| Updated: December 9, 2024Software is one of the key factors that can help traders choose a forex broker. Trading firms tend to offer either proprietary software or popular third-party platforms, with MT4 and MT5 being the usual options. Another platform that many traders gravitate towards is cTrader, which offers investors an advanced and modern approach to trading. cTrader is supported by an increasing number of top-rated brokers, and it is a feature-rich solution catering to the preferences of various trading enthusiasts.
FP Markets73.85% of retail investor accounts lose money
Pepperstone75.5% of retail investor accounts lose money
IC Markets70.64% of retail investor accounts lose money
BlackBull Markets
FxPro74% of retail investor accounts lose moneyComprehensive Comparison of the Top 5 cTrader Forex Brokers
| cTrader Forex Broker | Forex Maximum Leverage | Min Deposit | Trust Pilot Rating | Regulators |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. IC Markets | 1:30 (European and Australian Retail Accounts); 1:500 (Pro); 1:1000 (FSA Clients) | $200 | 4.5 ⭐ | FSA (Seychelles), CySEC, ASIC |
| 2. Pepperstone | 1:30 (Retail ASIC, CySEC, FCA); 1:500 (Professional); 1:400 (CMA) | $0 | 4.6 ⭐ | UK FCA (No.684312), CySEC (No. 388/20), ASIC (No. 414530), BaFin (No.151148), DFSA, CMA, SCB (Bahamas) |
| 3. FP Markets | 1:30 (Retail)1:500 (Professional) | $50 (AU$100) | 4.7 ⭐ | ASIC, CySEC, FSA (Seychelles), FSCA, FSA (St. Vincent and the Grenadines) |
| 4. BlackBull Markets | 1:30 (Retail)1:500 (Professional) | $0 (Standard)$2,000 (Prime)$20,000 (Institutional) | 4.5 ⭐ | SFSA (No. SD045), FMA (No. FSP403326), FSA |
| 5. FxPro | 1:30 (Retail)1:500 (Professional) | $100 | 4.0 ⭐ | FCA (No. 45052), CySEC (No. 078/07), SCB (No. SIA-F184), FSCA (No.45052) |
Below, we have covered some of the best online forex brokers offering cTrader. Each brand on our list is authorized by top-tier regulators, ensuring that forex traders can enjoy a safe and fair trading experience.
Top cTrader Forex Brokers
- 1. FP Markets
FP Markets went live in 2005 and is currently one of the top destinations for forex traders. Competitively tight spreads, 60+ currency pairs, educational tools, and easy-to-use platforms are just a few of the perks FP Markets offers to its customers. Through authorizations issued by major regulators like CySEC and ASIC, this broker caters to traders from numerous jurisdictions.
FP Markets users will be able to choose from several platform options, with cTrader being one of them. FP Markets customers can open a standard and a raw forex account on the cTrader platform, and standard account holders will enjoy zero commission as fees are built into the spread.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 72.92% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. - 2. Pepperstone
Pepperstone ranks high in our shortlist of cTrader brokers, and it is known for offering some of the best trading conditions in the forex sphere. Founded in 2010, the broker has expanded its reach to numerous markets across the globe and now boasts licenses issued by CySEC, ASIC, DFSA, BAFIN, and CMA..
Striving to ensure that its customers can enjoy an excellent trading experience, Pepperstone features several platforms, including the innovative cTrader. Pepperstone users can access the cTrader platform at any time and place, no matter what device they prefer to trade on. The platform allows traders to make informed decisions thanks to tools like charts and market indicators, and they can also enjoy extremely fast orders.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 75.5% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. - 3. IC Markets
Australian-based IC Markets is a top-tier broker for forex traders, offering fair, secure, and competitive trading since its inception in 2007. The brand is authorized by tier-1 regulators like ASIC and CySEC, ensuring that traders’ funds are always protected. Additional security measures like negative balance protection and leverage limits are also in place.
Among the various platform solutions supported by IC Markets, traders will also discover cTrader. No matter the device they decide to use for their forex trading, IC Markets clients will have access to multiple advanced tools, including charts, cBots, drawing tools, and more.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 70.64% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Earning its spot on our list of top forex brokers, BlackBull Markets is a broker that has around a decade of experience in the online trading scene. BlackBull Markets now operates in over 180 countries and caters to thousands of traders. One of its licenses was granted by the Financial Conduct Authority (UK), a tier-1 regulator with an excellent reputation.
BlackBull Markets clients have several options to pick from platforms-wise, with cTrader being one of them. Its innovative features enable streamlined trading, and market analysis is aided by a wide selection of charts and tools. Accessible on both desktop computers and smartphone devices, cTrader allows BlackBull Markets clients to enjoy seamless trading pretty much anywhere.
- 5. FxPro
FX Pro opened its virtual doors in 2006 and is currently one of the most prominent brokers to welcome forex traders from far and wide. FX Pro manages to ensure competitive and secure trading for all of its members, boasting an average execution speed of under 11ms. To ensure a safe and fair trading environment, FX Pro follows strict regulatory guidelines imposed by reputable authorities like CySEC and FSCA.
Forex traders who make FX Pro their broker of choice can pick from several popular and user-friendly platforms, including cTrader. Adapted for both desktop and mobile devices, cTrader offers FX Pro members very low spreads, fast order execution, and access to multiple charting and analytical tools.
Trade Responsibly. CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 74% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
cTrader Forex Brokers Ranked by Trustpilot Score
| Forex Broker | Trustpilot Reviews | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. FP Markets | 7,092 | 4.7 ⭐ |
| 2. Pepperstone | 2,789 | 4.6 ⭐ |
| 3. IC Markets | 39,709 | 4.5 ⭐ |
| 4. BlackBull Markets | 808 | 4.5 ⭐ |
| 5. FxPro | 434 | 4.0 ⭐ |
What is cTrader?
