Best CFD Brokers in Canada 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 CA - Best CFD trading broker in Canada - A wide selection of financial assets. Innovative trading platforms. Highly rated educational resources. - 2
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CMC Markets CA - Low trading fees. Wide range of markets and products. Access to the popular MetaTrader 4 and CMC Markets platforms. - 4
ActivTrades - Wide range of trading assets. A wide variety of trading platforms. Extensive training materials including webinars, videos, articles and guides. - 5
IFC Markets - A wide range of trading assets. Variety of trading platforms. Educational materials for traders of all experience levels. - 6
FXCM - Diverse methods for deposit and withdrawal. Wide range of markets and products for trading. A broad spectrum of trading platforms. - 7
HYCM - Well-regulated broker. An extensive set of educational materials. Diversity of trading assets. - 8
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FOREX.com - Broker with many years of history and a global reputation. A variety of deposit methods. A wide variety of available markets and products. - 10
IG - Licenses from regulators with a high level of credibility. Tight spreads. A variety of markets and products.
Contracts for Difference (CFDs) have become a popular financial tool among traders in Canada, offering flexibility and the potential for profit from both rising and falling markets. However, selecting the right broker is essential to your trading success. This guide will help you discover the best CFD brokers in Canada, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and unique offerings.
Comparison of Top 10 CFD Brokers in Canada
Note: Broker offerings and conditions can change; always double-check directly with the broker.
1. AvaTrade
AvaTrade Canada 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 CA
Pros
- A wide selection of financial assets.
- Innovative trading platforms.
- Highly rated educational resources.
Cons
- Limited trading account options.
- Account inactivity fee.
2. Plus500
Plus500 is ideal for traders seeking a convenient and intuitive platform with a broad spectrum of trading instruments. It's particularly well-suited for those who value a diverse range of CFDs on stocks, indices, currencies, commodities, and ETFs. The built-in Insight+ analytics tool is a significant advantage for those keen on analyzing trends and activities based on real-time data.
Pros and Cons of Plus500
Pros
- Diversity of trading assets.
- Intuitive trading platform.
- 24/7 support.
- Built-in analytics.
Cons
- Limited channels for communication with technical support.
- Limited choice of trading accounts.
3. CMC Markets
CMC Markets Canada 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 seek a trustworthy and reputable broker with extensive experience.
Pros and Cons of CMC Markets CA
Pros
- Low trading fees.
- Wide range of markets and products.
- Access to the popular MetaTrader 4 and CMC Markets platforms.
- Extensive analytical materials.
- Comprehensive educational materials.
Cons
- Limited account options.
- Inactivity fee.
- No online chat.
4. ActivTrades
ActivTrades is suitable for beginner traders who value simplicity and intuitive trading platforms, as well as a variety of educational materials to improve their skills. Moreover, this broker can be a suitable option for experienced traders who prefer to trade various instruments and use the powerful features of the MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and TradingView platforms.
However, for traders with more specific requirements, such as a variety of trading accounts or individual conditions for professional traders, ActivTrades may be less attractive.
Pros and Cons of ActivTrades
Pros
- Wide range of trading assets.
- A wide variety of trading platforms.
- Extensive training materials including webinars, videos, articles and guides.
- Professional Support Team.
Cons
- Lack of diversity in trading accounts.
5. IFC Markets
IFC Markets is a reliable and licensed broker, offering a broad spectrum of trading instruments and platforms for investors of various experience levels. With multilingual support and extensive educational resources, the company aims to provide its clients with a comfortable and efficient trading environment.
IFC Markets could be a suitable choice for investors seeking a variety of trading instruments and platforms.
Pros and Cons of IFC Markets
Pros
- A wide range of trading assets.
- Variety of trading platforms.
- Educational materials for traders of all experience levels.
- Tools for creating synthetic tools are available.
Cons
- High swaps.
6. FXCM
FXCM represents a comprehensive solution that will benefit traders of all levels — from beginners to professionals. Beginners will appreciate the accessible educational materials and analytics, while experienced traders can use various instruments and flexible platform settings.
However, it's essential to consider drawbacks such as fees for account inactivity and the limited variety of trading accounts. These factors may be particularly significant for traders who do not plan to trade actively or are looking for more options for customization.
The broker offers a good balance between high-quality services and reasonable rates, making it an attractive choice for a broad spectrum of traders.
Pros and Cons of FXCM
Pros
- Diverse methods for deposit and withdrawal.
- Wide range of markets and products for trading.
- A broad spectrum of trading platforms.
- Extensive and quality materials for making informed decisions.
- Quick and efficient help in solving emerging issues.
Cons
- Insufficient variety of trading accounts.
- Inactivity fees and commissions for bank transfer withdrawals.
- Protracted account opening and verification process.
7. HYCM
HYCM is one of the Forex and CFD market leaders whose reputation is backed by strict regulation by major financial authorities such as the FCA, CySEC and DFSA. This ensures high protection of the client's funds and compliance with regulatory standards. The broker offers a wide range of trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, recognized as some of the most reliable and functional in the industry. The variety of trading instruments available allows you to create a diverse investment portfolio, while a rich selection of educational resources supports traders at all stages of their professional development.
