Credit Card Brokers 2024
Credit cards are among the most popular and convenient payment methods globally. Credit card transactions are accepted by most merchants, including the top trading brokers. Existing cardholders can deposit funds into FX trading accounts in just a few clicks.
This review details the benefits and drawbacks of trading with credit cards, including fees, limits and deals. We also list the best online brokers that accept credit card deposits in 2024.
Best Credit Card Brokers
Following our analysis, these are the top 10 brokers with credit card payments:
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1
FOREX.comActive Trader Program With A 15% Reduction In Costs
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$1000.01 Lots1:50NFA, CFTCForex, Stocks, Futures, Futures OptionsMT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentralWire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, ACH TransferUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN -
2
IGForex trading involves risk. Losses can exceed deposits.
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$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 -
3
Pocket Option50% Deposit Bonus
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$50$1MISABinary Options, Currencies, Commodities, Stocks, Indices, CryptosWeb, MT4, MT5Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Bitcoin Payments, Volet, Perfect Money, Visa, Mastercard, Debit Card, WebMoney, FasaPay, Ethereum Payments, Maestro, JetonCash, AirtelUSD -
4
IQCent20% to 200% Deposit Bonus
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$250$0.011:500IFMRRCBinary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, CryptoOnline Platform, TradingViewCredit Card, Debit Card, Wire Transfer, Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum Payments, Visa, MastercardUSD, EUR -
5
RedMars
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
€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 -
6
Capitalcore40% Deposit Bonus up to $2,500
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$100.01 Lots1:2000IFSAForex, Metals, Stocks, Cryptos, Futures IndicesWebTrader, ProEthereum Payments, Mastercard, Visa, Perfect Money, Bitcoin Payments, Debit Card, Credit Card, PayPalUSD -
7
UpholdTerms Apply. Cryptoassets are highly volatile. Your capital is at risk.
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$0$1CryptosDesktop Platform, Mobile AppWire Transfer, ACH Transfer, Bitcoin Payments, Debit Card, Credit Card, Mastercard, Visa, Ethereum PaymentsUSD, EUR, GBP -
8
CEX.IO
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$20$1GFSCCryptosTradingViewDebit Card, Credit Card, Wire Transfer, Swift, Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Neteller, Apple Pay, Google Wallet, Bitcoin PaymentsUSD, EUR, GBP -
9
Videforex20% to 200% Deposit Bonus
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$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 -
10
xChief$100 No Deposit Bonus
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$100.01 Lots1:1000ASICCFDs, Forex, Metals, Commodities, Stocks, IndicesMT4, MT5Wire Transfer, Bitcoin Payments, Credit Card, UnionPay, Skrill, Neteller, WebMoney, Perfect Money, Debit Card, Ethereum Payments, FasaPay, VoletUSD, EUR, GBP, JPY, CHF
Here is a summary of why we recommend these brokers:
- 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.
- IG - Founded in 1974, IG is part of IG Group Holdings Plc, a publicly traded (LSE: IGG) brokerage. The brand-US offers spread betting, CFD and forex trading across an almost unrivalled selection of 17,000+ markets, with a range of user-friendly platforms and investing apps. For 50 years, IG has maintained its position as an industry leader, excelling in all key areas for traders.
- Pocket Option - Established in 2017, Pocket Option is a binary options broker offering high/low contracts on forex, stocks, indices, commodities and cryptocurrencies. With over 100,000 active users and a global reach, the platform continues to prove popular with budding traders.
- IQCent - IQCent is an offshore binary options and CFD broker based in the Marshall Islands. The brand continues to offer a range of unique account types with bonuses and perks, including payout boosts, TradeBacks and free rollovers. With 100+ assets, around-the-clock trading and 98% payouts, the firm is popular with aspiring short-term traders.
- RedMars - Launched in 2020, Cyprus-based RedMars offers competitive spreads on more than 300 instruments and leverage up to 1:500. Three accounts are available - Standard, Pro and VIP - serving a range of budgets and experience levels, with a fast and fully digital account opening process.
