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Best CFD Brokers and Trading Platforms in Australia 2025

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Written By
James Barra
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Written By
James Barra
James is an investment writer with a background in financial services. As a former management consultant, he has worked on major operational transformation programmes at prominent European banks. James authors, edits and fact-checks content for a series of investing websites.
» James Barra Profile Page
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Fact Checked By
Jemma Grist
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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
Nov 11, 2024

CFD brokers in Australia should be regulated by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC), which has strengthened its investor protections in recent years, limiting leverage to 1:30 for retail investors and taking legal action against trading platforms for over-marketing CFDs.

Explore our selection of the best CFD brokers in Australia. Every platform recommended has been exhaustively reviewed, earned the trust of our experts, and caters specifically to Aussie CFD traders.

Top 10 CFD Trading Platforms in Australia

Our tests show that these are the 10 top platforms for Australian CFD traders:

Click a broker for details
  1. 1
    Pepperstone
    CFDs and FX are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 81.8% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs.
    Ratings
    4.6 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.1 / 5
    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
    FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB
    CFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto, Spread Betting
    MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade
    Visa, Mastercard, Credit Card, Debit Card, PayPal, Wire Transfer, POLi, UnionPay, BPAY, Neteller, Skrill, PIX Payment
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD
    Go To Pepperstone
  2. 2
    IC Markets
    Ratings
    4.6 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.1 / 5
    4.2 / 5
    $200
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
    ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto
    MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
    PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Visa, UnionPay, Wire Transfer, Rapid Transfer, Mastercard, POLi, BPAY, Credit Card, Klarna, Swift, SafeCharge
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD
    Go To IC Markets
  3. 3
    AvaTrade
    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, CIRO, AFM
    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
  4. 4
    Fusion Markets
    Ratings
    3.5 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    1.3 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:500
    ASIC, VFSC, FSA
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
    MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, DupliTrade
    Visa, Skrill, Neteller, Mastercard, PayPal, Bitcoin Payments, FasaPay, Perfect Money, Doku Wallet, Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Dragonpay, Sticpay, Ethereum Payments, TransferWise, AstroPay, PayID, JetonCash
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD
    Go To Fusion Markets
  5. 5
    XM
    Ratings
    3.8 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.7 / 5
    3.9 / 5
    $5
    0.01 Lots
    1:30
    ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, IFSC
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Thematic Indices, Precious Metals, Energies
    MT4, MT5, TradingCentral
    Credit Card, Debit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Wire Transfer, Perfect Money, Apple Pay, Google Wallet, TransferWise, Visa, M-Pesa
    USD, EUR, GBP, JPY
    Go To XM
  6. 6
    Eightcap
    Ratings
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.6 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    $100
    0.01 Lots
    1:30
    ASIC, FCA, CySEC, SCB
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
    MT4, MT5, TradingView
    Neteller, Skrill, Visa, UnionPay, Credit Card, Debit Card, Bitcoin Payments, Wire Transfer, FasaPay, BPAY, PayPal, Dragonpay, PIX Payment
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD
    Go To Eightcap
  7. 7
    eToro
    eToro AUS Capital Ltd ACN 612 791 803 AFSL 491139. OTC Derivatives are speculative and leveraged. Not suitable for all investors. Capital At Risk. See eToro T&Cs.
    Ratings
    4.8 / 5
    4.2 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4 / 5
    $100
    $10
    FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSA, FSRA, MFSA, CNMV, AMF
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, ETFs, Smart Portfolios, Commodities, Futures, Crypto, NFTs
    eToro Web, CopyTrader, TradingCentral
    Visa, Skrill, Neteller, Wire Transfer, Rapid Transfer, Swift, Debit Card, iDeal, Klarna, Sofort, Trustly, Przelewy24
    USD, EUR, GBP
    Go To eToro
  8. 8
    FOREX.com
    20% Welcome Bonus Up To $5000
    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
    1:400
    NFA, CFTC, CIRO, FCA, CYSEC, ASIC, SFC, FSA, MAS, CIMA
    Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Futures, Options, Crypto
    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
  9. 9
    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
  10. 10
    easyMarkets
    50% Deposit Bonus Or Up To A $2000 Tradable Bonus
    Ratings
    4.1 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    3.6 / 5
    $25
    0.01 lots
    1:2000
    CySEC, ASIC, FSCA, FSC, FSA
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
    easyMarkets App, Web Platform, MT4, MT5, TradingView, TradingCentral
    UnionPay, Credit Card, Bitcoin Payments, Debit Card, AstroPay, Perfect Money, WebMoney, Sticpay, Visa, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, Ethereum Payments
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, TRY, SEK, NOK, CHF, HKD, SGD, PLN, CZK, MXN, CNY
    Go To easyMarkets

