country flag
  1. Home
  2. Day Trading In South Africa 2024
  3. CFD Trading In South Africa

Best CFD Brokers And Trading Platforms In South Africa 2024

Contributor Image
Written By
James Barra
Contributor Image
Written By
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.
» James Barra Profile Page
Contributor Image
Fact Checked By
Jemma Grist
Contributor Image
Fact Checked By
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.
» Jemma Grist Profile Page
Updated
Jun 18, 2024

The number of CFD brokers in South Africa has risen in recent years, driven in part by tougher restrictions from the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), which prompted many trading platforms to expand into developing markets.

Explore the best CFD brokers in South Africa following firsthand tests and exhaustive analysis. We’ve pinpointed the CFD trading platforms that are regulated by the South African Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) and excel in catering to short-term traders in South Africa.

Top 10 CFD Trading Platforms in South Africa

Our findings show these are the 10 top brokers for South African CFD traders:

Click a broker for details
  1. 1
    AvaTrade
    20% Welcome Bonus up to $10,000
    Ratings
    4.8 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    $100
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)
    ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, Futures
    WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
    Skrill, Wire Transfer, FasaPay, Mastercard, Perfect Money, Swift, MoneyGram, Credit Card, WebMoney, JCB Card, Debit Card, Neteller, Boleto
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD
    Go To AvaTrade
  2. 2
    XM
    $30 No Deposit Bonus When You Register A Real Account
    Ratings
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.7 / 5
    3.9 / 5
    $5
    0.01 Lots
    1:1000
    ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, FSC, FSCA, CNMV, AMF
    Forex, Stock CFDs, Turbo Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Precious Metals, Energies, Shares, Crypto, Futures
    MT4, MT5
    Credit Card, Debit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Wire Transfer, Perfect Money, Apple Pay, Google Wallet, TransferWise, Visa, M-Pesa
    USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, JPY, ZAR, CHF, SGD, PLN, HUF
    Go To XM
  3. 3
    Exness
    Ratings
    4.5 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.2 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    $10
    0.01 Lots
    1:2000
    FSA, CySEC, FCA, FSCA, FSC, CBCS, CNMV
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
    Exness Trade App, MT4, MT5, TradingCentral
    Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Bitcoin Payments, Boleto
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, INR, JPY, ZAR, MYR, IDR, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD, AED, SAR, HUF, BRL, NGN, THB, VND, UAH, KWD, QAR
    Go To Exness
  4. 4
    Trade Nation
    200 Sign-Up Reward Points
    84% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
    Ratings
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.1 / 5
    0 / 5
    $0
    0.1 Lots
    1:500 (entity dependent)
    FCA, ASIC, FSCA, SCB, FSA
    Forex, CFDs, Indices, Shares, Commodities, Futures, Bonds, Cryptos (Bahamas Entity Only)
    MT4
    Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Wire Transfer, Skrill, PayPal, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, ZAR, SEK, NOK, DKK
    Go To Trade Nation
  5. 5
    IG
    Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 70% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
    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
  6. 6
    Vantage
    50% Welcome Deposit Bonus, earn redeemable rewards in the Vantage Rewards scheme, Demo contests with prizes up to $2000
    Ratings
    4.6 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.6 / 5
    3.9 / 5
    $50
    0.01 Lots
    1:500
    FCA, ASIC, FSCA, VFSC
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds
    ProTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView, DupliTrade
    Skrill, BPAY, JCB Card, AstroPay, Visa, Swift, Neteller, Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, UnionPay, FasaPay
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, HKD, SGD, PLN
    Go To Vantage
  7. 7
    FxPro
    Ratings
    4.5 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.2 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.1 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.7 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    $100
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro), 1:1000 (Via Prime Ash Capital Limited)
    FCA, CySEC, FSCA, SCB, FSC
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Futures
    FxPro Platform, MT4, MT5, cTrader, AutoChartist, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
    Wire Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Maestro, Mastercard, Visa
    USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, JPY, ZAR, CHF, PLN
    Go To FxPro
  8. 8
    Plus500
    80% of retail CFD accounts lose money.
    Ratings
    3.5 / 5
    4.1 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.1 / 5
    4 / 5
    2 / 5
    3 / 5
    4.1 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    $100
    0.01 Lots
    1:30
    FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, MAS, FSA, FSCA, FMA, EFSA
    CFDs on Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto
    WebTrader, App
    PayPal, Skrill, Visa, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, Credit Card, Debit Card, Trustly, Apple Pay
    USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, ZAR, CZK
    Go To Plus500
  9. 9
    CMTrading
    Ratings
    3.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    3 / 5
    2.8 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    3 / 5
    5 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    $100
    0.01 Lots
    1:200
    FSCA, FSA
    Forex, CFDs, Indices, Shares, Energies, Metals, Cryptos
    CMTrading Webtrader, MT4
    Neteller, UnionPay, FasaPay, Skrill, Wire Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Bitcoin Payments, M-Pesa, Debit Card, Credit Card, Finrax
    USD, EUR, GBP, ZAR
    Go To CMTrading
  10. 10
    Easy Markets
    €100
    Variable
    1:30
    CySec, ASIC, BVI, FSCA
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Cryptos, Commodities
    MT4, MT5, TradingView
    UnionPay, Credit Card, Bitcoin Payments, Debit Card, AstroPay, Perfect Money, WebMoney, Sticpay, Visa, Wire Transfer
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, TRY, SEK, CHF, PLN, CZK
    Go To Easy Markets