HYCM will be most suitable for traders looking for reliability and diversity in the toolkit without worrying about high commissions and a lack of innovative platforms. This broker is ideal for experienced traders who can use the analytical and educational resources provided to improve their trading strategies.
Pros and Cons of HYCM
Pros
- Well-regulated broker.
- An extensive set of educational materials.
- Diversity of trading assets.
Cons
- Absence of proprietary trading platform.
- No social trading.
8. OANDA
Oanda is an excellent choice for Canadian 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 CA
Pros
- Tight spreads.
- Diverse markets and products.
- Advanced trading platforms.
- Quality analytics.
- Extensive learning section.
Cons
- Limited trading account types.
- Inactivity fee.
- High swaps.
9. FOREX.com
FOREX.com is an excellent broker for trading in the Forex and CFD markets. They offer fast execution speeds, a wide selection of currency pairs, and other assets for trading. Their customer service is outstanding, and multiple financial authorities regulate them.
Pros and Cons of FOREX.com
Pros
- Broker with many years of history and a global reputation.
- A variety of deposit methods.
- A wide variety of available markets and products.
- Advanced analytical tools and daily updates from the company's professionals.
- Comprehensive educational materials for all levels of traders.
Cons
- Lack of specialized accounts.
- High transaction fee on DMA Account.
10. 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.
What is CFD?
A Contract for Difference (CFD) is a financial derivative allowing traders to speculate on price movements of underlying assets without actually owning them. Traders profit or lose based on the price difference between trade entry and exit.
How CFDs Differ from Other Financial Instruments
CFDs differ notably from traditional trading instruments in several ways:
Leverage: Traders can amplify positions with relatively small deposits.
Ownership: No physical ownership of the underlying assets.
Short selling: CFDs allow profit from declining markets as easily as rising ones.
Variety of markets: Access to stocks, commodities, forex, indices, and cryptocurrencies.
Pros and Cons of CFD Trading
Advantages
- Leverage: Maximize gains from small initial deposits.
- Market versatility: Profit in rising or falling markets.
- Broad range of assets: Easily diversify portfolios.
- Low entry costs: Lower capital requirements compared to traditional investments.
Disadvantages
- Risk of leverage: Amplified losses are possible.
- Overnight fees: Holding positions overnight can incur costs.
- Complexity: CFDs can be complicated for beginners.
- Regulatory risks: Some jurisdictions restrict CFD trading practices.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a CFD Broker
Selecting the ideal broker requires evaluating critical aspects that influence your trading experience:
Regulation and Security
Always choose brokers regulated by reputable Canadian authorities like CIRO (Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization) or international regulators (ASIC, FCA, CySEC).
Trading Fees and Costs
Carefully consider spreads, commissions, overnight fees, and inactivity charges. Lower fees enhance profitability in the long run.
Trading Platforms
Opt for user-friendly and robust platforms such as MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, or custom platforms that suit your style and requirements.
Asset Availability
Ensure the broker offers a diverse array of assets, including stocks, indices, forex, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, enabling portfolio diversification.
Customer Service
Reliable and responsive customer service (preferably 24/7 live chat) ensures timely assistance, particularly crucial in volatile market conditions.
Educational Resources
Quality educational content—webinars, tutorials, articles—empowers beginners and seasoned traders to refine strategies and understand the market better.
How Was the List of the Best CFD Brokers in Canada Compiled?
This list was meticulously crafted by evaluating brokers on these key parameters:
Regulatory oversight and compliance
Trading cost competitiveness
Platform reliability and innovation
Asset class diversity
User reviews and customer feedback
Availability and responsiveness of customer support
Quality of educational and research materials
We extensively consulted trader testimonials, broker transparency reports, and financial regulatory body publications to finalize our rankings.
FAQ
Is CFD trading legal in Canada?
Yes, CFD trading is entirely legal in Canada, provided you trade with an CIRO-regulated broker.
What is the minimum deposit required to start trading CFDs?
Minimum deposits vary widely, from as little as CAD 1 at OANDA to around CAD 300 at brokers like AvaTrade.
Can beginners successfully trade CFDs?
Yes, beginners can succeed if they dedicate sufficient time to learning, use demo accounts for practice, and adopt responsible risk management practices. Additionally, be sure to check out our Forex brokers for beginners in Canada list to find platforms that are well-suited for those just starting out.
What are the risks associated with CFD trading?
The primary risks include leverage-induced losses, market volatility, overnight financing fees, and counterparty risks. Good risk management strategies are essential.
How do I choose the right trading platform for CFDs?
Consider ease of use, technical analysis tools, mobile compatibility, and reliability. Platforms like MetaTrader 4 or 5 are widely respected and popular.
Can I trade CFDs on my mobile device?
Absolutely. Most brokers provide sophisticated mobile apps, ensuring seamless trading from anywhere.
What types of assets can I trade with CFDs?
CFDs cover a broad spectrum including stocks, forex, commodities, indices, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies.
How do CFD brokers make money?
CFD brokers primarily earn revenue from spreads, commissions, and financing charges for overnight positions.
Are demo accounts available for practicing CFD trading?
Yes, most reputable brokers offer free demo accounts allowing you to practice trading strategies without risking real money.
