12 Best High Leverage Brokers in 2023 Reviewed – With Low Fees

High leverage brokers enable traders to buy and sell assets without needing to cover the full value of the position. This can be useful for a variety of strategies – especially day trading.

In this guide, we compare the 12 best high leverage brokers for 2023. Read on to explore the best brokers with high leverage, low fees, and supported markets.

The Best High Leverage Brokers List

Here’s a list of the best high leverage brokers for 2023:

  1. eToro – eToro is not only the best high leverage broker, but it also offers competitive fees. This regulated broker supports forex, stocks, commodities, indices, and more – not to mention copy trading tools. eToro requires a small minimum deposit of $10, and USD payments are processed fee-free.
  2. XTB – XTB offers leverage of up to 1:500, although limits will depend on the trader’s location. More than 2,200 global markets are supported, including gold, stocks, energies, indices, and forex. Standard accounts at XTB are commission-free and come with a minimum spread of 0.5 pips.
  3. Vantage – Vantage offers some of the lowest fees in the industry, with spreads starting from 0.0 pips. The minimum deposit is just $50, and leverage of up to 1:1000 is available. Nearly 50 forex pairs are supported in addition to hundreds of stocks, indices, and commodities.
  4. Trade NationA recognized high-leverage broker offering a transparent and secure trading experience with user-friendly features, high-security measures, and broad market access. It offers market-leading low-cost and fixed spreads on betting.
  5. Admirals – Admirals offers 1:500 leverage on specific products and is further a low-spread broker that recently rebranded and extended both its features and markets. It’s also been around for 20 years with a fantastic reputation among clients and has seamless MT4 and MT5 integration.
  6. Pepperstone – Pepperstone is a regulated trading platform that offers leverage of up to 1:30 for retail clients. Professional client accounts will be offered much higher limits. Nonetheless, Pepperstone is ideal for trading at wholesale prices, with its razor account offering spreads from 0.0 pips.
  7. AvaTrade – AvaTrade is a CFD broker that supports over a thousand markets. Leverage of up to 1:400 is available on major forex pairs and less on other assets. AvaTrade offers its own trading suite, as well as support for MT4 and MT5.
  8. Skilling – Skilling offers commission-free trading and spreads from 0.7 pips. The minimum deposit is $100, and hundreds of markets are supported. Retail and professional clients have access to leverage of up to 1:30 and 1:200, respectively.
  9. Forex.com – This is one of the best US forex brokers with high leverage. US clients can trade major forex pairs with leverage of up to 1:50. Minors and exotics come with lower limits at 1:20.
  10. Interactive Brokers – This established broker will appeal to seasoned traders seeking leverage, charting tools, and support for thousands of markets. As a US-based broker, Americans can trade forex with leverage of up to 1:50. As such, this is one of the best high leverage US forex brokers.
  11. FBS –  FBS offers one of the highest leverage limits in the industry. Traders can trade with leverage of up to 1:3000. This provides access to $3,000 in trading capital for every $1 risked. Supported markets include forex, stocks, and indices. FBS also supports some of the best emerging cryptos, including Filecoin and Solana.
  12. HFM – Formerly known as Hot Forex, HFM was launched in 2010 and now serves over 2.5 million clients. It offers access to over 3,500 trading instruments, including forex, commodities, stocks, and indices. Leverage of up to 1:2000 is available.

Best High Leverage Brokers Reviewed

Now we will review the 12 best high leverage brokers that were listed above. In addition to leverage, we also explore each broker’s fee structure, supported markets, regulatory status, trading tools, and much more.

1. eToro – Overall Best High Leverage Broker in 2023

eToro is the overall best high leverage broker to consider today. Although higher limits are available elsewhere, retail clients can still access leverage of up to 1:30. This is available on major forex pairs, such as EUR/USD and GBP/USD. Leverage of 1:20 is offered on minor pairs and gold, and 1:10 on indices and other commodities.

What’s more eToro is one of the best stock brokers with low fees. Thousands of stocks and ETFs can be traded with leverage of up to 1:5, and cryptocurrencies at 1:2. All supported markets can be accessed at competitive fees. For example, stocks and ETFs can be traded at 0% commission. This includes stocks listed in the US, Europe, Asia, and beyond. Cryptocurrency trading fees amount to 1% per slide.

eToro UK review

This includes some of the best cryptos to buy now, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and BNB. eToro also supports some of the best meme coins, including Shiba Inu and Dogecoin. When trading forex, indices, or commodities at eToro, traders only need to cover the spread. In terms of leverage fees, these are displayed when setting up an order.

