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. 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.
CFD trading is popular in Australia due to its flexibility and accessibility, as well as the potential for high returns.
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.
Top Australian Brokers
- eToro - market-leading social trading platform - Read our review
- IG - Extensive product array and user-friendly platforms - Read our review
- IC Markets - experienced and highly regulated - Read our review
- Avatrade - powerful trading tools - Read our review
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eToro | $50 AUD | Variable | eToro Trading Platform | Forex, Shares, Indices, Cryptocurrencies, Commodities, ETFs |
| IC Markets | $200 AUD | 0.1% per side | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 cTrader |
ASX Shares, Global Shares, Indices, Commodities, Forex, Cryptocurrencies |
| IG Markets | $0 AUD | $7 AUD or 0.08% | MetaTrader 4 ProRealTime IG Trading Platform and Apps L2 |
Indices, FX, Shares, Commodities, Cryptocurrency, ETPs, Options, Interest Rates, Bonds |
| AvaTrade | $100 AUD | No commission | WebTrader AvaTradeGO MT4 MT5 AvaOptions | Indices, FX, Shares, Commodities, Cryptocurrency, ETPs, Options, Interest Rates, Bonds |
| Pepperstone | $200 AUD | $5 AUD or 0.08% | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 cTrader TradingView |
ASX Shares, Global Shares, Forex, Indices, Cryptocurrencies, Commodities |
| GO Markets | $200 AUD | No commission | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 WebTrader Mobile |
Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto |
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.
eToro
eToro is a leading brokerage platform that has revolutionised the way that CFD trading is conducted. The platform offers a range of financial instruments, including stocks, currencies, commodities and cryptocurrencies.
One of the main benefits of using eToro is its social trading feature. This service allows traders to follow and copy the trades of successful investors, giving them an opportunity to learn from the experts.
In addition, eToro offers competitive spreads and fees, making it a cost-effective option for traders.
The platform also offers a range of trading tools such as charts, technical indicators and risk management features, allowing traders to make informed decisions and manage their risk.
The platform is also regulated by top-tier financial authorities, including the FCA and CySEC.
Overall, eToro is an excellent choice for traders looking to invest in CFDs. With a range of assets, a user-friendly interface, competitive fees, and its social trading feature, eToro offers traders a unique and rewarding trading experience.
To start trading on eToro, click on the link below.
eToro AUS Capital Ltd ACN 612 791 803 AFSL 491139. OTC Derivatives are speculative and leveraged. Not suitable for all investors. Capital at risk. See PDS and TMD
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.
IG Markets
IG Markets was established in 1974 and is a leading Australia CFD broker and CFD trading platform that provides traders with access to a range of financial instruments, including CFDs.
One of the main benefits of trading on IG Markets is the platform’s extensive research and analysis tools, which enable traders to make informed decisions and stay ahead of market trends.
IG Markets is one of the best CFD brokers in Australia and offers a range of account types to suit different trading styles and needs, including a professional account that provides access to advanced trading tools and features.
The platform is regulated by some of the best CFD brokerage authorities, such as the FCA and ASIC, ensuring the safety and security of traders’ funds.
In addition to its extensive research and analysis tools, IG Markets also offers competitive trading costs, fast execution speeds, training guides and excellent customer support, making it an excellent choice for traders looking for a comprehensive and reliable trading platform.
To start trading on IG Markets, simply click on the link below and create an account today.
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.
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.
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 eToro, 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.
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?
The rules around how CFDs are taxed in Australia are complex. The answer depends on whether you are trading CFDs as a form of gambling – and are therefore tax free – or if you are trading CFDs to make a profit – in which case any profits may be subject to income and capital gains taxes. If in doubt, please contact a qualified taxation professional.
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.
