Best CFD Brokers in Australia 2025
We rigorously test brokers on real accounts and evaluate them using our methodology. Here are the top CFD brokers based on our analysis:
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AvaTrade Australia - Best CFD trading broker in Australia - A wide selection of financial assets. Innovative trading platforms. Highly rated educational resources. - 2
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Pepperstone AU - Wide selection of trading platforms. Tight spreads and favourable trading conditions. A large number of trading assets. - 4
CMC Markets AU - Low trading fees. Wide range of markets and products. Access to the popular MetaTrader 4 and Next Generation platforms. - 5
Vantage AU - Wide range of trading assets. Diversity of trading platforms. Extensive analytical tools. - 6
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FBS AU - Low spreads and commissions. Wide range of trading assets. Extensive database of educational materials and analytical tools. - 8
XM - Wide range of trading assets. Extensive educational resources. Tight spreads on the Ultra Low account. - 9
IG - Licenses from regulators with a high level of credibility. Tight spreads. A variety of markets and products. - 10
Below, you'll find a comparison of the best CFD brokers in Australia for 2025, complete with an overview of key factors like trading fees, regulations, and platform features. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a newcomer, there’s a broker on this list that might suit your style.
Comparison of Top 10 CFD Brokers in Australia
Here’s a quick snapshot of the top CFD brokers in Australia, focusing on some key metrics. (Data is approximate and subject to change; always verify on the broker’s official website.)
1. AvaTrade
AvaTrade AU is well-suited for traders seeking a variety of trading instruments and user-friendly trading platforms. It can appeal to both beginners looking to start trading and experienced traders who want to expand their knowledge and skills.
Pros and Cons of AvaTrade Australia
Pros
- A wide selection of financial assets.
- Innovative trading platforms.
- Highly rated educational resources.
Cons
- Limited trading account options.
- Account inactivity fee.
2. IC Markets
IC Markets Australia is a reliable and versatile broker that offers a wide range of services and tools for trading in the financial markets. The company provides impressive trading instruments, high-quality trading platforms, advanced analytical tools, and valuable education for traders of all levels.
IC Markets is likely most suitable for experienced traders who value deep liquidity, tight spreads, and advanced trading tools. Beginner traders can also benefit from the educational materials offered by the company, but they should be prepared for some additional expenses and a higher minimum deposit requirement.
Pros and Cons of IC Markets AU
Pros
- A wide range of trading assets.
- Low spreads.
- Variety of trading platforms.
- Quality educational materials.
- Efficient customer support service.
Cons
- High minimum deposit.
3. Pepperstone
Pepperstone AU is a significant and reliable broker that offers a broad range of trading instruments and attractive trading conditions. With regulation by serious authorities, clients can be confident in the security of their funds.
The broker is suitable for various types of traders. Beginners will find extensive educational materials, including trading guides, webinars, instructional videos, and Forex trading courses. Experienced traders will also appreciate Pepperstone's opportunities, including favourable trading conditions, various trading platforms, and access to complex trading instruments.
The broker's technical support operates at a high level, offering clients quick and efficient responses to any questions.
Pepperstone is an excellent choice for traders of all experience levels. With a unique combination of educational materials, trading tools, and high-quality customer service, this broker ensures excellent conditions for successful trading.
Pros and Cons of Pepperstone AU
Pros
- Wide selection of trading platforms.
- Tight spreads and favourable trading conditions.
- A large number of trading assets.
Cons
- Lack of diversity in types of trading accounts.
4. CMC Markets
CMC Markets AU has been a reliable CFD and Forex broker in the business for a long time. Top-tier financial authorities regulate the company, offers an excellent trading platform, and has low commission fees.
We believe it is an excellent choice for beginners and experienced traders. CMC Markets is a good option if you are seeking a trustworthy broker with extensive experience.
Pros and Cons of CMC Markets AU
Pros
- Low trading fees.
- Wide range of markets and products.
- Access to the popular MetaTrader 4 and Next Generation platforms.
- Extensive analytical materials.
- Comprehensive educational materials.
Cons
- Limited account options. The broker offers a limited number of account types, which may not meet the needs of all traders.
- Inactivity fee. The broker charges a monthly fee if an account remains inactive for 12 months.
- No online chat. While support is available 24/5, the lack of an online chat option may hinder instant communication with support.
5. Vantage
Vantage offers various trading instruments and platforms, making it attractive for multiple Australian traders. The availability of extensive analytical tools and educational materials can benefit novice traders looking to deepen their knowledge.
