Best Day Trading Platforms and Brokers in Switzerland 2024
The best day trading platforms in Switzerland offer terrific charting platforms, excellent pricing, fast execution and oversight by a trusted regulator, such as the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA).
Many top brokers also provide CHF accounts for convenient deposits alongside access to local markets, such as the SIX Swiss Exchange and popular currency pairs like the USD/CHF.
Explore the best brokers for day trading in Switzerland, drawing on our direct experiences and comprehensive testing.
Top 10 Platforms For Day Trading In Switzerland
Our tests show these are the top 10 brokers for day trading in Switzerland:
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1AvaTrade20% Welcome Bonus up to $10,000
Ratings
$1000.01 Lots1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM, CIRO, AFMCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, FuturesWebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTradeSkrill, Wire Transfer, FasaPay, Mastercard, Perfect Money, Swift, MoneyGram, Credit Card, WebMoney, JCB Card, Debit Card, Neteller, BoletoUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD -
2IC Markets
Ratings
$2000.01 Lots1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global)ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMACFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, CryptoMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTradePayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Visa, UnionPay, Wire Transfer, Rapid Transfer, Mastercard, POLi, BPAY, Credit Card, Klarna, Swift, SafeChargeUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD -
3Deriv.com
Ratings
$50.01 Lots1:1000MFSA, LFSA, VFSC, BFSCCFDs, Multipliers, Forex, Stocks, Indices, CommoditiesDeriv Trader, Deriv X, MT5, TradingViewNeteller, Visa, Skrill, WebMoney, FasaPay, Perfect Money, Diners Club, Banxa, Paytrust, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, Credit Card, JCB Card, Sticpay, Trustly, Volet, Paysafecard, AstroPay, Maestro, Airtm, Boleto, JetonCash, Przelewy24USD, EUR, GBP, AUD -
4Exness
Ratings
$100.01 Lots1:2000FSA, CySEC, FCA, FSCA, FSC, CBCS, CNMV, KNF, AFMCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, CryptoExness Trade App, MT4, MT5, TradingCentralWire Transfer, Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Bitcoin Payments, Boleto, AirtelUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, INR, JPY, ZAR, MYR, IDR, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD, AED, SAR, HUF, BRL, NGN, THB, VND, UAH, KWD, QAR, KRW, MXN, KES, CNY -
5PepperstoneCFDs and FX are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs.
Ratings
$00.01 Lots1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCBCFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto, Spread BettingMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTradeVisa, Mastercard, Credit Card, Debit Card, PayPal, Wire Transfer, POLi, UnionPay, BPAY, Neteller, SkrillUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD -
6XM$30 No Deposit Bonus When You Register A Real Account
Ratings
$50.01 Lots1:1000ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, IFSCCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Thematic Indices, Precious Metals, EnergiesMT4, MT5, TradingCentralCredit Card, Debit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Wire Transfer, Perfect Money, Apple Pay, Google Wallet, TransferWise, Visa, M-PesaUSD, EUR, GBP, JPY -
7Eightcap
Ratings
$1000.01 Lots1:500ASIC, FCA, CySEC, SCB, CNMVCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, CryptoMT4, MT5, TradingViewNeteller, Skrill, Visa, UnionPay, Credit Card, Debit Card, Bitcoin Payments, Wire Transfer, FasaPay, BPAY, PayPal, Dragonpay, PIX PaymentUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD -
8LiteForex Europe
Ratings
$500.01 Lots1:30CySEC, AFMCFDs, Forex, Indices, CommoditiesMT4, MT5Neteller, Skrill, Visa, QIWI, Mastercard, Perfect Money, Western Union, Credit CardUSD, EUR, GBP, CHF -
9eToro51% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading with this provider. eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.
