Ethereum Brokers
Ethereum brokers have offered significant investment opportunities since the crypto launched in 2015. Ether (ETH) is the second-largest digital currency by market cap and is popular with active retail traders. In this review, we list the best Ethereum brokers in 2024 and provide a guide to choosing between top exchanges.
Ethereum Brokers
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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
eToro USAInvest $100 and get $10Securities trading offered by eToro USA Securities, Inc. (“the BD”), member of FINRA and SIPC. Cryptocurrency offered by eToro USA LLC (“the MSB”) (NMLS: 1769299) and is not FDIC or SIPC insured. Investing involves risk. https://www.daytrading.com/ is not an affiliate and may be compensated if you access certain products or services offered by the MSB and/or the BD.
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$100$10SEC, FINRAStocks, Options, ETFs, CryptoeToro Trading Platform & CopyTraderACH Transfer, Debit Card, PayPal, Wire TransferUSD -
3
Interactive Brokers
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$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 -
4
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 -
5
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 -
6
OANDA USCFDs are not available to residents in the United States.
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$00.01 Lots1:50NFA, CFTCForex, Crypto with Paxos (Cryptocurrencies are offered through Paxos. Paxos is a separate legal entity from OANDA)OANDA Trade, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartistWire Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Debit Card, ACH TransferUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD -
7
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 -
8
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 -
9
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 -
10
CloseOption$10 Welcome Gift
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$5$1National Bank of GeorgiaBinary Options on Forex & CryptosOwnPayPal, WebMoney, Mastercard, Perfect Money, Wire Transfer, Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum PaymentsUSD
Here is a summary of why we recommend these brokers:
- FOREX.com - You can trade a small range of 8+ cryptos against USD, EUR, GBP and AUD with tight spreads and no virtual wallet required. Algo traders can also utilize Expert Advisors (EAs) to automate their crypto trades.
- eToro USA - eToro US offers 24 tradeable cryptoassets, with just a 1% buying/selling fee added to the spread. Additionally, there are 80 different coins available through the broker’s proprietary wallet service. You can also practice your crypto strategies easily by switching between live and demo mode. Crypto asset investing is highly volatile and unregulated. No consumer protection. Tax on profits may apply.
- Interactive Brokers - IBKR lets you purchase and hold Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, and Litecoin at competitive commission rates and without needing a crypto wallet. Additionally, there is a range of other diverse assets to explore, such as crypto indices like the NYSE Bitcoin Index, as well as futures contracts like the BAKKT Bitcoin Futures.
- Pocket Option - Pocket Option offers a modest crypto offering with 10+ digital currencies including Bitcoin and 65+ tokens if you deposit $1000. The integrated analytics feature in the platform is helpful for finding opportunities, while the daily signals service makes it straightforward to act on short-term crypto opportunities.
- IQCent - IQCent offers 17 crypto pairs through its proprietary terminal, including Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin. Leverage on crypto CFDs is capped at 1:10, whilst binary options payouts vary by token but remain competitive. OTC assets, for example, pay out up to 95%.
- OANDA US - Cryptocurrency trading is offered via Paxos, a separate entity from Oanda. You can speculate on the world’s biggest cryptos by market cap. Commissions are lower than many peers starting at 0.25%. Through the broker’s partnership with Paxos, clients can spot trade cryptocurrencies on the itBit exchange through the OANDA native platform.
- RedMars - RedMars offers 13 crypto CFDs, including the popular BTC/USD, ETH/USD, and LTC/USD. However, there's no option to buy the underlying cryptocurrency. As a comparison, eToro allows the underlying purchase of 44 cryptocurrencies with copy trading on digital currencies also supported.
- Capitalcore - Capitalcore allows traders to speculate on the price movements of just five cryptocurrencies through CFDs. Popular options like Bitcoin (BTC/USD), Ethereum (ETH/USD), and Litecoin (LTC/USD) are available. However, unlike competitors like eToro, you cannot purchase the underlying crypto directly.
- IG - IG's modest selection of 11 crypto CFDs trails top crypto brokers like Vantage which offers 40+ tokens. That said, it stands out with its crypto index, which tracks the value of the top 10 digital currencies by market cap and provides a holistic way to speculate on the value of the crypto market.
- CloseOption - CloseOption traders can access high/low binary options on five major cryptos all paired with USD. Payouts of 40% are available due to digital assets' high market volatility, which compares well with rivals.