- Capitalcore - Capitalcore is an offshore broker, based in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and established in 2019. Traders can choose from four accounts (Classic, Silver, Gold, VIP) with lower spreads and larger bonuses as you move through the tiers. Where Capitalcore distinguishes itself is its high leverage up to 1:2000 and zero swap fees, though these don’t compensate for the weak oversight from the IFSA and paltry education and research.
- Uphold - Uphold is a digital asset platform offering a range of services, from crypto trading and staking to payment cards that provides rewards and easy multi-currency payments. The company was established in 2015 and has enabled $4+ billion in transactions. Uphold is now active in 180+ countries and deals in 200+ crypto and fiat currencies.
- CEX.IO - CEX.IO is one-stop-shop for crypto investors where you can buy and sell popular digital tokens, speculate on prices with margin trading and earn rewards through staking. Since it launched in 2013, more than five million traders have deposited over $7.5 billion. CEX.IO is registered with the FinCEN in the US and the GFSC in the EU.
- Videforex - Launched in 2017, Videforex offers access to stock, index, crypto, forex and commodities markets via binary options and CFDs. The proprietary platform, mobile app and integrated copy trading are user-friendly and will suit new and casual traders, and the market analysis tools and trading contests provide good ways to improve your trading skills.
- xChief - xChief is a foreign exchange and CFD broker, established in 2014. The company is based offshore and registered with the VFSC and FMA. Users can choose between a wide selection of accounts and base currencies, making ForexChief accessible to global traders. The brand also stands out for its no deposit bonus and fee rebates for high-volume traders.
Credit Card Brokers Comparison
| Broker | Minimum Deposit | Instruments | Platforms | Leverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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$100 | Forex, Stocks, Futures, Futures Options | MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral | 1:50 |
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$0 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting | Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral | 1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro) |
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$50 | Binary Options, Currencies, Commodities, Stocks, Indices, Cryptos | Web, MT4, MT5 | - |
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$250 | Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto | Online Platform, TradingView | 1:500 |
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€250 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos | MT5 | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) |
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$10 | Forex, Metals, Stocks, Cryptos, Futures Indices | WebTrader, Pro | 1:2000 |
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$0 | Cryptos | Desktop Platform, Mobile App | - |
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$20 | Cryptos | TradingView | - |
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$250 | Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto | TradingView | 1:500 |
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$10 | CFDs, Forex, Metals, Commodities, Stocks, Indices | MT4, MT5 | 1:1000 |
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 | 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
- With over 20 years of experience, excellent regulatory oversight, and multiple accolades including runner-up in our 'Best Forex Broker' awards, FOREX.com boasts a global reputation as a trusted brokerage.
- 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.
- 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.
- Funding options are limited compared to leading alternatives like IC Markets and don’t include many popular e-wallets, notably UnionPay and POLi.
- FOREX.com's MT4 platform offers approximately 600 instruments, significantly fewer than the over 5,500 available on its non-MetaTrader platforms.
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."
IG Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting |
| Regulator | FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM |
| Platforms | Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro) |
| 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
- 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.
- IG has discontinued its swap-free account, reducing its appeal to Islamic traders.
- IG applies an inactivity fee of $12 per month after 2 years, deterring casual investors.
Pocket Option
"Pocket Option excels for its easy-to-use web platform which provides a best-in-class user experience for short-term binary traders. The $50 minimum deposit is also accessible for beginners while opening an account is really easy. Looking at the negatives, Pocket Option still trails alternatives in its market offering and regulatory credentials."
