorbitant fee structures. Legitimate crypto copy trading services are transparent about their fees, including subscription fees, performance fees, and any other costs associated with using their platform.
- Guaranteed Profits: Be cautious of crypto platforms that promise guaranteed profits. Trading, including copy trading, always involves risks, and there are no guarantees of consistent or high returns.
- Poorly Designed Platform: A poorly designed or unprofessional-looking platform may suggest a lack of commitment to providing a reliable service. Legitimate crypto copy trading platforms invest in user-friendly interfaces and robust security measures.
- Limited Information on Traders: If a platform provides limited information about the crypto traders available for copy trading, it raises concerns. Reliable platforms offer detailed profiles of their crypto copy traders, including their trading strategies, risk management practices, and historical performance.
- Absence of Customer Support: Lack of responsive and accessible customer support is a warning sign. Legitimate platforms prioritize customer service to address user inquiries and concerns promptly.
- Unsolicited Contact: Be cautious of unsolicited contact, especially if it involves aggressive marketing tactics. Credible platforms do not typically resort to unsolicited messages or pressure tactics to attract users.
How To Copy Trade Crypto
Copy trading cryptocurrency involves automatically replicating the strategies of experienced traders, allowing you to mirror their trades and potentially profit from their expertise in this volatile market.
Here’s how you can get started with this hands-off trading strategy in five steps:
- Open a trading account
- Select a crypto trader to copy
- Allocate your investment capital
- Start copy trading crypto
- Monitor your portfolio
Open A Trading Account
Begin by selecting a reputable crypto copy trading broker following our guidance above.
Opening an account typically involves a straightforward registration process, where you’ll provide some personal details and, often, verify your identity.
You’ll also need to fund your account. Options for depositing funds often include bank transfers, credit cards, e-wallets like PayPal, and sometimes even direct cryptocurrency deposits.
The initial deposit requirement can vary significantly, from as low as $10 to several hundred dollars, depending on the platform you choose.
Select A Crypto Trader To Copy
Identify experienced crypto traders whose strategies align with your investment goals and risk tolerance.
Platforms usually offer detailed profiles of each trader, including their performance history, risk level, and the cryptocurrencies they trade.
eToro, for instance, clearly displays helpful metrics like returns over extended periods, the number of followers, and assigns a useful risk score.
Allocate Your Investment Capital
Deciding how much of your capital to allocate to each trader is crucial. Rather than putting all your funds behind one trader, it’s advisable to distribute your capital among several, assigning a percentage of your portfolio to each based on their risk profile and performance.
For instance, you might allocate a larger portion to a trader with a consistent track record in Bitcoin and Ethereum, while dedicating a smaller fraction to someone with a riskier approach, potentially involving newer, more volatile tokens.
Start Copy Trading Crypto
With your chosen traders and allocations set, the platform automatically executes trades on your behalf based on the activity of the crypto traders you’re copying.
There’s no need for further action from you to execute trades, as the system handles this process.
Monitor Your Portfolio
It’s sensible to monitor the performance of your crypto copy trading activities. This includes reviewing the success of the traders you are copying and staying informed on broader market trends, especially given the volatile nature of cryptocurrencies.
Should a trader’s strategy no longer align with your objectives, or if they start underperforming, consider reallocating your funds to other crypto traders. Conversely, if a trader consistently outperforms, you might want to increase your investment with them.
Bottom Line
Successfully copy trading in the crypto market requires a blend of careful research, risk management, and a discerning choice of platforms and traders.
With these elements in place, you can navigate the complexities of the crypto landscape and potentially leverage the expertise of successful traders to optimize your trading strategies.
Just make sure you understand the legal and regulatory landscape in your country before adding funds to a platform.
FAQ
Is Copy Trading Crypto Legal?
The legality of copy trading in the crypto space varies by jurisdiction, so you should familiarize yourself with the regulations in your respective country.
While copy trading itself is generally legal, the platforms facilitating such services may need to adhere to specific financial regulations.
Does Copy Trading Crypto Work?
Copy trading in the crypto market can be effective if you are seeking exposure to the strategies of successful traders without actively managing your portfolios.
However, success depends on various factors, including the skill and performance of the chosen traders, market conditions, and the reliability of the copy trading platform.
Can You Lose All Your Money Copy Trading Crypto?
Yes, there is a risk of losing all your money when engaging in copy trading in the crypto market. The value of cryptocurrencies can be highly volatile, and market conditions can change rapidly. If the traders you are copying incur significant losses, those losses will be reflected in your own investment.
Make sure you carefully consider your risk tolerance, diversify your investments, and thoroughly research the traders and platforms you choose for copy trading to minimize the potential for significant losses.