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 |
|---|---|
| Coins | BTC, BCH, ETH, LTC, XRP |
| Crypto Mining | No |
| Auto Market Maker | No |
| Crypto Spread | BTC 1.4%, ETH 2% |
| Crypto Lending | No |
| Crypto Staking | No |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Regulator | NFA, CFTC |
| 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.
- FOREX.com offers industry-leading forex pricing starting from 0.0 pips, alongside competitive cashback rebates of up to 15% for serious day traders.
- 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.
Cons
- There’s no negative balance protection for US clients, so you may find yourself owing more money than your initial deposit into your account.
- Demo accounts are frustratingly time-limited to 90 days, which doesn’t give you enough time to test day trading strategies effectively.
- Funding options are limited compared to leading alternatives like IC Markets and don’t include many popular e-wallets, notably UnionPay and POLi.
eToro USA
"eToro remains a top pick for traders looking for leading social investing and copy trading services. With a low deposit, zero commissions and an intuitive platform, the broker will meet the needs of newer day traders."
eToro USA Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | Invest $100 and get $10 |
|---|---|
| Coins | BTC, ETH, BCH, DASH, LTC, ETC, MIOTA, XLM, EOS, NEO, ZEC, XTZ, MKR, COMP, LINK, UNI, YFI, DOGE, AAVE, ALGO, MANA, ENJ, BAT, MATIC, FLR, SHIBxM |
| Crypto Mining | No |
| Auto Market Maker | No |
| Crypto Spread | BTC 0.75% |
| Crypto Lending | No |
| Crypto Staking | No |
| Platforms | eToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Regulator | SEC, FINRA |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- The low minimum deposit and straightforward account opening process means beginners can get started quickly
- eToro USA Securities is a trustworthy, SEC-regulated broker that is a member of FINRA and SIPC
- The online broker offers an intuitive social investment network with straightforward copy trading on cryptos
Cons
- Average fees may cut into the profit margins of day traders
- The proprietary terminal doesn't support trading bots and there are no additional stock market analysis tools
- There's a narrower range of day trading instruments available compared to competitors, with only stocks, ETFs and cryptos
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."
Interactive Brokers Quick Facts
| Coins | BTC, LTC, ETH, XRP |
|---|---|
| Crypto Mining | No |
| Auto Market Maker | No |
| Crypto Spread | 0.12%-0.18% |
| Crypto Lending | No |
| Crypto Staking | No |
| Platforms | Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Regulator | FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF |
Pros
- With low commissions, tight spreads and a transparent fee structure, IBKR delivers a cost-effective environment for short-term traders.
- IBKR continues to deliver unmatched access to global stocks with tens of thousands of equities available from 100+ market centres in 24 countries, most recently the Saudi Stock Exchange.
- The 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.
- Support can be slow and frustrating based on tests, so you might find it challenging to reach customer service representatives promptly or encounter delays in resolving issues.
- 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.
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 |
|---|---|
| Coins | BTC, ETH, BCH, LINK, AAVE, ALGO, TLM, ALPP, ANT, AVAX, AXS, BNB, ADA, CHZ, COMP, ATOM, DASH, MANA, DGB, DOGE, ENJ, EOS, FIL, GLMR, ILV, ICP, KAVA, LTC, MKR, MASK, MIOTA, XMR, ALICE, NEAR, NEO, NULS, OMG, DOT, MATIC, QTUM and many more |
| Crypto Mining | No |
| Auto Market Maker | No |
| Crypto Spread | N/A |
| Crypto Lending | No |
| Crypto Staking | No |
| Platforms | Web, MT4, MT5 |
| Minimum Deposit | $50 |
| Regulator | MISA |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- Well-funded traders who deposit $1000+ can qualify for a 2%+ payout boost, more tradable assets and exclusive perks
- Extremely fast and smooth sign-up process that takes less than 2 minutes
- The range of payment methods beats the majority of rivals, providing fast, secure and convenient deposits for traders in most countries
Cons
- Pocket Option offers a slimmed down iteration of the MT4 and MT5 that doesn't provide the full charting package for advanced traders
- Despite offering competitive payouts up to 92%, binary brokers like IQCent offer higher returns up to 98% based on tests
- You need to deposit $1000 to access the extended list of 250+ assets, otherwise just 130+ assets are available
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 |
|---|---|
| Coins | BTC, ETH, LTC, ETC, DOGE, MATIC, QNT, SOL, XRP, USDT, XMR, BNB |
| Crypto Mining | No |
| Auto Market Maker | No |
| Crypto Spread | Variable |
| Crypto Lending | No |
| Crypto Staking | No |
| Platforms | Online Platform, TradingView |
| Minimum Deposit | $250 |
| Regulator | IFMRRC |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR |
Pros
- The proprietary terminal offers TradingView-powered charts which deliver dozens of technical indicators and studies
- CFD trading fees are competitive based on tests, including 0.7 pips on major forex pairs such as EUR/USD
- There's an accessible $0.01 minimum stake for new day traders with a small budget
Cons
- IQCent charges a punitive $10 monthly inactivity fee if you fail to place at least 1 trade per month
- The market analysis is very basic with limited technical summaries and insights from analysts
- The broker is not overseen by a respected regulator, though this is common among binary options firms
OANDA US
"OANDA remains an excellent broker for US day traders seeking a user-friendly platform with premium analysis tools and a straightforward joining process. OANDA is also heavily regulated with a very high trust score."
