13 Best Crypto Trading Brokers and Platforms for 2026
The crypto market is known for its high volatility, which creates many opportunities to generate huge returns, but it also carries considerable risks. That is why you need the best possible partner to navigate this unpredictable market and make the most out of your trading style.
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We compiled this list of the best brokers for crypto trading for retail traders to help you with those crucial decisions. We assessed brokers based on their overall safety, fee competitiveness, platform functionality, and more to help you make a tailored decision that best fits your goals, means, and needs in the market.
List of Top Crypto Trading Brokers & Platforms
Best brokers for US traders
Best brokers for international traders
*Crypto CFD trading is not available for residents of the US and the UK.
**AvaTrade doesn’t allow CFD trading in Spain; only Futures are available.
Compare All Listed Brokers
| Broker | Score | Fees Score | Min Deposit | Max Leverage | Platforms | Visit Broker |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4.3 | 4.6 | $100 | 1:1 (FINRA) 1:1 (SIPC) | eToro Platform | eToro USA LLC and eToro USA Securities Inc.; Investing involves risk, including loss of principal; Not a recommendation | |
4.5 | 4.6 | $10 | 1:50 (CFTC) 1:50 (NFA) | Plus500 Web Platform, Plus500 Mobile App | - | |
4.3 | 3.8 | $0 | 1:50 (CFTC) 1:50 (NFA) | Proprietary, MT4, TradingView | OANDA corporation is a member of NFA and is subject to NFA's regulatory oversight and examinations. However, you should be aware that NFA does not have regulatory oversight authority over underlying or spot virtual currency products or transactions or virtual currency exchanges, custodians, or markets. | |
4.6 | 4.6 | $10 | 1:1000 (BVI FSC) 1:2000 (FSCA) · 1:2000 (CMA) · 1:30 (FCA) · 1:2000 (CySEC) · 1:2000 (CBCS) · 1:500 (FSA) | MT5, MT4, Exness Terminal | - | |
4.4 | 4.2 | $0 | 1:500 (FSA) 1:500 (FMA) | MT5, MT4, TradingView, cTrader, myFXbook, Zulutrade, BlackBull Trade | BlackBull Markets and its associated entities have access to provide over 26000 tradable instruments to clients across all our Trading Platforms. Black Bull Group Limited (trading name: BlackBull Markets) is a company registered and incorporated in New Zealand (Company Number 5463921, NZBN 9429041417799) located at Level 20, 188 Quay St Auckland 1010. Black Bull Group Limited is a registered Financial Services Provider (FSP403326). | |
4.3 | 3.3 | $100 | 1:30 (ASIC) 1:30 (FMA) · 1:30 (FSCA) · 1:300 (FSA) · 1:30 (FCA) · 1:20 (MAS) · 1:30 (EFSA) · 1:30 (CySEC) · 1:30 (DFSA) · 1:200 (SCB) | Plus500 Web Platform, Plus500 Mobile App | - | |
4.0 | 2.7 | $30 | 1:2000 (CMA) 1:3000 (FSCM) | MT5, MT4, FXTM Trader App | - | |
4.5 | 4.1 | $20 | 1:30 (FCA) 1:30 (ASIC) · 1:30 (CySEC) · 1:200 (SCB) · 1:300 (CMA UAE) | MT4, TradingView, Capital.com Web Trader, Capital.com App | Depending on the company, 70% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with Capital.com Group. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. | |
4.7 | 4.8 | $200 | 1:30 (ASIC) 1:30 (CySEC) · 1:5000 (FSA) · 1:400 (CMA) · 1:200 (SCB) | MT5, cTrader, MT4, TradingView, Zulutrade | - | |
4.6 | 4.4 | $50 | 1:1000 (FSCA) 1:1000 (CIMA) · 1:30 (ASIC) · 1:30 (FCA) · 1:2000 (VFSC) · 1:1000 (FSCM) | MT4, MT5, TradingView, Vantage App, Vantage Web Trading | - | |
4.3 | 3.0 | $0 | 1:30 (FCA) 1:10000 (FSA) · 1:200 (SCB) · 1:30 (CySEC) | MT5, cTrader, MT4, FxPro Trading Platform, FxPro Mobile App, TradingView | 73% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing money. (EU, UK) | |
4.5 | 4.2 | $100 | 1:400 (FSCA) 1:30 (CBI) · 1:200 (BVI FSC) · 1:30 (ASIC) · 1:400 (ADGM) · 1:25 (JFSA) · 1:30 (ISA) · 1:30 (CySEC) | AvaOptions, AvaSocial, MT5, Proprietary, MT4, DupliTrade, Ava Web Trader, AvaTrade App | - | |
4.2 | 3.0 | $100 | 1:30 (CySEC) 1:30 (ASIC) · 1:30 (FCA) · 1:400 (FSA) | eToro Platform | 61% of retail CFD accounts lose money. |
How Did FXEmpire Choose the Best Crypto CFD Brokers?
