Best Trading Platforms in Australia 2024

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Choosing the right trading platform in Australia involves more than fee structures and regulations. You must consider its suitability for your goals, trading style, and risk tolerance. For instance, does the platform cater to novice, intermediate, or seasoned traders? What asset variety does it offer, and how is its support service responsiveness?

As professional researchers and traders, we simplify the lengthy and overwhelming research process by recommending the best trading platforms Australia. Our guide also answers the above questions, providing comprehensive insights to empower your decision-making process and kickstart your trading journey with confidence.

In a Nutshell

  • Online trading is skyrocketing in Australia, with more individuals participating in various markets due to increased accessibility and interest in investment opportunities.
  • Trading in Australia, especially with leverage, is all about taking risks. Therefore, always conduct extensive research for solid strategies that maximise your potential.
  • Beginner traders in Australia should kickstart their activities using a platform’s demo account before committing real money.
  • The best trading platform Australia must be licensed and regulated by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) to ensure maximum safety.
  • Traders in Australia should settle for trading platforms with features that meet their requirements for a worthwhile experience.
  • At Invezty, we conduct multiple tests and comparisons before recommending trading platforms for Australians

List of the Best Trading Platforms

  • Pepperstone – Top Platform For Trading With Excellent Support Service
  • Plus500*- Best CFD Trading Platform in Australia
  • eToro – Beginner-Friendly Trading Platform in Australia
  • AvaTrade – Overall Best Trading Platform in Australia
  • OANDA – Best Forex Trading Platform in Australia
  • FP Markets – Best Stock Trading Platform in Australia
  • Saxo – Best Trading Platform For Professional Traders

Note: 82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

In This Guide

Compare the Best Australian Trading Platforms

While comparing trading platforms in Australia, we analyse their features, including fees, licenses, demo accounts, and more. Here is a table showing additional features that will aid in your quest to find the best trading platform.

Best Trading Platform AULicenceSupport ServiceSoftwarePaymentDemo Account
PepperstoneFCA, SEBI, ASIC, DFSA24/7MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView, Capitalise.ai, Social TradingCredit cards, Bank transfer, PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, Union PayYes
Plus500*

82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

FCA, CySEC, ASIC, FSCA, MAS, FSA24/7Plus500 WebtraderBank Wire Transfer, Credit/debit cards, Paypal, SkrillYes
eToroASIC, CySEC, FSCA, FCA, FSAS24/5eToro investing platform, Multi-asset platform, Copy TraderCredit/debit cards, PayPal, Bank transfer, Neteller, Skrill, eToro Money, Online BankingYes
AvaTradeFCA, CySEC, ASIC, CIRO, FSCA24/5MT4, MT5, AvaSocial, DupliTrade, AvaOptions, AvaTradeGOBank transfers, e-wallets, credit/debit cardsYes
OANDAFCA, CFTC, CIRO24/5MT4, TradingViewCredit/debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfersYes
FP MarketsCySEC, ASIC, FCA, SEBI24/7MT4, MT5, cTrader, Iress, Credit/debit cards, Bank transfer, PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, PayTrust FasaPayYes
SaxoFSA, CIRO24/5SaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPROBank Wire Transfer, Debit cards
Yes

Brief Overview of Our Recommended Trading Platforms’ Fees and Assets

If you have been trading in Australia, you probably know that choosing a broker licensed and regulated by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) is crucial. However, did you also know that you must consider other elements, such as available assets and fees applicable? Worry not, for our tables below shed light on the assets and fees to expect with our recommended Australian platforms for trading. Our goal is to ensure you make the best decisions and kickstart your trading activities on a good note.

Fees

Best Trading Platform AUFeesMinimum Deposit RequirementTransactionInactivity
PepperstoneFrom 0.0 pipsA$0FreeNone
Plus500*From 0.0 pipsA$100FreeA$10 monthly
eToroFrom 2 pipsA$50A$5 withdrawalA$10 monthly
AvaTradeFrom 0.8 pipsA$300FreeA$50
OANDAFrom 0.3 pointsA$0FreeA$10 monthly
FP MarketsFrom 0.0 pipsA$100FreeNone
SaxoFrom $0.01A$0FreeA$100 

Note: 82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

Assets

Best Trading Platform AUForexStocksCommoditiesCryptocurrenciesETFsOptions
PepperstoneYesYesYesYesYesYes
Plus500* (CFDs)YesYesYesYesYesYes
eToroYesYesYesYesYesNo
AvaTradeYesYesYesYesYesYes
OANDAYesNoYesNoNoNo
FP MarketsYesYesYesYesYesNo
SaxoYesYesYesYesYesYes

Note: 82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

Our Opinion & Overview of the Best Trading Platforms

Before making any recommendations, we test and compare as many trading platforms Australia as we could. Only the platforms that meet our specifications qualify to be on our list. Below, we share our opinion and overview of the Australian trading platforms we like. Our hope is that you will be able to understand each broker’s strengths and weaknesses and make the best choice.

