Bad Investments for 2026

We found 11 online brokers that are appropriate for Trading Investment Platforms.

Bad Investments Guide

Analysis by Andrew Blumer, Updated Last updated – March 11, 2026

Bad Investments

How to Identify and Avoid Costly Financial Mistakes

Investing remains one of the smartest ways to build long term wealth and secure your financial independence. A well diversified portfolio can help you generate steady returns, outpace inflation, and build passive income over time. However, not every opportunity that looks promising turns out to be profitable. Over the years, Ive seen both beginners and seasoned investors myself included fall for investments that sounded exciting but later proved to be expensive lessons.

Bad investments do more than drain your savings they can crush your confidence and affect how you approach money in the future. To avoid these pitfalls, its vital to stay disciplined, do your research, and truly understand what youre investing in. Here are some lessons and real life examples that can help UK and European investors avoid making costly mistakes.

Rule 1: Avoid Investments That Lack Marketability

Liquidity how easily you can sell an investment is one of the most crucial factors to consider. If an asset is difficult to sell or convert to cash, thats an immediate red flag. Early in my journey, I invested 3,000 in a small UK based tech startup through a crowdfunding platform. It seemed full of promise, but when I tried to sell my shares two years later, there were no buyers. My funds were locked up indefinitely.

Low liquidity investments like small private companies or niche real estate funds can trap your capital for years. Beginners should prioritise liquid assets such as FTSE 100 or DAX listed shares, exchange traded funds (ETFs) like the iShares Core MSCI World ETF (around 65 per share), or short term government bonds. These provide faster access to your money and more predictable returns.

Rule 2: Avoid Overly Complex or Confusing Investments

If you cant clearly explain how an investment works, its probably not right for you. Some high yield products sound sophisticated but hide significant risks. For example, in 2022, a friend of mine invested 5,000 in a structured note promising a 12% annual return only to discover hidden clauses that froze withdrawals for three years when markets fell.

Ive also seen confusion around certain cryptocurrency projects and decentralised finance (DeFi) tokens. Many claim high returns but lack regulation or transparency. One popular token that gained traction in 2021 lost over 90% of its value in a month wiping out millions across Europe.

My personal rule is simple: if I cant explain it to a friend in plain English, I dont invest. Before committing money, read independent reviews, seek advice from licensed professionals, and check sources like the UKs Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) register or the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) listings. Paying 100200 for a financial consultation is far cheaper than losing thousands to a complex product.

ESMA website

Rule 3: Diversify Your Investments to Spread Risk

Putting all your money into one type of asset is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. No matter how strong an investment looks, markets can turn unexpectedly. I learned this lesson the hard way during the 2021 crypto boom. I had nearly 80% of my portfolio in Bitcoin and Ethereum worth over 10,000 at the peak. When the market corrected in 2022, my portfolio value dropped by almost half within weeks.

Diversification smooths out these shocks. Today, my portfolio is spread across different sectors 40% in global ETFs, 20% in UK dividend stocks like Unilever and BP, 20% in European real estate investment trusts (REITs), and 20% in cash and short term bonds. This mix helps protect against sudden downturns in any one area and provides more stable growth over time.

Rule 4: Avoid Emotional Investing

Emotional decisions are every investors worst enemy. The fear of missing out (FOMO) during market hype or panic selling during a crash can ruin years of progress. During the 2023 AI stock craze, I watched many investors jump into companies like Nvidia and Palantir at record highs, only to see prices drop 1520% weeks later.

Whats helped me most is setting clear goals and sticking to a plan. I use stop loss orders on trading platforms like Interactive Brokers and set target prices to avoid impulsive trades. I review my portfolio once a quarter instead of checking prices daily. Investing success comes from patience, discipline, and time in the market not timing the market.

FCA Register

Rule 5: Watch Out for Investment Scams and Promises of Guaranteed Returns

Scammers are getting more sophisticated especially online. Any opportunity that promises guaranteed or risk free profits should set off alarms. I was recently approached via social media by someone claiming to double my money through AI Forex trading. A quick search showed their platform wasnt listed with the FCA a clear sign of a scam.

Before investing, always verify that the company is licensed. In the UK, you can check the FCA register. Across Europe, use national regulators like BaFin in Germany or AMF in France. Stick to reputable brokers such as eToro, XTB, which are regulated and transparent about their fees. Remember: if an investment sounds too good to be true it probably is.

In the end, smart investing isnt about chasing the highest returns its about protecting your capital, staying informed, and making decisions based on logic, not emotion. Experience has taught me that avoiding bad investments is just as valuable as finding good ones.

