Best Brokers For Professional Traders 2025
Discover our top brokers tailored for professional traders, offering advanced tools, low latency platforms, and competitive fees to elevate your trading experience.
-
1
The FOREX.com pro account is recommended for frequent traders. It offers unique benefits such as individualized support, a wide range of liquidity options, and bank transfer fee refunds. The account provides up to 4.5% annual interest on daily margin balances up to $500,000, and an additional 1.5% for balances over $500,000. The commissions are also discounted, offering savings up to $40 per million.
-
2
OANDA US provides a professional trading account overseen by the NFA. It enables clients to benefit from dwindled fees, receiving up to $15 per million in rebates or enjoying minimal spreads from 0.1 pips with a $3.50 commission per trade. The service also includes a complimentary Virtual Private Server (VPS) for professional traders.
-
3
AvaTrade's professional account provides high leverage of up to 1:400 for forex trading and 1:25 for cryptocurrency trading. The account grants access to more than 1250 tools and reduced fixed spreads of 0.6 pips for forex trading. Traders can utilize both proprietary and third-party software. A minimum deposit of $100 is required to commence trading.
-
4
IC Markets is a genuine ECN broker offering a superior trading account with over 2000 financial instruments, including 60 forex pairs. It offers minimal spreads with a commission fee of $3.50; however, cTrader users enjoy a slightly lower commission of $3. Despite its advantages, it does not support a rebate program but provides negative balance protection for professional clients.
-
5
Pepperstone provides a leading professional trading account with leverage up to 1:500 and over 1200 CFDs. The Active Trader Program offers cash rebates up to 30% (index and commodities) and $3 per lot (forex). The Razor account features spreads from 0.0 pips with a commission of $3.50 per side. Fast execution speeds of around 30ms will attract high-volume traders.
How Safe Are the Top Brokers For Pro Traders?
Capital protection matters more as account sizes grow. See how these brokers with pro accounts will protect your large balance:
| Broker | Trust Rating |
Guaranteed Stop Loss |
Negative Balance Protection |
Segregated Accounts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
✗ | ✓ | ✗ | |
 |
✓ | ✗ | ✗ | |
 |
✗ | ✓ | ✓ | |
 |
✗ | ✓ | ✓ | |
 |
✗ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Broker | Trust Rating |
Guaranteed Stop Loss |
Negative Balance Protection |
Segregated Accounts |
Pro Trading on Mobile
We tested the mobile apps available with our top pro trading accounts - see how they performed:
| Broker | Mobile Apps |
iOS Rating |
Android Rating |
Smart Watch App |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
iOS & Android | ✗ | ||
|
iOS & Android | ✗ | ||
|
iOS & Android | ✗ | ||
|
iOS & Android | ✗ | ||
|
iOS & Android | ✗ | ||
| Broker | Mobile Apps |
iOS Rating |
Android Rating |
Smart Watch App |
Compare The Features At Our Best Professional Trading Accounts
See which professional-grade features are available at our top brokers:
| Broker | Automated Trading |
VPS |
API |
AI |
Pro Account |
Leverage |
Low Latency |
Extended Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | 1:50 | ✓ | ✗ |
|
Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | 1:50 | ✓ | ✗ |
|
Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro) | ✓ | ✗ |
|
Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, cBots on cTrader, Myfxbook AutoTrade | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | 1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global) | ✓ | ✗ |
|
Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Broker | Automated Trading |
VPS |
API |
AI |
Pro Account |
Leverage |
Low Latency |
Extended Hours |
Accounts Comparison
Compare the trading accounts offered by Best Brokers For Professional Traders 2025.
