Top Investing Vs Cfds Contract for Difference (CFD) Brokers for 2026

We found 11 online brokers that are appropriate for Trading Investing Vs Cfds.

Best Investing Vs Cfds Guide

Analysis by Andrew Blumer, Updated and fact-checked by Senad Karaahmetovic, Last updated – November 26, 2025

Investing vs. CFDs

As someone who has spent years navigating different markets, I’ve seen firsthand how both traditional investing and Contracts for Difference (CFDs) attract traders looking to grow their money. For example, when inflation surged in 2022 and tech stocks corrected, I noticed how long term investors bought shares of companies like Apple under $130, while short term CFD traders were speculating on price swings. The world of finance offers countless opportunities, but understanding the difference between these two approaches is crucial before committing your capital. While both can generate profitable returns, they vary greatly in risk exposure, trading strategy, and underlying mechanisms. This guide breaks down the core differences between investing and CFD trading, helping you choose what aligns best with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Understanding Investing

The Concept of Investing

Investing means buying assets with the expectation of long term growth and value appreciation. This could be in the form of stocks, bonds, real estate, or even commodities. The idea is simple: buy low, hold, and allow the asset to grow in value. For instance, if you bought Microsoft stock at around $200 in 2020, by late 2024 it had climbed above $370 almost doubling in value. Successful investing depends on research, patience, and keeping emotions in check.

How Investing Works

Take the example of buying shares in Tesla. In early 2023, Tesla traded around $110; by mid 2024, it was back above $250. An investor who held on through the volatility would not only benefit from this capital appreciation but could also enjoy dividends from more traditional companies like Coca Cola, which pays around $1.94 per share annually. Over years, these gains compound, helping investors build significant wealth.

Investing vs CFDs

The Benefits of Long Term Investing

The real strength of investing is its ability to build sustainable wealth. Even after events like the 2008 financial crisis or the 2020 COVID 19 crash, the S&P 500 rebounded and hit record highs in 2024, trading above 5,000 points. History shows that despite short term volatility, markets generally trend upward. Investing also teaches financial discipline regularly setting aside money, focusing on future goals, and making rational decisions rather than reacting emotionally to daily price swings.

Risks and the Importance of Diversification

Of course, risks are part of the game. Market crashes, company bankruptcies, or even geopolitical events (like the Russia Ukraine war’s impact on energy prices in 2022) can cause sudden losses. That’s why diversification is so critical. By spreading investments across different assets say $5,000 in tech stocks, $2,000 in bonds, and $3,000 in ETFs an investor reduces the chance that one bad investment wipes out their portfolio.

Common Types of Investments

Here are some popular investment options with real world examples:

Stocks

Stocks represent ownership in a company. For instance, buying Amazon stock at $100 in early 2023 would now be worth around $180 in late 2024. Stocks offer both capital gains and, in some cases, dividends.

Bonds

Bonds are debt instruments from governments or corporations. A U.S. Treasury bond yielding 4.5% in 2024 provides steady annual returns, making it attractive to conservative investors looking for lower risk.

Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)

ETFs give diversified exposure. For example, the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) was trading around $350 in 2020 and crossed $500 in 2024. With a single purchase, investors track the performance of the top 500 U.S. companies.

Real Estate

Real estate investments can be lucrative. A property bought for $200,000 in 2019 in cities like Miami now sells for over $300,000 on average, plus rental income of $1,500–$2,000 per month. Real estate also acts as an inflation hedge.

Investments

Understanding CFD Trading

The Concept of CFDs

CFDs or Contracts for Difference use leverage to let traders trade on price moves only against the broker, no owning of real assets. This means you can profit whether the price goes up or down. For example, in April 2023 when oil prices jumped from $70 to $85 per barrel, CFD traders could profit by going long. Similarly, when Bitcoin dropped from $45,000 to under $30,000 in mid 2022, traders who went short on CFDs captured significant gains.