We like that the fee is shown on a per-day basis, making it simple to assess leverage costs. eToro is also popular for its copy trading tools. This enables traders to passively buy and sell assets, with decisions made by an experienced pro. For instance, if the chosen trader goes long on GBP/USD and short on natural gas, the same positions will be copied over to the user’s portfolio.

etoro charts

When it comes to the account opening process, this rarely takes more than five minutes from start to finish. The minimum deposit starts from $10, and no fees are applied to USD payments. Depositing another currency will require a small 0.5% fee. Supported payment types include bank wires, debit/credit cards, and selected e-wallets.

The latter includes PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, and WebMoney. eToro is also one of the best high leverage brokers for its strong regulatory status. It holds licenses with the FCA, FINRA, CySEC, and ASIC. Moreover, eToro is an established broker that first launched in 2007. It is now used by over 30 million traders, making it one of the most popular brokers globally.

Number of FX Pairs 52
Max Leverage 1:30
Other Assets Stocks, ETFs, commodities, cryptocurrencies, indices
Pricing 0% commission for stocks and ETFs. 1% commission on cryptocurrencies. Spread-only trading on forex, commodities, indices, and other CFDs.
Spread for EUR/USD 1 pip
Platforms Proprietary web trading platform and mobile app
Accepts US Clients? Yes
Broker Type Market maker

What we like about eToro

  • Overall best high leverage broker in 2023
  • Thousands of supported markets at competitive fees
  • Simple account opening process that takes under five minutes
  • Regulated by the FCA, FINRA, CySEC, and ASIC
  • Copy trading tools supported

77% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

2. XTB – Commission-Free CFD Broker With Leverage of up to 1:500 

XTB is also one of the best high leverage brokers, with limits of up to 1:500 available. This permits up to $500 in trading capital for every $1 risked. The 1:500 limit is available on major forex pairs and most minors. Exotics, such as EUR/TRY, can be traded with leverage of up to 1:40. XTB is also ideal for trading commodities with leverage.

Gold comes with limits of up to 1:500 and other commodities at 1:67. XTB also offers leverage of up to 1:5 on stocks. This covers stocks from over a dozen markets, including the US, UK, Italy, and Germany. In addition to offering high leverage limits, XTB is also one of the best brokers for low fees. All supported markets can be traded commission-free, and spreads on major forex pairs start at 0.8 pips.

XTB review

What’s more, XTB offers fee-free deposits on debit/credit cards and bank wires. The drawback is that Skrill payments attract a fee of 2%. Nevertheless, there is no minimum deposit requirement. We also like XTB for its advanced trading platform, xStation 5. The platform supports high-level charting tools, including dozens of technical indicators.

xStation 5 supports multiple device types, including desktops and smartphones. That said, XTB does not support third-party platforms like MT4 or MT5. XTB does, however, offer a free forex demo account. This is ideal for first-time traders or those looking to test a new trading strategy. Finally, XTB is authorized and regulated in multiple jurisdictions, including the UK, Poland, Spain, and Belize.

For more details check out our full XTB review.

Number of FX Pairs 48
Max Leverage 1:500
Other Assets Stocks, ETFs, commodities, indices, cryptocurrencies
Pricing 0% commission for all supported markets
Spread for EUR/USD 0.8 pips
Platforms Proprietary web trading platform, desktop software, and mobile app
Accepts US Clients? No
Broker Type Market maker

What we like about XTB

  • Trade over 2,200 global markets with leverage of up to 1:500
  • No trading commissions and tight spreads
  • Top-notch trading platform xStation 5 supports multiple devices
  • Fast and hassle-free registration process

80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

3. Vantage – Low-Fee Trading Platform With Spreads From 0.0 Pips 

Vantage is a popular trading platform that offers super-low fees. That said, specific fees will depend on the chosen account type. For example, those opting for the STP account will have access to 0% commissions on all markets, with spreads starting from 1 pip. Alternatively, those opening a raw ECN account can trade with spreads of 0.0 pips alongside a commission of $3 per slide.

These account types come with a minimum deposit of just $50. There is also a pro ECN account that offers 0.0 pip trading with a lower commission of $1.50 per slide. But do note this requires a minimum deposit of $10,000. All supported account types come with a high leverage limit of up to 1:1000. This means that a $1,000 position would require a margin of just $1.

Vantage review

In terms of supported markets, Vantage supports nearly 50 forex pairs. It also supports indices, ETFs, commodities, and almost 800 global stocks. We also like that Vantage supports MT4 and MT5. The platform also enables traders to deploy expert advisors (EAs). Those looking to try Vantage without risking any money can open a risk-free demo account.

This comes with $100,000 in virtual trading funds, and it takes just 30 seconds to open. While the demo account is only valid for 30 days, lifetime access is available after making a deposit. Supported payment types include debit/credit cards, Skrill, Neteller, and bank wires.

For more information about this leading high-leverage broker check out our detailed Vantage Markets review.

