The best trading apps: complete guide to 5 platforms with minimum deposits 2025

Do you want to start in the trading world but don’t have significant initial capital? Trading apps have revolutionized access to financial markets, allowing anyone to participate in trading stocks, cryptocurrencies, currencies, and more. In this guide, we analyze in depth five platforms that offer conditions specially designed for beginner investors with limited budgets.

Comparison of the 5 best apps for investing with little money

1. XM: Ultra-accessible minimum deposit (⭐4.9 on Apple store)

With presence in nearly 196 countries and over 2.5 million active users, XM stands out as one of the most global options in the market. Operating since 2009, this platform has built its reputation through a clear proposition: democratizing access to trading without sacrificing professional tools.

The most attractive feature for beginners is its initial deposit of just 5 dollars, the lowest in the market. Additionally, it offers ultra-competitive spreads from 0.01 pip, meaning your operational costs will be minimal. The platform provides daily analysis, economic news, and specialized reports to help you make informed decisions before market movements occur.

Main features:

• Markets: Currencies, stocks, commodities, cryptocurrencies, indices
• Leverage: Up to 1:1000
• Regulation: FCA, IFSC, DFSA, CySEC, ASIC
• Demo account: Free with no time limit
• Payment methods: Bank transfer, credit/debit card, Neteller, Skrill
• Compatible: Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android
• Inactivity fee: 15 dollars per month
• Competitive advantage: Copy trading available, multiple account types based on profile

2. MiTrade: Agile technology for new traders (⭐4.7 on Apple store)

Originating from Australia, MiTrade has become a significant presence in the Asia-Pacific region with 2.4 million users and steady growth in America and Europe. Its trading app is famous for its intuitive interface that does not sacrifice functionality.

MiTrade’s specialty is CFD trading with a wide catalog of strategically selected assets. With a minimum deposit of 20 dollars and tight spreads, it is an economical choice. An important detail: new users receive a 100-dollar coupon upon registration, additional capital to boost your first trades.

Technical specifications:

• Markets: Stocks, currencies, commodities, cryptocurrencies, indices
• Leverage: Max 1:200
• Regulation: ASIC, CIMA, FSC
• Minimum deposit: 20 dollars
• Demo account: 50,000 virtual dollars (90 days)
• Deposit methods: Transfer, credit/debit card, Neteller, Skrill, Worldpay, PayID, USDT
• Commissions: 0% (only spreads)
• Protection: Negative balances limited to initial deposit
• Availability: MacOS, iOS, Android, Windows (Webtrader)

3. eToro: The simplest platform to get started (⭐4.4 on Apple store)

Considered a pioneer in democratizing financial markets, eToro attracts over 30 million users thanks to its unprecedented operational simplicity. From creating an account to establishing your first position, the entire process is optimized to be intuitive.

eToro stands out because it allows both CFD trading and direct investment in assets (real stocks and cryptocurrencies), offering flexibility that other platforms do not have. With a minimum deposit of 50 dollars, it is accessible for beginners. The copy trading feature allows you to automatically replicate strategies of experienced traders.

Operational details:

• Available markets: Stocks, currencies, commodities, cryptocurrencies, ETFs, indices
• Leverage: Up to 1:30
• Regulation: FCA, CySEC, ASIC
• Initial deposit: 50 dollars
• Demo account: Free with virtual funds
• Payment methods: Transfer, credit/debit card, PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, Sofort
• Spreads: Variable depending on asset
• Copy trading: Yes, automatic system available
• eToro Club: Discounts on commissions based on level
• Withdrawal fee: 5 dollars
• Limitation: KYC process (verification) somewhat complex

4. Plus500: Specialized CFD platform (⭐4.7 on Apple store)

Since 2008, Plus500 has positioned itself as a reference in online trading, reaching 25 million users thanks to aggressive campaigns and sponsorships of renowned sports teams. Its app is considered one of the most complete in the sector, although more oriented toward experienced traders.

With a minimum deposit of 100 dollars, it offers access to multiple markets and a relatively accessible interface. Price change alerts allow receiving notifications when an instrument reaches your desired levels, a useful tool to not miss opportunities.

