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Best Australia Trading Platforms

Written by Miro Nikolov
Miro Nikolov is the co-founder of TradingPedia.com and BestBrokers.com. His mission is to help people make profitable investments by giving them access to educational resources and analytics tools.
, | Updated:

The Best Australian BrokersOur team of expert traders has tested several regulated and trustworthy Australian trading platforms and compiled a list of the best. Each platform operating in Australia received a quality score based on several factors, including its Trustpilot rating, regulatory status, fees and commissions, available trading platforms, customer service, and more.

Australia has not been left behind by the rapid development of trading; some even describe it as a trading powerhouse because many of the largest and most established brokers seek to enter its market. This appeal stems from Australia’s market-friendly regulatory climate, which encourages more and more brokers to target the jurisdiction.

Although trading is tightly regulated, the laws in place are not oppressive. Traders are offered access to a diverse range of instruments, leverage, and some of the most favorable trading conditions.

The number of brokers that accept Australian traders increases by the minute, and, as a result, many investors might feel overwhelmed when the time comes to pick a brokerage that accommodates them.

This article is written for traders who find it challenging to choose a platform that meets all their trading needs or simply do not know where to start their search. Because of this, we have created a list of ten of the best brokers regulated and authorized by ASIC. Additionally, we have provided in-depth information about the regulations traders need to be aware of before they dive into these activities.
RegulatorAustralian Securities and Investments Commission
Maximum Leverage of Forex1:30
Maximum Leverage of Stocks1:5
Maximum Leverage of CFDs1:20

The Best Australian Brokers

The Best Australia BrokersNaturally, modern investors want to access global markets quickly and without hassle, so they invest considerable time in searching for a brokerage that meets all their requirements.

The Australia-friendly broker traders ultimately choose depends entirely on their needs and preferences. To make things easier, we have compiled a list of ten of the most popular brokerages that accept clients from the country.

When creating the list, we paid attention to the product range, fees, available payment methods, offered platforms, regulations, leverage, and other key factors.

Trading Regulation in Australia

The Best Australia Brokers
The trading landscape in Australia is constantly evolving, and new trading capabilities are introduced all the time. Trading is a thriving activity in the jurisdiction, but all trading service providers that want to operate legally in the country are subject to rigorous control.

Australia’s legislation states that all brokers that cater to traders from the country need to apply for a license with ASIC. If traders are not sure whether their broker of choice is authorized to accept Aussie traders, they should check ASIC’s register of regulated brokers.

Important: When selecting a broker, always verify that the firm holds a current ASIC license. Only ASIC-regulated companies are obligated to meet capital-adequacy standards, keep client funds in segregated accounts, and provide negative-balance protection. These safeguards dramatically reduce the risk of broker default and ensure that you cannot lose more than the amount deposited. Spending a minute on ASIC’s public register can save you thousands of dollars and endless frustration later.

If a brokerage is found to offer its services to traders from Australia without the required license, its website will be blocked. This helps ensure higher levels of protection and safety for traders. For this reason, traders are advised to stick to domestically regulated brokers, as overseas brokerages do not provide the same high level of protection if their security is breached.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission is the integrated corporate, markets, financial services, and consumer credit regulator. It is an independent regulatory body established under the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001, also known as the ASIC Act.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission licenses and regulates financial services providers to ensure that they operate fairly, efficiently, and honestly. Additionally, the commission oversees trading on domestically licensed futures, derivatives, and equity markets.

Under the provisions of the ASIC Act, the regulatory body is required to maintain and continually improve the performance of the financial system, as well as all entities that are part of it. Additionally, the regulator must ensure that investors and consumers can confidently participate in the financial system and are properly informed. ASIC’s responsibilities also include taking action to enforce and give effect to the law.

Since 2021, ASIC has strengthened protections for Australian traders by reducing CFD leverage for retail clients after the Product Intervention Order came into effect. The main purpose of the order is to curb the size and speed at which retail clients incur losses while trading CFDs. Australia decided to follow suit with the United Kingdom and the European Union, where similar decisions to restrict exposure and sensitivity to market volatility were also made.

