Best CFD Trading Platforms and Brokers in Singapore 2024
CFD trading is popular in Singapore, allowing investors to make short-term trades without incurring stamp duty from the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS). CFDs are regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), which also authorizes online brokers and trading platforms.
Explore the best CFD trading platforms in Singapore, tested, evaluated and compared by our experts. Every CFD broker recommended is trusted and accepts traders from Singapore.
Top 10 CFD Trading Platforms in Singapore
These 10 brokers stand out as the best for CFD traders in Singapore:
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1IC 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 -
2IGSpread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Ratings
$00.01 Lots1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFMCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread BettingWeb, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentralPayPal, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, Credit Card, Visa, Debit CardUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD -
3AvaTrade20% 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 -
4Deriv
Ratings
$50.01 Lots1:1000MFSA, LFSA, BVIFSC, VFSC, FSC, SVGFSACFDs, Multipliers, Accumulators, Synthetic Indices, Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, ETFsDeriv Trader, Deriv X, Deriv Go, MT5, cTrader, 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, Przelewy24, Bitcoin PaymentsUSD, EUR, GBP -
5PepperstoneCFDs and FX are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 81.8% 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, Skrill, PIX PaymentUSD, 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 -
8RoboForex$30 No Deposit BonusRoboForex Ltd and its affiliates do not target EU/EEA/UK clients. Please be aware that you are able to receive investment services from a third-country firm at your own exclusive initiative only, taking all the risks involved.
Ratings
$100.01 Lots1:2000IFSCCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, FuturesR StocksTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingViewVisa, iDeal, Trustly, Neteller, Skrill, Giropay, Sofort, Wire Transfer, Rapid Transfer, Alipay, POLi, Perfect Money, MoneyGram, Cashu, SafeCharge, WeChat Pay, Vietcombank Transfer, Volet, ecoPayz, AstroPayUSD, EUR -
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
Here is a summary of why we recommend these brokers:
- IC Markets - You gain access to over 2,250 CFDs, available for trading 24/5 across popular markets such as forex, commodities, indices, stocks, and bonds. Utilizing deep liquidity and advanced bridge technology, IC Markets ensures optimal conditions for scalpers, hedgers, and algo traders alike.
- IG - IG offers a huge selection of 17,000+ CFDs, providing more trading opportunities than most CFD brokers. Traders can go long or short on popular markets like stocks, currencies, commodities and cryptos, while custom price alerts and the IG Academy continue to enhance the trading experience.
- AvaTrade - AvaTrade's 1250+ leveraged CFD products span a wide range of asset classes including stocks, indices, commodities, bonds, crypto, and ETFs. You can speculate on underlying assets in the broker’s feature-rich web and mobile platforms with market-leading research tools to help discover opportunities.
- Deriv - Since broadening its range of CFDs in 2023, Deriv now offers trading on rising and falling prices across hundreds of global financial markets. This includes the firm’s exclusive synthetic indices which imitate real markets but run around the clock for additional trading opportunities.
- Pepperstone - Pepperstone maintains its position as one of the fastest and most dependable CFD brokers during our latest round of testing. With execution speeds averaging around 30ms and an outstanding fill rate of 99.90%, the broker ensures a seamless trading experience without requotes or dealing desk interference. It also provides ample trading opportunities across over 1,300 assets.
- XM - XM delivers for CFD traders with flexible leverage and a huge range of markets, including bespoke thematic indices for exposure to popular sectors like artificial intelligence. The MT4/MT5 platforms are also fast and dependable while a free VPS is available to qualifying XM traders running algo trading strategies.
- Eightcap - Eightcap offers a wide range of trading options with 800+ CFDs across stocks, indices, bonds, commodities, and cryptocurrencies (depending on location), with leverage up to 1:30/1:500. It excels in its tools, notably the AI-enabled economic calendar covering 25+ countries with impact filters (high, medium, low). However, its commodities offering, particularly in softs like cotton and wheat, as well as the limited precious metal and energy assets, is its weakest area.
- RoboForex - RoboForex offers a growing suite of over 12,000 CFDs, encompassing forex, stocks, indices, commodities, futures and ETFs. With an initial deposit of $10 and micro lot trading through to very high leverage up to 1:2000, RoboForex caters to a broad range of derivative traders. On the downside, analysis reveals execution speeds of 1-3 seconds, noticeably slower than IC Markets at 0.35 seconds, and suboptimal for fast-paced strategies like scalping.
- eToro - You can trade CFDs on over 3,000 assets and access rich market data through the integrated TradingView charts. There are also comprehensive free learning tools available for beginners via the eToro Academy, including dedicated CFD trading courses and guides.
