CFDs (contracts-for-differences) enable Australian traders to gain exposure to stocks, crypto, index funds, commodities, currencies, and more at the click of a button.
The best CFD trading platforms in Australia typically offer 0% commission markets alongside leverage and short-selling tools.
In this guide, we review and rank the 10 best CFD brokers in Australia for supported assets, spreads and commissions, safety, and more.
The Best CFD Brokers Australia in 2022
Before reading our comprehensive reviews, investors can browse the 10 best CFD brokers in Australia via the list below:
Trade CFDs on Capital.com Now
80.61% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and/or CFDs with this provider.
Best Australian CFD Brokers Reviewed
In the sections below, readers will find in-depth reviews of the 10 best CFD brokers in Australia – as per our market research. All brokers are regulated by ASIC or at least one other tier-one financial body, so safety is assured.
1. Capital.com – Overall Best CFD Broker in Australia
Capital.com review Australian traders looking for a safe and low-cost way to trade CFDs across thousands of markets might consider Capital.com. This trading provider is authorized and licensed by ASIC, in addition to the FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), and NBRB (Belarus).
Supported markets on the Capital.com platform run into the thousands of financial instruments, across stocks, ETFs, forex, crypto, indices, commodities, and more. Traders can access their chosen CFD markets without paying any trading commission.
Spreads are notable here too – with forex traders having access to EUR/USD from just 0.6 pips. The minimum first-time deposit at Capital.com is $20. This is, however, only for payments made with a debit or credit card, or a supported e-wallet. Those wishing to transfer money via a bank wire will need to deposit at least $250.
When trading at Capital.com, CFD markets come alongside leverage. This is in line with ASIC limits, so major forex pairs can be traded at 1:30. Gold and minor/exotic pairs come with leverage of 1:20, indices at 1:20, and individual stocks at 1:5. Crypto assets at Capital.com can be traded with leverage of 1:2.
As is the case with all CFD brokers, Capital.com supports long and short positions. Trading can be carried out online via the Capital.com website or through the provider’s mobile app. The latter is free to download and is supported by Android and iOS devices. MT4 is also supported by Capital.com across all major device types.
Educational tools and market insights, in addition to technical indicators and chart draw tools, are accessible across all Capital.com trading platforms. There is also a free demo account offered by Capital.com. This comes packed with a pre-loaded balance of $10,000 and requires no upfront deposit to gain access.
CFD assets Stocks, ETFs, forex, commodities, indices, crypto
Number of CFD contracts 6,000+
Pricing system 0% commission on all markets
Deposit fee None
EUR/USD spread 0.6 pips spread
Cost of trading Amazon stock $0.33 spread
Trading Platforms Native web trader, mobile app, MT4, TradingView
Min Deposit $20
Overall best CFD broker in Australia
No commissions charged
Access tight spreads and small minimum stakes
Regulated by the FCA, ASIC, CySEC, NBRB
Get started with just $20
No proprietary copy trading tools
Your capital is at risk. 80.61% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
2. eToro – ASIC-Regulated Broker With Copy Trading Tools
Beginners in the market for the best CFD broker online might consider eToro. This popular trading platform requires a minimum deposit of just $50 and AUD payments are supported across debit/credit cards, PayPal, Skrill, POLi, Neteller, bank transfers, and more.
Unlike Capital.com, eToro offers access to both real assets and CFDs. Regarding the former, eToro is one of the best places to buy shares in Australia, as it offers lists of companies at 0% commission. Stock markets from the US, Germany, the UK, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Canada, France, and more are supported.
ETFs can also be purchased at 0% commission. eToro is also one of the best brokers to invest in cryptocurrency in Australia. Across more than 90 markets, users can buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, and plenty of other cryptocurrencies at a fee of 1%. When trading stocks, ETFs, and crypto assets at eToro, the minimum stake amount is just $10.
etoro review
These markets will convert from real assets to CFDs when one of two trading conditions are met. First, if the trader goes short on stocks, ETFs, or crypto, this will turn into a CFD position. Second, if the trader applies leverage, this will also be represented by a CFD. Leverage limits remain in line with Capital.com and ASIC regulations.