Here is a summary of why we recommend these brokers:

  1. 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.
  2. IC Markets - IC Markets is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker known for its excellent pricing, comprehensive range of trading instruments, and premium trading technology. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Australia, the brokerage is regulated by the ASIC, CySEC and FSA, and has attracted more than 180,000 clients from over 200 countries.
  3. AvaTrade - Established in 2006, AvaTrade is a leading forex and CFD broker trusted by over 400,000 traders. Operating under regulation in 9 jurisdictions, AvaTrade processes an impressive 2+ million trades each month. Through like MT4, MT5, and its proprietary WebTrader, the broker provides a growing selection of 1,250+ instruments. Whether it’s CFDs, AvaOptions, or the more recent AvaFutures, short-term traders at all levels will find opportunities. With terrific education and 24/5 multilingual customer support, AvaTrade delivers the complete trading experience.
  4. Fusion Markets - Fusion Markets is an online broker established in 2017 and regulated by the ASIC, VFSC and FSA. It is best known for its low-cost forex and CFD trading, although its multiple account types and copy trading solutions cater to a range of traders. New clients can sign up and start trading in 3 easy steps.
  5. XM - XM is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker with 10+ million clients in 190+ countries. Since 2009, this trusted broker has been delivering low trading fees across its growing roster of 1000+ instruments. It’s also highly regulated, including by ASIC and CySEC and offers a comprehensive MetaTrader experience.
  6. 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 800+ 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.
  7. eToro - eToro is a top-rated multi-asset platform which offers trading services in thousands of CFDs, stocks and cryptoassets. Launched in 2007, the brand has millions of active traders globally and is authorized by tier one regulators, including the FCA and CySEC. The brand is particularly popular for its comprehensive social trading platform. Cryptoasset investing is highly volatile and unregulated in the UK and some EU countries. No consumer protection. Tax on profits may apply. 51% of retail CFD accounts lose money.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. easyMarkets - Established in 2001, easyMarkets has made for a name for itself as a trusted, fixed spread broker. Improvements to its tools over the years, from adding the MetaTrader suite and TradingView to enhancing its exclusive risk management tools like dealCancellation, mark it out from the competition.

Best CFD Brokers and Trading Platforms in Australia 2025 Comparison

Best CFD Brokers and Trading Platforms in Australia 2025 Comparison
Broker CFD Trading ASIC Regulated AUD Account Minimum Deposit Leverage Markets
Pepperstone logo
✔ ✔ ✔ $0 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) CFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto, Spread Betting
IC Markets logo
✔ ✔ ✔ $200 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto
AvaTrade logo
✔ ✔ ✔ $100 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro) CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, Futures
Fusion Markets logo
✔ ✔ ✔ $0 1:500 CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
XM logo
✔ ✔ - $5 1:30 CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Thematic Indices, Precious Metals, Energies
Eightcap logo
✔ ✔ ✔ $100 1:30 CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
eToro logo
✔ ✔ - $100 - CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, ETFs, Smart Portfolios, Commodities, Futures, Crypto, NFTs
FOREX.com logo
✔ ✔ ✔ $100 1:400 Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Futures, Options, Crypto
Trade Nation logo
✔ ✔ ✔ $0 1:500 (entity dependent) Forex, CFDs, Indices, Shares, Commodities, Futures, Bonds, Cryptos (Bahamas Entity Only)
easyMarkets logo
✔ ✔ ✔ $25 1:2000 CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto

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."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

Pepperstone Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto, Spread Betting
RegulatorFCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB
PlatformsMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • Now offering spread betting through TradingView, Pepperstone provides a seamless, tax-efficient trading experience with advanced analysis tools.
  • Pepperstone boasts impressive execution speeds, averaging around 30ms, facilitating fast order processing and execution that’s ideal for day trading.
  • 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

