We have rated and reviewed the Best Forex Brokers that offer CFD Trading.
The differences in the settlement between the open and closing trade prices are cash-settled, and there will be no delivery of physical goods or securities.
Contracts for differences are an advanced trading strategy and are not allowed in the United States.
PrimeXBT offers access to over 100 global CFD markets, including Forex, commodities, indices, shares, and cryptocurrencies all within a single account
This broad offering allows traders to speculate on price movements without owning the underlying assets, offering flexibility to go long or short with leverage
In terms of trading conditions, PrimeXBT provides highly competitive terms, with spreads starting as low as 0.1 pips, no hidden fees, and zero trading costs on certain markets such as indices, commodities, and Forex
The platform boasts a global user base exceeding 1 million clients and maintains a strong average rating of 4.6, backed by around-the-clock human support.
PrimeXBT combines robust CFD market access, competitive tight spreads, and a diverse suite of trading platforms to meet the needs of modern traders.
PrimeXBT offers over 100 CFD markets, including forex, cryptocurrencies, commodities, indices, and shares. Traders can go long or short with leverage, enjoying competitive spreads, fast execution, and access across web, mobile, and MT5 platforms.
PrimeXBT has zero commissions on certain CFDs like forex, commodities, and indices. Instead, costs are built into tight spreads starting from 0.1 pips. Cryptocurrency trades and other instruments may have small fees, clearly displayed before trade execution.
AvaTrade provides access to over 250 trading instruments, encompassing various assets such as over 60 currency pairs, leading stock indices, cryptocurrencies, commodities, bonds, individual shares, and ETFs.
The platform maintains a high level of regulation to ensure secure trading.
AvaTrade’s rich educational resources make it appealing for beginners, while its robust customer support adds to its credibility.
AvaTrade offers CFDs on forex, stocks, indices, cryptocurrencies, ETFs, and commodities. This broad selection allows traders to diversify their portfolio from one unified platform using MetaTrader, AvaTradeGO, or WebTrader.
Yes. AvaTrade is regulated by top-tier authorities, including the FSCA (South Africa) and ASIC. The broker also offers negative balance protection and segregated accounts for enhanced trader security and peace of mind.
Octa, a respected CFD broker, grants traders entry to the forex market and an assortment of CFDs across various assets, spanning indices and commodities.
Renowned for its trader-friendly platforms, including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, the broker furnishes traders with adaptable avenues for executing trades.
Octa provides various educational resources, making it appealing for newer traders. The broker offers competitive spreads, multiple account types, and attractive promotions, including bonuses.
Octa is known for user-friendly platforms, zero commissions, and strong educational content. It has received multiple global awards for its service quality, fast order execution, and excellent mobile trading experience.
Yes. Octa supports CFD trading on forex, indices, and cryptocurrencies. South African traders can use local payment methods, benefit from tight spreads, and access 24/7 multilingual support via its web or mobile trading platforms.
Overall, FXTM can be summarised as a trustworthy broker that provides Contracts for Difference (CFDs) and low spreads on 100+ trading instruments.
FXTM is known for its robust educational resources, which make it ideal for beginners. It also offers multiple account types with flexible leverage.
FXTM provides fast execution, low spreads, and access to multiple platforms like MT4 and MT5. Its easy-to-use client portal, responsive support, and local deposit options enhance user experience significantly for South African clients.
FXTM offers CFDs on forex, indices, stocks, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. With flexible leverage and detailed market analysis, traders can manage risk effectively while capitalizing on market movements.
Overall, XTB is a well-established CFD broker that provides traders access to various financial markets, including forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.
XTB offers a powerful xStation 5 trading platform alongside MetaTrader 4 and AgenaTrader, catering to traders of different preferences.
With regulation by the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) and CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission), XTB maintains a solid reputation for transparency and client protection.
XTB offers comprehensive educational resources and market analysis tools, making it suitable for novice and experienced traders.
XTB offers competitive spreads starting from 0.1 pips with no commission on Standard accounts. Its xStation 5 platform also provides transparent cost breakdowns and fast execution for active CFD traders.
XTB’s xStation 5 includes charting tools, market sentiment indicators, and built-in economic calendars. It also offers CFD trading on over 2,100 instruments, including shares, indices, forex, and commodities.
FP Markets is fully licensed and regulated by the Securities Commission of the Bahamas (SCB).
The broker’s IRESS platform provides direct market access (DMA) and advanced trading features, appealing to experienced traders.
FP Markets provides multiple account types, flexible leverage, and efficient execution speeds.
FP Markets offers intuitive trading platforms, educational webinars, and multilingual support. Its low minimum deposit and demo account options make it easy for beginners to learn and start trading CFDs confidently.
Traders can use MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, or IRESS to access a wide range of CFD instruments, including forex, shares, metals, and indices. The platforms are user-friendly and suitable for all experience levels.