The aim of the introduced restrictions is to limit retail clients’ CFD losses. The order limits leverage for retail clients to between 1:2 and 1:30. The order also requires brokers to offer negative-balance protection and places a ban on some of the inducements that are typically offered to traders. Thus, traders will no longer be offered rebates, trading credits, or free gifts.

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) is another organization that operates in the country; its purpose is to provide an independent and fair resolution of financial complaints.

Forex Trading Regulation in Australia

Forex Trading Regulation in AustraliaTrading Forex is legal in Australia, and the number of traders engaged in this activity is constantly rising. The vast majority of brokers available in Australia allow their clients to trade Forex, giving traders dozens of options.

The main purpose of the 20-254MR ASIC Product Intervention Order is to provide greater control over CFD trading and ensure better protection for traders who venture into such activities. The order defines minor and major currency pairs. Major pairs consist of any of the following currencies: Australian dollar, British pound, Canadian dollar, euro, Japanese yen, Swiss franc, or US dollar. Minor currency pairs are those in which none of the above currencies are involved.

To comply with the Product Intervention Order, Aussie-friendly brokers must not offer leverage higher than 1:30 on major currency pairs. When minor currency pairs are concerned, the maximum leverage brokers are allowed to offer is 1:20.

Stock Trading Regulation in Australia

Stocks Trading Regulation in AustraliaIn addition to international trading, many Australians seek to dive into stock trading. Providers of credit and financial services, the financial markets, and registered companies all fall under the oversight of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). The maximum allowed leverage ratio for CFDs referencing shares or other assets is 1:5.

In addition to restrictions imposed on maximum leverage ratios and the availability of various inducements, the order also states that close-out arrangements must be used as a circuit breaker to close out one or several CFD positions that might otherwise result in the loss of a trader’s investment.

The ASIC Product Intervention Order also aims to protect traders against negative account balances. To achieve this, the CFD losses of retail clients must be limited to the funds they have in their trading account balances.

CFD Trading Regulation in Australia

CFDs Trading Regulation in Australia
Within the jurisdiction, traders are typically given access to a wide variety of instruments, and Australians can legally participate in trading CFDs. Under the provisions of the Product Intervention Order, CFD products such as indices, gold, commodities, stocks, and cryptocurrencies need to carry lower leverage compared with Forex.

As with Forex trading, the maximum leverage brokers may offer on indices is also determined by the 20-254MR ASIC Product Intervention Order. Thus, the CFD leverage offered to retail clients cannot exceed 1:20, although this limit applies only to a major stock market index. The maximum leverage ratio for a minor stock market index is 1:10.

The list of major stock market indices includes the CAC 40, DAX, Dow Jones Industrial Average, EURO STOXX 50 Index, FTSE 100, NASDAQ-100 Index, NASDAQ Composite Index, Nikkei Stock Average, S&P 500, and S&P/ASX 200.

Crypto-asset CFDs are also covered by the order, and the maximum allowed leverage ratio for these is 1:2.

Australia recognizes trading as a legitimate income-generating activity and, as a result, traders are required to report their profits, which are subject to tax. Although no specific rules are set for Forex trading, the rules applied are those set out for stock markets. Traders will only be required to pay taxes if they have made profits within the tax assessment year, and capital gains are taxed at their marginal tax rate.

The ceiling on the tax rate on investment earnings is 15%, while the ceiling on capital gains is 10%. A capital gains discount is only available if traders have held the investment for more than 12 months.

Trading Regulation in Australia FAQ

1. Which is the regulatory body that oversees trading activities in Australia?

Regardless of where you are in your investment journey, make sure the broker you choose is licensed and regulated by ASIC. Normally, information about a broker’s license is readily available on the brokerage’s website. If not, traders can consult ASIC’s database.

2. Can Aussie traders legally venture into trading Forex?

Yes. Traders residing in this jurisdiction can trade Forex without worrying about breaching the law. However, before they start trading, they should verify that their chosen broker is authorized to operate in the country. Lastly, Australian traders should keep in mind that there are limits on the maximum leverage they can use.