Number of FX Pairs 49
Max Leverage 1:1000
Other Assets Stocks, ETFs, commodities, indices
Pricing Depends on the account type. Commission-free and zero-spread accounts are available
Spread for EUR/USD From 0.0 pips, depending on the account
Platforms MT4 and MT5
Accepts US Clients? No
Broker Type ECN, STP, and market maker

What we like about Vantage

  • Leverage of up to 1:1000 available
  • Multiple accounts to choose from – including commission-free and zero-spread trading
  • Minimum deposit of $50
  • Free demo account with $100,000 in virtual trading funds

Trading derivatives carries significant risks

4. Trade Nation – Broker With Broader Market Access and High Security With Low-Cost & Fixed Spreads

Trade Nation is an emerging high-leverage broker designed with the user in mind, offering a transparent and low-cost trading experience.

Starting with just 10 employees and two offices, Trade Nation has evolved into a global player with teams across continents, including the UK, Australia, South Africa, Seychelles, Malaysia, and The Bahamas. 

With an executive team boasting 200 years of collective industry experience, their commitment to low-cost trading has won many awards alongside an expanding user base.

Leverage trading offers both risks and rewards, and Trade Nation makes certain that customers are fully aware of both aspects. This feature is appealing to those seeking to amplify their gains.

Trade Nation

They provide zero-cost spread betting without hidden fees and protection against negative balances for non-professional traders.

What stands out is their security-first approach. Customer funds are in segregated accounts with reputed banks like Barclays, Santander, Westpac, and ABSA Bank. This ensures a secure separation between company and customer money. 

Furthermore, the platform is regulated by renowned agencies like the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), adding to its credibility.

Trade Nation

The trading tools are designed to keep the trader informed, with real-time news, market analysis, and reports available at your fingertips. 

Whether you’re a seasoned spread bettor or new to the products, Trade Nation’s proprietary platform, TN Trader, offers a simple and efficient way to create your trading strategies. Moreover, Trade Nation’s customer support is promising, with a team ready to assist 24/5 (Monday-Friday).

The platform’s vision is clear – trading should be accessible, transparent, and user-centric. With its dedicated team and customer-first approach, they aim to become one of the best high-leverage brokers on the market.

Number of FX Pairs Multiple
Max Leverage Up to 1:500
Other Assets Stocks, ETFs, commodities, indices
Pricing 0% commission; Low fixed-cost spreads; No hidden fees
Spread for EUR/USD Tight fixed-cost spreads
Platforms TN Trader, MT4
Accepts US Clients? No
Broker Type Spread Betting, CFD

What we like about Trade Nation

  • Transparency and Low Cost: Zero-cost spread betting, no hidden fees, and protection against negative balances.
  • Security Measures: Customer funds in segregated accounts with reputable banks regulated by FCA and ASIC.
  • User-Centric Tools: Real-time news, market analysis, and user-friendly platform (TN Trader) for various skill levels.
  • Experience and Growth: 200 years of collective industry experience, global expansion, and commitment to low-cost trading.

67.3% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

 

5. Admirals – 1:500 High Leverage Broker with 8,000 Instruments and Top Customer Service

Admirals is a high leverage broker offering up to 1:500, depending on the product in question. This provider has been in the market for over 20 years and has an impressive Trustpilot profile and an excellent standard of customer service that caters to over 20 different languages. 

Admirals operates in many jurisdictions and has six subsidiaries for the jurisdictions in which it operates. These are Admiral Markets UK Ltd, Admiral Markets Cyprus Ltd, Admirals AU Pty Ltd, Admiral Markets AS Jordan Ltd, Admirals SA (Pty) Ltd, and Admirals KE Ltd. 

The broker offers stocks, ETFs, bonds, FX, commodities, and indices, mainly available through CFDs. The exact leverage you will get depends on the product type (including subcategories) as well as the total amount being traded. 

For instance, leverage of 1:500 is offered for FX major pairs in a USD account, up to $7.5 million. This leverage reduces to 1:10 for amounts over $12.5 million. For exotic FX pairs, leverage of 1:25 is offered in USD accounts up to $1.5 million. 

For ASX200, DAX40, DJI30, FTSE100, NQ100, SP500 and respective future CFDs, leverage of 1:500 is offered up to $500,000, reduced to 1:10 above $4.7 million. Leverage for most commodities is 1:50 below $500,000 and 1:10 above $500,000. 

Aside from the leverage offered by Admirals, the company has a solid reputation, excellent customer service, and seamless MT4/MT5 integration that excels in FX trading. It also offers Islamic trading accounts, bonds, and fractional shares, catering to a wide variety of customers. 

Admirals has recently rebranded, extended its features, and expanded into other markets, such as South Africa. It’s a high leverage provider that is very reliable with a huge suite of offerings, and great technical features – a well-rounded platform with benefits for FX traders and regular investors.

Spreads with Admirals are also very competitive, though it again depends on what you are trading and the overall volume. 

