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Best Day Trading Platforms and Brokers in the US 2024

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Jemma Grist
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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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Edited By
James Barra
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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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Fact Checked By
Michael MacKenzie
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Fact Checked By
Michael MacKenzie
Michael is a writer and editor with over a decade in journalism and publishing. His niche lies in editing and fact-checking content in the financial services sector, with a focus on online brokers and trading platforms. Michael previously reported on politics and economics in the Middle East and edits books for established publishers.
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Updated
Jun 18, 2024

The best day trading platforms in the US cater to active short-term traders, offering trading on key markets like the Nasdaq and EUR/USD. The top brokers are also regulated by the CFTC, NFA or FINRA, provide accounts in US Dollars for convenient deposits, and offer reliable execution.

Explore the best day trading platforms in the US, chosen after hands-on testing and in-depth analysis. All recommended brokers welcome US day traders and have our experts’ confidence.

Top 6 Platforms For Day Trading In The US

After exhaustively evaluating nearly 500 online brokers, these 6 platforms continue to stand out as the best for day traders in the United States:

Click a broker for details
  1. 1
    FOREX.com
    Active Trader Program With A 15% Reduction In Costs
    Ratings
    4.9 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.6 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    $100
    0.01 Lots
    1:50
    NFA, CFTC
    Forex, Stocks, Futures, Futures Options
    MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
    Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, ACH Transfer
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN
    Go To FOREX.com
  2. 2
    NinjaTrader
    Ratings
    4.3 / 5
    2.8 / 5
    2.9 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.2 / 5
    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:50
    NFA, CFTC
    Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto
    NinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal
    ACH Transfer, Debit Card, Wire Transfer
    USD
    Go To NinjaTrader
  3. 3
    OANDA US
    CFDs are not available to residents in the United States.
    Ratings
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    2.8 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.7 / 5
    3.7 / 5
    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:50
    NFA, CFTC
    Forex, Crypto with Paxos (Cryptocurrencies are offered through Paxos. Paxos is a separate legal entity from OANDA)
    OANDA Trade, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist
    Wire Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Debit Card, ACH Transfer
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD
    Go To OANDA US
  4. 4
    IG
    Forex trading involves risk. Losses can exceed deposits.
    Ratings
    4.9 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.9 / 5
    5 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4 / 5
    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)
    FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting
    Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
    PayPal, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, Credit Card, Visa, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD
    Go To IG
  5. 5
    Interactive Brokers
    Ratings
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    $0
    $100
    1:50
    FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA
    Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies
    Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral
    Cheque, ACH Transfer, Wire Transfer, Automated Customer Account Transfer Service, TransferWise, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF
    Go To Interactive Brokers
  6. 6
    Plus500 US
    Welcome Deposit Bonus up to $200
    Trading with leverage involves risk.
    Ratings
    3.5 / 5
    3.7 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    2.8 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.1 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    $100
    0.0 Lots
    CFTC, NFA
    Futures on Forex, Commodities, Cryptos, Indices, Interest Rates
    WebTrader, App
    ACH Transfer, Wire Transfer, Debit Card, Mastercard, Visa
    USD
    Go To Plus500 US

Here is a short overview of each broker's pros and cons

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Plus500 US - Plus500 is a well-established broker that entered the US market in 2021. Authorized by the CFTC and NFA, it provides futures trading on forex, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and interest rates. With a 10-minute sign-up, a manageable $100 minimum deposit, and a straightforward web platform, Plus500 continues to strengthen its offering for traders in the US.

