Gold CFDs let traders follow the gold price without owning physical gold. The common symbol is XAU/USD. For beginners, the safest start is a broker with clear regulation, clear gold leverage rules, and a platform that stays stable during fast moves. This guide compares eight brokers that offer gold CFDs using practical trading checks: regulation, leverage, costs, platforms, and funding methods.
! Risk Warning
Forex and CFDs are high-risk leveraged products. You can lose all of your invested capital and may lose more than your initial deposit if your account is not protected by negative balance protection. Trading is not suitable for everyone. This website provides general information only and does not provide investment advice.
Quick Summary:
- Capitalcore: Best overall for traders who want US access with a simple platform setup. Accepts US clients with no restrictions and full access to features. Minimum deposit is $5. Maximum leverage is 1:2000 with no restriction on gold.
- ActivTrades: Best for a strong regulation list that includes FCA (UK), plus a strong platform mix. Minimum deposit is $0, maximum leverage is 1:1000 (region-specific, mostly 1:400), gold is available at 1:1000 (region specific, mostly 1:200), and an inactivity fee applies.
- BlackBull Markets: Best for traders who want ECN / NDD and wide platform choice. Maximum leverage is 1:500 with no restrictions on gold. Minimum deposit is $0. MT4, MT5, cTrader, and a TradingView connection are supported.
- FXGlory: Best for fixed spreads and the highest listed leverage in this group. Minimum deposit is $1, maximum leverage is 1:3000, and gold is available with no restrictions, plus a 24-hour card withdrawal time.
- UnitedPips: Best for a simple fixed spread setup with US access. Accepts US clients with no restriction and full access to features. Minimum deposit is $10. Maximum leverage is 1:1000 with no restriction on gold.
- RoboForex: Best for broad market variety and high leverage. Maximum leverage is 1:2000 with no restriction on gold. Minimum deposit is $10, and no inactivity fee is charged.
- N1CM: Best for a low start size and high gold leverage. Minimum deposit is $5. Maximum leverage on gold is 1:1000 with no restrictions.
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DeltaFX: Best for traders who want account type choice in a spread style. Spreads are both fixed and floating, based on account type. Minimum deposit is $50. Gold is available at 1:1000 on all accounts.
Eligibility & Rules: What Traders Need to Know
Regulators and legal access
Broker regulation changes the rules that apply to leverage, onboarding, and protections. These eight brokers list different regulators, including FCA, SCB, FSC, CMVM, VFSC, FSA, IFSA, and the Anjouan Financial Authority. A trader should always check the broker entity shown during account sign-up, because the same brand can serve different regions under different rules.
Leverage limits and product restrictions
Gold CFD leverage is a key rule because it controls margin requirements. Some brokers in this list show no restriction on gold, while others show a specific gold leverage number such as 1:1000. ActivTrades offers gold at 1:1000 with a region-specific note (mostly 1:200). DeltaFX offers gold at 1:1000 on all accounts. FXGlory offers gold at 1:3000 on all accounts.
Availability (who can open an account)
Account onboarding requirements differ. ActivTrades and N1CM require full verification before opening an account. DeltaFX requires ID and address for account opening. FXGlory, Capitalcore, and UnitedPips require ID and address for withdrawal. BlackBull Markets requires ID, driver licence, passport, and a utility bill.
Safety Checklist: How to Verify a Broker
Licensing and oversight
- Confirm the exact legal entity name on the sign-up page and inside the client portal.
- Match that entity to the regulator name shown in the broker legal documents.
- Save a copy of the client agreement and the risk disclosure before funding the account.
Client money protection
- Check if the broker explains how client funds are held and separated from company funds.
- Check the withdrawal rules, including the card withdrawal time and any method-specific limits.
- Test a small deposit and one small withdrawal before scaling up position size.
Negative balance protection (if offered)
- Search the legal documents for negative balance protection wording.
- Confirm if the protection applies to the exact entity used for the account.
- Use stop loss orders and position sizing even when protection is listed.
How We Ranked These Brokers
Trust and regulation
Regulation strength and clarity came first, including how clearly the broker states its licensed entities and where the account is opened. Multi-regulator coverage and clear rules scored higher. The listed regulators and entity details were checked, and the licensing details were confirmed for the entities shown.