- Trading Safety: Our first concern was with trading safety, so we only picked brokers that are licensed and regulated to provide crypto trading services.
- Crypto Availability: We only considered brokers that deliver a wide range of leveraged or non-leveraged digital assets.
- Fee Competitiveness: All our picks pass the bar for tight crypto spreads, commissions, and swaps, and outperform the industry average for crypto costs.
- Platform Functionality: We identified the brokers with the most crypto-friendly platforms. We looked for high-definition charting, fast execution, smooth order flow, and more.
Without further ado, let’s move to the selected brokers.
Best Overall
- $10Min Deposit
- 293Tradable Instruments
- LowFees
Why We Picked It
Exness is headquartered in Cyprus and was started in 2008. The broker operates multiple entities regulated internationally, with its Seychelles-based subsidiary serving as its main hub for global crypto traders. Exness is making waves with its extensive crypto offering, versatile platforms, tight spreads, and multiple tools to support crypto trading.
Crypto Trading Features:
- Best Entity for Crypto Trading: Exness (SC) Ltd, licensed and regulated by the FSA of Seychelles
- Range of Crypto Assets: 35
- Max. Crypto Leverage: 1:400
- Average BTCUSD Spread: $21.6
I opened a Standard account with Exness for my review. It features zero commissions and floating spreads. You can get started with only $10 and trade on 35 cryptocurrencies, including some pretty rare crosses like BTCCNH and BTCZAR. Exness keeps its costs generally tight, with BTCUSD trading around $21. Another highlight of the Standard account is the rather high 1:400 max. leverage on cryptos.
I performed my tests on the broker’s flagship web trader – the Exness Terminal. The first thing that struck me about the platform was the high-definition charts, affording you a penetrating look into price action. I consider advanced charting an essential component for analyzing highly volatile assets, such as cryptocurrencies.
Another great feature of the Exness Terminal is its integrated Trading Central content. Crypto traders can use TC’s actionable trading signals to learn about viable trading opportunities on major coins – where to enter, where to place a protective stop-loss, and where the forecasted target is.
Pros and Cons
- Powerful Exness Terminal platform
- Integrated market research
- Competitive crypto costs
- Fast execution
- Not available in Europe and the UK
Best Trading Tools
- $0Min Deposit
- 1750Tradable Instruments
- MediumFees
Why We Picked It
Founded in 2014 and headquartered in New Zealand, BlackBull Markets is a multi-asset financial derivatives broker that got my stamp of approval for the many powerful tools it offers its clients. Crypto traders with the broker can choose between several highly versatile platforms, including MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, BlackBull Invest, BlackBull CopyTrader, and ZuluTrade. They are also offered FIX APIs and VPS hosting.