How CFDs Work

CFDs use leverage, allowing you to control a large position with a relatively small deposit. For example, with 1:10 leverage, a $1,000 deposit lets you trade $10,000 worth of EUR/USD. If the currency moves in your favor by 2%, you make $200 instead of just $20. However, if the trade goes against you, the losses are amplified just as quickly. In fact, many traders saw margin calls during the 2024 gold rally when prices surged past $2,400 an ounce.

The Benefits of CFD Trading

The biggest advantage of CFDs is flexibility. You can trade global markets stocks, indices, forex, commodities, and even crypto all from one platform. During the 2024 U.S. elections, for example, volatility in the S&P 500 created both long and short opportunities within the same week. For active traders, this is a way to take advantage of short term market moves that traditional investing often misses.

Risks and Realities of CFDs

CFDs are high risk. Leverage magnifies gains but also accelerates losses. In fact, during the Silicon Valley Bank collapse in 2023, some CFD traders who were over leveraged lost their accounts overnight as banking stocks like First Republic dropped over 50% in a single day. Additionally, CFDs usually come with overnight financing fees if you hold positions for multiple days, which can eat into profits.

Common CFD Trading Markets

Here are some of the most popular markets for CFD trading:

Forex

Forex CFDs are the most traded. For example, EUR/USD rose from 1.05 to 1.12 in 2023. With $1,000 and 1:20 leverage, a trader could have gained about $1,400 from that move but the reverse would have meant an equal loss.

Commodities

Gold CFDs spiked in 2024 from $1,900 to $2,400 amid global inflation worries. Traders who went long earned strong profits, but those betting against gold faced heavy losses.

Indices

CFDs allow speculation on entire markets. The Nasdaq 100 swung from 11,000 to 16,000 between 2022 and 2024. Day traders who timed these moves well made big gains, while those caught in reversals lost heavily.

Cryptocurrencies

Crypto CFDs are extremely volatile. Bitcoin, for example, climbed from $16,000 in late 2022 to over $60,000 in 2024. A $2,000 CFD position with 1:5 leverage could have turned into over $20,000 in profit at the peak but only if you survived the wild swings along the way.

Understanding CFDs

understanding cfds

When I first started looking into Contracts for Difference (CFDs), I was struck by how different they are from traditional investing. Instead of buying and holding a stock, a commodity, or even crypto, I was simply speculating on the price movement. For example, last month when Tesla’s stock jumped from $240 to $260, I didn’t need to buy the actual shares I could just open a CFD and profit from that $20 move. CFDs can be used across a wide range of markets, including stocks, indices like the S&P 500, commodities such as gold and oil, forex pairs like EUR/USD, and even cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. This flexibility means I can trade global markets without needing to own the physical asset.

Leverage and Margin in CFD Trading

One thing I quickly learned is that leverage can be both exciting and dangerous. With a 1:20 leverage ratio, I was able to open a $20,000 position on gold with just $1,000 in margin. For instance, when gold recently dipped from $2,500 to $2,470 per ounce, that $30 swing translated into a $600 loss on my account, even though the actual price move seemed small. On the flip side, when oil surged past $90 a barrel after the recent OPEC+ production cuts, a similar setup turned into a profit of $400 within hours. This experience taught me that while leverage multiplies gains, it also magnifies losses just as quickly. Now I always use stop loss orders and keep a close eye on my margin levels to avoid being wiped out by sudden moves.

Profit Opportunities in Both Market Directions

What I enjoy most about CFDs is that I’m not limited to “buy low, sell high.” If I expect Bitcoin to fall from $65,000 to $62,000, I can open a short position and benefit from the decline. Recently, when the Nasdaq dropped after the Federal Reserve hinted at keeping rates higher for longer, shorting tech CFDs gave me quick gains. On the other hand, when Apple announced its new iPhone and the stock climbed by $5 in a single session, a long CFD trade captured that movement too. Being able to trade both directions makes me feel more in control, especially during volatile market conditions.

