CFD Trading Apps
CFD trading apps allow investors to manage their trading activity from a mobile device. The best applications offer hassle-free deposits and withdrawals, interactive charting and analysis software, plus straightforward order execution. In this guide, we rank and compare the top CFD trading apps for UK investors. All of the applications listed below can be downloaded for free when you open a CFD trading account with the respective broker.
Best CFD Trading Apps
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IG offers a superb all-round trading app. One of the pioneers of mobile trading, the application has been developed and refined over many years, meaning it is now among the best trading apps. Quick response, user-friendly layout, access to full charting and a stable and reliable application. It also offers guaranteed stops – an important risk management tool not available on many apps we’ve tested.
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Year after year XTB’s app stands out for its slick design and uncluttered interface that we love. It’s quick, responsive and packed with useful features, notably integrated sentiment data, market news, economic calendars and education. The user-friendly order panel underneath the trading chart also makes placing trades, including adding take profit and stop loss levels, really straightforward.
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The award-winning app from CMC Markets has transformed mobile trading. The app’s modern and customizable interface offers a unique user experience, distinct from competitors. Moreover, with its comprehensive charting capabilities featuring 25 technical indicators and 15 drawing tools, as well as its fast and stable trading environment, it’s an exceptional choice for traders.
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FXCC elevates mobile trading with the MT4 app on iPhone, iPad, and Android, perfect for traders with its reliable, advanced charting featuring 30 indicators, 9 timeframes and 3 chart types. It’s incredibly easy to dive into trading on the MT4 app through an FXCC account, with just 3 simple steps. The app offers the flexibility to trade a great selection of over 70 currency pairs and other popular markets on the go.
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IC Markets deliver mobile apps for their cTrader, MT4, MT5 and TradingView platforms. They have been developed on Android and iOS separately, taking full advantage of the functionality available on each. With raw pricing, and spreads from 0.0, the apps deliver an excellent trading tool for all levels of trader. Yet what really stands out is how they’ve managed to maintain the lightning-fast execution speed IC Markets is known for, right within the apps. It’s a seamless trading experience that feels both professional and highly responsive.
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Pepperstone excels for its excellent integration with the MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView apps, making it a standout option for traders familiar with these leading third-party trading solutions. These platforms deliver a stable and reliable mobile trading experience, enhanced by Pepperstone’s almost unrivalled execution speeds and wide range of asset classes.
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Eightcap supports the MT4, MT5 and TradingView apps (the only FCA regulated broker offering TradingView), catering to mobile traders looking for advanced charting tools. While we don’t love the increasingly outdated design of the MetaTrader suite, its dozens of technical indicators and drawing tools, multiple charting styles, and straightforward overlays in horizontal mode are excellent. The push notifications and active social network on the TradingView app are also valuable additions for aspiring traders and Eightcap has published helpful videos on connecting TradingView accounts to iOS and Android devices.
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RoboForex continues to excel with its wide range of iOS and Android-friendly platforms to meet short-term trading needs, including MT4 and MT5. The R StocksTrader app performed particularly well during testing, with a vast selection of stocks and ETFs, portfolio analytics, customizable watchlists, an events tracker, plus a fast and dependable mobile trading environment. The only notable absence in the RoboForex offering is the increasingly popular cTrader app, that’s favored by many traders.
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Running alongside the MT4 and Web Trader platforms, the FOREX.com app offers full trading capabilities on a user-friendly, compact platform. Integrated news and analysis, plus real time trade alerts, are two mobile specific features that set this app above the crowd. Additionally, it beats out MT4 when it comes to mobile charting tools, with over 80 indicators and 11 chart types, not to mention a slicker design that we love.
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Vantage offers one of the most complete trading apps we’ve used. The crisp design and slick interface makes analyzing markets and placing trades straightforward. Changing to horizontal mode offers an optimal charting view, though frustratingly it can take a few seconds for the app to respond. Fortunately, this minor drawback is outweighed by the ease of overlaying indicators and drawing tools, plus the integrated economic calendar, newsfeed, market analysis, and even FX TV.
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FxPro offers forex trading on 70+ pairs via its mobile app. A range of technical indicators and order types are available and hedging is supported. Download the app for free from the iOS and Android app stores.
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Plus500 have developed their mobile apps to match the WebTrader online platform . Secure and reliable, the app is among the best out there. Stop loss and limits are available, free alerts and a full range of markets and instruments are available. Visit the download page here.
