Australia 
Canada
United Kingdom
Thadeus Geodfrey is an experienced and celebrated writer and self-taught trader specialising in cryptocurrencies and forex. Market analysis, identifying fraudulent brokers, and security are his cup of tea. At BrokerRaters Thadeus develops educational materials and user-guides, offer market insights, ensures our content conforms to the best standards. Join Thadeus to succeed in your trading endeavours.
Fact checked
Advertising Disclosure
We may receive compensation from our partners for placement of their products or services, which helps to maintain our site. We may also receive compensation if you click on certain links posted on our site. While compensation arrangements may affect the order, position or placement of product information, it doesn’t influence our assessment of those products.
CFD trading is highly popular in Australia, offering traders the chance to profit from market fluctuations without needing to invest in the underlying assets. Your chances of success while trading CFDs largely depend on the platform you choose. Opting for the best CFD broker in Australia can significantly enhance your chances of achieving solid returns and can provide you with a satisfying trading experience.
At BrokerRaters, we are committed to helping you find the best CFD trading platform in Australia. Our experts have thoroughly reviewed and compared numerous service providers, identifying the top 5 platforms based on a range of factors, including regulatory compliance, security, reputation, and fees. Our guide is designed to be factual and unbiased, providing you with the information you need to make well-informed decisions.
List of the Best CFD Trading Platforms
- Pepperstone – Overall Best CFD Trading Platform Australia
- Interactive Brokers – Best CFD Trading Platform for Advanced Australian Traders
- Plus500* – Best CFDs Trading Platform for Mobile Users
- eToro – Best CFD Trading Platform for Beginners in Australia
- FP Markets – CFD Trading Platform with the Best Customer Support in Australia
Note: 82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
In This Guide
Australian CFD Brokers: Comparison Table
Countless CFD brokers are available in the Land Down Under. Unfortunately, some offer the worst services, and others are offered by malicious fraudsters hell-bent on ripping you off. We want you to be safe and have the best experience trading online. That is why our experts evaluated the leading service providers in Australia and identified the best based on their regulatory status, track record, fees, and other crucial aspects.
Our guide will introduce you to the best CFD brokers in Australia. You simply need to pick a service provider that aligns with your goals and needs. To assist you in this process, we’ve created a comparison table that highlights the key aspects to consider. Let’s take a look at the most important factors.
| Best CFD Broker Australia | License & Regulation | Support Service | Software | Payment Method | Demo Account |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperstone | ASIC, FSCA, FCA, DFSA, CySEC, CMA, SCB, BaFin | 24/7 | TradingView, MT4, MT5, cTrader, Pepperstone Trading Platform, Social trading | Visa, Mastercard, Bank transfer, Neteller, Skrill, PayPal | Yes |
| Interactive Brokers | ASIC, FCA, SEC, FINRA, ICS, CBH, SFC, MAS | 24/5 | IBKR Desktop, IBKR Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Mobile, IBKR GlobalTrader | Check, wire transfer, direct bank transfer (ACH) | Yes |
| Plus500* 82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. | ASIC, MAS, FCA, FMA, CySEC | 24/7 | Plus500 CFD | Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, Skrill, Bank transfer | Yes |
| eToro | ASIC, MAS, FCA, CySEC, FSCA, SFSA ADGM, MFSA, FSAS, GFSC, SEC | 24/5 | eToro investing platform and app, Multi-asset platform, Social Trading, Copy Trader, Smart Portfolios | Credit/debit cards, Bank transfer, Klarna, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller | Yes |
| FP Markets | ASIC, FCA, MAS, FSCA, CMA, CySEC, FSA | 24/7 | MT4, MT5, TradingView, cTrader, WebTrader, Mobile App, Copy Trading | Credit/debit cards, Neteller, Skrill, Bank transfer, Google Pay, Apple Pay | Yes |
Platforms Short Overview
You can’t take your chances where fees and assets are involved. Signing up with a CFD trading platform that has high fees or doesn’t offer your preferred financial instruments can lead to inflated costs and diminished profits. Conversely, signing up with a broker that doesn’t have your favourite assets will only lead to disappointment, time wastage, and frustration.
