Debit Card Brokers 2024
Debit card transactions are a popular method for making trading account deposits and withdrawals. Debit cards are accepted by most brokers and retailers and are offered alongside most bank accounts, producing an efficient and accessible infrastructure. Read on to discover the security, speed, pricing and advantages and disadvantages of debit card payments, as well as brokers offering prepaid cards.
We have also listed the top brokers accepting debit cards below.
Best Debit Card Brokers
We have evaluated hundreds of brokers and these 10 are the best trading platforms that accept debit cards:
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1
FOREX.comActive Trader Program With A 15% Reduction In Costs
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$1000.01 Lots1:50NFA, CFTCForex, Stocks, Futures, Futures OptionsMT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentralWire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, ACH TransferUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN -
2
NinjaTrader
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$00.01 Lots1:50NFA, CFTCForex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, CryptoNinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignalACH Transfer, Debit Card, Wire TransferUSD -
3
eToro USAInvest $100 and get $10https://www.daytrading.com/ is not an affiliate and may be compensated if you access certain products or services offered by the MSB and/or the BD.
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$10$10SEC, FINRAStocks, Options, ETFs, CryptoeToro Trading Platform & CopyTraderACH Transfer, Debit Card, PayPal, Wire TransferUSD -
4
OANDA USCFDs are not available to residents in the United States.
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$00.01 Lots1:50NFA, CFTCForex, Crypto with Paxos (Cryptocurrencies are offered through Paxos. Paxos is a separate legal entity from OANDA)OANDA Trade, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartistWire Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Debit Card, ACH TransferUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD -
5
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 -
6
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 -
7
Pocket Option50% Deposit Bonus
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$50$1MISABinary Options, Currencies, Commodities, Stocks, Indices, CryptosWeb, MT4, MT5Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Bitcoin Payments, Volet, Perfect Money, Visa, Mastercard, Debit Card, WebMoney, FasaPay, Ethereum Payments, Maestro, JetonCashUSD -
8
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 -
9
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 -
10
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
Here is a short overview of each broker's pros and cons
- 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.
- NinjaTrader - NinjaTrader is a US-headquartered and regulated brokerage that specializes in futures trading. There are three pricing plans to suit different needs and budgets, as well as ultra-low margins on popular contracts. The brand's award-winning charting software and trading platform also offers a high-degree of customization and superb technical analysis features.
- eToro USA - eToro is a social investing platform that offers short-term and long-term trading on stocks, ETFs, options and crypto. The broker is well-known for its user-friendly community-centred platform and competitive fees. With FINRA and SIPC oversight and millions of users across the world, eToro is still one of the most respected brands in the industry. eToro securities trading is offered by eToro USA Securities, Inc.
- OANDA US - OANDA is a popular brand offering exceptional execution, low deposit requirements and advanced charting and trading platform features. The top-rated brand has over 25 years of experience and is regulated by trusted agencies, including the NFA/CFTC. Around the clock support is available for short-term traders, alongside flexible contract sizes and automated trade executions.
- DNA Markets - DNA Markets is a forex and CFD broker established in 2020. The broker operates two entities in Australia and the offshore jurisdiction, St Vincent and the Grenadines. Traders can access 800+ markets, with a Standard account for beginners and a Raw account for experienced traders. The reliable MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms are available, alongside Signal Start.
- IG - Founded in 1974, IG is part of IG Group Holdings Plc, a publicly traded (LSE: IGG) brokerage. The brand-US offers spread betting, CFD and forex trading across an almost unrivalled selection of 17,000+ markets, with a range of user-friendly platforms and investing apps. For 50 years, IG has maintained its position as an industry leader, excelling in all key areas for traders.
- Pocket Option - Established in 2017, Pocket Option is a binary options broker offering high/low contracts on forex, stocks, indices, commodities and cryptocurrencies. With over 100,000 active users and a global reach, the platform continues to prove popular with budding traders.
- IQCent - IQCent is an offshore binary options and CFD broker based in the Marshall Islands. The brand continues to offer a range of unique account types with bonuses and perks, including payout boosts, TradeBacks and free rollovers. With 100+ assets, around-the-clock trading and 98% payouts, the firm is popular with aspiring short-term traders.
- RedMars - Launched in 2020, Cyprus-based RedMars offers competitive spreads on more than 300 instruments and leverage up to 1:500. Three accounts are available - Standard, Pro and VIP - serving a range of budgets and experience levels, with a fast and fully digital account opening process.