Number of FX Pairs 82
Max Leverage Up to 1:500
Other Assets Stocks, ETFs, Commodities, Indices, Bonds, FX
Pricing Low fixed-cost spreads; No hidden fees
Spread for EUR/USD Tight fixed-cost spreads
Platforms MT4, MT5, MetaTrader WebTrader
Accepts US Clients? No
Broker Type Spread Betting, CFD

What we like about Admirals

  • Transparency: Fees are easy to understand and well laid out.
  • Reputation: This provider has a great reputation among clients and places emphasis on high levels of customer care.
  • Variety: Over 8,000 instruments with bonds, Islamic accounts, fractional shares, premium analytics, etc.
  • Low Spreads: Spreads as low as 0.8 pips for major currency pairs and as low as 1.0 points for the DAX40 CFD.
  • Experience and Growth: 20 years in the industry, recently expanded into the South African market.

74% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

6. Pepperstone – Trade Leveraged CFD Assets With Industry-Leading Spreads        

Pepperstone is a top-rated platform for trading leveraged CFDs. It offers access to over 1,200 markets, covering commodities, indices, forex, cryptocurrencies, and ETFs. Pepperstone also supports stocks from the US, Germany, Australia, Hong Kong, and the UK. Leverage limits are capped at 1:30, in line with FCA limits.

However, those that qualify as professional clients can trade with leverage of up to 1:200. We also like that Pepperstone offers low trading fees across two core account types. First, standard accounts are commission-free. Spreads on the standard account start from 1 pip on EUR/USD. Alternatively, there is also the razor account, which offers institutional-grade spreads.

Pepperstone review

This offers spreads from 0.0 pips on major pairs. Commissions on razor accounts are $3.50 per slide. Both account types offer access to MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView. There is no minimum deposit requirement at Pepperstone, and the platform accepts debit/credit cards and bank wires. In addition to CFDs, Pepperstone also supports spread betting markets.

That said, this is only accessible to those in the UK and Ireland. Pepperstone also stands out when it comes to analysis. The platform offers daily insights into the markets, in addition to expert opinion pieces. There is also live event coverage for important economic meetings, not to mention expert commentary.

Number of FX Pairs 60+
Max Leverage 1:30
Other Assets Stocks, ETFs, commodities, indices
Pricing Depends on the account type. Commission-free and zero-spread accounts are available
Spread for EUR/USD From 0.0 pips, depending on the account
Platforms MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView
Accepts US Clients? No
Broker Type ECN and market maker

What we like about Pepperstone

  • Accounts take just minutes to open and there is no minimum deposit requirement
  • Choose from a commission-free or zero-spread trading account
  • Supported platforms include MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView

80.9% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider.

7. AvaTrade – Heavily Regulated Broker With Support for MT4 and MT5       

AvaTrade is one of the best high leverage brokers for MT4 and MT5 accounts. Both of these platforms enable AvaTrade customers to trade commission-free. Spreads are usually competitive, with EUR/USD averaging just 0.9 pips. AvaTrade also offers its own native trading suite. This supports a wide range of analysis tools and can be accessed online or via the AvaTrade app.

Moreover, AvaTrade even has its own options trading platform. This supports over 40 forex pairs and gold. Outside of the options suite, AvaTrade also supports stocks, ETFs, bonds, commodities, and indices. AvaTrade will also appeal to traders that wish to automate their strategies. Automated trading is supported via AvaSocial, DupliTrade, and Capitalise.ai.

AvaTrade review

In terms of leverage, limits of up to 1:400 are available to retail clients. However, limits will depend on the trader’s country of residence. For instance, those based in the UK, Europe, or Australia will be capped at 1:30. Nevertheless, AvaTrade accounts take just seconds to open, and the minimum deposit is $100. AvaTrade also offers a free demo account for those wishing to test the platform before making a deposit.

Number of FX Pairs 40+
Max Leverage 1:400
Other Assets Stocks, ETFs, commodities, indices, cryptocurrencies, bonds, options
Pricing 0% commission on all supported markets
Spread for EUR/USD 0.9 pips
Platforms Proprietary web trading platform and mobile app. Separate platform for options trading. Also supports MT4 and MT5.
Accepts US Clients? No
Broker Type Market maker

What we like about AvaTrade 

  • Regulated in nine different jurisdictions
  • 0% commission across all supported markets
  • Supports MT4 and MT5

76% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

8. Skilling – User-Friendly CFD Broker With 0% Commission Trading      

Skilling is one of the best high leverage brokers for beginners. Its proprietary web trading platform is user-friendly, and all supported markets can be traded at 0% commission. Its native mobile investment app for iOS and Android is also ideal for newbies. Additionally, Skilling has also developed its own copy trading platform that supports over 800 strategies.

This means that Skilling customers can trade passively around the clock. There is also support for MT4 and cTrader, although these platforms are more suitable for experienced traders. When it comes to leverage limits, retail clients are capped at 1:30. Professional clients will receive increased limits at 1:200.