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Fusion Markets offers seamless integration with the cTrader, MT4, MT5 and TradingView apps, available on Android or iOS. Although we find the design of the MetaTrader app increasingly outdated, detracting from the user experience, it excels for its premium charting package, integrated news stream and push notifications. The cTrader app performed even better during tests, featuring a superior design and an extensive suite of over 70 indictors and 26 timeframes, making it the obvious choice for advanced traders.
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GO Markets is an established forex and CFD broker with multiple industry awards and accolades. The ECN/STP broker is popular with budding traders, offering competitive accounts in multiple base currencies and a range of flexible payment methods. With top-tier regulation from CySEC and ASIC, GO Markets is a trusted broker.
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IQCent offers mobile trading directly through major browsers with an intuitive design that we love. You can navigate your account, browse assets and trade binaries in a few clicks. Straightforward access to the copy trading feature at the bottom is also a bonus, alongside the interactive charts which you can pinch to zoom.
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Markets.com operate MarketsX – the bespoke platform, both on WebTrader and mobile applications. The app, available on android and iOS has been downloaded over a million times.
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FXCM is a respected forex and CFD broker, established since 1999. The British-headquartered broker has won multiple awards and operates in various jurisdictions, including the UK and Australia. With zero commissions, over 400 assets, and a range of analysis tools, FXCM remains a popular choice for traders. The broker is also regulated by top-tier authorities including the FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, BaFin.
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Spreadex delivers a first-rate mobile trading app on iOS and Android, featuring sophisticated charts with intervals from 1 tick to 1 month and 10+ years of historical data. Price alerts are also easy to set up using the bell icon next to each asset, ensuring you don’t miss opportunities. However, integration of features like the economic calendar and market updates could be improved, as they redirect you to an external browser, dampening the mobile trading experience.
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VT Markets offers a bespoke app with 230+ assets including forex. Traders benefit from 24/5 customer support, a welcome deposit bonus, real-time market news, and hassle-free account management. The app is available to download to Android and Apple devices.
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Tradeview is an offshore forex and CFD broker based in the Cayman Islands and regulated by CIMA. Traders can access over 5000 instruments with a minimum deposit of $100. There are several third-party platforms on offer, including MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and cTrader.
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PrimeXBT is a multi-asset platform offering highly leveraged trading in forex, indices, commodities and cryptocurrencies. The company launched in 2018 and now has over 1 million users from more than 150 countries. With no minimum deposit, copy trading features and low commissions, the broker remains a popular option among crypto trading novices.
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FXDD is an established forex and CFD broker founded in 2002. Regulated in Malta, Mauritius, Peru and Malaysia, the broker provides secure trading platforms, competitive ECN spreads and reliable 24/7 customer support. Competitive pricing and ultra-low latency is also offered via the broker's Direct Market Access execution model and tier 1 aggregated liquidity.
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FXTrading.com is global broker offering highly leveraged CFDs on 10,000+ assets, including forex, stocks, indices, commodities and cryptocurrencies. Competitive prices with raw spreads and low to zero commissions are available. Traders can use the popular MetaTrader 4 platform and will have access to a suite of additional analytical tools and other resources. The multi-regulated brokerage is authorized by the ASIC and VFSC.
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M4Markets is an award-winning broker regulated by the CySEC, FSA and DFSA. Although relatively new, the broker continues to improve its offering with a range of innovative tools, platforms and accounts. Beginners can start with just $5, whilst experienced investors can access leverage up to 1:5000.
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The IBKR Mobile app, available on both iOS and Android devices, makes your phone a powerful gateway to your IBKR accounts, offering you the freedom to keep an eye on portfolios, initiate trades, and dive into real-time quotes and charts, all while managing your account activities on the fly. This app stands out for its intuitive design, making it especially welcoming for those just starting their trading journey, providing a smoother and more accessible experience than the more complex TWS platform.
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Trade.com is a trustworthy online broker with a global presence. The broker offers 2,100+ CFDs in major markets, as well as futures, options and more. The broker offers best-in-class platforms and superior analysis tools for experienced traders. The broker is also regulated by top-tier authorities including the FCA and CySEC.
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Grand Capital is a MetaTrader broker with welcome bonuses, trading competitions and an intuitive copy trading service. Several account types and 400+ assets provide trading opportunities for various types of investors and strategies. New users can also open an account and start trading in a matter of minutes.