- Interactive Brokers - Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a premier brokerage, providing access to 150 markets in 33 countries, along with a suite of comprehensive investment services. With over 40 years of experience, this Nasdaq-listed firm adheres to stringent regulations by the SEC, FCA, CIRO, and SFC, amongst others, and is one of the most trusted brokers for trading around the globe.
Debit Card Brokers Comparison
| Broker | Minimum Deposit | Minimum Trade | Instruments | Platforms | Regulators |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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$100 | 0.01 Lots | Forex, Stocks, Futures, Futures Options | MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral | NFA, CFTC |
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$0 | 0.01 Lots | Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto | NinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal | NFA, CFTC |
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$10 | $10 | Stocks, Options, ETFs, Crypto | eToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader | SEC, FINRA |
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$0 | 0.01 Lots | Forex, Crypto with Paxos (Cryptocurrencies are offered through Paxos. Paxos is a separate legal entity from OANDA) | OANDA Trade, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist | NFA, CFTC |
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$100 | 0.01 Lots | CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks, Crypto | MT4, MT5 | ASIC |
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$0 | 0.01 Lots | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting | Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentral | FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB |
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$50 | $1 | Binary Options, Currencies, Commodities, Stocks, Indices, Cryptos | Web, MT4, MT5 | MISA |
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$250 | $0.01 | Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto | Online Platform, TradingView | IFMRRC |
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€250 | 0.01 Lots | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos | MT5 | CySEC |
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$0 | $100 | Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies | Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral | FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA |
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
| Bonus Offer | Active Trader Program With A 15% Reduction In Costs |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | Forex, Stocks, Futures, Futures Options |
| Regulator | NFA, CFTC |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral |
| 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.
- Alongside a choice of leading platforms, FOREX.com offers a superb suite of supplementary tools including Trading Central research, SMART Signals pattern scanner, trading signals, and strategy builders.
- There’s a wealth of educational resources including tutorials, webinars, and a stacked YouTube channel to help you get educated in the financial markets.
Cons
- Funding options are limited compared to leading alternatives like IC Markets and don’t include many popular e-wallets, notably UnionPay and POLi.
- FOREX.com's MT4 platform offers approximately 600 instruments, significantly fewer than the over 5,500 available on its non-MetaTrader platforms.
- There’s no negative balance protection for US clients, so you may find yourself owing more money than your initial deposit into your account.
NinjaTrader
"NinjaTrader continues to meet the demands of active futures traders looking for low fees and premium analysis tools. The platform hosts top-rate charting features including hundreds of indicators and 10+ chart types."
Tobias Robinson, Reviewer
NinjaTrader Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto |
| Regulator | NFA, CFTC |
| Platforms | NinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:50 |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- NinjaTrader is a widely respected and award-winning futures broker and is heavily authorized by the NFA and CFTC
- Traders can get free platform access and trade simulation capabilities in the unlimited demo
- NinjaTrader continues to deliver comprehensive charting software for active day traders with bespoke technical indicators and widgets
Cons
- Non forex and futures trading requires signing up with partner brokers
- The premium platform tools come with an extra charge
- There is a withdrawal fee on some funding methods
eToro USA
"eToro remains a top pick for traders looking for leading social investing and copy trading services. With a low deposit, zero commissions and an intuitive platform, the broker will meet the needs of newer day traders."
eToro USA Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | Invest $100 and get $10 |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | Stocks, Options, ETFs, Crypto |
| Regulator | SEC, FINRA |
| Platforms | eToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader |
| Minimum Deposit | $10 |
| Minimum Trade | $10 |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- The online broker offers an intuitive social investment network with straightforward copy trading on cryptos
- The $10 minimum deposit and straightforward account opening process means beginners can get started quickly
- eToro USA Securities is a trustworthy, SEC-regulated broker that is a member of FINRA and SIPC
Cons
- Average fees may cut into the profit margins of day traders
- The proprietary terminal doesn't support trading bots and there are no additional stock market analysis tools
- There's a narrower range of day trading instruments available compared to competitors, with only stocks, ETFs and cryptos
OANDA US
"OANDA remains an excellent broker for US day traders seeking a user-friendly platform with premium analysis tools and a straightforward joining process. OANDA is also heavily regulated with a very high trust score."
