Top 2025 of the Best Brokers for Trading in Australia

A trading broker is a financial intermediary that allows you to place orders on the markets and trade many assets such as CFDs, Forex, cryptocurrencies or commodities, as an individual.

But what is trading and how does it work? How to choose the right broker to practice online trading?

Discover the top-rated brokers for this year, those that stand out for their quality of service, reliability, and ability to adapt to different market trends. On this page, we have compared for you the brokers with user-friendly platforms, tight spreads, access to MetaTrader 4 or 5, or those offering a unique social experience with copy trading.

What is a Trading Broker? Trading Definition

In English, the term "trading" refers to buying and selling operations that are carried out in the financial markets.

Individuals or professionals who carry out these operations are called "traders."

Trading can be carried out by professional traders who speculate from the trading floor or on behalf of a financial or stock market institution, but also by individual and independent traders who use online trading platforms for this purpose.

Good to know

Trading differs from traditional investment in that it aims for shorter-term gains and uses specific tools such as leverage to increase market exposure.

Trading Broker: Definition and Role

A broker, is a financial intermediary that allows investors to buy and sell assets on the financial markets. These assets can be diverse: stocks, currencies, commodities, indices, and more. The main role of a broker is to facilitate access to the markets for individual and institutional traders, by providing the platform, tools and services necessary to carry out transactions.

Brokers play an essential role in the trading ecosystem. They provide trading platforms that allow users to view real-time prices, place orders, and analyse the markets using technical indicators. In addition, they serve as a link between investors and stock exchanges, transmitting traders' orders to the markets, often in near real-time.

In addition to these basic functions, brokers may offer additional services, such as investment advice, market analysis, or training for beginners. They also play an indispensable role in ensuring the security of transactions and offering leverage that allows traders to increase the value of their positions, although this may increase the risks.

What are the best trading brokers in Australia in 2025?

Choosing the best broker depends on your trading strategy and the assets that interest you. Whether you are interested in Forex, copy trading, cryptocurrencies, or you prefer to use a specific platform like MetaTrader, some brokers stand out for the quality of their services. Here is a selection of the best brokers in Australia in 2025, according to the types of trading practiced.

Best broker for Forex trading

The foreign exchange (Forex) market attracts many traders due to its high liquidity and extended hours. To get the most out of Forex trading, several criteria must be considered before choosing a Forex broker :

• Competitive spreads on major currency pairs (like EUR/USD) help reduce transaction costs, especially for short-term strategies.
• Fast order execution is essential in such a volatile market, to limit slippage and ensure precise entry and exit points.
• High leverage, although risky, can be a strategic lever for experienced traders looking to maximize their exposure with limited capital. Leverage is capped at 1:30 for major currency pairs for retail clients in Australia.
• Reliable regulation (ASIC) ensures the protection of funds and compliance with industry best practices.
• Recognized platforms such as MetaTrader 4 or 5 (MT4/MT5), or cTrader, offer powerful technical analysis tools and an interface suitable for all trader profiles.

Certain Forex brokers combine these strengths to offer an optimal experience for both beginners and more advanced traders.

Best Broker for Copy Trading

Copy trading is an ideal solution for investors who want to benefit from the experience of professional traders without actively managing their portfolio. It allows you to automatically replicate the strategies of more experienced traders, while maintaining total control over the amounts invested.

Here are the main criteria to consider when choosing a broker suitable for copy trading:

• Integrated copy trading platforms: Some brokers offer their own social platforms, while others rely on recognised external solutions such as ZuluTrade or Myfxbook.
• Fee structure: Fees can vary between simple spreads, commissions on profits made, or copy fees charged on each transaction copied.
• Variety of assets offered: A versatile broker allows you to copy strategies across different markets such as Forex, stocks, cryptocurrencies or indices.
• Regulation: As with any financial service, it is essential to ensure that the broker is properly regulated by a recognised authority (FCA, ASIC, etc.).

Best Broker for Crypto Trading

Cryptocurrency trading is increasingly attracting investors, drawn by price volatility and opportunities for quick gains. To choose the right crypto broker, several criteria must be considered:

• Number of cryptos available: A varied offering allows you to diversify your portfolio beyond the classic Bitcoin or Ethereum, with altcoins with high potential.
• Competitive trading fees: Brokers generally apply spreads or commissions. Comparing fees is essential to optimise profitability.
• Trading platform: An intuitive, fluid interface equipped with technical analysis tools is a real asset, especially for active traders.
• Regulation and security: Even in the crypto universe, it is preferable to go through a regulated intermediary, which guarantees the protection of funds and compliance with regulatory standards in Australia.