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IronFX is a multi-regulated forex and CFD broker founded in 2010. This award-winning firm offers 500+ markets to over 1.5 million clients across 180 countries. Traders can access various account types with competitive pricing on the MT4 platform, as well as 24/5 customer support in 30 languages.
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Ingot Brokers is a multi-regulated brokerage established in 2006. The broker offers CFD trading opportunities on 1000+ instruments including forex, stocks, indices, commodities and cryptocurrencies. The broker supports the MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms and offers both raw spreads and commission-free account options.
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FinPros is an offshore broker that provides CFD trading on 400+ instruments with high leverage up to 1:500. This is a reliable bet for traders seeking offshore options, with strong security measures, negative balance protection and segregated client funds. The extra features including trading tools and commission-free stocks make this a good choice for beginners, and experienced traders will appreciate tight spreads.
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Scope Markets offers trading and investing in multiple spot and CFD instruments. The group of brokers is regulated in several locations, including Belize, Kenya and South Africa. Users get competitive trading conditions, a range of payment methods, strong support and can get started in a few straightforward steps.
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4xCube is an online forex and CFD broker registered and licensed in the Cook Islands. Clients can trade on popular financial markets and choose between three accounts based on their capital and trading strategy.
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Dukascopy continues to stand out in the mobile trading arena with an easy-to-use app that offers short-term trading on popular assets, including forex, stocks, and indices. It offers trading signals, price alerts, and over 50 technical indicators, outperforming most competitors’ charting tools. With 24/7 in-app support, it’s a top choice for new mobile traders.
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AZAforex is a multi-asset broker founded in 2016. The brand offers a sophisticated proprietary platform, ECN trading and 40+ deposit methods. The brokerage has 120,000+ registered customers with copy trading and a VPS.
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Videforex stands out with its comprehensive and user-friendly mobile trading solution, offering short-term binaries across a wide range of assets. The web-accessible application is fast, intuitive, and perfect for beginners, complete with a helpful guide upon first use. Videforex’s ongoing enhancements, including the addition of candlestick charts for technical analysis, further enrich the user experience.
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xChief is a foreign exchange and CFD broker, established in 2014. The company is based offshore and registered with the VFSC and FMA. Users can choose between a wide selection of accounts and base currencies, making ForexChief accessible to global traders. The brand also stands out for its no deposit bonus and fee rebates for high-volume traders.
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Kwakol Markets is a Nigerian headquartered broker with strong regulatory oversight in Australia and Canada. A great selection of trading assets are available, including synthetic products that simulate realistic market activity. Clients can trade on the MT4, MT5 and cTrader platforms, as well as a copy trading solution whereby a fee is only paid on profitable trades.
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GoFX is an unregulated CFD and forex broker that covers instruments from currency, stock, index, commodity and crypto markets. Traders can sign up to a variety of account types with deposits as low as $1 and will trade using the popular MetaTrader 4 platform. Exceptionally high leverage up to 1:3000 is offered on the standard account, while traders with the low-spread account can access leverage up to 1:1000.
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Axofa is a forex and CFD broker registered in St Vincent and the Grenadines. The broker offers three account types with access to forex, commodities and indices. With ECN processing, low minimum deposits and no commissions, Axofa remains an attractive option, although the broker does not hold a reputable license.
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Focus Option is an offshore broker that specializes in binary options as well as CFDs. Binary options trading on forex, cryptos and three commodities is done through the broker's simple web-based platform with average payouts between 70% and 95%. The broker also offers a mobile app for trading CFDs, with 300+ tradeable instruments.
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SageFX is an offshore, unregulated CFD broker that offers highly leveraged trading on forex, stocks, commodities, indices and crypto via the TradeLocker platform. Traders can access commission-free trading or an ECN account with tight spreads. While the broker's regulatory status is weak, it does provide segregated accounts and two-factor authentication.
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The Forex Squad app is a free education tool with beginner-friendly training and content on a range of topics, including fundamental analysis, forex strategy and trading psychology. The app is free to download.
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Errante is a Cyprus-based and regulated forex and CFD broker with leveraged trading on multiple assets, tiered accounts including a zero-spread option, and copy trading support. The broker offers leveraged trading up to 1:30 under its CySEC-regulated branch and 1:500 from an offshore branch, and supports the MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms. Errante's asset list is relatively limited but it does offer fast execution and low latency, and it is a trustworthy brand.