Crypto Trading Features:
- Best Entity for Crypto Trading: BBG Limited, licensed and regulated by the FSA of Seychelles
- Range of Crypto Assets: 27
- Max. Crypto Leverage: 1:100
- Average BTCUSD Spread: $8
I chose to perform my testing on cTrader because, among the available platforms with BlackBull, it is the most well-balanced. With its high-definition charts and highly informative panels, it supports day traders and swing traders. And with its separate environments for copy trading and trade automation, it supports the needs of signal traders and algo traders.
The broker also provides Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting for traders seeking ultra-fast order execution speeds of around 5ms. I learned that the service is available for free to BlackBull clients who achieve 20 lots in traded volume per month and have deposited at least $2000 to their accounts. Moreover, BlackBull Markets provides FIX APIs integration to cTrader, so that traders can obtain raw spreads directly from an exchange’s order books.
I checked BlackBull’s crypto spreads on a Standard account, which has no minimum deposit requirement or trading commissions and instead features floating spreads from 0.8 pips. From my hands-on testing, I learned that the broker’s BTCUSD spreads fluctuate between $8 and $15 throughout the day, which is better than the industry benchmark.
Pros and Cons
- Multiple available platforms
- Free VPS hosting
- FIX APIs integration
- Below-average crypto spreads
- No compensation scheme
Best Crypto Trading App
- $100Min Deposit
- 2764Tradable Instruments
- HighFees
Why We Picked It
Plus500 is a globally renowned name in the trading sphere. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Israel, it has obtained licenses from multiple Tier-1 regulators, including CySEC, FCA, ASIC, and others. Plus500 offers more than 2,800 leveraged products, including 24 cryptocurrencies. These can be traded from the intuitive Plus500 Mobile App.
Crypto Trading Features:
- Best Entity for Crypto Trading: Multiple
- Range of Crypto Assets: 24
- Max. Crypto Leverage: 1:2
- Average BTCUSD Spread: $122
I downloaded the all-in-one Plus500 Mobile App on my Android device and had it up and running in less than 5 minutes. I appreciated its high functionality and intuitive design. The app has fluid charts, as much as possible on low-resolution devices, and is integrated with powerful research tools.
The Plus500 sentiment gauge helps you track trading activity across multiple markets and assess how changing supply-and-demand dynamics are affecting prices. And for your own research, the app is equipped with more than 130 analytical tools and chart configurations. You can also use it for one-tap trading, watchlist configuration, and setting price alerts. Finally, the Plus500 Mobile App comes with 2FA for extra security.
I tested the Plus500 Mobile App using the broker’s universal trading account for commission-free trading. I appreciated the relatively low deposit requirement of $100. However, I also recorded a BTCUSD spread of over $120, dwarfing the industry average of $45.
Pros and Cons
- Powerful all-in-one app
- Market reserach integrated into the app
- 24/7 chat support
- High-quality eudcational content
- High spreads
Best for Crypto Deposits
- $30Min Deposit
- 602Tradable Instruments
- HighFees
Why We Picked It
FXTM is a Mauritius-based forex and CFD broker founded in 2011. It is licensed and regulated by the local FSC and offers 1460+ tradable assets, including 31 digital pairs. FXTM stands out with its cost-free crypto payments. You can deposit and withdraw via USDT, BTC, ETH, and TRX. Most payment requests are processed within an hour.
Crypto Trading Features:
- Best Entity for Crypto Trading: Exinity Limited, licensed and regulated by the FSC of Mauritius
- Range of Crypto Assets: 31
- Max. Crypto Leverage: 1:1000
- Average BTCUSD Spread: $125
The multiple trading accounts available with FXTM are another highlight of FXTM. The Edge and Advantage Plus accounts feature floating spreads and zero commissions. The one has a maximum leverage of 1:500, and the other, 1:3000. The Advantage account, with its raw spreads from 0.0 pips and a $7 round-turn commission, is geared towards high-volume traders. Then there is the Micro account for algo testing, and Advantage Stocks for share CFD traders.
