Credit Card Brokers 2026
Credit cards are among the most popular and convenient payment methods globally. Credit card transactions are accepted by most merchants, including the top trading brokers. Existing cardholders can deposit funds into FX trading accounts in just a few clicks.
This review details the benefits and drawbacks of trading with credit cards, including fees, limits and deals. We also list the best online brokers that accept credit card deposits in 2026.
Best Credit Card Brokers
Following our analysis, these are the top 6 brokers with credit card payments:
Here is a short summary of why we think each broker belongs in this top list:
- FOREX.com - Founded in 1999, FOREX.com is now part of StoneX, a financial services organization serving over one million customers worldwide. Regulated in the US, UK, EU, Australia and beyond, the broker offers thousands of markets, not just forex, and provides excellent pricing on cutting-edge platforms.
- CEX.IO - CEX.IO is one-stop-shop for crypto investors where you can buy and sell popular digital tokens, speculate on prices with margin trading and earn rewards through staking. Since it launched in 2013, more than five million traders have deposited over $7.5 billion. CEX.IO is registered with the FinCEN in the US and the GFSC in the EU.
- xChief - xChief is a foreign exchange and CFD broker, established in 2014. The company is based offshore and registered with the VFSC and FMA. Users can choose between a wide selection of accounts and base currencies, making ForexChief accessible to global traders. The brand also stands out for its no deposit bonus and fee rebates for high-volume traders.
- TradeUp - Established in 1986, TradeUp operates as a commission-free broker in the US offering trading for stocks, ETFs and options. Through its web platform and mobile app, clients can trade over 5,000 instruments with cash and margin options, while idle funds can earn interest.
- Focus Markets - Established in 2019, Focus Markets is an Australian-based MetaTrader broker offering access to over 1,000 tradable instruments, including forex, commodities, indices, stocks, and a particularly large selection of crypto derivatives.
- InstaTrade - InstaTrade, based in the British Virgin Islands, is an online broker specializing in fixed income structured products and active trading through CFDs. Its zero-spread accounts, excellent research notably through InstaTrade TV, and access to the popular MT4 alongside its own web-accessible InstaTrade Gear, make it an attractive option for short-term traders at every level.
Compare The Best Credit Card Brokers
| Broker | Minimum Deposit | Instruments | Platforms | Leverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FOREX.com | $100 | Forex, Stock CFDs, Futures, Futures Options | WebTrader, Mobile, MT4, MT5, TradingView | 1:50 |
| CEX.IO | $20 | Cryptos | TradingView | - |
| xChief | $10 | CFDs, Forex, Metals, Commodities, Stocks, Indices | MT4, MT5 | 1:1000 |
| TradeUp | $0.01 | Stocks, Options, ETFs, Bonds | Desktop, Web, Mobile | - |
| Focus Markets | $100 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto | MT5 | 1:500 |
| InstaTrade | $1 | FISP, CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos, Futures | InstaTrade Gear, MT4 | 1:1000 |
FOREX.com
"FOREX.com remains a best-in-class brokerage for active forex traders of all experience levels, with over 80 currency pairs, tight spreads from 0.0 pips and low commissions. The powerful charting platforms collectively offer over 100 technical indicators, as well as extensive research tools."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
FOREX.com Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | Forex, Stock CFDs, Futures, Futures Options |
| Regulator | NFA, CFTC |
| Platforms | WebTrader, Mobile, MT4, MT5, TradingView |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:50 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN |
Pros
- With over 20 years of experience, excellent regulatory oversight, and multiple accolades including runner-up in our 'Best Forex Broker' awards, FOREX.com boasts a global reputation as a trusted brokerage.
- There’s a wealth of educational resources including tutorials, webinars, and a stacked YouTube channel to help you get educated in the financial markets.
- The in-house Web Trader continues to shine as one of the best-designed platforms for aspiring day traders with a slick design and over 80 technical indicators for market analysis.
Cons
- There’s no negative balance protection for US clients, so you may find yourself owing more money than your initial deposit into your account.
- Demo accounts are frustratingly time-limited to 90 days, which doesn’t give you enough time to test day trading strategies effectively.
- FOREX.com's MT4 platform offers approximately 600 instruments, significantly fewer than the over 5,500 available on its non-MetaTrader platforms.
CEX.IO
"CEX.IO continues to serve a range of crypto investors looking to buy, sell, trade, hold and earn with low fees. The tiered pricing structure will appeal to active traders while rookie investors will enjoy the straightforward platform interface and excellent education."