Skilling review

More than 900 trading markets are supported by Skilling. This includes stocks, ETFs, forex, commodities, and indices. Over 50 cryptocurrencies are also listed. This covers some of the best altcoins, including Ethereum, XRP, Litecoin, and Bitcoin Cash. The minimum deposit at Skilling is $100, and the platform accepts debit/credit cards, e-wallets, and bank wires.

Number of FX Pairs 73
Max Leverage 1:30
Other Assets Stocks, commodities, indices, cryptocurrencies
Pricing 0% commission on all supported markets
Spread for EUR/USD 0.7 pips
Platforms Proprietary web trading platform and mobile app. Also supports MT4 and cTrader.
Accepts US Clients? No
Broker Type Market maker

What we like about Skilling

  • One of the best forex brokers high leverage for beginners
  • Supports over 900 markets – including stocks, crypto, and forex
  • Offers copy trading tools with over 800 strategies
  • 0% commission trading on all markets

76% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

9. Forex.com – Top Forex Broker for US Clients Seeking Leverage          

US clients looking to trade currencies with leverage often consider Forex.com. This is an established trading platform with multiple regulatory licenses from the US, UK, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Australia, and the Cayman Islands. In terms of leverage, US clients can trade major forex pairs at 1:50. Minors and exotics usually cap US traders to 1:20.

Those outside of the US will be offered leverage limits based on which jurisdiction they fall under. For example, those in Australia will be capped at 1:30 on majors and less on other asset classes. Forex.com supports over 80 currency pairs alongside gold and silver markets. Those outside of the US can also trade CFDs across indices, stocks, and cryptocurrencies.

Forex.com review

In terms of fees, this depends on the chosen account type. For instance, standard accounts are commission-free. While raw accounts come with more competitive spreads alongside a small commission. Direct market access (DMA) accounts come with zero spreads and a higher commission.

Number of FX Pairs 82
Max Leverage 1:50
Other Assets Stocks, commodities, indices, futures, options, cryptocurrencies
Pricing Depends on the account type. Standard accounts offer commission-free trading.
Spread for EUR/USD From 0 pips, depending on the account type.
Platforms Proprietary web trading platform and mobile app. Also supports MT4, MT5 and TradingView
Accepts US Clients? Yes
Broker Type ECN and market maker

What we like about Forex.com 

  • One of the best USA forex brokers with high leverage
  • US clients can trade forex with leverage of up to 1:50
  • Non-US clients can trade thousands of CFDs – including stocks and crypto
  • Three account types to choose from

10. Interactive Brokers – Premium Brokerage Platform for Seasoned Pros           

We found that Interactive Brokers is also one of the best high leverage brokers accepting US clients. Its proprietary trading suite, Trader Workstation (TWS), offers some of the most advanced analysis tools in the market, This includes technical and economic indicators, drawing tools, customizable trading screens, risk management features, and real-time market data.

TWS also supports a wide range of order types, including take-profits, brackets, and OCOs. Interactive Brokers is also one of the best high leverage brokers for supported markets. This covers tens of thousands of assets across 150 markets, including stocks, funds, options, futures, currencies, and commodities.

Interactive Brokers review

Fees will vary widely on Interactive Brokers depending on the asset, market, and account type. For instance, US residents on the IBKR Lite account can trade domestic stocks and ETFs at 0% commission. While options and futures can be traded from $0.15 and $0.25 per contract, respectively. Currencies can be traded from 0.08 basis points, with spreads starting at 1/10 of a pip.

Number of FX Pairs 100+
Max Leverage 1:50
Other Assets Stocks, commodities, indices, futures, options, cryptocurrencies, bonds, mutual funds
Pricing Depends on the account type, country of residence, asset, and market.
Spread for EUR/USD From 1/10 of a pip
Platforms Proprietary web, desktop, and mobile platforms across IBKR GlobalTrader and Trader Workstation
Accepts US Clients? Yes
Broker Type ECN

What we like about Interactive Brokers  

  • One of the top forex brokers with high leverage for seasoned pros
  • US-based brokerage with leverage of up to 1:50
  • Supports tens of thousands of assets across 150 markets
  • Trade currencies from 1/10th of a pip

11. FBS – Huge Leverage Limits of up to 1:3000           

With limits of up to 1:3000, FBS is one of the best high leverage trading platforms in the market. Put simply, FBS offers $3,000 worth of trading capital for every $1 staked. This will appeal to those on a budget with a high tolerance for risk. 1:3000 leverage is available on standard accounts. This account type comes with 0% commission trading and floating spreads from 0.5 pips.

Alternatively, cent accounts support leverage of 1:1000, with 0% commissions and spreads from 1 pip. Additionally, FBS also offers ECN accounts, with spreads starting at 0.0 pips on EUR/USD. That said, ECN accounts come with a high commission of $6 per traded lot.