Best Trading Broker with MT4 or MT5

MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) are essential platforms in the world of online trading. Known for their stability, compatibility with Expert Advisors (EAs) and their advanced technical analysis tools, they are used by both beginners and experienced traders.

To get the most out of these platforms, it is recommended to choose a broker that:

• Offers unrestricted MT4 and/or MT5, with all functionalities available (customisable indicators, automated trading, advanced order management, etc.);
• Offers competitive spreads, especially on major markets such as Forex, indices or commodities;
• Has a leverage adapted to the user's profile (with options up to 1:30 in some cases);
• Is regulated by a recognised authority, guaranteeing the security of funds and the reliability of the platform.

How to find the best broker for trading?

Choosing the best broker for trading is important if you want to succeed in your investments. A good broker will allow you to maximise your chances of gains while minimising risks, thanks to powerful tools, competitive fees, and quality customer support. Here are the main criteria to consider in order to find the broker that best suits your needs and your investor profile.

• Regulation and security: The first criterion to check is the broker's regulation. The broker must be regulated by a recognised financial authority, such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, CySEC in Cyprus, or the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) in Australia. Solid regulation ensures that the broker adheres to strict standards of transparency, security of funds and fair treatment of clients. The security of your funds and personal data should always be the priority.
• Fees and commissions: Fees are an important part of your trading costs. They include commissions per transaction, spreads (the difference between the buying and selling price), and possibly account management fees. Opt for a broker whose fees are clear and competitive, in order to minimise the impact of these costs on your potential gains. Watch out for brokers who offer very tight spreads but impose high commissions, and vice versa.
• The trading platform: The quality of the trading platform is another fundamental element. A good platform should be intuitive, reliable and offer quick access to market information. It should offer technical analysis tools (indicators, advanced charts), a user-friendly interface, and the ability to use advanced orders such as stop or limit orders. Some brokers offer popular platforms such as MetaTrader 4 or 5, while others have developed their own tools.
• Available assets: Depending on your investment strategy, you'll want to choose a broker that offers a wide range of assets: stocks, Forex, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies... Check if the assets you are interested in are available, and if the broker offers advantageous trading conditions on these assets (leverage, spreads, etc.). The diversity of financial products allows you to vary strategies and spread risks.
• Leverage and margins: Leverage allows you to amplify your exposure to the market, which can increase your gains but also your losses. Some brokers offer higher leverage than others, which may be attractive to experienced traders but risky for beginners. Check that the broker offers leverage levels that are in line with your risk tolerance, and that it provides clear explanations of the margins required. The maximum leverage allowed for retail traders in Australia is according on the regulation.
• Customer service and educational resources: Good customer service is essential, especially in the event of a technical problem or urgent question. Check that support is easily reachable, ideally in several languages, and that response times are reasonable. In addition to support, some brokers offer educational resources: tutorials, webinars, articles, to help you develop your trading skills. For beginners, these resources are a valuable asset.
• User reviews: User reviews and online tests are also a good source of information. They allow you to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each broker according to the experience of real customers. However, keep in mind that each experience is subjective: you need to cross-reference several sources of opinions to get a global and balanced picture.

How to Trade with an Online Broker?

Embarking on online trading involves several key steps: from opening an account to using the trading platform, including managing funds and risks. Here's an overview of the standard process offered by most online brokers.

1. Open a Trading Account

The first step is opening an account with a regulated broker. This process generally includes:

• Online Registration: You need to fill out a form with your personal information (name, email address, phone number), then choose your country of residence.
• Identity verification (KYC): To comply with international regulations, it is mandatory to provide a valid identity document and proof of address. This verification ensures account security and prevents fraud.
• Choice of account type: Brokers offer different types of accounts (standard, commission-free, with reduced spreads, etc.) adapted to various trader profiles.

2. Deposit Funds

Once the account is activated, the next step is to fund it:

• Deposit Methods: Most brokers accept payments by credit card, bank transfer, or e-wallets like Skrill, Neteller, or PayPal.
• Minimum Amount Required: The minimum initial deposit varies depending on the broker but often ranges from AUD $150 to AUD $375. It is advisable to start with sufficient capital to properly manage risk, especially when using leverage.