  • 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.
  • Despite enhancements to its range of markets, crypto offerings are relatively limited compared to other brokers such as eToro, with no option to invest in real coins.
  • Pepperstone does not support cTrader Copy, a popular copy trading feature built into the excellent cTrader platform and available at alternatives like IC Markets, though it has introduced an intuitive copy trading app.
Visit Pepperstone
Pepperstone Review

IC Markets

"IC Markets offers superior pricing, exceptionally fast execution and seamless deposits. The introduction of advanced charting platforms, notably TradingView, and the Raw Trader Plus account, ensures it remains a top choice for intermediate to advanced day traders."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

IC Markets Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto
RegulatorASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA
PlatformsMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
Minimum Deposit$200
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • IC Markets offers among the tightest spreads in the industry, with 0.0-pip spreads on major currency pairs, making it especially cost-effective for day traders.
  • IC Markets offers fast and dependable 24/5 support based on firsthand experience, particularly when it comes to accounts and funding issues.
  • As a tightly regulated and widely respected broker, IC Markets prioritizes client security and transparency, helping to ensure a reliable trading experience globally.

Cons

  • While IC Markets offers a selection of metals and cryptos for trading via CFDs, the range is not as extensive as brokers like eToro, limiting opportunities for traders interested in these asset classes.
  • Interest isn't paid on unused cash, an increasingly popular feature found at alternatives like Interactive Brokers.
  • There are fees for certain withdrawal methods, including a $20 wire charge, which can eat into profits, especially for frequent withdrawals.
Visit IC Markets
IC Markets Review

AvaTrade

"AvaTrade offers active traders everything they need: an intuitive WebTrader, powerful AvaProtect risk management, a smooth 5-minute sign-up process, and dependable support you can rely on in fast-moving markets."

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

AvaTrade Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, Futures
RegulatorASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM, CIRO, AFM
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

  • Support at AvaTrade performed excellently during testing, with response times of 3 minutes and localized support in major trading jurisdictions, including the UK, Europe and the Middle East.
  • AvaTrade continues to enhance its suite of products, recently through AvaFutures, providing an alternative vehicle to speculate on over 35 markets with low day trading margins.
  • Years on, AvaTrade remains one of the few brokers offering a bespoke risk management tool, AvaProtect, that insures losses up to $1M for a fee and is easy to activate on the platform.

Cons

  • Although the deposit process itself is smooth, AvaTrade still doesn’t facilitate crypto payments, a feature increasingly offered by brokers like TopFX, which caters to crypto-focused traders.
  • AvaTrade’s WebTrader has improved, but work is still needed in terms of customizability – frustratingly widgets like market watch and watchlists can’t be hidden, moved, or resized.
  • The AvaSocial app is good but not great – the look and feel, plus the navigation between finding strategy providers and account management needs upgrading to rival category leaders like eToro.
Visit AvaTrade
AvaTrade Review

Fusion Markets

"Fusion Markets is a standout option for forex traders looking for excellent pricing with spreads near zero, industry-low commissions and recently TradingView integration. It’s a particularly good broker for Australian traders where the company is headquartered and regulated by the ASIC."

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

Fusion Markets Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
RegulatorASIC, VFSC, FSA
PlatformsMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, DupliTrade
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:500
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • Average execution speeds of around 37 milliseconds are noticeably faster than many rivals and can help day traders secure optimal prices in fast-moving markets.
  • Fusion Markets continues to impress with its pricing that provides tight spreads with below-average commissions that will appeal to active day traders.
  • Fusion Markets offers best-in-class support with very fast, friendly and helpful responses during tests and no frustrating automated chatbot to navigate.