Overall, XM is considered a trustworthy broker with average risk and spreads as low as 0.6 pips.
XM is a notable CFD broker offering various financial instruments, including forex and CFDs on commodities, indices, stocks, and cryptocurrencies.
XM ensures client safety with negative balance protection. It has a wide range of educational resources, including webinars and tutorials.
XM offers CFDs on over 1,000 instruments across forex, stocks, indices, energies, and precious metals. This wide variety allows traders to diversify their strategies across multiple markets from a single account.
Most of XM’s CFD products come with zero commissions, and spreads are competitive. XM also offers leverage up to 1:1000 and fast execution speeds to enhance the trading experience.
Pepperstone is a prominent CFD broker known for its diverse range of trading instruments, which encompass forex, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and more.
The broker offers a selection of popular trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, catering to traders’ preferences.
Pepperstone offers flexible leverage and multiple account types, catering to both retail and institutional traders.
Pepperstone gives access to over 1,200 CFDs, including forex, indices, ETFs, shares, and cryptocurrencies. This diversity is suitable for both short-term traders and long-term investors looking for portfolio flexibility.
Yes. Pepperstone is known for its ultra-fast execution and low latency. With no dealing desk and access to deep liquidity, orders are executed quickly and transparently through platforms like MT4, MT5, and cTrader.
Overall, Exness can be summarised as a trustworthy and worthwhile broker that is very competitive regarding its trading fees (against major currency pairs).
The spread is also very low and offers a sign-up bonus for 1st-time traders.
Exness offers a well-rounded trading experience with ultra-low spreads starting from 0.0 pips and a broad selection of assets, including forex, cryptocurrencies, and metals.
Exness provides lightning-fast execution, often under 25 milliseconds, which benefits scalpers and day traders. Their ECN-like environment ensures minimal slippage and real-time pricing for CFD trades.
Exness offers tight spreads from 0.0 pips, unlimited leverage (with conditions), and CFDs on forex, indices, crypto, and commodities. It supports local deposits in ZAR, making it accessible to South African traders.
The top-tier ASIC regulates IC Markets and is very competitive regarding its trading fees (against major currency pairs), with very low spreads.
IC Markets is a highly reputable broker ideal for traders who value low costs and efficient execution.
IC Markets integrates MetaTrader 4 with raw spreads, fast execution, and powerful analysis tools. It’s ideal for algorithmic and discretionary traders looking to manage CFD positions efficiently across markets.
IC Markets offers CFDs on forex, indices, commodities, stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies. Their deep liquidity and competitive pricing make it a top choice for retail and professional traders alike.
Best FSB / FSCA Regulated Forex Brokers in South Africa
The largest CFD Brokers in South Africa are AvaTrade, IG, FXTM, XTB, FP Markets, XM, Pepperstone, Exness, Octa, and IC Markets.
The cost of Contract for Difference (CFD) trading can vary depending on several factors, including the broker you choose, the specific markets you’re trading, the trading platform you use, and your trading strategy.
CFD brokers are financial firms that allow traders to trade Contracts for Difference (CFDs) on various underlying assets, such as stocks, commodities, indices, currencies, and more.
MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5, cTrader, Plus500, IG Trading Platform, EasyEquities, SaxoTrader, AvaTradeGO, FP Markets, IRESS
CFD brokers make money through several revenue streams associated with their services and the nature of CFD trading. Here are the primary ways CFD brokers generate revenue: Spreads, Commissions, Overnight Financing Costs, Leverage Interest, Inactivity Fees, Market Data Fees, Currency Conversion Fees, Premium Services, Spread Markups, Technology and Data Sales
Factors to consider when choosing CFD trading brokers include Regulation and Reputation, Security and Safety, Trading instruments and Asset selection, Functionality and stability, Fees and Commissions, Customer support, Educational resources, Research tools, the option of Demo accounts, What account types are available, and the Minimum deposit offering.
Many CFD trading brokers and platforms allow traders to trade CFDs across multiple markets and asset classes using one trading account. This gives access to a diverse array of financial instruments in one account – depending on which broker and platform it’s offered by, these may include but are likely Stocks, Indices (such as the S&P 500, FTSE 100, or DAX,) Commodities, Forex, and Cryptocurrencies.
Yes, CFD trading platforms and brokers in several jurisdictions must comply with regulations and licensing requirements for trading platforms and brokers offering CFD products and services, while specific requirements can differ by country; some of the Regulatory frameworks include Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Financial Conduct Authority (CySEC), Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II), International Financial Services Commission (IFSC).
CFD trading platforms typically provide traders with risk management tools to mitigate potential losses and oversee their trading activity. Here are a few commonly available risk mitigation tools: Stop-Loss Orders, Take-Profit Orders, Trailing Stop Orders, Guaranteed Stop-Loss Orders, Margin Requirements and Margin Calls, Account Protection, Risk Warnings, and Education.