Given these considerations, it’s essential to thoroughly evaluate each service provider’s fee and assets while searching for the best CFD trading platform in Australia. The tables below will assist you in this process by highlighting the fees and available assets for our recommended brokers.
Fees
| Best CFD Broker Australia | Minimum Deposit Requirement | Commission/ Spreads | Deposits/ Withdrawals | Inactivity Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperstone | $0 | From 0.0 pips | Free | $0 |
| Interactive Brokers | $0 | From 0.08% | From $10 withdrawal fees | $0 |
| Plus500* | $100 | From 0% | Free | $10 monthly |
| eToro | $50 | From 0% | $5 withdrawal fee | $10 monthly |
| FP Markets | $100 | From 0.0 pips | Free | $0 |
Note: 82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
Assets
| Best CFD Broker Australia | Stocks | Forex | Crypto | Commodities | Indices | ETFs | Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperstone | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Interactive Brokers | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Plus500* | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| eToro | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| FP Markets | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Note: 82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
Our Expert Opinion about CFD Trading Platforms
The CFD trading platforms we’re reviewing are the best in Australia for several reasons. First and foremost, they are authorized and regulated by ASIC, and other acknowledged regulatory bodies like CySEC and the FCA. Each platform also has unique strengths and capabilities that set it apart. That said, before trading CFDs with any of the recommended brands, do your own research and learn everything you can. We couldn’t cover every single detail in one guide, which is why we encourage you to dig deeper before committing to any platform.
1. Pepperstone – Overall Best CFD Trading Platform Australia
Our top choice for a CFD trading platform in Australia is Pepperstone, a well-regarded provider serving hundreds of thousands of traders. We recommend it for several reasons, starting with its zero minimum deposit requirement. This makes Pepperstone accessible for both beginners with limited budgets and experienced traders with larger capital. If you’re just starting out and want to risk minimal capital, you can deposit whatever you can afford and trade CFDs effortlessly.
Pepperstone users have access to a wide variety of CFDs on assets like shares, indices, and commodities. Additionally, the platform provides competitive spreads to Australian traders. For example, you can use your Pepperstone CFD trading account to trade popular currency pairs like GBP/USD, EUR/USD, and USD/CHF with tight spreads starting from 0.0 pips.
We’ve also ranked Pepperstone as the overall best CFD broker in Australia because it offers a wide array of excellent trading platforms. The first is the proprietary Pepperstone Trading Platform, which comes with user-friendly features like one-click trading and customizable watchlists. Additionally, you can access a variety of third-party trading software, including TradingView, cTrader, and MT 4/5.
Pepperstone
✔24/7 support service
✔User-friendly and navigable platform
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- No minimum deposit requirement
- Dormant accounts don’t attract inactivity fees
- Sharp spreads starting from 0.0 pips
- No additional charges on deposits and withdrawal
- TradingView, cTrader, and MT 4/5 are available
- Expert support is available 24/7
Cons
- Fewer financial instruments compared to other top providers
- Limited learning materials for beginners
We find Pepperstone broker to be one of the brokers with transparent fee structures. There are no hidden charges, so what you see displayed on its platform is what you will incur. This makes it easier for you to budget without worrying about overspending.
Let’s discover below some of the trading and non-trading charges at Pepperstone.
| Trading and Non-Trading Charges | Details |
|---|---|
| Account Opening | $0 |
| Management Fee | $0 |
| Minimum Deposit Requirement | From $0, depending on your jurisdiction |
| Commission | From $0.02 on US-listed shares |
| Spreads | From 0.0 pips on its Razor Account |
| Deposits and Withdrawals | Free |
| Inactivity | None |
| Overnight Funding | Varies based on global market conditions |
| Copy Trading | Free |
Note that Pepperstone charges both spreads and commissions. While spreads are charged on all accounts, commissions are only imposed on the Razor Account.
