Brokers With USD Accounts
Brokers with USD accounts offer a number of advantages to traders from the US, in particular. This article will outline how you can benefit from opening a USD account plus how to compare brokers on fees, platforms, assets and more. Find out if you should open a USD trading account today.
Brokers With USD Accounts
These are the 6 best brokers that offer accounts with USD as the base currency:
Here is a short overview of each broker's pros and cons
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- eToro USA - eToro is a social investing platform that offers short-term and long-term trading on stocks, ETFs, options and crypto. The broker is well-known for its user-friendly community-centred platform and competitive fees. With FINRA and SIPC oversight and millions of users across the world, eToro is still one of the most respected brands in the industry. eToro securities trading is offered by eToro USA Securities, Inc.
- 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.
- UnitedPips - Operating since 2016 and based in Saint Lucia, UnitedPips is a non-dealing desk broker serving clients in over 137 countries. It specializes in CFD trading across around 80+ assets with high leverage up to 1:1000.
Brokers With USD Accounts Comparison
| Broker | Minimum Deposit | Instruments | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plus500 US | $100 | Futures on Cryptocurrencies, Metals, Agriculture, Forex, Interest rates, Energy, Equity Index future contracts | WebTrader, App |
| NinjaTrader | $0 | Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto | NinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal |
| Interactive Brokers | $0 | Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies | Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, TradingView, eSignal, TradingCentral, ProRealTime, Quantower |
| eToro USA | $100 | Stocks, Options, ETFs, Crypto | eToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader |
| FOREX.com | $100 | Forex, Stocks, Futures, Futures Options | MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral |
| UnitedPips | $10 | CFDs, Forex, Precious Metals, Crypto | UniTrader |
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 Offer | Welcome Deposit Bonus up to $200 |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | Futures on Cryptocurrencies, Metals, Agriculture, Forex, Interest rates, Energy, Equity Index future contracts |
| Regulator | CFTC, NFA |
| Platforms | WebTrader, App |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.0 Lots |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- The straightforward account structure, pricing model and web platform offer an easier route into futures trading than rivals like NinjaTrader
- 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 US excels for its low fees with very competitive day trading margins and no inactivity fees, live data fees, routing fees, or platform fees
Cons
- Despite competitive pricing, Plus500 US lacks a discount program for high-volume day traders, a scheme found at brokers like Interactive Brokers
- While Plus500 US continues to broaden its investment offering, it's currently restricted to around 50+ futures with no stocks
- Although support response times were fast during tests, there is no telephone assistance
NinjaTrader
"NinjaTrader continues to meet the demands of active futures traders looking for low fees and premium analysis tools. The platform hosts top-rate charting features including hundreds of indicators and 10+ chart types."
Tobias Robinson, Reviewer
NinjaTrader Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto |
| Regulator | NFA, CFTC |
| Platforms | NinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:50 |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- NinjaTrader continues to deliver comprehensive charting software for active day traders with bespoke technical indicators and widgets
- You can get thousands of add-ons and applications from developers in 150+ countries
- Low fees are offered, with $50 day trading margins & commissions from $.09 per micro contract
Cons
- The premium platform tools come with an extra charge
- Non forex and futures trading requires signing up with partner brokers
- There is a withdrawal fee on some funding methods
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 Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies |
| Regulator | FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM |
| Platforms | Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, TradingView, eSignal, TradingCentral, ProRealTime, Quantower |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Minimum Trade | $100 |
| Leverage | 1:50 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF |
Pros
- IBKR continues to deliver unmatched access to global stocks with tens of thousands of equities available from 100+ market centres in 24 countries, most recently the Saudi Stock Exchange.
- 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.
- With low commissions, tight spreads and a transparent fee structure, IBKR delivers a cost-effective environment for short-term traders.
Cons
- 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.
- 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.