Ratings
$100$10FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSA, FSRA, MFSA, CNMV, AMFCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, ETFs, Smart Portfolios, Commodities, Futures, Crypto, NFTseToro Web, CopyTrader, TradingCentralVisa, Skrill, Neteller, Wire Transfer, Rapid Transfer, Swift, Debit Card, iDeal, Klarna, Sofort, Trustly, Przelewy24USD, EUR, GBP -
10FOREX.com20% Welcome Bonus Up To $5000
Ratings
$1000.01 Lots1:400NFA, CFTC, CIRO, FCA, CYSEC, ASIC, SFC, FSA, MAS, CIMAForex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Futures, Options, CryptoMT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentralWire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, ACH TransferUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN
This is why we think these brokers are the best in this category:
- AvaTrade - AvaTrade is a leading forex and CFD broker, established in 2006 and regulated across 9 jurisdictions. Over 400,000 users have signed up with the broker which processes over 2 million trades each month. The firm offers multiple trading platforms, including MT4, MT5, and a proprietary WebTrader. 1250+ financial instruments are available for day trading, from CFDs to AvaOptions and now AvaFutures, alongside a comprehensive education center and multilingual customer support.
- 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.
- Deriv.com - Deriv.com is a low cost, multi-asset broker with over 2.5 million global clients. With just a $5 minimum deposit, the firm offers CFDs, multipliers and more recently accumulators, alongside proprietary synthetic products which can't be found elsewhere. Deriv provides both its own in-house charting software and the hugely popular MetaTrader 5.
- Exness - Exness is a Cyprus-based forex and CFD brokerage established in 2008. With over 800,000 clients, several awards and reputable licensing, the broker has maintained its position as a highly respected global brand. Active day traders can access the popular MT4 and MT5 platforms, raw spreads and multiple account types.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- LiteForex Europe - LiteForex Europe is a CFD broker established in 2008 and authorized by the CySEC. The brokerage offers forex, commodities and indices via the MT4 and MT5 platforms. Spreads are ultra tight on ECN accounts and leverage is available up to 1:30 in line with EU regulations. LiteForex also offers a rich education centre for new day traders and social trading capabilities.
- 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.
- 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.
Best Day Trading Platforms and Brokers in Switzerland 2024 Comparison
AvaTrade
"AvaTrade offers the full package for short-term traders. There is powerful charting software, reliable execution, transparent fees, and fast account opening with a low minimum deposit."
Jemma Grist, Reviewer
AvaTrade Quick Facts
Bonus Offer | 20% Welcome Bonus up to $10,000 |
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Demo Account | Yes |
Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, Futures |
Regulator | ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM, CIRO, AFM |
Platforms | WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade |
Minimum Deposit | $100 |
Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
Leverage | 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro) |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD |
Pros
- Automated trading is supported through MetaTrader Expert Advisors (EAs), as well as the AvaSocial and DupliTrade tools
- There's a great range of fee-free deposit methods, including bank wire, credit cards and popular e-wallets like Skrill
- WebTrader is well-suited to beginners and features a strong suite of technical analysis tools and market research for day traders
Cons
- Traders from the US are not accepted
- It’s a shame that there are no rebate schemes for serious traders looking for additional perks - CMC Markets would be a better choice here
- There is no ECN account with raw spreads
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 Account | Yes |
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Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto |
Regulator | ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA |
Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade |
Minimum Deposit | $200 |
Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
Leverage | 1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global) |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- You have access to over 2,250 CFDs across various markets, including forex, commodities, indices, stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies, allowing for diversified trading strategies.
- 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
- Despite four industry-leading third-party platforms, there is no proprietary software or trading app built with new traders in mind.
- 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.
- There are fees for certain withdrawal methods, including a $20 wire charge, which can eat into profits, especially for frequent withdrawals.