Additionally, eToro is one of the best forex brokers in Australia. It offers 49 currency pairs across the majors, minors, and exotics on a spread-only basis. EUR/USD spreads start at 1 pip per slide. eToro also offers access to dozens of indices – such as the Dow Jones and FTSE 100, as well as commodities like gold, silver, oil, natural gas, and corn.
It only takes a few minutes to register an account with eToro and this popular CFD broker is regulated by ASIC, as well as the FCA, CySEC, and the SEC. Before making a deposit, eToro users can also access a free demo account facility. This offers risk-free trading with a balance of $100,000 in demo funds.
eToro users can also switch between the online platform and the mobile app for iOS and Android. But perhaps the most popular feature offered by eToro is its Copy Trading service. As the name suggests, this allows eToro users to ‘copy’ the investments of an experienced trader. From the perspective of the eToro user, this offers a 100% passive trading process.
CFD assets Stocks, ETFs, forex, commodities, indices, crypto
Number of CFD contracts 3,000+
Pricing system 0% commission on real stocks and ETFs. 1% on real crypto. Spread-only on CFD markets.
Deposit fee 0.5% on AUD payments
EUR/USD spread 1 pip
Cost of trading Amazon stock $0.15 spread
Trading Platforms Proprietary eToro platform for web browsers and mobile devices
Min Deposit $50
Buy stocks, ETFs, and crypto – or trade via CFDs
Forex, indices, and commodities supported too
Accounts take less than two minutes to open
Low fees and competitive spreads
Copy trading service supports passive investments
Regulated by the FCA, ASIC, SEC, and CySEC
0.5% deposit fee on AUD payments
Visit eToro Now
78% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
3. XTB – Popular CFD Trading Platform for Raw Spreads
XTB is one of the best CFD brokers in Australia for low fees and super-tight spreads. In fact, there are no trading commissions to pay on any supported CFD markets at XTB and spreads can go as low as 0.1 pip on EUR/USD.
Stock spreads are very competitive too, with Amazon offered at just $0.50 per slide at the time of writing. Supported markets at XTB – all of which are represented by CFDs, include indices, crypto, commodities, ETFs, forex, and stocks. Although the provider offers high leverage limits, this doesn’t apply to Australians.
xtb review
Once again, Australian traders will be capped at 1:30 when trading forex CFDs, and less on other markets. There is no minimum deposit requirement at XTB, although traders should ensure that they add enough money to cover their required position. Forex, for example, can be traded at lots of 0.01 – meaning the minimum trade size is 1,000 currency units.
CFD assets Stocks, ETFs, forex, commodities, indices, crypto
Number of CFD contracts 2,100+
Pricing system 0% commission on all markets
Deposit fee $0 on debit/credit cards, 2% on Skrill
EUR/USD spread From 0.1 pip
Cost of trading Amazon stock $0.50 spread
Trading Platforms xStation for mobile, desktop, and web browsers
Min Deposit No minimum deposit requirement
Trade CFDs from just 0.1 pip
Access 2,100+CFDs at 0% commission
No minimum deposit required to open an account
No support for third-party trading platforms, such as MT4
81% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
4. AvaTrade – Buy and Sell CFD Instruments Without Paying Any Commission
AvaTrade logoYet another 0% commission provider that makes our list of the best CFD brokers in Australia is AvaTrade. Not only is this provider authorized and regulated by ASIC, but eight other financial bodies. This is inclusive of CySEC, FFAJ (Japan), and the Central Bank of Ireland.
AvaTrade supports most asset classes, which include stocks, forex, ETFs, bonds, indices, and commodities. Both options and crypto assets are supported too. Leverage is offered on all markets within ASIC limits and the minimum AvaTrade deposit for first-time customers is $100.
avatrade review
AvaTrade is also popular for its wide range of supported trading platforms. This includes MT4, MT5, DupliTrade, and ZuluTrade. This CFD provider also offers its own native trading platform for web browsers and iOS/Android smartphones. When it comes to spreads, AvaTrade offers a competitive 0.9 pips on EUR/USD.