Common CFD Trading Strategies

Over time, I’ve experimented with a few different strategies. When I scalp, I might jump in and out of EUR/USD several times during a morning session, making small profits of $10–$20 each time. Swing trading works better for me on commodities: I held a silver CFD for two weeks as it moved from $28 to $31, which netted a much bigger profit. Day trading has also been interesting I once traded NVIDIA CFDs on earnings day, buying in at the market open and selling before the close, pocketing a $200 move without holding overnight risk. Each of these strategies demands discipline and a strong handle on technical analysis, but they keep CFD trading exciting and dynamic.

Recent CFD Trade Examples

Asset Entry Price Exit Price Position Result Event Context
Tesla $240 $260 Long +$2,000 (on 100 CFDs) Strong Q3 delivery numbers
Gold $2,500 $2,470 Long $600 (on 20 CFDs) U.S. Jobs Report → Dollar strength
Oil (WTI) $87 $91 Long +$400 (on 100 CFDs) OPEC+ production cuts
Bitcoin $65,000 $62,000 Short +$3,000 (on 1 CFD) ETF approval rally → profit taking
Apple $175 $180 Long +$500 (on 100 CFDs) iPhone 16 launch announcement

Market Timeline Highlights (2025)

Risks and Considerations

I’d be lying if I said it’s all profits. There are risks that I’ve felt firsthand. A sudden spike in spreads during a major economic announcement once ate into my profits on an otherwise solid trade. Overnight financing charges also add up holding a leveraged forex CFD for a week cost me more in fees than I expected. And during the recent Bitcoin sell off, my position hit margin call territory much quicker than I thought possible. These lessons made me more cautious: I now size my trades conservatively, always calculate potential losses, and keep risk management front and center. CFDs can be rewarding, but only if approached with care and respect for the leverage involved.

Investing vs. CFDs: A Comparative Analysis

From my own trading journey, I’ve seen how investing and CFD trading can both build wealth but in very different ways. They differ in structure, risk, and strategy, and those differences became especially clear to me this year after watching Nvidia’s stock explode past $1,100 in 2025 and Bitcoin climb above $70,000. Understanding these differences has been crucial in aligning my decisions with my financial goals and risk tolerance. Here’s my personal breakdown, with real examples and recent events that shaped my thinking.

Feature Investing CFDs
Ownership When I buy Nvidia shares at $1,050, I actually own part of the company. This year, that ownership paid off when Nvidia smashed earnings expectations and soared above $1,100, rewarding long term holders. With CFDs, I don’t own the asset I’m speculating on price. For example, I shorted Bitcoin CFDs in April 2025 after it touched $72,000 following ETF approval hype. My profit came purely from the drop, not from holding Bitcoin itself.
Time Horizon I tend to hold for years. My Microsoft shares, bought at $250 back in 2022, are now above $420. That’s the benefit of long term investing. CFDs fit short term moves. In March 2025, when U.S. inflation data surprised markets, the NASDAQ jumped nearly +2% in a single session. I used CFDs to ride that swing without committing to long term ownership.
Risk Investments carry lower risk. Even when Tesla dipped below $200 in 2023, I held my shares, and by 2025 they recovered above $250. CFDs are higher risk. In June 2025, a sudden Fed rate cut sent gold up 5% overnight. My leveraged CFD doubled my account but in the past, a similar move against me wiped out an entire $1,000 margin in hours.
Capital Requirements Buying 10 Nvidia shares at $1,100 cost me $11,000 upfront serious capital tied up. Through CFDs with 20x leverage, I could control the same $11,000 position with only $550. Tempting, but also dangerous if the market turns.
Fees and Costs My broker charges a flat $5 commission on stock purchases. For ETFs, I pay small management fees. With CFDs, I pay spreads and overnight financing. In May 2025, holding a Dow Jones CFD for just one week cost me nearly $50 in financing charges.
Taxes My Nvidia gains are taxed as capital gains, and Microsoft dividends are taxed separately. This makes tax planning important. My CFD profits, like the $700 I made trading crude oil CFDs after OPEC’s April 2025 meeting, are taxed as regular income where I live.