3. Do I need to pay taxes on my profits while trading?

Yes, Australian traders must pay tax on their profits, as trading is considered a legitimate income-generating activity. Trading profits are classified as assessable income for tax purposes, and the maximum capital gains tax rate is 10%. Investment earnings within super are taxed at a maximum rate of 15%.

4. Which brokers offer the highest leverage to Aussie traders?

Brokers that are authorized and regulated by ASIC must comply with the maximum leverage requirements set out in the Product Intervention Order that took effect on 29 March 2021. According to the provisions of the order, CFD leverage offered to retail clients cannot exceed 1:30 for major currency pairs and 1:20 for minor currency pairs. The maximum leverage ratio for commodities (excluding gold) and minor stock market indices is 1:10. The maximum leverage that can be offered for crypto assets is 1:2, while the upper limit on leverage for shares and other assets is 1:5.

5. Are brokers authorized by the ASIC allowed to offer inducements to their clients?

No. Brokers authorized and regulated by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission are not allowed to offer any inducements to their clients as of 29 March 2021, when the Product Intervention Order came into effect. The Order prohibits offering or giving inducements to retail clients, such as free gifts, rebates, or trading credits.

Funding and Withdrawing from an Australian Trading Account

Funding and Withdrawing from Australia Trading AccountTo make their clients’ trading experience seamless, most brokers that cater to Australians allow users to fund their live accounts and withdraw their profits quickly and easily.

The range of accepted deposit and withdrawal methods varies among Aussie-oriented brokerages, but traders can typically execute their payments through digital wallets, bank transfers, and credit or debit cards. Processing times and any extra fees depend on the broker chosen.

Fortunately for traders, with most brokers, AUD is on the list of supported base currencies, so they will not be required to pay a conversion fee each time they want to deposit or withdraw funds.

Depositing Into Australian Trading Accounts

DepositingCredit and debit cards issued by Mastercard and Visa are among the deposit methods available at most, if not all, brokers that accommodate Australian traders. Digital wallets are also extremely popular with Aussie traders because of their lightning-fast processing times and cost efficiency. Depending on the broker, traders might be allowed to add funds to their accounts via PayPal, Neteller, or Skrill.

POLi is a payment processor tailor-made for the needs of Australians. It is a leading solution among traders in the country and, as such, can be found on the banking pages of many Australia-facing brokers. Traders also prefer POLi because deposits are executed in real time, meaning they can start trading immediately.

The Australian electronic bill-payment service BPAY is also frequently available on the list of accepted deposit options. When using this payment method, traders can complete their payments through their online banking app. Cryptocurrencies might also be included in the list of accepted deposit and cash-out methods of some Aussie-friendly brokers.

Just like the range of payment processors traders can use, the deposit minimums and maximums are also broker-specific. With many brokers that welcome traders from the jurisdiction, there is no minimum deposit requirement. At a considerable share of brokers, traders can deposit as much as they prefer.

While looking for a premium Aussie-friendly broker, traders will see that it is not uncommon for brokerages to offer fee-free deposits. Additionally, when adding funds to their accounts, traders will rarely face any delays, no matter the preferred payment processor. The only exception is deposits via credit cards.

If this is the first time traders make a deposit using their credit card, they should keep in mind that certain delays might occur because of security verification. If traders opt for an EFT payment, they might need to wait up to three working days before their funds are accessible in their accounts.

Common Deposit Methods Offered by Australia Brokers
Type of MethodUsual Limits per TransactionProcessing TimeframesProcessing Fees
Visa$0 – $50,000/No upper limitInstantFree of charge
Mastercard$0 – $50,000/No upper limitInstantFree of charge
PayPal$0 – $50,000/No upper limitInstantFree of charge
Neteller$0 – $50,000/No upper limitInstantFree of charge
Skrill$0 – $50,000/No upper limitInstantFree of charge
POLi$5 – No upper limitInstantFree of charge
BPay$10 – No upper limitInstantFree of charge
PayID$10 – No upper limitA few hoursFree of charge
EFTsNo minimum and maximum deposit requirementsUp to 3 daysFree of charge
Bank transfer$50 – No upper limitInstantDepends on the broker
Broker-to-broker transfer$50 – No upper limit3 to 5 business daysSubject to bank transfer fees

Withdrawing From Australian Trading Accounts

WithdrawingAs traders might expect, the range of cash-out methods is narrower than the list of payment processors available for deposits. Cash-outs are usually processed via Visa and Mastercard-branded debit cards or digital wallets like PayPal, Neteller, and Skrill. Traders should bear in mind that, in most cases, the broker will return the withdrawn amount via the payment processor used for the original deposit.