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Coinexx is an unregulated broker that provides leverage up to 1:500 on forex, commodities, indices and cryptocurrencies with deep liquidity, pure ECN spreads and negative balance protection. The broker uses crypto as base currencies and has low minimum deposit requirements of 0.001 BTC.
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LonghornFX is a forex and CFD broker offering over 150 instruments with leverage up to 1:500. The firm is registered in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and was launched in 2020. Clients can access a strong selection of cryptos, alongside forex, indices, commodities and stocks. With ECN/STP processing, this offshore broker promises tight spreads and fast execution.
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Baxia Markets is an offshore CFD broker that offers trading on forex, commodities and indices with tight spreads on a straight-through processing model with ultra-low latency. Trade on MetaTrader 4 or MetaTrader 5 with leverage up to 1:500 and no restrictions to scalping or hedging strategies. Users also benefit from third-party copy trading services.
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TMGM is an ASIC-regulated forex and CFD broker with a vast range of tradeable assets covering forex, stock, index, crypto and commodity markets. The account types on offer provide a flexible choice between no commission or zero spreads, with competitive pricing all-round.
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Anzo Capital is an offshore broker that offers leveraged CFDs on 100+ instruments including forex, stocks, indices and metals. The MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms are supported, and traders can choose between an STP account with spreads starting from 1.4 pips and zero commission, or an ECN account with a $4 round-turn commission and spreads from zero. A decent range of payment methods are accepted, including crypto deposits.
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Switch Markets is a multi-asset CFD brokerage, regulated by ASIC and SVGFSA. The new brand offers trading on the MT4 and MT5 platforms and leverage up to 1:500. The broker boasts over 2000+ instruments, with some additional tools including copy trading services and free VPS hosting.
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Pacific Union Prime is an FSCA and offshore-regulated multi-asset broker offering competitive fees and direct market access on forex, commodities, stocks, bonds and indices. The broker supports the popular MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms and a proprietary mobile app. Fees vary by account type with no commission and spreads from 1.9 pips on the Standard account and $7 commission per lot and spreads from 0.4 pips on the Prime account.
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AdroFx is an offshore ECN/STP broker that has offered CFD trading since 2018. The firm supports 100+ tradable assets on the popular MetaTrader 4 platform as well as a web trader, Allpips. Eight live accounts are available with no restrictions on trading strategies.
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RoboMarkets is a Cyprus-based forex, CFD and stock broker aimed at traders from Europe. The broker offers thousands of instruments across six asset classes and provides access to four leading platforms, including MetaTrader 4. With ECN pricing, Cent accounts and algorithmic trading tools, RoboMarkets caters to a range of trading strategies and investing styles.
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MultiBank FX is an established broker offering forex and CFD products since 2005. With 20,000+ instruments, plenty of local payment methods and 24/7 multilingual customer support, the broker is a popular choice among traders globally. New clients can also access a variety of bonus offers and access the hugely popular MT4 and MT5 trading platforms.
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Global Prime is a multi-regulated trading broker offering 150+ markets. Traders can get started with a $200 minimum deposit and trade with leverage up to 1:100. The firm also has a high trust score and a good reputation with a license from the ASIC.
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ActivTrades provides a choice of mobile apps for iOS and Android devices. The proprietary ActivTrader app and support for MT4, MT5, and TradingView give access to real-time market data, advanced charting tools, and customizable trading features. All four apps let you trade and manage you accounts intuitively, but ActivTrades boasts the most seamless trading experience, combining the broker’s ultra-fast execution speeds with dynamic charting and research tools.
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Swissquote is a Switzerland-based bank and broker that offers online trading and investing. The company has a high safety score and is listed on the Swiss stock exchange. The firm offers a huge range of products, from stocks, ETFs, bonds and futures to 400+ forex and CFD assets. Hundreds of thousands of traders have opened an account with the multi-regulated brokerage. Clients can get started in three easy steps while 24/7 customer support is available to assist new users.
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SimpleFX provides a proprietary app for both Apple and Android mobile devices. The application boasts a user-friendly design, facilitating easy opening and closing of trades with access to the broker’s 220+ tradable assets. However, occasional unresponsiveness during testing, alongside an average charting package, means it won’t meet the needs of highly active traders.
