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36 brokers ranked Rankings never for sale

Best CFD Brokers in Australia 2026

Top ASIC-regulated CFD brokers for Australian traders. Compare leverage limits, platforms and fees.

Find brokers that accept you

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Updated 2 Oct 2026Rankings are editorially independent — never influenced by commercial partnerships
Quick Answer

Based on our 2026 quantitative rating of 36 brokers, Interactive Brokers (4.43/5), Forex.com, and ForTrade rank as the top choices. Interactive Brokers leads with regulation from SEC, CFTC and 0.2 pips min spread. Rankings are calculated algorithmically and are never for sale.

  • #1 Interactive Brokers — 4.43/5 · Regulated: SEC, CFTC · Min deposit: $0
  • #2 Forex.com — 4.40/5 · Regulated: FCA, CFTC
  • #3 ForTrade — 4.25/5 · Regulated: FCA, ASIC
See full list and detailed breakdowns below

About Plus500 in this ranking

80% of retail CFD accounts lose money.

  • Plus500 offers CFDs only — you trade on price movements and do not own the underlying assets.
  • Maximum leverage for retail clients: up to 1:30.
  • Although commission-free, additional fees may apply (e.g. overnight funding, currency conversion, inactivity).

This information is NOT relevant to EU residents who are to be serviced by EU subsidiaries of the Plus500 Group, such as Plus500CY Ltd, authorised by CySEC (Reg. 250/14). Different regulatory requirements apply in Europe such as leverage limitations and bonus restrictions.

Our Partner Brokers

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We earn a commission when you open an account through these links, at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are scored independently — see the full independent ranking.

#1ForTrade logo
ForTrade
4.3
FCA
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#2FxPro logo
FxPro
4.1
FCA
Visit
#3Plus500 logo
Plus500
4.0
MAS
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80% of retail CFD accounts lose money.

#4AvaTrade logo
AvaTrade
4.0
MAS
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#6XM logo
XM
3.9
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What to Look For in CFD Brokers in Australia

When selecting a CFD broker in Australia, it's vital to consider the regulatory framework under which the broker operates. Australian investors should prioritise brokers regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), as this ensures adherence to strict financial standards and safeguards. Regulation provides peace of mind that the broker operates transparently and ethically, reducing the risk of fraud.

Another key criterion is the fee structure. Trading costs can significantly impact profitability, so it is crucial to review spreads, commissions, and any additional fees such as overnight financing rates. A competitive fee structure can make a substantial difference, especially for frequent traders. Look for brokers that offer clear and transparent pricing, with no hidden charges.

The platform's usability and range of available markets are also critical. A good trading platform should be intuitive, reliable, and equipped with robust features such as charting tools and technical indicators. Additionally, assess the variety of markets offered, including forex, indices, commodities, and shares, to ensure the broker provides the breadth needed to diversify your trading portfolio.

How We Rank CFD Brokers in Australia

Our ranking methodology for CFD brokers in Australia is rigorous and multifaceted, designed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of each broker's offerings. We allocate 25% of the score to regulation, as the safety and security of client funds and broker operations are paramount. Fees account for 20% of the score, reflecting their critical impact on the trader's bottom line.

The trading platform's quality and user experience each contribute 15% to the overall score, as these elements are essential for efficient and effective trading. We also evaluate the range of markets available, accounting for 10% of the score, and the broker's perceived trustworthiness, which comprises another 15%. This holistic approach ensures that our rankings are both reliable and relevant to traders' needs.

Top Picks at a Glance

  • Interactive Brokers: Known for its comprehensive range of markets and advanced trading platform, making it ideal for seasoned traders.
  • Forex.com: Offers competitive spreads and extensive educational resources, catering to both novice and experienced traders.
  • IG Group: Provides a user-friendly platform and an extensive range of CFDs across multiple asset classes, setting a high standard for market variety.
  • Vantage: Renowned for its exceptional customer service and low trading fees, offering a cost-effective trading experience.
  • Pepperstone: Specialises in forex trading with razor-thin spreads and fast execution, appealing to forex enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is CFD trading and how does it work?

A CFD (Contract for Difference) lets you speculate on price movements without owning the underlying asset. You profit (or lose) on the difference between opening and closing price, multiplied by your position size.

2

What leverage is available on CFDs?

Retail leverage limits vary by regulator: up to 30:1 for major forex pairs (ESMA/FCA), 20:1 for indices, and 2:1 for crypto under EU/UK rules. Professional traders can access higher leverage.

3

Are CFDs suitable for beginners?

CFDs carry high risk due to leverage — most retail traders lose money. Beginners should start with a demo account, keep leverage low, and focus on risk management before trading live.

4

What is the minimum deposit to trade CFDs in Australia?

11 brokers on this list accept traders from Australia with no minimum deposit ($0). The lowest non-zero minimum deposit among brokers available in Australia is $1. For better risk management and position sizing, most experts recommend starting with at least $100–$200 regardless of the broker's minimum.

5

Which is the top-rated broker in this list for 2026?

Based on our scoring algorithm, Interactive Brokers currently ranks #1 with a score of 4.4/5. Scores are recalculated every 24 hours as broker data changes.

Key Trading Terms

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Interactive Brokers

Our #1 pick for 2026

Interactive Brokers

SEC CFTC4.4/5

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ASIC Regulation in Australia

36 brokers in this list hold a ASIC licence · Australian Securities and Investments Commission

Compare Top Brokers

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How do we rank brokers?

Our algorithm weights regulation (25%), fees (20%), platform (15%), markets (10%), trust (15%) and UX (15%). The order is never for sale.

Full methodology

Trading involves risk of loss. Rankings are for informational purposes only — not financial advice. Full risk disclosure.