Traders need to be a bit more patient while withdrawing their funds, as the processing times for cash-outs via debit cards range between three and five days. Digital wallets are the most time-efficient method because withdrawals requested through PayPal, Neteller, and Skrill will clear within one day at the most. The speed at which cash-outs are processed might be slowed further, as all requests are first reviewed and approved by the brokerage. Occasionally, this process takes up to two or three days, but some brokers promise to review requests within one day.

As for the upper limit on cash-outs, traders are advised to inspect the terms and conditions section of their broker. Some providers place limits on the amount clients can withdraw per transaction, while others set daily caps.

Even though some brokers allow their clients to make withdrawals when they have open positions, traders should be aware that certain limitations might be in place to guarantee the security of their accounts.

Another question traders may ask is whether they can cancel their cash-out requests. This depends on the broker, but, usually, if the request is still pending, traders can cancel it. However, if it has already been processed, the withdrawal request cannot be canceled.

Common Withdrawal Methods Offered by Australia Brokers
Type of MethodUsual Limits per TransactionProcessing TimeframesProcessing Fees
Visa$0 – No upper limit3 to 5 daysFree of charge
Mastercard$0 – No upper limit3 to 5 daysFree of charge
Neteller$0 – No upper limitUp to one dayFree of charge
Skrill$0 – No upper limitUp to one dayFree of charge
PayPal$0 – No upper limitUp to one dayFree of charge
EFTs$0 – No upper limitUp to 3 daysFree of charge
Same-day bank transfers$2,000 minimum withdrawal amountIf requested before 11:00, they are processed the same dayDepends on the broker
Bank transfer$30/$50 – No upper limit2 to 5 business days$15-$30

Australian Trading Platforms

Australia Trading PlatformsSeveral factors might influence traders when they are looking for a top-quality Australia-friendly broker. The available tradable instruments, accepted deposit and cash-out methods, offered leverage, and any extra fees are just some of the elements that might make them pick one brokerage over another.

The available trading platforms and tools might also tip the scales in favor of one broker over another. MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 are two of the most frequently offered trading platforms among Aussie-friendly brokers. These are far from the only options, as traders might also be able to opt for platforms like DupliTrade and TradingView.

Along with these platforms, some brokers also offer proprietary platforms with various advantages. A number of Australia-facing brokers boast proprietary software that is exceptionally user-friendly and normally allows even greater customization.

MT4 and MT5

MetaTrader 4MetaTrader is one of the world’s most commonly used trading platforms and works equally well across desktop and portable devices. MT4 is favored by traders interested in Forex and comes with an extensive array of features, including interactive charts, automated trading systems, advanced charting tools, and copy trading. Scripts, algorithmic trading, and custom indicators are also available. If traders want to explore the platform without risking their funds, they can first register for a demo account.

The platform is exceptionally user-friendly and intuitive, allowing even complete novices to navigate it with ease. It is designed to work well for seasoned traders and newcomers alike and is equipped with a wide array of helpful features, including real-time quotes, one-click trading, and news feeds. One more great benefit of MT4 is that it has a built-in programming language called MQL4, which means Aussie traders can design their own Expert Advisors or tailor existing ones.

The platform enables traders to access their preferred markets anytime and anywhere after they download and install one of the dedicated apps or while using WebTrader.

MetaTrader 4’s successor, MetaTrader 5, might be the perfect choice for modern traders. It is a multi-asset trading platform that allows Aussie traders to trade Forex, futures, and stocks. Traders might pick MT5 over other platforms because it enables copy trading and provides superior tools for comprehensive price analysis. Using algorithmic trading applications is also among the opportunities the platform offers.