So, while investing gives me ownership and peace of mind, CFDs give me flexibility and quick exposure. Personally, I blend the two: investing in companies like Nvidia for the long term, while trading short term volatility in assets like Bitcoin and oil using CFDs.

NASDAQ 100 Investing Vs NASDAQ CFD Trading Example

NASDAQ 100 trading chart investing vs CFD

In July 2025, the NASDAQ 100 was trading around 17,900, powered by strong tech earnings. I decided to compare my approach as a direct investor versus trading CFDs with leverage.

Direct Trading Example

Initial Investment: 17,904.55 USD

I bought into the NASDAQ 100 directly. When it gained 10%, my position rose to 19,694.01 USD, giving me a profit of 1,789.45 USD. That was a steady gain, no leverage required.

When inflation fears pushed the NASDAQ down 10%, my portfolio slipped to 16,114.10 USD. That’s a loss of 1,790.45 USD, but because I owned the index via ETF, I held through the dip, waiting for recovery.

Trading CFDs with 20x Leverage

Initial Investment: 895.23 USD (17,904.55 USD / 20)

With CFDs, I only put down 895.23 USD but controlled the same 17,904.55 USD position. A 10% rally gave me a profit of 1,789.45 USD a 200% return on my initial investment. It felt incredible.

But when the NASDAQ fell 10% on Fed comments, I lost 1,790.45 USD, more than my deposit. My broker issued a margin call and closed my trade. Meanwhile, direct investors could simply ride out the storm.

This contrast made me realize: investing is like running a marathon, while CFDs are like sprinting on a cliff edge thrilling but risky.

Risks of Trading with Leverage

After living through 2025’s wild markets, I’ve seen firsthand how leverage can be both a blessing and a problem.

Increased Market Volatility

During Nvidia’s Q2 2025 earnings, the stock moved +15% in a single day. With CFDs, such moves can multiply gains or wipe out an account just as fast.

Margin Calls

I had a margin call during the April 2025 oil spike when prices jumped from $82 to $92 overnight. My CFD position was too leveraged, and the broker closed it before I could react.

Forced Liquidation

In June 2025, gold dropped suddenly on unexpected Fed comments. My CFD trade was force closed at a loss, only for gold to rebound the next day. That sting taught me the value of stop loss orders.

In the end, I balance my strategy: investing gives me long term ownership and stability, while CFDs let me play short term volatility like the Nvidia rally or Bitcoin’s swings. But I never forget leverage is dangerous, and managing risk is the only way to stay in the game.

Which is Right for You: Investing or CFDs?

which is right for you investing or cfds

When I first dipped my toes into the markets, I constantly asked myself: should I be focusing on traditional investing or CFD trading? The answer wasn’t simple it really came down to my risk tolerance, time horizon, and financial goals. Over the years, I’ve tried both, and here’s what I learned.

Traditional Investing

I started with traditional investing because I wanted something more stable. Owning actual shares gave me peace of mind. For example, I bought Apple (AAPL) at around $150 a couple of years ago, and as of October 2025, it’s sitting near $220. That kind of steady growth feels reassuring. I also like dividend paying stocks companies like Coca Cola (KO, yielding about 3%) because they provide regular income on top of long term growth. I think of this side of my portfolio as my “sleep well at night” money, especially since I plan to hold these for years, maybe even into retirement.