Penny Stocks: High Risk and Low Liquidity

When I first started investing, I was tempted by penny stocks trading under 1 shares like Tern PLC (TERN.L) at around 0.07 or UK Oil & Gas (UKOG.L) at 0.02 seemed like easy wins. The idea of buying thousands of shares for the price of a single FTSE 100 stock felt exciting. But I quickly learned that low price doesnt mean low risk. These stocks often have limited liquidity meaning you can buy easily but struggle to sell when prices drop. Many of these companies lack solid financial histories or clear business plans. During volatile market conditions, even a small sell off can cause huge price swings. Penny stocks might suit speculative traders who thrive on short term risk, but theyre rarely a wise choice for long term investors.

Hedge Funds: Not Suitable for Every Investor

I once looked into investing in a hedge fund through a London based wealth manager, but the minimum investment was 100,000 with a three year lock in. Hedge funds like these use complex strategies short selling, leverage, and derivatives to try and beat the market. However, 2022 showed how aggressive positions can backfire. When the European energy crisis hit, several funds lost double digits in weeks. Unless youre a high net worth investor who can tolerate big swings and illiquidity, diversified ETFs or index funds like the Vanguard FTSE All World ETF (VWRL) are far safer options with much lower entry costs.

Airline Stocks: Sensitive to Economic Shocks

Ive traded airline stocks before, and I can confirm they are among the most unpredictable sectors. Take easyJet (EZJ.L), for example its share price fell from around 15 in early 2020 to under 5 during the pandemic. Although travel demand has recovered, high oil prices and geopolitical tensions (like the recent Middle East conflicts) continue to hit profitability. European carriers such as Lufthansa and Air France KLM are still burdened by post COVID debt. If you invest in airlines, be prepared for turbulence both literally and financially. They can be rewarding during recovery phases, but risky during inflation or fuel cost surges.

Overhyped Crypto Projects and NFTs

Ive personally seen the boom and bust cycles of crypto up close. During 2021s NFT mania, some friends bought digital collectibles for over 2,000 each now theyre worth pennies. Similarly, tokens like Terra (LUNA) went from over $100 to near zero almost overnight. Many of these projects had no solid business model or transparent teams. Before investing, I now check whos behind the project, what real world problem it solves, and whether its regulated in Europe or the UK. Reputable projects like Ethereum (ETH) or Chainlink (LINK) have clear use cases and established credibility, while meme coins or NFT collections promoted on social media often do not.

Unregulated Forex and CFD Brokers

I once came across a flashy trading website offering 1:1000 leverage on currency pairs a clear red flag. Many unregulated brokers use such tactics to attract traders, especially across Europe. Without proper oversight from authorities like the FCA (UK), BaFin (Germany), or CySEC (Cyprus), your funds arent protected. If a broker doesnt publish a license number you can verify on the regulators website, avoid it entirely. Platforms like IG Markets, CMC Markets, or Saxo Bank are fully regulated and transparent about fees and fund safety. Always choose security over hype.

Recognizing Red Flags in Bad Investments

Through experience, Ive learned that the biggest warning signs are promises of guaranteed returns or high pressure sales tactics. A so called advisor once told me I could double my money in three months all I had to do was act fast. Thankfully, I walked away. Genuine opportunities never rush you or hide details. Always request verifiable data, company filings, and regulatory proof. If something feels rushed or unclear, trust your instincts and protect your capital.

FCA Firm Checker

Rule 6: Keep Learning and Review Your Portfolio Regularly

Markets evolve fast what worked in 2020 doesnt necessarily work now. For instance, renewable energy stocks like rsted and SSE soared during the green energy boom but faced corrections when interest rates rose. I now review my portfolio every quarter, checking for overexposure to any sector. If tech or crypto becomes too dominant, I rebalance towards stable ETFs or bonds. I also follow financial blogs like Morningstar UK and attend webinars from Fidelity International to stay informed about European market shifts.

Regular reviews not only help reduce risk but also align your portfolio with new goals whether thats income, growth, or capital preservation. Staying proactive keeps your money working efficiently for you.

Key Lessons for Avoiding Bad Investments

Over the years, Ive realised the golden rule: never invest in something you dont fully understand. Diversifying across sectors such as tech, healthcare, and energy spreads risk effectively. Avoid anyone who pressures you into limited time offers or promises fixed profits. Emotional control, continuous learning, and disciplined portfolio checks are the true foundations of successful investing in the UK and Europe. In volatile times, knowledge and patience are your best protection.