CFD assets Stocks, ETFs, forex, commodities, indices, bonds, options, crypto
Number of CFD contracts 1,000+
Pricing system 0% commission on all markets
Deposit fee None
EUR/USD spread From 0.9 pips
Cost of trading Amazon stock 0.14% spread
Trading Platforms WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, MT4, MT5, DupliTrade, ZuluTrade
Min Deposit $100
1,000+commission-free CFD markets
Multiple native and third-party trading platforms
$100 minimum deposit and no transaction fees
Limited number of crypto markets
71% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
5. Pepperstone – Trade CFDs at Wholesale Market Prices
Pepperstone is another ASIC-regulated provider that makes our list of the best CFD brokers in Australia. This platform offers two core account types – one of which enables traders to buy and sell CFD instruments on a commission-free basis.
However, the broker’s razor account is well worth considering, as it offers access to some of the tightest spreads in the industry. In return for paying a commission of $3.50 per slide, the likes of EUR/USD can be accessed at 0.0 pips during standard hours. Both accounts support fee-free payments and there is no minimum deposit requirement.
Pepperstone review
Traders at Pepperstone will have plenty of options when it comes to finding market opportunities. CFD instruments can be found across ETFs, stocks, indices, crypto, commodities, and forex. To aid the decision-making process, traders can utilize the many technical indicators and tools offered by MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView – all of which are supported by Pepperstone.
CFD assets Stocks, ETFs, forex, commodities, indices, crypto
Number of CFD contracts 1,200+
Pricing system $3.50 commission per lot on razor account, 0% commission on standard account
Deposit fee None
EUR/USD spread From 0.0 pips on razor account, 0.6 pips on standard account
Cost of trading Amazon stock $0.02 per share
Trading Platforms MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView
Min Deposit No minimum deposit requirement
Pros
Razor account offers institutional-grade spreads from 0.0 pips
Causal traders can opt for the 0% commission standard account
1,200+CFD markets
Only supported third-party trading platforms
Visit Pepperstone Now
74% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
6. IG – Gain Access to Over 18,000 CFD Markets
IG
IG is perhaps the best CFD broker in Australia for asset diversity. Across more than 18,000 markets, this regulated brokerage leaves no stone unturned. This is inclusive of stocks, ETFs, forex, commodities, indices, options, futures, bonds, interest rates, and more.
Fees will depend on the CFD asset being traded. For instance, stocks and ETFs attract a fee that is dependent on the exchange. Australian stocks/ETFs will cost 0.08%, while markets in NZ are slightly higher at 0.09%. US stocks cost $0.02 per share, while UK equities amount to 0.10%.
ig review
There is, however, a minimum commission when trading stocks, and this also varies depending on the exchange. The good news is that all other CFD asset classes can be traded at 0% commission. IG requires a minimum first-time deposit of $250 to get started. To make a deposit with a debit card, this will cost 0.5% (MasterCard) or 1% (Visa).
CFD assets Stocks, ETFs, forex, commodities, indices, options, futures, bonds, interest rates, crypto
Number of CFD contracts 18,000+
Pricing system 0% commission on all CFD markets other than stocks/ETFs
Deposit fee 1% on Visa, 0.5% on MasterCard
EUR/USD spread From 0.6 pips
Cost of trading Amazon stock $0.02 per share
Trading Platforms Native platform for web and mobile trading, MT4
Min Deposit $250
Zero-commission trading on all markets other than stocks and ETFs
18,000+CFD markets
Stock and ETF CFDs attract a commission
1% and 0.5% fee on Visa and MasterCard payments, respectively
7. Skilling – Popular CFD Trading App With Leverage
skilling review Those in the market for the best Australian CFD trading app might want to consider Skilling. This trading app is native to the broker and compatible with iOS and Android, across both smartphones and tablets. The app, once installed, will connect to the Skilling web trading account.
