| Updated: November 5, 2025Brent crude oil serves as the primary benchmark for global crude oil pricing, influencing the price of over 75% of the world’s exported crude oil, either directly or indirectly. This makes it a leading reference point for oil prices that impact international markets and contracts worldwide. Due to its constant liquidity, broad market participation and extensive exposure, it is among the commodities with the highest trading volume.
Our team of expert traders tested multiple regulated and trustworthy brokers for trading Brent crude oil and compiled a top list of the best among them. Every platform allowing CFDs on Brent crude oil received a quality score based on several factors, including Trustpilot rating, regulation, fees and commissions, available trading platforms, customer service and more.
Plus500 USThis content applies only to Plus500 US and clients from the United States. Trading futures involves the risk of loss.- eToro61% of retail investor accounts lose money
- Fusion Markets74-89% of retail's CFD accounts lose money
- FP Markets73.85% of retail investor accounts lose money
- Global Prime74-89% of retail CFD accounts lose money
- Pepperstone75.5% of retail investor accounts lose money
Brent oil trading brokers
Finding a broker to trade Brent crude oil seems easy at first glance, as this is one of the most popular hard commodities in the world. However, with so many options available, choosing the right platform can be challenging.
Before you commit to a broker, make sure they offer more than just Brent crude. You should be able to trade other markets as well. It is also wise to ensure the broker provides an account type that suits your needs, together with the right trading tools and educational resources.
Finally, remember to examine their spreads and trading costs, the available deposit and withdrawal methods, and the trading platforms on offer. All these details are essential for a good trading experience.
- 1. Global PrimeMin Deposit$0FeesNo deposit and withdrawal fees
No inactivity feeDeposit Methods
CommissionsNo commissions on Brent crude CFDsSpreadEUR/USD: AVG 1.04 pips, GBP/USD: AVG 1.3 pips, USDJPY: AVG 1.32 pipsWithdrawal Methods Leverage EU1:10Leverage non-EU1:500 (ASIC | Pro Account), 1:30 (ASIC | Retail Account), 1:500 (VFSC)InstrumentsCommodities CFDs, Forex CFDs, Indices CFDs, Metals CFDsTrading derivatives is high risk. Losses can exceed your initial investment. You should only trade with money you can afford to lose. Any Information or advice contained on this website is general in nature and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Past performance of any product described on this website is not a reliable indication of future performance.Offering competitive pricing and low latency, Global Prime is among the best brokers for trading Brent crude. The broker serves traders from more than 190 countries, and one of the reasons the platform enjoys overwhelming popularity is that its users are provided with ways to lower their trading costs.
Global Prime gives its users around-the-clock access to more than 150 liquid financial markets, including U.S. shares, bonds, forex, cryptocurrencies, indices, and commodities. If traders decide to use Global Prime as their commodities broker, they will gain access to more than 20 markets for precious and base metals, soft commodities, and energies.
All of these commodities can be traded through contracts for difference, with zero commissions when opening or closing positions. Spreads for Brent crude against the U.S. dollar currently average 2.47 points.
Various deposit and withdrawal methods are supported, including PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Visa, Apple Pay, Interac, Jeton, and Mastercard, among others. In addition to this varied selection of payment options, traders can choose from seven base currencies (USD, AUD, GBP, EUR, CAD, SGD, JPY) and move funds to and from their balances without additional transaction fees on the broker’s side.
There are no minimum account requirements, but most supported deposit methods require a minimum transfer of $10. New customers can give Global Prime a risk-free test drive by setting up demo accounts and connecting them to the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform, although MT5 is also available.
TRADE NOWREAD REVIEWRegulatorsPlatformsMetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Mobile, Proprietary Web2. PepperstoneMin Deposit$0FeesNo inactivity and account maintenance feesDeposit Methods CommissionsNo commissions on commodity CFDsSpreadEUR/USD: AVG 1.1 pips, GBP/USD: AVG 1.3 pips, USDJPY: AVG 1.3 pipsWithdrawal Methods Leverage EU1:500 (CySEC | Pro Account), 1:30 (CySEC | Retail Account), 1:30 (FCA | Retail Account)Leverage non-EU1:500 (SCB | Pro Account), 1:30 (ASIC | Retail Account), 1:30 (DFSA | Retail Account), 1:200 (SCB | Retail Account)InstrumentsCommodities CFDs, Crypto CFDs, Energy CFDs, Forex CFDs, Indices CFDs, Metals CFDs, Stock CFDsCFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 76.3% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.Established in 2010 in Melbourne, Pepperstone is a broker committed to improving the world of trading. The broker continues to expand its global reach and, to this end, has obtained licenses from CySEC, the FCA, the DFSA, and ASIC. Clients from other jurisdictions can register under the Bahamas-regulated division, licensed by the SCB.
