Best CFD Trading Platforms and Brokers in the Netherlands 2024

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James Barra
James is an investment writer with a background in financial services. He has worked as a management consultant, where he delivered large-scale operational transformational programmes at some of Europe's biggest banks. James authors, edits and fact-checks content for a series of investing websites.
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Jemma Grist
Jemma is a writer, editor and fact-checker focused on retail trading and investing. Jemma brings a unique perspective to the forex, stock, and cryptocurrency markets and works across several investment websites as a researcher and broker analyst.
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CFD trading is popular in the Netherlands, though brokers must follow the regulations of the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM), including its 2019 rules regarding the sale and marketing of CFDs to retail investors.

Explore the best CFD trading platforms and brokers in the Netherlands, chosen after thorough tests, evaluations, and comparisons.

Top 5 CFD Trading Platforms in the Netherlands

After analyzing nearly 500 brokers, we've identified the top 5 platforms that consistently stand out for CFD traders in the Netherlands:

  1. XTB - XTB stands out as a top choice for new day traders with the terrific xStation platform, commission-free pricing, no minimum deposit, and excellent educational tools, many of which are seamlessly integrated into the platform.
  2. Eightcap - Eightcap delivers in every area for day traders with a growing selection of charting platforms and AI-powered tools. Now sporting 250+ crypto CFDs and the Crypto Crusher market scanner, it's also become a stand-out choice for crypto trading, winning our 'Best Crypto Broker' award two years in a row.
  3. AvaTrade - AvaTrade offers the full package for short-term traders. There is powerful charting software, reliable execution, transparent fees, and fast account opening with a low minimum deposit.
  4. Deriv.com - Deriv.com will suit day traders looking to make fast-paced trades using CFDs and multipliers with high leverage up to 1:1000. The broker is also the industry leader in synthetic indices, which simulate real market movements and are available around the clock.
  5. Pepperstone - Pepperstone stands out as a top choice for day trading, offering razor-sharp spreads, ultra-fast execution, and advanced charting platforms for experienced traders. New traders are also welcomed with no minimum deposit, extensive educational resources, and exceptional 24/7 support.

Best CFD Trading Platforms and Brokers in the Netherlands 2024 Comparison

Best CFD Trading Platforms and Brokers in the Netherlands 2024 Comparison
Broker CFD Trading EUR Account Minimum Deposit Markets Platforms Leverage Visit
XTB logo
$0 CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto, ETFs xStation 1:30 (EU) 1:500 (Global) Visit
Eightcap logo
$100 CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto MT4, MT5, TradingView 1:30 Visit
AvaTrade logo
$100 CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro) Visit
Deriv.com logo
$5 CFDs, Multipliers, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities Deriv Trader, MT5 1:1000 Visit
Pepperstone logo
$0 CFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto, Spread Betting MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) Visit
XM logo
$5 Forex, Stock CFDs, Turbo Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Precious Metals, Energies, Shares, Crypto, Futures MT4, MT5 1:30 Visit
LiteForex Europe logo
$50 CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities MT4, MT5 1:30 Visit
DNA Markets logo
$100 CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks, Crypto MT4, MT5 1:500 Visit
eToro logo
- $50 CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, ETFs, Smart Portfolios, Commodities, Futures, Crypto, NFTs eToro Web, CopyTrader, TradingCentral 1:30 Visit
InstaForex logo
€200 CFDs on Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Forex, Cryptocurrencies, US Synthetic Shares & ETFs, Shares Baskets MT4, MT5 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) Visit
LQDFX logo
$20 Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto MT4 1:1000 Visit
Trade Nation logo
$0 Forex, CFDs, Indices, Shares, Commodities, Futures, Bonds, Cryptos (Bahamas Entity Only) MT4 1:500 (entity dependent) Visit
Skilling logo
$100 Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities and Cryptos Skilling Trader, MT4, cTrader, TradingView 1:30 (Retail) 1:200 (Pro) Visit
IG logo
$0 CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentral 1:30 (Retail), 1:222 (Pro) Visit
BlackBull Markets logo
$0 Forex, CFDs, stocks, indices, energies, metals, commodities, cryptos MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist 1:500 Visit

#1 - XTB

Why We Chose XTB

XTB offers a huge selection of more than 2,100 CFDs spanning forex, indices, commodities, stocks, ETFs, and cryptos (location-dependant). Leverage up to 1:30 is available in the EU and UK, while global clients and pro traders can access up to 1:500. XTB stands out for its CFD trading resources and tutorials to assist traders in developing short-term trading strategies.

