CFD Trading Apps
Nowadays, investors have several platform options where they can trade contracts for difference – the most versatile being CFD trading apps. With their rise in popularity, new applications are entering the market all the time, making it increasingly hard to know how to find the best of the bunch. In this review, we’ll dive into what CFD trading apps are, how they work, their advantages and disadvantages, plus how to compare them. We’ve also listed the brokers offering the best CFD trading apps in 2024 below.
Top Brokers With CFD Trading Apps
These are the 10 top apps for trading CFDs based on our findings:
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1Interactive BrokersApps for iOS & Android
Ratings
$0$1001:50FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFMStocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, CryptocurrenciesTrader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentralCheque, ACH Transfer, Wire Transfer, Automated Customer Account Transfer Service, TransferWise, Debit CardUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF -
2IQCentApps for iOS & Android20% to 200% Deposit Bonus
Ratings
$250$0.011:500IFMRRCBinary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, CryptoOnline Platform, TradingViewCredit Card, Debit Card, Wire Transfer, Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum Payments, Visa, MastercardUSD, EUR -
3RedMarsApps for iOS & Android
Ratings
€2500.01 Lots1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)CySEC, AFMCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, CryptosMT5Credit Card, Wire Transfer, Debit Card, Sticpay, FasaPay, Bitcoin Payments, Trustly, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Klarna, Mastercard, VisaUSD, EUR -
4IGApps for iOS & AndroidForex trading involves risk. Losses can exceed deposits.
Ratings
$00.01 Lots1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFMCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread BettingWeb, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentralPayPal, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, Credit Card, Visa, Debit CardUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD -
5VideforexApps for Android20% to 200% Deposit Bonus
Ratings
$250$0.011:500Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, CryptoTradingViewSkrill, Perfect Money, Bitcoin Payments, Neteller, Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Ethereum PaymentsUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB -
6PlexytradeApps for iOS & Android120% Cash Welcome Bonus
Ratings
$500.011:2000CFDs, Forex, Indices, Stocks, Commodities, CryptoMT4, MT5Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum PaymentsUSD, EUR -
7InstaTradeApps for iOS & Android
Ratings
$10.011:1000BVI FSCFISP, CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos, FuturesInstaTrade Gear, MT4Visa, Mastercard, Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum PaymentsUSD, EUR, RUB -
8BinaryCentApps for iOS, Android20% - 200% deposit bonus
Ratings
$250$0.011:500VFSCCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Cryptos, Options, CommoditiesOwnVisa, Mastercard, Debit Card, Credit Card, Skrill, WebMoney, Neteller, Bitcoin Payments, Wire Transfer, Perfect Money, Ethereum PaymentsUSD -
9World ForexApps for iOS, Android + Web Browser100% Deposit Bonus
Ratings
$10.01 Lots1:1000SVGFSAForex, CFD Stocks, Metals, Energies, Cryptos, Digital ContractsMT4, MT5Wire Transfer, Debit Card, Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Google Wallet, Apple Pay, Perfect Money, Bitcoin Payments, VoletUSD, EUR, RUB -
10RaceOptionApps for iOS & Android20% - 200% Deposit Bonus
Ratings
$250$0.011:500Binary Options, CFDsTradingViewCredit Card, Debit Card, Bitcoin Payments, Neteller, Skrill, Perfect Money, Mastercard, Visa, Ethereum PaymentsUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB
Here is a short summary of why we think each broker belongs in this top list:
- Interactive Brokers - The IBKR Mobile app, available on both iOS and Android devices, makes your phone a powerful gateway to your IBKR accounts, offering you the freedom to keep an eye on portfolios, initiate trades, and dive into real-time quotes and charts, all while managing your account activities on the fly. This app stands out for its intuitive design, making it especially welcoming for those just starting their trading journey, providing a smoother and more accessible experience than the more complex TWS platform.
