Trading Australian shares is a popular investment option with many people looking to build their wealth. A popular way of doing this is with contracts for difference trading, or CFDs. They are a contract between the trader and their broker to pay the difference in price between the opening and closing prices of the trade.
CFDs allow you to speculate on the price movements of Australian stocks and other financial instruments without owning the underlying asset. Unlike traditional investing, with CFD trading you have the option to both speculate on the price of a share falling, as well as increasing. Traders should be well aware, though, of the possibility of experiencing losses while trading CFDs.
There are many CFD brokers on the market that offer CFD trading so in this article we will look at the best CFD trading platforms in Australia, including only those that are trusted locally.
Top Australian Brokers
- City Index - Aussie shares from $5 - Read our review
- Pepperstone - Trading education - Read our review
- IC Markets - Experienced and highly regulated - Read our review
- eToro - Social and copy trading platform - Read our review
CFD trading is popular in Australia due to its flexibility and accessibility, as well as the potential for high returns. Traders should also consider the possibility of experiencing losses while trading CFDs.
In this article, we will discuss some of the top CFD brokers in Australia, highlighting the benefits of each platform and providing key stats to help you make an informed decision when choosing a broker. It is essential that they are ASIC regulated for trust, have a good trading platform interface for usability, and offer a low fee structure indicating treating customers fairly. If you can get all those elements, along with one that has a proven track record with customer service, where existing user reviews of the platforms are good, you are getting closer to finding the best.
Whether you are a seasoned trader or just starting out, finding the best CFD trading platform in Australia will be essential for a successful trading experience and help you avoid the pitfalls that can befall those who trade with unscrupulous actors in the market.
Compare CFD Trading Platforms in Australia
| CFD Trading Platform | Minimum Deposit | CFD Commission | Platforms | Product Selection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City Index | $150 AUD | Variable | MetaTrader | Forex, Shares, Indices, Cryptocurrencies, Commodities |
| Pepperstone | $200 AUD | $5 AUD or 0.08% | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 cTrader TradingView |
ASX Shares, Global Shares, Indices, Commodities, Forex, Cryptocurrencies |
| Vantage | $50 AUD | Variable | MetaTrader | Forex, Shares, Indices, Cryptocurrencies, Commodities |
| BlackBull | $0 AUD | Variable | MetaTrader, TradingView |
Forex, Shares, Indices, Cryptocurrencies, Commodities |
| IC Markets | $200 AUD | 0.1% per side | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 cTrader |
ASX Shares, Global Shares, Forex, Indices, Cryptocurrencies, Commodities |
| AvaTrade | $100 AUD | No commission | WebTrader AvaTradeGO MT4 MT5 AvaOptions |
Indices, FX, Shares, Commodities, Cryptocurrency, ETPs, Options, Interest Rates, Bonds |
| GO Markets | $200 AUD | No commission | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 WebTrader Mobile |
Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto |
| Plus500 CFD Service. Your capital is at risk. |
$100 AUD | No commission | Plus500 Trading Platform | Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Forex, ETFs, Options |
The Best CFD Trading Platforms in Australia
Choosing between the best CFD trading platforms to find one that fits your needs as a trader is important. The variety of platforms on offer, and the range of different instruments that can be traded as CFDs means there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The good news is there is plenty of choice, so much so that it could become overwhelming. Our aim is to help you narrow down your options to the most trusted local brands.
Here is our pick of some of the best CFD trading platforms in Australia.
City Index
For Aussie traders diving into CFDs (Contracts for Difference), City Index is a strong contender, offering a feature-rich platform that caters to both beginners and seasoned traders. The trading platform, or app are intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy to explore CFDs on a wide range of markets, including indices, forex, commodities, and shares.
What sets City Index apart is its suite of advanced tools like real-time charts, technical analysis indicators, and risk management features, including stop-loss and guaranteed stop-loss options. For those conscious of costs, City Index offers competitive spreads, ensuring traders get value for money.
A major reassurance for Australian users is that City Index operates under the regulation of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), one of the most respected financial regulators globally. This provides peace of mind that the platform adheres to strict compliance standards, including client fund protection and transparency.