TradingView

TradingViewWith some brokers that accept clients from Australia, traders might be allowed to use TradingView. The platform is employed by 50 million users worldwide and helps them spot opportunities across global markets. TradingView comes with a full range of powerful features, whether traders want to analyze price patterns with lengthy scripts or simply look up the most recent stock prices.

The assets available on the platform include bonds, futures, indices, Forex, cryptocurrencies, and stocks, among others. Everything TradingView offers is available on desktop and portable devices; if traders prefer the freedom to trade regardless of time and place, they can get the dedicated apps from the App Store or Google Play.

Aussie traders might want to give the platform a try because it provides more than 90 intelligent drawing tools, pre-built studies, and resources for in-depth market analysis. With TradingView, traders will get more than 15 customizable chart types and customizable timeframes, including seconds and range bars.

DupliTrade

DupliTradeDupliTrade is a user-friendly trading platform that makes it possible to duplicate the actions of experienced traders directly into your account, thus allowing you to maximize your trading opportunities. The platform is suitable for traders of all experience levels, and lightning-fast execution speed is one of its biggest benefits.

DupliTrade takes traders’ experience to the next level by giving them access to a rich portfolio of successful strategies. It is designed to suit traders of all experience levels, making it a breeze for complete novices and seasoned traders alike.

The strategies on offer are introduced by successful traders who are selected on the basis of their trading record and proven history. It is important to note that not everyone can become a DupliTrade strategy provider, and all accounts displayed on the platform are real ones.

When they access the platform, traders will be presented with a list of the selected strategy providers. The strategies on offer will allow traders to build and improve their portfolios, as they represent different trading methods and styles.

cTrader

cTraderAnother powerful trading terminal Australian traders might be given access to is cTrader. The multi-asset platform facilitates trading CFDs and Forex. It is preferred because it offers Level II pricing, lightning-fast entry and execution, rich charting tools, and advanced order types. What makes the platform a perfect choice for total novices is its intuitive user interface, designed to replicate the institutional trading environment. This is not to say that the platform is unsuitable for seasoned traders, as it balances simple and complex functionality.

Traders can download and install the Forex and CFD platform on portable and desktop devices and enjoy a premium trading experience at all times. The platform provides quick and easy access to charting, trading, and technical analysis tools. Additionally, while using the platform, traders can opt for cTrader Copy and cTrader Automate. The latter is a native algorithmic trading feature with powerful backtesting and optimization tools, while the former is a versatile copy-trading service.

The platform supports both live and demo accounts, and, depending on the broker, traders might be allowed to open a live account with zero balance directly from cTrader. Whether traders opt for a demo or a live account, they will be allowed to decide between netting and hedging account types, which are the two industry-standard options.

Australia Trading FAQ

1. Do Aussie-friendly brokers allow trading on the go?

Yes. As with brokers that cater to traders from other jurisdictions, those geared toward the needs and requirements of Australian traders are also accessible on the go, either through dedicated apps or via WebTrader.

2. What trading platforms do brokers in Australia offer?

The platforms available to traders depend solely on their broker of choice. MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 are the most frequently offered platforms, but some Aussie-friendly brokers also provide cTrader, TradingView, DupliTrade, and others.

3. Do I need to pay fees when depositing and withdrawing from the Aussie-friendly brokers?

Most brokers operating in this jurisdiction do not charge extra fees on deposits and withdrawals. Nevertheless, traders should check this in advance, as the application of additional fees is broker-specific. If traders prefer to make payments via bank transfer, they should be aware that extra fees may apply.

4. Are there brokers that offer AUD as a base account currency

Yes. Brokers authorized by ASIC offer AUD as a base account currency, which means traders won’t have to pay currency conversion fees when depositing to or withdrawing from their accounts.

5. Do Aussie-friendly brokers offer demo accounts or their clients can only go for live accounts?

Most Australia-oriented brokers allow their users to open both live and demo accounts. If a brokerage offers the option to register for a demo account, traders should check how many virtual credits are available in the balance and how much time they have before they are required to go live.