3. Using the Trading Platform (e.g. MT4/MT5)

Once the funds are deposited, you can access the chosen trading platform. The most common are MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5):

• Installation and connection: The platforms are available for download on your computer or in a web version. Once installed, simply log in with the credentials provided by the broker.
• Interface discovery: MT4/MT5 offer advanced features: real-time chart display, technical indicators, analysis tools, window customisation, fast order execution and automated management via trading robots (EAs).
• Demo accounts: It is strongly recommended to start with a demo account to familiarise yourself with the interface, test strategies and understand market mechanisms without risking your capital.

4. Practical Example: Forex Trading on AUD/USD

Let's take the example of a typical trade in the Forex market, trading the AUD/USD pair:

• Market Analysis: Before opening a position, it is strongly recommended to conduct a technical analysis. With MT5, you can use technical indicators (such as moving averages or Bollinger Bands) to identify a trend. Suppose you identify a bullish signal indicating that the Euro could strengthen against the dollar.
• Placing a Buy Order: On the Eightcap MT5 platform, click on "New Order". Select EUR/USD and choose the trading volume (for example, 0.1 lot). Then click on "Buy" to open a long position.
• Risk Management: To protect your capital, we recommend placing a stop loss. Imagine that you place a stop loss at 50 pips below your entry point to limit your potential losses. You can also set a take profit at 100 pips above your entry point, to lock in your gains if the market moves in your favor.

5. Monitor and Close the Position

• Monitoring : with MT5, you can monitor the evolution of your position in real time. The charts allow you to see if the trend is evolving as expected. You can also adjust your stop loss or take profit according to market movements.
• Closing the position : when the EUR/USD pair reaches your target or you consider the time right, you can manually close the position by clicking on "Close Position". If the take profit or stop loss are reached, the position will close automatically.

6. Analysis of Results and Adjustments

Once the position is closed, analyse the result:

• Gains or Losses: Suppose the EUR/USD reached your target of 100 pips profit. Depending on your position size, this means you have made a proportional profit. For example, with a volume of 0.1 lot, 100 pips could be equivalent to around AUD 100 profit.
• Trading Journal: Use the journal integrated into MT5 to review all the decisions made during this transaction. Understanding what worked well and what can be improved is essential to developing your trading skills.

Good to know

If you're a beginner, we advise you to choose an online broker that will also allow you to follow a trading education and offer you a demo account.

Are trading brokers secure in Australia?

Security is a top concern for investors when selecting a trading broker. In Australia, brokers are subject to stringent regulations to ensure the protection of investor funds and a secure trading experience. Below is an overview of the measures and regulations that safeguard brokers in Australia:

• Regulation and Supervisory Authorities: Brokers operating in Australia must be licensed by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). ASIC enforces strict standards to ensure brokers adhere to principles of transparency, risk management, and client protection.
• Segregation of Client Funds: ASIC mandates that brokers keep client funds in separate accounts from their operational funds. This segregation ensures that client deposits are protected and cannot be used by the broker for its own financial needs.
• Capital Requirements: Brokers are required to maintain a minimum net tangible asset (NTA) of AUD 1 million. This requirement ensures that brokers have sufficient financial backing to cover operational risks and obligations.
• Compensation Scheme of Last Resort (CSLR): In cases where a broker becomes insolvent and cannot meet its obligations, the CSLR provides compensation of up to AUD 150,000 to eligible consumers who have an unpaid determination from the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA).
• Negative Balance Protection: ASIC regulations include provisions for negative balance protection, ensuring that traders cannot lose more than their deposited funds, even in volatile market conditions.
• Transparency of Information: ASIC-regulated brokers are obligated to provide clear and detailed information about their trading conditions, including fees, spreads, leverage levels, and the risks associated with financial products. This transparency helps traders make informed decisions.
• Data Protection and Technological Security: Brokers must implement advanced technological measures to protect clients' personal and financial data. This includes the use of SSL encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), and robust security protocols to prevent unauthorized access.
• ASIC's Warning List: To further protect investors, ASIC maintains a warning list of unlicensed companies and scams. Investors are encouraged to consult this list to verify the legitimacy of a broker and avoid potential fraud.

By adhering to these regulations and standards, Australian brokers provide a secure environment for traders, ensuring that their investments are protected under a robust regulatory framework.

What are the fees charged by brokers for trading?

Here is a table summarizing the different types of fees charged by online brokers, with average rates or amounts as well as an example for each type of fee. This table is designed to give you an idea of the costs you may encounter when using a trading broker.