- IQCent - IQCent offers mobile trading directly through major browsers with an intuitive design that we love. You can navigate your account, browse assets and trade binaries in a few clicks. Straightforward access to the copy trading feature at the bottom is also a bonus, alongside the interactive charts which you can pinch to zoom.
- RedMars - RedMars doesn’t offer a proprietary platform, which might be a consideration for beginners. The only choice is MetaTrader 5 (MT5), available for desktop, web, and mobile. The lack of support for MT4, cTrader, or TradingView is disappointing, with MT4 easier to use than MT5, cTrader sporting a more user-friendly interface, and TradingView proving excellent due to its advanced charting and community-sourced indicators.
- IG - IG offers a superb all-round trading app. One of the pioneers of mobile trading, the application has been developed and refined over many years, meaning it is now among the best trading apps. Quick response, user-friendly layout, access to full charting and a stable and reliable application. It also offers guaranteed stops – an important risk management tool not available on many apps we’ve tested.
- Videforex - Videforex stands out with its comprehensive and user-friendly mobile trading solution, offering short-term binaries across a wide range of assets. The web-accessible application is fast, intuitive, and perfect for beginners, complete with a helpful guide upon first use. Videforex’s ongoing enhancements, including the addition of candlestick charts for technical analysis, further enrich the user experience.
- Plexytrade - Rather than developing its own app, Plexytrade offers its 100+ instruments on the MT4 and MT5 mobile platforms. While MetaTrader is favored by experienced traders, the absence of a proprietary trading app results in a steep learning curve for beginners. It also means deposits, withdrawals and account management have to be completed through the Plexytrade website, leading to a less complete mobile trading experience.
- InstaTrade - InstaTrade offers its own app that’s been downloaded more than 2 million times and facilitates trading on its 300+ instruments from your palm. Fast, responsive and sporting a modern interface, it supports real-time quotes, an array of orders, and analytical tools. However, what stood out during testing was the ‘hot’ ideas and trading signals, helping investors find opportunities.
- BinaryCent - BinaryCent, like most binary brokers, doesn’t offer its own app – just trading through mobile browsers. In this instance, the result is an average workspace with relatively crisp graphics, one-tap trading and access to copy trading from the menu at the bottom. However, charts don’t optimize well when you turn the device horizontally and the pop-up promotions were distracting during testing, detracting from the overall user experience.
- World Forex - The WorldForex Trader Lite app offers very basic mobile trading capabilities. It took upwards of 30+ minutes just to get access to the trading app, with a frustrating process to open an account. The mobile interface itself has a subpar look and feel, encompassing basic charts and order windows. The other issue is that it’s slow and sometimes lags when you move between features and place trades. Ultimately, it trails category leaders.
- RaceOption - Despite a couple of connection issues during testing, the RaceOption mobile trading solution overwhelmingly delivers. All the settings you need to amend binary parameters are available around the chart and it’s as simple as clicking the ‘Up’ and ‘Down’ buttons to confirm a trade. Clicking ‘My Trades’ in the bottom left of the mobile interface also makes monitoring multiple trades a hassle-free exercise.
CFD Trading Apps Comparison
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
FTSE Spread | 0.005% (£1 Min) |
---|---|
GBPUSD Spread | 0.08-0.20 bps x trade value |
Stocks Spread | 0.003 |
Leverage | 1:50 |
Regulator | FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM |
Platforms | Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral |
Mobile Apps | iOS & Android |
iOS App Rating | / 5 |
Android App Rating | / 5 |
Demo Account | Yes |
Instruments | Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies |
Minimum Deposit | $0 |
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.
- While primarily geared towards experienced traders, IBKR has made moves to broaden its appeal in recent years, reducing its minimum deposit from $10,000 to $0.
- 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.
