Best CFD Broker Alternatives in the USA 2025 – No Real CFDs for US Residents
We rigorously test brokers on real accounts and evaluate them using our methodology. Here are the top CFD broker alternatives for US traders based on our analysis:
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Plus500 US - Best CFD broker alternative for US traders - Easy account opening. Competitive trading fees. User-friendly platform. - 2
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. - 3
IG - Licenses from regulators with a high level of credibility. Tight spreads. A variety of markets and products. - 4
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eToro - A social network for traders. Good selection of trading instruments. Fractional shares purchasing.
There is one key fact you should know from the start: regulated US brokers do not offer CFDs to US residents. Still, many traders want CFD-style features – leverage, long and short positions, and access to indices, commodities, forex and more.
This guide explains why you cannot open a true CFD trading account as a US resident and shows you the top CFD broker alternatives for US traders: a regulated futures trading platform and several major forex and multi-asset brokers that provide legal, US-compliant products while offering CFDs to non-US clients in other regions.
No Real CFD Brokers for US Residents – Only Regulated Alternatives
Outside the United States, many traders use regulated CFD brokers to trade price movements on forex, indices, stocks, commodities and cryptocurrencies with leverage. In the USA, the situation is very different:
US regulation does not allow retail clients to trade CFDs with US-regulated brokers.
The same global brands that market themselves as CFD trading platforms in Europe, the UK or Australia run different product line-ups in the USA.
As a US resident, when you open an account with a US entity of these groups, you typically gain access to:
OTC spot forex,
exchange-traded futures and options,
real stocks and ETFs,
spot cryptocurrencies – but not CFDs.
For US-based traders who like the idea of CFD-style trading – leverage, long and short positions, access to indices, commodities and forex – the realistic goal is to find regulated alternatives that offer similar opportunities within US law. The brokers reviewed on this page are precisely those alternatives.
Best CFD Broker Alternatives for US Traders in 2025
The platforms above are the top CFD broker alternatives for US traders in our testing. They combine:
strong global CFD offerings for non-US clients in regions where CFDs are allowed, and
fully regulated, US-compliant products such as futures, spot forex, stocks, ETFs or crypto for US residents.
1. Plus500 Futures
Plus500 Futures can be considered an excellent choice for beginner to intermediate traders focusing on futures trading, especially those who value simplicity and educational support. Plus500 US deserves a solid rating for its balanced offering, marking it as a reputable and accessible broker yet leaving room for enhancement in areas crucial for advanced trading needs.
Pros and Cons of Plus500 US
Pros
- Easy account opening.
- Competitive trading fees.
- User-friendly platform.
- 24/7 customer support.
Cons
- Lack of account diversity.
- Absence of analytical tools.
- Lack of interactive educational formats.
- No direct phone or email support.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Trading.com
Trading.com is an attractive choice for traders due to its low commission policy, which makes trading more affordable. Using the MetaTrader 5 platform satisfies traders' needs for modern trading tools and functionality. Additionally, the broker supports various deposit and withdrawal methods without additional commissions, which is convenient for clients from different countries.
Trading.com is suitable for experienced traders who do not depend on the broker's training materials and analytics and who are looking for low-cost trading in a wide range of traditional financial instruments.
Pros and Cons of Trading.com
Pros
- Low trading fees.
- Multiple deposit and withdrawal methods.
- Quality technical support.
Cons
- Limited educational materials.
- Sparse analytics.
5. OANDA
Oanda is an excellent choice for US 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 US
Pros
- Tight spreads.
- Advanced trading platforms.
- Quality analytics.
- Extensive learning section.
Cons
- Limited trading account types.
- Inactivity fee.
- High swaps.