The broker offers two main account types: Standard and Razor. The former enables commission-free trading with wider spreads due to the one-pip markup. Razor accounts provide access to raw pricing, with spreads from zero pips and a round-turn commission of $7 for currency pairs. Positions in energies and soft commodities incur no commissions, regardless of the account type.
Pepperstone strives to provide customers with a superior trading experience by offering a versatile selection of more than 1,400 markets, although the range may differ in some countries. All major asset classes are covered, including indices, shares, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, forex, and commodities. In addition to Brent oil, clients can speculate on the prices of other energies such as gasoline and natural gas. Precious metals and soft commodities like corn, lumber, and oats are available as well.
Clients can trade on the go because the broker’s platforms are accessible on iOS and Android devices, as well as on Windows and Mac. To help traders decide which platform is right for them, the broker provides a side-by-side comparison of all supported options, including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, and cTrader.
Pepperstone is a solid choice for those new to the Brent oil market, offering a wide selection of educational tools to help them get started. Traders can also reach their full potential with advanced features such as code-free automation and intelligent trading tools like Alarm Manager, Trade Simulator, Tick Chart Terminal, Excel RTD, and Market Manager. The broker also provides a variety of indicators to assist with market analysis.
- TRADE NOWREAD REVIEWRegulatorsCONSOB (Italy, # 211), FCA (United Kingdom, # 434413), SCB (Bahamas, # 199667 B), CMVM (Portugal, # 433), FSCM (Mauritius, # GB24203277), CVM (Brazil, # 43050.917/0001-03)PlatformsMetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web, TradingView3. ActivTradesMin Deposit$0Fees
- 0.5% on deposits (EU/EEA cards)
- 1.5% on deposits (non EU/EEA cards)
- $12.50 for bank transfer withdrawals in USD
- £9 for bank transfers in GBP (SCB and FSC entities only)
- A $10 inactivity fee after 50 weeks
Deposit Methods CommissionsNo commission on commodity CFDsSpreadEUR/USD: AVG 0.5 pips, GBP/USD: AVG 0.8 pips, USDJPY: AVG 0.5 pipsWithdrawal Methods Leverage EU1:10Leverage non-EU1:400 (CMVM | Pro Account), 1:30 (CMVM | Retail Account), 1:1000 (FSC), 1:200 (SCB)InstrumentsBonds CFDs, Commodities CFDs, Crypto CFDs, ETF CFDs, Forex CFDs, Indices CFDs, Share CFDsCFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 73% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.Portfolio diversification is easily achievable when you trade with ActivTrades. With over 20 years of experience in the online trading sector, this broker understands how to cater to traders with varying preferences. Depending on your trading goals and requirements, you can open a Demo, Individual, Islamic, or Professional account with ActivTrades. Regardless of the account type, the broker allows you to trade more than 1,000 CFD instruments, including commodities.
Customers can choose between CFDs on Brent crude spot and Brent crude futures. Regardless of how you choose to trade the commodity, you can take long or short positions and potentially profit from rising or falling market prices. You can trade Brent crude oil with contract sizes ranging from 0.01 to 30 lots. According to ActivTrades’ contract specifications, the point value is $1,000 and the target spread for Brent crude is 0.03 points. This means the spread per lot traded would be $30 (0.03 × $1,000).
Traders can open larger positions in Brent crude by using leverage. EU and UK retail traders can trade oil derivatives with leverage of up to 1:10 and they may increase the ratio to 1:100 if they qualify for a professional account. The 1:100 leverage cap also applies to traders registered with the SCB entity, while the maximum leverage for the Mauritius-regulated entity is 1:200.