- Support can be slow and frustrating based on tests, so you might find it challenging to reach customer service representatives promptly or encounter delays in resolving issues.
eToro USA
"eToro remains a top pick for traders looking for leading social investing and copy trading services. With a low deposit, zero commissions and an intuitive platform, the broker will meet the needs of newer day traders."
eToro USA Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | Invest $100 and get $10 |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | Stocks, Options, ETFs, Crypto |
| Regulator | SEC, FINRA |
| Platforms | eToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Minimum Trade | $10 |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- eToro USA Securities is a trustworthy, SEC-regulated broker that is a member of FINRA and SIPC
- Investors can access Smart Portfolios for a more hands-off approach, covering a range of sectors and markets such as renewable energy and artificial intelligence
- A free demo account means new users and prospective day traders can try the broker risk-free
Cons
- The proprietary terminal doesn't support trading bots and there are no additional stock market analysis tools
- There's a narrower range of day trading instruments available compared to competitors, with only stocks, ETFs and cryptos
- There's no MetaTrader 4 platform integration for traders who are accustomed to using third-party charting tools
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."
FOREX.com Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | Active Trader Program With A 15% Reduction In Costs |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | Forex, Stocks, Futures, Futures Options |
| Regulator | NFA, CFTC |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:50 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN |
Pros
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
UnitedPips
"UnitedPips is ideal for traders seeking leveraged trading opportunities, the security of fixed spreads, and the flexibility to deposit, withdraw, and trade cryptocurrencies - all in one sleek TradingView-powered platform."
UnitedPips Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 40% Deposit Bonus |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Precious Metals, Crypto |
| Regulator | IFSA |
| Platforms | UniTrader |
| Minimum Deposit | $10 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:1000 |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- UnitedPips’ platform performs well, with an intuitive design that will appeal to beginners, while the TradingView integration delivers powerful charting tools without overwhelming users, making it straightforward to execute trades efficiently.
- UnitedPips offers impressive leverage up to 1:1000 with zero swap fees or commissions, which can enhance potential returns for day traders and swing traders looking to control prominent positions with less capital.
- Although being handed off mid-chat due to shift changes during testing was frustrating, customer support is generally good with quick, helpful responses, and 24/7 support via phone and email for regional teams is a definite advantage.
Cons
- UnitedPips lacks comprehensive research, while the educational content for beginner traders is woeful. Compared to brokers like eToro, which offers tutorials, webinars, and advanced courses, UnitedPips offers minimal resources to help new traders understand key concepts.
- UnitedPips' selection of tradable instruments is still minimal, comprising a bare minimum selection of forex, metals and crypto. There are no equities, indices or ETFs, which may be a drawback for experienced traders looking for diverse opportunities.
- Unlike brokers such as IG, UnitedPips is an offshore broker not regulated by any 'green tier' financial authorities, raising concerns for traders seeking assurance and protection under well-established regulatory frameworks.
What Is A USD Account?
Brokers with a USD account allow you to trade with the US dollar as your base currency. This comes with key advantages for traders who are registered as citizens in the US. For example, when buying or selling US denominated securities, you won’t need to pay currency conversion charges.
You are still able to trade in these markets with an account registered in another currency, however, you may be subject to conversion fees that can add up if you place frequent trades.
Some brokers with a USD account allow you to register with two currencies i.e. US dollar and a Canadian dollar ‘side’. This enables traders to hold cash and securities in both currencies under the same account. Additionally, if you have already registered in another base currency, some brokers with a USD account allow you to change this on their platform.
Pros Of Brokers With USD Accounts
- Convenience: Registering for a broker with a USD account saves you from having to factor in exchange rates. When funding your account, you can instantly know how much money is coming out of your balance. Also, if you invest in USD forex trading pairs, risk management is less complicated as losses and profits are calculated in the US dollar.
- Taxes: Trading with an account in another currency can become complex when reporting your income in a foreign currency. As a result, a USD account may simplify your annual tax submission.