Cons

  • Traders outside of Australia must sign up with weakly regulated global entities with limited safeguards and no negative balance protection.
  • Fusion Market trails alternatives, notably eToro and IG, in the education department with limited guides and live video sessions to upskill new traders.
  • While the selection of currency pairs trumps most rivals, the broker's alternative investment offering is average with no stock CFDs beyond the US.
Visit Fusion Markets
Fusion Markets Review

XM

"With a low $5 minimum deposit, advanced charting platforms in MT4 and MT5, expanding range of markets, and a Zero account offering spreads from 0.0, XM provides all the essentials for active traders, even earning our ‘Best MT4/MT5 Broker’ award in recent years."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

XM Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Thematic Indices, Precious Metals, Energies
RegulatorASIC, CySEC, DFSA, IFSC
PlatformsMT4, MT5, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$5
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:30
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, JPY

Pros

  • XM’s customer support has delivered over years of testing, with 24/5 assistance in 25 languages, response times of <2 minutes and now a growing Telegram channel.
  • XM’s Zero account is ideal for day trading with spreads from 0.0 pips, 99.35% of orders executed in <1 second, and no requotes or rejections.
  • XM’s growing roster of 1,000+ instruments provides diverse short-term trading opportunities, with unique turbo stocks, fractional shares, and more recently thematic indices.

Cons

  • XM is falling behind the curve by not offering cTrader and TradingView which are increasingly being favored over MetaTrader for their smoother user experience and superior charting packages.
  • While the XM app stands out for its usability and exclusive copy trading products, the selection of technical analysis tools needs to be improved to meet the needs of advanced traders.
  • Although trusted and generally well-regulated, the XM global entity is registered with the weak IFSC regulator and UK clients are no longer accepted, reducing its market reach.
Visit XM
XM Review

Eightcap

"Eightcap delivers in every area for day traders with a growing selection of charting platforms, education via Labs, and AI-powered tools. Now sporting 120+ crypto CFDs, it's also become a stand-out choice for crypto trading, winning our 'Best Crypto Broker' award two years in a row."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

Eightcap Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
RegulatorASIC, FCA, CySEC, SCB
PlatformsMT4, MT5, TradingView
Minimum Deposit$100
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:30
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD

Pros

  • 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.
  • Having excelled across all key areas for day traders, Eightcap outperformed every competitor to win our 'Best Overall Broker' award for 2024, also securing our 'Best Crypto Broker' title.
  • 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

  • Eightcap needs to continue bolstering its suite of instruments to match category leaders like Blackbull Markets with its 26,000+ assets, featuring a particularly weak selection of commodities.
  • 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.
  • 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.
Visit Eightcap
Eightcap Review

eToro

"eToro's social trading platform leads the pack with a terrific user experience and active community chat that can help beginners find opportunities. There are also competitive fees on thousands of CFDs and real stocks, plus excellent rewards for experienced strategy providers."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

eToro Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, ETFs, Smart Portfolios, Commodities, Futures, Crypto, NFTs
RegulatorFCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSA, FSRA, MFSA, CNMV, AMF
PlatformseToro Web, CopyTrader, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$100
Minimum Trade$10
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP

Pros

  • The copy trading app facilitates a best-in-class social environment, with an engaging social feed and community chat
  • The broker's services are great for beginners, with commission-free stock trading, a low minimum deposit and an unlimited demo
  • eToro has finally introduced EUR and GBP accounts, cutting conversion fees and providing a trading experience more tailored to local needs

Cons

  • There is a $30 minimum withdrawal amount and a $5 fee, which will affect novices with low capital
  • The lack of additional charting platforms like MT4 will reduce the appeal for seasoned day traders accustomed to using third-party software
  • There are no guaranteed stop loss orders which would be a useful risk management feature for beginners
Visit eToro
eToro Review

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 Offer20% Welcome Bonus Up To $5000
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsForex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Futures, Options, Crypto
RegulatorNFA, CFTC, CIRO, FCA, CYSEC, ASIC, SFC, FSA, MAS, CIMA
PlatformsMT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$100
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:400
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN

Pros

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

  • Funding options are limited compared to leading alternatives like IC Markets and don’t include many popular e-wallets, notably UnionPay and POLi.
  • Demo accounts are frustratingly time-limited to 90 days, which doesn’t give you enough time to test day trading strategies effectively.
  • FOREX.com's MT4 platform offers approximately 600 instruments, significantly fewer than the over 5,500 available on its non-MetaTrader platforms.
Visit FOREX.com
FOREX.com 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

  • Full range of investments via leveraged CFDs for long and short opportunities
  • The trading firm offers tight spreads and a transparent pricing schedule
  • Trade Nation is a multi-regulated and respected broker that previously operated as Core Spreads

