Best CFD trading platforms in Australia

Disclaimer: General information only. All kinds of investment (particularly trading CFDs, commodities, and FX) involve significant risk, including the possibility of losing more than the amount invested, as well as market volatility and liquidity hazards. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Most investors will find such operations unsuitable.

The Australian financial market is a dynamic hub, attracting investors worldwide. For those seeking to capitalise on price movements without ownership of underlying assets, Contract for Difference (CFD) trading offers a compelling avenue. But with a plethora of CFD platforms vying for your attention, selecting the right one can feel overwhelming.

Quick Takeaway:

👉 Avatrade

👉 Capital.com

👉 Etoro

👉 Pepperstone

👉 IC Markets

👉 EightCap

👉 Saxo Bank

👉 CMC Markets

👉 IG Trading

Australia’s best CFD trading platforms feature robust security, user-friendly interfaces, extensive educational resources, and competitive pricing. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the Australian CFD trading landscape and help you find the best CFD trading platforms in Australia and kickstart your trading journey.

What are CFDs?

Contracts for Differences (CFDs) allow traders to speculate on price changes of various assets without needing to own them. Traded on margin, CFDs amplify both potential profits and losses. Traders can profit from rising or falling markets by taking long (buy) or short (sell) positions. These are available on stocks, indices, commodities, forex, and cryptocurrencies, CFDs involve exchanging the price difference from the contract’s opening to its closing.

Best CFD trading platforms in Australia September 2024 (Comparison)

AvaTrade

AvaTrade is a globally recognised online broker that has been in operation since 2006. It provides a wide range of trading options, including forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies, stocks, indices, and bonds. AvaTrade is known for its strong regulatory framework, with licenses in multiple jurisdictions, ensuring a secure trading environment for its clients.

AvaTrade offers a rich educational resource center and multiple trading platforms to cater to both novice and experienced traders. The broker places a strong emphasis on customer support and provides range of trading tools and features to enhance the trading experience.

Key Features:

• Regulated in multiple jurisdictions including Australia

• User-friendly interface

• Full mobile trading support

• Tons of trading platforms

• Minimum deposit of $100

• Extensive educational materials

Investment Options:

• Forex

• Commodities

• Cryptocurrencies

• Stocks

• Indices

• Bonds

• ETFs

• Options

• Trading Platforms:

• MetaTrader 4 (MT4)

• MetaTrader 5 (MT5)

• AvaTradeGO

• WebTrader

• AvaOptions

• DupliTrade

• ZuluTrade

Fees:

• AvaTrade primarily charges fees through the Buy/Sell spread, which is incorporated into the quoted rates. (Source)

• Additional fees that could apply include an Overnight Premium for holding positions beyond a certain time and an Inactivity Fee if the account remains unused for three consecutive months.

• AvaTrade may also impose an Administration Fee on accounts that remain inactive for 12 consecutive months.

• Australian traders can access AvaTrade’s services, which include Forex trading, indices, CFDs, and more, through the Australian-regulated platform. (Source)

• AvaTrade does not charge commissions on trades but earns revenue through the Bid/Ask spread. (Source)

Pros:

• Fast and simple account opening

• Multiple advanced trading platforms

• Comprehensive educational resources

• Excellent customer support

• Web interface, mobile app and Metatrader compatibility

Cons:

• Inactivity fees can be high

• Limited research tools compared to some competitors

• Limited options for Cryptocurrencies

Website screenshot:

Capital.com

Looking for a platform to trade cryptocurrency and other assets with no transaction fees? Look no further than Capital.com. With over 100 cryptocurrencies supported and 2x leverage available, you can trade quickly and affordably.

Furthermore, the platform is ASIC and FCA licenced, providing further protection through a fully working PC platform and a highly rated mobile app.

And if you need assistance, the dedicated account manager and great customer support team are available. Best of all, all deposits and withdrawals are free. Join Capital.com today and trade with confidence.

Features of Capital

• Trade with confidence on Capital’s licensed and secure platform regulated by ASIC and FCA
• Access to trading with 100+ cryptocurrencies along with traditional assets including CFDs
• Explore and experiment with real assets in real-time using Capital’s fully functional demo account.
• Experience seamless and hassle-free transactions with free deposits and withdrawals via multiple payment methods, including debit/credit cards, bank transfers, and more.
• Get personalised support from a dedicated account manager available round the clock.
• Access the best trading experience on Capital’s user-friendly desktop platform and highly-rated mobile app (4.7/5 on both Apple and Google)
• Rest assured, knowing that Capital meets robust information security standards with ISO 27001 certification.

