Expert Investor
4,3 8 7,6 8 4
Investors served since 2012
Author: Emily Lanham
Trading Economist
Emily Lanham

Australian Day Trading

As an Australian citizen who has decided to enter the world of day trading, you are indeed very lucky. Australia has its own licensing and regulatory authority known as the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. ASIC, as it is usually known, oversees the financial conduct of all businesses involved with investment and issues licenses to brokers.

For day traders, this is a big bonus and means that they can carry out their business safe in the knowledge that their data and money is safe. All ASIC regulated brokers are required to undergo business health checks and their performance is continuously monitored to ensure that they adhere rigidly to the regulations ASIC sets out.

For you as a trader, knowing which brokers are legitimate and which are not is at best a time-consuming task and at worst, you may be misled by less-than-scrupulous brokers. This is where we come in by providing you with in-depth reviews of all the best ASIC brokers so you can concentrate on your trading strategies rather than the pros and cons of multiple brokers.

Top Rated CFD Sites

#1 - Pocket Option: Best Overall

Pocket Option Logo
9.8
Superb
Bonus Up-to $2000 Assets 130+
Min. Trade $1 *Payout % 92.76%
Over 130+ assets to trade now
Instant access to social trading
Single account option, for everyone
Tournament with prize of $50,000
IFMRRC is not an official regulator
Limited account funding methods
Deposit Methods
AMEX Bitcoin MasterCard Neteller
125 visited this site today
Pocket Option Review

Editors Summary

Pocket Option offers many excellent features to new and existing traders. When you check-out the various account types, you will see that they work with traders of any level – newbie, beginner, experienced, master etc. This site is so easy to use, and while CySEC does not license them, they have good feedback online and tick all of the boxes of a trusted broker. We love the ease of use and no-frills approach which is replicated with a great user experience.

#2 - Binarium: Best Free Demo

Binarium Logo
9.3
Excellent
Bonus Up-to $1600 Assets 120+
Min. Trade $1 *Payout % 91.48%
Over 120+ assets to trade now
Bigger deposit = more features
Business account for pro traders
Online platform, no download
Platform basic for serious traders
Slow response times for support
Deposit Methods
Visa Bitcoin Klarna Neteller
72 visited this site today
Binarium Review

Editors Summary

Binarium seems to offer everything that both the new and experienced trader needs. From the types of accounts and options available to the mobile offering and bonuses, they tick all of the usual boxes. While they don't have a CySEC or ASIC license, the fact that they have been operating for so long with a good name should be an indicator that they are trustworthy and reliable. If you want a broker that offers a good, all-around experience, then Binarium must make your shortlist.

#3 - IQcent: Best Mobile App

IQcent Logo
9.1
Very Good
Bonus Up-to $1000 Assets 150+
Min. Trade $1 *Payout % 89.72%
Over 150+ assets to trade now
Account options for every trader
Trading available 7 days a week
Super-fast 1 day withdrawals
Demo account has less features
UK-based, but licensed offshore
Deposit Methods
Visa Klarna PaySafeCard Neteller
34 visited this site today

Editors Summary

It is clear to see that IQcent mean business and that their all-around offering to traders is making them a serious competitor in the digital options market place. From their easy to use trading platform to the fact that they offer such good withdrawal terms, you can't help but feel that this broker is going to capture the market, quickly. With a base in London, reputable licensing, an acceptance of US customers they tick all the boxes when it comes what traders want.

Risk Warning / Ad Disclosure

Risk Warning: The products offered by the companies listed on this website carry a high level of risk and can result in the loss of all your funds. You should never risk money that you cannot afford to lose.

Ad Disclosure: Some of the links that you will find on this website are advertisements for which we do receive financial gain for referring new customers.

CFD Sites in Australia

Australia

When you begin your search for a broker, we recommend that you start by reading as many broker reviews as possible. This is really important because day trading often relies heavily on the availability of good spreads and high percentage leverage. There are other factors you will need to take into account as well, but these make a good starting point:

Mobile Trading

In modern society, is it less likely that you are going to spend all of your time at a desk and this is where the standard of your broker’s mobile platform becomes of major importance. While all brokers offer some form of mobile accessibility, some are better equipped for mobile clients than others. A broker that can give you a choice of mobile platforms has obviously invested some time and money into this side of the business.

Deals And Incentives

Although they may appear great at first glance, not all bonuses, ‘special’ deals and other incentives are as good as they may appear. They are often used by brokers to attract new clients, but when you take the time to read through the T&Cs for withdrawal, some are prohibitive. It is always best to look for a broker that offers fairness throughout all of its business, rather than using the giveaway tactic. In fairness, that may not apply to all brokers, but the main point is that you need to be certain before opting for the broker that is offering the biggest up-front incentive.

Diverse Asset Types

This is a subject that should be dear to the heart of every day trader. Unless you are particularly experienced and use a very specific trading strategy, then where assets and diversity are concerned, the more strings you have to your bow the better. Most brokers have some or all of the more common assets and derivatives available, such as indices, stocks, currencies and commodities, while others may operate a niche brokerage dealing in more exotic options like cryptocurrencies.

