Best Brokers For Short Selling 2025
We’ve tested the top performing brokers that allow short selling, selecting those with low fees, efficient platforms, and strong regulatory oversight for a secure trading experience.
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1
CFD Trading
Over 8,000 CFDs on various stocks, indices, forex, and commodities are offered. The TWS platform is ideal for experienced traders, providing a wide range of over 100 order types and algorithms, as well as premier market data from top sources like Reuters and Dow Jones.
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2
CFD Trading
RedMars provides short-term trading opportunities across several asset types, such as 7 commodities, 14 indices, and over 120 stocks. Traders can use leverage up to 1:30 (retail) or 1:500 (pro) to boost results. Still, it lacks a tool to help understand margin requirements and investment depth is limited.
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3
CFD Trading
CFDs can be traded on forex, indices, commodities, and cryptos, though with only 175+ instruments, it offers fewer options than alternatives like Quotex, which offers 400+. Leverage goes up to 1:500, but the minimum deposit of $250 is higher than many competitors.
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4
CFD Trading
Dukascopy provides leveraged CFD trading up to 1:200. Asset classes include currencies, equities, commodities, ETFs, and cryptos. Spreads start from 0.1 pips, and traders get 24/7 support, which tested well. The key feature is the security of trading CFDs via a multi-regulated broker and Swiss bank.
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5
CFD Trading
Capitalcore offers a limited variety of CFDs, including 6 precious metals, 6 indices, and a modest selection of stocks. It does not offer commodities like oil or gas and the spreads can differ significantly. Depending on the account, traders can leverage from 1:100 to 1:2000.
Compare Brokers
| Broker |  |
USD Account |
FTSE Spread |
GBPUSD Spread |
Stocks Spread |
Demo Account |
Minimum Deposit |
Minimum Trade |
Leverage |
Copy Trading |
Regulator |
Instruments |
Platforms |
Account Currencies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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✓ | 0.005% (£1 Min) | 0.08-0.20 bps x trade value | 0.003 | ✓ | $0 | $100 | 1:50 | ✗ | FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM | Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies | Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, TradingView, eSignal, TradingCentral, ProRealTime, Quantower | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF | |
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✓ | 15 | 0.7 | Variable | ✓ | €250 | 0.01 Lots | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) | ✗ | CySEC, AFM | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos | MT5 | USD, EUR | |
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✓ | 1.4 | 0.8 | N/A | ✓ | $250 | $0.01 | 1:500 | ✓ | IFMRRC | Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto | Online Platform, TradingView | USD, EUR | |
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✓ | 100 | 0.1 | 0.1 | ✓ | $100 | 0.01 Lots | 1:200 | ✗ | FINMA, JFSA, FCMC | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto, Bonds, Binary Options | JForex, MT4, MT5 | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, ZAR, TRY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD, PLN, CZK, AED, SAR, HUF, MXN | |
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✓ | 25 | 0.5 | 1.5 (Apple) | ✓ | $10 | 0.01 Lots | 1:2000 | ✗ | IFSA | Forex, Metals, Stocks, Cryptos, Futures Indices, Binary Options | WebTrader, Pro | USD | |
| Broker | |
USD Account |
FTSE Spread |
GBPUSD Spread |
Stocks Spread |
Demo Account |
Minimum Deposit |
Minimum Trade |
Leverage |
Copy Trading |
Regulator |
Instruments |
Platforms |
Account Currencies |
Safety Comparison
Compare how safe the Best Brokers For Short Selling 2025 are.
| Broker | Trust Rating |
Guaranteed Stop Loss |
Negative Balance Protection |
Segregated Accounts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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✗ | ✓ | ✓ | |
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✗ | ✓ | ✓ | |
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✗ | ✗ | ✗ | |
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✗ | ✓ | ✓ | |
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✗ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Broker | Trust Rating |
Guaranteed Stop Loss |
Negative Balance Protection |
Segregated Accounts |
Mobile Trading Comparison
Compare the mobile trading features of the Best Brokers For Short Selling 2025.