As a result, the trader never needs to be more than a click away from the CFD markets. Before downloading the Skilling app, traders will need to open an account and make a deposit. This CFD broker supports debit/credit cards, e-wallets, and traditional bank wires. Supported markets at Skilling include 900+CFD instruments.
skilling review
This consists of stocks, forex, crypto, indices, and commodities. When opening a standard account – which is suitable for casual traders, there are no commissions to pay. EUR/USD spreads start from just 0.2 pips. Crypto spreads are even more competitive, starting at 0.0001. Do note that e-wallet payments can attract a fee of up to 2.9%.
CFD assets Stocks, forex, commodities, indices, crypto
Number of CFD contracts 900+
Pricing system 0% on standard accounts
Deposit fee Debit/credit cards are free, e-wallets range from 0-2.9%
EUR/USD spread From 0.2 pips
Cost of trading Amazon stock $0.53 spread
Trading Platforms Native platform for web and mobile trading, MT4, cTrader
Min Deposit $100
One of the best CFD trading apps in Australia
User-friendly trading platform
Confusing pricing structure
Less supported markets than other CFD providers
8. Plus500 – Trade Thousands of CFDs at 0% Commission
Plus500 review
Next up on our list of the best CFD brokers in Australia is Plus500. This provider supports thousands of CFDs across the most traded asset classes globally. This is inclusive of crypto assets, forex, indices, ETFs, and commodities. Plus500 also supports stocks from nearly 20 markets.
This includes stocks listed in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the UK, the US, Germany, Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong, and more. All of the aforementioned markets can be traded at Plus500 on a 0% commission basis. Spreads can be reasonable here, but not on all markets. EUR/USD, however, is competitive at 0.8 pips.
Plus500 review
The minimum deposit to open an account with Plus500 is $100. With that said, traders can get started with the Plus500 demo account, which doesn’t require a deposit. There is no support for third-party trading platforms here, which means EAs cannot be used. The Plus500 trading suite is, therefore, more suitable for casual traders.
CFD assets Stocks, ETFs, forex, commodities, indices, options, crypto
Number of CFD contracts 2,800+
Pricing system 0% on all markets
Deposit fee None
EUR/USD spread From 0.8 pips
Cost of trading Amazon stock 0.74% spread
Trading Platforms Native platform for web and mobile trading
Min Deposit $100
ASIC-regulated broker
Huge list of CFDs
No deposit fees
More suited for casual traders
9. XM – Start Trading CFDs Today From Just $5
XM review XM is one of the best CFD brokers in Australia for those on a budget. All supported account types here – of which there are many to choose from, come with a minimum first-time deposit of just $5. There are no deposit fees either. For casual traders, the standard account is perhaps a suitable option.
This offers access to commission-free markets across all supported CFDs. The spread starts at 1 pip on EUR/USD on this account type. There are also accounts that come with raw spreads alongside a commission, and this will likely suit more experienced traders.
XM review
Supported CFD assets include stocks, indices, crypto, ETFs, forex, and commodities. Although XM offers a native mobile app for iOS and Android, web traders will need to choose from either MT4 or MT5. Leverage of up to 1:1000 is offered by XM, but Australian traders will be capped at the usual limits of 1:30 on major currencies and less on other markets.
CFD assets Stocks, ETFs, forex, commodities, indices, crypto
Number of CFD contracts 1,000+
Pricing system Standard account offers 0% commission
Deposit fee None
EUR/USD spread 1 pip on standard account
Cost of trading Amazon stock 5.85 pips
Trading Platforms MT4, MT5, proprietary app for iOS and Android
Min Deposit $5
Minimum deposit of just $5 on all supported account types
Wide range of supported CFD assets
Supports MT4 and MT5
No native web trading platform
10. CMC Markets – Low-Cost CFD Broker With 12,000+Markets
cmc markets review
CMC Markets is a CFD and spread betting broker. It is heavily regulated, so traders can speculate on CFDs in safety. After opening an account with CMC Markets – which does not require a minimum deposit to be met, traders will have access to more than 12,000 instruments.
This is inclusive of stocks, ETFs, forex, commodities, crypto, indices, and treasuries. No commissions are payable on the aforementioned assets, other than stocks. In this case, the commission will depend on the stock being traded and whether a long or short position has been entered. Going long on Amazon stock, for instance, will cost 0.0145%, plus the spread.
cmc markets review
CMC Markets is behind the Next Generation trading platform, which is aimed at seasoned traders seeking high-level tools. This CFD broker also supports MT4.