Cons

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

easyMarkets

"easyMarkets provides fixed spreads starting at 0.7 pips, making it an excellent choice for beginners seeking predictable trading costs. After adding a Bitcoin-based account, it’s also a stand-out option for crypto-focused traders who want to deposit, trade, and withdraw in digital currencies."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

easyMarkets Quick Facts

Bonus Offer50% Deposit Bonus Or Up To A $2000 Tradable Bonus
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
RegulatorCySEC, ASIC, FSCA, FSC, FSA
PlatformseasyMarkets App, Web Platform, MT4, MT5, TradingView, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$25
Minimum Trade0.01 lots
Leverage1:2000
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, TRY, SEK, NOK, CHF, HKD, SGD, PLN, CZK, MXN, CNY

Pros

  • With 20+ years in the industry, multiple awards, and authorization from two ‘green tier’ regulators, easyMarkets continues to earn its reputation as a secure broker for active traders.
  • easyMarkets added Bitcoin as a base currency in 2019. This marks it out against most of the market and eliminates the need to convert crypto to fiat, reducing conversion fees and simplifying management for crypto-focused traders.
  • Unlike variable spreads offered by 90%+ of brokers we've tested, easyMarkets provides fixed spreads from 0.7 pips. This makes trading costs predictable, a significant advantage for beginners and those trading in volatile markets.

Cons

  • easyMarkets is falling behind by not providing the copy trading features you get at category leader eToro, which are popular among beginners looking to follow the strategies of experienced traders.
  • easyMarkets does not offer a zero-spread account like Pepperstone, which can be a drawback for day traders and high-frequency traders who require minimal transaction costs.
  • While easyMarkets provides solid educational resources for beginners, they fall short for advanced traders. The Academy offers well-structured courses and engaging gamification, but the overall content lacks depth.
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easyMarkets Review

Choosing A CFD Broker in Australia

Our years in the industry and direct experience using CFD trading platforms shows there are several things to consider when selecting a broker:

Trust

We’ve selected CFD providers we trust after verifying they are regulated by the ASIC, ensuring the highest level of safeguards for Aussie traders. We also factored in our personal observations during the testing process, looking for dependable trading platforms with an excellent industry reputation.

The ASIC is the financial authority responsible for regulating CFD trading in Australia. It’s a ‘Green-tier’ regulator, meaning it actively monitors CFD brokers and provides the best investor protections.

Notably, the ASIC requires:

  • Brokers market CFDs fairly by assessing traders’ suitability, with eToro coming under its crosshairs in 2023 for its appropriateness test.
  • Brokers cap the leverage available to retail investors on popular underlying assets like the AUD/USD at 1:30, limiting potential losses.
  • Brokers provide negative balance protection, ensuring investors can’t lose more than their account balance while trading leveraged CFDs.
  • Brokers operate segregated accounts with trusted banks like the Australia & New Zealand Banking Group, keeping client money separate from the company should the firm face difficulties.
  • Brokers should not entice CFD traders with bonuses, such as free trading credits, a practice popular in Australia during the 2010s.
Details of Australian CFD Broker Fusion Markets on ASIC Register
Fusion Markets – ASIC License
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You can check whether a CFD broker is regulated in Australia by running their company name or Australian Financial Services License (AFSL) number through ASIC Connect.
  • Fusion Markets (FMGP Trading Group Pty Ltd), is a highly trusted CFD provider in Australia. It’s regulated by the ASIC (AFSL #385620), headquartered in Melbourne, and operates Client Trust Accounts with the National Australia Bank (NAB).

Markets

Contracts for difference can be used to speculate on rising and falling prices across a huge range of underlying markets, from stocks and indices to forex, commodities, cryptos, and more.

For Australians, in particular, it may be worth looking for brokers with access to local markets, such as the Australian Stock Exchange and currency pairs with an AUD component.

We’ve recommended CFD trading platforms that provide access to popular Aussie markets, as well as global markets, providing an array of short-term trading opportunities for investors at every level.

Popular CFD trading assets in Australia
CFD Trading Markets Australia

The Australian economy is one of the strongest in the world and the country has not experienced a technical recession for over 27 years, the longest of any economy globally.