- TRADE NOWREAD REVIEWRegulatorsCFTC (United States, # 0001398), CySEC (Cyprus, # 250/14), DFSA (United Arab Emirates, # F005651), EFSA (Estonia, # 4.1-1/18), FCA (United Kingdom, # 509909), FFAJ (Japan, # 2010001092422), FMA (New Zealand, # 486026), FSA (Japan, # 2010001092422), FSAS (Seychelles, # SD039), FSCA (South Africa, # 47546), MAS (Singapore, # CMS100648), SCB (Bahamas, # SIA-F250), ASIC (Australia, # 417727)PlatformsProprietary Mobile, Proprietary Web4. Plus500Min Deposit$100Fees
- Currency conversion fee of up to 0.7%
- Monthly inactivity fee of $10 after 3 months
Deposit Methods CommissionsDoes not charge commissions on CFDsSpreadEUR/USD: AVG 1.3 pips, GBP/USD: AVG 1.8 pips, USDJPY: AVG 2.1 pipsWithdrawal Methods Leverage EU1:30 retail accounts; 1:300 pro accounts (Professional accounts do not have ICF rights.)Leverage non-EU1:30 retail accounts; 1:300 pro accounts (Professional accounts do not have ICF rights.)InstrumentsCommodities CFDs, Crypto CFDs, Energy CFDs, ETF CFDs, Forex CFDs, Indices CFDs, Metals CFDs, Share CFDs, Stock CFDs, US Stock CFDs82% 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 your money.Plus500 is a well-regulated broker that offers highly competitive conditions for trading Brent crude oil, among other major markets. The broker is available to users from more than 50 countries and boasts a roster of more than 2,800 CFD markets, accommodating traders seeking portfolio diversification. CFDs on stocks, forex, indices, cryptocurrencies, ETFs, options, and commodities are all included in the selection.
Plus500 aims to give traders a world of opportunities while also ensuring fast and reliable execution. The broker provides lightning-fast deposits and withdrawals, real-time quotes, and a variety of analytical tools. All of these features are available on the go, thanks to the highly rated dedicated apps for Android and iOS devices.
The broker’s account types are designed to meet the needs of traders with varying levels of experience. Traders can sign up for a standard account and, if they qualify, upgrade to a professional one. Plus500 is a reliable and trustworthy platform for trading Brent oil. The company is authorized and regulated by CySEC, the FCA, and ASIC, among other top-tier regulators. Its listing on the London Stock Exchange also speaks to its credibility.
- TRADE NOWREAD REVIEWRegulatorsCIRO (Canada), CySEC (Cyprus, # 347/17), FRSA (United Arab Emirates, # 190018), FFAJ (Japan, # 1574), FSCA (South Africa, # 45984), FSRA (Canada, # 190018), ISA (Israel, # 514666577), JFSA (Japan, # 1662), ASIC (Australia, # 406684), BVIFSC (Virgin Islands, British, # SIBA/L/13/1049), CBI (Ireland, # C53877)PlatformsAvaOptions, DupliTrade, AvaSocial, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, AvaTadeGO, Proprietary Web, ZuluTrade5. AvaTradeMin Deposit$100Fees$10 inactivity fee after 2 monthsDeposit Methods CommissionsNone for commodity CFDsSpreadEUR/USD: AVG 0.8 pips, GBP/USD: AVG 1.2 pips, USDJPY: AVG 1.3 pipsWithdrawal Methods Leverage EU1:10 (retail), 1:100 (professional)Leverage non-EU1:400 (Pro Account), 1:30 (Standard Account)InstrumentsBonds CFDs, Commodities CFDs, Crypto CFDs, Crypto Options, Energy CFDs, ETF CFDs, Forex CFDs, Forex Options, Index Options, Indices CFDs, Metals CFDs, Share CFDs, Stock CFDs, Stock Options, US Stock OptionsCFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 63% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
AvaTrade is a well-known global broker with a long history of providing top-tier trading services. Having been in operation for nearly two decades, AvaTrade is considered one of the pioneers in the online trading industry. By joining AvaTrade, traders can feel secure knowing they are working with one of the most tightly regulated brokers, authorized by the financial watchdogs of South Africa, Cyprus, and Japan, as well as Australia, among others.