Bad Investments Verdict

After years of navigating both wins and painful lessons in investing, my biggest takeaway is simple there are no shortcuts. When I first started, I chased penny stocks like UKOG and speculative cryptos hoping for overnight success, only to watch values collapse by 80% in weeks. Later, I moved into more structured investments such as FTSE 100 ETFs and diversified funds like Vanguard LifeStrategy 60%, which delivered steady, predictable returns over time. That shift from gambling to strategy changed everything.

Experience has shown me that hype is the investors worst enemy. During the NFT boom, I watched friends pour thousands into projects that vanished overnight, while boring, wellmanaged dividend stocks like Unilever or Diageo kept quietly compounding value. The same goes for unregulated brokers a friend lost nearly 5,000 with an offshore platform offering bonus leverage, money that could never be recovered because the broker wasnt FCA or CySEC licensed. Those hard lessons taught me that safety, regulation, and transparency always outweigh flashy promises.

Today, I approach every opportunity with a checklist: Is it regulated? Is the business model clear? Can I afford to lose the money? If the answer to any of those is no, I walk away. Investing isnt about constant excitement its about consistency, protection, and patience. The UK and European markets offer plenty of legitimate growth paths through regulated brokers, diversified ETFs, and blue chip stocks. The challenge is resisting the noise and sticking to principles that actually work.

In short, learn from others mistakes including mine. Chase stability before speed, and never forget that in investing, protecting your capital is just as important as growing it.

We have conducted extensive research and analysis on over multiple data points on Bad Investments to present you with a comprehensive guide that can help you find the most suitable Bad Investments. Below we shortlist what we think are the best Investment Platforms after careful consideration and evaluation. We hope this list will assist you in making an informed decision when researching Bad Investments.

Reputable Bad Investments Checklist

Selecting a reliable and reputable online Investment Platforms trading brokerage involves assessing their track record, regulatory status, customer support, processing times, international presence, and language capabilities. Considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and trade Investment Platforms more confidently.

Selecting the right online Investment Platforms trading brokerage requires careful consideration of several critical factors. Here are some essential points to keep in mind:

Our team have listed brokers that match your criteria for you below. All brokerage data has been summarised into a comparison table. Scroll down.

Compare Key Features of Investment Platforms in Our Brokerage Comparison Table

When choosing a broker for Investment Platforms trading, it's essential to compare the different options available to you. Our Investment Platforms brokerage comparison table below allows you to compare several important features side by side, making it easier to make an informed choice.

By comparing these essential features, you can choose a Investment Platforms broker that best suits your needs and preferences for Investment Platforms. Our Investment Platforms broker comparison table simplifies the process, allowing you to make a more informed decision.

Top 15 Investment Platforms of 2026 compared

Here are the top Investment Platforms.

Compare Investment Platforms brokers for min deposits, funding, used by, benefits, account types, platforms, and support levels. When searching for a Investment Platforms broker, it's crucial to compare several factors to choose the right one for your Investment Platforms needs. Our comparison tool allows you to compare the essential features side by side.

All brokers below are Investment Platforms. Learn more about what they offer below.

You can scroll left and right on the comparison table below to see more Investment Platforms that accept Investment Platforms clients.