FXTM supports MT4 and MT5 – two robust platforms that are a good option for crypto trading. I prefer the newer MT5, which features 50+ analytical tools, 21 timeframes, and 3 chart types. The platform supports algorithmic trading via Expert Advisors (EAs) and can be enhanced with the Pro Trading Tools add-ons package offered by FXTM.
Pros and Cons
- Multiple crypto payment options
- Cost-free deposits and withdrawals
- MetaTrader add-ons
- 1:1000 crypto leverage
- High BTCUSD spread
Best for Beginners
- $20Min Deposit
- 6313Tradable Instruments
- MediumFees
Why We Picked It
Capital.com is a financial derivatives broker that was started in 2016 in Cyprus. Since then, it has garnered a reputation as the broker with one of the best educational contents. Another strong point of Capital.com is its massive tradable instruments offering spanning more than 7,800 products. Its available cryptocurrencies alone exceed 540, which is unsurpassed by most other brokers.
Crypto Trading Features:
- Best Entity for Crypto Trading: Multiple
- Range of Crypto Assets: 543
- Max. Crypto Leverage: 1:2
- Average BTCUSD Spread: $50
Beginner crypto traders with Capital.com can access the broker’s hundreds of educational articles and videos, and hone their skills using the proprietary Investmate app for learning on the go. I scoured Capital.com’s content and appreciated its scope.
You can learn in depth about reading price action, utilizing fundamental analysis in order to understand what drives the market, and how to apply tight risk management. Moreover, novices can learn about how to adopt the right frame of mind when trading highly volatile assets, such as cryptocurrencies.
First-time traders can also benefit from Capital.com’s user-friendly platform, with its intuitive design, easily scalable charts, and built-in market research to keep you up to date with the latest market headlines. You can access the platform using Capital.com’s universal trading account. From my live tests, I learned that its BTCUSD spreads fluctuate around the industry average of $45.
Pros and Cons
- 7,800+ instruments
- Extensive educational content
- User-friendly Capital.com web platform
- Investmate learning app
- No copy trading
Best Low Spreads
- $200Min Deposit
- 2239Tradable Instruments
- LowFees
Why We Picked It
IC Markets, an Australian broker founded in 2007, attracts cost-conscious crypto traders with its low spreads and commissions. Because of its low trading costs across the board, I deem IC Markets an excellent choice for day trading.
Crypto Trading Features:
- Best Entity for Crypto Trading: Raw Trading Ltd, licensed and regulated by the FSA of Seychelles
- Range of Crypto Assets: 21
- Max. Crypto Leverage: 1:500
- Average BTCUSD Spread: $12
I checked IC Markets’ trading costs using a Standard account, which is calibrated for commission-free trading and floating spreads from 0.8 pips. To assess its crypto fee competitiveness, I captured its BTCUSD spreads during the London and New York market openings and discovered that the underlying spread remained consistent at $12. This is several times lower than the industry average of $45.
Even more favorable prices are available on IC Markets’ Raw account, featuring 0.0-pip spreads and a $6 round-turn commission per traded lot (100,000 units). This commission rate is aligned with the industry average and is intended for high-volume traders. You can sign up for the account with an initial deposit of just $200.
IC Markets also impresses with its rich assortment of trading platforms and tools. You can choose between MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, and ZuluTrade. The icing on the cake is the VPS hosting deal from IC Markets, available free to active traders who execute at least 15 lots per month.
Pros and Cons
- Low BTCUSD spreads of $12
- Fair commissions
- Range of trading platforms
- Free VPS hosting
- High swaps
Best for Copy Trading
- $50Min Deposit
- 1056Tradable Instruments
- LowFees
Why We Picked It
Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Australia, Vantage is a forex and CFD broker that has carved out a reputation as the go-to option for crypto traders interested in social and copy trading. The broker offers more than 1,000 tradable instruments across multiple markets, including 62 cryptocurrencies, more than you can expect from most other brokers.