To ensure a great user experience, AvaTrade supports popular third-party platforms such as MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, in addition to its own platforms, AvaTradeGO and AvaOptions. The broker also provides unique features such as AvaProtect. These industry-leading platforms are suitable for everyone, from beginners to professional traders, as are the various account types, which include Islamic, professional, retail, and MAM accounts.
With around 1,000 instruments available, AvaTrade is a top choice for trading forex, stocks, cryptocurrencies, indices, and commodities. The broker particularly excels in the commodity space, offering CFDs on agricultural products, precious metals, and energy products.
Those who choose to trade energy products with AvaTrade will benefit from competitive spreads, professional customer service, and leverage of up to 1:10 for retail accounts (1:100 for professional accounts). You can trade Brent oil and other energy products, such as heating oil, natural gas, gasoline, and crude oil, anytime and anywhere using the AvaTradeGO app.
- 6. FBSMin DepositCent accounts: $10; AU$50 (ASIC accounts)FeesFree deposits and withdrawals, no inactivity feeDeposit Methods CommissionsNo commission for trading Forex, indices, and energies
A commission is only charged when trading cryptocurrenciesSpreadEUR/USD: AVG 0.7 pips, GBP/USD: AVG 1.2 pips, USDJPY: AVG 1.3 pipsWithdrawal Methods Leverage EU1:30 (CySEC)Leverage non-EU1:30 (ASIC), 1:3000 (FSC), 1:500 (Pro Account), 1:30 (Retail Account)InstrumentsEnergy CFDs, Forex CFDs, Indices CFDs, Metals CFDs, Share CFDsRisk warning: ᏟᖴᎠs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 61.29% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading ᏟᖴᎠs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how ᏟᖴᎠs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.Founded in 2009, FBS is a broker with a presence in multiple jurisdictions, operating under licenses issued by the authorities of Cyprus, Australia, and Belize. Since then, FBS has earned more than 60 accolades, reinforcing its reputation for award-winning services.
The available account types are country-specific. Customers from Europe can choose between Standard and Cent accounts, with minimum deposit requirements of €100 and €10, respectively. Clients registered with the offshore, Belize-regulated entity face a lower barrier to entry, with minimum deposits starting at just $5. Swap-free accounts are available to customers from most supported countries.
The broker offers a selection of about 550 financial markets, ranging from forex and indices to stocks and commodities. Customers looking to dip their toes into the energy markets can speculate on the fluctuating prices of Brent crude, WTI crude, and natural gas. There are no commissions on energy trades, with spreads for crude oil positions typically averaging 5 points (10 points for natural gas). Leverage is capped at 1:10 for retail traders in Europe, while professionals can access ratios of up to 1:100. The offshore division provides greater exposure to the energy markets with maximum leverage of 1:200.
FBS makes deposits and withdrawals exceptionally easy by supporting a broad range of secure payment methods, including Visa, MasterCard, Neteller, Skrill, and bank transfers. The broker also caters to mobile users by offering native applications compatible with iOS and Android 7.0 or later.
- TRADE NOWREAD REVIEWRegulatorsCFTC (United States, # 0516820), CySEC (Cyprus, # 120/10), DFSA (United Arab Emirates, # F003484), FSCA (South Africa, # 49976), IFSC (Belize, # 000261/27), FSCM (Mauritius, # GB23202700)PlatformsMetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 4 MultiTerminal, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Mobile, Proprietary Web7. XM GroupMin Deposit$5Fees$5 inactivity fee after 90 days
No fees on deposits and withdrawals
Wire transfer payments are only covered if the sum is more than $200Deposit Methods CommissionsNo commission on energy CFDsSpreadEUR/USD: AVG 1.2 pips, GBP/USD: AVG 1.5 pips, USDJPY: AVG 1.4 pipsWithdrawal Methods Leverage EU1:30 (CySEC | Retail Account)Leverage non-EU1:1000 (IFSC | Retail Account)InstrumentsBonds CFDs, Commodities CFDs, Crypto CFDs, Energy CFDs, ETF CFDs, Forex CFDs, Forex Options, Index Options, Indices CFDs, Metals CFDs, Share CFDs, Stock CFDs, Stock Options, US Stock OptionsRisk Warning: CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 74.12% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Please consider our Risk Disclosure.Established in 2009, XM is a globally recognized broker with more than 15 million customers worldwide. It offers access to over 1,400 financial markets, including forex, stocks, indices, and commodities. Energy traders can profit from the rising and falling prices of Brent crude, WTI oil, and natural gas. Trading conditions are competitive for energy products, with spreads as low as 0.03 points for crude oil and 0.012 points for natural gas.