6. eToro
eToro stands out from other brokers due to its unique combination of trading services and social features, making it particularly attractive to traders interested in innovative approaches to investing. Narrow spreads and the ability to buy securities in fractions simplify access to different assets, while the social network allows users to share strategies and copy trades of successful traders, which is a big plus for beginners and those looking for new investment ideas. The simple and intuitive interface makes the platform accessible even for those who are just starting their trading journey.
eToro is best suited for beginner traders who are looking to capitalize on the social aspects of trading and do not require complex individual trading account settings. The platform is also ideal for those looking for an active community to share ideas and strategies.
Pros and Cons of eToro
Pros
- A social network for traders.
- Good selection of trading instruments.
- Fractional shares purchasing.
- Narrow spreads.
Cons
- Only one trading account is available.
- eToro has its own trading platform, but there is no alternative to it.
- Poor customer support performance.
- Delays and hidden fees during fund withdrawal.
Plus500 US – Futures Platform Instead of CFDs
Globally, Plus500 is known as one of the leading CFD brokers. In the United States, however, the group operates differently:
Plus500 US offers exchange-traded futures instead of CFDs.
Traders can access futures on equity indices, commodities such as crude oil and gold, interest-rate contracts and some cryptocurrency futures (where available).
All contracts are traded on regulated exchanges with central clearing, standardised contract specifications and transparent exchange margin.
For US residents who want a platform that feels similar to a traditional CFD broker, Plus500 Futures is one of the closest legal alternatives. You still have access to leverage, can trade both long and short, and can reach many of the same markets – but you do it via listed futures contracts rather than CFDs.
Forex and Multi-Asset Brokers as CFD Alternatives in the USA
Internationally, the broker groups below are widely known for their CFD businesses. In the United States, however, they play a different role:
FOREX.com, IG, Trading.com and OANDA operate NFA/CFTC-regulated entities that focus on margin forex and other permitted instruments, not CFDs.
eToro runs a US entity that provides access to real stocks, ETFs and cryptocurrencies in selected states, again without CFDs.
If you are based in the USA, it is better to view these brands primarily as:
regulated US forex brokers and multi-asset trading platforms, and
potential CFD providers only if you open an account with one of their non-US entities in a country where CFDs are explicitly allowed and properly supervised.
For most US residents, the safer and clearer approach is to use the US-regulated products offered by these brokers (forex, futures, stocks, ETFs and crypto) instead of trying to open offshore CFD accounts.
What Is a CFD?
A Contract for Difference (CFD) is a leveraged derivative that lets you speculate on the price movement of an underlying asset without owning it. When you open a CFD position, you agree with the broker to exchange the difference between the opening and closing price of the contract.
CFDs are popular in many regions because they offer:
Leverage – you can control a relatively large position with a smaller margin deposit.
Easy long and short trading – going short is as simple as going long.
One multi-asset account – forex, indices, stocks, commodities, crypto and ETFs are often available in a single CFD trading platform.
Because CFDs are over-the-counter contracts between you and the broker, regulators in some countries (including the US) consider them too risky or unsuitable for retail clients and restrict or prohibit their use.
CFDs vs Futures vs Margin Forex
Understanding how CFDs compare with other leveraged products helps you choose the right CFD broker alternative in the USA.
Key differences at a glance
| Feature | CFDs | Futures | Margin Forex (US) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where they trade | Off-exchange (OTC), directly with the broker | On regulated exchanges with central clearing | Off-exchange (OTC) with regulated RFED/FCM/FCM-IB brokers |
| Counterparty | The broker is your counterparty | Clearing house / exchange members | The forex dealer (broker) is your counterparty |
| Contract structure | Flexible, defined by broker | Standardised contract sizes, tick values and expiry dates | Spot or spot-like positions with broker-defined margin |
| Main use cases | Multi-asset leveraged trading (FX, indices, stocks, commodities, crypto) | Leveraged trading in indices, commodities, rates, some crypto | Leveraged trading in currency pairs |
| Pricing & funding | Broker sets spreads, margin and overnight financing | Exchange prices + exchange/clearing fees + broker commission | Broker sets spreads, margin and (where applicable) financing |
| Regulation focus | Often restricted or banned for retail in some regions | Long-established, tightly regulated listed derivatives market | Specific retail forex rules in the US (CFTC/NFA framework) |
| Availability to US residents | Generally not available via US-regulated brokers | Available through registered futures brokers | Available through NFA/CFTC-regulated forex brokers |
For US residents, this effectively means using futures and options instead of CFDs on indices and commodities, margin forex instead of CFDs on currency pairs, and real stocks and ETFs instead of CFDs on individual shares.
