Best Forex and CFD Brokers Compared
Ranked by regulation, real trading costs, platforms, access and track record. Every figure links to its source, and payment never changes a rank.
How we make money: we may earn a commission from some brokers listed on WizardTrader. Paid partners appear only in the labeled partner section and are not part of the ranking below. Advertiser disclosure · Methodology
Sponsored partners
Sponsored placements from brokers we have a commercial relationship with. They are not scored or ranked. Read each review's caution notes before signing up.
ClarityFX
Partner listing: TradeLocker broker with crypto funding
Editorial ranking
Data last verified November 2026. Scores are out of 100.
Broker
Score
Regulation
EUR/USD cost
Min deposit
New to choosing a broker?
Read our 7-point checklist, then check your position size and margin before your first trade.
Find the right broker for you
Narrow the list by what matters most to you, or put two brokers side by side.
Best brokers by use case
- Best forex brokers for beginners
- Best brokers for scalping
- Best low minimum deposit forex brokers
- Best TradingView brokers
- Best MT5 brokers
- Best cTrader brokers
Best brokers by country
- Best forex brokers for US traders
- Best FCA-regulated forex brokers (UK)
- Best ASIC-regulated forex brokers (Australia)
Head-to-head comparisons
How to choose a forex or CFD broker
Start with regulation, not bonuses. A broker licensed by a top-tier regulator such as the FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), CySEC (EU) or the CFTC and NFA (US) must keep client money in segregated accounts and follow conduct rules. You can check any licence on the regulator's public register in under a minute.
Next, compare the full cost of a trade. On a standard account the cost is built into the spread; on a raw or ECN account you pay a tighter spread plus a fixed commission per lot. Add overnight swap fees if you hold positions for days, and check deposit, withdrawal and inactivity fees.
Finally, make sure the platform fits how you trade. MetaTrader 4 and 5, cTrader and TradingView all handle charting and order entry differently, and not every broker offers every platform in every country.
Leverage limits by region
Retail leverage is capped in most major jurisdictions. In the UK, EU and Australia the cap is 30:1 on major currency pairs and lower on other assets. In the US it is 50:1 on major pairs. Offshore brokers often advertise far higher leverage, but they also give you far less protection if something goes wrong.
How our broker rankings work
Every ranked broker gets a WizardTrader Score out of 100 based on regulation, trading costs, platforms, account features and support. Sponsored partners are shown separately and are never placed inside the editorial ranking. Read the full ranking methodology or see how we make money.
Frequently asked questions
What is the safest type of forex broker?
A broker regulated by a top-tier authority such as the FCA, ASIC, CySEC or the CFTC/NFA, with client funds held in segregated accounts. Always confirm the licence number on the regulator's own website rather than trusting the broker's claim.
Is a raw spread account cheaper than a standard account?
Usually, for active traders. A raw account combines a near-zero spread with a commission per lot, which often works out cheaper per trade than the wider spread on a standard account. Compare the total cost per round-trip lot on the pairs you actually trade.
Can US residents open accounts with these brokers?
Only with some. US residents can only open forex accounts with brokers registered with the CFTC and members of the NFA. Each review shows whether a broker accepts US clients.
How much money do I need to start trading forex?
Many regulated brokers have no minimum deposit or a low one, but a small account limits how well you can manage risk. Use our position size calculator to see what a 1% risk per trade means for your balance.
Do you get paid by the brokers you list?
Some brokers pay us a commission or a fee for a sponsored placement. Payments never affect the editorial ranking or scores. Sponsored listings are labelled and shown above the ranking, not inside it.