| Broker | Mobile Apps |
iOS Rating |
Android Rating |
Smart Watch App |
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iOS & Android | ✓ | ||
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iOS & Android | ✗ | ||
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iOS & Android | ✗ | ||
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iOS & Android | ✗ | ||
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✗ | ✗ | ||
| Broker | Mobile Apps |
iOS Rating |
Android Rating |
Smart Watch App |
Comparison for Beginners
Compare how suitable the Best Brokers For Short Selling 2025 are for beginners.
| Broker | Demo Account |
Minimum Deposit |
Minimum Trade |
Education Rating |
Support Rating |
Fractional Shares |
Demo Competitions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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✓ | $0 | $100 | ✓ | ✗ | ||
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✓ | €250 | 0.01 Lots | ✗ | ✗ | ||
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✓ | $250 | $0.01 | ✗ | ✗ | ||
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✓ | $100 | 0.01 Lots | ✗ | ✗ | ||
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✓ | $10 | 0.01 Lots | ✗ | ✗ | ||
| Broker | Demo Account |
Minimum Deposit |
Minimum Trade |
Education Rating |
Support Rating |
Fractional Shares |
Demo Competitions |
Comparison for Advanced Traders
Compare how suitable the Best Brokers For Short Selling 2025 are for advanced or professional traders.
| Broker | Automated Trading |
VPS |
API |
AI |
Pro Account |
Leverage |
Low Latency |
Extended Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Capitalise.ai & TWS API | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | 1:50 | ✓ | ✓ |
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Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) | ✗ | ✗ |
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✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | 1:500 | ✗ | ✗ |
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Yes (EAs & FIX APIs) | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | 1:200 | ✗ | ✗ |
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✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | 1:2000 | ✗ | ✗ |
| Broker | Automated Trading |
VPS |
API |
AI |
Pro Account |
Leverage |
Low Latency |
Extended Hours |
Accounts Comparison
Compare the trading accounts offered by Best Brokers For Short Selling 2025.
| Broker | Demo Account |
Interest on Cash |
Islamic Account |
Joint Account |
Managed Account |
PAMM |
MAM |
LAMM |
Pro Account |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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✓ | USD: 4.8%, GBP: 4.7% | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
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✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
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✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
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✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
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✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Broker | Demo Account |
Interest on Cash |
Islamic Account |
Joint Account |
Managed Account |
PAMM |
MAM |
LAMM |
Pro Account |
Detailed Rating Comparison
Compare how we rated the Best Brokers For Short Selling 2025 in key areas.
| Broker | Trust |
Platforms |
Assets |
Mobile |
Fees |
Accounts |
Research |
Education |
Support |
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| Broker | Trust |
Platforms |
Assets |
Mobile |
Fees |
Accounts |
Research |
Education |
Support |
Fee and Cost Comparison
Compare the cost of trading with the Best Brokers For Short Selling 2025.
| Broker | Cost Rating |
Fixed Spreads |
Inactivity Fee |
CFD FTSE Spread |
CFD GBP/USD Spread |
CFD Oil Spread |
CFD Stocks Spread |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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✗ | $0 | 0.005% (£1 Min) | 0.08-0.20 bps x trade value | 0.25-0.85 | 0.003 | |
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✗ | €20 one-off, €10 thereafter | 15 | 0.7 | 15 | Variable | |
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✗ | $10 | 1.4 | 0.8 | 0.05 | N/A | |
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✗ | CHF 100 | 100 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | |
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✗ | $0 | 25 | 0.5 | NA | 1.5 (Apple) | |
| Broker | Cost Rating |
Fixed Spreads |
Inactivity Fee |
CFD FTSE Spread |
CFD GBP/USD Spread |
CFD Oil Spread |
CFD Stocks Spread |
Broker Popularity
See how popular the Best Brokers For Short Selling 2025 are in terms of number of clients.
| Broker | Popularity |
|---|---|
| Interactive Brokers |
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| Dukascopy |
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Why Trade With Interactive Brokers?
Interactive Brokers is ideal for seasoned traders due to its robust charting platforms, updated data, and adaptability, especially with the IBKR Desktop application. Its exceptional pricing and advanced order features appeal to traders, and its variety of stocks remains unmatched in the market.
Pros
- IBKR provides a cost-effective platform for traders by offering low fees, narrow spreads, and clear pricing.