  • FTSE Spread: 1.8
  • GBPUSD Spread: 1.4
  • Stocks Spread: 0.2%
  • Leverage: 1:30 (EU) 1:500 (Global)
  • Regulator: FCA, CySEC, KNF, CNMV, DFSA, FSC
  • Platforms: xStation

About XTB

Founded in 2002 in Poland, XTB now serves more than 935,000 clients. The forex and CFD broker combines a heavily regulated trading environment with an extensive selection of 5,600+ assets and a commitment to trader satisfaction, featuring an intuitive in-house platform with superb tools to support aspiring day traders.

Pros

  • The xStation platform continues to impress with its user-friendly interface and intuitive features, including customizable news feeds, sentiment heatmaps, and trader calculator, reducing the learning curve for newer traders.
  • Opening an XTB account is a hassle-free, entirely online process that takes just a few minutes, making the entry into day trading smooth for new traders.
  • XTB offers fast withdrawals with same-day payments if requested before 1 pm, ensuring day traders have quick access to their funds.

Cons

  • The research tools at XTB are good but could be great if they went beyond in-house features with access to leading third-party tools such as Autochartist, Trading Central and TipRanks.
  • XTB does not offer a raw spread account, which is becoming increasingly common among competitors like Pepperstone, and may disappoint day traders looking for the tightest spreads.
  • XTB discontinued support for MT4, limiting traders to its proprietary platform, xStation, potentially deterring advanced day traders familiar with the MetaTrader suite.

#2 - Eightcap

Why We Chose Eightcap

Eightcap offers a wide range of trading options with 800+ CFDs across stocks, indices, bonds, commodities, and cryptocurrencies (depending on location), with leverage up to 1:30/1:500. It excels in its tools, notably the AI-enabled economic calendar covering 25+ countries with impact filters (high, medium, low). However, its commodities offering, particularly in softs like cotton and wheat, as well as the limited precious metal and energy assets, is its weakest area.

  • FTSE Spread: 1.2
  • GBPUSD Spread: 0.1
  • Stocks Spread: 0.03 (Apple Inc)
  • Leverage: 1:30
  • Regulator: ASIC, FCA, xCySEC, SCB
  • Platforms: MT4, MT5, TradingView

About Eightcap

Eightcap is a multi-regulated forex and CFD broker established in Australia in 2009. The broker has proven popular with active day traders, providing 1,000+ instruments with tight spreads and notable improvements in recent years, integrating the leading TradingView platform, alongside AI-powered financial calendars and algo trading tools with zero coding experience required.

Pros

  • Eightcap stands out with a selection of powerful trading tools, including MT4 and MT5, the innovative algorithmic trading platform Capitalise.ai, and more recently the 50-million strong social trading network TradingView.
  • With tight spreads from 0 pips, low commission fees, and high leverage up to 1:500 for certain clients, Eightcap provides cost-effective and flexible trading conditions that can accommodate an array of strategies, including day trading and scalping.
  • After bolstering its roster in 2021, Eightcap offers one of the most extensive selections of cryptocurrency CFDs in the market, with crypto/fiat pairs, crypto/crypto pairs, plus crypto indices for broader exposure to the market.

Cons

  • In spite of an increasing variety of tools, Eightcap doesn't offer industry favorites like Autochartist or Trading Central, which offer cutting-edge charting analytics, live news, and market insights for short-term traders.
  • Despite a useful library of educational guides and e-books, Eightcap still trails IG’s comprehensive toolkit for aspiring traders with its dedicated IG Academy app and 18 course categories.
  • The demo account expires after 30 days and can only be extended upon request - a notable inconvenience compared to the likes of XM with its unlimited demo mode.

#3 - AvaTrade

Why We Chose AvaTrade

AvaTrade's 1250+ leveraged CFD products span a wide range of asset classes including stocks, indices, commodities, bonds, crypto, and ETFs. You can speculate on underlying assets in the broker’s feature-rich web and mobile platforms with market-leading research tools to help discover opportunities.