Good Customer Support

From time to time, everyone has a bad day and things do not go according to plan. It is on those days that you may need to rely on your broker’s customer support team to help you out. Good brokers will provide a quick and easy contact service, such as a toll-free telephone number, where experienced advisers are available for you throughout trading hours.

Broker Fees And Tax

Todays Top Traders
Trader Broker Asset Profit

All brokers are operating a business and will, therefore, have a fee structure. The majority of brokers offer day traders a choice of fixed or commission-based services. Fixed fees are designated per trade, whereas the commission-based ones are calculated as a percentage of the asset being traded and the amount of your investment.

There are also non-trading fees to take account of. These can include deposit/withdrawal charges, account maintenance or dormant account costs and subscription services for analytics, for example. All of these extras can eat into your trading profits, so it is important to check through the brokers T&Cs to establish these facts before signing up for an account.

As a day trader in Australia, you are liable for income tax on profits. Australian income tax is calculated on a sliding scale, so the amount you pay will depend on your annual income. Some investment types will also attract capital gains tax and you will also need to know the impact this may have on your potential trading profitability.

Australian Licencing

Australia has its own licensing authority, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), which oversees every part of the broker licensing process and monitors ongoing performance. ASIC is regarded as one of the best licensing authorities in the world due to the stringent requirements brokers must meet in order to hold a much-coveted AFS (Australian Financial Services) Licence.

Under its licensing regulations, ASIC ensures that investors receive the highest levels of service and security for their investment funds. All client funds are held in segregated accounts at regulated banks. However, as an Australian citizen, you are legally free to select any broker you wish to trade with. What you should bear in mind is that the security of your investment may not be protected as well by brokers licensed under certain less conscientious authorities.

Should you still prefer to use an offshore broker, it is highly recommended that you choose one which has an office in Australia and is correctly licensed by one of the more stringent licensing authorities, which include:

  • Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
  • Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC)
  • Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA)
  • EU Members (MiFID)

One thing to bear in mind is that some less-than-scrupulous brokers may claim that they are licensed under one of these authorities, but it is not always the case. A genuine broker will display its licensing badge and AFS Licence number prominently and allow access to view the licence itself.

Australia has its own licensing authority, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), which oversees.

How we Recommend Brokers

When we carry out our broker reviews for day traders, there are several very specific details we think are of more importance than for any other type of trader. Day traders operate in a very fast-paced environment, working on high numbers of low-profit deals at any one time, so the speed at which a broker can execute a trade is of primary importance here.

It goes without saying that we check out every broker we review for correct licensing and adherence to the terms laid out by its regulatory body. For Australia, we generally review ASIC-licensed brokers because of its policies with regard to protecting your investment.

We also rate the level of customer support offered by brokers. For day traders, we like to see 24-hour service and the provision of at least one immediate point of contact e.g. a toll-free telephone number or a live chat facility. We also expect to find a great mobile platform, equivalent to the broker’s main site and for transparency with regard to spreads, available leverage and margins.

Our Review Rating System (More Info)

10% 10% 10% 15% 15% 20% 20% Pie Core
  • Account Types
  • Banking & Payouts
  • Bonuses & Promotions
  • Mobile Trading
  • Trade Types
  • Special Features
  • Customer Support
Expert Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Is day trading in Australia legal and safe?

Day trading is legal in Australia and for the best in terms of safety, we recommend that you trade with a broker regulated and licensed by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

Do I need to pay fees and taxes on my profits?

Yes, and you will find that broker fees vary a great deal, so it is always best to examine the T&Cs for any broker of interest. Your profits must also be declared as income, so make sure that you keep adequate records of your day trading activities.

Can I test brokers before trading with real money?

Most brokers who offer day trading also have a demo platform or account available. With some brokers, you can maintain a demo and live platform, which is ideal for those who wish to test different strategies without risk to their capital.

Is it easy to make deposits and withdrawals?

The majority of brokers accept a number of different options and aim to make financial transactions as straightforward as possible. However, if you have a particular preference, always check first to see if it is available and that it does not attract additional fees.

Can I trade using my mobile or tablet device?

Any good broker will offer a mobile trading platform that is equally as good as its main website. However, you will need to ensure that both your device and Wi-Fi connection are up to the task as well.

Top Rated CFD Site

#1 - Pocket Option: Best Overall

Pocket Option Logo
9.8
Superb
Bonus Up-to $2000 Assets 130+
Min. Trade $1 *Payout % 92.76%
Over 130+ assets to trade now
Instant access to social trading
Single account option, for everyone
Tournament with prize of $50,000
IFMRRC is not an official regulator
Limited account funding methods
Deposit Methods
Klarna PaySafeCard MasterCard Neteller
157 visited this site today
Pocket Option Review
Risk Warning / Ad Disclosure

Risk Warning: The products offered by the companies listed on this website carry a high level of risk and can result in the loss of all your funds. You should never risk money that you cannot afford to lose.

Ad Disclosure: Some of the links that you will find on this website are advertisements for which we do receive financial gain for referring new customers.

Meet The Author
Emily Lanham
Emily Lanham
Trading Economist

Emily has written for us for 2 years, and with an education and career in economics, markets are something she understands. Working as a consultant for various financial institutions gives Emily the ability to devote a certain amount of her time to the site.

Related Pages