1. Pepperstone – Top Platform For Trading With Excellent Support Service

Our research has unveiled Pepperstone as a top-notch platform for Australian traders, offering exceptional support services and a comprehensive range of trading features. We tested it, and the team is very responsive via multiple channels, offering quality assistance that boosted our experience. Note that Pepperstone customer service operates 24/7 support via email, phone, and live chat. There is also a small FAQ section to assist users with quick answers to commonly asked questions.

Pepperstone offers access to over 1200 CFD assets, including cryptocurrencies, forex, commodities, indices, and more. This diversity allows traders to build diversified portfolios and capitalise on various market opportunities. Its combination of comprehensive offerings, user-friendly interface, and excellent support services make Pepperstone a top choice for Australian traders seeking a reliable and feature-rich trading platform. We therefore, give it a 4.5-star rating.

Pepperstone

✔800+ instruments
✔No minimum deposit requirement

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7,280 User Reviews
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets

Pros

  • Low spreads starting from 0.0 pips
  • A user-friendly and highly customisable algorithmic trading platform
  • Social trading feature that allows you to interact with other traders
  • Excellent collection of learning resources and a demo account

Cons

  • Limited asset offerings
  • No buying and taking full ownership of the listed assets

We identified numerous fees and costs on Pepperstone. First, from our exploration, we discovered that Pepperstone users are subjected to spreads and commissions that vary depending on market conditions and account type. This platform has two accounts: Standard and Razor. Both are associated with different charges and conditions. For instance, Razor accounts only attract commissions when users trade CFDs on Forex.

Pepperstone also charges overnight funding, which kicks in when a trader holds a position in commodities, equities, indices, metals, or cryptocurrencies overnight after 5 p.m. New York Time. This broker’s overnight funding charges vary depending on different factors, including underlying TomNext rate changes.

But here’s the best thing you can derive from our Pepperstone broker review, especially where fees are involved. Pepperstone doesn’t charge account inactivity fees. Moreover, this platform doesn’t charge a single dime for deposits and withdrawals. Furthermore, this broker has no minimum deposit requirements.

The product offerings on Pepperstone didn’t disappoint. This broker allows traders to open a universe of possibilities with diverse assets. We saw over 800 CFDs on this platform, including:

  • Commodities: Pepperstone allows traders to trade a wide variety of commodities. Available options include cotton, coffee, sugar, orange juice, cocoa, and more. Precious products like silver, gold, palladium, and platinum are also offered. You can use any of these assets to diversify your portfolio and minimize risk exposure, especially during market turmoil. The best part is that Pepperstone’s commodities come with zero commissions.
  • Forex: Are you a forex enthusiast? Check out Pepperstone’s products; we did, and they were impressive. This broker has everything, from majors to minors and exotics. Moreover, the platform lets you dive into forex trading while enjoying competitive spreads and low commissions. That’s not all. While trading forex on Pepperstone, you get flexible leverage and high-quality execution.
  • Indices: Pepperstone’s trading platform is chock-full of tradeable indices. They offer you the golden opportunity to capitalize on the movement of 14 major global stock markets. Pepperstone’s indices have no hidden markups, re-quotes, or dealing desk.
  • Currency indices: Pepperstone gave us ample opportunity to profit from shifts in the value of different currencies against baskets of other currencies. The platform did that through currency indices.
  • Shares: Upon joining Pepperstone, you can go short or long on a variety of top US shares. Available options range from Alibaba and Boeing to Apple and Tesla. Note that you need MetaTrader 5 to trade shares on Pepperstone.

2. Plus500 – Best CFD Trading Platform in Australia

We consider Plus500 the best CFD trading platform in Australia primarily due to its 2,000 CFD instruments, spanning forex, shares, commodities, indices, and more. Despite not hosting additional trading platforms, the platform provides a seamless trading experience tailored to Australian CFD traders’ needs. Moreover, users will enjoy low spreads from 0.0 pips and a minimum deposit requirement of $100, which is affordable for traders of all levels.

The best element about trading CFDs with Plus500 is the ability to enjoy a leverage limit of up to 1:500. However, while high leverage can maximise your profits, understand that it can leave you with massive losses. Therefore, always be confident in your strategies before applying leverage. And if you are a beginner, we advise you to start your trading venture via Plus500’s demo account to avoid risking real money. With 24/7 support service, free transactions, and more, Plus500 deserves a 4.5-star rating.

Note: 82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

Plus500

✔Available in 50+ countries
✔Easy account registration and setup

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82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
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Pros

  • Reliable trading platform hosting excellent trading tools
  • No commission charges but spreads, which are low in the Australian market
  • Reliable and responsive 24/7 after-sale service, ie. for registered customers
  • Quality learning and research tools

Cons

  • Inactivity fees apply
  • No buying and taking full ownership of the featured assets

One thing we love about Plus500 is that the platform offers most of its services without charging a dime. Moreover, the company practices optimum transparency regarding any costs or charges. While trading on Plus500, we enjoy free deposits and zero internal withdrawal fees.

