Best Day Trading Platforms and Brokers in Europe 2024
The best day trading brokers in Europe have superior charting platforms, fast execution, excellent pricing, and are normally authorized by at least one of the 25+ regulators adhering to the directives established by the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA).
Many also offer EUR accounts for convenient deposits and provide access to local stock markets, such as the Euronext, and currency pairs like the EUR/USD.
Discover the best brokers for day trading in Europe. All our recommended platforms have been tested by our European experts.
Top 10 Platforms For Day Trading In Europe
After thoroughly testing hundreds of brokers, these 10 emerge as the best platforms for day traders:
-
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
Interactive Brokers
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$0$1001:50FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFMStocks, 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 -
5
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, CONSOB, AFMCFDs, 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 -
6
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, JetonCash, AirtelUSD -
7
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 -
8
RedMars
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
€2500.01 Lots1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)CySEC, AFMCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, CryptosMT5Credit Card, Wire Transfer, Debit Card, Sticpay, FasaPay, Bitcoin Payments, Trustly, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Klarna, Mastercard, VisaUSD, EUR -
9
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 -
10
MoomooGet up to 15 free stocks worth up to $2000
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$0$01:2SEC, FINRA, MAS, ASIC, SFCStocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCsDesktop Platform, Mobile AppWire Transfer, ACH TransferUSD, HKD, SGD
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Moomoo - Moomoo is an SEC-regulated app-based investment platform that offers a straightforward and affordable way to invest in Chinese, Hong Kong, Singaporean, Australian and US stocks, ETFs and other assets. Margin trading is available and the brand offers a zero-deposit account as well as several bonuses.
Best Day Trading Platforms and Brokers in Europe 2024 Comparison
| Broker | Regulated in Europe | EUR Account | Minimum Deposit | Markets | Platforms | Leverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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- | ✔ | $100 | Forex, Stocks, Futures, Futures Options | MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral | 1:50 |
|
|
- | - | $0 | Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto | NinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal | 1:50 |
|
|
- | - | $10 | Stocks, Options, ETFs, Crypto | eToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader | - |
|
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- | ✔ | $0 | Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies | Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral | 1:50 |
|
|
- | ✔ | $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) |
|
|
- | - | $50 | Binary Options, Currencies, Commodities, Stocks, Indices, Cryptos | Web, MT4, MT5 | - |
|
|
- | ✔ | $250 | Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto | Online Platform, TradingView | 1:500 |
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✔ | ✔ | €250 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos | MT5 | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) |
|
|
- | ✔ | $0 | Forex, Crypto with Paxos (Cryptocurrencies are offered through Paxos. Paxos is a separate legal entity from OANDA) | OANDA Trade, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist | 1:50 |
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- | - | $0 | Stocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCs | Desktop Platform, Mobile App | 1:2 |
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
- 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.
- 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.
Cons
- FOREX.com's MT4 platform offers approximately 600 instruments, significantly fewer than the over 5,500 available on its non-MetaTrader platforms.
- Despite increasing its range of instruments, FOREX.com's product portfolio is still limited to forex and CFDs, so there are no options to invest in real stocks, real ETFs or real cryptocurrencies.
- Demo accounts are frustratingly time-limited to 90 days, which doesn’t give you enough time to test day trading strategies effectively.
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
- You can get thousands of add-ons and applications from developers in 150+ countries
- Low fees are offered, with $50 day trading margins & commissions from $.09 per micro contract
Cons
- There is a withdrawal fee on some funding methods
- The premium platform tools come with an extra charge
- Non forex and futures trading requires signing up with partner brokers
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
- Investors can access Smart Portfolios for a more hands-off approach, covering a range of sectors and markets such as renewable energy and artificial intelligence
- A free demo account means new users and prospective day traders can try the broker risk-free
- The online broker offers an intuitive social investment network with straightforward copy trading on cryptos
Cons
- There's a narrower range of day trading instruments available compared to competitors, with only stocks, ETFs and cryptos
- The proprietary terminal doesn't support trading bots and there are no additional stock market analysis tools
- Average fees may cut into the profit margins of day traders
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, AFM |
| 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
- The new IBKR Desktop platform takes the best of TWS while adding bespoke tools like Option Lattice and Screeners with MultiSort to create a genuinely impressive trading experience for day traders at every level.
- The TWS platform has clearly been built for intermediate and advanced traders and comes with over 100 order types and a reliable real-time market data feed that rarely goes offline.
- 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.