2. Interactive Brokers – Best CFD Trading Platform for Advanced Australian Traders
Interactive Brokers is the best platform for advanced traders with extensive knowledge and well-honed CFD trading skills. There are several reasons why we recommend this broker. First, it offers a vast range of assets. With an Interactive Brokers account, you can trade CFDs on thousands of shares, ETFs, precious metals, and more.
We also found that Interactive Brokers provides multiple trading platforms, each designed with advanced traders in mind. The most notable is the IBKR Trader Workstation. It’s specially tailored for seasoned pros and equipped with top-tier market scanners, research tools, charts, and many other features. Other exceptional platforms that IBKR provides include IBKR Desktop, IBKR Mobile, Client Portal, etc.
Despite offering professional-grade tools, Interactive Brokers remains one of the most pocket-friendly brokers. It has no minimum deposit requirement, making it accessible to low-budget traders. In addition, there are no account inactivity fees and you get benefits such as super-tight spreads and low commissions.
If you’re new to CFD trading but want to start with Interactive Brokers, they’ve got you covered. The platform offers multiple educational resources including a free campus, an academy, and countless courses.
Interactive Brokers
✔$0 minimum deposit requirement
✔No account inactivity fees
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- Powerful proprietary trading platforms
- Wide variety of tradable financial instruments
- No minimum deposit requirement
- Zero account inactivity fees
- World-class educational tools and materials
Cons
- No third-party trading platforms are offered
- Higher withdrawal fees than its peers
After conducting thorough research and extensive assesments, we can confidently categorize Interactive Brokers as one of the most affordable service providers out here. As we’ve already mentioned, this company has no minimum deposit requirement. Plus, it allows traders to fund their accounts with payment methods like ACH and wire transfer at no additional cost. We also highly recommend IBKR because, unlike other brokers, it doesn’t require traders to pay inactivity fees for dormant accounts.
Here’s an overview of the Interactive Brokers fees and charges our team unearthed during our evaluation and exploration:
| Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Account opening and maintenance | $0 |
| Deposit | $0 |
| Withdrawal | Yes |
| Inactivity | $0 |
| Overnight charges | Yes |
| Currency conversion | 0,5% |
3. Plus500 – Best CFDs Trading Platform for Mobile Users
Mobile trading platforms allow you to trade CFDs anywhere, anytime. They allow you to track market conditions, spot opportunities, and manage your positions while on the go. When it comes to mobile trading in Australia, Plus500 stands out as the best platform for this purpose.
Plus500’s mobile app offers a simple, user-friendly interface, which is why we strongly recommend it to mobile trading enthusiasts. It’s easy to use and well-designed, making it ideal for both novices and seasoned professionals. Moreover, the platform boasts many key features, from stop-loss and take-profit orders to powerful technical indicators and charting tools.
In terms of asset variety, Plus500 excels. The platform provides access to CFDs on a wide range of instruments, from crypto and indices to commodities, forex pairs, and shares. If you’d like to boost your knowledge before diving into CFD trading, Plus500 offers a wealth of educational materials through its premier trading academy.
Note: 82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
Plus500
✔Easy-to-use trading platform
✔No hidden charges
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- Users can trade CFDs on over 2,800 financial assets
- Offers diverse risk management tools, including guaranteed stop
- Low spreads and commissions starting from 0%
- Cost-free deposits and withdrawals
- Professional support is available 24/7
- Top-notch educational tools, including a free academy
Cons
- Limited trading platforms
- $10 monthly inactivity fee
Many traders prioritize brokers they can afford. Since fees vary with a broker, we decided to go through Plus500’s fee structure. Here are some of the trading and non-trading charges to expect when you commit to this broker.
| Trading and Non-Trading Charges | Details |
|---|---|
| Account Opening | $0 |
| Minimum Deposit Requirement | $100 |
| Commission | $0 |
| Spreads | From 0.0 pips on major currency pairs |
| Deposits and Withdrawals | $0 |
| Inactivity | $10 monthly |
| Currency Conversion | Up to 0.7% |
| Overnight Funding | Varies based on trade size |
4. eToro – Best CFD Trading Platform for Beginners in Australia
eToro is an intuitive trading platform designed with beginners in mind. Its user-friendly interface allows new traders to navigate the platform without wasting time on complicated systems. If you’re just starting out, you can visit eToro today and easily find all the essential features and tools you need.