These assets are tradable via cash and futures CFDs. The standard contract size for crude oil futures is 1,000 barrels, while the maximum leverage reaches 1:10 for European retail clients and 1:200 for clients at XM’s offshore division. As is apparent, leverage caps vary significantly by region.
The broker provides a variety of account types to suit different trading styles, including Standard, Ultra Low, and Zero accounts. All three options are available with a minimum deposit of just $5. XM is a multi-regulated broker, holding licenses from several authorities, including the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Belize, and the Financial Services Authority (FSA) of Seychelles.
- 8. AdmiralsMin Deposit$100Fees1 free withdrawal per month
$1 fee on subsequent withdrawals
0.03% currency conversion fee
$10 inactivity fee after 2 yearsCommissionsNo commissions on energy CFDsSpreadStandard Accounts: from 0.03 pts
Zero Accounts: from 0.01 ptsLeverage EU1:10 (retail), 1:500 (professional)Leverage non-EU1:500Risk warning: Trading Forex (foreign exchange) or CFDs (contracts for difference) on margin carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. There is a possibility that you may sustain a loss equal to or greater than your entire investment. Therefore, you should not invest or risk money that you cannot afford to lose. Before using Admiral Markets UK Ltd, Admiral Markets Cyprus Ltd, Admiral Markets AS Jordan Ltd, Admiral Markets Pty Ltd and Admirals SA (PTY) Ltd services, please acknowledge all of the risks associated with trading.Admirals is a global brokerage firm with a significant international footprint in more than 150 countries, regulated by multiple top-tier authorities, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, the Estonian Financial Supervision Authority (EFSA) in Europe, and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). With a history dating back to 2001, the firm has established a reputation as a reliable and award-winning broker.
Admirals enables trading in Brent crude via futures and cash CFDs, allowing customers to speculate on price movements without owning the physical asset. Futures CFDs on Brent crude have a minimum spread of 0.03 points, with an average of 0.04 points when traded with Trade MT5 accounts. Spreads for cash CFDs on this market also start at 0.03 points, but the average is higher, at 0.08 points, with Trade MT4/5 accounts.
Customers with Zero MT5 accounts enjoy lower spreads from 0.01 points, with an average of 0.05 points. Either way, contract sizes range from 0.1 to 100 lots. Maximum leverage is set at 1:10 for retail customers in Europe, Australia, and the UK. Traders outside these jurisdictions can access ratios as high as 1:500 for this market.
Brent is a key part of the broker’s extensive product list, which includes more than 7,500 financial instruments and over 25 commodity CFDs. The minimum deposit to open a trading account is $100. Supported funding options are flexible and include bank transfers, Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, and Neteller, but some methods may be unavailable in certain locations.
- 9. NSBrokerMin Deposit$500FeesNo deposit fees
2.9% for Neteller and Skrill withdrawals
$/€30 inactivity fee after 3 monthsCommissions$8 per lot for Brent and WTI CFDsSpreadFloating from $0.04Leverage EU1:10Leverage non-EU1:10RISK WARNING: Trading in Forex and Contracts for Difference (CFDs), which are leveraged products, is highly speculative and involves substantial risk of loss. It is possible to lose all your capital. Your capital is not guaranteed and may go down as well as up. Therefore, Forex and CFDs may not be suitable for all investors. Only invest with money you can afford to lose. So please ensure that you fully understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary.NSBroker is a global CFD provider that has been in operation since 2011 and is the trading name of NSFX Ltd. The broker is regulated by multiple top-tier European authorities, including the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), and is compliant with the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID). In line with EU regulatory requirements, it provides negative balance protection and investor compensation.
Traders can gain exposure to a somewhat limited range of over 100 markets, including spot energies like Brent and WTI. These are available through CFDs with maximum retail leverage of 1:10. The broker offers floating spreads from $0.04 for XBR/USD and $0.12 for XTI/USD. Customers also incur a commission of $8 per lot per side. Clients can also speculate on the price movements of other asset classes, including indices, currency pairs, metals, soft commodities, and stocks.
