Best CFD Demo Accounts

CFD demo accounts are a great way for UK investors to practise trading risk-free. Not just ideal for new or inexperienced investors, a paper trading profile can be the ideal place for traders to test a new strategy in a simulated environment. This guide will cover the pros and cons of using a CFD demo account, how they work and tips for getting started. We also list the best UK CFD demo accounts.

Top CFD Demo Accounts UK

  1. rating empty
    rating full

    In our recent assessment, Pepperstone remains a top-tier CFD broker, renowned for its speed and reliability. With execution times averaging 30ms and a remarkable 99.90% fill rate, traders benefit from a smooth experience free from requotes and dealing desk disruptions. Additionally, it offers extensive opportunities with access to more than 1,300 assets.

    FTSE Spread GBPUSD Spread Leverage
    1.0 0.4 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
    Stocks Spread FCA Regulated Platforms
    0.02 Yes MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade, Quantower
  2. rating empty
    rating full

    XTB provides an extensive choice of over 2,100 CFDs, covering forex, indices, commodities, stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies, depending on location. In the EU and UK, leverage is capped at 1:30, while global clients and professional traders can benefit from leverage up to 1:500. Renowned for its trading resources and tutorials, XTB excels in helping traders devise effective short-term strategies.

    FTSE Spread GBPUSD Spread Leverage
    1.8 1.4 1:30
    Stocks Spread FCA Regulated Platforms
    0.2% Yes xStation
  3. rating empty
    rating full

    FXCC provides a modest selection of CFDs beside forex, including metals, energies, indices, and cryptos. Nevertheless, it distinguishes itself by offering high leverage of up to 1:500. This feature appeals to seasoned traders wishing to enhance their purchasing power while betting on market fluctuations.

    FTSE Spread GBPUSD Spread Leverage
    Variable 1.0 1:500
    Stocks Spread FCA Regulated Platforms
    NA No MT4, MT5
  4. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade over 2,250 CFDs anytime from Monday to Friday across key markets, including forex, commodities, indices, stocks, and bonds. IC Markets leverages deep liquidity and cutting-edge bridge technology to offer ideal trading conditions for scalpers, hedgers, and algorithmic traders.

    FTSE Spread GBPUSD Spread Leverage
    1.0 0.23 1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global)
    Stocks Spread FCA Regulated Platforms
    0.02 No MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade, Quantower
  5. rating empty
    rating full

    FxPro provides a vast range of CFDs, including forex, commodities, indices, shares, and futures, which have expanded over time. The broker excels in analysis and charting, thanks to Trading Central integration, advanced order types, and custom indicators.

    FTSE Spread GBPUSD Spread Leverage
    171.63 0.6 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
    Stocks Spread FCA Regulated Platforms
    Variable Yes FxPro Edge, MT4, MT5, cTrader, AutoChartist, TradingCentral, DupliTrade, Quantower
  6. rating empty
    rating full

    IG provides over 17,000 CFDs, giving traders more opportunities than most brokers. Investors can trade long or short on key markets such as equities, forex, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. Additionally, customised price alerts and the IG Academy enrich the trading experience.

    FTSE Spread GBPUSD Spread Leverage
    1.0 0.9 1:30 (Retail), 1:222 (Pro)
    Stocks Spread FCA Regulated Platforms
    0.02 Yes Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral, ProRealTime
  7. rating empty
    rating full

    IC Trading excels in CFD trading, offering more than 2,250 assets across popular markets such as forex, commodities, indices, stocks, and bonds. With advanced bridge technology and substantial liquidity, the broker ensures favourable conditions for traders seeking leveraged short-term opportunities.

    FTSE Spread GBPUSD Spread Leverage
    2.133 0.23 1:500
    Stocks Spread FCA Regulated Platforms
    Variable No MT4, MT5, cTrader, AutoChartist, TradingCentral

Safety Comparison

Compare how safe the Best CFD Demo Accounts are and what features they offer to protect traders.

Safety Comparison
Broker Trust Rating FCA Regulated Negative Balance Protection Guaranteed Stop Loss Segregated Accounts
Pepperstone 4.6
XTB 4.6
FXCC 3.3
IC Markets 4.6
FXPro 4.4
IG Index 4.9
IC Trading 2.8

Payments Comparison

Compare which popular payment methods the Best CFD Demo Accounts support and whether they have trading accounts denominated in British Pounds (GBP).

Payments Comparison
Broker GBP Account Debit Card Credit Card Neteller Skrill Apple Pay
Pepperstone
XTB
FXCC
IC Markets
FXPro
IG Index
IC Trading

Mobile Trading Comparison

How good are the Best CFD Demo Accounts at mobile trading using apps or other mobile interfaces.