• Spreads: Spreads are fees automatically charged by brokers on each position taken by the trader. It represents a slight difference between the buying and selling price of a financial product. Depending on the broker and the asset chosen, the spread can be fixed or variable. In the case of a variable spread, the cost of this spread will vary depending on market volatility. Spreads represent the broker's main remuneration.
• Swap fees: A swap is a fee charged on a position between two market sessions. They, therefore, mainly concern traders practicing swing trading. Thus, and each time you keep a position open from one day to the next, fees are charged to your account as a charge. The amount of these fees varies depending on the broker's internal policy and depending on volatility.
• Withdrawal fees: Although not applied by all brokers and for all types of withdrawals, these fees may be charged when the trader withdraws money from their trading account. It should be noted, however, that depending on the withdrawal method chosen, it is possible to obtain free withdrawals from most brokers.
• Conversion fees: As the name suggests, these fees are applied to currency exchanges. A conversion may be applied by a broker if you invest in an asset denominated in US dollars with Australian dollars. 
• Account maintenance fees: Although these fees have become increasingly rare over time, some brokers still charge them and these are general fees. They can be billed monthly, quarterly, or annually.
• Inactivity fees: Some brokers also charge inactivity fees which are applied when the trader does not use their trading account for a certain period. Most often, these fees are only charged after 12 months or 24 months of inactivity. But some brokers apply them after 6 months. The amount of inactivity fees will also vary depending on the broker's policy and we advise you to check these before registering.
• Specific stock fees: Stock trading will also involve certain specific fees with some brokers. This may include subscription fees or additional commissions to the spread. Most often, these are fees charged in order to have access to real-time foreign market data.
• Guaranteed stop-loss order fees: Finally, some brokers also charge for the use of guaranteed stop-loss orders, even if this practice is also increasingly rare.

Which broker for trading with a demo account?

One of the most effective ways to learn online trading is to use a demo account to free demo account. These accounts are offered by many brokers and allow you to both test the platform offered and practice using different strategies before risking your own money. 

The demo account is funded with virtual capital that can be unlimited or limited. This is virtual money that you will use to make your investments under real market conditions. Similarly, the length of time you can use a demo account will vary from broker to broker.

A trading demo account allows you to enjoy various benefits including: 

• The opportunity to learn without taking risks: A demo account will allow you to speculate in real market conditions without risking your own capital and potentially losing it.
• The opportunity to learn how to use the platform: Also from a demo account, you will also be able to test most of the features offered by your broker's trading platform. This will allow you to practice using its features and tools safely.
• The opportunity to test trading strategies: Finally, the demo account also has the advantage of allowing you to test different trading strategies in parallel in order to detect the best solution and the best method.

How much can you earn with a trading broker?

It is, of course, difficult to say precisely how much you can earn from trading, as your earnings depend primarily on your experience, your level of knowledge, and your initial investment.

If you take the time to educate yourself and practice using a demo account, your potential earnings will also depend on the type of strategy you implement.

• With a strategy of Swing trading, you can expect an optimal return of around 10% per month.
• With a strategy of Day trading, you can expect an approximate return of 30% or more per month by spending 5 to 6 hours a day trading.

Of course, the amount you can earn as a retail trader will also depend on the amount you invest on the trading platform. Indeed, a 10% return on an account with a deposit of $1,000 AUD represents only $100 AUD, whereas if you deposit $10,000 AUD you could earn up to $1,000 AUD per month with an effective strategy.

Are Trading Profits Taxable in Australia?

Yes, trading profits are taxable in Australia. The way these profits are taxed depends on whether you are classified as an investor or a trader by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Here’s how trading gains are typically taxed:

• Capital Gains Tax (CGT): If you are considered an investor and hold assets such as shares or ETFs, your profits are subject to capital gains tax. If you hold the asset for more than 12 months before selling, you may be eligible for a 50% CGT discount, meaning only half of the gain is added to your taxable income.
• Ordinary Income Tax: If you are classified as a trader—i.e., you trade frequently and with the intention of generating regular income—your profits are treated as business income. In this case, gains are fully taxable at your marginal income tax rate, which ranges from 0% to 45%, depending on your income.
• Offsetting losses: Both investors and traders can deduct capital or business losses. Capital losses can only offset capital gains, but they can be carried forward indefinitely to offset future gains. Traders can deduct trading losses from their overall income, provided they meet the ATO’s requirements for carrying on a business.
• Record-keeping requirements: To correctly assess your taxable gains or losses, you must keep detailed records of all trades, including purchase and sale dates, amounts, fees, and any associated income (like dividends).

All our guides on trading in Australia

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.