Here is a short summary of why we think each broker belongs in this top list:

  1. 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, from CFDs to AvaOptions and now AvaFutures, alongside a comprehensive education center and multilingual customer support.
  2. XM - XM is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker with 10+ million clients in 190+ countries. Since 2009, this trusted broker has been known for its low fees on 1000+ instruments. XM is regulated by multiple financial bodies, including the ASIC and CySEC.
  3. Exness - Exness is a Cyprus-based forex and CFD brokerage established in 2008. With over 800,000 clients, several awards and reputable licensing, the broker has maintained its position as a highly respected global brand. Active day traders can access the popular MT4 and MT5 platforms, raw spreads and multiple account types.
  4. Trade Nation - Trade Nation is a top FX and CFD broker regulated in multiple jurisdictions including the UK and Australia. The firm offers low-cost fixed and variable spreads on 1000+ assets with robust trading platforms and training materials. The Signal Centre can also be used for trade ideas.
  5. IG - Founded in 1974, IG is part of IG Group Holdings Plc, a publicly traded (LSE: IGG) brokerage. The brand 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.
  6. Vantage - Founded in 2009, Vantage offers trading on 1000+ short-term CFD products to over 900,000 clients. You can trade Forex CFDs from 0.0 pips on the RAW account through TradingView, MT4 or MT5. Vantage is ASIC-regulated and client funds are segregated. Copy traders will also appreciate the range of social trading tools.
  7. FxPro - Founded in 2006, FxPro is an established forex, CFD and spread betting broker offering 2100+ assets to over 2 million clients worldwide. The broker is regulated in 4 jurisdictions and offers reliable 24/5 customer support, earning it a high trust and safety score. FxPro has also picked up more than 100 industry accolades for its competitive trading conditions, including fast execution and deep liquidity.
  8. Plus500 - Established in 2008 and headquartered in Israel, Plus500 is a prominent brokerage that boasts over 25 million registered traders in over 50 countries. Specializing in CFD trading, the company offers an intuitive, proprietary platform and mobile app. It maintains competitive spreads and does not charge commissions or deposit or withdrawal fees. Plus500 also continues to shine as one of the most trusted brokers with licenses from reputable regulators, including the FCA, ASIC and CySEC.
  9. CMTrading - CMTrading is one of South Africa's leading online day trading brokers, offering trades with leverage up to 1:1000 on the MetaTrader 4 and browser-based Sirix platforms as well as a bespoke copy trading service. The brokerage launched in 2012 and holds a license with South Africa’s Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA).
  10. Easy Markets - Founded in 2001, easyMarkets is a multi-regulated forex broker offering leveraged trading opportunities on forex, stocks, indices, commodities and crypto. With fixed spreads, an affordable initial deposit, regulation from several reputable bodies and a diverse selection of account currencies, this broker provides simple and straightforward trading solutions to a diverse range of traders.