CFD assets Stocks, ETFs, forex, commodities, crypto, indices, treasuries,
Number of CFD contracts 12,000+
Pricing system 0% on all markets apart from stocks and ETFs
Deposit fee None
EUR/USD spread From 0.7 pips
Cost of trading Amazon stock 0.0145%
Trading Platforms Native NGEN platform for web and mobile trading, MT4
Min Deposit No minimum deposit requirement
12,000 CFD markets
No minimum deposit requirement
Heavily regulated
Stocks are not commission-free
The Best CFD Brokers Australia in 2022
Still deciding on the best CFD trading platform in Australia?
Refer to the comparison table below for key metrics surrounding the 10 providers that we reviewed:
Australia CFD Brokers CFD Assets Total CFDs Pricing System Deposit Fee EUR/USD Spread (From) Cost to Trade Amazon Stock Trading Platforms
Capital.com Stocks, ETFs, forex, commodities, indices, crypto 6,000+ 0% commission on all markets None 0.6 pips $0.33 spread Native web trader, mobile app, MT4, TradingView
eToro Stocks, ETFs, forex, commodities, indices, crypto 3,000+ 0% commission on stocks and ETFs. 1% on crypto. Spread-only on CFD markets. 0.50% 1 pip $0.15 spread Proprietary eToro platform for web browsers and mobile devices
XTB Stocks, ETFs, forex, commodities, indices, crypto 2,100+ 0% commission on all markets $0 on debit/credit cards, 2% on Skrill 0.1 pip $0.50 spread xStation for web, mobile, tablets, and desktop software
Avatrade Stocks, ETFs, forex, commodities, indices, bonds, options, crypto 1,000+ 0% commission on all markets None 0.9 pips 0.14% spread
WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, MT4, MT5, DupliTrade, ZuluTrade
Pepperstone Stocks, ETFs, forex, commodities, indices, crypto 1,200+ $3.50 commission per lot on razor account, 0% commission on standard account None From 0.0 pips on razor account, 0.6 pips on standard account $0.02 per share MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView
IG Stocks, ETFs, forex, commodities, indices, options, futures, bonds, interest rates, crypto 18,000+ 0% commission on all CFD markets other than stocks 1% on Visa, 0.5% on MasterCard 0.6 pips $0.02 per share Native platform for web and mobile trading, MT4
Skilling Stocks, forex, commodities, crypto, indices 900+ 0% on standard accounts Debit/credit cards are free, e-wallets range from 0-2.9% 0.2 pips $0.53 spread Native platform for web and mobile trading, MT4, cTrader
Plus500 Stocks, ETFs, forex, commodities, indices, options, crypto 2,800+ 0% commission on all markets None 0.8 pips 0.74% spread Native platform for web and mobile trading
XM Stocks, ETFs, forex, commodities, indices, options, crypto 1,000+ Standard account offers 0% commission None 1 pip on standard account 5.85 pip spread MT4, MT5, proprietary app for iOS and Android
CMC Markets Stocks, ETFs, forex, commodities, indices, treasuries, crypto 12,000+ 0% on all markets apart from stocks and ETFs None 0.7 pips 0.0145% Native NGEN platform for web and mobile trading, MT4
How We Select the Best Australian CFD Brokers?
Choosing the best broker for CFDs in Australia can be challenging, considering the number of factors that need to be considered.
To help clear the mist, below we explain the core requirements that we look for in a top-rated broker.
ASIC Regulation
Make no mistake about it, traders should focus on CFD brokers that are regulated by ASIC – such as eToro and Capital.com. This offers a full suite of protections that ultimately – ensures that Australians can trade in a safe online environment.
Supported CFD Markets
Most of the CFD brokers reviewed today support a variety of markets across stocks, forex, crypto, and commodities. Indices, ETFs, and bonds are often supported too.
Fees
The best CFD brokers in Australia offer access to a low-cost trading environment.
