I trade
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Brokers

The best brokers for trading your own money

13 regulated brokers, rated out of 10: real fees, regulation, platforms and markets. To trade your own capital, or to move on from a prop firm.

Broker type

Data checked in October 2026 on the broker's official website and specialist reviews. Fees and conditions can change: check them before opening an account.

Two ways to trade

Prop firm or your own money?

Prop firm

  • You pay for a challenge, not a deposit
  • Your loss is capped at the challenge price
  • Strict rules (drawdown, consistency)
  • You share the profits (80 to 100%)
Prop firms

Broker (own money)

  • You deposit your own money
  • You keep 100% of the gains
  • No imposed rules, you manage your risk
  • You can lose your entire deposit
Simulator
Methodology

How we rate brokers

Five criteria rated out of 10: real fees (spread and commission), strength of regulation, platforms, choice of markets and overall experience (track record, account opening, tools).

Should I use a prop firm or a broker?

A prop firm caps your loss at the challenge price but imposes rules. A broker leaves you 100% of the gains and full freedom, but it is your money at stake. Many traders start with a prop firm, then open a broker account once profitable.

Which broker to trade futures with my own money?

NinjaTrader, AMP Futures and Optimus Futures specialise in futures with intraday margins from $40 to $50 on micros. Interactive Brokers also offers futures alongside every other market.

Why is leverage capped at 1:30?

In Europe, the UK and Australia, the law caps retail leverage at 1:30 on major currency pairs to limit losses.

How do I know if a broker is reliable?

Check that it is regulated by a top-tier authority (FCA, ASIC, CySEC, BaFin, FINMA, CFTC/NFA) and that your account is opened with that entity, not an offshore subsidiary.

CFDs and futures are leveraged products: most retail accounts lose money. Only trade money you can afford to lose.