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, AFM |
| 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 IG app offers a superb mobile trading experience with a clean design that helped it secure Runner Up at our Best Trading App award
- The proprietary web-based platform continues to caters to traders of all levels, with advanced charting tools and real-time market data useful for day trading
Cons
- Stock and CFD spreads still trail the cheapest brokers like CMC Markets based on tests
- IG applies an inactivity fee of $12 per month after 2 years, deterring casual investors
- IG has discontinued its swap-free account, reducing its appeal to Islamic traders
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
- Extremely fast and smooth sign-up process that takes less than 2 minutes
- The MetaTrader platforms offer integrated analysis with helpful technical summaries for short-term traders
- The range of payment methods beats the majority of rivals, providing fast, secure and convenient deposits for traders in most countries
Cons
- The MISA is a weak regulator with limited investor protection for retail traders
- You need to deposit $1000 to access the extended list of 250+ assets, otherwise just 130+ assets are available
- Pocket Option offers a slimmed down iteration of the MT4 and MT5 that doesn't provide the full charting package for advanced traders
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
- IQCent is one of the few binary options brokers that also offers a copy trading service for hands-off traders
- The proprietary terminal offers TradingView-powered charts which deliver dozens of technical indicators and studies
- CFD trading fees are competitive based on tests, including 0.7 pips on major forex pairs such as EUR/USD
Cons
- There's no automated trading support for algo traders
- IQCent trails binary brokers like Quotex with its narrow investment offering of around 100 assets with no stocks
- IQCent charges a punitive $10 monthly inactivity fee if you fail to place at least 1 trade per month
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, AFM |
| Platforms | MT5 |
| Minimum Deposit | €250 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR |
Pros
- Getting started on RedMars is incredibly easy - you can be up and running in just a few minutes based on tests
- The broker supports a range of flexible payment methods, including wire transfers, credit cards, e-wallets, and notably cryptocurrencies
- RedMars offers one of the best platforms for day trading, MT5, hosting 21 timeframes, dozens of analytical tools, flexible templates and algo trading
Cons
- 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
- The no-frills trading environment offers little beyond the basics, with no Islamic account, PAMM account or copy trading.
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
- Beginners can get started easily with $0 minimum initial deposit
- Seasoned day traders can access industry-leading tools, including an MT4 premium upgrade and advanced charting provided by MotiveWave
- Day traders can enjoy fast and reliable order execution
Cons
- It's a shame that customer support is not available on weekends
- 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
Moomoo
"Moomoo remains an excellent choice for new and intermediate stock traders who want to build a diverse investment portfolio. What really stands out is the broker's user-friendly app and the low trading fees."
Moomoo Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | Get up to 15 free stocks worth up to $2000 |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | Stocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCs |
| Regulator | SEC, FINRA, MAS, ASIC, SFC |
| Platforms | Desktop Platform, Mobile App |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Minimum Trade | $0 |
| Leverage | 1:2 |
| Account Currencies | USD, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- Moomoo is a Member of FINRA and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), adding another level of security for prospective clients
- Moomoo's analytics and insights are impressive and detailed compared to other brands
- The broker offers access to extended pre-market trading hours
Cons
- It's a shame that there is no 2 factor authentication (2FA), despite the other security features on offer
- There is no phone or live chat support - common options at most other brokers
- There is no negative balance protection, which is a common safety feature at top-tier-regulated brokers
Choosing A Day Trading Broker In Europe
Based on our extensive experience in the day trading industry, there are several factors to consider:
Trust
Choose a trusted day trading broker to keep your funds safe.
Online trading scams are rife in Europe, with fraudsters adopting increasingly aggressive and brazen methods to target victims. In recent years, scammers have even impersonated representatives of the Cyprus Securities & Exchange Commission (CySEC), promising compensation to traders in return for fees.
This is why we verify the regulatory status of brokers, checking whether they are licensed by any of the 25+ reputable regulators that comply with the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID), and its update MiFID II, set by the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), designed to safeguard retail traders.
- IC Markets emerges as one of the most trusted brokers in Europe, with authorization from the CySEC, over 17 years in the industry, and multiple awards. We’ve also traded at IC Markets using real money and never encountered withdrawal issues.
Investment Offering
Choose a day trading broker with a wide range of trading opportunities.
For many European traders, it will be important to have access to local financial markets, providing opportunities to speculate on regional events and assets.
That’s why we look for access to stock markets like Euronext, the largest stock exchange in the region which connects seven major economies, including France, Italy and the Netherlands.
We also look for currency pairs involving the Euro, such as the EUR/USD, EUR/GBP and EUR/AUD, plus popular commodities, including those listed on the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), Europe’s most recognized commodity marketplace.
In addition, we consider whether brokers offer contracts for difference (CFDs), a popular financial product with short-term traders that allows you to go long or short without taking ownership of the underlying asset, such as shares in LVMH.
- AvaTrade excels here, with a wide range of trading opportunities spanning CFDs, stocks, forex, commodities, indices, bonds, cryptos and ETFs, including European treasuries and indices like the DAX, CAC and IBEX.
Trading Fees
Choose a broker with low trading fees.