  • FTSE Spread: 0.5
  • GBPUSD Spread: 1.5
  • Stocks Spread: 0.13
  • Leverage: 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)
  • Regulator: ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBol, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM
  • Platforms: WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade

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
  • AvaTrade is a heavily regulated and trustworthy broker with licenses from the ASIC, CySEC and more
  • 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
  • Traders from the US are not accepted
  • 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

#4 - Deriv.com

Why We Chose Deriv.com

You can trade CFDs on popular markets, including the broker's exclusive synthetic indices which are available 24/7. There are plenty of charting tools available for technical traders, including over 20 indicators in the Deriv Trader platform. New users can also open an account and start trading CFDs instantly.

  • FTSE Spread: 0.5
  • GBPUSD Spread: 0.5
  • Stocks Spread: 0.07
  • Leverage: 1:1000
  • Regulator: MFSA, LFSA, VFSC, BFSC
  • Platforms: Deriv Trader, MT5

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

  • The free demo account is ideal for practicing short-term trading strategies and no registration is required
  • Beginners and experienced day traders can access a good range of 20+ technical indicators in Deriv Trader vs 30+ in MT5
  • The low $5 minimum initial deposit suits those on a lower budget

Cons

  • 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
  • There's no loyalty program or rebate scheme for high volume traders

#5 - Pepperstone

Why We Chose Pepperstone

Pepperstone maintains its position as one of the fastest and most dependable CFD brokers during our latest round of testing. With execution speeds averaging around 30ms and an outstanding fill rate of 99.90%, the broker ensures a seamless trading experience without requotes or dealing desk interference. It also provides ample trading opportunities across over 1,300 assets.

  • FTSE Spread: 1.0
  • GBPUSD Spread: 0.4
  • Stocks Spread: 0.02
  • Leverage: 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
  • Regulator: FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB
  • Platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade

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 boasts impressive execution speeds, averaging around 30ms, facilitating fast order processing and execution that’s ideal for day trading.
  • Now offering spread betting through TradingView, Pepperstone provides a seamless, tax-efficient trading experience with advanced analysis tools.
  • There’s support for a range of industry-leading charting platforms including MT4, MT5, TradingView, and cTrader, catering to various short-term trading styles, including algo trading.

Cons

  • There’s no simplified proprietary trading platform, nor are there any social trading features, which could be a disadvantage if you are new to day trading.
  • Pepperstone’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.

How We Chose The Best CFD Trading Platforms In The Netherlands

To identify the top CFD trading platforms in the Netherlands, we sifted through our comprehensive database of nearly 500 brokers, all of which have undergone extensive testing over the years. We focused on those accepting Dutch traders and ranked them based on their overall rating, taking into account critical factors such as:

We Picked Trusted Brokers

We chose CFD brokers we trust, drawing on our direct experiences using their platforms, weighing their regulatory credentials, and considering their industry standing.

The chief regulator in the Netherlands is the Authority for Financial Markets (AFM). As an EU nation, the country is also subject to European directives and regulations. MiFID II and the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) have a particularly strong influence over the investment landscape.

MiFID II means CFD brokers who have permission under the EU passporting scheme can be used by traders in other European countries, including those based in the Netherlands.

Using the Dutch AFM register to find Degiro license
Degiro – AFM License

Importantly, since 2019 brokers must adhere to the following rules to offer CFD trading to retail investors in the Netherlands:

  • XTB shines as one of the most trusted CFD brokers in the Netherlands – it’s licensed by 5 ‘Green-tier’ regulators, including those in the EU, plus it’s listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, demonstrating a high degree of financial transparency.

We Selected Brokers With An Excellent Investment Offering

We prioritized brokers that offer CFD trading on a wide range of asset classes, catering to an array of strategies and trading preferences.

The Netherlands is among the 20 largest economies in the world by GDP and is home to Europe’s largest seaport in Rotterdam. It is also the location of the world’s oldest stock exchange – the Amsterdam Stock Exchange, now the Euronext Amsterdam, which was founded in 1602.

It is also the European headquarters for many global companies, including IBM, Netflix and Cisco, making it a fantastic opportunity for trading CFDs on stocks and indices.

Infographic showing popular CFDs to trade in the Netherlands
CFD Trading Markets in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is also the third biggest exporter of refined petroleum, such as gasoline – behind only the US and India, and the second largest exporter of agricultural goods. For its relative size, it’s a huge player in the commodities scene, making it very influential in the pricing of these assets.