Pros and Cons of CFD-Style Trading
Even though you cannot trade real CFDs with US-regulated brokers, it is useful to understand the strengths and weaknesses of CFD-style leveraged trading in general.
Advantages
Leverage and capital efficiency. You can control large positions with a relatively small deposit, which can boost potential returns if you manage risk carefully.
Flexibility: long and short. Both CFDs and futures/forex alternatives make it simple to trade rising and falling markets.
Access to multiple markets. With a single account you can reach forex, indices, commodities, stocks, crypto and more – whether via CFDs abroad or via futures and margin forex in the USA.
Disadvantages
Amplified losses. Leverage magnifies losses just as much as profits. A small adverse price move can quickly cause a large drawdown or margin call.
Complexity. Margin, rollovers, overnight financing charges and contract specifications all add complexity, especially for beginners.
Regulatory restrictions. In some countries, such as the USA, classic CFDs are off-limits to retail clients, so you must use alternative instruments.
How to Choose the Right CFD Broker Alternative in the USA
When you are comparing different leveraged trading platforms that could serve as a CFD broker alternative in the USA, focus on the following points.
1. Regulation and Security
In the USA, prioritise brokers that are properly registered with CFTC/NFA or SEC/FINRA, depending on the product type.
For non-US CFD trading, use only regulated CFD brokers supervised by well-known authorities (FCA, CySEC, ASIC and others).
Check whether the broker:
keeps client money in segregated accounts,
has clear risk-management and margin policies,
provides transparent reporting and disclosures.
2. Trading Fees and Costs
Compare the full cost of trading:
spreads,
commissions per contract/lot,
overnight financing or swap rates for leveraged positions,
exchange and regulatory fees for futures,
deposit/withdrawal and inactivity fees, if any.
Lower, more transparent costs are especially important for active traders and scalpers.
3. Trading Platforms
For most traders, the quality of the trading platform is just as important as pricing. A good leveraged trading platform should offer:
stable, fast execution,
high-quality charts and technical indicators,
intuitive order entry and risk-management tools,
good mobile apps and alerts.
Many of the brokers listed here support popular platforms like MetaTrader 4 or 5 alongside proprietary web and mobile platforms. Plus500 US offers a simple, modern interface tailored to futures trading.
4. Markets and Instruments
Decide which markets matter most to you:
forex pairs,
major stock indices,
energy and metal commodities,
individual stocks and ETFs,
cryptocurrencies.
Outside the USA, one multi-asset CFD trading platform can cover most of these markets. In the USA you will usually combine:
forex brokers for currency pairs,
futures brokers for indices and commodities,
stock brokers for shares and ETFs,
crypto providers for digital assets.
5. Education and Support
Beginners in leveraged trading benefit greatly from:
structured education (courses, webinars, tutorials),
market analysis and trade ideas,
responsive customer support (live chat, phone, email).
When you choose a CFD broker alternative, make sure it offers enough guidance and help for your current level.
How We Selected the Best CFD Broker Alternatives in the USA
Because regulated US brokers do not offer CFDs to US residents, this guide does not list “classic” CFD accounts for Americans. Instead, we focus on credible alternatives – futures, forex and multi-asset platforms that can realistically play the same role a CFD broker would play in other regions.
Our selection process followed a clear and consistent framework:
Starting from our global broker universe. We began with our broader list of well-known forex, CFD and futures brokers. From there, we shortlisted only those groups with a strong international track record and a meaningful presence in the United States.