Tobias Robinson, Reviewer
CEX.IO Quick Facts
| Demo Account | No |
|---|---|
| Instruments | Cryptos |
| Regulator | GFSC |
| Platforms | TradingView |
| Minimum Deposit | $20 |
| Minimum Trade | $1 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP |
Pros
- The proprietary terminal features an advanced charting package from TradingView, including 50+ technical indicators
- There's a wide range of global payment methods available including PayPal
- CEX.IO continues to offer competitive pricing with 0.01% taker and 0% maker fees for high-volume traders
Cons
- The broker has limited regulatory oversight
- The Exchange Plus platform delivers a cluttered interface compared to competitor platforms
- It's a shame that there's no demo account for traders looking to practice strategies
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
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Metals, Commodities, Stocks, Indices |
| Regulator | ASIC |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5 |
| Minimum Deposit | $10 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:1000 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, CHF |
Pros
- Traders can access a copy trading solution via the MetaQuotes Signals service
- The broker offers several account types to suit different traders, including a Cent account for beginners and pro-level hedging/netting accounts
- The broker offers a turnover rebate scheme geared towards active investors, as well as trading credits and several other occasional bonuses
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 total range of 150+ assets is much lower than most competitors who typically offer hundreds
TradeUp
"TradeUp is best suited to budget-conscious day traders looking to trade U.S. and global markets with zero commissions on a user-friendly mobile app. Its more than 250 Chinese American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), including Alibaba Group (BABA), also make it suitable for trading Chinese equities."
TradeUp Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | Stocks, Options, ETFs, Bonds |
| Regulator | SEC, FINRA |
| Platforms | Desktop, Web, Mobile |
| Minimum Deposit | $0.01 |
| Minimum Trade | $1 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP |
Pros
- TradeUp’s platforms work smoothly across multiple devices based on our tests, including mobile apps for iOS and Android, a desktop app for Windows and Mac, and a web-based platform. This allows active traders to switch between devices without losing continuity, whether you’re at home or on the go.
- TradeUp offers commission-free trading on US stocks and ETFs, and support for fractional shares lets you buy portions of a share for as little as $5.This makes it a cost-effective choice for active day traders who want to minimize trading expenses.
- TradeUp runs an integrated and intuitive financial calendar that helps you track earnings, dividends, and IPOs relevant to your watchlist, enabling you to stay ahead of market-moving events.
Cons
- TradeUp's educational resources aren't kept updated, and were over 6 months old in our latest tests. While there are articles and tutorials aimed at newcomers, the content is somewhat limited and does not cover more advanced trading strategies or deeper topics.
- The platform's technical indicators have limited customization options from our use. On both mobile and web versions, you can't layer multiple indicators on the same chart simultaneously, which restricts more sophisticated chart analysis.
- TradeUp does not support popular third-party platforms like TradingView or cTrader, so traders who rely on those for advanced charting, automation, or community features won't find that flexibility.
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
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto |
| Regulator | ASIC, SVGFSA |
| Platforms | MT5 |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:500 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, SGD |
Pros
- 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.
- Focus Markets is regulated by ASIC – one of the most respected regulatory bodies in the financial industry with robust safeguards like negative balance protection, ensuring you can’t lose more than your balance in volatile markets.
- 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.
Cons
- A significant drawback of Focus Markets is the lack of platform variety. It only support MT5, excluding popular platforms like MT4, cTrader, and TradingView, plus it hasn't developed its own software that could better meet the needs of beginners.
- 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.
- 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.
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
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | FISP, CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos, Futures |
| Regulator | BVI FSC |
| Platforms | InstaTrade Gear, MT4 |
| Minimum Deposit | $1 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 |
| Leverage | 1:1000 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, RUB |
Pros
- 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 claims to "guarantee" returns through the structured element of its passive trading solution (FISP), with applications approved within 24 hours.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
How Did We Choose The Best Credit Card Brokers?
To reveal the top credit card brokers, we:
- Scanned our directory of 500 online trading platforms, pulling out all those that accept credit card payments
- Verified that they support credit card deposits and withdrawals for online trading
- Sorted them by their overall score, combining our in-depth evaluations with 100+ data points
Credit Card Overview
First coined by Edward Bellamy in 1887, credit cards have evolved into a leading payment method used worldwide. Millions of daily transactions are carried out by major companies, including Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, and American Express.
The payment method allows instant transactions within a secure online environment. Importantly, they also allow investors to speculate on financial markets with funds essentially borrowed from their issuing bank. It’s perhaps unsurprising then that credit cards are a top choice among traders.
Pros Of Trading With Credit Cards
Popular
Credit cards are popular all over the world. For example, the UK alone issues approximately 60 million every year. This means traders from all over the world can open an account with an online broker and start investing using their credit cards.
