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5 Best Bitcoin Trading Brokers and Platforms for 2024
Searching for the top forex broker or platform for Bitcoin trading? Based on our hands-on analysis, we’ve identified the 5 best options tailored to various trading needs. Practical tips from our experts are included.
By:
Reviewed By:
Updated: Oct 29, 2024
List of Top Bitcoin Trading Brokers and Platforms
Best brokers for US traders
Bitcoin micro futures contracts. Low day-margin rates. Easy-to-use futures app. Zero platform and routing fees.
Best brokers for international traders
High trust rating. Multiple Bitcoin-related pairs. Deposits and withdrawals in crypto without commission. Variety of account types and platforms.
Highly competitive spreads for Bitcoin. MT4, MT5, and cTrader. 1:200 leverage on Bitcoin.
AvaSocial, DupliTrade, Capitalise.ai. BTC is available in the AvaTradeGO app. Bitcoin trading guide. MT4, MT5 platforms.
Respected and reliable broker. Intuitive mobile app (Bitcoin available). Tight spreads on BTC.
How did FXEmpire choose the best Bitcoin CFD trading brokers?
We carefully considered the needs of Bitcoin traders and focused on the points which benefit them the most.
- We checked the availability of Bitcoin and Bitcoin-related CFD pairs, allowing traders to speculate in this market.
- We verified the availability of Bitcoin for deposit/withdrawal, making it fast and easy to move assets in and out of your account.
- We researched how each broker is regulated and assessed their level of trustworthiness and reliability.
- We focused on brokers with low spreads and swap fees, which help to keep trading costs minimal for Bitcoin traders.
- We examined the available leverage for trading cryptocurrencies. Leverage allows traders to take a larger position in the market than would be possible using only the cash in their account.
- We reviewed available software for trading Bitcoin, focusing on platforms with robust charting, 1-click trading, diverse order types, an intuitive interface, and automated trading capability.
- We checked the available account types for trading cryptocurrencies and whether they can cater to both beginners and advanced traders.
- We looked for research and market analyses related to cryptocurrencies, covering market outlook, Bitcoin-related news, economic events, chart patterns, and trade ideas.
Our team of experts has identified brokers’ strengths and weaknesses using FX Empire’s comprehensive methodology. Here’s how we test.
Best Overall
4.6
General Risk Warning: CFDs are leveraged products. Trading in CFDs carries a high level of risk thus may not be appropriate for all investors. The investment value can both increase and decrease and the investors may lose all their invested capital. Under no circumstances shall the Company have any liability to any person or entity for any loss or damage in whole or part caused by, resulting from, or relating to any transactions related to CFDs.
- $0Min Deposit
- 240Tradable Instruments
- MediumFees
Why We Picked It
Exness is a large, well-established forex and CFD broker with a unique offering. The Limassol, Cyprus-based broker was founded in 2008 and offers access to trading in a wide range of CFDs on cryptocurrencies, stocks, indices, and commodities. While researching trust and stability signals I confirmed that Exness has an impressive 15 years of operating history and is regulated by multiple authorities, including top-tier CySEC and the UK FCA.
If you’re looking for a broker well adapted to trading Bitcoin, Exness could be for you. It provides access to a wide range of Bitcoin pairs, including Bitcoin against USD, ZAR, AUD, CNY, JPY, KRW, and THB. Exness also offers Bitcoin against silver, gold, and the altcoin Bitcoin Cash against the US Dollar (BCH/USD). The selection of Bitcoin-related pairs is exceptional, with a total of 34 cryptocurrency pairs to choose from.
Traders can be active in the cryptocurrency market 24/7, except during server maintenance. Exness’ clients can use Bitcoin for deposits and withdrawals, which are processed within 24 hours, a feature I have rarely seen offered among other CFD brokers.
Available leverage varies by cryptocurrency pair. In the case of BTC/USD, the maximum leverage is 1:400. Exness charges no swap fees on cryptocurrency positions. I recorded a spread of $26.6 in BTC/USD in my tests, slightly better than average.