Vantage could be a good choice for intermediate and advanced traders seeking a variety of trading instruments and platforms. This broker may be unsuitable for those seeking specialized cryptocurrency opportunities or more personalized support.
Pros and Cons of Vantage AU
Pros
- Wide range of trading assets.
- Diversity of trading platforms.
- Extensive analytical tools.
Cons
- Limited variety of trading accounts.
- Variable quality of technical support.
6. Admirals
Admirals AU is suitable for a broad spectrum of traders. With its strict regulation, various account types, and a competent set of educational and analytical materials, this broker provides high-quality services for novice and experienced traders.
Beginners seeking detailed educational resources and support will undoubtedly appreciate this broker. Experienced traders will also find it beneficial due to competitive trading commissions, abundant tools for analysis and trading, and the convenience of the depositing and withdrawal process.
Pros and Cons of Admirals AU
Pros
- Low trading fees.
- Wide range of payment methods.
- Extensive analytical resources.
- A rich collection of educational materials.
Cons
- Inactivity fee.
- Some users complain about the intrusiveness of the support service.
7. FBS
FBS Australia is a broker that prioritizes its clients' security and diversity of trading options, backed by stringent regulation and competitive trading conditions. Its commitment to education and analytical support further enhances its appeal, particularly to traders looking to expand their knowledge and trading skills.
FBS is a solid choice for traders at various levels who prioritize security, educational resources, and a wide range of trading assets.
Pros and Cons of FBS AU
Pros
- Low spreads and commissions.
- Wide range of trading assets.
- Extensive database of educational materials and analytical tools.
Cons
- Limited choice of trading accounts.
- Limited trading platforms.
8. XM
XM broker offers a wide range of services, making it an attractive option for various traders. With over 1500 trading instruments, extensive educational resources, and numerous trading platforms, XM is ideally suited for beginners and experienced traders. Novice traders will particularly appreciate the accessible educational materials and low entry threshold, while professionals will find the competitive spreads and diversity of instruments appealing.
Pros and Cons of XM
Pros
- Wide range of trading assets.
- Extensive educational resources.
- Tight spreads on the Ultra Low account.
- Many analytical materials.
- Commission-free deposits and withdrawals.
Cons
- Inconsistency in technical support.
- Inactivity fee.
- Standard account has a higher spread than the market average.
9. IG
IG is a highly regulated broker with licenses from reliable financial authorities, providing clients with high funds protection. Thanks to narrow spreads, traders can effectively manage their costs and increase the profitability of their operations. Quality trading platforms and advanced analytical tools support informed trading decisions, while extensive educational resources make IG attractive to traders of all experience levels.
Pros and Cons of IG
Pros
- Licenses from regulators with a high level of credibility.
- Tight spreads.
- A variety of markets and products.
- Extensive set of analytical tools and content.
- Quality educational resources for different levels of traders.
Cons
- Limited choice of trading accounts.
- High trading fee on DMA account.
- Inactivity fee.
- Limited choice of payment methods.
10. OANDA
Oanda is an excellent choice for Australian traders seeking a reliable and regulated broker with competitive spreads and various trading assets.
With quality analytics and diverse educational materials, Oanda suits beginners and experienced traders.
Pros and Cons of Oanda AU
Pros
- Tight spreads.
- Advanced trading platforms.
- Quality analytics.
- Extensive learning section.
Cons
- Limited trading account types.
- Inactivity fee.
- High swaps.
What is CFD?
A Contract for Difference (CFD) is a financial derivative allowing traders to speculate on price movements without owning the underlying asset. When trading CFDs, you’re essentially entering into a contract with your broker: you’ll exchange the difference in an asset’s price from the time you open the position to when you close it.
How CFDs Differ from Other Financial Instruments
- No Ownership of the Underlying Asset: You’re trading on price movements rather than purchasing, for instance, a stock or commodity.
- Leverage: CFDs often allow high leverage, meaning you can open larger positions with a smaller initial investment.
- Flexibility: You can go long or short with ease, potentially profiting in both rising and falling markets.
Pros and Cons of CFD Trading
Advantages
- Leverage: Amplifies potential returns.
- Diverse Asset Classes: Trade forex, stocks, commodities, and even cryptocurrencies.
- Short Selling: Easily capitalize on downward price movements.
- Low Barriers to Entry: Many brokers offer demo accounts and relatively small minimum deposits.
Disadvantages
- Higher Risk: Leverage is a double-edged sword; losses can be magnified.