Broker IC Markets Roboforex eToro XTB XM Pepperstone AvaTrade FP Markets EasyMarkets SpreadEx FXPro
Rating
Regulation International Capital Markets Pty Ltd (Australia) (ASIC) Australian Securities & Investments Commission Licence No. 335692, Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA) (SD018), IC Markets (EU) Ltd (CySEC) Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission with License No. 362/18, Capital Markets Authority(CMA) Kenya IC Markets (KE) Ltd, Securities Commission of The Bahamas (SCB) IC Markets (Bahamas) Ltd RoboForex Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Belize under licence No. 000138/32, under the Securities Industry Act 2021, RoboForex Ltd is an (A category) member of The Financial Commission, also RoboForex Ltd is a participant of the Financial Commission Compensation Fund FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) eToro (UK) Ltd (FCA reference 583263), eToro (Europe) Ltd CySEC (Cyprus Securities Exchange Commission), ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission) eToro AUS Capital Limited ASIC license 491139, CySec (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission under the license 109/10), FSAS (Financial Services Authority Seychelles) eToro (Seychelles) Ltd license SD076, eToro (ME) Limited (ADGM) Abu Dhabi (UAE) number 220073, eToro (Europe) Ltd (AMF) Autorité des marchés financiers as a digital assets provider France FCA (Financial Conduct Authority reference 522157) XTB Limited, CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission reference 169/12), DFSA (Dubai Financial Services Authority XTB MENA Limited licensed 8 July 2021), FSA (Financial Services Authority Seychelles license number SD148), FSCA (Financial Sector Conduct Authority XTB Africa (Pty) Ltd licensed 10 August 2021), KNF (Komisja Nadzoru Finansowego Polish Financial Supervision Authority) Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) (49976) XM ZA (Pty) Ltd, Financial Services Commission (FSC) (000261/27) XM Global Limited, Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) (license 120/10) Trading Point of Financial Instruments Ltd, Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) (number 443670) Trading Point of Financial Instruments Pty Ltd Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin), Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), Capital Markets Authority of Kenya (CMA), Pepperstone Markets Limited is incorporated in The Bahamas (number 177174 B), Licensed by the Securities Commission of The Bahamas (SCB) number SIA-F217 Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) Ava Capital Markets Australia Pty Ltd (406684), South African Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) Ava Capital Markets Pty Ltd (45984), Financial Services Agency (Japan FSA) Ava Trade Japan K.K. (1662), Financial Futures Association of Japan (FFAJ) Ava Trade Japan K.K. (1574), Abu Dhabi Global Markets (ADGM) / Financial Regulatory Services Authority (FRSA) Ava Trade Middle East Ltd (190018), Central Bank of Ireland (C53877) AVA Trade EU Ltd, Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF) AVA Trade EU Ltd (branch authorisation), British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (BVI) Ava Trade Markets Ltd (SIBA/L/13/1049), Israel Securities Authority (ISA) ATrade Ltd (514666577), Financial Superintendence of Colombia (SFC 0261 of 2024), Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada through Friedberg Direct (IIROC) CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission) (371/18), ASIC AFS (Australian Securities and Investments Commission) (286354), FSP (Financial Sector Conduct Authority in South Africa) (50926), Financial Services Authority Seychelles (FSA) (SD 130) Easy Forex Trading Ltd is regulated by CySEC (License 079/07). This is the only entity that onboards EU clients. easyMarkets Pty Ltd is regulated by ASIC (AFS License 246566), EF Worldwide Ltd (Seychelles) is regulated by FSA (License SD056), EF Worldwide Ltd (British Virgin Islands) is regulated by FSC (License SIBA/L/20/1135), EF Worldwide (PTY) Ltd is regulated by FSCA (License 54018) FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) (190941), Gambling Commission (Great Britain) (8835), licence in Ireland as remote bookmaker for fixed odds betting licence number 1016176 FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) (509956), CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission) (078/07), FSCA (Financial Sector Conduct Authority) (45052), SCB (Securities Commission of The Bahamas) (SIA-F184), FSA (Financial Services Authority of Seychelles) (SD120)
Min Deposit 200 10 50 No minimum deposit 5 No minimum deposit 100 100 25 No minimum deposit 100
Funding
  • Bank transfer
  • Credit Card
  • Paypal
  • Bank transfer
  • Credit Card
  • Paypal
  • Bank transfer
  • Credit Card
  • Paypal
  • Bank transfer
  • Credit Card
  • Paypal
  • Bank transfer
  • Credit Card
  • Paypal
  • Bank transfer
  • Credit Card
  • Paypal
  • Bank transfer
  • Credit Card
  • Paypal
  • Bank transfer
  • Credit Card
  • Paypal
  • Bank transfer
  • Credit Card
  • Paypal
  • Bank transfer
  • Credit Card
  • Paypal
  • Bank transfer
  • Credit Card
  • Paypal
Used By 200,000+ 730,000+ 40,000,000+ 2,000,000+ 15,000,000+ 830,000+ 400,000+ 200,000+ 250,000+ 60,000+ 11,200,000+
Benefits
  • Allows scalping
  • Allows hedging
  • Low min deposit
  • Offers Negative Balance Protection
  • Allows scalping
  • Allows hedging
  • Offers STP
  • Low min deposit
  • Offers Negative Balance Protection
  • Offers STP
  • Low min deposit
  • Offers Negative Balance Protection
  • Allows scalping
  • Allows hedging
  • Offers STP
  • Low min deposit
  • Offers Negative Balance Protection
  • Allows scalping
  • Allows hedging
  • Low min deposit
  • Offers Negative Balance Protection
  • Allows scalping
  • Allows hedging
  • Offers STP
  • Low min deposit
  • Guaranteed stop loss
  • Offers Negative Balance Protection
  • Allows scalping
  • Allows hedging