IQCent
"IQCent will appeal to day traders looking for a straightforward binary options and CFD trading platform with low fees, a range of accounts, and copy trading. Getting started takes less than 1 minute and a $250 deposit. "
Jemma Grist, Reviewer
IQCent Quick Facts
Bonus Offer | 20% to 200% Deposit Bonus |
---|---|
FTSE Spread | 1.4 |
GBPUSD Spread | 0.8 |
Stocks Spread | N/A |
Leverage | 1:500 |
Regulator | IFMRRC |
Platforms | Online Platform, TradingView |
Mobile Apps | iOS & Android |
iOS App Rating | / 5 |
Android App Rating | / 5 |
Demo Account | Yes |
Instruments | Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto |
Minimum Deposit | $250 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR |
Pros
- There's an accessible $0.01 minimum stake for new day traders with a small budget
- IQCent is one of the few binary options brokers that also offers a copy trading service for hands-off traders
- Keen traders can take part in trading contests with cash prizes
Cons
- There's no automated trading support for algo traders
- IQCent trails binary brokers like Quotex with its narrow investment offering of around 100 assets with no stocks
- The market analysis is very basic with limited technical summaries and insights from analysts
RedMars
"RedMars is the best fit for experienced day traders familiar with the MetaTrader 5 platform and based in the EU, where the broker is authorized by the CySEC. However, the threadbare education and research tools make it unsuitable for beginners."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
RedMars Quick Facts
FTSE Spread | 15 |
---|---|
GBPUSD Spread | 0.7 |
Stocks Spread | Variable |
Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) |
Regulator | CySEC, AFM |
Platforms | MT5 |
Mobile Apps | iOS & Android |
iOS App Rating | / 5 |
Android App Rating | / 5 |
Demo Account | Yes |
Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos |
Minimum Deposit | €250 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR |
Pros
- Clients in the EU, in particular, can trade with peace of mind knowing RedMars is authorized by the CySEC with up to €20K compensation available through the ICF in the event of bankruptcy
- The broker supports a range of flexible payment methods, including wire transfers, credit cards, e-wallets, and notably cryptocurrencies
- The broker is one of a limited number of firms to offer an account specially designed for VIPs with premium support and invites to exclusive events
Cons
- The no-frills trading environment offers little beyond the basics, with no Islamic account, PAMM account or copy trading.
- While RedMars' spreads are within industry averages, they don't offer a significant edge over the cheapest day trading brokers we've personally used, notably IC Markets
- With just 300 instruments, RedMars offers a narrow trading environment, particularly compared to category leaders like BlackBull Markets which offers 26,000 assets
IG
"IG continues to provide a comprehensive package with an intuitive web platform, best-in-class education for beginners, advanced charting tools bolstered by its recent TradingView integration, real-time data, and fast execution speeds for experienced day traders."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
IG Quick Facts
FTSE Spread | 1.0 |
---|---|
GBPUSD Spread | 0.9 |
Stocks Spread | 0.02 |
Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro) |
Regulator | FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM |
Platforms | Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral |
Mobile Apps | iOS & Android |
iOS App Rating | / 5 |
Android App Rating | / 5 |
Demo Account | Yes |
Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting |
Minimum Deposit | $0 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- 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, plus recently added US-listed futures and options, providing ample diversification opportunities.
- The proprietary web-based platform continues to caters to traders of all levels, with advanced charting tools and real-time market data useful for day trading, while IG has also added TradingView integration.
Cons
- While there is negative balance protection in the UK and EU, there is no account protection or guaranteed stop losses for US clients.
- 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.
Videforex
"Videforex will serve traders looking for a no-frills, easy-to-use platform to speculate on the direction of popular financial markets through binaries. With a sign-up process that takes a matter of minutes and a web-accessible platform, getting started is a breeze. "
William Berg, Reviewer
Videforex Quick Facts
Bonus Offer | 20% to 200% Deposit Bonus |
---|---|
FTSE Spread | Floating from 0.2 |
GBPUSD Spread | Floating from 0.1 |
Stocks Spread | NA |
Leverage | 1:500 |
Platforms | TradingView |
Mobile Apps | Android |
iOS App Rating | / 5 |
Android App Rating | / 5 |
Demo Account | Yes |
Instruments | Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto |
Minimum Deposit | $250 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB |
Pros
- Traders can earn up to 98% payouts on 100+ assets with the broker’s binary options, bringing it in line with competitors like IQCent.