- IBKR, primarily designed for skilled traders, has expanded its appeal recently by eliminating its initial $10,000 deposit requirement.
- There's a large selection of free or paid research subscriptions available to all traders. If you subscribe to Toggle AI, you will also receive commission refunds from IBKR.
Cons
- IBKR offers many research tools. However, the tools are not uniformly distributed across trading platforms and the web-based 'Account Management' page, causing confusion for the users.
- Only one active session per account is allowed, which means you can't run the desktop version and mobile app at the same time. This can sometimes lead to a frustrating trading experience.
- TWS's platform may be difficult for beginners to grasp because of its complexity. Plus500's web platform, on the other hand, is more appropriate for those new to trading.
Why Trade With RedMars?
RedMars is suitable for expert traders in the EU who are comfortable with the MetaTrader 5 platform, as the broker is approved by the CySEC. However, due to its minimal education and research tools, it is not recommended for beginners.
Pros
- The broker accepts several payment options such as wire transfers, credit cards, e-wallets, and notably, cryptocurrencies for trading related transactions.
- Starting on RedMars is very straightforward. You can be operational in just a few minutes according to tests.
- EU clients can trade confidently with RedMars, as it is approved by the CySEC. In case of bankruptcy, up to €20K compensation is available through the ICF.
Cons
- The trading platform is simple, lacking advanced features like Islamic account, PAMM account, or copy trading.
- RedMars provides a constrained trading platform, offering just 300 instruments. This is quite limited compared to top competitors such as BlackBull Markets, which boasts 26,000 assets.
- RedMars' spreads are industry-standard, but they don't provide a substantial advantage over the least expensive trading brokers we have experience with, particularly IC Markets.
Why Trade With IQCent?
IQCent is ideal for traders who want a simple platform for binary options and CFD trading that has low fees and offers copy trading. It features a variety of accounts and requires less than a minute to get started with a $250 deposit.
Pros
- The broker offers dependable and quick 24/7 customer support, with responses typically issued within a minute.
- IQCent has expanded its assets by adding over 60 new options, including popular cryptocurrencies like TON and SHIB; leading stock CFDs such as TSLA and NVDA; and exotic FX pairs like THB and HUF.
- The broker provides payouts up to 98% on binary options. This is higher than other options such as Pocket Option, which offers only up to 92%.
Cons
- The market analysis is simple, offering few technical overviews and limited opinions from analysts.
- Automated trading is not available for algorithmic traders.
- IQCent lags behind binary brokers such as Quotex, offering a narrow selection of about 175 assets with few stocks.
Why Trade With Dukascopy?
If you're an experienced trader, Dukascopy offers the tools you need: JForex for algorithmic strategies, competitive spreads from 0.1 pips, leverage up to 1:200, and the assurance of a Swiss-regulated bank and broker.
Pros
- Dukascopy is regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) as a broker and a bank, providing high-level financial security and compliance with strict standards.
- Dukascopy offers top-notch research, including a professional TV studio in Geneva for financial news, market analysis, and daily expert insights.
- Dukascopy provides tight spreads starting at 0.1 pips, leverage up to 1:200 (based on jurisdiction), and volume-based commissions that benefit high-frequency traders.
Cons
- Certain account types, like MT4/MT5 accounts, need a higher minimum deposit of $1,000. This might not be suitable for traders with limited budgets.
- JForex offers many features, but its complexity makes it less ideal for beginner traders who might prefer simpler platforms.
- Dukascopy's withdrawal fees are higher than most competitors we've tested, especially for bank wire transfers, which may discourage traders who need frequent fund access.
Why Trade With Capitalcore?
Capitalcore offers up to 1:2000 leverage options and does not charge commission or swap fees. However, it lacks strong IFSA regulatory oversight and does not provide educational resources, making it less competitive than leading brokers.
Pros
- As a relatively new player in binary options, its transparent, accessible service earned second place in DayTrading.com's 2025 'Best Binary Broker' award.
- The support team is available around the clock and provided immediate, useful responses during our test.
- Capitalcore charges no swap fees, making it attractive for Islamic traders seeking to align with Islamic Finance.