Overall, City Index offers a secure, well-regulated environment for CFD trading in Australia, combining ease of use with powerful trading tools. Whether you’re just starting out or trading at a professional level, the platform is a trustworthy and solid choice.
Pepperstone
Pepperstone is one of the best CFD trading platforms in Australia. They offer traders a comprehensive suite of CFD trading services.
Pepperstone’s platform carries advanced technology and fast execution speeds, which enable traders to execute trades quickly and efficiently.
Pepperstone also provides traders with a range of financial instruments, including forex, commodities and cryptocurrencies, as well as advanced trading tools such as real-time charts and technical analysis. These features enable traders to make informed decisions and stay ahead of market trends.
As of 2023, Pepperstone has over 300,000 registered traders across the world. Pepperstone is an award-winning broker that will ably support your trading requirements.
It’s relationship with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and ASIC ensures the safety and security of traders’ funds.
Overall, Pepperstone is an excellent choice for traders looking for a reliable and technologically advanced trading platform. With a range of financial instruments, advanced trading tools and competitive trading costs, Pepperstone provides traders with a robust and seamless trading experience.
To start trading on Pepperstone, click on the link below.
Vantage
Vantage is a trusted name in CFD trading, offering Australian traders access to a wide range of instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, shares, and cryptocurrencies. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Vantage has built a solid reputation for reliability and transparency.
The platform features tight spreads, fast execution, and integration with MetaTrader 4 and 5, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned traders. Regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, Vantage ensures high standards of client fund protection and operational integrity.
Whether you’re looking to trade global indices or commodities, Vantage provides a secure, feature-rich environment.
To start trading with Vantage, click on the link below.
BlackBull
BlackBull Markets is a well-established name in CFD trading, with roots dating back to 2014. Offering access to over 26,000 instruments, it provides Australian traders with a diverse range of options, including forex, indices, commodities, shares, and cryptocurrencies.
Known for its competitive spreads and fast execution on institutional-grade infrastructure, BlackBull caters to both novice and professional traders. The platform supports advanced trading through MetaTrader 4 and 5, along with TradingView, making it a choice for those seeking flexibility and familiarity, along with a touch of the unique.
Regulated by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) of New Zealand and compliant with global standards, BlackBull Markets delivers a secure and reliable trading experience, with leverage up to 1:500. Whether you’re trading global shares, indices, or commodities, BlackBull has a platform for the job.
To start trading with BlackBull, click on the link below.
IC Markets
IC Markets is a reputable and trusted brokerage platform in Australia that provides traders with a range of financial instruments, including CFDs. IC Markets is certainly one of the best CFD trading platforms in Australia.
The platform is known for its low spreads and fast execution speeds, making it a top choice for traders who value efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Their platform uses sophisticated trading technology, which includes a range of trading tools and features such as advanced charts, technical indicators and automated trading capabilities.
These features allow traders to make informed decisions and execute trades quickly and efficiently.
IC Markets also offers a range of account types to suit different trading styles and needs, including a Raw Spread account that offers raw spreads with no markups, and a True ECN account that provides access to deep liquidity and fast execution speeds.
IC Markets is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), ensuring the safety and security of traders’ funds. Furthermore, they are a member of the Australian Financial Complaints Authority and has banking relationships with top-tier Australian banks.
Overall, they are an excellent choice for traders looking for a reliable and efficient trading platform.
With low spreads, fast execution speeds and advanced trading tools, IC Markets provides traders with a competitive edge in the markets.
To start trading on IC Markets, click on the link below.
AvaTrade
AvaTrade is a globally recognised brokerage platform and one of the best CFD brokers. It offers traders a range of financial instruments, including CFDs.
AvaTrade also offers a range of advanced trading tools, such as real-time charts and technical indicators, as well as automated trading capabilities. Investors can choose from a range of platforms including MT4, MT5, WebTrader and AvaTradeGO app. These features enable traders to make informed decisions and execute trades quickly and efficiently.
As of 2023, AvaTrade has more than 300,000 clients from over 150 countries, with a monthly trading volume of over $70bn USD.
As a leading CFD broker, AvaTrade has key stakeholders such as the Central Bank of Ireland and ASIC, ensuring the safety and security of traders’ funds.