- Videforex is one of the few brokers with 24/7 multilingual video support, providing comprehensive assistance for active traders.
- Videforex regularly runs trading contests, offering practice opportunities and cash prizes to beginners and experienced traders, with position sizes from just ¢0.01.
Cons
- Videforex lacks authorization from a trusted regulator, meaning traders may receive little to zero safeguards like segregated client accounts.
- The client terminal needs improvements based on our latest tests, sporting sometimes slow and unresponsive widgets which could dampen the experience for day traders.
- The absence of any educational tools is a serious drawback for newer traders who can find blogs, videos and live trading sessions at category leaders.
Plexytrade
"Plexytrade is a newcomer in the brokerage scene with attention-grabbing features like 1:2000 leverage, zero spreads on select instruments and fast execution speeds of less than 46 milliseconds. However, the absence of regulation is a significant concern, while the non-existent research and educational tools place it far behind industry frontrunners."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
Plexytrade Quick Facts
Bonus Offer | 120% Cash Welcome Bonus |
---|---|
FTSE Spread | 0.8 |
GBPUSD Spread | 0.8 |
Stocks Spread | 5 |
Leverage | 1:2000 |
Platforms | MT4, MT5 |
Mobile Apps | iOS & Android |
iOS App Rating | / 5 |
Android App Rating | / 5 |
Demo Account | Yes |
Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Indices, Stocks, Commodities, Crypto |
Minimum Deposit | $50 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR |
Pros
- Plexytrade accommodates a range of trading methods and short-term strategies, including scalping, hedging, and automated trading.
- There are various VPS packages starting from $50 per month, but they become complimentary once specific deposit thresholds are reached.
- Despite lacking regulation, Plexytrade provides negative balance protection and reinforces safety protocols by holding client funds in segregated accounts.
Cons
- There are no social or copy trading features for inexperienced traders to replicate the trades of more experienced investors, trailing category leaders like eToro.
- There are no research and educational materials, falling short of alternatives like IG, while access to the economic calendar is restricted to clients with balances of $500.
- With around 100 instruments, Plexytrade restricts the flexibility of investors who prefer to trade across various assets, especially compared to Blackbull with its 26,000 securities.
InstaTrade
"Although InstaTrade offers active trading on a comprehensive platform, it stands out with its fairly unique Fixed Income Structured Product (FISP), providing passive investment opportunities with up to 50% returns in 6 months if conditions are met. "
Christian Harris, Reviewer
InstaTrade Quick Facts
FTSE Spread | 660 |
---|---|
GBPUSD Spread | 0.2 |
Stocks Spread | 8 (Apple Inc) |
Leverage | 1:1000 |
Regulator | BVI FSC |
Platforms | InstaTrade Gear, MT4 |
Mobile Apps | iOS & Android |
iOS App Rating | / 5 |
Android App Rating | / 5 |
Demo Account | Yes |
Instruments | FISP, CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos, Futures |
Minimum Deposit | $1 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, RUB |
Pros
- Despite an average investment offering of around 300 assets, InstaTrade offers a particularly strong suite of currency pairs, catering to advanced traders seeking opportunities in volatile exotics.
- VPS hosting caters to algo trading strategies with a dedicated physical server providing rapid execution speeds as low as 9 milliseconds.
- InstaTrade TV, consisting of video interviews and valuable market insights spanning equities, cryptos and more, helps identify opportunities and inform short-term trades.
Cons
- InstaTrade sports one of the most cluttered websites and client cabinets in the industry, potentially overwhelming new traders, especially compared to XTB’s intuitive trading journey and resources.
- InstaTrade’s growing educational tools provide valuable information for aspiring traders, but still trail category leaders like eToro with no structured course based on experience level.