NSBroker supports a single platform, the powerful MetaTrader 5, whose users benefit from a wide range of technical analysis tools, timeframes, and advanced order types. MT5 is available across most desktop and mobile devices, ensuring traders can access the financial markets from anywhere. Customers facing any issues can address them by contacting the support team via live chat, email, or telephone.
The broker partners with some of the world’s largest liquidity providers, including Barclays, Ducascopy, UBS, and Credit Suisse. This enables it to deliver superior order execution with average speeds of around 11 milliseconds for 99.9% of all order fills. Deposits and withdrawals are possible via cards, bank transfers, Neteller, and Skrill, but cashing out with the e-wallets incurs a 2.9% fee.
- 10. GO MarketsMin Deposit$0FeesNo deposit and withdrawal fees
€15 inactivity fee after 3 months for EU customersDeposit Methods CommissionsNo commission on standard accounts
$2.50 per standard forex lot with GO Plus+ accountsSpreadEUR/USD: AVG 1 pips, GBP/USD: AVG 1.3 pips, USDJPY: AVG 1 pipsWithdrawal Methods Leverage EU1:30 (CySEC)Leverage non-EU1:30 (ASIC), 1:500 (FSAS), 1:500 (FSCM), 1:500 (SVGFSA)InstrumentsCommodities CFDs, Crypto CFDs, ETFs, Forex CFDs, Indices CFDs, Metals CFDs, Share CFDs, TreasuriesRisk Warning: CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 58% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with GO Markets Ltd. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.Established in Australia in 2006, GO Markets is a well-regarded online forex and CFD provider, widely recognized as the first Australian broker to offer the MetaTrader 4 platform. The company is regulated by several global authorities, including the top-tier Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), ensuring a secure and transparent trading environment for its global customer base.
GO Markets offers a versatile selection of trading platforms, including the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), as well as TradingView. This variety allows traders to choose the platform that best suits their strategies and preferences, with all options available on both desktop and mobile devices.
Those interested in energy trading can speculate on the rising and falling prices of Brent crude oil through CFDs. The maximum leverage for this market reaches 1:500 for non-EU clients, while customers from Europe can use a maximum of 1:10. Spreads average 0.031 for spot and 0.041 for Brent futures CFDs.
GO Markets generally has no minimum deposit requirement, but it recommends an initial deposit of $200 for margin traders registered under its offshore entity. The EU-regulated division requires a minimum deposit of $/€100. Funding options are flexible and include bank transfers, Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, and Neteller, with no internal deposit or withdrawal fees charged by the broker.
Also known as the Brent blend, Brent crude oil is primarily drilled from oilfields in the North Sea and is the most traded of the three primary benchmarks. Each region’s oil differs slightly from that found in other underground reserves around the world. Because of the varying ease of transportation and their use in different industries, their value also differs.
The three main benchmarks used as a reference for the price of crude oil are Brent oil, WTI oil and Dubai oil. Interestingly, Brent oil covers well over 60% of all oil contracts and is classified as light and sweet, which makes it suitable for the production of diesel and petrol. Its ‘light’ classification refers to its low density, while ‘sweet’ refers to its low sulphur content, making it easier and less expensive to refine. Unlike WTI oil, which is mainly extracted from land wells, Brent oil is easier to ship as it is already at sea.
We should also point out that the benchmark is no longer derived solely from the original Brent field, which has largely been decommissioned. Instead, it is a blend of crude oils from a number of North Sea fields, most notably the BFOE blend (Brent, Forties, Oseberg and Ekofisk). These crude types are all included in the futures contract on the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), where Brent crude is primarily traded.
How Brent oil trading works for traders and brokers
Brent crude is one of the fundamental sources of energy for the world’s economy, and oil products are integrated into almost all aspects of our lives. The crude oil market revolves around investors’ expectations regarding changes in supply and demand, and consumer and investor sentiment has a major impact on its price.
Price fluctuations are often triggered by geopolitical events, OPEC+ production decisions and disruptions to global supply lines. For beginners, oil trading involves buying and selling different types of oil, Brent crude included, or oil-related assets with the aim of making a profit. High market volatility makes it popular with traders because, if they seize the right opportunities, the potential profit can be eye-catching.