  • Low min deposit
  • Offers Negative Balance Protection
  • Allows scalping
  • Allows hedging
  • Low min deposit
  • Offers Negative Balance Protection
  • Allows scalping
  • Allows hedging
  • Low min deposit
  • Guaranteed stop loss
  • Offers Negative Balance Protection
  • Allows scalping
  • Allows hedging
  • Low min deposit
  • Offers Negative Balance Protection
  • Allows scalping
  • Allows hedging
  • Low min deposit
  • Offers Negative Balance Protection
Accounts
  • Demo account
  • Mini account
  • Standard account
  • Zero spread account
  • ECN account
  • Raw Spread account
  • Islamic account
  • Demo account
  • Micro account
  • Mini account
  • Standard account
  • Zero spread account
  • ECN account
  • Islamic account
  • Demo account
  • Standard account
  • Islamic account
  • Pro account
  • Demo account
  • Micro account
  • Mini account
  • Standard account
  • Islamic account
  • Demo account
  • Micro account
  • Standard account
  • Islamic account
  • Demo account
  • Standard account
  • Zero spread account
  • ECN account
  • Islamic account
  • Demo account
  • Micro account
  • Mini account
  • Standard account
  • Managed account
  • Islamic account
  • Demo account
  • Micro account
  • Standard account
  • ECN account
  • Islamic account
  • Demo account
  • Standard account
  • Islamic account
  • Demo account
  • Standard account
  • Demo account
  • Mini account
  • Islamic account
Platforms MT5, MT4, MetaTrader WebTrader, Mobile Apps, iOS (App Store), Android (Google Play), MetaTrader iPhone/iPad, MetaTrader Android Google Play, MetaTrader Mac, cTrader, cTrader Web, cTrader iPhone/iPad, cTrader iMac, cTrader Android Google Play, cTrader Automate, cTrader Copy Trading, TradingView, Virtual Private Server, Trading Servers, MT4 Advanced Trading Tools, IC Insights, Trading Central MT4, MT5, R Mobile Trader, R StocksTrader, WebTrader, Mobile Apps, iOS (App Store), Android (Google Play), Windows eToro Trading App, Mobile Apps, iOS (App Store), Android (Google Play), CopyTrading, Web MT4, Mirror Trader, Web Trader, Tablet, Mobile Apps, iOS (App Store), Android (Google Play) MT5, MT5 WebTrader, XM Apple App for iPhone, XM App for Android Google Play, Tablet: MT5 for iPad, MT5 for Android Google Play, XM App for iPad, XM App for iOS (App Store), Android (Google Play), Mobile Apps MT4, MT5, cTrader,WebTrader, TradingView, Windows, Mobile Apps, iOS (App Store), Android (Google Play) MT4, MT5, Web Trading, AvaTrade App, AvaOptions, Mac Trading, AvaSocial, Mobile Apps, iOS (App Store), Android (Google Play) MT4, MT5, TradingView, cTrader, WebTrader, Mobile Trader, Mobile Apps, iOS (App Store), Android (Google Play) easyMarkets App, Mobile Apps, iOS (App Store), Android (Google Play), Web Platform, TradingView, MT4, MT5 Web, Mobile Apps, iOS (App Store), Android (Google Play), iPad App, iPhone App, TradingView MT4, MT5, cTrader, FxPro WebTrader, FxPro Mobile Apps, iOS (App Store), Android (Google Play)
Support
  • Live chat
  • Phone support
  • Email support
  • Live chat
  • Phone support
  • Email support
  • Live chat
  • Phone support
  • Email support
  • Live chat
  • Phone support
  • Email support
  • Live chat
  • Phone support
  • Email support
  • Live chat
  • Phone support
  • Email support
  • Live chat
  • Phone support
  • Email support
  • Live chat
  • Phone support
  • Email support
  • Live chat
  • Phone support
  • Email support
  • Live chat
  • Phone support
  • Email support
  • Live chat
  • Phone support
  • Email support
Learn More Sign Up with
icmarkets
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roboforex
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xtb
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xm
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pepperstone
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avatrade
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fpmarkets
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easymarkets
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spreadex
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fxpro
Risk Warning Losses can exceed deposits Losses can exceed deposits 50% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. 70% - 80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 74.48% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. 72-95 % of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs 57% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider Losses can exceed deposits 76% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. 62% of retail CFD accounts lose money 74% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs and Spread Betting with this provider
Demo IC Markets
Demo
Roboforex
Demo
eToro
Demo
XTB
Demo
XM
Demo
Pepperstone
Demo
AvaTrade
Demo
FP Markets
Demo
easyMarkets
Demo
SpreadEx
Demo
FxPro
Demo
Excluded Countries US, IR, CA, NZ, JP AU, BE, BQ, BR, CA, CW, CZ, DE, ES, EE, EU, FM, FR, FI, GW, ID, IR, JP, LR, MP, NL, PF, PL, RU, SE, SJ, SS, SL, SI, TL, TR, DO, US, IT, AT, PT, BG, HR, CY, DK, FL, GR, IE, LV, LT, MT, RO, SK, CH ZA, ID, IR, KP, BE, CA, JP, SY, TR, IL, BY, AL, MD, MK, RS, GN, CD, SD, SA, ZW, ET, GH, TZ, LY, UG, ZM, BW, RW, TN, SO, NA, TG, SL, LR, GM, DJ, CI, PK, BN, TW, WS, NP, SG, VI, TM, TJ, UZ, LK, TT, HT, MM, BT, MH, MV, MG, MK, KZ, GD, FJ, PT, BB, BM, BS, AG, AI, AW, AX, LB, SV, PY, HN, GT, PR, NI, VG, AN, CN, BZ, DZ, MY, KH, PH, VN, EG, MN, MO, UA, JO, KR, AO, BR, HR, GL, IS, IM, JM, FM, MC, NG, SI, US, IN, PK, BD, NG , ID, BE, AU US, CA, IL, IR AF, AS, AQ, AM, AZ, BY, BE, BZ, BT, BA, BI, CM, CA, CF, TD, CG, CI, ER, GF, PF, GP, GU, GN, GW, GY, HT, VA, IR, IQ, JP, KZ, LB, LR, LY, ML, MQ, YT, MZ, MM, NZ, NI, KP, PS, PR, RE, KN, LC, VC, WS, SO, GS, KR, SS, SD, SR, SY, TJ, TN, TM, TC, US, VU, VG, EH, ES, YE, ZW, ET BE, BR, KP, NZ, TR, US, CA, SG US, JP, NZ US, IL, BC, MB, QC, ON, AF, BY, BI, KH, KY, TD, KM, CG, CU, CD, GQ, ER, FJ, GN, GW, HT, IR, IQ, LA, LY, MZ, MM, NI, KP, PW, PA, RU, SO, SS, SD, SY, TT, TM, VU, VE, YE US, TR US, CA, IR