Best CFD Brokers And Trading Platforms In South Africa 2024 Comparison

Best CFD Brokers And Trading Platforms In South Africa 2024 Comparison
Broker CFD Trading FSCA Regulated ZAR Account Minimum Deposit Leverage Markets
AvaTrade logo
✔ ✔ - $100 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro) CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, Futures
XM logo
✔ ✔ ✔ $5 1:1000 Forex, Stock CFDs, Turbo Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Precious Metals, Energies, Shares, Crypto, Futures
Exness logo
✔ ✔ ✔ $10 1:2000 CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
Trade Nation logo
✔ ✔ ✔ $0 1:500 (entity dependent) Forex, CFDs, Indices, Shares, Commodities, Futures, Bonds, Cryptos (Bahamas Entity Only)
IG logo
✔ ✔ ✔ $0 1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro) CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting
Vantage logo
✔ ✔ - $50 1:500 CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds
FxPro logo
✔ ✔ ✔ $100 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro), 1:1000 (Via Prime Ash Capital Limited) CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Futures
Plus500 logo
✔ ✔ ✔ $100 1:30 CFDs on Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto
CMTrading logo
✔ ✔ ✔ $100 1:200 Forex, CFDs, Indices, Shares, Energies, Metals, Cryptos
Easy Markets logo
✔ ✔ - €100 1:30 CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Cryptos, Commodities

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."

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

AvaTrade Quick Facts

Bonus Offer20% Welcome Bonus up to $10,000
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, Futures
RegulatorASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM
PlatformsWebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
Minimum Deposit$100
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD

Pros

  • Recently introduced AvaFutures offers an alternative vehicle to speculate on over 35 markets with low day trading margins
  • The broker’s unique risk management tool, AvaProtect, protects against losses up to $1 million and is easy to activate in the platform
  • There's a great range of fee-free deposit methods, including bank wire, credit cards and popular e-wallets like Skrill

Cons

  • There’s an above-average $50 inactivity fee after three months, though this won't impact active day traders
  • 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
  • Traders from the US are not accepted
Visit AvaTrade
AvaTrade Review

XM

"XM is one of the best forex and CFD brokers we have tested. The flexible account types will suit a variety of short-term trading styles while the $5 minimum deposit and smooth sign-up process make it easy to start trading."

William Berg, Reviewer

XM Quick Facts

Bonus Offer$30 No Deposit Bonus When You Register A Real Account
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsForex, Stock CFDs, Turbo Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Precious Metals, Energies, Shares, Crypto, Futures
RegulatorASIC, CySEC, DFSA, FSC, FSCA, CNMV, AMF
PlatformsMT4, MT5
Minimum Deposit$5
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:1000
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, JPY, ZAR, CHF, SGD, PLN, HUF

Pros

  • Transparent and low fees with spreads from 0.0 pips that will help protect day trading profit margins
  • 1000+ instruments are available, including recently added thematic indices, providing exposure to emerging industries
  • The broker offers premium research including market sentiment, fundamental insights and strategy builders

Cons

  • There's $5 inactivity fee after only 3 months, though this won't affect active traders
  • PayPal deposits are not supported
  • There is weak regulatory oversight through the global entity
Visit XM
XM Review

Exness

"Exness remains an accessible broker for all experience levels, though experienced day traders will particularly appreciate the ultra-low commission rates, fast withdrawals and high-quality charting software."

Tobias Robinson, Reviewer

Exness Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
RegulatorFSA, CySEC, FCA, FSCA, FSC, CBCS, CNMV
PlatformsExness Trade App, MT4, MT5, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$10
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:2000
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, INR, JPY, ZAR, MYR, IDR, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD, AED, SAR, HUF, BRL, NGN, THB, VND, UAH, KWD, QAR

Pros

  • The broker offers fast execution speeds for short-term traders, averaging under 25ms
  • There's excellent 24/7 multilingual customer support via telephone, email and live chat
  • Local payments are available, plus deposits in BTC and USDT

Cons

  • Unlike most competitors, Exness doesn't provide its own education section
  • There are several regional restrictions for retail traders including the USA, Europe and the UK
  • There are no promotional deals or loyalty schemes for high-volume day traders
Visit Exness
Exness Review

Trade Nation

"Trade Nation is a good choice for newer traders looking for a wide range of financial markets on a user-friendly platform. There is no minimum deposit, free funding options and strong education."