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EZ Invest is a CySEC-licensed broker, launched in 2008, that offers trading on popular financial markets through leveraged CFDs. Traders can choose between multiple respected platforms, including MetaTrader software and a user-friendly in-house app. The reliable multilingual customer support team are also on-hand to support new users.
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The Fortrader mobile app can be used to trade 60+ currency pairs. Clients can also access daily market insights and manage deposits and withdrawals via the application. The forex trading app is available from the Apple App Store and Google Play.
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FP Markets does not provide a proprietary web-based or mobile app, a downside for beginners. However, there are the mobile versions of MT4/MT5, cTrader, and TradingView that offer real-time quotes, advanced charting tools, account management features, and order execution. Australian clients are also exclusively offered access to the Iress mobile platform, which delivers sophisticated features including analytics, module linking, and multiple portfolio management.
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FXOpen is a multi-asset broker with regulation from several trustworthy bodies including the UK's FCA. The broker offers CFD trading on forex, stocks, commodities, indices, cryptocurrencies and ETFs via the MetaTrader 4 & 5 and TradingView platforms.
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Infinox is a UK-based and FCA-regulated broker that offers diverse trading products thanks to its STP and ECN account types and support for MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and a proprietary platform. Clients can also benefit from a free VPS that can support automated strategies and a social trading platform, catering to both beginner and seasoned traders.
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Hantec Markets doesn’t offer a proprietary trading app. Instead, clients can use the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) mobile apps, which are accessible for both Apple and Android devices and mirror the desktop version’s functionality. The lack of a bespoke app means that traders who are looking for more integrated solutions might find the mobile trading experience lacking, especially since there’s no support for TradingView or cTrader either.
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Saxo Markets is a multi-award-winning trading brokerage, investment firm and regulated bank. With a huge 72,000+ trading instruments, plus investment products and managed portfolios, clients have no shortage of opportunities. The trusted brand also offers transparent pricing and top-tier regulatory protection from 10+ agencies including FINMA, FCA & ASIC.
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Established in 2013, SuperForex is an offshore CFD and forex broker offering highly leveraged trades on 400+ instruments via the popular MetaTrader 4 platform. The broker has gained clients in over 150 countries and is regulated by the Belize IFSC. With a range of STP/ECN account types, including swap-free, micro and zero spread, this broker continues to suit traders with different styles and setups. SuperForex also offers a range of welcome bonuses and trading contests.
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Amega is an offshore STP broker offering CFD trading fon forex, stocks, indices and commodities with very high leverage up to 1:1000 and a zero-commission pricing structure. Traders access markets through the MT5 platform and can test the broker's services through a demo account.
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Admirals is a multi-regulated broker with an excellent range of leveraged instruments, including forex, stocks, indices, ETFs, commodities, cryptos and more. The broker supports the MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and TradingCentral platforms. With both spread betting and CFDs available and thousands of instruments, this broker provides more flexibility than most rivals.
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Just2Trade is a reliable multi-regulated broker registered with FINRA, NFA and CySEC. The company has 155,000 clients from 130 countries and stands out for its huge suite of instruments and additional features, including a social network, robo advisors and a funded trader programme.
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BinaryCent, like most binary brokers, doesn’t offer its own app – just trading through mobile browsers. In this instance, the result is an average workspace with relatively crisp graphics, one-tap trading and access to copy trading from the menu at the bottom. However, charts don’t optimize well when you turn the device horizontally and the pop-up promotions were distracting during testing, detracting from the overall user experience.
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The WorldForex Trader Lite app offers very basic mobile trading capabilities. It took upwards of 30+ minutes just to get access to the trading app, with a frustrating process to open an account. The mobile interface itself has a subpar look and feel, encompassing basic charts and order windows. The other issue is that it’s slow and sometimes lags when you move between features and place trades. Ultimately, it trails category leaders.
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FXPrimus is an award-winning CySEC-regulated brokerage offering CFD trading on 200+ instruments via the MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and cTrader platforms. The choice between a competitive commission-free account and two affordable raw spread options make this an accessible broker for anyone seeking forex, stocks, indices and commodities with high leverage.
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Despite a couple of connection issues during testing, the RaceOption mobile trading solution overwhelmingly delivers. All the settings you need to amend binary parameters are available around the chart and it’s as simple as clicking the ‘Up’ and ‘Down’ buttons to confirm a trade. Clicking ‘My Trades’ in the bottom left of the mobile interface also makes monitoring multiple trades a hassle-free exercise.