OANDA US Quick Facts
| Coins | BTC, ETH, LTC, BCH, PAXG, LINK, UNI, AAVE |
|---|---|
| Crypto Mining | No |
| Auto Market Maker | No |
| Crypto Spread | $100 |
| Crypto Lending | No |
| Crypto Staking | No |
| Platforms | OANDA Trade, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Regulator | NFA, CFTC |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- Seasoned day traders can access industry-leading tools, including an MT4 premium upgrade and advanced charting provided by MotiveWave
- OANDA is a reliable, trustworthy and secure brand with authorization from tier-one regulators including the CFTC
- Beginners can get started easily with $0 minimum initial deposit
Cons
- The range of day trading markets is limited to forex and cryptos only
- It's a shame that customer support is not available on weekends
- There's only a small range of payment methods available, with no e-wallets supported
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
| Coins | BTC, ETH, LTC, XRP, XLM, DOT, ZEC, XMR, QTM, NEO, EOS, BCH, DSH |
|---|---|
| Crypto Mining | No |
| Auto Market Maker | No |
| Crypto Spread | 65 |
| Crypto Lending | No |
| Crypto Staking | No |
| Platforms | MT5 |
| Minimum Deposit | €250 |
| Regulator | CySEC, AFM |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR |
Pros
- Getting started on RedMars is incredibly easy - you can be up and running in just a few minutes based on tests
- 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
Cons
- 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
- The no-frills trading environment offers little beyond the basics, with no Islamic account, PAMM account or copy trading.
- With just 300 instruments, RedMars offers a narrow trading environment, particularly compared to category leaders like BlackBull Markets which offers 26,000 assets
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 |
|---|---|
| Coins | BTC, ETH, BCH, XRP, LTC |
| Crypto Mining | No |
| Auto Market Maker | No |
| Crypto Spread | $45 |
| Crypto Lending | No |
| Crypto Staking | No |
| Platforms | WebTrader, Pro |
| Minimum Deposit | $10 |
| Regulator | IFSA |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- The support team are available 24/7 and responded within minutes during testing with helpful responses.
- 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 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.
- Capitalcore is not regulated by major financial authorities and has an unproven reputation, raising concerns about the safety of client funds.
- The web platform was inconsistent during testing, with occasional technical glitches that meant the trading platform wouldn’t load.
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
| Coins | BTC, BCH, LTC, ETH, ADA, DOT, DOGE, LINK, UNI, XLM |
|---|---|
| Crypto Mining | No |
| Auto Market Maker | No |
| Crypto Spread | Variable |
| Crypto Lending | No |
| Crypto Staking | No |
| Platforms | Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Regulator | FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- The IG app offers a superb mobile trading experience with a clean design that helped it secure Runner Up at our 'Best Trading App' award.
- 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.
- As a well-established broker, IG operates under strict regulatory guidelines in multiple jurisdictions, maintaining a high level of trust.
Cons
- IG applies an inactivity fee of $12 per month after 2 years, deterring casual investors.
- Stock and CFD spreads still trail the cheapest brokers like CMC Markets based on tests.
- 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.
CloseOption
"CloseOption is a good pick for traders seeking a user-friendly binary options platform with high payouts and joining bonuses."