However, we had to incur reasonable charges, courtesy of the buy/sell spreads. The good thing is this broker lets you choose between dynamic and fixed spreads. We preferred fixed spreads since they allowed us to minimize risk during high volatility periods, especially when we were trading with smaller stakes. But, if you are a fan of swing trading and often deal with higher balances, you can check Plus500’s variable spreads. And don’t worry about paying commissions because Plus500 supports commission-free trades.

Depending on your trading activities on Plus500, you may also incur the following fees and costs:

  • Overnight funding: If you open a position and fail to close after a specific cut-off time, otherwise known as the Overnight Funding Time, Plus500 may add or subtract a certain amount of overnight funding from your account. Plus500 uses this formula to determine the exact amount of overnight funding to charge you: Trade Size x Position Opening Rate x Point Value x Daily Overnight Funding %.
  • Currency conversion fee: While trading on Plus500, you will incur currency conversion charges every time you dabble with an instrument whose currency denomination differs from your trading account’s currency. During our test, Plus500’s currency conversion fee was up to 0.7% of each trade’s net profit and loss.
  • Guaranteed stop order: Plus500 has a unique order type that guarantees the stop loss level even in highly volatile markets. You can use it to minimize losses and maximize returns, but it’ll cost you money. The fee comes in the form of a wider spread.
  • Inactivity fee: Suppose your Plus500 trading account stays dormant for over three months. Your company will charge you up to $10 per month. This fee enables Plus500 to cover the costs of maintaining your inactive account.

Plus500 primarily supports CFD trading. Therefore, this broker allows traders to speculate on the price movements of specific assets without owning them. Presently, this broker offers over 2800 CFD-related financial instruments, including:

  • Shares: Plus500 allows traders to invest in shares from numerous countries, including the US, the UK, South Africa, Spain, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Australia. The most popular options include NASDAQ, NVIDIA, Apple, Tesla, Netflix, and AMEX. Through this platform, you can also trade share CFDs from top cannabis companies like Canopy Growth, Aurora Cannabis, and Tilray Brands.
  • Forex: If you are a forex enthusiast, trading with Plus500 will allow you to invest in over 60 currency pairs. They include popular choices like EUR/USD, EUR/ GBP, GBP/USD, USD/CAD, and AUD/USD. Exotic pairs such as NZD/CAD, NZD/CHF, and CHF/DKK are also supported by this platform. Plus500 allows users to trade FX pairs from Monday at 08:00 Sydney time to Friday at 16:00 New York Time.
  • Cryptocurrencies:  You can trade crypto CFDs on Plus500. While trading crypto, you get up to 1:2 leverage. Unlike many other products on this platform, crypto trading is available 24/7. Not to forget, Plus500 gives you everything you need to interact with digital currencies. You don’t need to get a unique digital wallet or use an exchange account.
  • Indices: If you want to trade popular indices like US-TECH 100, France 40, and S&P 500, Plus500 should be your go-to broker. This platform supports all these indices and more. Moreover, it allows indices traders to enjoy leverages of up to 1:20.
  • Options: Plus500 allows investors to trade options with up to 1:5 leverage. The platform supports many options, including Natural Gas, the S&P 500, the US-TECH 100, NVIDIA, VIX, and ARM. Meta, German 40, and oil are also available on the platform.
  • ETFs: If you’re an ETF trading enthusiast, Plus500 offers you the opportunity to dive into the market with up to 1:5 leverage. And you can get started with as little as $100. Available ETFs range from USO-Oil Fund and GLD Gold to NUGT and VOO.
  • Commodities: Commodities are plenty on Plus500. You can choose anything that tickles your fancy, be it natural gas, oil, heating oil, silver, gold, or aluminum- the list is endless. While trading your favorite commodities, Plus500 allows you to exploit up to 1:20 leverage.

3. eToro – Beginner-Friendly Trading Platform in Australia

eToro stands out as the best trading platform in Australia for beginners for various reasons. While testing it, we enjoyed its user-friendly platform that is fully customisable. eToro also hosts a $100,000 virtually funded demo account that newbies can get started on risk free. On top of that, you will enjoy plenty of learning materials, from articles and guides to webinars and seminars. All these are available with a minimum deposit of $50 for Australians.