| Broker | Demo Account |
Interest on Cash |
Islamic Account |
Joint Account |
Managed Account |
PAMM |
MAM |
LAMM |
Pro Account |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
|
✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
|
✓ | USD: 2.7% | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
|
✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
|
✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Broker | Demo Account |
Interest on Cash |
Islamic Account |
Joint Account |
Managed Account |
PAMM |
MAM |
LAMM |
Pro Account |
Detailed Ratings: Best Brokers With Professional Trading Accounts
Explore how each broker performed in our independent scoring model spanning eight core categories:
| Broker | Trust |
Platforms |
Assets |
Mobile |
Fees |
Accounts |
Research |
Education |
Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|||||||||
|
|||||||||
|
|||||||||
|
|||||||||
|
|||||||||
| Broker | Trust |
Platforms |
Assets |
Mobile |
Fees |
Accounts |
Research |
Education |
Support |
Compare Trading Fees for Pro Accounts
We analyzed trading spreads, commissions and volume rebates to see which pro-friendly brokers offer the best value for serious traders:
| Broker | Cost Rating |
Fixed Spreads |
Inactivity Fee |
CFD Stocks Spread |
EUR/USD Spread |
Crypto Spread |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
✗ | $15 | 0.14 | 1.2 | BTC 1.4%, ETH 2% | |
|
✗ | $0 | ✗ | 1.6 | $100 | |
|
✓ | $50 | 0.13 | 0.9 | BTC <1%, ETH 2% | |
|
✗ | $0 | 0.02 | 0.02 | BTC 42.036 | |
|
✓ | $0 | 0.02 | 0.1 | BTC 30, ETH 0 | |
| Broker | Cost Rating |
Fixed Spreads |
Inactivity Fee |
CFD Stocks Spread |
EUR/USD Spread |
Crypto Spread |
Which Leading Brokers For Professional Traders Are Most Popular?
Find out which of these brokers see the highest sign-up rates:
| Broker | Popularity |
|---|---|
| Pepperstone |
|
| FOREX.com |
|
| AvaTrade |
|
| IC Markets |
|
Why Trade With FOREX.com?
FOREX.com is a top-tier brokerage suitable for forex traders of all skill levels. It offers more than 80 currency pairs, has small spreads starting from 0.0 pips, and features low fees. The platform provides powerful charting tools that include over 100 technical indicators and multiple research aids.
Pros
- Numerous educational materials such as tutorials, webinars, and a comprehensive YouTube channel are available to assist you in learning about the financial markets.
- FOREX.com provides top-tier forex pricing beginning at 0.0 pips. They also offer competitive cashback rebates up to 15% for dedicated traders.
- FOREX.com has over 20 years of experience with strong regulatory oversight, and has received multiple awards, including second place in our 'Best Forex Broker' awards. As such, FOREX.com is globally reputed as a reliable trading brokerage.
Cons
- The funding options are not as extensive as those of top competitors such as IC Markets and lack several widely-used e-wallets, particularly UnionPay and POLi.
- Demo accounts have a limited time duration of 90 days, which may not be sufficient for thoroughly testing trading strategies.
- FOREX.com has expanded their trading offerings, but these remain limited to forex and CFDs. Unfortunately, they don't provide options to invest in actual stocks, ETFs, or cryptocurrencies.
Why Trade With OANDA US?
OANDA is a reputable broker for US traders. It offers user-friendly tools for analysis and a simple sign-up process. It is very trustworthy due to heavy regulation.
Pros
- Experienced traders can use top-notch tools like an MT4 premium upgrade and advanced charting from MotiveWave.
- You can start trading as a beginner with no minimum initial deposit required.
- The broker provides clear pricing without any concealed fees.
Cons
- Few payment options are available and e-wallets are not supported.
- Customer support is not accessible during weekends.
- The trading markets are limited to only forex and cryptocurrencies.
Why Trade With AvaTrade?
AvaTrade provides traders with essential tools: an intuitive WebTrader, strong AvaProtect risk management, a quick 5-minute sign-up, and reliable support for fast-paced markets.
Pros
- AvaTrade introduced AvaFutures to provide low-margin access to global markets. In 2025, it expanded by adding CME's Micro Grain Futures, which are financially settled contracts at 1/10th the size of standard contracts for key commodities such as corn, wheat, and soybeans.
- The WebTrader performed well in our tests, featuring an easy-to-use interface for beginners and strong charting tools, including 6 chart layouts and over 60 technical indicators.
- AvaTrade's support team did well in tests, responding within 3 minutes and providing local support in major regions like the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.
Cons
- The AvaSocial app is satisfactory but could be better. Its design, usability, and navigation between strategy providers and account management need improvement to compete with top platforms like eToro.
- Signing up is easy, but AvaTrade doesn't offer an ECN account like Pepperstone or IC Markets, which provides raw spreads and fast execution that many traders want.