I am always on the lookout for actionable and insightful research in my broker evaluations. Exness delivers in this area as traders can access crypto market analysis from award-winning research provider Trading Central via the client portal.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Wide range of Bitcoin pairs.
- No swap fees on cryptocurrencies.
- Crypto analysis via Trading Central.
- 24/7 support.
Cons
- Not available in Europe or the UK for retail clients.
Best Low Spreads
4.5
Trading Forex and CFDs carries a high level of risk to your capital and you should only trade with money you can afford to lose. Trading Forex and CFDs may not be suitable for all investors, so please ensure that you fully understand the risks involved and seek independent advice if necessary.
- $200Min Deposit
- 2245Tradable Instruments
- LowFees
Why We Picked It
IC Markets launched in 2007 and has grown to become a market leader, providing access to trading in CFDs on crypto, forex, stocks, commodities, futures, and bonds. The Sydney, Australia-based broker caters to the needs of advanced traders with cutting-edge trading platforms, low-latency connectivity, and better-than-average liquidity.
IC Markets offers trading in 23 cryptocurrency CFDs, including BTC/USD and BCH/USD. In my hands-on tests, I recorded spreads in BTC/USD as low as $7.32, much better than the average for the industry. IC Markets offers leverage of 1:200 via MT4 and MT5 and 1:5 when using the cTrader platform.
A range of account types is available, including a Raw Spread account, which can cater to advanced Bitcoin traders. My assessment showed that IC Markets could be a great fit if you’re a serious trader looking for competitive crypto spreads and advanced platforms.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Extremely tight spreads.
- High leverage available for Bitcoin (1:200).
- Range of robust platforms.
- 24/7 support.
Cons
- No proprietary web platform.
Best for Copy Trading
4.6
Trading CFDs and FX Options entail risk and could result in the loss of your capital.
- $100Min Deposit
- 853Tradable Instruments
- MediumFees
Why We Picked It
AvaTrade was founded in 2006, making it an early mover in the forex and CFD industry. The Dublin-based broker has grown tremendously since then and now provides services to 400,000 traders globally. While investigating the trustworthiness and stability of AvaTrade, I confirmed that AvaTrade is extensively regulated by multiple agencies including ASIC and CySEC.
AvaTrade provides access to 18 cryptocurrency pairs, including BTC/USD, BTC/EUR, BTC/JPY, BTG/USD (Bitcoin gold), and BCH/USD (Bitcoin cash). I recorded the spread in BTC/USD at $45.82, the widest in our list. Under European (ESMA) regulation, the available leverage for trading CFDs on cryptocurrencies is 1:2, and at the offshore entity, AvaTrade offers 1:25 for crypto.
In evaluating AvaTrade’s copy trading tools I was impressed that clients have the choice of using three leading platforms: AvaSocial, DupliTrade, and Capitalise.ai. Also, this broker can cater to automated trading via MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. A virtual private server (VPS) allows crypto traders to run their Expert Advisors (EAs) around the clock. Crypto research and analysis are also available to traders via award-winning provider Trading Central.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Variety of platforms for copy trading.
- High trust rating.
- Robust Trading Central research.
- VPS hosting.
Cons
- Customer service is not 24/7.
Best Trading App
4.6
Contracts for Difference (CFDs) are leveraged over-the-counter derivative products and carry a high level of risk to your capital. You should only risk capital that you can afford to lose. In certain circumstances, due to fluctuations in market value you may not get back your initial investment amount. You may not only lose your initial investment but you may incur a liability to pay a further amount to cover losses. This means you can lose more money than you have invested.
- $100Min Deposit
- 8977Tradable Instruments
- LowFees
Why We Picked It
Sydney, Australia-based FP Markets was founded in 2005 and has entities regulated by top-tier CySEC and ASIC. With over 800 instruments across cryptocurrencies, stocks, indices, forex, and commodities, traders can work with a broad range of markets.