This trading platform lists over 4,000 trading assets, including stocks, forex, indices, commodities, ETFs, and more. Although we noticed that its trading charges can be a bit higher compared to its peers, eToro has quality market analysis tools for all types of traders. You will also enjoy a social trading platform that allows you to connect, interact, and copy potentially profitable opportunities from expert traders. Comparing eToro with other trading platforms in Australia, it deserves a 5-star rating.

eToro

✔ 5,000+ instruments
✔ Features social and copy trading

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{etoroCFDrisk}% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
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5 User Reviews
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142,000 User Reviews
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31 User Reviews
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Total Rating:
142,036 User Reviews
Pros & Cons
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Trading Assets

Pros

  • User-friendly investment platform
  • Hosts millions of investors and is highly regulated globally, including in Australia by ASIC
  • Leading copy and social trading platform
  • Low minimum deposit requirement for Australians

Cons

  • Withdrawal charges apply
  • The minimum deposit required to access the social and copy trading platforms can be high for low budget traders

eToro doesn’t charge any account registration or deposit fees. We signed up and funded our account without incurring any costs. Of course, we had to adhere to eToro’s minimum deposit requirements, which vary depending on geographical location. For instance, the minimum amount you can deposit in your eToro account is $100 in the US or the UK. On the other hand, people in countries like Germany and Greece can deposit as little as $50. Visit eToro’s minimum deposit page to find out more.

That said, we encountered several eToro fees and expenses during our exploration, including:

  • A $5 fixed withdrawal fee: According to eToro, this fee is indispensable in covering international money transfer costs.
  • Currency conversion fees: All eToro accounts are USD-centered. If you fund your account or withdraw money using any other currency, expect to pay conversion fees. The charges vary depending on PIPs and payment methods. Luckily, traders can join the eToro club and enjoy significant discounts.
  • A $10 monthly inactivity fee: If you fail to log into your account for 12 or more months, you will incur a monthly $10 fee.
  • Crypto fees: eToro requires crypto investors to pay a 1% buy/sell fee. As an investor, you must also cover market spreads, which vary depending on market conditions. Transferring crypto to your eToro Money digital wallet also attracts a 2% fee. The crypto asset transfer fees are capped at 1$ minimum and a $100 maximum.
  • CFD spreads: Like many other brokers, eToro has CFD spreads that vary depending on assets and instruments.

eToro is chock-full of product offerings. From our exploration, we unearthed the following:

  • Stocks: We explored eToro’s stock offerings and encountered many juicy options commission-free. They include Apple, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and Meta.
  • Indices: After joining eToro, you can follow and invest in indices from multiple leading global markets. The indices on this platform vary from SPX500 to NASDAQ1OO and GER40. We recommend such indices to investors looking to diversify their portfolios and minimize risk exposure.
  • ETFs: eToro offers a wide variety of exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This platform has hundreds of ETFs, including popular options like SPY, VOO, INDA, and QQQ. The best thing about these products is that they are ready-made. Investing in them means you won’t have to spend time and energy cherry-picking assets individually.
  • Currencies: Our team discovered over 40 currency pairs on eToro. We tested a few popular options, including EURUSD, USDJPY, AUDJPY, USDCAD, and EURCAD. We also found numerous exotic pairs on this platform, such as EURHUF, USDTRY, EURPLN, and USDILS.
  • Commodities: eToro gives traders uncapped access to 40+ commodity markets, making it a superb platform for speculators or retail investors. Through this broker, you can trade and invest in commodities such as gold, oil, silver, corn, platinum, cocoa, and palladium.
  • Cryptoassets: eToro has 100+ vetted cryptoassets, including popular ones like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and XRP. You can buy, sell, and transfer most of these digital currencies to your eToro Money wallet.

4. AvaTrade – Overall Best Trading Platform in Australia

After thorough testing and comparison, we, as Invezty experts, confidently declare AvaTrade as the overall best online trading platform in Australia. Our experience revealed several key factors that set AvaTrade apart from its competitors. Firstly, AvaTrade’s multi-jurisdictional regulation, including oversight from ASIC, ensures a safe and secure trading environment for Australian traders.

We also noticed that AvaTrade has a user-friendly platform and lists over 1,250 CFD instruments available, including indices, shares, commodities, and more. Additionally, the platform has a low minimum deposit of $100, and its AvaTradeGO app is highly praised by Australian CFD traders on Google Play and the App Store. While trading, we enjoyed exploring various platforms, including MT4, MT5, AvaSocial, DupliTrade, and ZuluTrade. These features really impressed us, leading us to award it a 5-star rating.

AvaTrade

✔Low minimum deposit requirement
✔Features automated trading on its copy trading platform

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8,859 User Reviews
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10,200 User Reviews
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25 User Reviews
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Our Rating
Total Rating:
19,084 User Reviews
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets

Pros

  • Low minimum deposit requirement
  • Regulated by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC)
  • Advanced trading platforms for advanced Australian CFD traders
  • Features social and copy trading

Cons

  • High inactivity fee that kicks in after only three months
  • Features only CFD assets

AvaTrade charges low fees for trading and non-trading services. When we started with the broker, we found the first deposit requirement of $100 or its equivalent to be low. Plus, all deposits and withdrawals at AvaTrade are free.