Cons
- The platform only supports its own software and does not integrate with popular trading tools like MetaTrader or cTrader. These tools offer economic news and automatic trading features.
- Capitalcore's limited education and research offerings are inferior to top tier firms such as IG, making it less ideal for new traders.
- During testing, the web platform showed inconsistent performance, with occasional technical issues preventing the trading platform from loading properly.
Filters
Making Money from Falling Markets: A Guide to Short Selling
Short sellers make profits when they anticipate a decline in market prices. We’ve identified the top brokers for short selling by examining crucial factors such as available markets, fees, platform quality, account minimums, and our trust in the broker.
Choosing the Right Short Selling Broker
We used thorough assessments to find brokers that are reliable, offer a wide range of markets, have low fees, provide excellent trading platforms, and allow for low initial deposits.
Here’s how we broke down these factors and the process behind our evaluations.
Trust and Reliability
The first thing we looked at was the broker’s trustworthiness. We only included brokers that meet high standards of trust, such as having proper regulatory licenses and a strong reputation based on our expert evaluations.
For instance, eToro stands out with its solid track record of over 25 million users and approvals from major regulators like the US SEC and UK FCA.
Available Markets
Short selling involves making money when the price of an asset drops. Traders can do this using tools like contracts for difference (CFDs) or by borrowing stocks to sell and buy back later at a lower price.
We searched for brokers offering a wide variety of markets, such as company shares, stock indices, currencies, or cryptocurrencies, to give traders ample opportunities to profit from declining prices.
AvaTrade excels with its extensive market offerings, allowing traders to take short positions in over 1,250 stocks, indices, forex, commodities, and cryptocurrencies using CFDs.
Fees Insight
Short selling can come with costs like transaction fees, interest on borrowed funds, and typical interest rates on margin accounts.
We chose brokers that provide competitive rates, ensuring value for money by considering overall expenses and service quality. We regularly review and update pricing information to keep traders informed.
Moomoo stands out for its low fees, offering zero commissions and flexible rates that change with daily market conditions.
Trading Platforms
Traders need quick and efficient platforms or apps to get the best results. Top brokers provide valuable information about securities available for shorting and send alerts for significant changes in short interest rates and costs.
Interactive Brokers shines with its comprehensive IBKR’s Securities Loan Borrow (SLB), offering real-time updates on shortable quantities and borrowing rates throughout the day.
Account Minimums
Brokers with low minimum deposit requirements are more accessible, allowing all types of traders to begin short selling without risking large sums of money.
Recognizing the potential for traders with limited funds, we prefer brokers with minimum deposits of $500 or less.
Webull is exceptional in this regard, allowing traders to start short selling with no minimum deposit.
Our Evaluation Methodology
Here’s how we compiled our list of top short selling brokers:
- Regulatory Verification: We verified each broker’s license on the relevant agency’s website to ensure it was valid.
- Fee Comparison: We examined fees like commissions, interest on borrowing, and additional costs to offer a cost-effective environment for short sellers.
- Platform Testing: We evaluated platforms by placing practice trades to assess their suitability for short selling.
- Market Range: We investigated available markets and instruments to ensure plenty of trading opportunities.
- Account Accessibility: We checked that the minimum deposit for opening an account was reasonable for new short sellers.
FAQ
What Is Short Selling?
Short selling involves borrowing an asset and selling it, hoping its price will fall. Then, you buy it back later at a lower price, keeping the difference (minus fees). Alternatively, traders can use tools like CFDs, which don’t require owning the actual asset.
Can Anyone Short Sell?
Yes, thanks to online brokers, it’s now easier than ever to short sell stocks and other assets. By signing up with one of the brokers we listed, you can start short selling.
What Are the Benefits of Short Selling?
Short selling can be profitable. Markets don’t always go up indefinitely, and this strategy lets traders make money by predicting and profiting from price drops.
What Are the Risks of Short Selling?
Short selling can be risky. For example, buying one Bitcoin for $5,000 could see your investment grow as high as $60,000. However, if you shorted Bitcoin, you could lose more than your initial investment since there’s no cap on how high its price can go. This highlights how short selling might be riskier than just buying.