- Overnight Fees: Holding positions overnight incurs swap or financing charges.
- Potential for Rapid Loss: Without proper risk management, accounts can be wiped out quickly.
- Regulatory Differences: Rules vary by region, so always check local regulations.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a CFD Broker
Regulation and Security
Always verify if a broker is regulated by a reputable authority, such as ASIC (Australia), FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), etc. Regulation helps ensure your funds are held in segregated accounts and that the broker follows strict financial guidelines.
Trading Fees and Costs
Look beyond the headline spreads. Factors like commissions, overnight swap rates, and withdrawal fees can all impact your net returns.
Trading Platforms
In addition to MetaTrader 4/5, some brokers offer proprietary platforms with unique features. Test different platforms and see which one feels most intuitive and meets your technical analysis needs.
Asset Availability
From forex to cryptocurrencies, ensure the broker provides the instruments you’re interested in. Diversification can help in risk management, so having multiple asset classes available is beneficial.
Customer Service
Responsive and knowledgeable customer support is essential. Check whether the broker offers 24/5 or 24/7 support and in what languages.
Educational Resources
Good brokers typically provide webinars, market analysis, and educational tutorials. Especially if you’re a beginner, these can help accelerate your learning curve.
How Was the List of the Best CFD Brokers in Australia Compiled?
When creating our list of top CFD brokers for Australian traders, we followed a carefully structured and weighted set of criteria to ensure only the most trustworthy and high-quality brokers were included. Below is an overview of the main considerations that guided our process:
Foundational Rankings We started with our comprehensive compilation of Forex brokers as a base, ensuring that brokers with a solid reputation in Forex trading were also scrutinized for their CFD offerings in the Australian market.
Stringent Testing Methodology Each broker was subjected to our rigorous evaluation standards, measuring factors like trading performance, platform stability, and overall reliability. By using this method, we guaranteed that only brokers meeting high operational benchmarks made the cut.
Services Tailored to Australian Traders All selected brokers offer account conditions that are accessible to a broad range of Australian investors. This includes compliance with Australian regulations, support for trading in AUD, and availability of regional banking options.
Comprehensive CFD Features We confirmed that each broker provided a robust suite of CFD-specific offerings, suitable for both newcomers and seasoned professionals. This involves offering diverse instruments, competitive spreads, and advanced trading platforms.
Security and Regulatory Compliance Ensuring the safety of client funds is paramount. Brokers on our list meet strict security measures, maintaining segregated accounts and adhering to regulatory standards set by Australian authorities such as the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
By applying these criteria, we have curated a group of CFD brokers that excel not only in reliability and security but also in offering tailored services for Australian traders. This thorough selection process empowers investors in Australia to participate in CFD trading with greater confidence and peace of mind.
FAQ
Is CFD trading legal in Australia?
Yes, CFD trading is legal in Australia and is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). Traders are advised to use only ASIC-regulated brokers for better security.
What is the minimum deposit required to start trading CFDs?
The minimum deposit varies by broker. Some brokers, like FBS, allow you to start with as little as $1, while others may require $100–$300 or more.
Can beginners successfully trade CFDs?
Absolutely, but it requires education, discipline, and risk management. Most brokers offer demo accounts where beginners can practice without risking real money.
What are the risks associated with CFD trading?
CFDs come with leverage, which can magnify both gains and losses. Market volatility, overnight fees, and liquidity issues can pose risks if not managed properly.
How do I choose the right trading platform for CFDs?
Consider usability, charting tools, execution speed, and reliability. Many traders gravitate toward MetaTrader 4/5 due to familiarity and extensive features.
Can I trade CFDs on my mobile device?
Yes. Most brokers offer mobile apps for iOS and Android, allowing traders to manage positions on the go. Platforms like MetaTrader, cTrader, or proprietary apps provide full mobile functionality.
What types of assets can I trade with CFDs?
A wide range: Forex, stocks, indices, commodities (e.g., gold, oil), cryptocurrencies, and more. Always check with the broker to see the full list of assets offered.
How do CFD brokers make money?
Brokers typically earn through spreads, commissions, and sometimes overnight swap fees. Some may also profit from clients’ net losses if they act as a market maker, though many brokers use no-dealing-desk execution.
Are demo accounts available for practicing CFD trading?
Yes, demo accounts are commonly offered by reputable brokers. It’s an excellent way for beginners to practice strategies and get familiar with the platform before investing real capital.
Disclaimer: CFD trading carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Ensure you fully understand the risks involved and seek independent advice if necessary. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