FP Markets offers mobile trading via the MT4 and MT5 apps and its proprietary FP Markets mobile app. I found it easy to navigate the FP Markets app and assessed that it is both intuitive and feature-rich. While on the move, traders can access the crypto market, conduct market analysis, fund their accounts, and access 24/7 customer service.
Bitcoin (BTC/USD) and Bitcoin Cash (BCH/USD) are among the 12 cryptocurrency CFDs offered by FP Markets. In my live tests, I recorded spreads of $11.41 in BTC/USD, much better than the average for the industry. The available leverage for Bitcoin is 1:50. Deposit and withdrawal via Bitcoin are possible in some regions.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Intuitive in-house mobile app.
- Tight spreads in Bitcoin.
- Has a ‘best execution policy’.
- No inactivity fee.
Cons
- No proprietary web platform.
Best Crypto Futures in the US
4.5
Trading with leverage comes with a high risk and may not be suitable for everyone.
- $100Min Deposit
- 52Tradable Instruments
- LowFees
Why We Picked It
Founded in 2008, Plus500 is one of a handful of global brokers listed on the London Stock Exchange. In 2022, Plus500 US launched its proprietary Futures Trading App for US residents. During our live test, I was impressed by the number of futures markets available. This includes instruments covering forex, commodities, energy, equity indices, agriculture, and crypto futures.
The app offers Micro Bitcoin and Micro Ether futures contracts. Micro Bitcoin has a low day margin of $100, and Micro Ether is only $20. Micro contract commissions start at a competitive $0.49 per contract, with zero platform, routing, deposit, withdrawal, and inactivity fees.
The app is a breeze to use and is tailored toward beginner traders, but there are some advanced tools, such as various technical indicators. The Plus500 Futures Academy is an excellent resource for beginner traders willing to learn more about futures trading strategies. The combination of written articles and videos is high-quality and in-depth.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Bitcoin and Ether micro contracts.
- Competitive contract commission.
- Zero platform, routing, deposit, and withdrawal fees.
- Various technical indicators available in the app.
Cons
- Research tools are limited.
How to choose a broker for Bitcoin CFD Trading?
Consider the following questions when searching for a Bitcoin CFD broker.
What is the difference between trading Bitcoin’s underlying asset and trading Bitcoin CFDs?
When you trade Bitcoin as an underlying asset, you’re engaging in direct ownership of the cryptocurrency. This means you buy and sell the actual Bitcoin, requiring a digital wallet for storage. Your transactions are conducted on cryptocurrency exchanges, and the trading hours may be bound to the exchange’s operating hours, though many operate 24/7.
On the other hand, trading Bitcoin CFDs does not involve owning the actual cryptocurrency. Instead, it’s about speculating on the price movement of Bitcoin. This eliminates the need for a digital wallet and concerns about its security. CFDs are traded through broker platforms, not traditional cryptocurrency exchanges, and often allow for more flexible trading hours, including 24/7 trading in some cases.
CFD trading is usually more regulated, and it often allows the use of leverage, which can amplify both profits and losses. In Bitcoin CFD trading, your profits or losses are based on the difference in the price of Bitcoin between when the CFD contract is opened and closed.
Find out Best crypto trading forex brokers.
Can I trust the broker?
Take into account the regulatory status of the broker. CFD brokers regulated by top-tier financial authorities must undergo audits, meet capital requirements, and provide segregated accounts and negative balance protection. A compensation fund is sometimes available in the event of broker insolvency.
You can search the regulator’s website to confirm the broker’s status and check for any disciplinary action. The broker’s size and operating history are also worth considering. You can usually find these on the company’s LinkedIn page.
Read more about Best regulated forex brokers.
How to choose the trading platform?
An intuitive, easy-to-navigate platform will allow you to launch into the trading world with minimal hitches. The most user-friendly platforms are typically browser-based platforms created by the broker.
Look for useful features such as watchlists, trading from the chart, search, news, and a customizable interface. The MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms have advanced features like backtesting, automated trading, and a wide range of order types – but are less user-friendly.
Read more about best MT4 brokers and best MT5 brokers.