FBS broker review

Another drawback with FBS is that the number of supported markets is limited. For example, the platform supports just 36 forex pairs and 11 commodities. Moreover, just 127 stocks and 5 cryptocurrencies are listed. On the flip side, we do like that customer support is offered on a 24/7 basis. Moreover, FBS supports EAs and hedging strategies.

Number of FX Pairs 36
Max Leverage 1:3000
Other Assets Stocks, commodities, cryptocurrencies, indices
Pricing Depends on the account type. Commission-free and zero-spread accounts are offered.
Spread for EUR/USD From 0.0 pips, depending on the account
Platforms Proprietary mobile app. Desktop and web trading across MT4 and MT5
Accepts US Clients? No
Broker Type ECN, STP, and Non-Dealing Desk (NDD)

What we like about FBS  

  • One of the best forex brokers with high leverage – up to 1:3000
  • Multiple account types to choose from – including ECNs
  • Also supports some of the most promising cryptocurrencies

12. HFM – Popular Trading Platform With Over 2.5 Million Client Accounts           

Formerly known as Hot Forex, HFM is a popular trading platform that was launched in 2010. It supports over 2.5 million accounts and manages more than $2 billion worth of client deposits. Over 3,500 markets are available on HFM, including forex, commodities, stocks, bonds, and indices. HFM also supports cryptocurrency trading, with leverage of up to 1:10. This includes some of the best utility tokens, such as Ethereum and BNB.

Other assets come with significantly higher limits. For example, all supported forex pairs across the majors, minors, and exotics can be traded with leverage of 1:2000. Leverage of 1:2000 is also available when trading gold against the US dollar or euro.

HFM review

We also like that HFM supports four account types. The cent account offers 0% commission trading with spreads from 1.2 pips. While the zero account offers zero spread trading with commissions of $3 per traded lot. The zero, cent, and premium accounts do not have a minimum deposit requirement. But the pro account requires at least $100.

Number of FX Pairs 53
Max Leverage 1:2000
Other Assets Stocks, commodities, cryptocurrencies, indices, ETFs, bonds
Pricing Depends on the account type. Commission-free and zero-spread accounts are offered.
Spread for EUR/USD From 0.0 pips, depending on the account
Platforms Proprietary web trading platform mobile app. Also supports MT4 and MT5
Accepts US Clients? No
Broker Type ECN and STP

What we like about HFM  

  • Trade forex and gold with leverage of up to 1:2000
  • Supports zero-spread accounts
  •  Trusted by over 2.5 million clients

Best High Leverage Forex Brokers Compared

Below is a summarized overview of the 12 best high leverage brokers:

Broker Number of FX Pairs Max Leverage Other Assets Pricing EUR/USD Spread Platforms US Clients? Broker Type
eToro 52 1:30 Stocks, ETFs, commodities, cryptocurrencies, indices 0% commission for stocks and ETFs. 1% commission on cryptocurrencies. Spread-only trading on forex, commodities, indices, and other CFDs. 1 pip Proprietary web trading platform and mobile app Yes Market maker
XTB 48 1:500 Stocks, ETFs, commodities, indices, cryptocurrencies 0% commission for all supported markets 0.8 pips Proprietary web trading platform, desktop software, and mobile app No Market maker
Vantage 49 1:1000 Stocks, ETFs, commodities, indices Depends on the account type. Commission-free and zero-spread accounts are available From 0.0 pips, depending on the account MT4 and MT5 No
ECN, STP, and market maker
Trade Nation 30 1:500 Stocks, ETFs, commodities, indices Depends on the account type. Commission-free and zero-spread accounts are available From 0.0 pips, depending on the account MT4 and MT5 No
ECN, STP, and market maker
Admirals 82 1:500 Stocks, ETFs, commodities, indices, bonds, Depends on the account type. Generally $0.02 for stocks/ ETFs. From 0.6 pips, depending on the account MT4 and MT5, MetaTrader Web Trader, Mobile App No
ECN, STP, and market maker
Pepperstone 60 1:30 Stocks, ETFs, commodities, indices Depends on the account type. Commission-free and zero-spread accounts are available From 0.0 pips, depending on the account MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView No
ECN and market maker
AvaTrade 40 1:400 Stocks, ETFs, commodities, indices, cryptocurrencies, bonds, options 0% commission on all supported markets 0.9 pips Proprietary web trading platform and mobile app. Separate platform for options trading. Also supports MT4 and MT5. No Market maker
Skilling 73 1:30 Stocks, commodities, indices, cryptocurrencies 0% commission for all supported markets 0.7 pips Proprietary web trading platform and mobile app. Also supports MT4 and cTrader. No Market maker
Forex.com 82 1:50 Stocks, commodities, indices, futures, options, cryptocurrencies Depends on the account type. Standard accounts offer commission-free trading. From 0.0 pips, depending on the account Proprietary web trading platform and mobile app. Also supports MT4, MT5 and TradingView Yes
ECN and market maker
Interactive Brokers 100+ 1:50 Stocks, commodities, indices, futures, options, cryptocurrencies, bonds, mutual funds Depends on the account type, country of residence, asset, and market. From 1/10 of a pip Proprietary web, desktop, and mobile platforms across IBKR GlobalTrader and Trader Workstation Yes ECN
FBS 36 1:3000 Stocks, commodities, cryptocurrencies, indices Depends on the account type. Standard accounts offer commission-free trading. From 0.0 pips, depending on the account Proprietary mobile app. Desktop and web trading across MT4 and MT5 No
ECN, STP, and Non-Dealing Desk (NDD)
HFM 53 1:2000 Stocks, commodities, cryptocurrencies, indices, ETFs, bonds Depends on the account type. Standard accounts offer commission-free trading. From 0.0 pips, depending on the account Proprietary web trading platform mobile app. Also supports MT4 and MT5 No ECN and STP