- InstaTrade is registered in the offshore jurisdiction of the British Virgin Islands, resulting in limited regulatory safeguards for retail investors.
BinaryCent
"Traders who want a reliable binary options broker with a streamlined platform and high payouts should try out BinaryCent."
Tobias Robinson, Reviewer
BinaryCent Quick Facts
Bonus Offer | 20% - 200% deposit bonus |
---|---|
FTSE Spread | Floating |
GBPUSD Spread | Floating |
Stocks Spread | Floating |
Leverage | 1:500 |
Regulator | VFSC |
Platforms | Own |
Mobile Apps | iOS, Android |
iOS App Rating | / 5 |
Android App Rating | / 5 |
Demo Account | Yes |
Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Cryptos, Options, Commodities |
Minimum Deposit | $250 |
Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- Trade binary contracts from $0.10 allowing trading opportunities for all budgets
- Payouts up to 95% are higher than most competitors and increases profit potential
- Copy trading and binary options bots are useful for beginner traders
Cons
- Not available to traders based in the US
- The $250 minimum deposit is higher than most binary options brokers
- Not overseen by any reputable regulator, raising risks and reducing customer protections
World Forex
"World Forex provides both highly leveraged CFDs and digital contracts, making this a good broker for clients who want flexible and rewarding ways to trade. The copy trading service will also appeal to newer traders."
Tobias Robinson, Reviewer
World Forex Quick Facts
Bonus Offer | 100% Deposit Bonus |
---|---|
FTSE Spread | NA |
GBPUSD Spread | NA |
Stocks Spread | From 0.03 |
Leverage | 1:1000 |
Regulator | SVGFSA |
Platforms | MT4, MT5 |
Mobile Apps | iOS, Android + Web Browser |
iOS App Rating | / 5 |
Android App Rating | / 5 |
Demo Account | Yes |
Instruments | Forex, CFD Stocks, Metals, Energies, Cryptos, Digital Contracts |
Minimum Deposit | $1 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, RUB |
Pros
- Demo account
- MT4, MT5 and a proprietary trading terminal
- Low deposit of $1
Cons
- No negative balance protection
- Weak regulation
- Withdrawal fees apply
RaceOption
"RaceOption will appeal to investors looking for a feature-rich binary options trading experience with regular contests, account-based perks, and copy trading. The catch is its unregulated status, with little to zero investor protections available based on our investigations."
William Berg, Reviewer
RaceOption Quick Facts
Bonus Offer | 20% - 200% Deposit Bonus |
---|---|
FTSE Spread | Variable |
GBPUSD Spread | Variable |
Stocks Spread | Variable |
Leverage | 1:500 |
Platforms | TradingView |
Mobile Apps | iOS & Android |
iOS App Rating | / 5 |
Android App Rating | / 5 |
Demo Account | Yes |
Instruments | Binary Options, CFDs |
Minimum Deposit | $250 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB |
Pros
- RaceOption is in the less than 1% of brokers that offers video chat, available 24/7 in multiple languages, although the knowledge of agents about trading and regulatory issues needs improvement from our direct experience.
- RaceOption makes account funding a breeze with fee-free and near-instant deposits via bank cards and cryptos, plus guaranteed withdrawals processing within 1 hour.
- Payouts on popular underlying assets like EUR/USD can reach 95%, beating out most alternatives based on our evaluations, and increasing potential returns, while the first 3 trades are risk-free in Silver and Gold accounts.
Cons
- RaceOption is one of the only brokers not to offer a demo account, which when considered alongside the absence of education, makes this broker a poor choice for beginners.
- RaceOption is an unregulated, high-risk broker that doesn’t provide investor compensation or legal recourse options should you run into trading or withdrawal issues.
- While still affordable for many retail investors, the $250 minimum deposit raises the entry barrier, especially compared to Deriv and World Forex who are designed for budget traders.
What Is A CFD Trading App?