Mobile Trading Comparison
Broker Mobile Apps iOS Rating Android Rating Smart Watch App
Pepperstone iOS & Android 4.4 4.1
XTB iOS & Android 4.7 4.1
FXCC iOS & Android 4.8 4.4
IC Markets iOS & Android 3.1 4.2
FXPro iOS & Android 4.7 4.3
IG Index iOS & Android 4.6 4
IC Trading iOS & Android 4.8 4.6

Beginners Comparison

Are the Best CFD Demo Accounts good for beginner traders, that might want an affordable setup to get started, along with good support and educational resources?

Beginners Comparison
Broker Demo Account Minimum Deposit Minimum Trade Support Rating Education Rating
Pepperstone $0 0.01 Lots 4.6 4
XTB $0 0.01 Lots 4.3 3.8
FXCC $0 0.01 Lots 4.3 2.5
IC Markets $200 0.01 Lots 4.5 3.5
FXPro $100 0.01 Lots 4 4
IG Index $0 0.01 Lots 4.5 5
IC Trading $200 0.01 Lots 2.8 2.2

Advanced Trading Comparison

Do the Best CFD Demo Accounts offer features that allow for more advanced trading strategies?

Advanced Trading Comparison
Broker Automated Trading Pro Account Leverage VPS AI Low Latency Extended Hours
Pepperstone Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
XTB Open API 1:30
FXCC Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader 1:500
IC Markets Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, cBots on cTrader, Myfxbook AutoTrade 1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global)
FXPro Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, cBots on cTrader 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
IG Index Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, build your own on ProRealTime 1:30 (Retail), 1:222 (Pro)
IC Trading Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, cBots on cTrader 1:500

Detailed Rating Comparison

Use this heatmap to compare our detailed ratings for all of the Best CFD Demo Accounts.

Detailed Rating Comparison
Broker Trust Platforms Mobile Assets Fees Accounts Support Research Education
Pepperstone 4.6 4.4 4.3 3.8 4.5 4 4.6 4.3 4
XTB 4.6 4 4.4 4 4.3 4 4.3 4.1 3.8
FXCC 3.3 3.3 4.6 3 4 3.5 4.3 2 2.5
IC Markets 4.6 4 3.7 3.5 4.6 4 4.5 4 3.5
FXPro 4.4 4.3 4.5 4 4 3.8 4 4 4
IG Index 4.9 4.9 4.3 4.5 3.5 4 4.5 4.9 5
IC Trading 2.8 4 4.7 3 4 3.5 2.8 3 2.2

Our Take On Pepperstone

"Pepperstone is a premier trading platform, providing tight spreads, swift execution, and sophisticated charting tools for seasoned traders. Beginners benefit from no minimum deposit, comprehensive learning materials, and outstanding 24/7 support."
Tobias Robinson
Tobias Robinson
Reviewer

Pros

  • The award-winning customer support can be accessed through phone, email, or live chat. During tests, response times have consistently been under 5 minutes.
  • Over the years, Pepperstone has consistently garnered recognition from DayTrading.com’s annual awards. Recently, it was honoured as the 'Best Overall Broker' in 2025 and was the 'Best Forex Broker' runner-up the same year.
  • Pepperstone presents itself as an economical choice for traders, offering spreads as low as 0.0 in its Razor account. The Active Trader programme provides rebates up to 30% on indices and commodities, plus $3 per lot on forex.

Cons

  • Although its market range has improved, its crypto offerings remain limited compared to brokers specialising in this sector, lacking real coin investment options.
  • Pepperstone's demo accounts expire after 30 days, which may not provide sufficient time to explore various platforms and evaluate trading strategies.
  • Pepperstone doesn't offer cTrader Copy, a favoured feature for copying trades found in the cTrader platform, which is available on other platforms such as IC Markets. However, Pepperstone has launched its own user-friendly copy trading app.

Our Take On XTB

"XTB emerges as an ideal option for novice traders, offering the impressive xStation platform, zero commission pricing, no required minimum deposit, and outstanding educational resources, many of which are conveniently integrated into the platform."

Pros

  • XTB offers a superb array of educational resources, such as training videos and articles, embedded within the platform to assist traders of all experience levels.
  • XTB ensures swift access to funds, providing fast withdrawals with same-day payments for requests made before 1 pm.
  • XTB offers a diverse range of over 7,000 instruments, including CFDs on shares, indices, ETFs, commodities, forex, and cryptocurrencies. The platform also provides real shares, real ETFs, share dealing, and the latest addition, Investment Plans, serving both traders seeking short-term gains and investors focused on long-term growth.

Cons

  • XTB has stopped supporting MT4, restricting traders to its own platform, xStation. This decision may discourage experienced traders accustomed to using the MetaTrader suite.
  • The demo account lasts only four weeks, posing a challenge for traders wanting to fully explore the xStation platform and refine short-term strategies before investing actual money.
  • It is frustrating that XTB products do not allow traders to modify the default leverage level. Manually adjusting leverage can greatly reduce risk in forex and CFD trading.

Our Take On FXCC

"FXCC remains a top choice for forex traders, offering over 70 currency pairs, very tight spreads from 0.0 pips in tests, and high leverage up to 1:500 with the ECN XL account."

Pros

  • FXCC is a trusted and licensed broker under the regulation of CySEC, a leading European authority ensuring excellent safeguarding standards.
  • FXCC has introduced MT5, which in our evaluations, mirrored the trading conditions of MT4 by offering swift execution, improved charting, and market depth tools.
  • FXCC offers competitive and transparent ECN spreads starting from 0.0 pips, with no commissions. This makes it one of the most cost-effective forex brokers available.

Cons

  • The variety of currency pairs surpasses most options, but the choice of other assets is limited. Notably, stocks are absent.
  • The range of research tools, such as Trading Central and Autochartist, is quite limited. Leading platforms in this category, like IG, offer more advanced features.
  • Unaware traders might face steep withdrawal fees, such as a notable $45 for bank transfers.

Our Take On IC Markets

"IC Markets provides excellent pricing, swift execution, and easy deposits. With cutting-edge charting tools like TradingView and the Raw Trader Plus account, it continues to be a preferred option for intermediate and advanced traders."

Pros

  • IC Markets provides some of the industry's narrowest spreads, offering 0.0-pip spreads on major currency pairs. This makes it an extremely cost-effective choice for traders.
  • IC Markets provides reliable 24/5 support, especially for account and funding queries, drawing from direct experience.
  • As a well-regulated and reputable broker, IC Markets focuses on client safety and transparency to provide a dependable global trading experience.

Cons

  • IC Markets provides metals and cryptocurrencies for trading through CFDs, though the selection is narrower compared to brokers such as eToro. This limits opportunities for traders focused on these asset classes.
  • Interest is not paid on idle cash, a feature gaining popularity with alternatives such as Interactive Brokers.
  • Certain withdrawal methods incur fees, including a $20 charge for wire transfers. These costs can reduce profits, particularly with frequent withdrawals.

Our Take On FXPro

"FxPro is an excellent choice for traders, offering swift execution speeds under 12ms, reduced fees since 2022, and outstanding charting platforms like MT4, MT5, cTrader, and FxPro Edge."

Pros

  • FxPro provides four dependable charting platforms, including the user-friendly FxPro Edge. It features more than 50 indicators, 7 types of charts, and 15 different timeframes.
  • FxPro uses a 'No Dealing Desk' (NDD) model for swift and transparent order execution, usually within 12 milliseconds, making it well-suited for short-term trading strategies.
  • FxPro's Wallet is a notable feature enabling traders to securely manage their funds. It ensures additional protection and ease by separating unused funds from active trading accounts.

Cons

  • FxPro, with its $10M funded demo account and expanding Knowledge Hub, mainly caters to experienced traders. Beginners might find its account and fee structure challenging to understand.
  • FxPro offers customer support five days a week around the clock, accessible via various platforms, and the service quality is reliable based on tests. However, the absence of weekend support can be a drawback for traders requiring help beyond standard market times.
  • There are no passive investment options such as copy trading or interest on cash. While traders might not find these essential, competitors like eToro, which accommodate both active and passive investors, offer more extensive services.

Our Take On IG Index

"IG offers a complete package with an intuitive online platform, top-tier beginner education, advanced charting tools through its TradingView integration, real-time data, and swift execution for seasoned traders."

Pros

  • The ProRealTime advanced charting platform remains free, provided traders meet modest monthly activity requirements.
  • The IG app provides an excellent mobile trading experience with an intuitive design, earning it the Runner Up position in our 'Best Trading App' award.
  • The web-based platform supports traders at every level, offering advanced charting tools and real-time market data vital for trading. Additionally, IG now includes TradingView integration.

Cons

  • Beginners may find IG's fees complicated, as they vary depending on the trades or services. This could cause confusion and unexpected costs.
  • IG imposes a monthly inactivity fee of $12 after two years, discouraging occasional traders.
  • Based on tests, stock and CFD spreads remain less competitive than the lowest-cost brokers, such as CMC Markets.

Our Take On IC Trading

"IC Trading offers an ideal environment, featuring top-tier execution speeds of around 40 milliseconds, extensive liquidity, and advanced charting tools, perfect for scalpers, traders, and algorithmic traders."
Christian Harris
Christian Harris
Reviewer

Pros

  • Trading Central and Autochartist provide valuable technical analysis and actionable ideas. These tools are readily available within the account area or on the cTrader platform.
  • IC Trading offers top-tier spreads, with some major currency pairs like EUR/USD featuring spreads as low as 0.0 pips, making it an excellent choice for traders.
  • IC Trading provides exceptional flexibility, allowing traders to open as many as 10 live accounts and 20 demo accounts. This enables the management of distinct profiles for various activities, including manual and algorithmic trading.

Cons

  • The educational materials require significant enhancement unless accessed via the IC Markets website. This limitation is particularly disadvantageous for beginners seeking a thorough learning experience, especially when compared to industry leaders such as eToro.
  • Unlike IC Markets, IC Trading lacks support for social trading via the IC Social app or the ZuluTrade platform.
  • Although IC Trading operates under the reputable IC Markets group, it is licensed by the FSC in Mauritius, a regulator known for its limited financial transparency and lack of robust safeguards.

What Is A CFD Demo Account?

A CFD demo account is a simulated profile offered by many of the best online brokers. They aim to recreate the virtual experience of a live trading scenario.

Also known as paper trading accounts, these profiles essentially provide a risk-free opportunity for investors to learn platform features and get to grips with how contracts for difference work. They also provide a great setting for experienced traders to build and test a new or risky strategy.

Today, the majority of brokers offer some sort of practice environment for UK traders. However, the amount of virtual funds available and the duration that demo profiles remain active for varies. Brokers with CFD demo accounts also provide different financial assets with varying access to instant and delayed market data.

Demo Accounts Vs Live Accounts

The main difference between a CFD demo account and a live profile is that you do not risk losing any money with a practice account. You can place trades, amend charts or play with leverage, safe in the knowledge that your simulated positions won’t result in any financial losses. Pre-determined or flexible virtual balances are provided so you don’t have to practise trading with any of your personal capital.

The best brokers with CFD demo accounts will simulate real-time market conditions, meaning you can practise against live price shifts. Virtual leverage, spreads and commissions may also be applied to accurately mirror the live trading experience.

With that said, there are some key differences between CFD demo accounts and live trading profiles:

  • Additional Fees – You will not incur actual costs with a demo account profile. This means there are no overnight financing charges, trading commissions or floating/fixed spreads to pay. Equally, access to the broker’s CFD trading platform should be provided for free.
  • Flexibility – You have full flexibility within a paper trading account to open various positions of different sizes to explore different strategies. The only caveat is that most brokers will often have a minimum and maximum trade size.
  • Price Movements – Positions opened via a paper trading profile will not normally be subject to slippage or out-of-hours price movements. Slippage is the difference between your order price (or expected price) and the actual price you end up buying or selling at.

List of top CFD demo trading accounts UK

Brokers Offering CFD Demo Accounts

Below is a list of several CFD brokers that offer demo accounts to UK investors:

  • CMC Markets – Up to £10,000 in virtual funds, simple online registration (email address only), no time limit, available on proprietary terminal or MT4, secure login
  • FXCM – Up to £50,000 in virtual funds, simple online registration (email address only), no time limit but only Monday to Friday paper trading, secure login
  • XTB – Up to £10,000 in virtual funds, simple online registration (email address and contact number), 4-week time limit, available on proprietary terminal or MT4, secure login
  • IG – Up to £10,000 in virtual funds, more detailed online registration (name, email address and contact number), no time limit, available on proprietary terminal or MT4, secure login
  • eToro – Up to £100,000 in virtual funds, live account sign-up is required before being able to select ‘virtual portfolio’, no time limit to switch between live and virtual profile. Clients can also utilise the copy trading feature in the demo account setting

Importantly, all of the examples above provide paper trading services for free.

Pros Of CFD Demo Accounts

  • No Risk – CFD demo accounts are a great way to practise a new strategy, learn trading techniques or make risky decisions without the chance of losing real money
  • Learning – A demo profile without a time limit means you can spend time identifying any strategy shortcomings or faults and highlight key success points when making CFD trading decisions. It might also be worth keeping a journal
  • Build Confidence – Making investing decisions and being rewarded with hypothetical profit can build trading confidence. Additionally, experiencing failure can help tighten risk management strategies before real money is on the line
  • Practise – Paper trading profiles are ideal for complete novices to get to grips with trading CFDs. Play around with charting features or experiment with a new indicator without risking cash

Cons Of CFD Demo Accounts

  • Access To Features – Some brokers do not permit access to all trading terminals, tools or instruments within a CFD demo account. This may include being able to use advanced graphs, copy trading features or strategy builders
  • Emotional Disconnect – The comfort of trading with virtual funds in a completely simulated environment does not allow you to experience the psychological emotions of trading with real funds. It is easy to become risk-averse when high stakes aren’t on the line
  • Real-Life Trading Conditions – A broker may not provide access to truly live trading conditions within a paper trading profile. You may experience simulated pricing, tighter spreads or reduced commissions
  • Commissions – Not all brokerages will reflect the true expenditure associated with a live trading account. You may practise a specific strategy and come out with an acceptable profit margin within a demo profile. However in real-money trading, trading fees could quickly eat away at profits
  • Slippage – Typically, orders within a demo account are executed instantly. Therefore, inexperienced investors may get a false feeling of confidence that doesn’t take into account real-life slippage (when the price at which your order is executed does not match the price at which it was requested)

Getting Started

Choose A CFD Demo Account

Firstly you will need to find a broker that offers CFD demo accounts to new or existing clients. Information may be found on the broker’s homepage, via the FAQ section or in the account registration area.

If it is unclear, it might be worth reaching out to the broker’s customer service team to ask if a practice account is available. Alternatively, use our list of the top CFD demo accounts in the United Kingdom.

Comparing Brokers

The best brokers will provide a free CFD demo account containing all of the features of a live trading profile. This will include access to real-time market conditions, flexible trade sizes, leverage opportunities and wide market access.

It is also worth checking if the paper trading account is available on mobile devices. Get everything you would expect from a desktop paper trading account, including chart trading and technical analysis tools on your smartphone or portable device. Practise monitoring the markets and managing a CFD portfolio while on the go.

Also look out for additional features on the broker’s website that may come in useful when you progress to a live trading account. This could include educational content, a transparent fee structure and 24/7 customer support.

Register For A Demo Account

Once you have found a suitable broker with a CFD demo trading account, create a new profile. This is usually a simple process, requiring online registration only. Most brokers require basic personal details such as an email address and contact number to get started.

You can usually open a CFD demo account for the broker’s proprietary terminal or via the industry-renowned MetaTrader 4. Once an account is created, log in and start trading.

Practice

Once you have registered and opened a paper trading profile, you can begin investing. Spend some time understanding the features of the trading terminal, including all the tools and function buttons. It can feel quite complex at first, particularly for new traders.

Once you feel comfortable with the platform basics, start trialling simple trades before utilising advanced charts, graphs or indicators. Some professionals suggest beginners should place 50+ successful trades before committing to a live trading account.

Remember, there is no monetary risk involved so don’t be afraid to test a technique or strategy that feels risky.

Monitor

As they say, practice makes perfect! Even though no real money is at stake, it is worth taking notes and learning from the experience. You may find an asset of interest, learn a new strategy or become comfortable with a particular trading indicator.

And remember, there is no rush. An interesting find from Barber Lee in the paper ‘Do Day Traders Rationally Learn About Their Abilities’, indicated that 80% of day traders give up within the first two years of trading. With this in mind, start your journey slowly and when you have mastered the basics, invest small amounts to begin with. You can then look to build a long-term CFD investing career.

Bottom Line On CFD Demo Accounts

No matter your experience, CFD demo accounts are a useful tool. They provide a risk-free environment to test strategies, learn platform features or get to grips with a new asset. With no real money investment needed, you can view a broker’s offering before committing to a live profile.

Remember though, don’t become complacent. A false sense of security can be created, which often doesn’t play out in the real world.

FAQs

Why Should I Use A CFD Demo Account?

CFD demo accounts are a great way to practise trading in a risk-free environment. If you want to get into trading CFDs, explore a new platform or refine a strategy, demo accounts can be a good place to start.

What Are The Requirements To Open A CFD Demo Account?

The best brokers will have simple registration requirements to open a free CFD demo account. Often this will involve providing an email address and contact number via an online form. Nevertheless, some brokers may request an initial deposit commitment to a live account to access a paper trading environment.

Are There Any Risks Involved With Using CFD Demo Accounts?

From a monetary perspective, there are no risks. You can often trade with unlimited virtual funds.

Do All Brokers Offer A CFD Demo Account?

Today, the majority of established brokers, including IG, CMC Markets and Barclays, offer a CFD demo account.

How Will I Know If A Broker Offers A CFD Trading Demo Account?

The broker will usually list their demo account options within the ‘accounts’ or ‘trading platform’ sections of their website. If still unclear, contact the broker’s customer service team for support.