Total costs (spreads/commissions/fees)
Costs were ranked using spread type, inactivity fee status, and whether the pricing model is clearly described. Fixed and floating spread styles were treated as different tools for different trading plans.
Platform and execution reliability
Platform choice matters for gold CFDs because execution quality affects slippage. MT4, MT5, cTrader, web platforms, mobile trading, and TradingView connections were all included.
Funding and withdrawals
Fast, clear funding methods make it easier for beginners to manage margin. Card funding, crypto funding, PayPal, and common e-wallet options were checked, plus the card withdrawal time.
Support quality
Support matters when spreads widen, orders reject, or margin rules trigger. Brokers that list broad access and clear onboarding steps tend to reduce setup issues for beginners.
Comparison Table
| Broker | Regulation | Maximum Leverage | Leverage Restriction on Gold | Minimum Deposit | Inactivity Fee | Swap-Free Accounts | Spread Type | Market Variety | Platforms | Payment Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capitalcore | IFSA | 1:2000 | No restrictions | $5 | $0 | Available | Fixed | Forex, Stocks, Indices, Crypto, Precious Metals | Proprietary platform, Web platform, Mobile trading, (TradingView-based) | Cards, Crypto, PayPal |
| RoboForex | FSC | 1:2000 | No restriction | $10 | $0 | Available | Floating | Forex, Stocks, Indices, Crypto | Proprietary platform, Web platform, MT4, MT5, Mobile trading | Cards, Sticpay, Neteller, AstroPay |
| BlackBull Markets | FSA | 1:500 | No restrictions | $0 | $0 | Available | Floating | Forex, Stocks, Indices, Crypto | Web platform, MT4, MT5, cTrader, Mobile trading, TradingView connection | Cards, Crypto, Neteller, Skrill |
| FXGlory | IFSA | 1:3000 | No restrictions | $1 | $0 | Available | Fixed | Forex, Crypto, Precious Metals | Proprietary platform, Web platform, MT4, MT5, Mobile trading | Cards, Crypto, PayPal, Sticpay, Neteller, Skrill, Webmoney, Okpay |
| UnitedPips | IFSA | 1:1000 | No restrictions | $10 | $0 | Available | Fixed | Forex, Crypto, Precious Metals | Proprietary platform, Web platform, Mobile trading | Cards, Crypto, PayPal |
| N1CM | VFSC | 1:1000 | No restrictions | $5 | $0 | Available | Floating | Forex, Stocks, Indices, Crypto | Web platform, MT4, MT5, Mobile trading | Cards, Crypto, Sticpay, Neteller, Skrill, FasaPay, Bank Wire transfers |
| DeltaFX | AOFA | 1:1000 | No restrictions | $50 | $0 | Available | Both (based on account type) | Forex, Stocks, Indices, Crypto | Web platform, MT4, MT5, cTrader, Mobile trading | Cards, Crypto, Sticpay, Neteller, Webmoney, TopChange, ZiPay |
| ActivTrades | FCA, SCB, FSC | 1:1000 | 1:1000, region specific (mostly 1:200) | $0 | $10 per month after 12 months | Available | Floating | Forex, Stocks, Indices, Crypto | Proprietary platform, Web platform, MT4, MT5, Mobile trading, TradingView connection | Cards, Crypto, PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, Bank Wire Transfer |
Detailed Reviews
Capitalcore: Best Overall
Overview
Capitalcore (founded 2019, Saint Vincent) offers gold with no restriction at all and lists maximum leverage at 1:2000. Minimum deposit is $5. Spreads are fixed, starting from 0.4 pips. US traders can have full access to features without restrictions.
Regulation & safety
Regulation is listed as IFSA under registration number BR-2026-13681. Standard KYC is required for withdrawal.
Costs
Fixed spreads are offered, and no inactivity fee is charged. Swap-free accounts are available.
Platforms
Capitalcore lists a proprietary platform, web platform, and mobile trading. The proprietary platform is listed as Capitalcore Trading Platform, available in Pro and Classic versions on web with a mobile web version.
Pros
- US access is available with no restrictions and full feature access.
- $5 minimum deposit.
- Maximum leverage is 1:2000 with no restrictions on gold.
- Card withdrawal time is within 24 hours.