Commissions and spreads at AvaTrade are also low in our opinion. For instance, trading forex attracts low fees from 0.9 pips on major currency pairs. We also tried trading stocks and incurred low charges from 0.2 pips.

On the downside, AvaTrade charges a high inactivity fee of $50/£50/€50. This depends on your account currency. The fee applies should your account remain inactive for over three months. Plus, there is an annual administration fee of $100/€100/£100 after 12 months of inactivity. Other fee to expect with this broker is overnight charges for positions left overnight. Its margin rates are also low, from 3.33%, depending on your jurisdiction.

It is important to note that while AvaTrade offers social trading, accessing this feature via the DupliTrade and ZuluTrade platforms can be costly for low-budget traders. You are required to deposit at least $2,000 for DupliTrade and $200 for ZuluTrade platforms.

At AvaTrade, we explored over 1250 CFD instruments across multiple asset classes. We like this element, as it will make it easier for you to diversify your portfolio on a single platform. Let’s explore AvaTrade’s featured securities below.

  • Forex: AvaTrade lists over 50 currency pairs, including major, minor, and exotic.
  • Commodities: AvaTrade offers over 19 CFD commodities, including crude oil, gold, copper, natural gas, and more.
  • Cryptocurrencies: Enjoy 20+ crypto tokens at AvaTrade. Popular examples include Bitcoin, Litecoin, Solana, Dogecoin, and more.
  • Stocks: You will trade over 600 stocks, including prominent companies like Tesla, Netflix, Apple, Google, and more.
  • Indices: Over 30 stock index CFD assets are also available at AvaTrade.
  • ETFs: For ETF traders, this broker exposes you to over 60 options, all of which you can trade at low spreads.
  • Bonds: When it comes to bonds, AvaTrade only offers two options, including EURO-BUND and JAPAN GOVT BOND.

This broker only supports forex and CFD trading instruments. This means that you cannot use AvaTrade to buy an asset and take full ownership.

Before engaging in CFD trading, understand that the activity carries risks. Over 76% of retail traders lose money in this venture. Therefore, understand what CFD trading is and the risks that come with it before investing your hard-earned money.

5. OANDA – Best Forex Trading Platform in Australia

Our experience with OANDA confirms its status as the best forex trading platform in Australia. We found OANDA’s platform to be exceptionally user-friendly, with intuitive designs that ensure a seamless trading experience, even on mobile devices. One notable aspect of OANDA is its lack of a minimum deposit requirement. This provides newcomers and budget-conscious traders with flexibility and peace of mind to determine their trade amounts without initial risk concerns.

We recommend this broker primarily to Australian forex traders because of its low trading fees starting from 0.6 pips on over 70 forex pairs. Its affordability offers a competitive advantage for forex traders, allowing them to maximise their experience. Moreover, OANDA provides an abundance of research tools and educational resources like videos, articles, and more. The risk-free demo account facilitates market familiarisation, while its generous welcome bonus and cash rebates enhance users’ trading journeys. With additional securities and platforms like TradingView and MetaTrader 4, OANDA earns a well-deserved 5-star rating from us.

OANDA

✔No minimum deposit requirement
✔Free deposits

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926 User Reviews
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6,170 User Reviews
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19,900 User Reviews
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Total Rating:
26,996 User Reviews
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets

Pros

  • No minimum deposit is required
  • +70 currency pairs provided
  • It has a welcome bonus for new users
  • Excellent research resources

Cons

  • Customer service is only available 24/5
  • No touch or face ID on its mobile app

When testing OANDA, we opened a live account and funded it. We didn’t encounter any OANDA minimum deposit requirements, which was a good thing. That allowed us to start with a few dollars. While preparing to fund our account, we noticed that this broker doesn’t charge deposit fees for cash transfers, credit cards, and debit cards. The same applies to e-wallets like Neteller, Skrill, and Wise. But withdrawals aren’t entirely free.

OANDA allows traders to make one free withdrawal per month to their debit or credit cards. Anyone who exceeds this threshold has to pay. The exact fees vary depending on account currency. On the other hand, all bank-related withdrawals incur charges. The fees you’ll pay while using a bank to withdraw funds from OANDA depend on the number of bank withdrawal transactions you’ve made in that calendar month and account currency.

We also noticed that OANDA has overtime financing charges. If you keep a position open after a trading day has ended, OANDA assumes you’ve held it overnight and either credits or charges your account. Visit OANDA’s Financing Costs page to learn more.

Lastly, OANDA charges a $10 monthly inactivity fee on accounts that have been dormant for 12 or more months. If OANDA deems your account legible for inactivity fees, the broker will levy it until you terminate the account, resume trading, or deplete your account balance.

With OANDA, you can trade forex and a wide variety of CFDs. This platform also allows you to open a spread betting account and speculate on 100+ instruments, ranging from currency pairs to major global indices.