It is also home to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), the largest stock exchange in the southern hemisphere, and the Sydney Stock Exchange (SSX). Its currency, the Australian dollar (AUD), is one-half of the fourth most traded currency pair globally – AUD/USD.

The country is also heavily influenced by trade between the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), such as Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia, and is part of an economic framework agreement known as ASEAN plus six.

CFD traders interested in commodities will also find Australia an attractive market, with mining making up around 7-8% of the country’s GDP. Iron, gold and copper are among the top commodities mined in the country.

  • AvaTrade offers an excellent investment offering, especially for Australian CFD traders, with highlights including the Australia 200 Index and seven AUD currency pairs, including the AUD/USD, GBP/AUD and AUD/JPY. It also offers CFDs on gold and copper.

Leverage

The availability of leverage, which allows you to multiply your trading results (profits and losses) in return for a small outlay, known as margin, is one of the main draws of CFD trading.

However, we only recommend Australian CFD brokers that abide by ASIC’s rules which mandate retail investors can’t access leverage beyond 1:30 for major currency pairs, 1:20 for minor currency pairs, 1:10 for commodities, 1:5 for shares and 1:2 for cryptos.

Let’s say I want to go long on Telstra Corporation (TLS) following an announcement from a respected industry outlet suggesting a promising 5G rollout across Australia.

I invest 200 AUD in a stock CFD using 1:5 leverage. This allows me to control 1,000 AUD (5 x 200 AUD).

If Telstra’s stock price rises by 10%, my position increases to 1,100 AUD, resulting in a 100 AUD profit (minus any fees).

author image
James Barra
Author
Using IC Markets margin calculator to work out leverage on AUD/USD forex CFD
IC Markets – Margin Calculator
  • IC Markets offers leveraged CFDs in line with ASIC’s requirements, while excelling with its free Margin Calculator that shows you the required margin in AUD. Our experts have also traded CFDs at IC Markets using real money and praise its lightning-fast execution that caters to fast-paced strategies like day trading.

Cost

Pricing is a critical consideration for CFD traders, especially day traders executing many orders. That’s why we analyze spreads on a range of underlying assets, from forex and commodities to stocks and indices, helping us identify the cheapest CFD brokers for Australian traders.

You’ll typically pay a spread and/or commission when dealing in CFDs. Importantly, newer traders may prefer a spread-only account – these feature higher spreads but keep pricing simple with zero commissions. Alternatively, experienced day traders may favor a low-spread account with a fixed commission.

  • Fusion Markets consistently excels as one of the lowest-cost CFD providers in Australia, with average spreads of 0.04 on the AUD/USD and an impressively low $2.25 commission per side. The ASX200 also averages 1.2, while gold (XAU/AUD) averages 2.72.

Funding

The top brokers in Australia ensure a smooth CFD trading experience by facilitating hassle-free deposits and withdrawals, with an accessible minimum investment of up to 250 USD, around 400 AUD.

We’ve researched the payment methods most important to Australian CFD traders and factored their availability into our broker ratings. For example, PayID is one of the most popular methods in Australia, with over a third of Aussies using it for an online transaction in recent years.

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Choose a broker with an AUD account. This will help keep conversion costs down while making managing CFD trading activity straightforward for Australians.
  • City Index stands out with its excellent selection of convenient payment methods for Australian CFD traders, notably Pay ID and BPAY, alongside traditional bank cards and wire transfers. There is also no account minimum or deposit fees.

FAQ

Which Is The Best CFD Broker In Australia?

Find the best CFD broker in Australia for your needs using our latest rankings.

Every platform recommended has been personally tested by our industry experts, accepts CFD traders from Australia, and is authorized by the ASIC.

Who Regulates CFD Trading Platforms And Brokers In Australia?

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) regulates CFD trading platforms and brokers in Australia.

The ASIC is widely respected for its excellent investor safeguards, notably negative balance protection, limits on leverage, and its active pursuit of brokers for their over-marketing of CFDs and failing to provide appropriate suitability tests, notably eToro in 2023.

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

Our analysis shows you typically need up to 400 AUD to open a CFD trading account in Australia.

That said, some brokers cater to budget traders with no minimum investment. The highest-rated are Pepperstone and IC Markets.

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