To start trading CFDs, you will need to use platform software provided by a broker. This can be accessed via desktop, web platform or mobile app. However, CFD trading using an application allows you to execute trades through a mobile device, such as a tablet or smartphone. CFD mobile trading has revolutionised traditional methods of investing, offering greater control on the go instead of being bound to your desktop.
The best CFD trading applications should offer the same tools, charts, services and markets with the same functionality as the web platform. However, this is not always the case as we will cover later.
How Do CFD Trading Apps Work?
CFD trading apps allow you to trade your chosen instruments with a mobile device wherever and whenever you want. Whether you’re investing from the UK, US or Australia, CFD trading apps offer global access to markets from one mobile trading platform. Your account usually accessed on your desktop should mirror the positions on your mobile app, making for seamless trading wherever you go.
The application will have the same interface as the desktop platform with mobile-optimized charting and technical analysis tools that are specifically designed for Android and iOS operating systems.
To start using a CFD trading app, you’ll need to download it through the app store of your choice. Once you’ve created a CFD trading account, you can explore the markets available and open long or short positions. Plus, you can set up trading alerts to receive in-app push notifications for instant updates on your trades and instruments. CFD trading app notifications allow you to monitor open positions on the platform and close them directly on the application.
Pros Of CFD Trading Apps
- Flexibility: The key benefit of CFD trading apps is the ability to trade on the go. Modern traders do not have to tie themselves to multiple trading screens for long hours. Instead, they have access to a powerful platform within the reach of their pocket.
- Instant Notifications: The best CFD trading apps have a wide range of notifications options, such as trading and price alerts. In this way, you’re able to keep up-to-date with trades instantly without waiting to hop on a web trading platform. CFD mobile traders have the option of setting up push, SMS or email notifications so you never miss a key event, order notification or price alert.
- Ubiquitous: CFD trading apps are becoming much more commonplace as platforms prioritise having mobile solutions. Nowadays, most regulated brokers offer CFD trading apps, so traders don’t have to restrict their options or compromise.
- Improved Technology: Top brokers are constantly developing and enhancing their CFD trading app software to match the tools and charts on the web-based platform. Therefore, the gap between the CFD mobile trading experience and desktop platform is narrowing.
- Full Functionality: CFD trading apps provide access to all the features you need to open, monitor and close your positions at any time and anywhere. Additionally, the best applications provide flexible access to thousands of global markets with fast execution.
Cons Of CFD Trading Apps
- Restrictions: Not all CFD trading apps will have equal access to markets compared to what is offered on desktop trading software. The restricted access can prevent the execution of a trader’s strategy and access to their full product portfolio.
- Connectivity Issues: Mobile connectivity can still be an issue in remote areas, making it difficult to access a mobile app-based CFD trading platform. Connection issues can cause a delay on a live data feed and potentially disrupt traders from placing an order whilst on the go. When the speed of execution is key, a delay in information can make or break trades.
- Limited Screen Size: Typically, web CFD trading software provides data that can be hard to view on a smaller screen. Therefore, traders may find the small screen size a big drawback of CFD trading apps.
How To Compare CFD Trading Apps
When it comes to choosing the best CFD trading apps, there are several factors to consider:
Compatibility
Before you open an account with a CFD trading app, you want to make sure their mobile platform is compatible with your tablet or smartphone. Check whether the application is suitable for an iOS or Android operating system and available for download on the App Store or Google Play Store.
Features
Each CFD trading app has unique features that will suit your personal trading style. Some may require a watchlist or specific order types, while some may need trading alerts or one-click execution. In particular, scalpers may want a selection of charts with up to one-minute timeframes.
Fees
Traders should always consider the transactions costs of a CFD trading app. However, these are likely to be the same as you’d get on a desktop. Regardless of the platform, brokers will usually charge interest for long positions held overnight on CFDs. Commission charges will be a percentage of a trade size e.g. 0.3% or as a minimum charge, like $7. However, some CFD trading apps provide commission-free trading depending on the broker you select.