Finally, you can invest in stocks from major companies like Microsoft and buy, sell, and hold crypto with OANDA. To do the latter, you are required to open an account with the Paxo Trust Company, which is OANDA’s crypto services provider.

Before you explore or invest in the products that OANDA offers, note that trading and investing expose you to significant risks. Take CFD trading as an example. According to statistics, 62-82% of all retail CFD traders incur financial losses. Before diving into trading or becoming an investor, educate yourself and find a fitting strategy.

Here’s a list of OANDA’s product offerings:

  • Forex: 48 currency pairs are available on OANDA’s trading platform, including EUR/USD, USD/JPY, and EUR/GBP.
  • Indices: OANDA allows traders to take positions on popular indices like Germany 30, US Wall St 30, and UK 100.
  • Metals: You can trade and profit from different metal-related CFDS through OANDA, including gold, copper, and silver.
  • Shares: With OANDA, you can trade share CFDs from popular entities like Apple, Netflix, and Meta. The best part is CFD shares trading comes with 0 minimum commissions.
  • Commodities: The OANDA trading platform offers numerous tradeable commodities, including natural gas, wheat, and Brent crude oil.
  • Cryptocurrencies: If you are a crypto enthusiast, you can join OANDA today and trade popular digital currencies like Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Ethereum.

6. FP Markets – Best Stock Trading Platform in Australia

From our research process, FP Markets excels as the best stock trading platform in Australia. We found its account opening procedure to be straightforward, allowing us to get started with a minimum deposit of $100 and zero transaction charges—a significant advantage for stock traders in Australia. The best part is that stock trading is supported on its Iress, cTrader, MT4 and MT5 platforms. Plus, the platform supports social trading, which simplifies interaction and enables the replication of potentially profitable positions from expert traders.

FP Markets charges low trading fees, with spreads starting from 0.0 pips on major currency pairs. Users can explore DMA features to connect directly with liquidity providers, further enhancing trading efficiency. Based on our analysis, we confidently award FP Markets a 5-star rating for its comprehensive offerings, advanced trading features, and competitive pricing.

FP Markets

✔Free deposits and withdrawals
✔No inactivity fees

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7,142 User Reviews
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2 User Reviews
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Total Rating:
7,144 User Reviews
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets

Pros

  • Low minimum deposit
  • Multiple trading platforms, including cTrader, Iress, MT4 and MT5 to choose from
  • Over 10,000 CFD securities to choose from
  • Quality learning and research materials offered

Cons

  • No price plan
  • Only CFD assets supported

The outstanding perks of using FP Markets include free deposits or withdrawals. This broker goes above and beyond by covering all internal bank fees arising from international transfers. Moreover, you can start your journey with a free demo account before switching to a live account. Keep in mind that FP Markets’ minimum deposit requirement is $100.

The other commendable thing is this broker has reduced non-trading costs and charges. Take inactivity fees as an example. Unlike many of its peers, FP Markets doesn’t penalize dormant accounts. So, you can stay logged out of your account for as long as you like without fretting over accumulating fees.

That said, we encountered numerous other FP Markets fees and costs. Although you can open a Standard account, which comes with 0 commissions, you’ll still face variable spreads, starting from 1.0 pips. On the other hand, IRESS, FP Markets’ sophisticated premium platform, has commissions that vary depending on geographical location. IressTrader/ViewPoint also has a mandated $60 fee. Luckily, there are free alternatives like MT4 and MT5, which have no platform fees.

FP Markets lets its clients pick their favorite assets from over 10,000 tradable instruments. This broker mainly deals with CFDs, which let you trade and capitalize on price movements in different markets. But you can also trade forex here.

Below is a comprehensive list of all FP Market’s product offerings:

  • Forex: You can trade forex with FP Markets and access 70+ currency pairs, flexible leverages of up to 500:1, and minimum spreads of up to 0.0.
  • Shares: FP Markets offers you the opportunity to trade 10,000+ Australian and international share CFDS. The share CFDs come from different markets, including London, Amsterdam, and Hong Kong.
  • Metals: If you’d like to trade metal CFDs, try FP Markets. This broker gives you access to tradeable CFDs related to precious metals like gold, silver, and palladium.
  • Indices: Various index CFDs are supported by FP Markets. They range from EUREX TO NASDAQ 100 and S&P 500.
  • Commodities: FP Markets allows you to diversify your portfolio by trading commodities CFDs. You will get uncapped access to CFDs related to diverse commodities, including gold, silver, and oil.
  • Cryptocurrencies: With an FP Markets account, you can trade crypto CFDs whenever you like. The platform supports popular digital currencies, including Bitcoin, Ripple (XRP), and Ethereum.
  • Bonds: Bond trading is available on FP Markets. It’s a fitting option for traders who prefer dealing with lower-volatility markets.
  • ETFs: The FP Markets trading platform offers a wide variety of ETFs, including ACWI, EEM, and QQQ.