What is Leverage in Trading?

Put simply, leverage enables investors to trade with more than they have in their brokerage accounts. Otherwise referred to as margin trading, leverage amplifies the trader’s stake by a certain multiple.

  • For example, most clients on eToro can trade with leverage of up to 1:30.
  • This means that a $100 stake can be amplified by 30x
  • As such, a $100 stake is boosted to $3,000

Now let's consider the outcome of the above example:

  • The trader secures gains of 5% on their leveraged position
  •  On the original $100 stake, that's gains of just $5
  • But with leverage of 1:30, this amplifies the $5 gains to $150

Although leverage increases the risk of loss, it can be a useful way to trade the markets with a small account balance. Moreover, leverage is also popular with day traders, considering the small profit margins that are targeted.

High Leverage Definition

The term 'high leverage' is subjective, as limits will vary greatly depending on the asset, market, and location of the trader.

For example, those in the UK, Europe, and Australia can legally only trade with leverage of up to 30:1 on major forex pairs. The same nationalities can access leverage of 1:20 on minors and gold, 1:10 on indices and other commodities, and 1:5 on stocks.

Those in the US can trade forex with leverage of up to 1:50. Although minors and exotics are capped at 1:20. The best forex brokers with high leverage for US clients are Forex.com and Interactive Brokers.

forex trading on eToro

That said, traders in the vast majority of countries have no leverage restrictions. As such, the amount of leverage available is determined by the broker. For example, some of the best offshore ECN brokers with high leverage include  FBS and HFM. These platforms offer leverage of up to 1:3000 and 1:2000, respectively.

Benefits of Trading with High Leverage

The overriding benefit of trading with leverage is that it amplifies successful positions. This will appeal to those on a budget, as well as day traders targeting small profit margins.

Now let's explore some of the key benefits of trading with leverage and who it might appeal to:

Low Amount of Trading Capital

Many traders are unable to enter the market because of a lack of trading capital. For example, those with an account balance of $100 are unlikely to make suitable gains to make the process worthwhile.

That said, trading with a high leverage broker enables traders to access a much larger amount of capital. For instance, those with a $100 balance on eToro can trade with up to $3,000. This is because eToro offers leverage of 1:30.

XTB, on the other hand, offers leverage of up to 1:500. This amplifies a $100 balance to $50,000.

Small Day Trading Margins

Leverage is also beneficial to day traders. This is because day traders target very small profit margins. After all, positions often remain in place for just a few hours or minutes.

  • For example, consider a day trader that makes 0.5% on a EUR/USD position
  • Let's say the trader risked $1,000 on the trade - meaning they make just $5
  • However, with leverage of 1:100, this amplifies the gains to $500

Just like day trading, leverage is also popular with scalpers. This is an even shorter-term strategy that targets micro-percentage gains. If you're interested, we have a detailed guide on the best day trading platforms for those looking to engage in short-term trading.

Confident Positions 

There will often be times when traders are extremely confident in their market speculation. In this instance, traders might want to amplify the amount they invest. Once again, this is where leverage can assist.

oil trading on eToro

For example, when oil hit lows of under $19 per barrel in 2020, many traders entered long-leveraged positions. This is because many traders were confident that oil prices would eventually recover once COVID-related travel restrictions were lifted.

When trading oil at eToro, leverage of up to 1:20 is available. This multiplies the trader's position by 20 times.

Risks of High Leverage Trading

When trading with leverage, the position can be liquidated if it declines by a certain amount. This means the trader will lose their entire stake.

Traders should also consider the risks when trading with high levels of leverage:

Liquidation

The main risk when trading with leverage is that the position is liquidated by the broker. This will happen if the trade value declines by a certain amount.