William Berg, Reviewer

Trade Nation Quick Facts

Bonus Offer200 Sign-Up Reward Points
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsForex, CFDs, Indices, Shares, Commodities, Futures, Bonds, Cryptos (Bahamas Entity Only)
RegulatorFCA, ASIC, FSCA, SCB, FSA
PlatformsMT4
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade0.1 Lots
Leverage1:500 (entity dependent)
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, ZAR, SEK, NOK, DKK

Pros

  • The trading firm offers tight spreads and a transparent pricing schedule
  • A choice of trading platforms and apps, including MT4, make the brand a good fit for savvy traders
  • There is a low minimum deposit for beginners

Cons

  • Fewer legal protections with offshore entity
Visit Trade Nation
Trade Nation 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

  • IG offers an extensive collection of professional and engaging educational resources, including webinars, articles, and analysis
  • As a well-established broker, IG operates under strict regulatory guidelines in multiple jurisdictions, maintaining a high level of trust
  • 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
  • Stock and CFD spreads still trail the cheapest brokers like CMC Markets based on tests
  • 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

Vantage

"Vantage remains an excellent option for CFD traders seeking a tightly-regulated broker with access to the reliable MetaTrader platforms. The fast sign-up process and $50 minimum deposit make it very straightforward to start day trading quickly."

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

Vantage Quick Facts

Bonus Offer50% Welcome Deposit Bonus, earn redeemable rewards in the Vantage Rewards scheme, Demo contests with prizes up to $2000
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds
RegulatorFCA, ASIC, FSCA, VFSC
PlatformsProTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView, DupliTrade
Minimum Deposit$50
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:500
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, HKD, SGD, PLN

Pros

  • There’s an excellent suite of day trading software, including the award-winning platforms MT4 and MT5
  • Vantage caters to hands-off investors with beginner-friendly social trading via ZuluTrade & Myfxbook
  • There are no short-term strategy restrictions with hedging and scalping permitted

Cons

  • A steep $10,000 deposit is needed for the best trading conditions, which include the $1.50 commission per side
  • It's a shame that some clients will need to register with the offshore entity, which offers less regulatory protection
  • The average execution speeds of 100ms to 250ms are slower than alternatives based on tests
Visit Vantage
Vantage Review

FxPro

"FxPro is best for experienced traders looking for wide market access, premium research tools and advanced charting platforms. The competitive fees and fast execution will serve serious short-term traders, whilst the BnkPro investment service will appeal to those looking for long-term e-money solutions."

William Berg, Reviewer

FxPro Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Futures
RegulatorFCA, CySEC, FSCA, SCB, FSC
PlatformsFxPro Platform, MT4, MT5, cTrader, AutoChartist, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
Minimum Deposit$100
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro), 1:1000 (Via Prime Ash Capital Limited)
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, JPY, ZAR, CHF, PLN

Pros

  • Comprehensive analysis and trading tools are available for seasoned traders, including signals powered by Trading Central and VPS hosting
  • There's an interactive learning center for beginners with tests, courses, video tutorials and webinars
  • Thousands of CFDs are available across 6 asset classes with a particularly impressive range of indices and precious metals

Cons

  • FxPro's services are mainly geared towards experienced investors and beginners may find the broker's fees and accounts complex
  • There's no copy trading service, which reduces the appeal for strategy providers looking to earn extra revenue
  • The broker charges a $10 inactivity fee after 6 months of account dormancy, though this is more lenient than many brokers
Visit FxPro
FxPro Review

Plus500

"Plus500 offers a super-clean experience for traders with a CFD trading platform that sports a modern design and dynamic charting. That said, the broker’s research tools are limited, fees trail the cheapest brokers, and there’s room for enhancement in its educational resources."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

Plus500 Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs on Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto
RegulatorFCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, MAS, FSA, FSCA, FMA, EFSA
PlatformsWebTrader, App
Minimum Deposit$100
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:30
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, ZAR, CZK

Pros

  • Plus500 has recently bolstered its suite of short-term trading products, including introducing VIX options with enhanced volatility
  • You can utilize leverage while engaging in long or short positions, allowing for more strategic trading opportunities
  • The broker offers commission-free trading on a diverse range of markets, minimizing additional fees while appealing to established traders

Cons

  • Educational resources are limited compared to best-in-class brokers like eToro, impacting the learning curve for beginners
  • Compared to some competitors, especially IG, Plus500’s research and analysis tools are limited
  • The absence of social trading means users can’t follow and replicate the trades of experienced traders
Visit Plus500
Plus500 Review

CMTrading

"CMTrading is a great choice for traders based in South Africa looking to access highly leveraged forex and CFDs, plus copy trading tools and short-term signals."