- Payment methods: USD accounts are likely to have deposit and withdrawal options that are free, easy to use and accessible to traders worldwide. Furthermore, processing times are likely to be rapid with instant funding across many deposit options.
- Fees: A key advantage of signing up for a broker with a USD account is removing currency conversion fees. If you’re based in the US or trade large volumes of major FX pairs, this can help reduce fees that would otherwise eat into profits.
- Regulation: Brokers with USD accounts are often regulated by reputable financial bodies, such as the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in the US, plus the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) in Europe. This provides added protection for retail traders.
How To Check If A Broker Offers A USD Account
Some brokers with a USD account clearly advertise this option while others require a bit of research. Firstly, check on the broker’s website under the accounts section. Here, a USD base currency account may be listed. If you’re still unsure, check with the company’s customer support team.
How To Compare Brokers With USD Accounts
Once you’ve identified brokers with USD accounts, there are a few factors to consider before signing up.
Fees
There are several fees a broker may charge which can impact your bottom line. Check the commission rates and compare spreads during periods of high liquidity as both can cut into profits, especially for active day traders. Other charges to look out for include overnight rollover costs and account inactivity fees.
Platforms
Look for brokers with USD accounts that offer the best trading platforms and tools. A beginner may benefit from the popular MetaTrader 4 while experienced investors looking to implement sophisticated automated trading algorithms may prefer MetaTrader 5. Many of the top platforms have also introduced copy trading services in recent years.
Regulation
Choosing a regulated broker with a USD account is sensible. Licensed brokers are governed by strict rules that protect retail traders from fraud or significant trading risks.
For US traders, in particular, check the broker is licensed with the SEC or CFTFC on the respective website. For international traders, regulatory oversight from the likes of the CySEC or FCA is a good sign that the online broker is legitimate and trustworthy.
Assets
Ensure the broker offers favourable conditions on the assets you want to trade. A good broker will offer a wide range of instruments, from forex and stocks to cryptos and precious metals. The best brokers with USD accounts make trading in US dollar denominated securities straightforward and hassle-free.
Mobile App
Many of the top brokers with USD accounts offer a user-friendly mobile application where you can make deposits, analyse the markets, and take positions. Most mobile trading apps are free to download from the respective app store.
Demo Account
Brokers with live USD accounts may also offer a demo account. This is a great way to test the platform with virtual funds before risking your own dollars. Once you’re comfortable with the broker’s services you can upgrade to a real-money trading account.
Final Word; Brokers With USD Accounts
Brokers with a USD account can help streamline the trading experience for users from the US and those actively investing in the forex market. They can help cut currency conversion fees and offer straightforward access to popular trading assets. Fortunately, many of the best online platforms now offer USD accounts. See our list for our top picks.
FAQ
How Do I Open A USD Trading Account?
You can sign up for a USD trading account on a broker’s website. There will usually be a ‘Sign Up’ button followed by on-screen instructions. Depending on the account type, you will need to fill in personal details, answer questions about your investing knowledge and provide identification documents. You should then be able to pick the USD account option.
Which Online Brokers Offer A USD Account?
Reliable brokers with a USD account include Pepperstone, Plus 500 and CMC Markets. All these platforms are regulated and offer extensive access to popular assets including forex, stocks and cryptocurrencies. See our table for more options.
How Do I Switch To A Broker With A USD Account?
Firstly, check if your current broker will let you switch from your existing currency to a USD account. You can contact the broker’s customer service team for assistance. If it’s not possible, you may need to withdraw your balance and open a new account with the US dollar as the base currency.
Why Should I Trade With Brokers With A USD Account?
The main benefit is avoiding currency conversion fees. USD accounts can also make for a convenient trading experience, offering easy market access with straightforward deposits and withdrawals.
Who Regulates Brokers With USD Accounts?
The main regulatory bodies that protect US retail traders are the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Cyprus Securities & Exchange Commission (CySEC) also govern many international trading brokers.