CloseOption Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | $10 Welcome Gift |
|---|---|
| Coins | BTC, BCH, ETH, LTC, XBT |
| Crypto Mining | No |
| Auto Market Maker | No |
| Crypto Spread | No fee - payouts approx. 40% (Copper) |
| Crypto Lending | No |
| Crypto Staking | No |
| Platforms | Own |
| Minimum Deposit | $5 |
| Regulator | National Bank of Georgia |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- CloseOption offers weekly trading tournaments with cash prizes
- New traders can get started with a $5 minimum deposit
- The user-friendly platform is compatible with most web browsers
Cons
- Clients need to deposit $50,000+ to qualify for the best payouts
- CloseOption is not regulated by a well-regarded trading authority
- Binary options are only available on fiat and digital currencies
What Is Ethereum?
Ether is a cryptocurrency launched by blockchain enthusiasts. It was designed to be used within the Ethereum network, however, it’s now accepted as a transaction method at an increasing number of online and physical merchants. Digital money can be transferred across the globe with transactions stored on a decentralized record, known as a blockchain.
A blockchain is a distributed electronic ledger that keeps track of all transactions. So ledgers are essentially the foundations of cryptocurrency transfers.
Value exchange is the main use of the Ethereum blockchain, via the network’s token, Ether (ETH). The long-term vision is to provide users with more control over their capital, replacing intermediaries with smart contracts that automatically execute transactions.
How To Compare Ethereum Brokers
The number of Ethereum brokers continues to rise following significant global interest in the digital currency phenomenon. Online exchanges provide financial services for users who want to start buying, selling or trading Ethereum.
There are several important factors to consider when choosing between Ethereum brokers:
Spot
A spot trade happens when buyers and sellers come together to exchange a token with instant settlement. Ethereum brokers act as intermediaries for buyers and sellers to bid or offer a quick way to buy the token at a fixed price.
Spot transactions via Ethereum brokerages are an easy method for beginners starting their investment journey and tend to be more user-friendly than an exchange. However, brokerage services can yield slightly higher fees.
Leverage
Leverage allows users to amplify the results of a position. eToro offers 1:2 leverage on Ether, however, rates may vary depending on local regulations and current market volatility.
Using leverage can amplify your gains, but it can also amplify your losses. Traders should always utilize risk management approaches, such as stop loss and take profit orders.
Some providers even offer the possibility of buying pre-leveraged tokens like ETH3L (long) or ETH3S (short) which amplify the price movement by three times.
Futures
Interactive Brokers is one of the top Ethereum brokers offering futures products. Futures contracts are a good option for those looking to speculate on the longer-term price of the crypto without owning the token itself. To trade ETH futures, you will need to set up an account with a registered futures broker, instruct how many contracts you would like to buy or sell, and select an expiry.
Futures also come with the possibility for leverage, and depending on regulation, this can be as high as 1:500. For example, KuCoin offers rates up to 1:100.
Fees
Fees can fluctuate significantly between providers. Brokers tend to work on a percentage charge model, for example, 0.2% of the trade value. We recommend Ethereum brokers that charge a flat rate so that you’re not penalized for smaller purchases.
Also consider other fees such as account maintenance, inactivity charges, plus deposits and withdrawals.
Regulation
The legal status of Ethereum varies around the world. Digital currency trades are viewed differently from traditional investments at most regulatory agencies. Other than anti-money laundering rules, many authorities do not have specific laws that regulate digital assets, posing risks to consumers.
The FCA, which governs the UK’s financial services, states that crypto traders are unlikely to be covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme or the Financial Ombudsman Service. This is different for cryptocurrency derivatives, where the rules are often more clear-cut. The FCA has banned derivatives on Ether and other digital currencies for UK traders.
We always recommend opening an account with Ethereum brokers that are regulated in your local jurisdiction. The CySEC, FCA and ASIC are some of the top agencies that regulate online exchanges and investing platforms.
Platforms
Selecting Ethereum brokers with powerful but user-friendly platforms is important. Whether that be the industry-established MetaTrader 4 (MT4) or bespoke proprietary terminals, traders of all experience levels should be able to find a system that meets their needs.
Integrated price analysis tools and interactive charts and graphs will support your transaction decisions, so look for a platform that offers intuitive services. You can also utilize demo accounts to get a feel for features before opening a live account and depositing capital.
Mobile App
Mobile apps are becoming the norm at many Ethereum brokers. With crypto available 24/7, 365 days a year, easy-to-use apps create the access point needed from a mobile or tablet device.