OANDA US Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | Forex, Crypto with Paxos (Cryptocurrencies are offered through Paxos. Paxos is a separate legal entity from OANDA) |
| Regulator | NFA, CFTC |
| Platforms | OANDA Trade, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:50 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- Seasoned day traders can access industry-leading tools, including an MT4 premium upgrade and advanced charting provided by MotiveWave
- Beginners can get started easily with $0 minimum initial deposit
- The broker's API facilitates access to 25 years of deep historical data and rates from 200+ currencies
Cons
- The range of day trading markets is limited to forex and cryptos only
- There's only a small range of payment methods available, with no e-wallets supported
- It's a shame that customer support is not available on weekends
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. "
DNA Markets Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks, Crypto |
| Regulator | ASIC |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5 |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:500 |
| 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
- Convenient account funding is available with 7 base currencies, a $100 deposit and a wide range of payment methods
- The broker provides 24/5 customer support with response times of <2 minutes during testing
Cons
- Unlike many alternatives, there are limited educational and research tools for traders seeking an all-in-one solution
- Despite access to MT4 and MT5, there is no proprietary trading app for seamless account management whilst on the go
- 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."
IG Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting |
| Regulator | FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB |
| Platforms | Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentral |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro) |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- IG offers an extensive collection of professional and engaging educational resources, including webinars, articles, and analysis
- The ProRealTime advanced charting platform is free as long as certain modest monthly trading activity requirements are met
- As a well-established broker, IG operates under strict regulatory guidelines in multiple jurisdictions, maintaining a high level of trust
Cons
- IG has discontinued its swap-free account, reducing its appeal to Islamic traders
- Stock and CFD spreads still trail the cheapest brokers like CMC Markets based on tests
- While there is negative balance protection in the UK and EU, there is no account protection or guaranteed stop losses for US clients
Pocket Option
"Pocket Option excels for its easy-to-use web platform which provides a best-in-class user experience for short-term binary traders. The $50 minimum deposit is also accessible for beginners while opening an account is really easy. Looking at the negatives, Pocket Option still trails alternatives in its market offering and regulatory credentials."
Pocket Option Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 50% Deposit Bonus |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | Binary Options, Currencies, Commodities, Stocks, Indices, Cryptos |
| Regulator | MISA |
| Platforms | Web, MT4, MT5 |
| Minimum Deposit | $50 |
| Minimum Trade | $1 |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- The web platform shines for its straightforward design and usability that will appeal to beginners looking to speculate on popular financial markets in a few clicks
- The MetaTrader platforms offer integrated analysis with helpful technical summaries for short-term traders
- Well-funded traders who deposit $1000+ can qualify for a 2%+ payout boost, more tradable assets and exclusive perks
Cons
- The MISA is a weak regulator with limited investor protection for retail traders
- Despite offering competitive payouts up to 92%, binary brokers like IQCent offer higher returns up to 98% based on tests
- The maximum binary contract length of 4 hours is restrictive for longer-term trading strategies. Alternatives like Videforex offer binaries up to 1 month
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 |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto |
| Regulator | IFMRRC |
| Platforms | Online Platform, TradingView |
| Minimum Deposit | $250 |
| Minimum Trade | $0.01 |
| Leverage | 1:500 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR |
Pros
- CFD trading fees are competitive based on tests, including 0.7 pips on major forex pairs such as EUR/USD
- IQCent is one of the few binary options brokers that also offers a copy trading service for hands-off traders
- Keen traders can take part in trading contests with cash prizes
Cons
- IQCent trails binary brokers like Quotex with its narrow investment offering of around 100 assets with no stocks
- There's no automated trading support for algo traders
- The market analysis is very basic with limited technical summaries and insights from analysts
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
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos |
| Regulator | CySEC |
| Platforms | MT5 |
| Minimum Deposit | €250 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) |
| 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
- Getting started on RedMars is incredibly easy - you can be up and running in just a few minutes based on tests
- 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
Cons
- The no-frills trading environment offers little beyond the basics, with no Islamic account, PAMM account or copy trading.
- 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
- With just 300 instruments, RedMars offers a narrow trading environment, particularly compared to category leaders like BlackBull Markets which offers 26,000 assets
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
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies |
| 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 |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Minimum Trade | $100 |
| Leverage | 1:50 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF |
Pros
- IBKR continues to deliver unmatched access to global stocks with tens of thousands of equities available from 100+ market centres in 24 countries.
- 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.
- There's a vast library of free or paid third-party research subscriptions catering to all types of traders, plus you can enjoy commission reimbursements from IBKR if you subscribe to Toggle AI.
Cons
- 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.
- 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.
How Did We Choose The Best Debit Card Brokers?
To select the top debit card brokers, we:
- Sifted through our extensive library of 500 online brokers, focusing only on those that accept debit card payments
- Verified that they support debit card deposits and withdrawals for day trading
- Listed them by their overall ranking, derived from our analysis of 100+ data points and personal evaluations
What Is A Debit Card?