Pros

• The quick and easy registration process makes it relatively quick to get started
• Multiple convenient deposit and withdrawal options are available
• Customer funds are kept in segregated accounts, ensuring the safety and security of the fund
• Extensive collection of training materials and research tools for market analysis and study
• Multilingual support is provided in 13 different languages
• Wide selection of trading instruments to choose from

Cons

• No investment programs, such as PAMM accounts or trade copying services, are offered to clients

Website screenshot:

eToro

eToro is a leading social trading platform in Australia. It was founded in 2007 and has revolutionised how people trade and invest online. It combines a user-friendly interface with an extensive range of financial instruments, making it accessible for both novice and experienced traders. What sets eToro apart is its unique social trading feature, allowing Australian investors to follow and copy the trades of successful investors, fostering a community-driven approach to investing.

Key Features:

• Social trading and copy trading

• eToro offers access to 5,000+ different financial assets

• Intuitive and easy-to-use platform

• Wide range of financial instruments

• Ready-made Smart Portfolios

• Commission-free stock trading

• Comprehensive educational resources

Investment Options:

• Stocks

• ETFs

• Forex

• Cryptocurrencies

• Commodities

• Indices

Trading Platforms:

• eToro WebTrader

• eToro Mobile App (iOS and Android)

Fees:

• No commission on stock trades

• Spreads on forex, commodities, and cryptocurrencies

• Withdrawal fee of $5

• Inactivity fee of $10 per month after 12 months of inactivity

Pros:

• User-friendly platform suitable for beginner traders

• Innovative social trading features

• Diverse range of investment options

• Strong community and educational support

• Free stock trading

Cons:

• Withdrawal and inactivity fees

• Slow customer service

PDS Link: https://www.etoro.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240811_PDS-2.pdf

Website screenshot:

Pepperstone

Pepperstone is a prominent online forex and CFD broker serving traders since its inception in 2010. Headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, Pepperstone has grown rapidly, earning a solid reputation for its competitive pricing, advanced trading infrastructure, and exceptional customer service. The broker is well-regulated by multiple authorities, including the FCA in the UK and ASIC in Australia, ensuring a secure trading environment.

Pepperstone is particularly known for its fast execution speeds and low spreads, which are crucial for forex traders. The broker caters to both retail and institutional clients, providing a range of trading instruments and platforms that suit various trading styles and preferences. With a strong focus on technology and customer support, Pepperstone has positioned itself as a reliable and innovative player in the online trading industry.

Key Features:

• Wide Range of Markets: Access to CFDs across Forex, Crypto, Indices, Commodities, and Shares

• Short Selling: Capability to short sell equities and ETFs through CFDs

• Integration with TradingView: Direct connection to TradingView for enhanced charting and trading

• MetaTrader Platforms: Trusted MT4 and MT5 platforms with low spreads and high-leverage options

Investment Options:

Pepperstone offers a wide variety of trading instruments, allowing traders to diversify their portfolios:

• Forex: Major, minor, and exotic currency pairs

• Indices: Trade on major global indices

• Commodities: Gold, silver, oil, and more

• Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and others

• Shares: Access to shares from major global markets

Trading Platforms:

Pepperstone provides several trading platforms to accommodate different trading needs and preferences:

• MetaTrader 4 (MT4): A popular choice among forex traders for its user-friendly interface and advanced charting tools.

• MetaTrader 5 (MT5): An upgraded version of MT4, offering additional features and more asset classes.

• cTrader: Known for its intuitive interface and advanced order capabilities, cTrader is favored by algorithmic traders.

• TradingView Integration: Offers seamless integration with TradingView for advanced charting and social trading features.

Fees:

• Australian Share CFDs: 0.07% commission per side

• For FX trades on a Razor account, commissions are $3.50 per lot per trade plus spread cost

• Pepperstone’s Standard account does not charge commissions on trades, but there’s a 1 pip markup on the raw spreads

• The brokerage charges no inactivity and account fees, and withdrawal is generally free, except for Skrill and Neteller, with a $20 fee for bank transfers for non-EU and Australian clients

Pros

• Tight spreads and low commissions.

• $0 Minimum Deposit

• 1200+ Traded Assets

• No Commission on Standard Account

• No withdrawal fee

Cons

• MetaTrader platform is basic

• Live chat is a bit slow

Website screenshot:

IC Markets

IC Markets is a leading global forex and CFD broker known for its competitive trading conditions and exceptional execution speeds. Established in 2007 in Australia, IC Markets has grown to become a preferred choice for traders seeking reliable and transparent trading services. It is regulated by ASIC, CySEC, and FSA Seychelles, ensuring a level of investor protection and compliance with local laws.