Pocket Option Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 50% Deposit Bonus |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | Binary Options, Currencies, Commodities, Stocks, Indices, Cryptos |
| Regulator | MISA |
| Platforms | Web, MT4, MT5 |
| Minimum Deposit | $50 |
| Minimum Trade | $1 |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- Well-funded traders who deposit $1000+ can qualify for a 2%+ payout boost, more tradable assets and exclusive perks
- The range of payment methods beats the majority of rivals, providing fast, secure and convenient deposits for traders in most countries
- The web platform shines for its straightforward design and usability that will appeal to beginners looking to speculate on popular financial markets in a few clicks
Cons
- Pocket Option offers a slimmed down iteration of the MT4 and MT5 that doesn't provide the full charting package for advanced traders
- The MISA is a weak regulator with limited investor protection for retail traders
- Despite offering competitive payouts up to 92%, binary brokers like IQCent offer higher returns up to 98% based on tests
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. "
IQCent Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 20% to 200% Deposit Bonus |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto |
| Regulator | IFMRRC |
| Platforms | Online Platform, TradingView |
| Minimum Deposit | $250 |
| Minimum Trade | $0.01 |
| Leverage | 1:500 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR |
Pros
- IQCent is one of the few binary options brokers that also offers a copy trading service for hands-off traders
- There's an accessible $0.01 minimum stake for new day traders with a small budget
- Keen traders can take part in trading contests with cash prizes
Cons
- IQCent charges a punitive $10 monthly inactivity fee if you fail to place at least 1 trade per month
- The broker is not overseen by a respected regulator, though this is common among binary options firms
- IQCent trails binary brokers like Quotex with its narrow investment offering of around 100 assets with no stocks
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."
RedMars Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos |
| Regulator | CySEC, AFM |
| Platforms | MT5 |
| Minimum Deposit | €250 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR |
Pros
- 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
- 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
- RedMars offers one of the best platforms for day trading, MT5, hosting 21 timeframes, dozens of analytical tools, flexible templates and algo trading
Cons
- With just 300 instruments, RedMars offers a narrow trading environment, particularly compared to category leaders like BlackBull Markets which offers 26,000 assets
- The no-frills trading environment offers little beyond the basics, with no Islamic account, PAMM account or copy trading.
- RedMars falls short for newer traders, with little in the way of education, no beginner-friendly platform, a steep minimum deposit, and inadequate support during testing
Capitalcore
"The major selling points of Capitalcore are its high leverage options up to 1:2000 and zero commission or swap fees. However, its weak regulatory oversight from the IFSA and non-existent education place it far behind the top brokers."
Capitalcore Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 40% Deposit Bonus up to $2,500 |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | Forex, Metals, Stocks, Cryptos, Futures Indices |
| Regulator | IFSA |
| Platforms | WebTrader, Pro |
| Minimum Deposit | $10 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:2000 |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- Capitalcore is one of the only brokers to charge zero swap fees, which may appeal to Islamic traders looking to comply with Islamic Finance.
- The support team are available 24/7 and responded within minutes during testing with helpful responses.
- The Capitalcore platform provides comprehensive charting tools and a wide range of 150+ technical indicators, ideal for detailed market analysis.
Cons
- Capitalcore’s threadbare education and research seriously trail category leaders like IG, making it less suitable for aspiring traders.
- The web platform was inconsistent during testing, with occasional technical glitches that meant the trading platform wouldn’t load.
- Capitalcore is not regulated by major financial authorities and has an unproven reputation, raising concerns about the safety of client funds.
Uphold
"Uphold remains a top choice for crypto investors looking for a one-stop-shop solution to accessing the markets. There are over 250 tokens to buy, sell and trade through flexible platform options."
Uphold Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | Cryptos |
| Platforms | Desktop Platform, Mobile App |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Minimum Trade | $1 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP |
Pros
- The proprietary app is extremely easy to use with a slick design and navigation
- UK users can get the Uphold card with up to 2% cashback in XRP
- Crypto staking is available on 30+ tokens with above-average rates up to 16%
Cons
- There is a 2.49% fee if you want to use debit or credit cards
- Uphold operates with limited regulatory oversight
- The charting analysis features on the platform trail specialist exchanges
CEX.IO
"CEX.IO continues to serve a range of crypto investors looking to buy, sell, trade, hold and earn with low fees. The tiered pricing structure will appeal to active traders while rookie investors will enjoy the straightforward platform interface and excellent education."