- While the deposit process is smooth, AvaTrade doesn't support crypto payments, unlike TopFX, which caters to crypto-focused traders.
Why Trade With IC Markets?
IC Markets provides excellent prices, quick execution, and smooth deposits. The utilization of sophisticated charting platforms such as TradingView and the Raw Trader Plus account makes it a preferred choice for intermediate to advanced traders.
Pros
- IC Markets won DayTrading.com's 'Best MT4/MT5 Broker' in 2025 for its top-notch MetaTrader integration, perfected over years to enhance the platform experience.
- IC Markets, a well-regulated and respected broker, emphasizes client security and transparency for a trustworthy global trading experience.
- IC Markets provides reliable 24/5 support, especially for account and funding matters, based on direct experience.
Cons
- Interest is not earned on unused funds, a feature commonly available at other platforms such as Interactive Brokers.
- Despite having four top-tier third-party platforms, there is no in-house software or trading app specifically designed for new traders.
- The range and quality of educational materials, such as tutorials and webinars, require improvement. This lag falls behind competitors like CMC Markets and reduces its suitability for novice traders.
Why Trade With Pepperstone?
Pepperstone is a leading choice for trading with low spreads, quick execution, and advanced charting for experienced traders. New traders benefit from no minimum deposit, a wealth of educational resources, and 24/7 support. Operating under ASIC regulation, Pepperstone is a top option for Australian traders and won DayTrading.com's 'Best Aus Broker' award for 2025.
Pros
- Pepperstone has won several annual DayTrading.com awards, including 'Best Overall Broker' in 2025 and 'Best Forex Broker' runner-up in 2025.
- Pepperstone provides impressive transaction completion speeds, averaging about 30ms. This allows for quick order processing and execution, making it suitable for traders.
- Get top-notch customer support through phone, email, or live chat. Expect responses within <5 minutes based on our trials.
Cons
- Pepperstone does not support cTrader Copy, a popular feature in the cTrader platform available at alternatives like IC Markets, though it has launched an intuitive copy trading app.
- Despite expanding its market range, crypto options are limited compared to other brokers in this area, and there is no option to invest in actual coins.
- Pepperstone's demo accounts last for 30 days. This might be insufficient for learning the various platforms and testing trading strategies.
Filters
How BrokerListings.com Chose the Best Brokers for Professional Traders
We selected the top brokers for pro traders by first identifying platforms that offer professional accounts designed specifically for professional traders, with advanced tools, higher leverage, and competitive pricing.
From there, we ranked them by their overall ratings, drawing on 200+ data points and direct platform testing by our experienced traders and industry experts.
What To Look For in A Professional Trading Account
Execution Speed That Doesn’t Miss a Tick
When you’re trading professionally, speed isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity. Every millisecond counts, especially if you’re running algorithms or scalping across volatile markets. In our tests, we paid close attention to execution speed and slippage rates.
Top Pick. IC Markets stood out for execution speed. It offers ultra-low latency, thanks to its Equinix NY4 and LD5 data center hosting, which links traders directly to a deep liquidity pool.
The broker utilizes a true Electronic Communication Network (ECN) execution, with no dealing desk intervention. That makes IC Markets ideal for veteran traders who rely on fast, clean price feeds and direct market access.
Tight Spreads That Boost Net Profit
For professional traders who rack up high volume, small costs add up fast. And the biggest day-to-day cost? Spreads. The tighter the spread, the less you give away on every trade – it’s that simple.
Whether you’re scalping, trading news events, or just in and out of the market multiple times a day, tight spreads can directly improve your net profitability.
We tested major pairs like EUR/USD and GBP/USD. We also looked at spread consistency, because no one wants great pricing one minute and ballooning spreads the next.
Top Pick: In our tests, Pepperstone consistently delivered some of the lowest spreads in the business. We saw EUR/USD spreads regularly hovering around 0.0 to 0.2 pips during peak trading hours, with commissions staying competitive enough to make the total trading cost razor-thin.
Pepperstone connects traders to a wide range of Tier 1 liquidity providers, which keeps spreads ultra-tight even during news events. And because this is true ECN-style execution, you’re not trading against the broker — you’re getting raw market pricing, with no artificial markup.