Best Day Trading Platforms and Brokers in the US 2024 Comparison

Best Day Trading Platforms and Brokers in the US 2024 Comparison
Broker US Regulated USD Account Minimum Deposit Markets Platforms Leverage
FOREX.com logo
✔ ✔ $100 Forex, Stocks, Futures, Futures Options MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral 1:50
NinjaTrader logo
✔ ✔ $0 Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto NinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal 1:50
OANDA US logo
✔ ✔ $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
IG logo
✔ ✔ $0 CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentral 1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)
Interactive Brokers logo
✔ ✔ $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
Plus500 US logo
✔ ✔ $100 Futures on Forex, Commodities, Cryptos, Indices, Interest Rates WebTrader, App -

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 OfferActive Trader Program With A 15% Reduction In Costs
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsForex, Stocks, Futures, Futures Options
RegulatorNFA, CFTC
PlatformsMT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$100
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:50
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN

Pros

  • 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.
  • FOREX.com offers industry-leading forex pricing starting from 0.0 pips, alongside competitive cashback rebates of up to 15% for serious day traders.

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.
  • 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.
Visit FOREX.com
FOREX.com Review

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 AccountYes
InstrumentsForex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto
RegulatorNFA, CFTC
PlatformsNinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:50
Account CurrenciesUSD

Pros

  • NinjaTrader continues to deliver comprehensive charting software for active day traders with bespoke technical indicators and widgets
  • NinjaTrader is a widely respected and award-winning futures broker and is heavily authorized by the NFA and CFTC
  • Low fees are offered, with $50 day trading margins & commissions from $.09 per micro contract

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
Visit NinjaTrader
NinjaTrader Review

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."

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

OANDA US Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsForex, Crypto with Paxos (Cryptocurrencies are offered through Paxos. Paxos is a separate legal entity from OANDA)
RegulatorNFA, CFTC
PlatformsOANDA Trade, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:50
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • There's a strong selection of 68 currency pairs for dedicated short-term forex traders
  • OANDA is a reliable, trustworthy and secure brand with authorization from tier-one regulators including the CFTC
  • Seasoned day traders can access industry-leading tools, including an MT4 premium upgrade and advanced charting provided by MotiveWave

Cons

  • It's a shame that customer support is not available on weekends
  • There's only a small range of payment methods available, with no e-wallets supported
  • The range of day trading markets is limited to forex and cryptos only
Visit OANDA US
OANDA US Review

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."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

IG Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting
RegulatorFCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB
PlatformsWeb, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • 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
  • IG offers an extensive collection of professional and engaging educational resources, including webinars, articles, and analysis
  • IG is amongst the best in terms of its range of instruments, which includes stocks, forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, providing ample diversification opportunities

Cons

  • 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
  • Beginners might find IG’s fee structure complex, with various fees for different types of trades or services, potentially leading to confusion or unexpected charges
Visit IG
IG Review

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."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

Interactive Brokers Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsStocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies
RegulatorFCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA
PlatformsTrader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade$100
Leverage1:50
Account CurrenciesUSD, 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.
  • 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.

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.
  • IBKR provides a wide range of research tools, but their distribution across trading platforms and the web-based 'Account Management' page lacks consistency, leading to a confusing user experience.
  • 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.
Visit Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers Review

Plus500 US

"Plus500 US stands out as an excellent choice for beginners, offering a very user-friendly platform, low day trading margins, and access to the Futures Academy to enhance trading skills."

Michael MacKenzie, Reviewer

Plus500 US Quick Facts

Bonus OfferWelcome Deposit Bonus up to $200
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsFutures on Forex, Commodities, Cryptos, Indices, Interest Rates
RegulatorCFTC, NFA
PlatformsWebTrader, App
Minimum Deposit$100
Minimum Trade0.0 Lots
Account CurrenciesUSD

Pros

  • The trading app provides a terrific user experience with a modern design, a clean layout and mobile-optimized charts
  • The Futures Academy is an excellent resource for new traders with engaging videos and easy-to-follow articles, while the unlimited demo account is great for testing strategies
  • Plus500 is a publicly traded company with a good reputation, over 24 million traders, and a sponsor of the Chicago Bulls, instilling a sense of trust

Cons

  • The proprietary platform is user-friendly but lacks advanced technical analysis tools found in third-party solutions like MetaTrader 4
  • Despite competitive pricing, Plus500 US lacks a discount program for high-volume day traders, a scheme found at brokers like Interactive Brokers
  • Although support response times were fast during tests, there is no telephone assistance
Visit Plus500 US
Plus500 US Review

Choosing A Day Trading Platform In The US

There are several key factors to consider when deciding which platform to use for day trading:

Choose A Trusted Broker

We only recommend US day trading brokers we’ve personally tested after weighing their regulatory credentials with their industry standing.