Crypto Trading Features:
- Best Entity for Crypto Trading: Multiple
- Range of Crypto Assets: 62
- Max. Crypto Leverage: 1:500
- Average BTCUSD Spread: $17
Copy trading with Vantage is available on MT4, MT5, and the Vantage app. The broker does not charge a servicing fee, so the only cost you will pay is the subscription fee for the trader you choose to follow. In contrast, signal providers can decide for themselves what subscription fee to charge.
Vantage also integrates the TradingView platform, one of the largest social trading hubs. It connects millions of traders worldwide and allows them to share trading ideas and know-how.
A good option for engaging in copy or social trading with Vantage is its Standard account, which features commission-free trading and floating spreads from 1.1 pips. I recorded a $17 BTCUSD spread using the Standard account, which is pretty low. Another perk of Vantage’s Standard account is that it requires a low initial deposit of $50.
Pros and Cons
- Multiple platforms for copy trading
- No servicing fee for copy trading
- TradingView for social trading
- Favorable crypto prices
- Slow customer support
Best for Automated Trading
- $0Min Deposit
- 2090Tradable Instruments
- HighFees
Why We Picked It
FxPro is one of the biggest brands in the trading industry, thanks in large part to its superior execution performance. The broker reports an average order execution speed of 8ms, which is markedly better than the industry average of 60ms. It means reduced risk of negative slippage for crypto traders engaged in automated trading.
Crypto Trading Features:
- Best Entity for Crypto Trading: Multiple
- Range of Crypto Assets: 37
- Max. Crypto Leverage: 1:20
- Average BTCUSD Spread: $80
For optimal results, I recommend that algo traders use FxPro’s cTrader platform, which allows you to purchase off-the-shelf trading bots. You can also program your own algorithms using cTrader’s built-in coding environment. Trading with Expert Advisors (EAs) on MT4 and MT5 is also an option. The icing on the cake is FxPro’s Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting for low-latency trading and stable internet connectivity.
I consider FxPro’s Elite account the best option for algo crypto traders. It features an all-inclusive spread on cryptocurrencies starting from $15, which is slightly better than the industry average. However, one drawback is that it has a relatively high minimum deposit requirement of $1000.
I also learned that FxPro offers a variety of in-house and third-party research materials, such as actionable trading signals from Trading Central. You can integrate those directly into the FxPro Web Trader or MT4/MT5 for quick market entries as a trading opportunity unfolds.
Pros and Cons
- 8ms average order execution speed
- 98% fill rate
- Multiple platforms for algo trading
- Trading Central research content
- High Bitcoin spread
Best Crypto Trading Platform
- $100Min Deposit
- 1472Tradable Instruments
- MediumFees
Why We Picked It
If you are looking for a fast and reliable trading platform with powerful charting, streamlined order execution, and built-in trading signals, then look no further than AvaTrade’s Web Trader. In addition to its versatile proprietary trading station, the Ireland-based forex and CFD broker stands out with its other available platforms. Those include AvaOptions, AvaSocial, MT4, MT5, and DupliTrade.
Crypto Trading Features:
- Best Entity for Crypto Trading: Ava Trade Markets Ltd, licensed and regulated by the BVI FSC
- Range of Crypto Assets: 25
- Max. Crypto Leverage: 1:100
- Average BTCUSD Spread: $85
The Ava Web Trader distinguishes itself with its intuitive design, high-definition charts, and integrated market research. Crypto traders can use its 80 technical indicators, 13 timeframes, and 3 chart types to examine price action. Another highlight of the platform is its scalability. You can zoom in on the smallest price fluctuations or dial it back and examine the broad picture with relative ease.
The Ava Web Trader also got my stamp of approval for its streamlined order flow and integrated market research. Before placing an order, you are given ample information about the underlying trading conditions connected to your position size, overall costs, market exposure, and more. Through the platform, you can also access actionable trading signals from Trading Central on a wide variety of assets, helping you flag viable trading opportunities.