Deriv.com
"Deriv.com will suit day traders looking to make fast-paced trades using CFDs and multipliers with high leverage up to 1:1000. The broker is also the industry leader in synthetic indices, which simulate real market movements and are available around the clock. "
Jemma Grist, Reviewer
Deriv.com Quick Facts
Demo Account | Yes |
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Instruments | CFDs, Multipliers, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities |
Regulator | MFSA, LFSA, VFSC, BFSC |
Platforms | Deriv Trader, Deriv X, MT5, TradingView |
Minimum Deposit | $5 |
Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
Leverage | 1:1000 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, AUD |
Pros
- Deriv X now features TradingView integration for a modern trading experience with a superior charting package
- The free demo account is ideal for practicing short-term trading strategies and no registration is required
- Deriv bolstered its short-term trading opportunities in 2024 with accumulator options on simulated indices featuring up to 5% growth rates
Cons
- There are limited copy trading tools and analysis features compared to alternatives like IQ Cent
- There's no loyalty program or rebate scheme for high volume traders
- The range of 100+ assets trails some competitors such as Quotex which offers 400+
Exness
"Exness remains an accessible broker for all experience levels, though experienced day traders will particularly appreciate the ultra-low commission rates, fast withdrawals and high-quality charting software."
Tobias Robinson, Reviewer
Exness Quick Facts
Demo Account | Yes |
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Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto |
Regulator | FSA, CySEC, FCA, FSCA, FSC, CBCS, CNMV, KNF, AFM |
Platforms | Exness Trade App, MT4, MT5, TradingCentral |
Minimum Deposit | $10 |
Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
Leverage | 1:2000 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, INR, JPY, ZAR, MYR, IDR, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD, AED, SAR, HUF, BRL, NGN, THB, VND, UAH, KWD, QAR, KRW, MXN, KES, CNY |
Pros
- Local payments are available, plus deposits in BTC and USDT
- There's excellent 24/7 multilingual customer support via telephone, email and live chat
- There's a strong range of account types for all experience levels and requirements, including Cent, Pro and Raw spread solutions
Cons
- There are no promotional deals or loyalty schemes for high-volume day traders
- There are several regional restrictions for retail traders including the USA, Europe and the UK
- Unlike most competitors, Exness doesn't provide its own education section
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 Account | Yes |
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Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto, Spread Betting |
Regulator | FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB |
Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade |
Minimum Deposit | $0 |
Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- Pepperstone emerges as a low-cost broker, especially for serious day traders with spreads from 0.0 in the Razor account and rebates of 25%+ through the Active Trader program.
- 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.
Cons
- There’s no simplified proprietary trading platform, nor are there any social trading features, which could be a disadvantage if you are new to day trading.
- 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’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.
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
Bonus Offer | $30 No Deposit Bonus When You Register A Real Account |
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Demo Account | Yes |
Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Thematic Indices, Precious Metals, Energies |
Regulator | ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, IFSC |
Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingCentral |
Minimum Deposit | $5 |
Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
Leverage | 1:1000 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, JPY |
Pros
- 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.
- XM stands out for its commitment to trader education, with a wealth of well-presented resources, including webinars, tutorials, and even real-time trading sessions through XM Live.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
- XM relies solely on the MetaTrader platforms for desktop trading, so there’s no in-house downloadable or web-accessible solution for a more beginner-friendly user experience with unique features.
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 Account | Yes |
---|---|
Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto |
Regulator | ASIC, FCA, CySEC, SCB, CNMV |
Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingView |
Minimum Deposit | $100 |
Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
Leverage | 1:500 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD |
Pros
- 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.
- 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.
- Eightcap stands out with a selection of powerful trading tools and resources, including MT4 and MT5, the innovative algorithmic trading platform Capitalise.ai, and more recently the 50-million strong social trading network TradingView.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
LiteForex Europe
"LiteForex is a good option for active day traders with variable spreads from 0.0 pips, daily analysis and high-quality training guides. The forex copy system also lets you duplicate the positions of experienced traders."
