Contracts for Difference (CFDs) are financial derivatives that allow traders to speculate on the price movements of assets such as forex, indices, commodities, stocks, and cryptocurrencies without owning the underlying asset. This flexibility, combined with the ability to trade long or short using leverage, makes CFDs popular among retail traders. In 2025, with the global forex market boasting a daily trading volume of $7.5 trillion and CFD trading on the rise, selecting the right broker is more important than ever. This article ranks the top 7 CFD brokers for 2025. We’ve assessed each broker based on trading costs (in USD), regulatory oversight, platform options, asset variety, execution speed, customer support, and educational resources. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned trader, this guide will help you choose the best broker.
Criteria for Selecting Top CFD Brokers
To determine the top CFD brokers, we considered the following key factors:
- Trading Costs: Low spreads (e.g., 0.0 pips on EUR/USD) and commissions (under $5 per side) minimize expenses. Swap fees are also critical for overnight positions.
- Regulation: Brokers regulated by top-tier authorities like ASIC, FCA, or CySEC ensure fund safety and transparency.
- Trading Platforms: Availability of MetaTrader 4/5, cTrader, TradingView, or proprietary platforms supports diverse trading styles.
- Asset Variety: A wide range of CFDs (forex, indices, stocks, commodities, crypto) allows for portfolio diversification.
- Execution Speed: Fast execution (below 0.1ms) is essential for scalping and automated trading.
- Customer Support: 24/7 access via live chat, email, or phone ensures prompt assistance.
- Educational Resources: Tutorials, webinars, and demo accounts help traders improve their skills.
Top 7 CFD Brokers in 2025
Fusion Markets
Fusion Markets, founded in 2017 in Melbourne, Australia, is the top CFD broker in 2025. Regulated by ASIC (AFSL 385620) and VFSC (40256), it offers spreads from 0.0 pips on forex majors like EUR/USD with a commission of just $2.25 per side ($4.50 round-turn) on its Zero account—significantly lower than industry averages. Traders can use MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView, with execution speeds averaging 0.02ms, perfect for scalpers and algorithmic traders. The broker provides 80+ forex pairs, plus CFDs on indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and over 110 US stocks with $0 commissions. Features like Fusion+ copy trading and a free VPS (for 2.5 lots/month) add value. With no deposit or withdrawal fees and same-day processing, it earns a 4.7/5 rating on TrustPilot (2,800+ reviews). Drawbacks include limited educational resources and no US client access.
- Pricing: $2.25/side commission, 0.0 pips spread, $0 deposit/withdrawal fees.
- Best for: Scalpers, algo traders, cost-conscious traders.
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Pepperstone
Pepperstone, regulated by ASIC and FCA, is a favourite among high-volume traders for its 0.05ms execution speed. It offers 60+ forex pairs, indices, commodities, and crypto CFDs. Spreads start at 0.6 pips on EUR/USD with a $3.50 per side commission ($7 round-turn) on its Razor account. Platforms include MT4, MT5, and cTrader, with copy trading and VPS options. The minimum deposit is $200, and leverage can reach 500:1 in less-regulated regions. While more expensive than Fusion Markets, its reliability and 24/7 support stand out. Educational content is adequate but not extensive.
- Pricing: 0.6 pips spread, $3.50/side commission, $0 withdrawal fees.
- Best for: Scalpers, high-volume traders.
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IG Markets
IG Markets, established in 1974 and regulated by FCA, ASIC, and CFTC, provides access to over 17,000 markets, including forex, indices, stocks, commodities, and crypto CFDs. Spreads average 0.6 pips on EUR/USD, with commissions ranging from $3 to $5 per side on ECN accounts. Its proprietary platform and MT4 include advanced tools like Autochartist. With a $250 minimum deposit and 30:1 leverage in regulated regions, it’s beginner-friendly, offering webinars and guides. However, fees are higher than Fusion Markets, and the platform may feel outdated.
- Pricing: 0.6 pips spread, $3-$5/side commission, $0 withdrawal fees.
- Best for: Beginners, research-focused traders.
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Plus500
Plus500, regulated by FCA and ASIC, features a simple proprietary platform for trading CFDs on stocks, indices, commodities, crypto, and ETFs. Spreads start at 0.7 pips on EUR/USD with no commissions, though a 0.7% currency conversion fee applies. There are no deposit fees, and the minimum deposit is $100. The +Insights tool provides real-time trader data. Limited platform options (no MT4/MT5) and higher spreads than Fusion Markets are downsides.
- Pricing: 0.7 pips spread, $0 commissions, 0.7% conversion fee.
- Best for: Beginners, mobile traders.
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eToro
eToro, regulated by FCA and CySEC, excels in social trading, letting users copy successful traders. It offers CFDs on stocks, crypto, indices, and commodities. Spreads begin at 1.0 pips on EUR/USD with no commissions, but a 0.5% conversion fee applies for non-USD accounts. The proprietary platform is easy to use, with a $100 minimum deposit and 30:1 leverage. Higher spreads and fees compared to Fusion Markets are notable drawbacks.
- Pricing: 1.0 pips spread, $0 commissions, 0.5% conversion fee.
- Best for: Copy trading, beginners.