Several ‘Green-Tier’ regulators oversee day trading activities in the US:

Regulators also enforce strict rules to help combat trading scams, which have targeted US traders in recent years. In 2022 for example, Finance Magnets reported that two American nationals, Patrick Gallagher and Michael Dion, used a fake investment firm, Global Forex Management, to swindle $30 million in investor deposits.

I recommend checking any broker you plan on day trading with is regulated in the US. You can do this by using FINRA’s BrokerCheck, which provides details on a company’s history and any disputes.

author image
Jemma Grist
Author
Interactive Brokers FINRA license, showing detailed firm profile
Interactive Brokers – FINRA License
  • IG scooped our vote as the most trusted broker. It’s authorized by 13 regulators including the CFTC in the US, boasts a 50+ year industry, and our experts have traded at IG with real money and reported a stellar day trading environment with no withdrawal issues.

Choose A Broker With Wide Market Coverage

The best platforms provide access to a wide range of financial markets, catering to diverse day trading strategies.

We’ve used the platforms of every broker we’ve recommended and countless more, to make sure they offer trading on popular markets in the US, as well as opportunities in global financial markets.

American traders can speculate on forex with many currency pairs containing a US Dollar component, as well as stocks listed on key stock exchanges like the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq.

Additionally, many top platforms offer short-term trading on popular commodities like oil and natural gas through futures and options.

Infographic showing popular day trading markets in the United States
US Day Trading Markets

In January 2024, the SEC also approved the launch of new spot Bitcoin ETFs for US traders, including the iShares Bitcoin Trust, enabling investors to speculate on current prices without having to buy BTC.

Unlike many countries, CFD day trading is not permitted in the US. These popular short-term trading vehicles are over-the-counter products that are restricted under US securities laws.

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Jemma Grist
Author
  • Interactive Brokers has spent years adding to its suite of instruments, now offering a fantastic selection of products for active traders spanning 15 markets, 24 countries and 27 currencies, including stocks, ETFs, futures, futures options, fixed income, mutual funds, cryptocurrencies, indices and warrants.

Choose A Broker With Low Fees

We only recommend brokers with competitive pricing for active day traders, for whom a large volume of trades can lead to mounting fees.

To identify low-cost day trading brokers in the US, we evaluate fees on popular assets, for example, USD currency pairs like the EUR/USD and GBP/USD, and major indices.

We then balance the trading fees with the quality of the overall day trading environment. For example, it may be worth paying more for tools that provide insights into events that could impact US financial markets such as interest rate decisions from the Federal Reserve Board and yields on bills auctioned by the Department of Treasury.

Financial calendar at FOREX.com filtered for US events and high volatility
FOREX.com – Economic Calendar
  • FOREX.com offers a cost-effective RAW account for serious day traders, with spreads from 0.0 and a $7 commission per $100K on forex and zero commissions on stocks, options and mutual funds. Its Active Trader program can further cut costs by 15%. The platform also provides excellent tools, including a user-friendly financial calendar that you can filter by the US, event type, and volatility, helping to identify short-term trading opportunities.

Choose A Broker With Terrific Charting Tools

The top US brokers stand out by providing intuitive platforms with excellent charting tools that are often employed by short-term traders.

Our experts have spent hundreds of hours testing dozens of charting platforms and day trading apps, balancing ease of use with the range of charting styles, timeframes, indicators and algo trading features.

MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 remain the most popular third-party day trading platforms, especially among seasoned traders. However, they face increasing competition from the likes of TradingView, which sports a more intuitive interface in our view, lending it to beginners.