CFD Trading

Then there’s the CFD side of my journey definitely more fast paced. CFDs let me trade on both rising and falling markets without owning the underlying asset. I remember in 2022, when oil prices skyrocketed after the Russia Ukraine conflict, I took a CFD long on Brent Crude and made a quick profit. But I’ve also had my fair share of painful lessons. With leverage, a $1,000 CFD trade at 10:1 leverage turns into a $10,000 position. That worked great when Bitcoin pushed above $60,000, but it burned me badly when Tesla dropped after missing earnings expectations. CFD trading is exciting, but it’s also highly speculative. If you’re not disciplined, the losses can spiral fast.

Hybrid Approach

Eventually, I found a balance. I keep a solid, core portfolio of real stocks and ETFs, but I also allocate a small percentage for CFD trading. For instance, I held Nvidia shares for the long term, but in July 2024 when they reported blowout earnings, I also placed a CFD trade around the event. This hybrid approach lets me grow wealth steadily while also taking advantage of short term opportunities.

Additional Considerations

Psychology

I’ve learned the hard way that mindset is everything. In March 2020, when COVID 19 crashed markets, I almost sold everything. But holding on turned out to be the smartest move I watched my portfolio recover and even surpass previous highs. On the flip side, I got caught up in the GameStop meme stock frenzy in 2021 and ended up losing more than I made because I followed hype instead of research. The lesson? Discipline and emotional control matter more than any trade.

Education and Research

These days, I follow Fed announcements, inflation data, and major earnings reports religiously. For example, when the Fed hinted at rate cuts in mid 2025, I positioned myself ahead of the rally and benefited from the surge in tech stocks. I also like digging into company reports listening to an earnings call sometimes reveals insights the headlines miss. Continuous learning has been my best investment.

Risk Management

If there’s one rule I never break anymore, it’s risk management. I set stop loss orders say 5–10% below my entry point to cap potential losses. I also stick to the “2% rule,” never risking more than 2% of my account on a single trade. Diversification has also saved me: when my tech stocks dipped, my gold ETF and healthcare shares helped balance things out. Without these safeguards, I’d have blown up my account years ago.

Regulatory Environment

Another thing I overlooked early on was regulation. In the U.S., CFD trading isn’t even allowed because the SEC and CFTC keep the market tightly controlled. When I traded with a UK broker, the FCA rules gave me extra confidence since client funds had to be held in separate accounts. Recently, in 2023–2024, regulators in Europe tightened CFD leverage restrictions after many retail traders lost big during the energy crisis. Knowing who regulates your broker isn’t just red tape it’s protection. Now, before I put in a single dollar, I always double check that the broker is licensed and compliant.

Investing vs CFDs Verdict

After years of navigating both worlds, my honest conclusion is that neither investing nor CFD trading is inherently “better”, it all depends on your goals and risk appetite. If you’re like me and value long term stability, investing in assets like Apple, Microsoft, or index ETFs provides peace of mind and steady growth. For example, my Microsoft shares bought at $250 in 2022 are now worth over $420 in 2025 proof of the power of patience and compounding.

But if you crave short term opportunities and can stomach volatility, CFDs give you flexibility that traditional investing cannot. I’ve had moments where a simple CFD trade on oil after an OPEC+ announcement made me more in one day than weeks of holding stocks. At the same time, I’ve also been burned when over leveraged trades went against me, like my gold CFD that got stopped out during a Fed surprise in mid 2025. The rewards are high, but so are the risks.

Personally, I’ve settled on a hybrid strategy. I keep a core portfolio of stocks, ETFs, and even some real estate for long term wealth building, while using CFDs selectively for event driven trades like earnings reports or macroeconomic announcements. This way, I enjoy the stability of ownership while still capturing short term opportunities. It feels like the best of both worlds.

So, ask yourself: do you want the marathon of investing, where wealth grows steadily over years, or the sprint of CFD trading, where fortunes can change in hours? Your answer should match your personality, financial situation, and tolerance for risk. Whatever you choose, remember one thing I’ve learned the hard way: risk management is not optional, it’s survival.