The broker offers access to a wide range of financial instruments, including forex, commodities, indices, bonds, and cryptocurrencies, catering to both retail and institutional clients. With its commitment to providing top-notch trading platforms and superior customer support, IC Markets has built a strong reputation in the industry.

Key Features:

• Free demo accounts available

• Cutting-edge trading tools provided

• Multiple trading platforms supported

• Competitive pricing and execution

• Comprehensive regulation coverage

Investment Options:

• Forex

• Commodities

• Indices

• Bonds

• Cryptocurrencies

• Stocks (CFDs)

Trading Platforms:

• MetaTrader 4 (MT4)

• MetaTrader 5 (MT5)

• cTrader

• WebTrader and mobile apps

Fees:

• IC Markets offers different account types including Raw Spread and Standard Accounts. Raw Spread accounts have a commission of $3.50 per lot per trade plus spread cost, while Standard accounts have spread markups of 0.8 pips without any commission.

• Trading fees with IC Markets are generally low, especially for forex and CFD trading.

• There is no inactivity fee charged by IC Markets, making it advantageous for traders who might leave their accounts idle for periods.

• IC Markets provides leverage up to 1:30 for retail clients and up to 1:500 for professional clients, varying based on the instrument traded.

Pros:

• Low forex fees

• Little trading costs

• Fast and easy account opening

• Free deposit and withdrawal

• Standard and raw spread accounts

Cons:

• Limited product selection

• No guaranteed stop-loss orders

• Some educational resources may be basic for advanced traders

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Eightcap

Eightcap is a strong contender if low fees are your primary concern when selecting a forex broker. It boasts the lowest forex fees among Australia-based brokers, offers free withdrawals and doesn’t charge an inactivity fee.

Founded in Melbourne in 2009, Eightcap offers seamless trading with advanced technology, strong security, and excellent support. Account opening is quick and easy, with a reasonable $100 minimum deposit. Despite a limited CFD selection and basic research, education, and customer support services, Eightcap shines with its extensive range of crypto products. Additionally, Eightcap supports the widely used MetaTrader platforms, aligning with industry standards.

Key Features:

• Free withdrawals

• $100 minimum deposit

• Wide range of crypto products

• Supports MetaTrader platforms

• Strong security measures

• Multiple account types and funding options

Investment Options:

• Forex

• Indices

• Commodities

• Cryptocurrencies

• Shares

Trading Platforms:

• MetaTrader 4 (MT4)

• MetaTrader 5 (MT5)

• WebTrader

• Mobile trading apps

Fees:

• The Standard Account offers variable spreads, averaging at 1 pip on the EUR/USD, while the Raw Spread Account provides competitive spreads of 0.1 pips (EUR/USD). Both accounts have a minimum deposit of 100 AUD.

• Eightcap offers low trading fees, with commissions of $3.50 per lot per trade and average spreads ranging from 0.1 to 0.2 pips during peak trading hours

• The broker does not charge inactivity fees, making it suitable for occasional traders

• There are no fees for deposits or withdrawals, but international wire transfers may incur additional charges from the bank

Pros:

• Low forex fees

• Quick account opening

• No inactivity fee

• Regulated by ASIC and FCA

• Wide range of tradable assets

• High-quality customer support

Cons:

• Limited research tools

• No proprietary trading platform

• Restricted availability in some countries

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Saxo Bank

Saxo Bank, founded in 1992, is a Danish investment bank specialising in online trading and investment. It has established itself as a major player in the industry, providing a comprehensive suite of financial services to retail investors and institutional clients worldwide. Saxo Bank is renowned for its extensive range of investment options, sophisticated trading platforms, and cutting-edge technology, making it an excellent choice for serious traders and investors.

Saxo Bank offers a wide array of asset classes, including forex, stocks, bonds, ETFs, options, futures, and more. The bank prides itself on its transparency and robust regulatory framework, holding licenses in multiple jurisdictions. Its user-friendly platforms, combined with powerful trading tools and insightful research, cater to both novice and experienced traders. Furthermore, Saxo Bank emphasizes security and reliability, ensuring that client funds and data are well-protected.

Key Features:

• Access to over 50,000 financial instruments across various asset classes

• Highly customisable trading platform

• Offers SaxoTraderGO and SaxoTraderPRO for comprehensive trading solutions

• In-depth market analysis, research tools, and expert insights.

