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Gold—EUR/USD—Volatility 75—US 500—Oil—

Brokers

Compare brokers, then start on demo

We compare four brokers on what matters to someone starting out. Open a demo account first, whichever you choose.

At a glance

FeatureXMFeaturedDerivVantageAvaTrade
RegulationGroup entities licensed by CySEC, ASIC and DFSA, plus other entities for clients elsewhere. Your entity depends on your country.Group entities licensed by MFSA (Malta), Labuan FSA, BVI FSC and VFSC (Vanuatu). Your entity depends on your country and product.Group entities licensed by ASIC, FCA, FSCA, VFSC and CIMA. Your entity depends on your country.Group entities licensed by ASIC, CBI (Ireland), FSCA, FSA (Japan), ADGM and others. Your entity depends on your country.
Minimum depositFrom about $5, depending on account typeFrom about $5 to $10, depending on payment methodCommonly $50; sources differ, so check for your account typeUsually $100; can be higher by bank transfer
PlatformsMT4, MT5, XM appDeriv MT5, Deriv cTrader, Deriv TraderMT4, MT5, TradingView, Vantage appMT4, MT5, WebTrader, AvaTradeGO
InstrumentsGold, forex, indices, commodities, shares (CFDs)Synthetic indices, gold, forex, indices (CFDs)Gold, forex, indices, commodities, shares (CFDs)Gold, forex, indices, commodities, shares (CFDs)
Demo accountYes, freeYes, freeYes, freeYes, free
Deposit methodsCards, bank wire, e-wallets and local methods, by countryCards, e-wallets, crypto and payment agents, by countryCards, bank transfer, e-wallets and local methods, by countryCards, wire transfer and e-wallets, by country

The brokers

XM

Featured

Our featured pick for beginners: a low starting deposit, a free demo and a wide range of gold and forex CFDs.

Use code TFDCK when you sign up.

Regulation
Group entities licensed by CySEC, ASIC and DFSA, plus other entities for clients elsewhere. Your entity depends on your country.
Minimum deposit
From about $5, depending on account type
Platforms
MT4, MT5, XM app
Instruments
Gold, forex, indices, commodities, shares (CFDs)
Demo account
Yes, free
Deposit methods
Cards, bank wire, e-wallets and local methods, by country

Deposit bonuses: Bonuses are usually non-withdrawable credit. Terms and availability vary by country, so always read the official terms. Official XM promotions

Visit XM

Deriv

The home of synthetic indices such as Volatility 75, which trade 24/7 and are not linked to real-world markets.

Regulation
Group entities licensed by MFSA (Malta), Labuan FSA, BVI FSC and VFSC (Vanuatu). Your entity depends on your country and product.
Minimum deposit
From about $5 to $10, depending on payment method
Platforms
Deriv MT5, Deriv cTrader, Deriv Trader
Instruments
Synthetic indices, gold, forex, indices (CFDs)
Demo account
Yes, free
Deposit methods
Cards, e-wallets, crypto and payment agents, by country

Deposit bonuses: Bonuses are usually non-withdrawable credit. Terms and availability vary by country, so always read the official terms. Official Deriv site

Visit Deriv

Vantage

A multi-regulated CFD broker with MetaTrader and TradingView access for people who want more charting choice.

Regulation
Group entities licensed by ASIC, FCA, FSCA, VFSC and CIMA. Your entity depends on your country.
Minimum deposit
Commonly $50; sources differ, so check for your account type
Platforms
MT4, MT5, TradingView, Vantage app
Instruments
Gold, forex, indices, commodities, shares (CFDs)
Demo account
Yes, free
Deposit methods
Cards, bank transfer, e-wallets and local methods, by country

Deposit bonuses: Bonuses are usually non-withdrawable credit. Terms and availability vary by country, so always read the official terms. Official Vantage promotions

Visit Vantage

AvaTrade

A long-running, widely regulated broker. Its higher starting deposit suits people who have finished paper trading.

Regulation
Group entities licensed by ASIC, CBI (Ireland), FSCA, FSA (Japan), ADGM and others. Your entity depends on your country.
Minimum deposit
Usually $100; can be higher by bank transfer
Platforms
MT4, MT5, WebTrader, AvaTradeGO
Instruments
Gold, forex, indices, commodities, shares (CFDs)
Demo account
Yes, free
Deposit methods
Cards, wire transfer and e-wallets, by country

Deposit bonuses: Bonuses are usually non-withdrawable credit. Terms and availability vary by country, so always read the official terms. Official AvaTrade promotions

Visit AvaTrade

Verify the regulator for your country

One brand can run several companies under different licences, and the company you join depends on where you live. Protection varies a lot between regulators, and some brokers cannot serve some countries at all.

  1. During sign-up, find the legal company name in the broker's client agreement.
  2. Search that exact name and licence number on the regulator's own public register.
  3. Check whether trading CFDs through that company is allowed where you live.

Details on this page were checked in November 2026 and can change. Always confirm them on the broker's official site.