Tobias Robinson, Reviewer
CEX.IO Quick Facts
| Demo Account | No |
|---|---|
| Instruments | Cryptos |
| Regulator | GFSC |
| Platforms | TradingView |
| Minimum Deposit | $20 |
| Minimum Trade | $1 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP |
Pros
- The broker offers 24/7 support with fast response times during tests
- Crypto leverage is available up to 1:3
- The range of 200+ cryptocurrencies is competitive and will serve more experienced traders
Cons
- The broker has limited regulatory oversight
- The Exchange Plus platform delivers a cluttered interface compared to competitor platforms
- A maintenance fee applies after 12 months of no activity
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. "
Videforex Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 20% to 200% Deposit Bonus |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto |
| Platforms | TradingView |
| Minimum Deposit | $250 |
| Minimum Trade | $0.01 |
| Leverage | 1:500 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB |
Pros
- Videforex regularly runs trading contests, offering practice opportunities and cash prizes to beginners and experienced traders, with position sizes from just ¢0.01.
- Videforex is one of the few brokers with 24/7 multilingual video support, providing comprehensive assistance for active traders.
- Traders can earn up to 98% payouts on 100+ assets with the broker’s binary options, bringing it in line with competitors like IQCent.
Cons
- The client terminal needs improvements based on our latest tests, sporting sometimes slow and unresponsive widgets which could dampen the experience for day traders.
- Videforex lacks authorization from a trusted regulator, meaning traders may receive little to zero safeguards like segregated client accounts.
- 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.
xChief
"xChief continues to prove popular with investors looking to trade highly leveraged CFDs on the popular MetaTrader platforms. The broker's rebate scheme and investment accounts will particularly appeal to seasoned traders. However, the lack of top-tier regulatory oversight is a major drawback."
xChief Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | $100 No Deposit Bonus |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Metals, Commodities, Stocks, Indices |
| Regulator | ASIC |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5 |
| Minimum Deposit | $10 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:1000 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, CHF |
Pros
- The broker offers several account types to suit different traders, including a Cent account for beginners and pro-level hedging/netting accounts
- xChief offers STP/ECN execution with low spreads from 0.0 pips and low commission rates starting from $2.50 per side
- Traders can access a copy trading solution via the MetaQuotes Signals service
Cons
- The total range of 150+ assets is much lower than most competitors who typically offer hundreds
- xChief is an offshore broker with weak regulatory oversight from the VFSC, so traders will receive limited safeguards
- The broker trails competitors when it comes to research tools and educational resources
How Did We Choose The Best Credit Card Brokers?
To reveal the top credit card brokers, we:
- Scanned our directory of 500 online trading platforms, pulling out all those that accept credit card payments
- Verified that they support credit card deposits and withdrawals for online trading
- Sorted them by their overall score, combining our in-depth evaluations with 100+ data points
Credit Card Overview
First coined by Edward Bellamy in 1887, credit cards have evolved into a leading payment method used worldwide. Millions of daily transactions are carried out by major companies, including Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, and American Express.
The payment method allows instant transactions within a secure online environment. Importantly, they also allow investors to speculate on financial markets with funds essentially borrowed from their issuing bank. It’s perhaps unsurprising then that credit cards are a top choice among traders.
Pros Of Trading With Credit Cards
Popular
Credit cards are popular all over the world. For example, the UK alone issues approximately 60 million every year. This means traders from all over the world can open an account with an online broker and start investing using their credit cards.
Accepted Everywhere
Credit cards are provided by multiple companies and large brands are accepted by most trading brokers. Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are particularly popular. This means you can change brokers, move countries and you’ll still be able to make deposits and withdrawals using your credit card.
Rewards
Many credit cards come with rewards such as cashback, zero/no interest, and product offers. Details of the credit cards with the best free rewards can be found in reviews online. Some brokers also offer rewards for depositing with credit cards over other payment methods. Check for the latest promos when you sign up for an account.
Credit Card Choice
There are many options to choose from when looking into credit cards. Some are good to build credit, others offer low interest, and some promise the best incentives. It’s worth checking a credit comparison website before opening an account. And always check the terms and conditions before registering.