7. Saxo – Best Trading Platform For Professional Traders

Professional traders in Australia will enjoy their experience with Saxo for as long as it matches their trading needs. We tested the platform and had access to an impressive selection of 71,000+ assets from global markets, all of which you get to trade with fees as low as USD 1. Notably, Saxo imposes no minimum deposit requirement, allowing Australian traders to commence trading with any affordable amount.

Our exploration of Saxo’s SaxoTraderPRO platform, specifically designed for professionals, revealed its exceptional customisation options and compatibility with iOS and Windows devices. This platform provides an unparalleled user experience, offering advanced trading resources and support for algorithmic orders. Moreover, Saxo offers a unique feature allowing users to earn interest on uninvested funds, enhancing overall profitability for professional traders. From our analysis, we confidently endorse Saxo and give it a 4.6-star rating.

Saxo

✔Reasonable commissions and spreads
✔Easy account registration process

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Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets

Pros

  • Over 71,000 trading securities to explore
  • Features automated trading on its “Managed Portfolios” section
  • Excellent research tools for market analysis
  • A user-friendly and intuitive design platform

Cons

  • An inactivity fee of $100 kicks in after 6 months
  • Limited learning tools compared to its peers

We love Saxo because not only is this broker popular, but it also prioritizes transparency. The official trading site outlines every fee or cost you might incur while trading with it. Here’s a summary.

Saxo charges commissions on some assets. Investing in mutual funds is commission-free. However, financial instruments like stocks, futures, and ETFs attract commissions starting from $1. Others, like listed options and bonds, have commissions starting from $0.75 and $0.05%, respectively.

If you trade an asset in a currency different from your account’s base denomination, Saxo will charge you currency conversion fees. The good news is this fee doesn’t apply to marginal collateral and can never exceed +/- 0.25%.

Saxo also charges financing rates on margin products. Suppose you get funding from this broker and use it to open a position in a margin product and hold it overnight. Saxo will levy financing charges, which will factor in commercial product markup or markdown and this broker’s bid or offer financing rates.

As an investor, you may also incur annual custody fees if your account holds stock, bond, or ETF/ETC positions. The exact will vary depending on your account. Classic, Platinum, and VIP accounts attract up to 0.15%, 0.12%, and 0.09%, respectively.

If you open a Classic Saxo account, expect to pay $50 whenever you request online reports to be emailed to you. On the other hand, as a Classic or Platinum account holder, you can pay $200 and add an instrument to your platform.

But here’s some good news: online deposits and withdrawals are free on the Saxo trading platform. Furthermore, this broker charges zero inactivity fees and has no minimum deposit requirement.

Saxo offers over 70,000  products categorized into investment and leveraged products.

Joining Saxo gives you the opportunity to invest in diverse products, including stocks, mutual funds, and bonds. There are over 23,500 stock options, 17,700+ mutual funds, and 5,900+ corporate and government bonds alone. The exact numbers may vary depending on your geographical location.

When it comes to leveraged products, traders like yourself are spoiled for choice. Saxo offers you access to a rich product range with options like:

  • Options
  • Futures
  • Forex
  • Forex options
  • Crypto FX
  • CFDs
  • Commodities

All you have to do is pick an investment or leveraged product, make the right decisions, and earn juicy returns. But be careful. Trading and investing are risky endeavors. If you are not a skilled professional, educate yourself and hone your skills before putting money on the line.

How to Start Trading with Trading Platform in Australia

Online trading in Australia can be exciting and lucrative as long as you have the right broker and master proper procedures to get started. Below, we take you through how to start trading with platforms like the ones we recommend above. Ultimately, you will be able to confidently engage in this venture and enjoy your experience.

Step 1: Choose a suitable platform
Step 2: Create an account
Step 3: Verify your account
Step 4: Deposit funds
Step 5: Start trading

Before diving into the world of trading, it is imperative to select a reputable platform regulated by ASIC. Look for platforms that adhere to the authority’s strict regulatory standards, ensuring the safety of your funds and the integrity of your trades. Consider factors such as the platform’s track record, reputation, range of available assets, and fees. If you are always on the move, download and install a platform’s trading app on your mobile device. This way, you will easily manage your activities anywhere, anytime.

Once you have chosen a platform that meets your requirements, the next step is to create an account. If you have selected an option from our recommendations list, click on any of the links we have shared on this page for quick access to its website. Click “Register”, “Create Account”, or “Join”, to begin the process, which typically involves providing basic personal information. These may include your name, email address, phone number, source of income, and more. Follow the platform’s instructions to complete the registration process, ensuring accuracy and security in your account details.