  • For example, let's suppose a trader enters a $500 position with leverage of 1:20.
  • This means the $500 position is amplified to $10,000.
  • In turn, the trader is only putting up 5% of the total position value
  • If the trade declines by 5%, it will be liquidated by the broker
  • This means the trader will lose their entire $500 stake

Now consider the risks of liquidation when trading with leverage of 1:2000. This means the position only needs to decline by 0.03% for the trade to be liquidated.

And hence, the higher the leverage multiple - the higher the risk.

Negative Balance

Depending on the broker and account type, traders should also consider the risks of their balance going into negative territory.

This can happen if the trade witnesses rapid volatility and the broker does not liquidate the position. In turn, a negative balance will mean the trader owes the brokerage money.

This can be disastrous for those unable to pay the debt. Fortunately, many of the best high leverage brokers discussed today offer 'negative balance protection'.

As the name suggests, this ensures the account balance never falls below $0.

Things to Bear in Mind Before Trading with Leverage

In addition to the risks discussed above, there are other considerations to make before trading with leverage.

First, it is important to remember that leverage limits are determined by various factors, including:

  • The asset being traded
  • The trader's country of residence
  • Whether the trader is a retail or professional client
  • The chosen broker

For example, we mentioned earlier that retail clients in the UK, Europe, and Australia are capped at the leverage of 1:30. But this limit is only available when trading major forex pairs. Other assets come with lower limits. For instance, stocks can be traded at 1:5.

However, most nationalities are not bound by the same restrictions. This means that brokers like XTB and Vantage offer leverage of up to 1:500 and 1:1000, respectively.

Another consideration to make when trading with leverage is the additional fees. This is because leverage is essentially a loan from the broker. As such, interest on the loan must be paid.

This is known as 'overnight financing', also referred to as 'swap fees'. Put simply, leverage fees will need to be paid for each day that the position remains open. This is usually implemented at a certain timeframe.

That said, day traders will not need to worry about overnight financing fees. This is because day traders exit all open positions before the markets close.

How to Trade With a High Leverage Broker

Now let's explore how to get started with the best high leverage trading platform for 2023 - eToro.

To recap, eToro offers retail clients leverage of up to 1:30, and it supports thousands of markets. This includes stocks, ETFs, forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and indices.

Step 1: Open an eToro Account

Visit the eToro website and click on 'Sign Up'.

Follow the on-screen instructions to open an account. This should only take a few minutes, including the KYC document process.

eToro open an account

To verify the eToro account, upload a government-issued ID and proof of residency. The latter can be an electricity or water bill or a bank statement.

Step 2: Deposit Funds 

Next, make a deposit into the eToro account.

eToro accepts Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, PayPal, WebMoney, Skrill, Neteller, and many other convenient payment types.

eToro deposit funds

Clients from the US and the UK can get started with just $10. But those from other countries need to deposit $50 or more.

Step 3: Search for Leveraged Market 

Now that there is capital in the eToro account, it's time to search for a suitable market to trade.

The eToro search box is the easiest way to find a market. In our example below, we are searching for GBP/USD. This is a major forex pair, meaning it comes with the highest leverage limit of 1:30.

etoro leverage trading

Alternatively, click on 'Discover' to manually explore eToro's supported markets.

Step 4: Place a Leveraged Trade 

The final step is to set up an order. Click on 'Trade' to populate the order box and choose from a buy or sell position. This indicates whether the trader believes the price of the asset will rise or fall, respectively.

Next, enter the amount of money to risk on the trade. In our example, we are risking $100.

etoro leverage trading

Then, choose the amount of leverage to add to the position. We have opted for 1:30, meaning our $100 stake boosts the position value to $3,000.

It is also wise to install a stop-loss order. This will instruct eToro to close the position if it declines by a certain amount.

Finally, after checking the order details, click on 'Open Trade'.

Conclusion

In summary, leverage is a risky tool that enables traders to amplify the value of their positions. Limits will vary depending on the trader's location and the asset being traded.

Overall, we found that eToro is the best high leverage broker for beginners. It offers leverage of up to 1:30 on forex and lower limits on stocks, cryptocurrencies, ETFs, indices, and commodities.

Trading and overnight fees on eToro are both competitive and transparent, and minimum deposits start from just $10. Moreover, eToro is regulated in multiple jurisdictions, including the US, Australia, Cyprus, and the UK.

77% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

References

FAQs

What broker gives the most leverage?

Should you trade with leverage as a beginner?

Kane Pepi

Kane Pepi is an accomplished financial and cryptocurrency writer who has an extensive portfolio of over 2,000 articles, guides, and market insights. With his expertise in specialized subjects such as asset valuation and analysis, portfolio management, and financial crime prevention, Kane has built a reputation for providing clear explanations of complex financial topics. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Finance and a Master's Degree in Financial Crime, and is currently pursuing his Doctorate degree, which focuses on investigating the complexities of money laundering in the cryptocurrency and blockchain technology sectors. Kane's wealth of knowledge and experience in the field make…