• Extensive library of educational materials, webinars, and tutorials

• Customer support available in multiple languages

Investment Options:

• Forex

• Stocks

• Bonds

• ETFs

• Options

• Futures

• Commodities

• Cryptocurrencies

• Mutual Funds

Trading Platforms:

• SaxoTraderGO: An intuitive, multi-asset trading platform suitable for all levels of traders.

• SaxoTraderPRO: A professional-grade platform with advanced tools for serious traders and institutional clients.

• Mobile Trading: Comprehensive mobile app for trading on-the-go with full platform functionality.

Fees:

• Saxo Bank offers competitive pricing for trading ASX and U.S. stocks and ETFs, with minimum commissions starting at AUD 5 per trade or a basis point of the investment value (source).
• Trading costs for U.S. equities can be as low as USD 1, UK equities for as little as GBP 3, and local ASX for as little as AUD 3 after recent fee reductions (source).
• Custody fees apply to international stocks, ETFs, ETCs, and bonds at an annual rate of 0.12% for the Classic and Platinum tiers, and 0.06% for VIP tier.
• Saxo does not charge fees for using its trading platforms, including SaxoTraderGO, SaxoInvestor, or SaxoTraderPRO (source).
• There are no platform fees, inactivity fees, or FX fees on each trade, and other fees apply to optional services such as algorithmic orders and market data.
• VAT (within the EU)

Pros:

• No platform fees

• No inactivity fees

• No FX fees on each trade

• Min. trade from AUD 50

• Broad product portfolio

• Interest paid on uninvested cash

• Strong regulatory oversight

Cons:

• High minimum deposit requirements

• Inactivity fees may apply

• Complex fee structure for some services

• Limited customer support hours for some regions

Website screenshot:

CMC Markets

CMC Markets is a prominent online trading platform in Australia, known for its extensive range of financial products and cutting-edge trading technology. Established in 1989, CMC Markets has become a global leader, providing Australian traders with access to over 10,000 financial instruments across various asset classes. The company’s dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction has earned it a strong reputation within the industry.

Key Features:

• CMC Markets offers various charting tools

• 1-Click Trading

• CMC Markets provides various account specifications

• Powerful trading tools

• Wide range of tradable instruments

Investment Options:

• Forex

• Indices

• Commodities

• Shares

• Treasuries

• Cryptocurrencies

• ETFs

Trading Platforms:

• Next Generation

• MetaTrader 4 (MT4)

• Mobile Trading Apps

Fees:

• In Australia, CMC Markets charges a commission of 0.10% for Share CFD trading with a minimum commission charge of AUD 7.00.

• The commission for US share CFDs on the CMC Markets platform is 2 US cents per share, subject to a minimum commission charge of $10.

Pros

• Competitive forex fees

• User-friendly web and mobile platforms

• Comprehensive research and education resources

Cons

• Expensive stock CFD trading

• Only offers CFD trading

• Limited customer support hours (24/5)

Website screenshot:

IG

IG is a leading online trading platform serving the Australian market since its establishment in 1974. Renowned for its longevity and reliability, IG offers a comprehensive suite of investment opportunities spanning various financial instruments. With a commitment to user-friendly interfaces and cutting-edge technology, IG empowers traders of all levels to navigate global markets confidently.

Key Features:

• Intuitive trading platforms

• Demo account available

• Extensive range of tradable assets

• Advanced charting tools and market analysis

• IG Markets offers no minimum deposit requirements for opening an account

Investment Options:

• Forex, Shares, Indices, Commodities

• Cryptocurrencies, Options, ETFs

• Trading Platforms:

• IG Trading Platform, MetaTrader 4 (MT4)

• ProRealTime, L2 Dealer

Fees:

• IG CFD trading fees in Australia are commission-based, with a minimum charge of AUD7 per side.

• The commission rate for Australian shares is 0.08%.

• Other charges, such as overnight funding, guaranteed stop premiums, and extra services, may also apply.

• Opening an account with IG is free, but there may be a monthly fee of A$18 if the account is not used for trading for two years or more.

• Additional fees may apply for services like Direct Market Access (DMA), live price data feeds, and ProRealTime Charts.

Pros

• Regulated activities with compensation funds

• No minimum deposit for international division accounts

• Leverage for trading currencies and CFDs

• Diverse range of trading assets and markets

• Fee rebates for new and active clients

• Floating spreads starting from 0.6 pips for retail Forex traders

• Bonuses for new clients and partnership programs

Cons

• Account rejection for low capital or trading knowledge

• No e-wallet, electronic, or crypto transactions

• Trading conditions vary by country

Website screenshot:

Some of the best platforms and applications according to Reddit.com users

Here are some curated opinions from the popular discussion platform Reddit around popular options you may want to consider:

IBKR (Interactive Brokers) is best for options and stocks probably. We don’t have anything similar tp robinhood with fancy graphs and constant outages.