Market Access
Do you wish to trade CFDs in indices, shares, commodities or forex? Do you want access to the global markets? Some CFD trading apps restrict access to some assets or currency pairs, which you’ll have to consider before opening an account. The best CFD trading apps in the UK, Germany and Australia, such as IG and CMC Markets offer global market access.
Reliability
CFD trading apps need to be dependable, especially when your live funds are on the line. These factors can make or break your profitability. Can you execute instant orders with up to date and live price quotes? You’ll want to ensure that the pricing structure is transparent with no hidden fees. While you don’t need to choose a regulated CFD trading app to enter the market, a licensed provider authenticates the application’s legitimacy.
Security
The best CFD trading apps should take additional steps to ensure account security. Some key features to note are two-factor authentication, SSL encryption and segregated bank accounts. Additionally, regulated CFD trading applications provide an additional layer of compensation should the provider go bankrupt.
Deposit & Withdrawals
Not all deposit & withdrawal times are the same across CFD trading apps. Some brokers will allow instant deposits to your account, meaning you can begin trading right away. However, longer deposit times are common, making same-day trading difficult. Consider, does the CFD trading app provide a wide range of payment methods or your most preferred payment option?
Customer Support
Sometimes, you may encounter issues with the CFD trading app that need to be resolved with urgency. Therefore, it’s vital that you opt for a reliable and responsive customer support team. Nowadays, the best CFD trading apps offer in-app 24/7 support in multiple languages.
Education
Whether you’re a new CFD trader or an experienced professional, CFD trading apps usually offer educational resources. As a leveraged instrument, trading CFDs are highly risky. Therefore, careful risk management should be embedded into your strategy. Make use of stop-losses and buy limit orders so that you don’t run the risk of losing more than you can afford.
Final Word
In this article, we covered how to compare CFD trading apps for iOS and Android and discussed how the flexibility that comes with mobile applications can benefit your strategy. However, traders must also consider the limitations of mobile trading, in particular, connectivity issues and screen size. Whether you’re trading in the US, UK or Australia, choosing the best CFD trading apps can be overwhelming with the wide range of options. Nonetheless, the level of innovation among the best CFD trading apps means that prioritising your investing needs can come first.
FAQs
How Do I Get Started Trading CFDs?
To start trading CFDs, you will need to open an account with an online broker. Brokers facilitate access to the market through CFD trading software. This is provided through web-based, desktop or mobile platforms. You will then need to fund your trading account. CFD trading apps allow you to manage and execute your trades on the go. Plus, you can test out a CFD trading app with a free demo account.
How Do I Find The Best CFD Trading Apps?
Choosing the best CFD trading apps for you will depend on several factors, such as your trading style, skill level and even your country. Therefore, you should consider your priorities during your research. Perhaps commission-free trading is important to you, or an application with a wide range of tools for technical analysis. Some of the best CFD trading apps to download in the UK and Australia from regulated brokers include CMC Markets, IG and eToro.
What Is The Difference Between Web-based CFD Trading Software And CFD Trading Apps?
The main difference between web-based CFD trading software and a mobile application is that you can trade on the go without being tied to your desktop. However, some brokers allow differences in instruments on CFD trading apps vs desktop platforms. Another key difference is the limitation of screen size when comparing a mobile device and desktop. This can make technical analysis difficult for traders that love to dive into the data. Fees, deposit and withdrawal methods should remain the same between platforms, but it is worth noting any differences on the broker’s website.
How Do I Test CFD Trading Apps?
Most CFD trading apps offer a free demo account to test out their platform in a simulated environment with virtual funds. Generally, you will only be asked to input a few simple details, such as your name and email to get started.
Does Barclays Offer A CFD Trading App?
Barclays offers a trading app for novice and experienced investors called Smart Investor, which can be accessed through their mobile banking app. Here, you can invest in thousands of instruments, including derivatives like CFDs.