Customer Support
Generally, credit card companies provide customer support via multiple channels, from rapid response live chats and international phone numbers to extensive FAQ sections. This is good news for traders because it means support is available should you run into withdrawal issues at your broker. Moreover, credit cards sometimes provide extra security should you apply for an account with a disreputable trading broker or scam.
Note, you can also contact your online broker’s support team should you encounter deposit or withdrawal issues.
Cons Of Trading With Credit Cards
Risk Of Debt
Users are putting themselves at risk if they are unable to settle their credit card debt. This debt can rise significantly with associated charges and fees. This combined with the risky nature of leveraged trading means investors should be careful.
Credit Score Check
Most companies assess a new applicant’s eligibility through a credit score checker. Applications will be refused if an applicant has a history of unpaid debt and a poor credit score. However, if the trader is already a credit card holder then this shouldn’t be an issue. But for traders new to credit cards, there are a few hoops to jump through before you can make a deposit.
Speed
Payments with credit cards are typically instant at most providers, such as Interactive Brokers, though it can take time to appear on your statement. Brokers may also have their own payment processing times to factor in for credit card funding, but these are typically short. Withdrawals tend to take longer due to additional checks on the broker’s side.
Security
Credit cards are generally a safe and secure payment method to use. Most supporting companies offer a strong level of protection in regard to fraud and misuse. They also provide integrated payment portals direct to your forex trading account for peace of mind.
Deposits & Withdrawals
No deposit is strictly required with a credit card, holders simply pay off the money they spend. In the context of day trading, any deposits made to a broker using a virtual credit card will be transferred immediately to the broker but the credit will have to be settled at the payment date.
Withdrawals from credit cards are only applicable when refunds are received. With respect to online trading, if an investor withdraws funds from their account via a credit card the value of the withdrawal will show as a debit on the card. The cardholder can then request to transfer the money into the debit account associated with the card. Credit balance refunds are subject to the card’s processing times.
Check for minimum payment terms at your broker prior to making payment.
Fees
The biggest fee applicable is the annual percentage charge which is the rate charged for borrowing funds. This fee is applicable on any debt remaining at the end of each month. APR can range from 5% to 75%, so it can be a costly expense to miss a credit card payment.
Annual membership fees vary from company to company. Cards that are free to join such as the Platinum Mastercard by Captial One typically have lower credit limits and fewer rewards than fee-paying cards. Credit cards with better rewards and higher credit limits tend to have a membership fee, which can range from $1 to over $100.
Brokers also have their own payment fees. Deposits are usually free, but withdrawals can come at a cost. Check with your broker before making a payment.
How To Deposit To A Trading Account Using A Credit Card
The process to deposit varies slightly between brokers but generally follows the same steps. At XM, for example, you would need to follow these steps:
- Log into the XM member’s area
- In the accounts page, click on ‘Deposit Funds’
- Choose the credit card option from the list of available methods
- Enter the deposit amount and card details
- Confirm the transaction
Are Credit Cards Good For Day Trading?
Credit cards are an attractive payment option for traders. Existing cardholders will be familiar with their ease of use for online trading. But clients who are considering signing up for a credit card for forex trading should first consider the risks and fees. Leveraged investing is already risky and borrowing further capital from a card issuer could increase that risk further.
See our list of brokers that accept credit card deposits to get started today.
FAQ
How Do Credit Cards Work At Brokers?
A credit card company will pay upfront for any deposits made to a trading account. At the end of the month or on an agreed payment date, the trader will then be required to settle the debt.
Are My Trading Funds Safe With Credit Cards?
From a security perspective, credit cards are relatively safe. Your trading funds aren’t at risk in the first instance but only spend and deposit what you can pay off. Any fraudulent spending will be handled by customer support.
Is It Free To Deposit Using Credit Card?
Most brokers offer free deposits, though some may charge a small percentage commission. Additionally, some credit cards may charge the holder an annual membership fee which can range from $1 to $100+. Membership fees are typically contingent on the credit limit and rewards available.