Also, check on the availability of a good, broker-designed (proprietary) mobile app. It brings convenience, accessibility, and real-time information to traders, allowing them to monitor markets, execute trades, and manage their portfolios on the go.
Check out our dedicated guide on Best forex trading platforms.
Are the spreads competitive?
Working with a broker that keeps costs such as the spread to a minimum can make the difference between profit and loss at the end of the day. For example, a spread of $20 (2,000 pips) or less in Bitcoin is competitive and makes it much less expensive to enter and exit positions in the market. This is a crucial point for day traders. Inactivity fees and fees for withdrawing funds are other areas to keep an eye on when considering a broker.
Read more about best lowest spread forex brokers.
What is the available leverage?
Leverage is one of the most appealing features of CFD trading and it can work in your favor when used wisely. Beware of using excessive leverage, even if it is tempting. It’s thrilling to control a large position in the market. But when markets are moving fast, and you are holding a highly leveraged position, there is a high risk of losing money. Accounts can get wiped out in seconds.
Leverage for trading cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin varies at CFD brokers, depending on where you reside. For example, if you are trading with a broker entity regulated in the EU, the maximum leverage for crypto is 1:2. An offshore broker may offer up to 1:400.
Explore Best forex brokers with high leverage.
Is customer support reliable?
Having solid support on hand is essential. Check the hours of availability, for example, whether help is on hand 24/7 or only during business hours. Chat support is the most convenient, so look for an easy-to-access chat window built into the broker platform. In the case of a platform outage, it is also important to be able to contact support via phone.
How to avoid Bitcoin scams?
Avoiding Bitcoin scams when trading Bitcoin CFDs requires a combination of vigilance, knowledge, and careful selection of trading platforms. Here are some strategies to help safeguard your investments:
- Choose Reputable Brokers: Only trade with brokers who are regulated by top-tier financial authorities. Their regulatory status is a crucial indicator of reliability and legitimacy.
- Understand the Risks: Educate yourself thoroughly about Bitcoin CFDs and the inherent risks of trading them. Knowing the market can help you make informed decisions and spot irregularities.
- Be Wary of Promises of High Returns: Stay skeptical of any claims promising guaranteed or unusually high returns. Such promises are often red flags for scams.
- Use Secure Internet Practices: Ensure your internet connection and trading platforms are secure. Use strong, unique passwords, and be cautious about sharing personal information.
- Practice Risk Management: Implement strong risk management strategies, such as using stop-loss orders. This can help protect your investments from significant losses.
Our Methodology
In selecting the best CFD brokers for trading Bitcoin, we used the results of our advanced proprietary methodology. All of the brokers listed were among the leaders in our tests.
FXEmpire has been reviewing brokers since 2010 and has pioneered the in-depth evaluation of CFD brokers. Our process has taken years to refine and involved hundreds of reviews. We’ve gone to a granular level – with over 250 data points in our analysis of each broker – so you can feel confident in selecting the right platform. To provide the most comprehensive view, we break down the brokers according to nine different categories:
- Trust
- Fees
- Platforms and tools
- Tradable instruments
- Customer service
- Deposit and withdrawal
- Account types
- Research
- Education
Our broker reviews clarify complex areas like regulatory status, ensuring you understand the safety and benefits of your funds. All top brokers listed have at least one entity licensed by a top-tier regulator.
We collect data through live testing, research, detailed questionnaires, and broker demonstrations, opening accounts with each broker to test standard services, spreads, overnight swap fees, and account costs. Our comparative analysis assesses brokers’ competitiveness within the industry. We’ve mastered trading platforms to highlight their key features and usability for you.
FXEmpire maintains strict editorial integrity, basing scores on objective, measurable criteria to avoid bias. Our review process is independent and rigorously follows a strict protocol, with facts thoroughly verified and continually updated.
For this best brokers page, we evaluated Bitcoin and Bitcoin-related CFDs availability, cryptocurrency leverage, trading software, broker regulations, reliability, trading costs, account types for cryptocurrency trading, and research and market analysis related to Bitcoin.