Developed in 2011 by innovative fintech company Spotware Systems, cTrader is a trading platform focusing on forex and CFD products. This piece of software features a user-friendly interface with advanced instruments that can make any trader’s experience more modern, intuitive, and smooth.
Since it combines the latest technological advancements into one user-friendly platform, cTrader boasts a contemporary look when it comes to CFD and forex trading, with charts, drawing tools, and other advanced instruments making trading easier and more enjoyable.
Below you can find our video tutorial explaining how to use cTrader, recorded by Christopher Lewis, a prominent Forex trader and analyst.
Main Reasons to Use cTrader
In recent years, cTrader has become extremely popular in forex circles, especially among younger traders who are looking for alternative and easy-to-understand investment methods that could earn them additional profits. Multiple reasons are why the software has started to overshadow older platforms in the eyes of modern traders, with plenty of perks available only to cTrader users.
- No Conflict of Interest:Since cTrader hosts and manages every operation in its ecosystem, there is no way for brokers to meddle in cTrader’s affairs, meaning they will not have any say when it comes to price feeds, current and past trades, and traders’ orders. Instead, brokers are simply given the option to offer the cTrader platform to their clients and set up accounts, commissions, spreads, and other typical broker tasks.
- Feature-Packed Modern Platform:
cTrader is a modern and advanced piece of software featuring a wide range of instruments that allow users to easily track the markets, spot trends, and get an advantage over traders who rely on other platforms for their forex and CFD trades. - Direct and Attentive Support:The cTrader platform is updated on a regular basis to ensure a better trading experience for its users. Many of the improvements are based on traders’ feedback since every user can easily get in touch with cTrader’s support team, with contact forms including a dedicated Telegram chat group.
| Trading Platforms Comparison | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| cTrader | MT4 | MT5 | ZuluTrade | |
| Supported Trading Assets | Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto | Forex, Indices, Commodities | Forex, Stocks, Futures | Forex, Stocks, Indices, CFD Crypto, Commodities |
| Chart Types | bar, candlestick, line, dots, Heikin-Ashi, HLC, renko, and renge | line, bar, and candlestick charts | line, bar, and candlestick charts | N/A |
| Order Types | Market Order, Buy Limit, Sell Limit, Buy Stop, Sell Stop, Buy Stop Limit, Sell Stop Limit | Market Order, Pending Order (Buy Limit, Buy Stop, Sell Limit, Sell Stop), Stop Loss, Take Profit | Market Order, Pending Order (Buy Limit, Buy Stop, Sell Limit, Sell Stop, Buy Stop Limit, Sell Stop Limit), Stop Loss, Take Profit | Copy orders of other traders |
| Programming Language | C# | MQL4 | MQL5 | ZuluScript |
| Direct Deposit/Withdrawal Option | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Backtesting Feature | Yes | Yes (Strategy Tester) | Yes (Strategy Tester) | No |
| Automated Trading Instruments | cBots | Expert Advisors | Expert Advisors | Copy trading platform |
| Platform Pricing Options | Free | Free | Free | Free |
How To Connect a Broker to cTrader?
Traders who wish to have access to the cTrader platform and its related products must create their cTrader ID, or cTID for short. These are the credentials that are utilized every time a user wishes to access the cTrader platform while trading with any broker supporting the software. With cTrader, it is possible to open both Live and Demo accounts across different brokers. To access any of them, you must simply use your cTID and log in.
If you are using the cTrader platform of a specific broker, you can use your cTID to authorize any of the accounts you have created with the said broker. Meanwhile, if you are using a non-branded cTrader account, you can use your cTID to be authorized under any of the broker accounts you have created in the cTrader ecosystem.
You can set up your cTID by choosing to open an account on your broker of choice and selecting the cTrader platform. Follow the account creation steps as instructed, keeping in mind that you are required to use the same email as the one you provided during the registration with the respective broker. You can also join the cTrader ecosystem by launching a non-branded version of the platform, and you will have to enter your email and choose a password for your future cTID logins. Once you verify your email, your cTID will be ready, and you will be able to use these credentials to access the platform on any broker supporting cTrader.
What is the Cost of Using cTrader?
If you have chosen to trade on the cTrader platform, you will be allowed to open both Live and Demo accounts. The latter facilitate risk-free trading as you can use virtual money to simply explore the functionalities of the platform, practicing and honing your skills without the risk of losing real money. If you are confident in your trading and would like to place real money orders, you can opt for a live account option.
Any commissions that you will be charged while trading on the cTrader platform will depend on your broker. Often, brokers will charge no commission as it will be built into the spread. Nevertheless, the platform itself is free to use, but you may be charged fees depending on the trading conditions introduced your broker of choice.
Does cTrader Support Backtesting for Forex?
Many forex traders prefer assessing trading strategies by using the backtesting option that some platforms offer. cTrader also features backtesting, and it uses historical data to help traders review how a specific strategy would have worked in the past. Whenever cTrader users make use of this tool, cBots will trade based on past markets, using historical data. Before they start trading, traders will need to determine the conditions under which the cBots will carry out the test.
Once the cBots are done, cTrader will generate a thorough report, which will include the trades performed by the cBots as well as the final balance after the test is complete. This is a great tool that provides insight into how effective a given strategy can be in practice. We should also stress that during backtesting, cBots do not use real money, so your real balance will not be affected by the cTrader backtesting tool.
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