  • Saxo’s investment suite is almost unparalleled, with over 8,800 CFDs offering a diverse range of short-term trading opportunities, including the Netherlands 25 index, comprising the 25 largest firms on the Euronext Amsterdam, plus over 20 commodities.

We Picked Brokers With Transparent Margin Trading Opportunities

Margin trading is one of the primary benefits of CFDs, as it enables traders to leverage more than just their deposit value and capitalize on potential gains.

For Dutch traders, EMSA restricts margin trading to 1:30 for major forex pairs, such as the EUR/USD, 1:10 for commodities such as gold, and 1:2 for cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin.

For example, if I want to speculate the price of gasoline is about to rise due to issues with a Dutch processing plant, I can place a trade for €100 at 10x leverage. This would mean my profits (or losses) are multiplied by 10, minus any fees.
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James Barra
Author
  • AvaTrade is a great option if you want transparent leverage requirements in line with rules from ESMA and the Dutch AFM. It’s also one of a limited number of CFD brokers to offer a helpful margin calculator so you can establish the cash you need to open a position.

We Selected Brokers With Competitive CFD Trading Fees

Picking a CFD trading platform with low fees is critical to protect profit margins. That’s why we assess spreads on popular assets, notably CFDs on indices, currencies, and commodities, helping us identify the lowest-cost CFD brokers.

We also weigh non-trading fees, such as deposit/withdrawal charges, plus conversion fees. That said, because many platforms offer EUR accounts, Dutch traders can often minimize the costs associated with funding an account denominated in another currency, such as the US Dollar.

  • Pepperstone consistently offers low CFD fees, especially if you opt for its Razor account with tight spreads and a €2.60 commission. There are also no inactivity fees for less active traders.

We Selected Trading Platforms With The Best Functionality

The tools of the CFD trade are vital in helping you implement your strategy, that’s why we’ve tried and tested many of the top platforms with demo accounts or real money, to bring you our view on the best-in-class.

Dutch traders are fortunate to have a wide selection of European-based brokers at their fingertips – and this means the pick of the bunch of trading platforms too.

The MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms remain the most widely available solutions for CFDs, despite an increasingly outdated design.

However, we’re seeing modern platforms with more intuitive interfaces, notably TradingView, increasingly rival the MetaTrader suite, sporting over 100 indicators and 12 chart types.

Equally, the CFD trading terminals designed in-house have also improved in recent years.

Trading Heineken stock CFDs on XTB platform
XTB – Heineken Stock Chart
I recommend testing a broker’s CFD trading platform using a demo account to check it has the features you need in a user-friendly format before investing funds. You can place simulated CFD trades on popular Dutch stocks, such as Adyen.
author image
James Barra
Author
  • Blackbull maintains its status as a first-rate pick if you want powerful, dependable CFD platforms with MT4, MT5, TradingView and cTrader, alongside its own in-house app and web trader.

Our experts have compared platforms based on their offering of the top account funding methods used by CFD traders, including those from the Netherlands.

For example, iDEAL is a popular method due to the ease with which it enables online payments from Dutch bank accounts.

We also weigh the minimum deposit, ensuring CFD trading platforms are accessible to investors at all levels. Our exhaustive analysis shows the vast majority of brokers require up to €250 to get started.

💡
Open a EUR trading account to make managing CFD trades, deposits and withdrawals hassle-free while minimizing conversion fees.
  • eToro caters to Dutch traders with convenient payment options like iDEAL, plus an accessible starting deposit of €50. Our experts have also used eToro for real-money trading and praise its excellent offering for CFD traders.

FAQ

Who Regulates CFD Trading Platforms And Brokers In The Netherlands?

Netherlands-based CFD brokers must be regulated by the Authority for Financial Markets (AFM), however, Dutch traders are also accepted by European brokers under regulations from ESMA’s MiFID II, and these brokers can be regulated by any regonized European authority.

How Much Money Do I Need To Open A CFD Trading Account In The Netherlands?

Dutch traders will need to meet the minimum deposit for the broker they’re looking to trade with. For those in the Netherlands, our analysis shows you’ll typically need up to €250.

That said, our highest-rated CFD brokers accepting traders from the Netherlands, notably XTB and Pepperstone, have no minimum deposit.

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