Meet Our Writers
The team of forex and CFD writers and editors at FXEmpire is composed of trading industry professionals and seasoned financial journalists. Our writers have been published on leading financial websites such as Investopedia and Forbes. In addition, they all have extensive trading experience.
Get to Know Our Authors
Dan BlystoneBroker Analyst
Dan Blystone began his career in the trading industry in 1998 on the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Later Dan gained insight into the forex industry during his time as a Series 3 licenced futures and forex broker. He also traded at a couple of different prop trading firms in Chicago. Dan is well-equipped to recommend the best forex brokers due to his extensive experience and understanding of the brokerage industry.
Jitan SolankiBroker Analyst
Jitan Solanki is a professional trader, market analyst, and educator. He day trades major currency and index markets and focuses on swing trading US equities and commodities. A qualified Market Technician, Jitan also works with trader education and brokerage companies on various projects. These include market analysis, live trading events, and broker reviews. As an experienced trader and educator, Jitan brings all his qualities in action when reviewing and recommending brokers.
Plamen StoyanovBroker Analyst
Having been a retail trader since 2013, Plamen has gained an in-depth understanding of the challenges that novice traders face today. His expertise is swing trading and day trading with a heavy emphasis on psychological and fundamental analysis. Plamen’s favourite trading instruments include FX majors and gold. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics and International Relations. Plamen's broad experience has equipped him with the expertise to recommend the best forex brokers.
Vladimir ZernovBroker Analyst
In more than 15 years of trading in the financial markets, Vladimir dealt with a wide range of brokers and financial instruments. His career as a day-trader at a proprietary trading firm goes back to 2007. Later, Vladimir turned to longer time frames and became an independent trader and analyst managing his own portfolio. Using his experience, he helps traders find the best broker in his reviews.
What is Bitcoin trading?
Bitcoin trading is the process of buying and selling Bitcoin that involves speculating on its price movements in order to profit from market fluctuations.
How do you buy Bitcoin?
You can buy Bitcoin through a cryptocurrency exchange or a peer-to-peer transaction. You can also buy a CFD on Bitcoin through a CFD broker.
Where can you buy and sell Bitcoin?
Bitcoin can be traded via cryptocurrency exchanges, futures contracts, ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds), and CFDs (Contracts for Differences).
What is a CFD?
Contracts for differences (CFDs) are contracts between investors and financial institutions in which investors take a position on the future value of an asset.
How does crypto CFD trading work?
CFD (Contract for Difference) trading in the cryptocurrency market is a form of financial derivative trading that allows traders to speculate on the price movements of various cryptocurrencies without owning the underlying asset.
Is it legal to trade Bitcoin CFDs?
The legality of trading Bitcoin CFDs (Contracts for Difference) depends on the regulatory environment in your jurisdiction. In many countries, trading CFDs, including Bitcoin CFDs, is legal and regulated. However, the specific regulations can vary significantly from one country to another. We recommend always conducting thorough research to understand the legal and regulatory framework governing Bitcoin CFD trading in your country to ensure compliance and protect your interests.
What are the fees and costs associated with trading crypto CFDs?
The fees and costs associated with trading crypto CFDs can vary depending on the broker and platform you use. Common fees and costs to consider are the spread, overnight financing fees (swap fees), and commissions.
How much leverage can I use when trading crypto CFDs?
The leverage available for trading crypto CFDs can vary depending on the broker and the specific cryptocurrency being traded. In general, leverage for crypto CFDs can range from 1:2 to 1:100 or even higher. This means that for every unit of your capital, you can control a larger position in the market.
How do crypto brokers work?
A crypto broker facilitates the buying and selling of cryptocurrencies by providing traders with access to the cryptocurrency market and executing their orders. They typically offer trading platforms, manage accounts, provide market data and analysis, and offer customer support services.
What are the benefits of trading crypto CFDs compared to buying/selling the underlying crypto assets?
Leverage, advanced trading platforms, and fast order execution are among the benefits of trading CFDs on crypto.