Debit cards are payment cards with 16-digit card numbers, expiration dates, a magnetic strip and an EMV chip.
They are a convenient way to make purchases in stores or online, including at day trading brokers. Debit cards are often provided with most bank accounts and you spend money with them, which is deducted from your account.
As well as convenience, a debit card offers many consumer protections, especially when issued by major payment processors like Visa or Mastercard. Visa, in particular, is accepted by most forex brokers in more than 200 countries across the world, working with all major currencies. Visa can also handle unlimited deposit amounts.
While standard debit cards are linked to your current or savings account, two types of debit card can be issued without a bank account: prepaid debit cards, where users can make purchases using money preloaded on the card (much like a gift card), and EBT cards (Electronic Benefit Transfer), issued by state and federal agencies in the US and allowing users to use benefits to make purchases.
Debit Card Vs Credit Card
The difference between a debit card and a credit card is that the former contains existing cash by definition. Debit cards allow you to spend the funds that you have deposited in your account.
On the flip side, credit cards allow you to borrow funds from the card issuer—a financial institution like HSBC bank—up to a certain limit. Credit cardholders must then pay the money back to the institution with added interest.
Both credit and debit cards provide their users with unbeatable convenience and protection, though credit cards offer better protection against fraud than debit cards linked to a bank account thanks to their ability to cancel a payment.
There are often no fees for using a debit card (other than overdraft fees), whereas a credit card can charge annual fees, over-limit fees and late payment penalty fees.
There are some other benefits of using a credit card as opposed to a debit card, including building a credit history as well as purchase and fraud protection. However, debit cards are safer than credit cards in terms of your spending. With a debit card, you are spending your own money rather than racking up debts with money that is not yours.
Fees
Setting up a bank account that will give you access to a debit card is usually free. Some prepaid debit cards may charge a monthly fee or a small, one-off issuance fee.
Compared to other payment methods, debit card transaction and merchant fees are relatively inexpensive, especially in the UK. You can usually expect to pay a small percentage of the trade amount or a flat fee of around £2.
However, some brokers may charge small performance markup fees. For example, fees for international debit card transactions, or currency conversion. FP Markets does not charge for deposits or withdrawals. When choosing a broker, it is often wise to pick one that has low transaction fees as this can add up if you’re making multiple transactions in one day.
Speed
Paying by debit card is one of the fastest payment methods out there, not least because everyone has their cards on them in their wallet most of the time and therefore they are readily accessible to traders on the go.
Funds transferred into an account via debit card are usually instant. Traders can then usually withdraw the profit just as quickly. Using an alternative payment method may take a couple of days.
If not immediate, debit card payments are usually processed within 48 hours. However, some transfers can take up to 5 working days.
Withdrawal times will vary between different brokers but, generally, they can be as quick as for deposits. FP Markets estimates that its withdrawal time is around one business day while Plus500 states that funds will be received in the debit card account according to the bank’s processing time only.
Security
Most brokers will require you to verify your debit card, making it a safe method to deposit funds into your trading account. It is generally a good rule of thumb to use a debit card broker with high levels of security, including two-factor authentication (2FA).
All funds deposited by debit card into a trading account must originate from an account in the same name as the trading account holder. This ensures greater security and limits money laundering opportunities. This prohibits you from making deposits or withdrawals from a corporate card or friend’s card.
Broker-Issued Debit Cards
While online brokers are primarily known for buying and selling stocks and other financial instruments, some also offer prepaid debit cards and checking accounts.
Prepaid Debit Cards
These cards are funded using money in your trading account and allow almost immediate withdrawal of profits with low fees, also providing some personal privacy.
For example, in October 2020, Coinbase launched its Visa debit card, which allows cryptocurrency to be used for online and in-store purchases. The Coinbase card allows users to earn up to 4% back in Stellar Lumens (XLM) or 1% in Bitcoin (BTC). Other companies providing crypto debit cards include Binance, Crypto.com, Cryptopay and GlobaliD, which launched its XRP debit card in August 2021.
A bonus is that broker debit cards can also be used to make online purchases and ATM cash withdrawals.
Brokerage Checking Accounts
Some brokerages like TD Ameritrade offer checking accounts that come with a debit card, mobile banking, online payments and ATM access.
Some brokerage checking accounts have similar features to checking accounts at banks but may have additional benefits like cash machine withdrawal reimbursement and zero foreign interchange fees.
The advantages of setting up a brokerage checking account are that they don’t have a minimum balance and some accounts may partner with multiple program banks to offer more insurance.