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FXCentrum is an offshore broker that offers highly leveraged, commission-free trading on diverse instruments with tight spreads. Traders can access forex, equity and commodities markets via MetaTrader 5 or the proprietary FXC platform and use the award-winning ZuluTrade platform for copy trading.
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Vault Markets is an award-winning brokerage headquartered in Namibia. It is an accessible direct-market-access CFD broker with affordable minimum deposits, flexible funding methods and high leverage. This broker offers a very large range of forex pairs as well as commodities and indices through MetaTrader 4 or MetaTrader 5.
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Exinity provides flexible low-cost trading in FX, commodities, indices and equities alongside unique education and support provided by teams located across the world. Now operating in the Middle East, through regulation from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority in Abu Dhabi and the Financial Services Commission of Mauritius, Exinity provides a range of services to traders and investors looking for new opportunities in the financial markets.
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FXTM deliver a great mobile trading experience. Fast, secure and easy-to-use, the broker also supports both MetaTrader 4 and 5 and delivers real time quotes, all trading execution types and full account maintenance. The charting facilities are also among the best of any mobile app. Download it today.
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Capital.com offer CFDs on a range of markets with competitive spreads and zero commissions. The broker also offers the Investmate app, negative balance protection and leveraged trading.
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Trading212 have positioned themselves at the front of the mobile trading movement. Their platform is based on a ‘mobile-first’ model, so they prioritize this type of trader. The app offers 1800+ instruments, zero commissions and a free practise account. Download the app risk free and try it out.
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LegacyFX is a multi-asset broker offering an MT5 download & free signals.
CFD Basics
Contracts for differences (CFDs) are agreements whereby a trader and broker must pay the difference in the price of an underlying asset between when the contract is purchased and when it is sold. A trader can make a profit from purchasing CFDs if they correctly anticipate the direction that the price of the chosen underlying asset, such as British Airways (AIG) stock, moves in. If the trader anticipates a price rise, they ‘go long’. If the trader anticipates a fall in price, they ‘go short’.
How CFD Trading Apps Work
CFD trading apps are essentially a one-stop shop for managing investments. Some brokers use outsourced software, such as MT4, while others develop their own, in-house applications. The best software is compatible with iOS and Android devices and can be downloaded for free when you register for an account.
Importantly, retail traders are increasingly scanning the markets and opening and closing positions from their smartphones or tablet devices, instead of their desktop computers. In fact, over half of retail trades in 2021 were executed on mobile devices. As a result, CFD brokers are investing in their trading applications to ensure they offer a user-friendly trading environment with a suite of tools and features to aid decision-making.
Comparing CFD Trading Apps
We have compiled a list of the key factors to consider when choosing a CFD trading app:
- Speed: Does the app offer the best execution speeds? Good quality software will offer ultra-fast executions, helping to protect profits and limit losses in volatile markets.
- Regulation: Is the CFD broker regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)? This is a sign that the brand is trustworthy and reliable. Alternatively, are they licensed with another reputable financial agency, such as the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) or the Cyprus Securities & Exchange Commission (CySEC)?
- Compatibility: Is the software compatible with your mobile device, be that an iPhone, Android or Windows device? Check if the application is available on the Apple App Store or Google Play. Most brokers also provide free download links on their websites.
- Fees: Does the CFD trading app offer competitive spreads and commissions? The top providers offer spread-only accounts and trading solutions that combine spreads and commissions. Also check for other fees, including overnight charges, deposit and withdrawal fees, plus subscriptions for additional tools, such as copy trading software.
- Range of markets: Which underlying assets can you speculate on? Can you trade on FTSE-listed stocks and currency pairs with the GBP, for example? Alternatively, look for access to international markets.
- Security: Does the CFD investing app offer two-step authentication? Traders can be a target for hackers. Make sure the app you download offers data encryption and two-factor authentication. This is particularly important if you opt for a broker’s proprietary software over a well-known app like MetaTrader 4.
- Payment methods: Can you deposit and withdraw from the mobile app? Also check the list of available payment options. The top brand support deposits via Visa, Mastercard and wire transfer, plus eWallets like PayPal, Skrill and Neteller. An increasing number of brands are also accepting Bitcoin payments. Look at payment timelines too. The best brokers offer instant deposits and withdrawals within 48 hours.