(Paraphrased)

 

Stake, a new trading platform based in Melbourne, provides free stocks after your initial deposit. I believe they offer $0 brokerage fees and exclusively trade on the American market. If you’re interested, it might be worth checking out.

(Paraphrased)

 

I would suggest looking into either CMC markets or Stake. I personally utilise Stake, which charges a flat $3 investing fee and no sale fee. It offers a Wall Street option, but I would check into an ETF like NDQ or GEAR for international or tech assets that contain Nvidia.

(Paraphrased)

 

To invest overseas, I would suggest utilising US-based brokers like IBKR or TastyTrade as opposed to CMC Markets or Stake. It is important to study the fine print regarding their FX, transactions, withdrawals, and other terms. Stake may appear cheaper since it can be paid in alternative ways. It is also necessary to analyse the CHESS and CFD choices, as well as their expenses. Also, examine the availability of trading instruments such as FX, options, and futures. Different brokers have varying cost structures and availability. Personally, I utilise IBKR, transfer funds, and convert AUD <-> USD with Wise. I have previously used TastyTrade which is also good.

(Paraphrased)

 

NABTrade and Stake. NABTrade is quite comprehensive for free, but with significant broker costs. The STAKE-free version is really basic but has a very low broker cost. This allows me to dollar cost average stock, which is not possible with NABTrade’s hefty costs.

(Paraphrased)

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the best CFD trading platform in Australia comes down to your individual trading needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for competitive fees, advanced trading tools, or a user-friendly interface, platforms like AvaTrade and Capital stand out as top contenders and are well known brands with a strong reputation in the industry. Each offers unique features that cater to different trading styles and experience levels, ensuring that you can find a platform that suits your financial goals and trading strategies. Always remember to do your research and consider factors such as regulation, customer support, and educational resources before making your decision and only invest money your comfortable with as you enter the exciting arena of trading.

Factors we took into consideration when creating this article:

• We developed criteria for selecting exchanges to evaluate, such as reputation, trading volume, user base, regulatory compliance, and the number of assets available to trade, as well as their websites to confirm they had licenses and compliance to operate in Australia, as well as other things like KYC protocols.
• Examined each platform’s security features, such as anti-phishing codes and 2FA codes, as well as its overall reputation for handling cyber security in accordance with industry best practices.
• Checked each platform for user-friendly design interfaces to ensure platforms are simple for newcomers to grasp.
• We gathered data on each exchange by visiting their respective website, reading user reviews, and checking for recent news or events pertaining to the exchange.

Why trust AGR Technology

Alessio Rigoli launched AGR Technology in 2013 with the intention of focusing on YouTube and blogging on technology issues such as Android, Cyber Security, Blockchain, and EdTech. Since then, the business has grown to cover services such as website creation, hosting, software development, and digital marketing. AGR Technology helps clients in a variety of industries by delivering creative and high-quality technology solutions to assist them in growing.

Disclaimer: This material does not constitute an endorsement of futures, stocks, ETFs, CFDs, options, or any particular company, service, or offering. It is not intended to be used as investment advice or to make any recommendations. Futures, equities, ETFs, and options trading include a high risk of loss and are therefore not suitable for all investors. Trading CFDs and forex on leverage carries a larger chance of losing money quickly. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Before making any deals, consider your specific situation and get personal guidance. Visit the provider’s website to see the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) for the product and consider talking to a financial professional.

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(n.d.). Just a moment…. https://brokerchooser.com/broker-reviews/pepperstone-review/pepperstone-fees

“Microsoft Word – ASIC CP 322_Pepperstone submission_Final version” 1 Oct. 2019, download.asic.gov.au/media/5643362/download.asic.gov.au/media/5643362/cp322-submission-pepperstone.pdf. Accessed 6 Sept. 2024.

“Is Pepperstone licensed and regulated – FAQ” Pepperstone, pepperstone.com/en-au/support/is-pepperstone-licensed-and-regulated/. Accessed 5 Sept. 2024.

“Pepperstone_CP325submission” 17 Mar. 2020, download.asic.gov.au/media/5834049/download.asic.gov.au/media/5834049/cp325-submission-pepperstone_redacted.pdf. Accessed 5 Sept. 2024.

“Short Selling: Everything You Need to Know” Pepperstone, pepperstone.com/en/education/short-selling/. Accessed 5 Sept. 2024.

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