Pepperstone cTrader Spotware platform EURUSD order
Next-Level Tech for Smarter Trading Decisions
Professional traders don’t just want fast platforms; they need tools that help them analyze, automate, and execute trades with absolute precision. From advanced charting packages to API access and custom plugins, the right tech stack can sharpen your decision-making and streamline your trading.
We tested broker platforms for depth of features, integration options, execution flexibility, and overall usability. We also examined proprietary tools and third-party add-ons that can provide traders with an edge.
Top Pick: CMC Markets goes big on trading technology, and it shows. Their Next Generation trading platform is one of the most advanced proprietary platforms we’ve used. It offers over 115 technical indicators, customizable layouts, price projection tools, and real-time pattern recognition.
But it’s not just about quantity – it’s about what’s usable under pressure. We liked the module linking, which lets you sync charts, watchlists, and order tickets. That cuts down on distractions when you’re trading multiple instruments or scanning setups fast.
CMC also provides premium charting tools like pattern recognition, server-side execution for greater stability, and access to integrated news feeds and sentiment tools. Everything’s built in – no need for bolt-on tools or workarounds.
CMC Markets Next Gen platform pattern recognition tool
Flexible Leverage Without Overexposure
For professional traders, leverage is about control, not chaos. It should amplify opportunity without amplifying risk beyond reason. The best brokers offer adjustable leverage that respects your strategy, jurisdiction, and capital management rules, while also giving you room to scale.
We examined brokers that offer professionals the flexibility to manage their margin settings, trade with meaningful exposure, and maintain solid risk boundaries. Our tests included leverage limits by asset class, available margin calculators, and the clarity of broker risk warnings.
Top Pick: FxPro offers flexible leverage settings up to 1:200 for professionals, depending on the instrument and the jurisdiction you’re trading from.
But what impressed us more was the level of granular control. You can adjust your leverage per account, and in some cases, even by asset type, giving you tighter control over your risk exposure.
Combined with its fast execution and deep liquidity, it gives pros exactly what they want: the power to use leverage wisely, not mindlessly.
Built-In Risk Tools That Work as Hard as You Do
Professional traders don’t leave risk management to chance. They want tools that can automate protection, control losses, and manage exposure, especially during volatile sessions.
Whether it’s guaranteed stop-loss orders, partial closes, or margin alerts, the best brokers for pro traders bake risk controls right into the trading process.
In our evaluation, we looked at how easy it was to set and manage stops, whether margin tools were transparent and real-time, and what protections were offered when the market moves against you fast.
Top Pick: IG stands out when it comes to risk control features, particularly its guaranteed stop-loss orders (GSLOs). Unlike standard stops that can slip in volatile markets, GSLOs on IG’s platform lock in your maximum loss for a small premium. For professional traders with larger positions, that peace of mind is worth every pip.
We also found IG’s risk management dashboard intuitive and helpful. You can track margin use, pending exposure, and active risk across your portfolio all in one place.
IG web platform SPX 500 stop and limit orders
Account Options That Match Your Trading Strategy
Not every pro trades the same way — some run algorithms, some scalp, others swing or hedge across asset classes. The account you use needs to match that style.
Whether it’s raw spreads, commission-based pricing, or account types optimized for automation or volume discounts, the correct setup can give you a serious edge.
We examined brokers offering the best trading accounts with professional-level features, focusing on their cost structures, execution methods, minimum deposits, and trading conditions that align with real-world strategies.
Top Pick: Pepperstone offers an account specifically designed for high-volume or precision-driven trading. It combines raw spreads (we’re talking close to 0.0 pips on major pairs) with a transparent commission structure – ideal if you rely on exact pricing and frequent entries.
Plus, for professionals who use automation or need advanced infrastructure, Pepperstone supports VPS hosting, API access, and even account tiering for volume-based rebates.
Trusted Regulation That Gives You Confidence
When you’re trading serious capital, trust matters. Regulation isn’t just a box-tick – it’s your first layer of protection.
A broker’s licenses, operational transparency, and the jurisdictions it falls under can tell you a lot about how your money is handled and how disputes are resolved.
We dug into regulatory coverage, fund segregation policies, and what protections are extended to pro-level clients. We also looked at global reach, because many professionals trade across borders.