- Customer support: How can you reach the customer support team if you experience an issue? The best CFD trading apps have a built-in live chat terminal or links to social media forums. Also check opening times. Leading brands offer 24/5 or 24/7 customer support.
- Learning tools: The best apps offer integrated resources to support your CFD trading journey. These could be free webinars, blogs or live forums where you can ask questions of other traders. These are great places for beginners to find out about risk management and different trading strategies.
- Features: Can you access copy trading tools? Does the app offer advanced charting, stock scanners or forex heat maps? Check for tools and features that will upgrade the trading experience.
- Leverage: How much purchasing power does the CFD trading app provide? FCA-regulated firms usually cap leverage to 1:30 unless you qualify for a professional account.
- Demo account: Can you test drive the app and broker with a free demo account? This is a good way to check you are comfortable with the application and trading conditions before risking real funds.
Trading Apps Vs Desktop Terminals
The best CFD trading apps essentially replicate the fully-featured desktop platform. This means users don’t have to compromise on the breadth and quality of tools when moving to their mobile device. The top applications provide mobile-optimised charts and graphs, ultra-fast execution speeds and real-time news and alerts. The result is that traders can find opportunities and manage orders while on the go.
Of course, the smaller screen on a mobile or tablet device can affect the trading experience. This is particularly true for technical traders who may rely on multiple charting views alongside historical data. This sort of in-depth financial analysis can prove tricky on a 6-inch iPhone screen.
As a result, many traders prefer to supplement their desktop trading activities with their mobile app. So detailed market research can be conducted on the desktop platform while clients can monitor positions and amend trade parameters from their mobile or tablet device.
Benefits of CFD Apps
- Constant access: CFD trading apps offer around-the-clock access to traditional and emerging financial markets. This means clients can view the latest market activity in the crypto space over the weekend, for example. Traders simply need a stable internet connection.
- Information: Trading apps provide up-to-date information that can inform investment decisions. This is particularly important with CFDs which do not typically have fixed expiries – it is up to the trader to choose when to exit a position. Having access to the latest news and market data can support trading decisions.
- Account management: CFD apps allow users to manage their trading account and portfolio while on the move. Clients can deposit and withdraw funds, claim bonuses and promotions, or engage in copy trading while on the commute to work.
- Compatibility: Almost all the best online brokers offer free CFD trading apps that can be downloaded to both iOS and Android devices. This also means clients have more choice when choosing a provider.
Drawbacks of CFD Apps
- Screen size: Many traders prefer larger monitors when conducting detailed technical analysis. Some mobile devices also struggle to run large applications which can cause lags and delays, affecting the user experience.
- ‘Always on’: CFD trading apps enable investors to always be tapped into the markets. And while this can be positive, it can lead to reactive decisions that don’t align with the original strategy or trading plan.
Getting Started
CFD trading apps have revolutionised retail trading. Investors can now scan the markets and manage positions while on the go. To get started, use our guide above to find a suitable brand. Alternatively, choose from our list of the best CFD trading apps in 2024. Simply follow the sign-up link to create an account, then download the trading app from the respective app store or directly from the broker’s website.
FAQ
Is A Desktop Platform Better Than A CFD Trading App?
Desktop terminals offer access to larger monitors which can help with detailed technical analysis, especially if you run multiple charts and graphs simultaneously. Importantly though, CFD trading apps do not have to be an alternative to desktop investing; rather a complimentary solution for managing trading activity and positions while on the go.
What Is The Best CFD Trading App?
The best CFD trading app will ultimately come down to personal preference. With that said, MT4 is popular. Skilling and CMC Markets also offer user-friendly trading apps which receive excellent customer reviews and ratings.
Do CFD Trading Apps Take Commission?
This will depend on the pricing model of the online broker. Some firms offer commission-free trading, while other platforms charge a lower spread with a fixed commission on top. As a result, it’s important to consider all trading costs when choosing a provider.
Are CFD Trading Apps Good For Beginners?
There are CFD trading apps that offer features that are suitable for beginners. These can include free educational resources, market watchlists, platform tutorials, plus copy trading tools. Axi is a good option for new traders.
Is CFD Trading Safe?
All trading involves risk, including speculating with contracts for difference. The leverage element of CFDs, in particular, can lead to large losses. As a result, it’s important to use effective risk management strategies and the alerts and tools available in your trading app. See our guide to CFD trading for more information on managing risk.