However, brokerage accounts don’t offer all the services that a traditional bank does and generally offer a lower annual percentage yield (APY). Also, brokerage accounts don’t have cash-handling employees in physical locations.
How To Deposit Using Debit Card
First things first, you need to choose a broker that facilitates the use of a debit card in your country, such as XM. It is often also a good idea to choose a regulated broker for security and insurance purposes. A full guide to selecting the right broker can be found here.
Following that, you need to head to the relative broker’s website or app and go to your account’s payments or deposits page. Here you can choose whether to deposit or withdraw funds from your account.
When making a deposit, you need to specify the amount you wish to pay in, select debit card as your preferred payment option and enter your details. Bear in mind that this is essentially a cash card, so do not deposit more money than is in your account as you may incur overdraft charges.
The same method goes for withdrawing funds, except you will only be able to withdraw funds that are currently available in your trading account.
Pros Of Using Debit Cards For Traders
Trading with brokers that accept debit card payments has many advantages:
- Ubiquitous Method – paying by debit card is one of the easiest ways for traders to fund their broker account. Unlike bank and wire transfers, there are no restrictions or limits on the transfer of foreign currency.
- Fast Method – before debit cards, investors would have to fund their trading accounts via bank or wire transfer, which was slow and subject to a lot of paperwork. Using a debit card is much quicker and convenient for traders on the go, especially as you can store your card on your phone via Apple Pay or Google Pay.
- No Debt – as debit cards use the cardholder’s own funds, there’s no risk of building up debt that will need to be paid back. When trading, this can discourage you from impulsively spending more money.
- Security – debit cards, especially those issued by Visa and Mastercard, offer plenty of security to holders, including fraud protection.
- Low Fees – most reputable brokers charge very little to use a debit card, particularly popular types like Visa and Mastercard.
- Accepted Everywhere – virtually every online vendor in the world will accept debit card payments, including trading brokers.
- Easy To Sign Up – most major banks offer debit cards with their accounts as standard. If you don’t want to sign up for a bank account, you can use a prepaid debit card.
- Free Transactions – the majority of debit card accounts allow you to send and receive money for free. This is specific to each bank or financial institution but usually, money transfers are free. This may not be the case for all prepaid debit cards.
- Chargeback – when using a debit card, some traders have had issues with brokers forcefully taking deposits on cards whose details have been stored on file. With chargeback, a trader can get this refunded if the transaction is disputed.
- Refunds – if you wrongly fund your trading account with a debit card, it should be relatively straightforward to refund your card.
Cons Of Using Debit Cards For Traders
As with all payment methods, there are some disadvantages to using a debit card when trading:
- Not Great For Big Purchases – debit cards are great for small transactions but not so much for bigger ones as the money needs to be in your account immediately. Conversely, credit cards can be treated like loans that are paid back gradually, supporting much larger deposits.
- No Rewards – unlike credit cards, having a debit card will not earn you any points or rewards like cash back unless it is a broker-issued prepaid debit card.
- Not Anonymous – by linking your debit card to your online broker account, you are potentially sharing financial information. Be sure to pick a regulated broker for maximum security.
Are Debit Card Payments Good For Day Trading?
The rise of the debit card when funding and withdrawing from a trading account has been somewhat of a blessing to investors and day traders. As explained, using a debit card is much easier and faster than a bank or wire transfer and it offers more security, especially if your card is a Visa, Mastercard or American Express.
Some brokers now offer prepaid debit cards, making the process even more streamlined between payments and funding your account. Ultimately, it is a fast, secure and cheap payment option for traders.
FAQ
Which Brokers Accept Debit Card Payments?
There is quite an array of brokers that will accept debit cards to deposit and withdraw funds from your trading account. Pepperstone, FBS, Plus500 and eToro are some of the top brokers we would recommend that accept debit cards.
Do Brokers Have Any Deposit Or Withdrawal Limits When Using A Debit Card?
Deposit and withdrawal limits can vary from vendor to vendor and are usually outlined on the deposit page next to the debit card payment method. Some prepaid debit card services may put a cap on withdrawals. For example, eToro has a minimum deposit of $50 (country dependent) and a maximum of $40,000 on a debit card. There is no limit on the number of stocks you can purchase with a debit card, other than the limit imposed by the money in your account or on your prepaid debit card.
Are My Trading Funds Safe With Debit Cards?
From a security perspective, using a debit card is one of the safest payment methods as it offers a lot of protection. Your trading funds aren’t at risk and as you’re using your own money, the only debt you could find yourself in is your overdraft and associated fees. However, linking your debit card to your trading account may require you to share more private information.