Cons
- No weekend trading.
Best For
Traders who want US access and fixed spreads on gold CFDs with 1:2000 leverage.
ActivTrades: Best for Strong Multi Regulator Coverage
Overview
ActivTrades (founded 2001, UK) offers gold CFDs with leverage listed up to 1:1000 on XAU/USD, while many accounts are capped at 1:200 depending on the entity. The minimum deposit is $0, and both news trading and scalping are allowed. Bank transfer arrival time is typically up to 5 business days.
Regulation & safety
Regulation is listed as FCA (UK), SCB (Bahamas), and FSC (Mauritius). Full verification is required before account opening.
Costs
Spreads are floating, and ActivTrades charges an inactivity fee of $10 per month if an account remains inactive for over 1 year (52 weeks) and still has a balance. Swap-free accounts are available.
Platforms
Platforms listed include a proprietary platform, web platform, MT4, MT5, mobile trading, and a TradingView connection.
Pros
- $0 minimum deposit.
- Broad platform list including MT4, MT5, and a TradingView connection.
Cons
- Inactivity fee applies.
- US access is excluded.
Best For
Beginners who want a strong regulation list and a broad platform setup for gold CFDs.
BlackBull Markets: Best for ECN / NDD Setup
Overview
BlackBull Markets (founded 2014, New Zealand) lists ECN / NDD execution. Gold is available with no restrictions. Maximum leverage is 1:500 and minimum deposit is $0. News trading and scalping are allowed. Card withdrawal takes up to 3 days.
Regulation & safety
Regulation is listed as FSA. Verification is listed as ID, driver licence, passport, and a utility bill. US traders are not accepted.
Costs
Spreads are floating, and no inactivity fee is charged. Swap-free accounts are available.
Platforms
Platform options listed include web platform, MT4, MT5, cTrader, mobile trading, and a TradingView connection.
Pros
- No minimum deposit.
- cTrader and a TradingView connection are supported.
Cons
- Maximum leverage is 1:500.
- Crypto CFDs are available with restrictions (maximum leverage of 1:2)
Best For
Traders who want ECN / NDD style execution plus MT4, MT5, and cTrader access for gold CFDs.
RoboForex: Best for Market Variety and High Leverage
Overview
RoboForex (founded 2009, Belize City, Belize) offers gold with no restrictions and offers maximum leverage of 1:2000. Minimum deposit is $10. News trading and scalping are allowed. Card withdrawal takes up to 2 business days.
Regulation & safety
Regulation is listed as FSC. Verification is a mandatory two-day process to confirm a client's identity (passport/ID) and residence (utility bill/bank statement) to activate trading accounts and enhance security.
Costs
Spreads are floating, and no inactivity fee is charged. Swap-free accounts are available.
Platforms
RoboForex lists a proprietary platform, web platform, MT4, MT5, and mobile trading. A TradingView connection is not listed.
Pros
- Maximum leverage is 1:2000.
- MT4 and MT5 are supported.
- No inactivity fee is charged.
Cons
- Crypto deposit is not available.
Best For
Traders who want high leverage and a broad instrument menu while trading gold CFDs.
N1CM: Best for Low Minimum Deposit and 1:1000 Gold Leverage
Overview
N1CM (founded 2017, Vanuatu) offers gold at 1:1000 with no restrictions. Minimum deposit is $5. News trading and scalping are allowed. Card withdrawal takes up to 3 days.
Regulation & safety
Regulation is listed as Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC). Full verification is required before account opening.
Costs
Spreads are floating, and no inactivity fee is charged. Swap-free accounts are available.
Platforms
Platform options listed include web platform, MT4, MT5, and mobile trading.
Pros
- $5 minimum deposit.
- Gold leverage listed at 1:1000 with no restrictions.
Cons
- Crypto CFDs are listed with leverage up to 1:20.
- cTrader and a TradingView connection are not listed.
Best For
Beginners who want a low minimum deposit and clear gold leverage numbers for XAU/USD CFDs.
DeltaFX: Best for Fixed or Floating Spread Choice
Overview
DeltaFX (founded 2002, UK) offers gold at 1:1000 on all accounts. Minimum deposit is $50. Scalping is allowed, while news trading is not allowed.