William Berg, Reviewer

CMTrading Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsForex, CFDs, Indices, Shares, Energies, Metals, Cryptos
RegulatorFSCA, FSA
PlatformsCMTrading Webtrader, MT4
Minimum Deposit$100
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:200
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, ZAR

Pros

  • There's a decent array of educational resources for beginners on the online academy
  • The broker supports the powerful MetaTrader 4 platform plus a proprietary Webtrader and a bespoke social trading feature
  • Clients can access free short-term forex signals from the broker's platform

Cons

  • Spreads are uncompetitive across accounts compared to competitors
  • The broker's market coverage is limited, including only 100+ stocks
  • There are no additional third-party analysis tools such as AutoChartist
Visit CMTrading
CMTrading Review

Easy Markets

"Casual traders who want a secure and straightforward trading environment will find a good broker in easyMarkets. The fixed spreads and upfront fees will also appeal to newer traders and cost-conscious investors."

Tobias Robinson, Reviewer

Easy Markets Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Cryptos, Commodities
RegulatorCySec, ASIC, BVI, FSCA
PlatformsMT4, MT5, TradingView
Minimum Deposit€100
Minimum TradeVariable
Leverage1:30
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, TRY, SEK, CHF, PLN, CZK

Pros

  • easyMarkets is regulated by top authorities including the CySEC and ASIC, and has a strong 20+ year history
  • There’s a wide range of free research tools and news feeds available in all the broker's platforms
  • Day traders can access an excellent range of risk management tools, including negative balance protection, guaranteed stop loss orders and the proprietary dealCancellation tool

Cons

  • There is no VPS service for seasoned algo traders looking to run their automated strategies 24/7
  • The broker doesn’t offer any raw-spread or cent account options, which puts it behind top competitors like Vantage
  • Spreads on the Standard account are fairly wide based on tests, starting from 1.7 pips for EUR/USD
Visit Easy Markets
Easy Markets Review

What To Look For In A South African CFD Broker

Our years testing CFD brokers have taught us there are key factors to look at when picking a platform:

Trust

Choosing a broker you can trust to safeguard your funds is key when CFD trading, especially when South Africa has had its fair share of scams.

For example, South African-based CFD broker, Banxso, was unknowingly involved in the ‘Immediate Matrix’ scam that used a deep fake of tech Billionaire, Elon Musk, to encourage traders to part with millions of Rand. The reputation of this popular South African broker was exploited by scammers.

All our recommended brokers are licensed by the FSCA or another trusted regulator. Our experts check each licence claim against the relevant register, for example, the FSCA’s Authorized Financial Services Providers. Then we factor in our direct observations during the testing process, looking for dependable platforms for day trading CFDs.

Plus500 license details in South Africa's FSCA register
Plus500 – FSCA License
  • Plus500 stands out as a highly trusted CFD broker for South Africans with a license from the FSCA, a superb track record dating back to 2008, over 25 million users, and a listing on the London Stock Exchange, demonstrating a high degree of transparency. Our experts have also traded at Plus500 using real money and praise its secure trading environment.

Underlying Assets

The top CFD brokers in South Africa offer opportunities to speculate on short-term price movements spanning popular financial markets. That’s why we explore the platforms of each CFD broker we test, investigating the range of underlying assets, from stocks and indices to forex, commodities and cryptos.

For example, forex CFDs can be used to speculate on currency pairs with a ZAR element, such as USD/ZAR, GBP/ZAR, and EUR/ZAR. The South African Rand is a relatively unstable currency compared to more commonly traded denominations. This is in part due to South Africa’s developing economy and heavy reliance upon trading partners, such as the US, for its wealth.