We consider eToro the best CFD trading platform for beginners due to its extensive educational resources. During our evaluation, we explored its academy and were thoroughly impressed. The platform offers a wealth of courses, guides, and tutorials, and you can conveniently search for specific materials using the built-in search function.
Additionally, eToro has reasonable requirements for new traders. You can open an account and start trading CFDs with a minimum deposit of just $50. Moreover, eToro supports free deposits, so you won’t incur any fees when funding your trading account.
Finally, eToro offers an impressive array of financial assets. This trading platform lets you trade CFDs on over 6,000 assets, including currencies, commodities, and stocks. The platform also allows you to invest in ETFs, stocks, and cryptocurrencies, providing a wide range of investment opportunities.
eToro
✔ User-friendly trading platform
✔ Over 6000 trading instruments
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- Intuitive user interface tailored to make navigation easy for beginners
- Offers a free academy that hosts top-quality courses and other materials
- Excellent customer support service
- Reasonable minimum deposit requirements for Australians
- Gives users access to 6,000+ tradable and investment products
- Beginners can leverage the power of copy and social trading
Cons
- $5 fee for every withdrawal request
- $10 monthly fee for inactive accounts
eToro has a transparent fee structure that is easy to understand and helps you plan accordingly. From our analysis, we discovered the following trading and non-trading eToro fees.
| Trading and Non-Trading Charges | Details |
|---|---|
| Account Opening | $0 |
| Management Fee | $0 |
| From $50, depending on your jurisdiction | 0.6 |
| Commission | From 0% on stocks and ETF trading |
| Spreads | From 1 pip on major currency pairs |
| Deposits and Withdrawals | $5 withdrawal |
| Inactivity | $10 monthly |
| Currency Conversion | 1.5% or 3.0%, depending on the currency or payment method |
| Overnight Funding | Varies based on global market conditions |
| Copy Trading | Free |
5. FP Markets – CFD Trading with the Best Customer Support in Australia
FP Markets offers exceptional customer support services in Australia. We tested their support channels, and the experience was impressive. You can reach them via phone, email, or live chat and receive prompt assistance. Additionally, FP Markets offers a call-back option, which is especially valuable for traders on a budget. Even better, their support team is available 24/7 and can assist in over 12 languages.
Beyond their excellent support, FP Markets offers access to over 10,000 tradable CFD products. Traders can also benefit from ultra-low spreads starting from 0.0 pips and leverage up to 500:1, allowing for potentially higher returns.
FP Markets provides access to a wide range of trading platforms, including WebTrader, cTrader, TradingView, MT4, and MT5. When signing up, you can choose an account that best suits your needs, including a specially designed Islamic trading account for Muslim traders.
FP Markets
✔Low minimum deposit requirement
✔Hosts numerous learning and market analysis tools
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- Over 10,000 CFDs on metals, commodities, indices, etc.