Keep track of those vital and sometimes sudden price movements with alert notifications and manage transactions while on the move.
Tools
The best Ethereum brokers provide additional features, such as access to information on strategies or other educational resources. These can be particularly useful if you’re new to crypto investing.
An increasing number of Ethereum brokers also offer bots (known as Expert Advisors). These automated programmes can save you time and energy by completing calculations and executing orders on your behalf. Of course, exercise caution when allowing anything to trade on your behalf. While some Ether bots can be effective, others are low-quality and could lead to losses.
Accounts
The type of investing account you select is important. Ethereum brokers tend to offer various options, but the cheapest account may not always provide the best profit potential. Look for competitive spreads and commissions, low fees for deposits and withdrawals, plus customizable tools to suit your strategy and volume.
Bonuses
Brokers that offer Ethereum sometimes run financial incentives and rewards. This can include no deposit bonuses or loyalty schemes based on investment volumes. We recommend finding a good broker before considering their incentives – never pick one purely because of the welcome bonus. And always check the terms and conditions to understand the potential limits of the offer and whether this applies to Ethereum.
Customer Support
The top Ethereum brokers offer good quality customer support. As the digital currency market is open 24/7, we would recommend a platform with contact times that stretch into the evenings or weekends, especially if you plan to open and close positions then.
Customer support channels at the best Ethereum brokers include multilingual chatbots, email, social media, or telephone assistance.
Deposits & Withdrawals
Look out for Ethereum brokers that accept quick and easy online deposits and withdrawals. Exchanges may take additional fees on top of third-party charges to deposit, so check these before funding your account.
Some brokerages also facilitate Ethereum deposits directly. Brokers that accept Ethereum payments make it easier to finance, trade and manage Ether investment portfolios.
Fiat currencies, such as USD and EUR, are also widely supported on investing platforms. However, note that currency conversion fees may be incurred for transferring ETH to and from other fiat and cryptocurrencies.
Minimum Deposits
Minimum deposit requirements vary between Ethereum brokers. FP Markets, for example, requires a $100 initial deposit. For inexperienced or new traders, in particular, opting for a platform with zero or no deposit requirement could be a sensible option.
Gas Fees
Gas charges refer to the costs required to execute a transaction on the ETH blockchain. Complicated transactions involving smart contracts, for example, require a higher gas limit vs a simple transaction. Gas prices are usually quoted in GWEI, a denomination of Ether. These are usually integrated into an Ethereum broker’s fees, however, you may have less flexibility to select a gas fee based on your desired processing time.
Gas fees are also affected by the price of Ethereum. Because one GWEI is equivalent to 0.000000001 ETH, when the cryptocurrency is on a bull run the gas fees also increase. For example, Ethereum’s average daily gas charge was around $40 between January 2021 and May 2022. However, in August 2022, the average fell to $1.60.
Note, these charges don’t go to the broker, but to the miners and those responsible for securing the network as a reward for their efforts.
Final Word On Comparing Ethereum Brokers
Ethereum brokers provide user-friendly investment opportunities for aspiring crypto traders. Review the key features noted above to help find a platform that meets your needs. Alternatively, see our list of the best Ethereum brokers to get started today.
Finally, be mindful of local regulations and check the status of Ether investing in your jurisdiction.
FAQs
What Are Ethereum Brokers?
Ethereum brokers are online platforms that facilitate the purchase, sale and exchange of Ether (ETH). This could be in the form of spot and leveraged investing, futures, CFDs or other derivatives.
Why Use Ether Brokers?
ETH brokers often provide an easy-to-use investing platform. Clients benefit from customer support, a range of deposit methods, established analysis tools, as well as various educational resources.
How Do I Know Which Ethereum Brokers Are Best?
When looking for the top Ether brokers, consider fees, spreads, tools, and product types, such as spot and derivatives. We also recommend signing up for an account with a regulated provider, as this will provide additional retail trader protections.
Can I Trade Ethereum Futures?
Yes, several brokers offer Ether futures, including Interactive Brokers and Binance. Ether futures are popular with active investors looking to speculate on the price of the token at a fixed point in the future.
What Is The Difference Between An Ethereum Broker And An Exchange?
An exchange provides an online platform for users to buy and sell Ethereum with each other. Ethereum brokers, on the other hand, set the price and typically offer additional tools and services to facilitate active investing.