Choosing the best day trading platform is about finding a broker that offers low fees for high frequency trading along and features that keep you one step ahead of the rest.
Best day trading platforms in Australia (2026)
- Best for options trading: Interactive Brokers Australia
- Best for ASX equities: Moomoo Share Trading
- Best all round day trader platform: Webull
- Best for casual traders: Tiger Brokers
- Best for active and passive strategies: CMC Invest
- Best for $0 brokerage deals: IG Share Trading
- Best for global trading: Totality
We use Finder's proprietary algorithm to find trading platforms that offer the best selection of tools and to nail down those with the most attractive fees for active traders:
Important: If you're new to day trading, make sure you understand the risks first. Day trading is extremely difficult and less than 1% of traders remain profitable after 5 years1.
Our methodology for the best day trading platforms
To find the platforms for day traders we analysed the fees and features of 40 platforms available in Australia. We included 40 separate features in the algorithm and the top rated trading platforms featured here had the highest average rating across the board.
Features included in the weightings were:
- Brokerage fees for active investors that make 30 or more trades per month
- The number of stock markets available
- Its product range, including stocks, options, currencies and futures products
- Whether it offers margin trading
- Advanced trading tools such as conditional orders and technical analysis charts
- Research tools such as stock ratings and news
- What support options are available
- Whether it's both desktop and mobile accessible
- It's appropriateness for advanced traders
For more information on how we determined our finalists, check out our full methodology.
What is day trading?
Day trading involves buying and selling financial instruments within the same trading day. Traders aim to capitalise on short-term price movements to make profits.
It's important to note that day trading can be highly volatile and risky, and it requires a good understanding of the market, technical analysis and risk management.
If you're considering day trading, it's crucial to educate yourself, stay informed about market trends and develop a solid trading strategy.
Keep in mind that financial markets can be unpredictable and there are no guaranteed profits. It's recommended to start with a small amount of capital, use risk management strategies and be prepared to handle the emotional challenges that come with day trading.
Before you start day trading
Day trading is difficult, with only 13% of traders remaining profitable over a 6-month period, and only 1% remaining profitable over 5 years.1 If you're serious about becoming a day trader, it may be worth practising with a demo account for the first few months to see how you perform without risking your capital.
Many online brokers and share trading platform offer free demo or test accounts that you let you test your trading strategy without the risk of losing your money.
Checklist: What you need to start day trading
- A trading account. As mentioned above, you'll need to have an account with an investment platform to start trading.
- A clear strategy. There's no one-size-fits-all trading strategy, so try and craft a strategy around your strengths as a trader.
- Access to data. Information is one of the keys to successful trading. Make sure you can access live market data and stay across any news and trends.
- A trading goal. Set a clear profit target and be disciplined about taking money off the table if you hit your targets.
- A trading limit. Make sure you also have a clear limit on how much capital you're willing to risk. It's extremely easy to try and chase losses and end up in a financial hole.
Advantages and disadvantages of day trading
Pros
- Potential for quick gains: Day trading offers the opportunity for rapid profit-making. Each trade decision represents a chance to earn money swiftly, which can outpace traditional investing.
- User-friendly access: Modern online brokerage platforms have made day trading accessible from the comfort of your home. Setting up your trading activities can be done conveniently through your computer and smartphone.
- Thrilling experience: Unlike long-term investments, day trading provides an exciting and dynamic environment. Researching opportunities, executing trades, and achieving successful outcomes can be a source of excitement.
- Risk mitigation: Day traders typically close their positions before the market closes, minimising the risk of overnight losses. This contrasts with regular investors who may face unexpected overnight market movements.
- Independence: For some dedicated individuals, day trading can become a full-time profession, offering the independence to work for yourself.
Cons
- High risk: Day trading is a high-risk, high-reward strategy. Making poor decisions can lead to rapid losses. Statistics in 2024 reveal a stark reality about day trading, not just in Australia but globally. A significant majority of day traders, over 80%, end up losing money within their first year of trading.
- Costs and taxation: Day trading can accumulate fees, and short-term capital gains may result in higher taxes. In Australia, selling investments held for less than a year may not qualify for the capital gains tax discount.
- Stressful nature: The fast-paced nature of markets can be stressful, especially when trades are not going as planned. Day trading can be akin to gambling and may lead to addiction, affecting one's well-being and relationships.
- Time-intensive: Successful day trading requires a significant time commitment. Extensive hours are needed for market research, tracking, and executing trades. Additionally, competition is fierce, even against professionals from major financial institutions.
Frequently asked questions
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