More CFD Guides and Research

If you are researching CFDs make sure to read through the below CFD related guides. You will find something useful.

When it comes to choosing between traditional investing and CFD (Contract for Difference) trading, it's important to understand the key differences. Traditional investing involves buying and holding assets such as stocks, bonds, or real estate, with the goal of long-term appreciation. Investors own the underlying assets and can benefit from dividends or rental income, and the potential for capital growth. Learn more about this comparison between traditional investing vs CFDs.

On the other hand, CFD trading allows you to speculate on the price movements of financial instruments without actually owning them. This means you can potentially profit from both rising and falling markets. However, CFD trading often involves the use of leverage, which can amplify both gains and losses. For more details on the impact of leverage, you can explore CFD Leverage.

While traditional investing typically involves lower risk due to the absence of leverage, it generally requires a longer time horizon to realize returns. CFD trading, though riskier, can offer faster returns due to the leveraged nature of the trades. However, this comes with the need for a thorough understanding of trading strategies, as highlighted in resources like CFD Trading Strategies. Additionally, the fees associated with CFD trading can be different from those in traditional investing, which you can explore further by visiting CFD Fees.

For those interested in specific markets, CFDs offer the flexibility to trade across various asset classes, including Gold, Oil, and Shares, among others. However, this also means navigating different tax implications and regulations depending on the country, as explained in CFD Tax UK and CFD USA.

Whether you choose to pursue traditional investing or delve into the world of CFDs, it's crucial to educate yourself on the nuances of each approach. Resources like Best CFD Trading Books can provide valuable insights for CFD traders, while those leaning towards traditional investing might prefer studying fundamental analysis and market trends. In any case, understanding the risks and rewards associated with each option is key to making informed financial decisions.

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Top 15 Investing Vs Cfds of 2026 compared

Here are the top Investing Vs Cfds.

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

All brokers below are investing vs cfds. Learn more about what they offer below.

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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) 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 Number 079/07). Easy Forex Trading Ltd is the only entity that onboards EU clients, easyMarkets Pty Ltd is regulated by ASIC (AFS License No. 246566), EF Worldwide Ltd in Seychelles is regulated by FSA (License Number SD056), EF Worldwide Ltd in the British Virgin Islands is regulated by FSC (License Number SIBA/L/20/1135) 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
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  • Paypal
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  • Credit Card
  • Paypal
  • Bank transfer
  • Credit Card
  • Paypal
Used By 200,000+ 730,000+ 40,000,000+ 1,000,000+ 10,000,000+ 400,000+ 400,000+ 200,000+ 250,000+ 60,000+ 7,800,000+
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
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  • ECN account
  • Islamic account
  • Demo account
  • Micro account
  • Mini account
  • Standard account
  • Managed account
  • Islamic account
  • Demo account
  • Micro account
  • Standard account
  • ECN 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)
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Risk Warning Losses can exceed deposits Losses can exceed deposits 46% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. 69% - 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. 75.99% 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 Your capital is at risk 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
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eToro
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XTB
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XM
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Pepperstone
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AvaTrade
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FP Markets
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easyMarkets
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SpreadEx
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FxPro
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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 Investing vs cfds in more detail

You can compare Investing Vs Cfds 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 Investing Vs Cfds for 2026 article further below. You can see it now by clicking here

We have listed top Investing vs cfds below.

Investing Vs Cfds 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. 46% 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. 46% 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 1000000+ traders. 69% - 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 10000000+ traders. CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 75.99% 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 400000+ 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)
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. Your capital is at risk 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 Number 079/07). Easy Forex Trading Ltd is the only entity that onboards EU clients, easyMarkets Pty Ltd is regulated by ASIC (AFS License No. 246566), EF Worldwide Ltd in Seychelles is regulated by FSA (License Number SD056), EF Worldwide Ltd in the British Virgin Islands is regulated by FSC (License Number SIBA/L/20/1135)
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 7800000+ 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