Account verification is a crucial step mandated by ASIC regulations to prevent fraud and money laundering. Depending on the platform, you may be required to provide additional documentation to verify your identity and address. This could include sharing a copy of a government-issued ID and possibly a photo of yourself holding the ID for identity verification. Some brokers may also request for a copy of a recent utility bill or bank statement to verify your location. Be prepared to undergo this process promptly to unlock full access to the platform’s features.

With your account verified, you can now proceed to deposit funds into your trading account. Most platforms offer various deposit methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and electronic payment systems. Choose the method that suits you best and follow the instructions provided by the platform to complete the deposit securely.

Once your funds are deposited and available in your trading account, you are ready to open your first position. Navigate the platform’s interface to explore the available assets and select the trading opportunity that aligns with your trading strategy and risk tolerance. Enter the desired investment amount and execute your trade according to the platform’s instructions. For beginners, we advise you to start with the platform’s demo account and only transition to the live account once you are confident in your skills.

How to Choose the Right Trading Platform in Australia

Choosing the right trading platform in Australia is paramount for your trading success and security. With numerous options available, it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure you select a platform that meets your needs and aligns with regulatory standards. Here’s a guide to help you make an informed decision.

Security
Platform
Asset Offerings
Charges
Customer Service
User Recommendations

In the Australian financial market, ensuring the security of your funds should be your top priority. Look for trading platforms offered by brokers regulated by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC). Platforms regulated by ASIC adhere to strict regulatory standards, providing a safe environment for trading and protecting your funds from potential scams or fraudulent activities.

The platform’s features play a crucial role in your trading experience. Opt for a trading platform that offers fast and reliable trade execution, especially if you are an active trader. Additionally, ensure the platform provides a variety of trading tools to enhance your trading strategies. Look for features such as demo accounts, which allow you to test the platform’s suitability before committing real funds.

A diverse selection of assets is essential for building a well-rounded trading portfolio. Choose a trading platform that offers a wide range of assets, including forex, shares, indices, cryptocurrencies and more. Having access to various assets allows you to diversify your portfolio and explore different trading opportunities.

Different trading platforms in Australia impose various trading and non-trading charges. Before committing to a platform, carefully review the fee structure to understand the costs involved. Pay attention to factors such as trading fees, withdrawal fees, minimum deposit requirements, and more. Additionally, be vigilant for any hidden costs that may impact your trading profitability.

Responsive and reliable customer service is vital for addressing any concerns or issues that may arise during your trading journey. Select a trading platform with dedicated customer support that offers prompt assistance whenever you need it. Consider factors such as service availability, communication channels, and the responsiveness of customer support agents.

User recommendations and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the overall user experience with a trading platform. Take the time to read reviews on platforms such as Google Play, the App Store, and Trustpilot to gauge user satisfaction and identify any potential drawbacks or concerns. While individual preferences may vary, user feedback can help you make an informed decision.

Online Trading in Australia

Online trading in Australia has become increasingly popular, offering individuals the opportunity to participate in the global financial markets from virtually anywhere with an internet connection. With the advancement of technology and the rise of online trading platforms in Australia, traders now have access to a wide range of investment opportunities, including stocks, forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and more.

One of the key advantages of online trading in Australia is its accessibility and convenience. Traders can execute trades, monitor market movements, and manage their investment portfolios using desktop computers, laptops, or mobile devices. This flexibility allows for greater autonomy and control over one’s investments, empowering traders to make informed decisions based on real-time market data.

Australia boasts a well-regulated financial market overseen by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). ASIC ensures transparency, fairness, and investor protection within the industry, instilling confidence in traders and investors alike. The Australian dollar (AUD) plays a pivotal role in online trading, particularly in the currency market. As a commodity currency closely tied to the performance of key Australian exports like iron ore and gold, the AUD’s value is subject to influence from global economic trends, commodity prices, and domestic factors such as interest rates. Therefore, traders must monitor these dynamics closely to anticipate fluctuations in the AUD’s value and make informed trading decisions.

Conclusion

Whatever your reasons for trading in Australia, it is crucial to choose a platform that aligns with your trading goals and offers the flexibility you need. While our recommended platforms above may not all be Australian-based, they provide top-notch services and offerings to meet your needs. As a beginner, getting started using a platform’s demo account is the best decision. This way, you get to test a platform and explore the financial market risk-free. And after you transition into the live account, always conduct market research for solid strategies and apply risk management controls to mitigate massive losses in case a trade fails to work out in your favour. By carefully evaluating your options and staying informed, you can make confident decisions and maximise your trading experience in Australia.

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Thadeus Geodfrey

Thadeus Geodfrey is a leading voice in the financial industry. You’ll appreciate the expert ease with which he does this. He deciphers the intricate link between emotions and behavior in trading and investment. With extensive experience as a senior trading writer, Thadeus imparts his knowledge and confidence to guide your trading boat. He’ll make you conquer your fears, break barriers, and capitalize on every potential opportunity. Follow his pieces and develop your knack for trading.

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