How to trade Brent crude oil
- Oil CFDs: Trading Brent crude oil CFDs allows traders to speculate on price movements of the underlying asset without taking ownership of it. The value of these contracts is influenced by multiple factors, and before the contracts reach maturity traders can go long or short on their prices. Unlike Brent oil futures and options, CFDs do not have an expiry date, meaning traders can keep a position open for as long as they wish. It is worth noting, however, that overnight financing fees apply. Another point to keep in mind is that Brent oil CFDs are traded with leverage, which can magnify both potential profits and losses.
- Oil futures: These are standardised agreements under which the commodity will be exchanged at a future date for a pre-set price. When the contract expires, it can be settled or rolled over to another closing date. Settlement can take place physically or in cash. Futures are used to price the other oil markets, meaning that when you buy the commodity by other means you will still gain exposure to Brent oil futures. The futures market is a cornerstone not only for speculation but also for hedging, allowing producers and consumers such as airlines to lock in prices and mitigate risk.
- Oil ETFs: Exchange-traded funds are among the most popular financial instruments for gaining exposure to the oil market. These are baskets of commodities, shares or other assets that pool investors’ money. A benchmark is then employed to measure their performance. These ETFs may hold oil futures contracts or shares of oil and gas companies. ETFs that hold futures can be affected by market dynamics such as contango and backwardation, which may cause their performance to diverge from the spot price of oil.
- Oil spots: In contrast to futures, spot prices represent the current cost of buying or selling the commodity, not how much it will cost when a futures contract expires. These transactions are short-term and are settled almost immediately. Unlike oil futures, with spot prices traders do not need to roll over their positions because they are non-expiring and will be offered continuously. Spot prices are normally derived from the nearest-dated futures contracts on the ICE, reflecting the current market bid-ask spread for physical oil cargoes.
- Oil options: These contracts allow the holder to purchase Brent oil at a predetermined price on a later date. Even though oil options are similar to futures, with options there is no obligation to purchase the commodity. Before the option expires, traders can exercise it or attempt to obtain a more advantageous price on the open market. Like other derivative instruments, options can be highly leveraged, and traders risk losing their entire investment.
- Oil stocks: Exposure to Brent oil markets can also be achieved through related equities. Traders can focus on companies that transport, store and refine oil, or that produce energy sources.
Reasons for Brent oil price fluctuations
Brent oil’s price is constantly changing, mainly because of geopolitical and economic factors. Its liquidity is always high, and traders should remember that oil prices are highly volatile.
Brent’s price tends to decline whenever consumer spending power and the demand for energy are limited, as happens during economic downturns. It is also highly susceptible to geopolitical events, which send shockwaves through the oil markets. Global health crises, political shifts and weather patterns are just some of the shocks that can affect the market.
The price might also be driven by shortfalls in supply, as seen in 2025 when OPEC+ began gradually unwinding its 2.2 million barrels per day voluntary production cuts starting in April, while Russia continued producing below its OPEC+ target because of logistical constraints and geopolitical tensions. Both events resulted in market disruptions and sustained upward pressure on crude prices.
Alternative fuel developments, shipping availability and freight costs, coupled with the constantly growing world population, can also affect the price. The value of the US dollar, global crude oil inventories and intervention from OPEC are other factors leading to fluctuations in Brent oil prices.
- Value of the US dollar: Because oil is priced in US dollars globally, a strong dollar makes oil more expensive for countries using other currencies, which can decrease demand and put downward pressure on prices. Conversely, a weak dollar can make oil cheaper and increase demand.
- Global crude oil inventories: Market analysts closely watch weekly reports on inventory levels from organisations such as the US Energy Information Administration (EIA). Low inventories signal a tight market with limited supply, which can push prices up. Conversely, a large build-up of inventories suggests weak demand or oversupply, leading to lower prices.
- OPEC+ impact: A crucial factor is the rise of the OPEC+ alliance since 2016, which includes a group of non-OPEC oil-producing countries, most notably Russia. This expanded group has an even greater collective influence on global supply and has been instrumental in coordinating production cuts and increases to stabilise prices. The US shale revolution has also reduced OPEC’s overall market share, leading to a more complex global dynamic.