I had to open an Ava Trade universal trading account to test the platform. It features commission-free trading and floating spreads from 0.8 pips. From my hands-on testing, I found Ava Trade’s spreads to be low to average, depending on the asset. Regarding the crypto market, I captured a slightly elevated BTCUSD spread of $32.
Pros and Cons
- Versatile Ava Web Trader platform
- Social and copy trading services
- Integrated market research
- Several apps for mobile trading
- Elevated BTCUSD spread
Best Range of Crypto Assets
- $100Min Deposit
- 6030Tradable Instruments
- HighFees
Why We Picked It
eToro made a splash in the crypto trading scene in 2007 with its extensive offering of 213 crypto assets. eToro’s selection of leveraged and non-leveraged digital pairs far exceeds the industry average of 20, and offers you multiple options for price speculation and dividend generation.
Crypto Trading Features:
- Best Entity for Crypto Trading: eToro (Seychelles) Ltd, licensed and regulated by the FSA
- Range of Crypto Assets: 213
- Max. Crypto Leverage: 1:2
- Average BTCUSD Spread: NA
You can access eToro’s 213 crypto CFDs via its retail trading account, which features zero commissions and floating spreads from 1.0 pips. The minimum deposit required is $50. I also learned that instead of a spread, the broker charges a 1% flat fee for opening and closing crypto trades.
Another standout feature of eToro is its unique trading platform – a place where you can access the advanced TradingView-powered charts, engage in social and copy trading, and read about the latest market-moving headlines.
Last but not least, eToro offers the so-called ‘Smart Portfolios’, which allow you to earn dividends on your positions and cash dividends. You can earn up to 3.5% in annual interest.
Pros and Cons
- 213 crypto CFDs
- Hundreds of non-leveraged crypto coins
- Powerful all-in-one platform
- Dividends on cash positions
- No automated trading
Best Overall in the US
- $100Min Deposit
- 3063Tradable Instruments
- LowFees
Why We Picked It
eToro is one of the biggest and most recognized brands in trading. Since its establishment in 2007, eToro has expanded its operations globally, including in the US, where it is licensed and regulated by FINRA. Client funds deposited with the broker are held in segregated accounts, and the broker’s participation in SIPC ensures client coverage of up to $500,000. The broker stands out with its massive crypto offering, spanning 91 individual assets.
Crypto Trading Features:
- Best Entity for Crypto Trading: eToro USA Securities Ltd, licensed and regulated by FINRA
- Range of Crypto Assets: 91 coins
- Max. Crypto Leverage: 1:1
- Average BTCUSD Spread: 1% flat fee
eToro US offers cash trading in crypto assets, meaning you can purchase or sell the real asset rather than speculate on the underlying price discrepancy as in CFD trading. There is no trading on leverage with eToro US, and you are not paying a spread. Instead, eToro imposes a 1% flat fee on any crypto trades you open. I found these prices aligned with the industry average.
The other highlight of eToro is its innovative platform. It combines high-definition charts with advanced market analytics. You can choose from well over 100 technical indicators and drawing tools to apply to price action, and compare your findings to the market forecasts. You can read about the prevailing sentiment on popular coins and where the market might be headed next based on the current supply and demand pressures.
eToro is also known for its copy trading services. The broker’s platform hosts signal providers and signal followers who benefit from each other’s needs. You can use the filter to sift through all available strategies based on their performance, including their monthly returns, maximum drawdowns, maximum exposure, etc., and subscribe to the ones that best match your needs. Alternatively, you can put up your own strategies and set a subscription fee. eToro does not charge extra for copy trading.
Pros and Cons
- 91 crypto tokens
- Powerful trading platform
- CopyTrader for mirroring the portfolios of crypto investors
- Educational courses, webinars, and platform tutorials
- Chat support could be slow to respond
Best for Crypto Futures Trading in the US
- $10Min Deposit
- 64Tradable Instruments
- LowFees
Why We Picked It
Plus500 US is a financial derivatives broker founded in 2008. It is licensed and regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and is also a member of the National Futures Association (NFA), meaning the broker adheres to the strictest safety policies in the US. It also delivers 7 crypto futures contracts to retail and wholesale traders at favorable prices.