All Investment Platforms in more detail

You can compare Investment Platforms ratings, min deposits what the the broker offers, funding methods, platforms, spread types, customer support options, regulation and account types side by side.

We also have an indepth Top Investment Platforms for 2026 article further below. You can see it now by clicking here

We have listed top Investment Platforms below.

Bad Investments List

IC Markets
(4/5)
Min deposit : 200
IC Markets was established in 2007 and is used by over 200000+ traders. Losses can exceed deposits IC Markets offers Forex, CFDs, Spread Betting, Share dealing, Cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurrency availability with IC Markets is subject to regulation.

Funding methods

Bank transfer Credit Card Paypal

Platforms

MT5, MT4, MetaTrader WebTrader, Mobile Apps, iOS (App Store), Android (Google Play), MetaTrader iPhone/iPad, MetaTrader Android Google Play, MetaTrader Mac, cTrader, cTrader Web, cTrader iPhone/iPad, cTrader iMac, cTrader Android Google Play, cTrader Automate, cTrader Copy Trading, TradingView, Virtual Private Server, Trading Servers, MT4 Advanced Trading Tools, IC Insights, Trading Central

Customer support

Live chat Phone support Email support

Account Types

Micro account Standard account ECN account
Islamic account VIP account
Regulated by International Capital Markets Pty Ltd (Australia) (ASIC) Australian Securities & Investments Commission Licence No. 335692, Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA) (SD018), IC Markets (EU) Ltd (CySEC) Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission with License No. 362/18, Capital Markets Authority(CMA) Kenya IC Markets (KE) Ltd, Securities Commission of The Bahamas (SCB) IC Markets (Bahamas) Ltd
Roboforex
(4/5)
Min deposit : 10
Roboforex was established in 2009 and is used by over 730000+ traders. Losses can exceed deposits Roboforex offers Forex, CFDs.

Funding methods

Bank transfer Credit Card Paypal

Platforms

MT4, MT5, R Mobile Trader, R StocksTrader, WebTrader, Mobile Apps, iOS (App Store), Android (Google Play), Windows

Customer support

Live chat Phone support Email support

Account Types

Micro account Standard account ECN account
Islamic account VIP account
Regulated by RoboForex Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Belize under licence No. 000138/32, under the Securities Industry Act 2021, RoboForex Ltd is an (A category) member of The Financial Commission, also RoboForex Ltd is a participant of the Financial Commission Compensation Fund
eToro
(4/5)
Min deposit : 50
Visit eToro Try a Demo Read review

eToro is a multi-asset platform which offers both investing in stocks and cryptoassets, as well as trading CFDs.

Please note that CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 50% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

This communication is intended for information and educational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice or investment recommendation. Past performance is not an indication of future results.

Copy Trading does not amount to investment advice. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.