What is the best platform for trading Bitcoin?
We rate Exness as the best overall platform for trading Bitcoin due to the wide range of Bitcoin pairs, high leverage for BTC trading, and availability of Bitcoin for deposits and withdrawals.
Can I trade Bitcoin in MetaTrader?
Yes, it is possible to trade Bitcoin via MetaTrader. You need to have an account with a CFD broker that offers MetaTrader as a platform and Bitcoin as a trading instrument.
What is the best platform for trading Bitcoin for beginners?
We rated BDSwiss as the best Bitcoin CFD broker for beginners thanks to its insightful educational content, intuitive web platform, and variety of account types.
What is the best platform for trading Bitcoin for professionals?
We rate MultiBank as the best Bitcoin broker for professionals due to various account types for professionals, free VPS hosting, and advanced functionality on MT4 and MT5 platforms.
Can I trade Bitcoin without a broker?
Yes, it is possible to trade Bitcoin without a broker by using peer-to-peer (P2P) trading platforms or decentralized exchanges (DEXs). These platforms allow users to directly buy and sell Bitcoin with other individuals without the need for a traditional broker or intermediary. P2P trading involves individuals placing buy and sell offers on the platform, and transactions are conducted directly between buyers and sellers. DEXs, on the other hand, operate on blockchain technology, allowing users to trade cryptocurrencies directly from their digital wallets.
How much do I need to start trading Bitcoin?
It is possible to begin trading Bitcoin CFDs for under $100. Bitcoin is divisible up to eight decimal places, which means that it’s possible to purchase a tiny fraction of a Bitcoin.
Do I need a crypto wallet for trading Bitcoin?
If you are trading Bitcoin on a cryptocurrency exchange, you may not necessarily need a separate crypto wallet. However, if you prefer to have full control over your Bitcoin and store it securely, using a separate crypto wallet is recommended. With a crypto wallet, you can store your Bitcoin in a wallet address that you control, rather than relying on the security measures of the exchange. This provides you with ownership and the ability to transfer your Bitcoin to other wallets or make transactions outside of the exchange.
Do I need a crypto wallet for trading CFD on Bitcoin?
No, you do not need a crypto wallet for trading CFD on Bitcoin. When you trade Bitcoin CFDs, you are speculating on the price movements of Bitcoin without actually owning the underlying asset. CFD trading is conducted through a broker or trading platform, and the broker handles the ownership and storage of the Bitcoin on your behalf.
Which Bitcoin broker has the lowest fees?
We rated IC Markets as the best Bitcoin broker for low fees with spreads as low as $7.32.
Can I trade crypto on forex?
In many cases, forex and CFD brokers offer crypto trading. These brokers allow traders to access various cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, alongside traditional forex pairs, indices, commodities, and other CFD instruments. The crypto trading functionality is typically integrated into the same platform used for forex and CFD trading, providing a convenient and consolidated trading experience for traders.
What is the difference between long and short positions in crypto CFDs?
Long positions mean that you have bought and short positions mean that you have sold without already owning the underlying instrument.
How do I withdraw funds from my crypto CFD trading account?
Funds can be withdrawn using various methods including bank wire, credit card, digital wallet, and cryptocurrency.
Are crypto brokers regulated?
The regulation of crypto brokers varies depending on the jurisdiction and the specific services they offer. In some countries, crypto brokers are subject to specific regulations and oversight, while in other jurisdictions, regulation for crypto brokers may vary or not be fully established yet.
About the Author
Dan BlystoneBroker Analyst
Dan Blystone began his career in the trading industry in 1998 on the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Later Dan gained insight into the forex industry during his time as a Series 3 licenced futures and forex broker. He also traded at a couple of different prop trading firms in Chicago. Dan is well-equipped to recommend the best forex brokers due to his extensive experience and understanding of the brokerage industry.
Why you can trust FX Empire
At FXEmpire, we strive to provide unbiased, thorough and accurate broker reviews by industry experts to help our users make smarter financial decisions.