Crypto Trading Features:
- Best Entity for Crypto Trading: Plus500US Financial Services LLC, licensed and regulated by the CFTC, NFA
- Range of Crypto Assets: 7 futures contracts
- Max. Crypto Leverage: 1:1
- Average BTCUSD Spread: $12
From my hands-on testing, I learned that Plus500 US offers micro-futures contracts on Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, XRP, and more. The daily margin starts at $80 for BTCUSD and may reach $500 for ADA. I also learned that the broker’s micro contract commission starts from $0.49, which is better than average. You may also incur a $10 liquidation fee per contract. Apart from those fees, the broker does not charge deposit or withdrawal fees, a platform fee, or routing fees.
You can trade crypto futures contracts on the seamless Plus500 WebTrader, which features 160+ analytical tools and chart configurations. You can use it to place market, limit, and stop orders. I gave it a trial spin and enjoyed its user-friendly design. I also appreciated how much information is made available to the trader. The platform lets you see the margin requirements for an order before placing it.
Another perk of Plus500 is its extensive educational content. The broker’s Trading Academy offers a wealth of information about futures trading as a whole and crypto trading in particular. You can learn about micro futures contracts, rolling forward rates, and more.
Pros and Cons
- Standard, Mini, and Micro contracts
- 7 crypto futures contracts
- Competitive prices
- Comprehensive education
- No algo/copy trading
Best Trading Platform in the US
- $0Min Deposit
- 69Tradable Instruments
- MediumFees
Why We Picked It
OANDA – a financial derivatives broker established in 1996 – is a major name in the online trading sphere thanks to its extensive offering. It is also one of only a few entities to provide spot crypto trading to US traders. If you sign up with the broker, you will be eligible to trade Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, PAX Gold, Chainlink, Uniswap, Aave, and Solana on the seamless TradingView platform.
Crypto Trading Features:
- Best Entity for Crypto Trading: OANDA Corporation, licensed and regulated by the CFTC and NFA
- Range of Crypto Assets: 9 coins
- Crypto Commissions: 0.25%
TradingView is regarded as one of the most versatile and user-friendly platforms out there, with advanced charting capabilities that put other platforms to shame. It features well over 160 analytical tools that can be applied directly to its high-definition charts, making scaling price action up and down and finding viable entries child’s play. Another perk of TradingView is that it is the industry’s largest social trading hub.
I learned that OANDA US provides spot crypto trading to its clients via its partnership with Paxos. They can trade cryptocurrencies on Paxos’ itBit Exchange, which is regulated by the New York Department of Financial Services.
I also learned that the broker does not charge a spread markup on cryptocurrency trades. Instead, you will have to pay a flat 0.25% fee for each crypto order you execute. This fee is lower than with other brokers, whose commissions average 1%.
Pros and Cons
- Advanced OANDA platform with TradingView charts
- No spread markup
- Low crypto commissions
- Social trading
- Limited range of cryptocurrencies
How to Choose a Crypto Trading Broker?
Real Coins vs. Crypto CFDs: Do I Want to Own the Asset or Speculate With Its Price?
I have outlined the principal differences between crypto ownership and trading with crypto Contracts for Difference (CFDs) below:
Ownership vs. Price Speculation: When you purchase a digital token from an exchange, you can use it as an investment product to earn dividends over time. In contrast, crypto CFDs allow you to speculate on the price of the underlying without owning it. Using a broker’s crypto leverage, you can potentially reap massive profits on relatively small price fluctuations in the underlying. Though the multiplier also exposes you to the risk of adverse price fluctuations.
Explore Best brokers with high leverage.