Regulation & safety
Regulation is listed as registeration as an International Business Company in Saint Lucia and licensed by the Anjouan Financial Authority. Standard KYC is required for account opening.
Costs
Spread type is both fixed and floating, based on account type. No inactivity fee is charged, and swap-free accounts are available.
Platforms
DeltaFX lists web platform, MT4, MT5, cTrader, and mobile trading.
Pros
- Gold leverage listed at 1:1000 on all accounts.
- Fixed and floating spread styles are offered, based on account type.
- cTrader is available alongside MT4 and MT5.
- Card withdrawal time is up to 2 days.
Cons
- News trading is not allowed.
- $50 minimum deposit.
Best For
Traders who want cTrader access and a choice between fixed and floating spread styles while trading gold CFDs.
FXGlory: Best for Fixed Spreads and 1:3000 Maximum Leverage
Overview
FXGlory (founded 2011, Saint Lucia) offers gold with no restrictions and maximum leverage of 1:3000. Minimum deposit is $1. Spreads are fixed. Scalping and copy trading are allowed.
Regulation & safety
Regulation is listed as IFSA. Standard KYC is required for withdrawal.
Costs
Fixed spreads are offered and no inactivity fee is charged. Swap-free accounts are available.
Platforms
FXGlory lists a proprietary platform and also supports MT4, MT5, web platform, and mobile trading. The proprietary platform name is GloryTrader.
Pros
- $1 minimum deposit.
- Maximum leverage is 1:3000.
- Fixed spreads are available.
- Card withdrawal time is within 24 hours.
Cons
- Stocks and indices are not availabe.
Best For
Traders who want fixed spreads and high leverage while trading gold CFDs.
UnitedPips: Best for Simple Fixed Spreads with US Access
Overview
UnitedPips (founded 2016, Saint Lucia) offers gold with no restrictions and maximum leverage of 1:1000. Minimum deposit is $10. Spreads are fixed. US access is available with full access to features.
Regulation & safety
Regulation is listed as IFSA. Standard KYC is required for withdrawal.
Costs
Fixed spreads are offered, and no inactivity fee is charged. Swap-free accounts are available.
Platforms
UnitedPips lists a proprietary platform, web platform, and mobile trading. The proprietary platform name is UniTrader.
Pros
- US traders are accepted.
- Fixed spreads are offered.
- Card withdrawal time is within 24 hours.
Cons
- Stocks and indices are not available.
Best For
Beginners who want a simple fixed spread setup for gold CFDs and US access.
How to Choose the Best Broker
Regulation and protections
Start with the regulator list and the legal entity used for your account. A broker with multiple regulators can still place your account under a specific entity, and that entity controls leverage and protections. Confirm the entity name inside the client portal before funding.
Fees and pricing
Focus on spread type and inactivity fees. Fixed spreads stay the same by design, while floating spreads move with market conditions. Also check swap rules if holding gold positions overnight, and confirm swap-free availability when needed.
Product access and restrictions
Gold leverage rules are not the same across brokers. The brokers in this list offer high leverage for gold CFDs, and several have no restrictions on gold leverage. In the wider market, some brokers cap gold leverage at 1:20, or 1:30, which changes margin requirements and position sizing.
Deposits/withdrawals
Choose a broker with payment methods you can use consistently. Also check the card withdrawal time, because it affects how fast you can reduce exposure during a drawdown or after profits.
FAQ
1) What is a gold CFD?
A gold CFD is a contract for difference that tracks the gold price. Traders use it to speculate on price direction without owning physical gold. On most platforms, the symbol is XAU/USD.
2) What maximum leverage is listed across these brokers?
The listed maximum leverage values in this comparison include 1:500 (BlackBull Markets), 1:1000 (UnitedPips, N1CM, DeltaFX, and ActivTrades), 1:2000 (RoboForex and Capitalcore), and 1:3000 (FXGlory).
3) What does swap-free mean for gold CFDs?
Swap is the overnight financing cost on a CFD position held past the trading day cutoff. Swap-free accounts are structured to remove swap charges on eligible instruments. In this comparison, swap-free accounts are available for all eight brokers. A trader should still read the swap-free rules because holding time limits or fees can still apply.
Published by:
Elizabeth Sterling