- CFD traders can limit risk exposure with forex pairs
- No account inactivity fees
- Low spreads starting from 0.0 pips
- Free deposit and withdrawals
- A broad selection of platforms, including cTrader and TradingView
Cons
- CFD commodities have high spreads
- $1,000 minimum deposit for Iress accounts
We reviewed the applicable FP Markets fees, and like that the broker has a transparent structure. This allows users to efficiently plan for their activities without worrying about incurring additional costs. There are no hidden charges and no price manipulation with this broker.
| Trading and Non-Trading Charges | Details |
|---|---|
| Account Opening | $0 |
| Management Fee | $0 |
| Minimum Deposit Requirement | From $50, depending on your jurisdiction |
| Commission | From 0% |
| Spreads | From 0.0 pips on major currency pairs |
| Deposits and Withdrawals | Free deposits. Withdrawal fees apply based on the payment method used |
| Inactivity | $0 |
| Overnight Funding | Varies based on global market conditions |
| Copy Trading | Free |
CFD Trading in Australia
Australians can legally trade CFDs, but it’s crucial to work with a broker regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). ASIC-regulated brokers follow strict standards to ensure fair practices and protect traders. Trading with an unregulated or unauthorized broker is risky and could lead to significant financial losses.
Note that only adults aged 18 and above can trade CFDs in Australia. Profits and losses from CFD trading are considered assessable income or allowable deductions by the government, meaning you must declare them for tax purposes. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the relevant laws and regulations, especially concerning taxation, before starting CFD trading.
What is CFD Trading?
CFD trading involves purchasing and selling contracts for differences (CFDs). These are financial derivatives that let you speculate on price movements in the market and profit from both falling and rising prices. The key benefit of CFD trading is you can earn returns without owning the underlying assets.
How do CFDs Work?
Here’s a simple explanation: a CFD is a contract between you, the trader, and your chosen broker. The contract allows you to speculate on whether the price of an asset will fall or rise in the future. If your prediction turns out to be true, you earn a profit; if not, you incur a loss.
How to Choose the Best CFD Broker in AU
Australians have access to thousands of CFD brokers, but not all are trustworthy or up to standard. Fortunately, you can avoid unreliable or fraudulent providers by evaluating brokers based on the following factors:
Regulatory Status
Online Reputation
Financial Products
Fees and Costs
Trading Platforms
Customer Support
Ensure the CFD trading platform is regulated by ASIC to ensure your trading environment is safe and trustworthy. ASIC-regulated service providers are more likely to be fair, transparent, and secure than their counterparts.
Reputable brokers usually have solid online reviews. Before signing up, check platforms like the App Store, Google Play, and Trustpilot to see what other users are saying.
Every experienced trader has their favourite assets. If you’re new to trading, identify your favorite instruments and look for brokers offering a wide selection, including the products you want to trade.
High fees can eat into your profits, so opt for brokers with competitive spreads, fees, and commissions. Also, choose a platform that is transparent about costs to avoid unexpected surprises.
Review the platforms offered by each broker. Some only provide proprietary systems, while others offer third-party tools like MetaTrader. Make sure the platform suits your trading needs and goals.
Responsive customer support is vital. Ensure the broker offers reliable assistance through convenient channels like live chat, email, or phone, with quick response times.
Risks to Trade as CFDs
Although CFD trading offers the potential for high returns, it also comes with notable risks, including:
- Emotional Trading: Overconfidence or greed may lead to poor decision-making and financial loss.
- Price Volatility: CFD positions can fluctuate rapidly, leading to significant losses from sudden market moves.
- Leverage: While leverage can boost profits, it also magnifies losses.
Pros & Cons of CFD Trading
Before diving into CFD trading, consider both the advantages and disadvantages:
Pros & Cons
Pros
- CFD trading allows traders to earn profits from diverse markets, from forex to commodities and stocks.
- Low-capital CFD traders can enhance potential returns with flexible leverages.
- CFD traders don’t need to own the underlying assets to earn returns.
- With CFD trading, you can earn returns from both rising and falling markets.
Cons
- CFD trading is risky and exposes you to significant financial losses.
- Addiction to CFD trading can cause problems like debt and bankruptcy.
Conclusion
Before signing up for the best CFD trading platform in Australia, set clear financial goals and develop the best strategies for achieving them. Accept that losses are part of the process, and use them as learning opportunities. If you’re new to CFD trading, take the time to master the basics before jumping in.
Related Articles: