With CFD trading continuing its rise in popularity across Europe, we have conducted over 50 hours of research per broker to identify the standout providers. As experienced traders ourselves, we have extensively tested leading brokers available to European clients to determine the best CFD trading platforms in Europe.
Summary
Based on our rigorous evaluation, we have selected IC Markets as the leading overall CFD broker in Europe thanks to its 2,100+ share CFD offering, ultra-low 1 cent spreads, a suite of institutional-grade trading platforms, abundant tools and excellent trust rating from top-tier regulation. Below, we analyze IC Markets and the other top platforms in detail.
Best CFD Trading Platforms in Europe
1. IC Markets
IC Markets provides European traders access to over 2,100 global share CFDs through its MetaTrader and cTrader trading platforms. Spreads start from just 1 cent, making it a top choice for active CFD traders.
Key Metrics
- Global Rank: #19,332
- Bounce Rate: 40.18%
- Visits: 3.3 million
- Platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader
- Tools: Trading Central, Autochartist
IC Markets offers share CFDs from exchanges across Europe including Germany, France, Spain, Italy and the UK. Its Raw Spread account provides the lowest spreads starting from 0 pips. Advanced platforms, analysis tools and educational resources provide traders with an institutional-grade trading experience.
2. FlowBank
FlowBank delivers professional traders access to 1,000+ global CFDs on shares through its multi-asset FlowBank and FlowBank Pro platforms. Custom baskets simplify complex options and futures trading.
Key Metrics
- Global Rank: #167,670
- Bounce Rate: 62.66%
- Visits: 344,500
- Platforms: FlowBank, FlowBank Pro
- Tools: FlowTV, TSE Analysis
Boasting innovative tools like FlowTV for live analysis and trade ideas powered by TSE, FlowBank positions itself as a next-generation brokerage. Fees prove competitive for active traders while customer service options in English, German and French provide support.
3. Swissquote
As a Swiss banking heavyweight, Swissquote offers investors access to 335 share CFDs alongside forex, crypto, commodities ETFs and more, through user-friendly web and MetaTrader platforms.
Key Metrics
- Global Rank: #30,152
- Bounce Rate: 26.38%
- Visits: 1.4 million
- Platforms: Advanced Trader, MT4/MT5
- Tools: Autochartist, Trading Central
Swissquote has share CFDs from leading exchanges like Germany’s Xetra, France’s Euronext and the UK’s LSE. MetaTrader plugins like Autochartist and Trading Central Scanner aim to identify opportunities automatically. Multiple account tiers are available based on experience and deposit levels.
4. Eightcap
Featuring ultra-tight spreads from 0 pips, diverse platforms like MetaTrader and TradingView alongside innovative tools, Eightcap provides a compelling solution for active CFD traders.
Key Metrics
- Global Rank: #88,418
- Bounce Rate: 56.92%
- Visits: 614,200
- Platforms: MT4/5, TradingView
- Tools: Cryptocrusher, Capitalise.ai
Eightcap offers 500+ share CFDs alongside indices, forex, crypto and commodities. By connecting its raw spread MetaTrader account to Capitalise.ai, traders can build and automate strategies without manual coding. Custom indicators like Cryptocrusher aim to boost performance.
5. XTB
With 35 years of market experience, XTB is widely viewed as the leading CFD broker for beginner traders thanks to its user-friendly xStation 5 platform, abundance of educational materials and helpful customer support staff.
Key Metrics
- Global Rank: #8,693
- Bounce Rate: 33.18%
- Visits: 6.5 million
- Platforms: xStation 5
- Tools: Stock Screeners, Heatmaps
XTB offers quick and simple access to 1,900+ global share CFDs through its straightforward yet powerful proprietary platform. Useful built-in stock scanning and screening tools help traders identify opportunities. Customer service in 15 languages, including 24/5 chat support provides assistance.
CFD Cryptocurrency Trading
A relatively new but increasingly traded asset class on European CFD platforms is cryptocurrency. Brokers like Capital.com, Plus500 and eToro allow speculating on crypto price movements without needing to own Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dash and other coins.
Leverage caps are lower for cryptocurrency CFD products but are still widely available. Key benefits of purchasing cryptocurrency outright include fast execution, short selling, smaller position sizing and avoiding risks of hot wallet hacking related to owning coins directly.
As crypto volatility declined recently, trading cryptocurrency CFDs has become attractive for speculators seeking to profit from price swings in the asset class.
Fees for Buying Stocks in Europe
The all-in costs for trading mainstream share CFDs at leading brokers average ~0.3% round-turn, covering spreads, commissions and financing rates. So $10 per $10,000 traded roughly. Fees vary based on products, trade sizes and volumes, however. Always check broker fee schedules before opening an account.
Taxes on Stock Investing in Europe
Profits from CFD trading fall under capital gains tax regulation in most European countries. Rates differ by country. In the UK, for example, up to £12,300 in gains are tax-free each year. Higher-income taxpayers pay 20% CGT on profits above the threshold. Consult a tax advisor regarding your local country’s rules.
Conclusion
We recommend IC Markets as the top CFD broker for European clients based on its competitive fees, advanced MetaTrader and cTrader platforms, an abundance of risk management functionality, excellent client service and comprehensive educational resources alongside 2,100+ tradeable global share CFDs.
FAQs
What are the main benefits of trading CFDs on shares?
Some of the biggest advantages of trading CFDs on shares include the ability to short sell easily, leverage for greater market exposure, low costs relative to traditional share dealing, tax benefits in certain countries, access to a wide range of global markets, and tight spreads from top providers.
Which European CFD broker offers the widest range of global share CFDs?
In our extensive testing, we found XTB to provide the largest variety of global share CFDs available to European clients with over 1,900 instruments across leading exchanges like those in the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy and across Scandinavia