- FOREX.com - With the ability to take both long and short positions on 5,500+ CFDs across forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, FOREX.com excels. Its exclusive Web Trader platform offers an excellent trading experience, equipped with over 80 technical indicators and average execution speeds of just 20 milliseconds, ensuring an optimal environment for serious day traders.
Best CFD Trading Platforms and Brokers in Singapore 2024 Comparison
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
FTSE Spread | 1.0 |
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GBPUSD Spread | 0.23 |
Stocks Spread | 0.02 |
Leverage | 1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global) |
Regulator | ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA |
Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- As a tightly regulated and widely respected broker, IC Markets prioritizes client security and transparency, helping to ensure a reliable trading experience globally.
- IC Markets offers among the tightest spreads in the industry, with 0.0-pip spreads on major currency pairs, making it especially cost-effective for day traders.
- IC Markets offers fast and dependable 24/5 support based on firsthand experience, particularly when it comes to accounts and funding issues.
Cons
- 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.
- The breadth and depth of tutorials, webinars and educational resources still need work, trailing alternatives like CMC Markets and reducing its suitability for beginners.
IG
"IG continues to provide a comprehensive package with an intuitive web platform, best-in-class education for beginners, advanced charting tools bolstered by its recent TradingView integration, real-time data, and fast execution speeds for experienced day traders."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
IG Quick Facts
FTSE Spread | 1.0 |
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GBPUSD Spread | 0.9 |
Stocks Spread | 0.02 |
Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro) |
Regulator | FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM |
Platforms | Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- IG offers an extensive collection of professional and engaging educational resources, including webinars, articles, and analysis.
- 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 IG app offers a superb mobile trading experience with a clean design that helped it secure Runner Up at our 'Best Trading App' award.
Cons
- While there is negative balance protection in the UK and EU, there is no account protection or guaranteed stop losses for US clients.
- 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.
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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FTSE Spread | 0.5 |
GBPUSD Spread | 1.5 |
Stocks Spread | 0.13 |
Leverage | 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro) |
Regulator | ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM, CIRO, AFM |
Platforms | WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD |
Pros
- WebTrader is well-suited to beginners and features a strong suite of technical analysis tools and market research for day traders
- Recently introduced AvaFutures offers an alternative vehicle to speculate on over 35 markets with low day trading margins
- The broker’s unique risk management tool, AvaProtect, protects against losses up to $1 million and is easy to activate in the platform
Cons
- 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’s an above-average $50 inactivity fee after three months, though this won't impact active day traders
- A high $2000 minimum investment is required to use DupliTrade, which will be out of reach for many beginners
Deriv
"Deriv is ideal for active traders seeking alternative and unique ways to speculate on global financial markets, from multipliers and accumulator options to its bespoke synthetic indices, which mimic real market movements and are available 24/7, allowing for continuous trading opportunities regardless of market hours."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
Deriv Quick Facts
FTSE Spread | 1.0 |
---|---|
GBPUSD Spread | 0.4 |
Stocks Spread | 0.07 |
Leverage | 1:1000 |
Regulator | MFSA, LFSA, BVIFSC, VFSC, FSC, SVGFSA |
Platforms | Deriv Trader, Deriv X, Deriv Go, MT5, cTrader, TradingView |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP |
Pros
- Although response times trail alternatives in our personal experience, Deriv offers 24/7 support and is one of the few brokers to offer WhatsApp assistance.
- Deriv stands out with its innovative products, from multipliers and derived indices to its addition of accumulator options, providing exclusive short-term trading opportunities.
- Account funding is a breeze with a very low minimum deposit of $5 and a huge selection of payment options, plus Tether was added to the cashier in 2023.
Cons
- Apart from the MFSA in the EU, Deriv lacks top-tier regulatory credentials, reducing the level of safeguards like access to investor compensation.
- While the Academy launched in 2021 is a step in the right direction, there is limited education on advanced trading topics for seasoned traders and no live webinars to upskill new traders.
- Leverage up to 1:1000 will appeal to traders with a large risk appetite but frustratingly there is no ability to flex the leverage in the account area.
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
FTSE Spread | 1.0 |
---|---|
GBPUSD Spread | 0.4 |
Stocks Spread | 0.02 |
Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) |
Regulator | FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB |
Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- 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.
- 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.
Cons
- 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.
- 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 does not support cTrader Copy, a popular copy trading feature built into the excellent cTrader platform and available at alternatives like IC Markets, though it has introduced an intuitive copy trading app.
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 |
---|---|
FTSE Spread | 1.4 |
GBPUSD Spread | 0.8 |
Stocks Spread | 0.002 |
Leverage | 1:1000 |
Regulator | ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, IFSC |
Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingCentral |
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’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.