With a range of financial instruments, advanced trading tools and competitive trading costs, AvaTrade provides traders with a robust and seamless trading experience.
To start trading on AvaTrade, click on the link below.
Quadcode Markets
Quadcode Markets is a brokerage platform that offers traders a comprehensive suite of CFD trading services and is worthy of being on the list of the best CFD brokers in Australia.
The Quadcode Markets platform is a user-friendly interface, which is designed to provide a seamless trading experience for both novice and experienced traders.
One of the main advantages of trading on Quadcode Markets is the platform’s low trading costs, which are designed to provide traders with a competitive edge in the markets.
The platform also offers excellent customer support, with a team of dedicated professionals available 24/5 to assist traders with any issues they may encounter.
The Quadcode Markets CFD trading platform is regulated by ASIC, ensuring customer protection and safety.
Overall, Quadcode Markets is an excellent choice for traders looking for a reliable and cost-effective trading platform. With a range of financial instruments, advanced trading tools and competitive trading costs, Quadcode Markets provides traders with a robust and seamless trading experience.
GO Markets
GO Markets is an Australian CFD broker that offers traders a range of CFD trading services. One of the key benefits of trading on GO Markets is the platform’s low trading costs, which make it an affordable option for traders of all levels.
GO Markets also provides traders with a range of advanced trading tools, such as real-time charts and technical analysis, as well as an intuitive and user-friendly interface. These features enable traders to make informed decisions and execute trades quickly and efficiently.
GO Markets has over 15 years of experience and is regulated by ASIC, ensuring trader safety.
With a range of financial instruments, advanced trading tools and low trading costs, GO Markets provides traders with a robust and seamless trading experience.
In this article, we have discussed some of the top CFD brokers in the Australian market, including IC Markets, Quadcode Markets, IG Markets, AvaTrade, Pepperstone and GO Markets. We have highlighted the benefits of each platform, including their advanced trading tools, range of financial instruments, low trading costs and fast execution speeds.
The table above provides some of the key stats for each platform, such as the number of registered traders, monthly trading volume and regulatory status to provide a deeper insight. It is important to note that all of these platforms are regulated by top-tier financial authorities, ensuring the safety and security of traders’ funds.
In summary, choosing the right CFD broker is crucial for a successful trading experience. By considering factors such as the trading costs, range of financial instruments and regulatory status, traders can find a platform that suits their needs and helps them achieve their trading goals.
Click on the links provided in each section to start trading on the platform of your choice.
Plus500
Plus500 is a great starting place from which to make your first moves into the financial markets.
Founded in 2008, it is something of a newcomer to the industry and takes advantage of that by offering a service that is in many ways different and which now hosts over 1 million trading accounts. With a global outlook, it is available to traders in over 50 countries, provides trading services in over 30 languages and offers in excess of 2,000 CFD markets, covering asset classes that include stocks, forex, indices, ETFs, options, commodities and cryptocurrencies.
The service is very streamlined and during this Plus500 broker review, we found the trading platform easy to get to grips with and packed full of intuitive functionality. Navigating through the trading dashboard is particularly user-friendly and clients that get through to execution will see that one of Plus500’s major selling points is the tight bid-offer spreads.
The user-facing parts of the platform illustrate the willingness of the firm to invest in the latest technological tools to enhance the trading experience. Behind the scenes, the operation is supported by a regulatory structure that involves the firm holding licenses with a host of reputable global regulators, including ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission).
There is everything needed to get started trading, and a few innovative features as well.
CFD Service. Your capital is at risk.
CFD Trading Platforms FAQs
What Are CFDs?
Contracts For Difference, or CFDs for short, are a form of derivative that allow traders to speculate on price movements of different financial instruments without owning the underlying asset.
How are CFDs Taxed in Australia?
CFDs are classified and regulated as financial products in Australia and, therefore, may be subject to Tax. You should consult with a Tax professional if you intend to trade CFDs.
When You Buy Share CFDs Do You Own the Underlying Asset?
No. CFDs are a contract between the trader and the broker. When you buy CFDs you are not buying the underlying asset.