Accepted Everywhere
Credit cards are provided by multiple companies and large brands are accepted by most trading brokers. Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are particularly popular. This means you can change brokers, move countries and you’ll still be able to make deposits and withdrawals using your credit card.
Rewards
Many credit cards come with rewards such as cashback, zero/no interest, and product offers. Details of the credit cards with the best free rewards can be found in reviews online. Some brokers also offer rewards for depositing with credit cards over other payment methods. Check for the latest promos when you sign up for an account.
Credit Card Choice
There are many options to choose from when looking into credit cards. Some are good to build credit, others offer low interest, and some promise the best incentives. It’s worth checking a credit comparison website before opening an account. And always check the terms and conditions before registering.
Customer Support
Generally, credit card companies provide customer support via multiple channels, from rapid response live chats and international phone numbers to extensive FAQ sections. This is good news for traders because it means support is available should you run into withdrawal issues at your broker. Moreover, credit cards sometimes provide extra security should you apply for an account with a disreputable trading broker or scam.
Note, you can also contact your online broker’s support team should you encounter deposit or withdrawal issues.
Cons Of Trading With Credit Cards
Risk Of Debt
Users are putting themselves at risk if they are unable to settle their credit card debt. This debt can rise significantly with associated charges and fees. This combined with the risky nature of leveraged trading means investors should be careful.
Credit Score Check
Most companies assess a new applicant’s eligibility through a credit score checker. Applications will be refused if an applicant has a history of unpaid debt and a poor credit score. However, if the trader is already a credit card holder then this shouldn’t be an issue. But for traders new to credit cards, there are a few hoops to jump through before you can make a deposit.
Speed
Payments with credit cards are typically instant at most providers, such as Interactive Brokers, though it can take time to appear on your statement. Brokers may also have their own payment processing times to factor in for credit card funding, but these are typically short. Withdrawals tend to take longer due to additional checks on the broker’s side.
Security
Credit cards are generally a safe and secure payment method to use. Most supporting companies offer a strong level of protection in regard to fraud and misuse. They also provide integrated payment portals direct to your forex trading account for peace of mind.
Deposits & Withdrawals
No deposit is strictly required with a credit card, holders simply pay off the money they spend. In the context of day trading, any deposits made to a broker using a virtual credit card will be transferred immediately to the broker but the credit will have to be settled at the payment date.
Withdrawals from credit cards are only applicable when refunds are received. With respect to online trading, if an investor withdraws funds from their account via a credit card the value of the withdrawal will show as a debit on the card. The cardholder can then request to transfer the money into the debit account associated with the card. Credit balance refunds are subject to the card’s processing times.
Check for minimum payment terms at your broker prior to making payment.
Fees
The biggest fee applicable is the annual percentage charge which is the rate charged for borrowing funds. This fee is applicable on any debt remaining at the end of each month. APR can range from 5% to 75%, so it can be a costly expense to miss a credit card payment.
Annual membership fees vary from company to company. Cards that are free to join such as the Platinum Mastercard by Captial One typically have lower credit limits and fewer rewards than fee-paying cards. Credit cards with better rewards and higher credit limits tend to have a membership fee, which can range from $1 to over $100.
Brokers also have their own payment fees. Deposits are usually free, but withdrawals can come at a cost. Check with your broker before making a payment.
How To Deposit To A Trading Account Using A Credit Card
The process to deposit varies slightly between brokers but generally follows the same steps. At XM, for example, you would need to follow these steps:
- Log into the XM member’s area
- In the accounts page, click on ‘Deposit Funds’
- Choose the credit card option from the list of available methods
- Enter the deposit amount and card details
- Confirm the transaction
Are Credit Cards Good For Day Trading?
Credit cards are an attractive payment option for traders. Existing cardholders will be familiar with their ease of use for online trading. But clients who are considering signing up for a credit card for forex trading should first consider the risks and fees. Leveraged investing is already risky and borrowing further capital from a card issuer could increase that risk further.
See our list of brokers that accept credit card deposits to get started today.
FAQ
How Do Credit Cards Work At Brokers?
A credit card company will pay upfront for any deposits made to a trading account. At the end of the month or on an agreed payment date, the trader will then be required to settle the debt.
Are My Trading Funds Safe With Credit Cards?
From a security perspective, credit cards are relatively safe. Your trading funds aren’t at risk in the first instance but only spend and deposit what you can pay off. Any fraudulent spending will be handled by customer support.
Is It Free To Deposit Using Credit Card?
Most brokers offer free deposits, though some may charge a small percentage commission. Additionally, some credit cards may charge the holder an annual membership fee which can range from $1 to $100+. Membership fees are typically contingent on the credit limit and rewards available.