- 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.
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
FTSE Spread | 1.2 |
---|---|
GBPUSD Spread | 0.1 |
Stocks Spread | 0.03 (Apple Inc) |
Leverage | 1:500 |
Regulator | ASIC, FCA, CySEC, SCB, CNMV |
Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingView |
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.
- Having excelled across all key areas for day traders, Eightcap outperformed every competitor to win our 'Best Overall Broker' award for 2024, also securing our 'Best Crypto Broker' title.
- 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
- Despite a useful library of educational guides and e-books in Labs, Eightcap still trails IG’s comprehensive toolkit for aspiring traders with its dedicated IG Academy app and 18 course categories.
- 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.
- 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.
RoboForex
"RoboForex is great if you want a vast range of 12,000+ day trading markets with ECN accounts, powerful charting and loyalty promotions. It also stands out for stock traders with its user-friendly R StocksTrader platform, featuring 3,000+ shares, fees from $0.01 and sophisticated watchlists."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
RoboForex Quick Facts
Bonus Offer | $30 No Deposit Bonus |
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GBPUSD Spread | 0.4 |
Stocks Spread | 0.01 |
Leverage | 1:2000 |
Regulator | IFSC |
Platforms | R StocksTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR |
Pros
- RoboForex is known for its tight spreads starting from 0 pips and low minimum deposits from $10, making it accessible to those on a budget. The ability to trade with micro lots further lowers the barrier to entry for new traders.
- The broker offers two commission-free withdrawals each month in the Free Funds Withdrawal program, helping day traders to minimize transaction costs.
- The R Stocks Trader platform rivals leading solutions like MT4, with netting and hedging capabilities, comprehensive backtesting, Level II pricing, and a flexible workspace.
Cons
- Despite 15+ years in the industry and registering with the Financial Commission, RoboForex is authorized by one ‘Red-Tier’ regulator – the IFSC in Belize, lowering the level of regulatory protections for traders.
- While RoboForex offers competitive spreads, some of its account types come with high trading commissions up to $20 per lot, trailing the cheapest brokers, such as IC Markets.
- Despite offering a range of platforms, RoboForex still doesn't support the increasingly popular cTrader. This might deter traders who prefer this specific platform for their day trading activities and is available at firms like Fusion Markets.
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
FTSE Spread | 1.5 |
---|---|
GBPUSD Spread | 1.9 |
Stocks Spread | 0.57 (Apple) |
Regulator | FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSA, FSRA, MFSA, CNMV, AMF |
Platforms | eToro Web, CopyTrader, TradingCentral |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP |
Pros
- The web platform and mobile app perform better in user reviews and app rankings than top competitors, including AvaTrade
- eToro has finally introduced EUR and GBP accounts, cutting conversion fees and providing a trading experience more tailored to local needs
- eToro has bolstered its investment offering, most recently with new crypto assets, now offering over 90 digital currencies
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
- Traders will face currency conversion fees for account denominations other than USD
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 |
---|---|
FTSE Spread | 1.0 |
GBPUSD Spread | 1.3 |
Stocks Spread | 0.14 |
Leverage | 1:400 |
Regulator | NFA, CFTC, CIRO, FCA, CYSEC, ASIC, SFC, FSA, MAS, CIMA |
Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN |
Pros
- FOREX.com offers industry-leading forex pricing starting from 0.0 pips, alongside competitive cashback rebates of up to 15% for serious day traders.
- There’s a wealth of educational resources including tutorials, webinars, and a stacked YouTube channel to help you get educated in the financial markets.
- 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.
- 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.
How We Chose The Best CFD Trading Platforms In Singapore
To find the best CFD trading platforms in Singapore, we took our extensive database of 265 brokers, identified those that accept traders from Singapore and then ranked them based on their overall rating, which takes into account the following key criteria.
We Chose Platforms Licensed By A Trusted Regulator
CFD traders will receive the best safeguards by opening an account with a brokerage authorized by a ‘Green Tier’ regulator, such as the Monetary Authority of Singapore, which is responsible for ensuring licensed brokers operate responsibly.
City Index, for example, has earned our trust over the years for its secure trading environment and authorization from the MAS. It’s also one of a select few CFD providers listed on a stock exchange (through its parent company StoneX Group), underscoring its reliability.
If not the MAS, we selected CFD trading platforms that are regulated in other respected jurisdictions, such as the US, UK, Australia or Europe, as these are promising signs of a trustworthy operation.
We prioritize well-regulated CFD brokers because this will help protect traders from scams and fraudulent trading platforms, which the Singapore Police Force has warned are promising “lucrative investment opportunities” that have cost victims over 25.5 million SGD since June 2023.