In 2023, the ZAR experienced a mass sell-off when reports that South Africa had provided weapons to Russia emerged. Investors feared it could spell Western sanctions given the war in Ukraine. ZAR hit a new low of 19.8 to the dollar.

Popular CFD assets for South African traders

South Africa also has its own stock exchange, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). The 16th largest by market capitalization in the world, although not many brokers offer CFDs on South African stocks.

  • IG offers an extensive suite of 17,000+ CFDs, including 80+ currency pairs with 4 having a ZAR component, as well as commodities like platinum, palladium, gold and iron ore, which South Africa is a major exporter of. Interactive Brokers also stands out with 50+ CFDs on JSE-listed stocks, including Firstrand Ltd (FSR), Impala Platinum (IMP) and Vodacom Group (VOD).

Leverage

Leverage trading is one of the main draws of CFDs, but it also increases the risk of large losses. Therefore we look for brokers who are transparent in their margin trading requirements (the amount of money you must put down to amplify your buying power).

Let’s say I want to use a CFD to take a short position on African Rainbow Minerals (JSE: ARI) following rumours of staff strikes at key locations.

I put down 2,000 Rand and my CFD broker offers me 1:10 leverage, amplifying my position and potential results (profits and losses) to 20,000 Rand (10 x 2,000).

author image
James Barra
Author

However, leverage is not capped, unlike with CFD brokers regulated in Europe or Australia for example, where leverage is typically limited to 1:30 for retail investors. This makes the CFD trading environment in South Africa high-risk, so risk management is essential.

  • XM offers high leverage up to 1:1000 on CFDs, alongside transparent margin requirements and a helpful calculator where you can set ZAR to the base currency. XM will issue a margin call if your account value drops below 50%, and will stop out positions when the account value is 20% of the required margin.

Pricing

Choosing a CFD trading platform with excellent pricing is key, especially for fast-paced strategies like day trading where profit margins can be slim.

That’s why we evaluate CFD fees on the most popular financial markets where possible, covering stocks, indices and commodities. We also consider additional charges, such as inactivity fees and conversion costs if depositing Rand to a trading account denominated in another currency.

💡
Brokers with ZAR accounts can help traders in South Africa reduce conversion fees while providing a smooth trading experience.

Importantly, you should expect higher spreads when trading CFDs on South African assets due to relatively low trading volumes. For example, while we commonly see spreads of <1 pip on the EUR/USD, spreads on the USD/ZAR can reach 120+ pips from our analysis.

  • Vantage excels in its competitive pricing models that cater to a range of CFD traders. Its Standard account offers commission-free trading with floating spreads from 1 pip with straightforward pricing for newer traders, while the Raw ECN and Pro ECN solutions are designed for experienced traders looking for the tightest spreads from 0.0 pips and commissions as low as $1.50.

Account Funding

Convenient, secure and low-cost deposits and withdrawals can make or break the CFD trading experience. That’s why we open accounts at CFD brokers we test and navigate the cashier portal to investigate the range of payment methods available.

For South Africans, we know that 60% of online transactions are completed using credit/debit cards or bank transfers. But e-wallets are becoming increasingly popular, for example, PayPal and Skrill.

  • We love Trade Nation for these reasons: it’s affordable with no minimum deposit, CFD traders can open a ZAR-based account, and there is a great selection of e-wallets, including PayPal and Skrill, alongside Visa, Mastercard and bank transfers.

FAQ

Which Is The Best CFD Broker In South Africa?

We’ve listed, rated and evaluated the best CFD brokers in South Africa. Use our rankings to find the right platform for your needs.

Who Regulates CFD Trading Platforms And Brokers In South Africa?

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) regulates CFD trading platforms and brokers in South Africa.

It replaced South Africa’s Financial Services Board (FSB) in 2018 and is a trusted regulator, though not as respected as bodies like the FCA in the UK or ASIC in Australia.

How Much Money Do I Need To Open A CFD Trading Account In South Africa?

Our analysis shows you often need between 0 and 250 USD, or around 0 to 4,600 ZAR, to open a CFD trading account in South Africa.

That said, IG and Trade Nation have no minimum, making them stand-out options if you want an affordable, FSCA-regulated CFD trading platform.

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