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.

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.

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.

What is the minimum deposit to trade CFDs in India?

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

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.

Best CFD Brokers in India 2026 — Expert Rankings

What to Look For in CFD Brokers in India

Choosing the right CFD broker in India involves a thorough understanding of several crucial factors. First, regulatory compliance is paramount. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) oversees financial markets, and a credible broker should either be directly regulated by SEBI or hold a licence from reputable international regulators such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). This ensures the broker adheres to stringent financial standards and provides a secure trading environment.

Another essential criterion is the fee structure. CFD trading can incur various costs, including spreads, commissions, and overnight fees. A competitive fee structure is vital for traders seeking to maximise returns. Transparency in fee disclosure is equally important, allowing traders to make informed decisions without unexpected costs impacting their profitability. Brokers like Forex.com are known for maintaining competitive pricing models with clear fee structures.

The trading platform's efficiency and reliability should also be considered. A robust platform offers a seamless trading experience, complete with advanced charting tools, real-time data, and fast execution speeds. Platforms compatible with both desktop and mobile devices offer flexibility, catering to the needs of traders on the go. IG Group, for instance, is recognised for its intuitive platforms that support a wide range of trading strategies.

How We Rank CFD Brokers in India

Our ranking methodology for CFD brokers in India is comprehensive, ensuring a balanced evaluation across several key dimensions. Regulation accounts for 25% of our ranking score, as it reflects a broker's compliance with legal standards and its commitment to client protection. Fees constitute 20% of the score, focusing on the competitiveness and transparency of the broker's pricing structure.

We also assign 15% of the score to the quality of trading platforms, assessing their functionality and user-friendliness. Market offerings account for 10%, evaluating the variety and depth of CFDs available. Trustworthiness and user experience each contribute 15% to the score, reflecting customer satisfaction and the broker's reputation in the industry.

Top Picks at a Glance

Interactive Brokers: Known for its advanced trading solutions and comprehensive market access, making it ideal for sophisticated traders.
Forex.com: Offers competitive pricing and a diverse range of CFDs, appealing to cost-conscious traders looking for variety.
IG Group: Stands out with its user-friendly platforms and extensive educational resources, supporting traders of all experience levels.
Vantage: Provides a high-quality trading environment with fast execution speeds and reliable customer support services.
Pepperstone: Excels in delivering low-latency execution and a wide range of trading tools, suitable for both beginners and professionals.

Best CFD Brokers in India 2026

Interactive Brokers

Forex.com

IG Group

FxPro

Pepperstone

OANDA

City Index

CMC Markets

XM

eToro

Saxo Bank

Plus500

AvaTrade

Capital.com

BlackBull Markets

ThinkMarkets

FBS

IC Markets

FP Markets

XTB

ForTrade

Swissquote

HFM

Admiral Markets

Exness

Deriv

Markets.com

Phillip Capital

IronFX

Dukascopy

Libertex

FXCM

FxOpen

Exante

Axi

Eightcap

EasyMarkets

MultiBank Group

InstaForex

FXTM

Tiger Brokers

Trading 212

Fusion Markets

ActivTrades

Octa

NAGA

Moneta Markets

Purple Trading

Fineco Bank

TMGM

HYCM

Aetos Capital

LiteFinance

Phillip Nova

LYNX Broker

Spreadex

Just2Trade

VT Markets

Tickmill

GO Markets

Blueberry Markets

Equiti

ACY Securities

Capital Index

Amana Capital

Windsor Brokers

BDSwiss

FXGT

Valutrades

JustMarkets

Orbex

Startrader

Hantec Markets

Darwinex

Flatex

Global Prime

What to Look For in CFD Brokers in India

How We Rank CFD Brokers in India

Top Picks at a Glance