You can check whether a CFD broker is regulated in Singapore by searching for their name in theWe Chose Platforms With Leverage Trading And Clear Margin Requirements
One of the draws of CFD trading is the availability of leverage, which allows investors to amplify their buying power and trading results for a small outlay, known as margin.
Let’s say you want to speculate that the share price of Singapore Airlines (SGX: SIA) is going to rise today following an earnings announcement. A CFD broker with 1:5 leverage, such as AvaTrade, would multiply your trading power, and potential returns, by 5x.
Importantly, the maximum leverage available to retail investors at Singapore-regulated CFD trading platforms is 1:20. There are brokers with higher leverage, but these are often based in offshore jurisdictions and not suitable for beginners.
I recommend using risk management tools like stop-loss orders when trading CFDs with leverage. This can protect against large losses by automatically closing positions when prices hit a pre-set level.
We Chose Platforms With A Great Investment Offering
CFD traders of all levels will have access to diverse trading opportunities by picking a broker with a wide range of markets.
Therefore, we prioritized CFD trading platforms that provide access to the most popular asset classes, notably stocks, indices, forex, commodities and cryptos.
Some CFD trading platforms also excelled during our tests by offering key assets that will be of interest to traders in Singapore. IG, for instance, offers CFD trading on shares from the Singapore Exchange, the Straits Times Index (STI), and currency pairs with the SGD, including AUD/SGD, EUR/SGD and SGD/JPY.
Our experts have also been trading at IG for years with real money and consistently praise the excellent CFD trading conditions.
We Chose Platforms With Excellent Pricing
CFD trading is popular with short-term traders where frequent transaction costs can eat into profits. Consequently, choosing a brokerage with tight spreads and low/no commissions is critical.
As part of our personal tests and in-depth analysis, we also weigh fees with the quality of the platforms and tools, such as analyst insights into central bank decisions or economic reports that could impact shares listed on the Singapore Exchange.
Additionally, we factor in non-trading fees, such as conversion costs if depositing Singapore Dollars (SGD) to a live account denominated in another currency, such as the US Dollar (USD). This analysis allows us to identify the lowest-cost CFD brokers that provide a first-rate trading environment.
Our extensive real-money testing shows IC Markets leads the pack here, especially for serious day traders, featuring ultra-tight spreads from 0.0 pips, cash rebates, plus reliable order executions, ensuring you can secure optimal prices in fast-moving CFD markets.
We Chose Platforms With Superb Charting Tools
After years of evaluating hundreds of CFD providers in Singapore, we’ve learnt that a user-friendly and powerful charting platform is essential for an effective trading experience.
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 remain the most widely available third-party platform despite an outdated interface we don’t enjoy using. Nonetheless, for experienced traders wanting sophisticated charting tools and algo trading, they’re a solid choice.
For newer CFD traders, the in-house platforms developed by brokers like Forex.com have come a long way, now sporting a genuinely intuitive interface with superior charting tools, including 80+ indicators, 50+ drawing tools and 14 timeframes.
We Chose Platforms With Convenient Account Funding In Singapore
We know from first-hand experience trading CFDs that picking a brokerage with secure and hassle-free payment methods can make for a smooth experience.
The most popular payment methods in Singapore are credit and debit cards, accounting for 53% of transactions according to Commission Factory, while alternative solutions like PayPal, Apple Pay and Google Pay are also widely used.
Every one of our top-rated CFD brokers in Singapore offers at least one of these methods, while Pepperstone excels by providing credit and debit cards, plus PayPal. It also offers no minimum deposit, making it a stand-out option for budget traders.
FAQ
Who Regulates CFD Trading Platforms And Brokers In Singapore?
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) regulates CFD trading platforms and online brokers operating in the country.
The MAS is a ‘Green-Tier’ regulator in line with our ‘Regulation & Trust’ rating methodology, meaning it offers the highest level of trader safeguards.
How Much Money Do I Need To Open A CFD Trading Account In Singapore?
Our analysis of 265 brokers shows that you normally need 0 to 250 USD, around 0 to 330 SGD, to start trading CFDs in Singapore.
That said, some CFD trading platforms have no minimum deposit, with Pepperstone achieving the highest rating following our exhaustive tests.
Recommended Reading
Article Sources
- Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)
- Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS)
- Singapore Stock Exchange (SGX)
- Straits Times Index (STI)
- Financial Institutions Directory - MAS
- Singapore Airlines - Singapore Stock Exchange (SGX:SIA)
- Warning On Trading Scams - Singapore Police Force
- Most Popular Payment Methods In Singapore - Commission Factory
- A Look At The Rise And Continuing Influence Of CFD Trading In Singapore - California Business Journal
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