Top Pick: IG has one of the strongest regulatory footprints in the industry. It’s regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and several other top-tier regulators globally. That means your account is operating under some of the strictest financial standards out there.
For professional clients, IG also offers segregated account handling, giving you an added layer of fund protection, even if you opt out of retail-level investor protections. Transparency is high across the board — from pricing and order execution to how they manage client funds.
Trading Platforms That Go Beyond the Basics
Pro traders need more than just a clean UI and a few chart tools. They need speed, stability, depth, and adaptability. Whether you’re using MT4, cTrader, or a proprietary platform, the best setups support advanced order types, multi-chart layouts, automation, and precision under pressure.
We tested platforms across desktop, web, and mobile for execution reliability, feature richness, and how well they support real-world trading decisions – from scalping to long-term technical analysis.
Top Pick: CMC Markets offers one of the most complete trading platforms we’ve seen. The Next Generation platform is a proprietary system that surpasses MetaTrader’s standard offerings. You get advanced order types, drag-and-drop chart trading, multi-screen layouts, and over 100 drawing tools for deep technical analysis.
What stood out during our test sessions was the platform’s responsiveness under pressure — no lag when switching between instruments, even with dozens of charts open.
The integrated Reuters news feed and client sentiment tools also help professionals keep a pulse on both macro and market psychology. And for those who still want MetaTrader? CMC also supports MetaTrader 4, giving you the best of both worlds.
Custom Features That Adapt to You, Not the Other Way Around
When you’re trading professionally, one-size-fits-all platforms and settings don’t cut it. You need a setup that bends to your strategy, not the other way around.
That means customizable dashboards, adjustable order parameters, bespoke alerts, and even scripting options for automation or strategy testing.
We examined the level of control brokers provide traders over their interface, order settings, and strategy tools. We also considered how well platforms integrate with third-party systems or APIs for those who build their own tools.
Top Pick: FxPro gives professional traders serious customisation power. Across MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and their own FxPro Edge web platform, you can shape the entire trading environment to suit your style.
Want to tweak execution settings? Build your own indicators? Script your own risk models? You’ve got the tools to do it.
During testing, we particularly appreciated how easily we could configure workspace layouts, save multiple profiles, and automate repetitive tasks.
For coders or quant traders, FxPro supports both MetaQuotes Language (MQL) and cAlgo/C# environments — so you can build, test, and deploy EAs (Expert Advisors) or cBots without compromise.
Institutional-Grade Infrastructure for Pros
Professional traders demand infrastructure that matches the big players – fast servers, direct market access, and deep liquidity pools.
Having access to institutional-grade technology means smoother fills, less slippage, and better pricing, which directly impacts your trading performance.
We tested brokers’ backend setups, including server locations, liquidity partnerships, and whether they provide straight-through processing (STP) without interference. We also looked at value-added features like co-location services and dedicated support for high-volume traders.
Top Pick: IC Markets stands out by offering direct market access through their ECN (Electronic Communication Network) model, combined with server co-location in Equinix data centres. This means your orders get routed through some of the fastest infrastructure available, right next to global liquidity providers.
They also offer ultra-deep liquidity pools from over 50 Tier 1 providers, thereby reducing the likelihood of requotes or slippage. For professional traders using automated strategies or large order sizes, this setup provides an institutional feel without the typical barriers.
FAQ
What Qualifies As A Professional Trading Account?
A professional trading account is designed for experienced traders who meet specific criteria, often including high trading volumes, financial portfolio thresholds, or prior industry experience.
These accounts typically unlock higher leverage, lower spreads, access to institutional-grade liquidity, and advanced tools not available to retail clients.
Do Pro Accounts Offer Better Pricing Than Standard Accounts?
Yes, in most cases from our experience. Professional accounts often come with raw or ultra-tight spreads and lower commissions, especially for high-volume traders.
Brokers may also offer volume-based rebates or tiered pricing, making pro accounts more cost-efficient for active strategies like scalping or intraday trading.
Can Retail Traders Upgrade To A Pro Account?
It’s possible, but you’ll need to meet your broker’s eligibility requirements, usually based on trading experience, financial background, or qualifying as an Elective Professional under local regulations (like ESMA in the EU).
Some brokers offer a smooth process to apply, but approval isn’t guaranteed and may reduce certain regulatory protections.