TradingView-powered web platform at OANDA, showing EUR/USD chart
OANDA Trade Platform – TradingView Chart

Since many US brokerages are focused on securities, specialized terminals are also often available, notably Charles Schwab’s thinkorswim.

Alternatively, brokers like Plus500 have invested heavily in building their own software in recent years, though it still lacks the customization capabilities and account analytics available on leading third-party solutions, despite a slick design that we really enjoy.

💡
Demo accounts are the best way to explore platforms and apps before investing real money. You can place paper day trades on US securities while getting familiar with platform features.
  • IG’s almost unmatched selection of platforms and apps cater to all types of day traders and strategies. Alongside the broker’s proprietary platform and MT4, active traders can use the advanced ProRealTime, which delivers over 100 technical indicators for short-term analysis.

Choose A Broker With Reliable Order Execution

Efficient order execution is crucial, especially for day traders speculating on volatile US stocks like Beneficient (NASDAQ: BENF) and Etao International Co., Ltd (NASDAQ: ETAO), where minor price discrepancies can affect profits.

Let’s say I plan to buy 500 shares of ETAO at $5.00, targeting a quick profit by selling at $5.10. However, slow execution resulted in a buy price of $5.05, and I ended up selling at $5.10.

Instead of the $50 profit I anticipated, I only made $25 in profit.

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Jemma Grist
Author

That’s why we analyze order execution policies and data where available, with our experts deeming <100 milliseconds ‘fast’ for day traders. This will help ensure low latency – the least possible downtime between order placement and fulfilment.

  • OANDA continues to stand out with excellent execution speeds as low as 12 milliseconds on popular markets like EUR/USD. US clients can also request regular trade execution reports, as per the NFA’s transparency requirements.

Methodology

To find the best day trading platforms in the US, we took our vast database of brokers and filtered them on those accepting investors from the United States. We then ranked them on their overall rating which draws on over 200 data points and criteria, notably:

  • Whether they are trusted and regulated by the SEC, CFTC, FINRA or another reputable agency.
  • Whether they offer short-term trading on a range of markets, such as US equities and currencies.
  • Whether they offer low day trading fees, focusing on key markets like EUR/USD and US stocks.
  • Whether they deliver intuitive charting platforms and day trading apps following tests.
  • Whether they offer fast and reliable order execution for active trading strategies.

DayTrading.com broker testing methodology overview

I do not recommend day trading for inexperienced investors. Regardless of the broker you choose, there is a high risk you could incur substantial losses in a short period. Consult with a financial advisor if you are unsure whether day trading aligns with your goals.
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FAQ

Which Is The Best Day Trading Platform In The US?

Use our list of the top day trading brokers in the US to find a suitable platform for your requirements.

All our recommended brokers have been tested by our industry experts, though the choice of day trading platform is ultimately a personal decision.

Who Regulates Day Trading Brokers And Platforms In The US?

Several regulators oversee day trading platforms and activities in the US, including the SEC, CFTC, NFA and FINRA. These authorities often coordinate efforts to combat scams, penalize misconduct, and provide investor protection for day traders.

That said, day trading is inherently risky with many active investors losing money. You can also lose more than your deposit as negative balance protection is not provided as standard in the US, despite it being a requirement in other heavily regulated jurisdictions, notably the UK and Australia.

How Much Money Do I Need To Start Day Trading In The US?

Based on our database of close to 500 day trading brokers, US investors will often need between $0 and $250 to open an account.

That said, some day trading platforms stand out with no minimum, catering to budget investors. The highest-rated are Interactive Brokers and OANDA.

Most US day trading platforms support deposits in debit card, wire transfer and ACH transfer.

Article Sources

The writing and editorial team at DayTrading.com use credible sources to support their work. These include government agencies, white papers, research institutes, and engagement with industry professionals. Content is written free from bias and is fact-checked where appropriate. Learn more about why you can trust DayTrading.com