Check out the fee table below for a recap of what fees to expect when engaging in CFD trading online:
CFD Brokers Pricing System Deposit Fee EUR/USD Spread (From) Account Fees
Capital.com 0% commission on all markets None 0.6 pips None
eToro 0% commission on real stocks and ETFs. 1% on real crypto. Spread-only on CFD markets. 0.50% 1 pip
0.5% deposit fee, $10 inactivity fee, $5 withdrawal fee
XTB 0% commission on all markets $0 on debit/credit cards, 2% on Skrill 0.1 pip $10 inactivity fee
Avatrade 0% commission on all markets None 0.9 pips $50 inactivity fee
Pepperstone $3.50 commission per lot on razor account, 0% commission on standard account None From 0.0 pips on razor account, 0.6 pips on standard account None
IG 0% commission on all CFD markets other than stocks 1% on Visa, 0.5% on MasterCard 0.6 pips
1% on Visa, 0.5% on MasterCard, $18 inactivity fee
Skilling 0% on standard accounts Debit/credit cards are free, e-wallets range from 0-2.9% 0.2 pips None
Plus500 0% commission on all markets None 0.8 pips $12 inactivity fee
XM Standard account offers 0% commission None 1 pip on standard account $5 inactivity fee
CMC Markets 0% on all markets apart from stocks None 0.7 pips $10 inactivity fee
Tools and Analysis
Seasoned day traders will often require access to technical indicators and chart drawing tools. This is something offered by all of the CFD brokers discussed on this page.
Another popular tool to check out is the eToro Copy Trading service, which offers a 100% passive investment experience.
Minimum Deposit
The best CFD brokers in Australia support traders of all budgets. At Capital.com, traders can open an account from just $20. At eToro, the minimum is slightly higher at $50.
Demo Account
Consider choosing a CFD broker that offers a free demo account without the need to make a deposit. This will enable traders to test the CFD broker out before making a financial commitment.
Mobile App
The best CFD brokers in Australia not only offer a mobile app that is optimized for Android and iOS smartphones, but full account functionality.
Payment Methods
Top CFD brokers in Australia – including Capital.com, support bank wires, multiple e-wallets, and debit/credit cards on a fee-free basis. This makes the funding process simple, convenient, and cost-effective.
Customer Service
Before choosing a CFD broker, check out its customer service department. For instance, what hours do the customer service team operate and what support methods are offered?
How to Start Trading CFDs With a Regulated Australian Broker
Trading CFDs online has never been more straightforward – at least in terms of getting set up and placing an order.
To highlight this, the tutorial below explains how to open an account, make a deposit, and place a CFD trading position with Capital.com in less than five minutes.
Step 1: Open a Capital.com Account
First, create an account with Capital.com by entering some basic personal information.
This includes a:
Full Name
Email
Home Address
Telephone Number
Nationality
New customers will also need to choose a username and password.
As an ASIC-regulated provider, there is also a quick KYC process to complete at Capital.com.
This requires the user to upload a clear copy of a government-issued ID.
Step 2: Deposit Funds
Capital.com supports many payment methods, from Visa and MasterCard to bank wires and several e-wallets.
All payment methods, apart from bank wires, require a minimum deposit of $20. If opting for a bank wire, traders will need to deposit at least $250.
All deposits and withdrawals at Capital.com are processed without trading fees.
Step 3: Search for Asset to Trade
The easiest way to find a market to trade is via the search box.
capital.com review
In the example above, we are searching for Amazon stock.
Step 4: Trade CFDs
Click on the chosen market to load up an order form. Choose from a buy (long) or sell (position), depending on predicted price movement. Enter a stake and if applicable, deploy leverage.
capital.com review
After confirming the order, the trade will be placed.
Conclusion
Australians have access to a wide selection of CFD providers – many of which offer thousands of markets alongside competitive spreads and commissions.
Capital.com is particularly popular and perhaps the overall best CFD broker in Australia for both beginners and seasoned pros.
After opening an account, this ASIC-regulated provider offers access to thousands of stocks, currencies, crypto assets, indices, and more at 0% commission, plus tight spreads and leverage.
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