Operational information:

• Assets: Stocks, currencies, commodities, cryptocurrencies, ETFs, indices
• Leverage: Max 1:30
• Regulation: FCA, CySEC, ASIC
• Minimum deposit: 100 dollars
• Payment options: Transfer, credit/debit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, Skrill, Sofort
• Demo account: Free with no limit on attempts
• Inactivity fee: 10 dollars per month (no activity for 3+ months)
• Advantages: Customizable price alerts, simplified interface
• Important consideration: There are fraudulent clones of Plus500, always verify the official domain

5. AvaTrade: Constant technological innovation (⭐4.7 on Apple store)

The Irish broker AvaTrade, founded in 2006, stands out for its ongoing commitment to technological innovation. Licensed by the local banking authority, it offers proprietary tools like AvaTrade GO optimized for mobile, as well as access to MetaTrader 4 and 5.

With a minimum deposit of 100 dollars, it provides initiatives like Zulu Trade and Dupli Trade to automate your trading. The integrated copy trading features make it especially attractive for those who want to follow strategies of proven traders.

Highlighted features:

• Markets: Stocks, currencies, commodities, bonds, cryptocurrencies, ETFs, indices
• Leverage: Up to 1:30
• Licenses: FCA, CySEC, ASIC
• Initial deposit: 100 dollars
• Deposit via: Transfer, credit/debit card, PayPal, Neteller, Skrill
• Platforms: Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android (AvaTrade GO + MetaTrader)
• Copy trading: Yes, via Zulu Trade and Dupli Trade
• Withdrawal fee: 5 dollars
• Warning: Inactivity fee and annual charge for 12 months without trading

Key criteria for choosing your trading app

Security and regulation

The most important criterion is that your broker has a verifiable license from authorized organizations. This guarantees fund protection and regulatory compliance. Recognized international licenses include:

• FCA (Financial Conduct Authority, United Kingdom)
• CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission)
• ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission)
• CNMV (Spain)
• FSC (British Virgin Islands)
• FINRA (United States)

Only operate with brokers that clearly display their licenses on the website. Unregulated platforms pose an extremely high risk of fraud.

Execution speed and usability

In trading, speed is money. Trading apps must allow opening and closing positions in seconds, not minutes. Test this by trying the demo account: how long does an order take to execute? Does the platform remain responsive under volatility?

The interface should be clear for beginners but without limiting functionality. A good balance means you can operate in 30 seconds without confusion.

Variety of markets and assets

Diversification requires access to multiple markets. Look for platforms that offer cryptocurrencies, stocks, currencies, indices, and commodities simultaneously. This allows building balanced portfolios without changing brokers.

Transparent cost structure

Compare spreads, withdrawal fees, inactivity charges, and other expenses. Some brokers charge a fee for not trading for 3 months, others do not. A low spread can be offset by a high withdrawal fee. Calculate the total real cost, not just one component.

Risk management tools

Stop-loss and take-profit functions are essential to limit losses. The available leverage should be proportional to your experience (beginners: maximum 1:50; intermediates: 1:50-1:200). Look for platforms that offer negative balance protection.

Customer support availability

Support should be available 24/5 at minimum, ideally 24/7. Technical issues do not respect hours. Verify that support speaks your language and responds in a reasonable time (less than 2 hours).

Final recommendations for choosing your trading app

The operational process with these trading applications is accessible, dynamic, and designed to keep control over your investments. Before committing real capital, practice extensively with demo accounts available on all these platforms.

Each broker has strengths depending on your profile: if you seek ultra-low deposit, XM is unbeatable; if you value simplicity, eToro stands out; if you need professional tools, Plus500 and AvaTrade offer greater complexity; MiTrade balances technology and accessibility.

Once you have practiced, identified your trading style, and verified that the broker fits your needs, proceed to open a real account with a conservative initial deposit. Remember: the goal is not to get rich quickly but to learn, operate disciplined, and build sustainable long-term gains.