William Berg, Reviewer
LiteForex Europe Quick Facts
Demo Account | Yes |
---|---|
Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities |
Regulator | CySEC, AFM |
Platforms | MT4, MT5 |
Minimum Deposit | $50 |
Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
Leverage | 1:30 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CHF |
Pros
- LiteForex has been established for 15+ years and is regulated by a trusted regulator, CySEC
- There's a comprehensive analytics portal by Claws&Horns, which offers video reviews, expert insights and short-term trading signals
- A proprietary copy trading system is available which allows you to copy other trading patterns
Cons
- Fees are fairly high, with spreads starting from 2.0 pips in the Classic account and $10 forex commissions in the ECN account
- There is no swap-free trading account for Muslim day traders
- Cryptocurrency trading is not offered
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 Account | Yes |
---|---|
Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, ETFs, Smart Portfolios, Commodities, Futures, Crypto, NFTs |
Regulator | FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSA, FSRA, MFSA, CNMV, AMF |
Platforms | eToro Web, CopyTrader, TradingCentral |
Minimum Deposit | $100 |
Minimum Trade | $10 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP |
Pros
- 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
- The copy trading app facilitates a best-in-class social environment, with an engaging social feed and community chat
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 limited contact methods aside from the in-platform live chat
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 Offer | 20% Welcome Bonus Up To $5000 |
---|---|
Demo Account | Yes |
Instruments | Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Futures, Options, Crypto |
Regulator | NFA, CFTC, CIRO, FCA, CYSEC, ASIC, SFC, FSA, MAS, CIMA |
Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral |
Minimum Deposit | $100 |
Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
Leverage | 1:400 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN |
Pros
- Alongside a choice of leading platforms, FOREX.com offers a superb suite of supplementary tools including Trading Central research, SMART Signals pattern scanner, trading signals, and strategy builders.
- 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.
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.
- There’s no negative balance protection for US clients, so you may find yourself owing more money than your initial deposit into your account.
Choosing A Day Trading Broker In Switzerland
Drawing on our extensive industry experience, there are several criteria we prioritize when determining the top day trading brokers for Swiss traders:
Choose A Trustworthy Broker
A trusted broker will be transparent about their business practices and importantly, help protect you from trading scams, which we’ve seen more of in recent years with increasing levels of sophistication.
The best sign of a trustworthy broker is a license from a respected regulator. In Switzerland, the Financial Markets Supervisory Authority (FINMA) oversees online brokers that offer popular day trading products, such as CFDs.
FINMA is a ‘green tier’ regulator, meaning it provides the highest level of safeguards for retail investors, including up to 100,000 CHF in depositor protection should a licensed broker go bankrupt.
We verify the regulatory credentials of every day trading broker we review. We also consider their years in the industry, whether they are listed on a stock exchange, and overlay our personal observations during the testing process, to decide whether they can be trusted.
- Swissquote maintains its position as a highly trusted broker for day traders in Switzerland. It’s a FINMA-regulated brokerage and bank with 20+ years in the industry and a listing on the Swiss Stock Exchange (SQN), underscoring its legitimacy.
Select A Broker With Great Pricing
We seek out the brokers with the best possible trading and non-trading fees for the service provided. This is because tight spreads on markets like USD/CHF and the Swiss Market Index, alongside low or no commissions, can be particularly valuable for day traders looking to maximize returns.
On the same note, non-trading fees such as inactivity penalties and funding charges if converting from CHF to an account in USD can make a difference for both casual and active day traders looking to keep costs down.
- IC Markets continues to offer industry-leading pricing, with spreads on the USD/CHF as low as 0.0 pips during peak market hours. High-volume day traders can also take advantage of the Raw Trader Plus rebate scheme, reducing commissions by up to $2.50 per lot.
Pick A Broker With A Wide Range Of Day Trading Markets
For many Swiss day traders, it will be important to gain exposure to local markets, as well as opportunities from regions and economies further afield.
Therefore, we favor brokers with an excellent investment offering, for example, currency pairs such as the USD/CHF, indices like the Swiss Market Index and stocks listed on the SIX, such as Nestle:NESN.
Critically, we also look for products designed for short-term trading, such as contracts for difference (CFDs), allowing users to bet on upward and downward price movements throughout the day.
- XM is a stand-out option for day traders looking for a great range of Swiss stocks such as Zurich Insurance Group (ZURN), as well as 50+ forex pairs with 8 including CHF, 20+ indices including SWI20Cash, 15+ commodities, plus recently added thematic indices.
Prioritize Brokers With High-Quality Charting Software
Day trading strategies often rely heavily on charting tools and technical analysis. That’s why we test each platform using real-money accounts and demo simulators, to evaluate their suitability for short-term trading.