Clearer Pricing: Unlike with some crypto exchanges, where you may encounter multiple hidden costs, crypto brokers tend to have a lot more streamlined pricing models, so you can easily assess the costs you face. There are three major trading costs: the spread, the swap, and trading commissions.
Discover our picks for Best lowest spread forex brokers.
Instant Shorting: Whenever the crypto market is in turmoil, and investors are desperate to unload their tanking cryptos, there tends to be a general shortage of willing buyers. This creates a liquidity trap where prices keep falling and investors are left to bear the brunt of the crashing market. But when you trade CFDs, you are not exposed to such a trap, since you do not own the underlying asset. All you have to do is terminate the contract. However, it should be noted that when liquidity drops, spread rates tend to widen.
Read more about Best CFD brokers.
Safety & Regulation: Is My Capital Safe?
The crypto market is famously volatile, and the risks you may encounter there are twofold: you may lose to the broker and to the market. That is why it is crucial to not only pick a trustworthy partner but also one that provides a sufficient safety net to eliminate at least some of the risks associated with crypto trading. Here is what to look for:
- Tier-1 Regulator Oversight: By choosing a broker that is supervised by a Tier-1 regulator (e.g., FCA, CySEC, ASIC, and others), you may expect maximum transparency and compliance with the strictest safety norms in financial markets. In contrast, offshore brokers and unregulated crypto exchanges may appeal to you with bigger leverage and the promise of quick profits, but this may come at a high cost to you in the form of dealing with a shady partner.
- Negative Balance Protection: The most crucial safety mechanism; it means you cannot lose more than you have deposited with a broker. You can confirm whether a broker offers negative balance protection by checking its client agreement.
- Segregated Accounts: Segregating client funds is another important safety mechanism. It means that the funds you deposit with a broker are held in separate bank accounts from those used for the company’s capital. In that way, your funds are shielded against the risk of employee mismanagement or malicious activity.
Here is our selection of Best regulated forex brokers.
What Fees Should I Pay for Trading Crypto CFDs?
There are three types of fees you are likely to face when trading cryptocurrency CFDs: the spread, commission, and swaps. Here is what they mean and how to find a broker with a competitive offering:
- Spread: Also referred to as ‘the bid/ask spread’, this is the cost you pay for opening a trade. It is the difference between the asset’s buying and selling prices. As a rule of thumb, the spread tends to widen when trading activity drops (e.g., over the weekend) and decrease when trading activity picks up (e.g., after the London and New York market openings). We consider brokers with a bid/ask spread on BTCUSD below $45 to be competitive.
- Commission: Many brokers offer so-called Raw/ECN accounts, which feature spreads as low as 0.0 pips and a fixed commission per traded lot (100,000 units). This commission rate can be quoted as single-turn (for opening a trade) or round-turn (for opening and closing a position). Generally speaking, a BTCUSD commission of $2 or less per full contract is considered competitive.
- Swap (Overnight) Fee: Swap (or rollover) is the interest you may be charged or credited for holding a position open overnight. The best way to avoid the risk of paying a swap is to engage in day trading, meaning closing your trades on the same day. Alternatively, you can request an Islamic account for swap-free trading from your broker.
Check out our list of Best brokers with low swaps.
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About the Authors
Having been a retail trader since 2013, Plamen has gained an in-depth understanding of the challenges that novice traders face today. His expertise is swing trading and day trading with a heavy emphasis on psychological and fundamental analysis. Plamen’s favourite trading instruments include FX majors and gold. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics and International Relations. Plamen's broad experience has equipped him with the expertise to recommend the best forex brokers.
Aviva is a Senior Content Editor at FXEmpire. Her substantial contributions include refining over 150 broker reviews and 'Best Brokers Guides,' enhancing our proprietary methodology, and ensuring every fact is meticulously verified.
As a Senior Content Editor at FXEmpire, Ola has revised and fact-checked over 200 broker reviews and guides. Her profound understanding of financial markets has been crucial in developing the proprietary rating system.
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