Crypto investments are risky and may not suit retail investors; you could lose your entire investment. Understand the risks here.

Don't invest unless you're prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment, and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more.

eToro USA LLC does not offer CFDs and makes no representation and assumes no liability as to the accuracy or completeness of the content of this publication, which has been prepared by our partner utilizing publicly available non-entity specific information about eToro.

eToro was established in 2007 and is used by over 40000000+ traders. 50% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. eToro offers Social Trading, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Forex (Currencies), CFDs, Cryptocurrency, Exchange Traded Funds (ETF), Index Based Funds. Cryptocurrency availability with eToro is subject to regulation. Buying and selling real cryptocurrency assets may not be available in your country through eToro. Please check the latest information made available on their website.

Funding methods

Bank transfer Credit Card Paypal

Platforms

eToro Trading App, Mobile Apps, iOS (App Store), Android (Google Play), CopyTrading, Web

Customer support

Live chat Phone support Email support

Account Types

Micro account Standard account ECN account
Islamic account VIP account
Regulated by FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) eToro (UK) Ltd (FCA reference 583263), eToro (Europe) Ltd CySEC (Cyprus Securities Exchange Commission), ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission) eToro AUS Capital Limited ASIC license 491139, CySec (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission under the license 109/10), FSAS (Financial Services Authority Seychelles) eToro (Seychelles) Ltd license SD076, eToro (ME) Limited (ADGM) Abu Dhabi (UAE) number 220073, eToro (Europe) Ltd (AMF) Autorité des marchés financiers as a digital assets provider France
XTB
(4/5)
Min deposit : 0
XTB was established in 2002 and is used by over 2000000+ traders. 70% - 80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. XTB offers Forex, CFDs, Cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrency availability with XTB is subject to regulation.

Funding methods

Bank transfer Credit Card Paypal

Platforms

MT4, Mirror Trader, Web Trader, Tablet, Mobile Apps, iOS (App Store), Android (Google Play)

Customer support

Live chat Phone support Email support

Account Types

Micro account Standard account ECN account
Islamic account VIP account
Regulated by FCA (Financial Conduct Authority reference 522157) XTB Limited, CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission reference 169/12), DFSA (Dubai Financial Services Authority XTB MENA Limited licensed 8 July 2021), FSA (Financial Services Authority Seychelles license number SD148), FSCA (Financial Sector Conduct Authority XTB Africa (Pty) Ltd licensed 10 August 2021), KNF (Komisja Nadzoru Finansowego Polish Financial Supervision Authority)
XM
(4/5)
Min deposit : 5
XM was established in 2009 and is used by over 15000000+ traders. CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 74.48% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. XM offers Forex Trading, Stocks CFDs, Commodities CFDs, Equity Indices CFDs, Precious Metals CFDs, Energies CFDs.

Funding methods

Bank transfer Credit Card Paypal

Platforms

MT5, MT5 WebTrader, XM Apple App for iPhone, XM App for Android Google Play, Tablet: MT5 for iPad, MT5 for Android Google Play, XM App for iPad, XM App for iOS (App Store), Android (Google Play), Mobile Apps

Customer support

Live chat Phone support Email support

Account Types

Micro account Standard account ECN account
Islamic account XM Swap-Free account (XM Ultra Low Account) VIP account
Regulated by Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) (49976) XM ZA (Pty) Ltd, Financial Services Commission (FSC) (000261/27) XM Global Limited, Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) (license 120/10) Trading Point of Financial Instruments Ltd, Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) (number 443670) Trading Point of Financial Instruments Pty Ltd
Pepperstone
(4/5)
Min deposit : 0
Pepperstone was established in 2010 and is used by over 830000+ traders. 72-95 % of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs Pepperstone offers Forex, CFDs, Social Trading.

Funding methods

Bank transfer Credit Card Paypal

Platforms

MT4, MT5, cTrader,WebTrader, TradingView, Windows, Mobile Apps, iOS (App Store), Android (Google Play)

Customer support

Live chat Phone support Email support

Account Types

Micro account Standard account ECN account
Islamic account Pro Account VIP account
Regulated by Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin), Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), Capital Markets Authority of Kenya (CMA), Pepperstone Markets Limited is incorporated in The Bahamas (number 177174 B), Licensed by the Securities Commission of The Bahamas (SCB) number SIA-F217
AvaTrade
(4/5)
Min deposit : 100
AvaTrade was established in 2006 and is used by over 400000+ traders. 57% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider AvaTrade offers Forex, Cryptocurrencies, Commodities, Indices, Stocks, Bonds, Vanilla Options, ETFs, CFDs, Spread Betting, Social Trading. Cryptocurrency availability with AvaTrade is subject to regulation.