These evaluations take into account the overall design and usability of the software, alongside the availability of various charting types, timeframes, technical indicators, drawing tools, and more.
MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), TradingView and cTrader are still the most popular charting platforms, especially with serious day traders. That said, some brokers also deliver their own simplified software which is often more suitable for newer traders based on our personal experiences.
- AvaTrade consistently ranks toward the top for its superb software offering, including the AvaTradeGO app, plus MT4 and MT5. Alongside dozens of technical indicators, you can also take advantage of automated trading tools such as DupliTrade and a copy trading solution, AvaSocial.
Pick A Day Trading Broker With Fast Execution
Day traders need reliable order execution when trading fast-moving markets, such as the most volatile Swiss stocks like Meyer Burger (MBTN), Spexis (SPEX) and Addex (ADXN).
This is because fast execution helps to reduce slippage (the difference between the expected fill price and the actual fill price), and many top brokers ensure that the resulting fill rate is high, enabling day traders to secure optimal prices.
That’s why we evaluate order execution information and data where practical, and from our years in the day trading industry, consider speeds of less than 100 milliseconds ‘fast’.
- Pepperstone is an ultra-fast day trading broker thanks to institutional-grade hardware which can facilitate average execution speeds of 30 milliseconds on popular assets – perfect for short-term strategies like scalping and algo trading.
Choose A Broker With Flexible Leverage and Margin Requirements
Day trading with flexible leverage means you can increase your purchasing power with a small initial outlay, greatly enhancing your buying power and potential results (returns and losses).
Leverage is a particularly useful tool for experienced day traders with a robust risk management strategy.
Typically, brokers regulated by FINMA can only offer leverage up to 1:30 (3.33% margin) on major currency pairs. So, if you put down 1,000 fr to open a position on the EUR/CHF, the value of your trade will be x30 (30,000 fr).
I’m seeing an increasing number of online brokers registered outside of Switzerland, notably in offshore jurisdictions, offer very high leverage of over 1:1000 to retail day traders.
I do not recommend this, especially for newer traders. Losses can accumulate significantly.
- Deriv offers leverage trading and excels with its helpful margin calculator which lets you see how much capital you to open a position. For example, I needed a margin of $232.48 to trade the Swiss Market Index with a leverage of 1:100.
Methodology
To list the best day trading brokers in Switzerland, we first identified those accepting Swiss traders, then we ranked them by their overarching rating which takes into account multiple factors, notably:
- Whether they are regulated by a reputable financial body, such as the FINMA.
- Whether they offer low day trading fees on popular markets, such as the EUR/CHF.
- Whether they provide wide market coverage, such as Swiss stocks and currencies.
- Whether they deliver powerful and user-friendly charting platforms like MT4.
- Whether they offer reliable order execution that many short-term strategies rely on.
- Whether they offer flexible and transparent leverage.
FAQ
Who Regulates Day Trading Platforms In Switzerland?
The Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) is the regulator responsible for overseeing day trading platforms in Switzerland.
That said, many brokers that accept Swiss traders are regulated by other reputable agencies, such as the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
How Much Money Do I Need To Start Day Trading In Switzerland?
Based on our comprehensive analysis, most brokers accepting day traders from Switzerland let you open an account with less than €250, around 240 CHF.
Some of the best beginner-friendly brokers even let you start with no minimum investment, notably Pepperstone.
Which Is The Best Day Trading Broker In Switzerland?
Our list of the best day trading platforms and brokers in Switzerland will help you find the right firm for your requirements.
Many of the brokers we evaluated are authorized by FINMA or another respected regulator and offer optimal conditions for day traders in Switzerland, including CHF accounts and access to Swiss markets.
Recommended Reading
Article Sources
- Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA)
- Depositor Protection - FINMA
- Broker Register - FINMA
- SIX Swiss Exchange
- Swiss Market Index (SMI) - SIX
- Nestle N - SIX
- Most Volatile Swiss Stocks - TradingView
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