Checking US access and regulatory status. Each brand had to operate a properly regulated US entity or partner (for example, registered with CFTC/NFA or SEC/FINRA) and accept US residents under clear, transparent terms. If a broker only offered offshore CFD accounts with no US-regulated alternative, it was excluded.
Evaluating the leveraged trading offering. We assessed how well each platform can replicate key CFD benefits – leverage, long/short trading and access to major global markets – using products that are actually permitted in the USA (such as exchange-traded futures, margin forex, real stocks, ETFs and spot crypto).
Analysing pricing, platforms and tools. Brokers were compared on spreads and commissions, margin requirements, overnight costs (where applicable), platform stability, charting tools, order types and the quality of mobile and web trading experiences.
Reviewing safety and client protection. Only brokers with robust regulation, segregation of client funds, transparent risk disclosures and a solid operational history were included. We favoured groups that are already trusted by a large international client base and that maintain clear separation between their US and non-US product ranges.
By applying these criteria, we have curated a list of CFD broker alternatives that are not only reliable and secure, but also genuinely practical for US-based traders. The goal is to help you access global markets with leverage in a way that stays within US rules and still feels as close as possible to the flexibility of a traditional CFD broker.
FAQ
Is CFD trading legal in the USA?
For most retail traders, CFDs are effectively not available in the USA. US-regulated brokers do not offer Contracts for Difference to US residents. Global broker groups may provide CFD trading through non-US entities in other regions, but US-based clients are directed to forex, futures, stocks, ETFs or crypto instead.
What is the minimum deposit required to start trading CFDs?
Minimum deposits vary by broker and by region. Some global CFD brokers advertise minimum deposits as low as $1–$5, while others start from $100 or more. These figures usually apply to non-US CFD accounts. If you are a US resident opening a forex, futures or stock account instead of a CFD account, the required minimum deposit and trading conditions may be different.
Can beginners successfully trade CFDs?
Yes, beginners can learn to trade CFDs and similar leveraged products, but they should start cautiously: use demo accounts, begin with small position sizes, limit leverage and focus on risk management. In the USA, beginners will typically practise on forex, futures or stock accounts rather than CFDs, because CFDs are not offered by US-regulated brokers. Additionally, be sure to check out our Best Forex Brokers for Beginners in the USA list to find brokers that are well-suited for those just starting out.
What are the risks associated with CFD trading?
CFD trading involves several risks, including the potential for significant financial losses due to leverage, market volatility, and the complexity of the instruments. It's crucial to understand these risks and implement effective risk management strategies to mitigate potential losses.
How do I choose the right trading platform for CFDs?
Look for a platform that is properly licensed in the USA, supports the markets you want to trade and offers clear pricing. Compare spreads, commissions, platform stability, the quality of charts and tools, and customer support.
Can I trade CFDs on my mobile device?
Yes, most reputable CFD brokers offer mobile trading platforms compatible with smartphones and tablets. These platforms provide the flexibility to trade on the go, access real-time market data, and execute trades seamlessly from your mobile device.
What types of assets can I trade with CFDs?
CFDs allow you to trade a wide variety of assets, including forex, commodities (such as gold and oil), indices, stocks, cryptocurrencies, and ETFs. This diversity enables traders to diversify their portfolios and explore multiple markets within a single trading account.
How do CFD brokers make money?
CFD brokers make money primarily through the spread, which is the difference between the bid and ask prices of an asset. Some brokers also charge commissions on trades, especially for certain account types or asset classes. Additionally, overnight financing fees may apply for positions held open beyond a trading day.
Are demo accounts available for practicing CFD trading?
Yes. Most major brokers – including forex, futures and CFD providers – offer free demo accounts with virtual funds. Demo trading is an excellent way to learn a trading platform, test strategies and understand how margin and leverage work before risking real money.