Funding methods

Bank transfer Credit Card Paypal

Platforms

MT4, MT5, Web Trading, AvaTrade App, AvaOptions, Mac Trading, AvaSocial, Mobile Apps, iOS (App Store), Android (Google Play)

Customer support

Live chat Phone support Email support

Account Types

Micro account Standard account ECN account
Islamic account VIP account
Regulated by Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) Ava Capital Markets Australia Pty Ltd (406684), South African Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) Ava Capital Markets Pty Ltd (45984), Financial Services Agency (Japan FSA) Ava Trade Japan K.K. (1662), Financial Futures Association of Japan (FFAJ) Ava Trade Japan K.K. (1574), Abu Dhabi Global Markets (ADGM) / Financial Regulatory Services Authority (FRSA) Ava Trade Middle East Ltd (190018), Central Bank of Ireland (C53877) AVA Trade EU Ltd, Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF) AVA Trade EU Ltd (branch authorisation), British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (BVI) Ava Trade Markets Ltd (SIBA/L/13/1049), Israel Securities Authority (ISA) ATrade Ltd (514666577), Financial Superintendence of Colombia (SFC 0261 of 2024), Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada through Friedberg Direct (IIROC)
FP Markets
(4/5)
Min deposit : 100
FP Markets was established in 2005 and is used by over 200000+ traders. Losses can exceed deposits FP Markets offers Forex, CFDs, Bonds.

Funding methods

Bank transfer Credit Card Paypal

Platforms

MT4, MT5, TradingView, cTrader, WebTrader, Mobile Trader, Mobile Apps, iOS (App Store), Android (Google Play)

Customer support

Live chat Phone support Email support

Account Types

Micro account Standard account ECN account
Islamic account VIP account
Regulated by CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission) (371/18), ASIC AFS (Australian Securities and Investments Commission) (286354), FSP (Financial Sector Conduct Authority in South Africa) (50926), Financial Services Authority Seychelles (FSA) (SD 130)
EasyMarkets
(4/5)
Min deposit : 25
easyMarkets was established in 2001 and is used by over 250000+ traders. 76% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. easyMarkets offers CFD, Forex, Commodities, Indices, Shares, Crypto. Cryptocurrency availability with easyMarkets is subject to regulation.

Funding methods

Bank transfer Credit Card Paypal

Platforms

easyMarkets App, Mobile Apps, iOS (App Store), Android (Google Play), Web Platform, TradingView, MT4, MT5

Customer support

Live chat Phone support Email support

Account Types

Micro account Standard account ECN account
Islamic account VIP account
Regulated by Easy Forex Trading Ltd is regulated by CySEC (License 079/07). This is the only entity that onboards EU clients. easyMarkets Pty Ltd is regulated by ASIC (AFS License 246566), EF Worldwide Ltd (Seychelles) is regulated by FSA (License SD056), EF Worldwide Ltd (British Virgin Islands) is regulated by FSC (License SIBA/L/20/1135), EF Worldwide (PTY) Ltd is regulated by FSCA (License 54018)
SpreadEx
(4/5)
Min deposit : 0
SpreadEx was established in 1999 and is used by over 60000+ traders. 62% of retail CFD accounts lose money SpreadEx offers Forex, CFDs, and spread betting.

Funding methods

Bank transfer Credit Card Paypal

Platforms

Web, Mobile Apps, iOS (App Store), Android (Google Play), iPad App, iPhone App, TradingView

Customer support

Live chat Phone support Email support

Account Types

Micro account Standard account ECN account
Islamic account VIP account
Regulated by FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) (190941), Gambling Commission (Great Britain) (8835), licence in Ireland as remote bookmaker for fixed odds betting licence number 1016176
FXPro
(4/5)
Min deposit : 100
FxPro was established in 2006 and is used by over 11200000+ traders. 74% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs and Spread Betting with this provider FxPro offers Forex trading, Share Dealing, Spot Indices, Futures, Spot Metals and Spot Energies.

Funding methods

Bank transfer Credit Card Paypal

Platforms

MT4, MT5, cTrader, FxPro WebTrader, FxPro Mobile Apps, iOS (App Store), Android (Google Play)

Customer support

Live chat Phone support Email support

Account Types

Micro account Standard account ECN account
Islamic account VIP account
Regulated by FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) (509956), CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission) (078/07), FSCA (Financial Sector Conduct Authority) (45052), SCB (Securities Commission of The Bahamas) (SIA-F184), FSA (Financial Services Authority of Seychelles) (SD120)

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Losses can exceed deposits
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Losses can exceed deposits