This is especially important for day traders because frequent trading amplifies the impact of fees on overall profitability.
That’s why we record and evaluate the fees you can expect to incur making short-term trades, including spreads on popular markets in Europe like the EUR/USD and EUR/GBP, as well as any inactivity fees that can penalize casual traders.
This allows us to assign an overall ‘Fees & Costs’ score that helps us pinpoint the cheapest brokers for day traders.
- Pepperstone maintains its position as one of the best day trading brokers with excellent pricing, especially if you opt for the Razor account with spreads from 0.0 pips and qualify for rebates through the Active Trader program. There are also zero deposit fees, withdrawal charges or inactivity penalties.
Order Execution
Choose a day trading broker with fast and reliable order execution.
If you’re day trading in volatile markets, such as commodities, being able to enter and exit the market at the desired price can be the difference between profit and loss.
We consider execution speeds of <100 milliseconds fast, helping to prevent slippage – the difference between the expected price and the execution price.
However, we also consider execution quality, encompassing factors like price and probability of execution, which together can help ensure you secure optimal trades.
- Deriv continues to deliver favorable conditions for active day traders, with execution speeds averaging 50 milliseconds plus superior, uninterrupted price feeds.
Leverage Trading
Choose a day trading broker with transparent leverage and margin conditions.
Leverage trading allows you to open larger positions than you would otherwise be able to with your capital. Essentially, for a small outlay, known as margin, you can multiply your buying power and profits (or losses).
The ESMA introduced industry-wide limits on leverage offered to retail traders in 2018. The maximum available through EU-regulated entities is 1:30 for major currency pairs, though lower limits are imposed on more volatile assets, such as commodities (1:10) and cryptocurrencies (1:2).
While 1:30 is a safer limit than the very high leverage available at offshore brokers, the risk of heavy losses is still present.I recommend that beginners, in particular, approach leverage trading with caution and take a proactive approach to risk management.
We check whether leverage trading is available as part of our exhaustive review process. We also make sure brokers are transparent about margin requirements, including when they will close out your positions if you fail to meet a margin call (a demand by your broker to deposit additional funds to cover potential losses).
- IG stands out as an excellent option for trading with leverage, providing a full breakdown of the margin required to open a position, along with the leverage equivalent for each tradable asset. It also complies with ESMA’s limits on providing leverage up to 1:30 for traders in Europe.
Charting Platforms
Choose a day trading broker with a user-friendly and powerful charting platform.
Short-term traders typically rely on technical analysis to identify and capitalize on market opportunities, more so than longer-term investors who often use fundamental analysis. As a result, it’s important to find an excellent charting platform.
That’s why we personally test platforms where possible to assess their suitability for day traders, weighing the design and ease of use with the suite of technical indicators, drawing tools, chart types and other features.
Our analysis of hundreds of brokers shows the most widely available third-party platforms are MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader and TradingView. These all offer excellent charting packages for intermediate and advanced traders.
However, our tests also show that the proprietary software offered by some brokers can provide a more user-friendly toolkit for newer traders, often featuring a more intuitive workspace.
- Forex.com continues to offer a fantastic selection of charting tools, from MT4, MT5 and TradingView to insights from AutoChartist and TradingCentral, which can help day traders discover opportunities.
Methodology
We used our extensive database of day trading brokers, selecting those accepting European traders and ranked them by their overall rating from our reviews, which focus on several factors, including:
- Whether they are trusted and regulated by a credible authority, such as the CySEC.
- Whether they provide access to a good range of tradable assets, such as European stocks.
- Whether they offer low fees for day traders, such as tight spreads on EUR/USD.
- Whether they support user-friendly and powerful charting platforms, such as MT4.
- Whether they offer fast and reliable order execution.
- Whether they are transparent about leverage trading.
FAQ
How Much Money Do I Need To Start Day Trading In Europe?
The vast majority of platforms offer an accessible account minimum of <€250. However, some stand out with no minimum deposit, notably Pepperstone, OANDA and City Index, making them attractive for day traders on a budget.
Who Regulates Day Trading Platforms In Europe?
Over 25 European regulators should adhere to the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID), established by the European Securities Markets Authority (ESMA), to offer products suitably for day trading, including forex and CFDs.
The Cyprus Securities & Exchange (CySEC) oversees the largest number of brokers accepting day traders in Europe.
Which Is The Best Broker For Day Trading In Europe?
Use our list of the best day trading platforms and brokers in Europe to find the right provider for your needs. Most of our top-rated platforms are regulated in Europe, support accounts in EUR, and offer access to regional financial markets.
Article Sources
- European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA)
- Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID)
- Intercontinental Exchange (ICE)
- ESMA - Check Whether A Broker Is Regulated
- Euronext Stock Exchange
- Finance Feeds CySEC Trading Scam
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