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XM
XM, regulated by CySEC and ASIC, caters to beginners with over 1,000 CFDs on forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and metals. Spreads start at 0.6 pips on EUR/USD with no commissions on standard accounts. Platforms include MT4 and MT5, with a $5 minimum deposit and leverage up to 1000:1 in some regions. Extensive educational resources (webinars, videos) are a plus, but spreads are wider than Fusion Markets, and swap fees vary.
- Pricing: 0.6 pips spread, $0 commissions (standard), $0 deposit fees.
- Best for: Beginners, low-budget traders.
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ActivTrades
ActivTrades, regulated by FCA and CySEC, offers over 1,000 CFDs on forex, indices, stocks, commodities, and crypto. Spreads start at 0.5 pips on EUR/USD with no commissions on standard accounts. Platforms include MT4, MT5, ActivTrader, and TradingView, with execution speeds below 0.004 seconds. Leverage reaches 200:1, and there’s no minimum deposit. Higher overnight fees and less competitive spreads than Fusion Markets are limitations.
- Pricing: 0.5 pips spread, $0 commissions, $0 deposit fees.
- Best for: High-volume traders, platform variety.
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Comparison of Key Features
| Broker | EUR/USD Spread | Commission (per lot) | Regulation | Platforms | Min. Deposit | Max Leverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fusion Markets | 0.0 pips | $2.25/side | ASIC, VFSC | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView | $0 | 500:1 |
| Pepperstone | 0.6 pips | $3.50/side | ASIC, FCA | MT4, MT5, cTrader | $200 | 500:1 |
| IG Markets | 0.6 pips | $3-$5/side | FCA, ASIC, CFTC | MT4, Proprietary | $250 | 30:1 |
| Plus500 | 0.7 pips | $0 (spread-based) | FCA, ASIC | Proprietary | $100 | 30:1 |
| eToro | 1.0 pips | $0 (spread-based) | FCA, CySEC | Proprietary | $100 | 30:1 |
| XM | 0.6 pips | $0 (standard) | CySEC, ASIC | MT4, MT5 | $5 | 1000:1 |
| ActivTrades | 0.5 pips | $0 (standard) | FCA, CySEC | MT4, MT5, ActivTrader | $0 | 200:1 |
Choosing the Right CFD Broker
Your ideal broker depends on your trading style and goals:
- Scalpers and Algo Traders: Fusion Markets’ low costs and fast execution are unmatched.
- Beginners: XM or eToro offer low entry points and educational support.
- Research-Driven Traders: IG Markets provides robust tools and insights.
- High-Volume Traders: ActivTrades’ platform variety is a strong fit.
Test brokers with demo accounts to evaluate spreads, platforms, and execution. Consider leverage carefully, as it amplifies both gains and risks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the CFD broker market in 2025 is rich with options, each serving distinct trading styles and goals. Among these, Fusion Markets emerges as the top pick due to its unbeatable combination of low costs and lightning-fast execution. Beginners may prefer IG Markets, Plus500, or eToro for their educational support and ease of use, while high-volume traders might lean toward Pepperstone or ActivTrades for their platform versatility and performance. XM stands out for those starting with limited capital. To make an informed choice, we recommend testing brokers with demo accounts to experience their platforms firsthand and carefully reviewing their features against your trading needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is Fusion Markets the top CFD broker in 2025?
Fusion Markets leads with 0.0-pip spreads on EUR/USD and $2.25/side commissions ($4.50 round-turn), 36% cheaper than competitors like Pepperstone. Its 0.02ms execution suits scalpers, offering 80+ forex pairs, crypto, and US stock CFDs with $0 commissions, backed by ASIC/VFSC regulation.
Which CFD broker is best for beginners?
XM and eToro excel for beginners. XM offers a $5 minimum deposit, 0.6-pip spreads, no commissions, and extensive webinars. eToro’s social trading and $100 minimum deposit simplify learning. Both provide demo accounts, unlike Fusion Markets, which lacks educational resources.
How do trading costs compare among these brokers?
Fusion Markets offers 0.0 pips, $2.25/side commissions. Pepperstone: 0.6 pips, $3.50/side. IG Markets: 0.6 pips, $3-$5/side. Plus500: 0.7 pips, 0.7% conversion fee. eToro: 1.0 pips, 0.5% conversion fee. XM: 0.6 pips, $0 commissions. ActivTrades: 0.5 pips, $0 commissions. Fusion Markets is the cheapest.
Can I trade crypto CFDs with these brokers?
Yes, Fusion Markets offers crypto CFDs (Bitcoin, Ethereum) with $0 commissions, alongside forex and stocks. Pepperstone, IG Markets, Plus500, eToro, and ActivTrades provide crypto CFDs; XM has limited options. Asset ranges vary, so check each broker’s offerings for specific cryptocurrencies.
Are these CFD brokers regulated and safe?
All are regulated: Fusion Markets (ASIC, VFSC), Pepperstone (ASIC, FCA), IG Markets (FCA, ASIC, CFTC), Plus500 (FCA, ASIC), eToro (FCA, CySEC), XM (CySEC, ASIC), ActivTrades (FCA, CySEC). Segregated accounts ensure safety, but Fusion Markets lacks investor protection. No US clients accepted.
