Complete Guide: Which Trading Platforms Are Ideal for Beginners with a Limited Budget

Have you just thought about starting to trade but don’t know where to begin? The good news is that you no longer need a fortune to access financial markets. Today, we present a detailed analysis of the best trading apps available in 2025, all designed so that anyone can trade stocks, currencies, cryptocurrencies, and more without requiring large initial capital.

Why trading apps are your best allies in 2025

Market democratization has allowed anyone, regardless of prior experience, to start trading from their smartphone. These trading platforms offer intuitive interfaces, free demo accounts, and accessible minimum deposits that were previously unthinkable in the financial sector.

The key is to choose wisely. Not all trading apps are the same: they vary in costs, regulation, available assets, and tools. Below, we break down five options that have proven to be reliable and efficient.

The 5 best trading apps to start with little money

1. MyTrade: The Australian platform conquering Asia ⭐4.7

This broker founded in Australia has become a global reference with over 2.4 million active traders. Its trading app is notably smooth on both iOS and Android devices, without losing speed or functionality compared to the web version.

Why MyTrade stands out:

• Specialized in CFD trading with competitive spreads
• Minimum deposit of just $20 (the lowest in our analysis)
• Accepts USDT for deposits, ideal if you work with cryptocurrencies
• Free demo account with $50,000 virtual funds for 90 days
• Negative balance protection: you never lose more than your initial investment
• Special promotion: $100 coupon for new users

Available markets: Stocks, forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and indices

Technical requirements: Compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android

Cost structure: Zero commissions, only spreads (without hidden fees)

Regulation: ASIC, CIMA, and FSC – multiple regulatory authorities ensuring security

2. AvaTrade: European tradition with technological innovation ⭐4.7

Founded in Ireland nearly two decades ago, AvaTrade has been a pioneer in automating investment strategies. Its proprietary tool AvaTrade GO is optimized specifically for mobile, allowing trading with the same effectiveness as from desktop.

Main features:

• Incorporates automatic copy trading solutions (Zulu Trade and Dupli Trade)
• Compatible with MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, the most widely used platforms globally
• Access to over 1,000 different assets
• Initial deposit of $100

Available markets: Stocks, currencies, bonds, cryptocurrencies, ETFs, and indices

Risk management tools: Stop-loss, take-profit, and conditional orders

Cost structure: Variable spreads + $5 withdrawal fee + inactivity penalty (after 3 months of no trading)

Regulation: FCA (United Kingdom), CySEC (Cyprus), and ASIC (Australia)

3. Plus500: The most popular platform among CFD traders ⭐4.7

With 25 million users worldwide and sponsorship of professional sports teams, Plus500 is synonymous with reliability. However, its trading app is more geared toward experienced traders.

Competitive advantages:

• Intuitive trading interface for beginners
• Price change alert system: receive notifications when an asset moves according to your criteria
• Unlimited free demo accounts
• Wide catalog of over 3,000 instruments

Available markets: Stocks, forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies, ETFs, and indices

Deposit requirements: Minimum $100

Cost structure: Spreads + $10 monthly inactivity fee

Considerations: There are fake platforms using its name for scams. Always verify the official domain.

Regulation: FCA, CySEC, and ASIC

4. XM: Maximum leverage for aggressive traders ⭐4.9

Present in 196 countries with 2.5 million clients, XM is the preferred choice for those seeking advanced tools. Its main differentiator is the constant generation of economic analysis to help anticipate market movements.

Notable features:

• Extremely low minimum deposit: only $5
• Leverage up to 1:1000 (the highest available)
• Four different account types based on your profile
• Daily research and market analysis included
• Supports MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5

Available markets: Stocks, currencies, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and indices

Cost structure: Spreads from 0.01 pips + $15 inactivity fee

Important notice: High leverage involves greater risk. Only recommended for experienced traders.

Regulation: FCA, IFSC, DFSA, CySEC, and ASIC – the most robust regulation in our selection

5. eToro: Where beginner traders start ⭐4.4

Often described as “the broker that democratized finance,” eToro maintains a clear philosophy: making investing accessible to all. Over 30 million clients trust its user-friendly platform.

What makes it special:

• Allows trading both CFDs and real assets (spot investments)
• Copy trading feature: automatically replicates successful traders’ strategies
• eToro Club system with tiered discounts based on activity level
• Extremely simple account opening process

Available markets: Stocks, currencies, commodities, cryptocurrencies, ETFs, and indices

Deposit requirement: $50 initial

Known limitation: The KYC verification process is more demanding than other brokers

Cost structure: Variable spreads + $5 withdrawal fee

Regulation: FCA, CySEC, and ASIC

How to choose your ideal trading platform

Now that you know the five options, you need to understand what factors truly make a difference:

Security as the top priority

Only trade with brokers regulated by recognized authorities. Regulation drastically reduces the risk of fraud and ensures your funds are protected. Bodies like FCA (United Kingdom), CySEC (Cyprus), ASIC (Australia), and CNMV (Spain) guarantee credibility.

Execution speed

In trading, milliseconds matter. A slow platform can prevent you from executing orders at your desired price. All presented options offer fast execution, but MyTrade and XM stand out for their low-latency infrastructure.

Variety of assets and cryptocurrencies

Not all trading apps offer the same assets. If cryptocurrencies are your interest, all our candidates include Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other major altcoins. The difference lies in market depth and liquidity.

Actual cost structure

Small spreads don’t always mean better value. Some brokers compensate with inactivity fees or hidden charges. MyTrade excels with zero commissions and minimal additional costs.

Risk management tools

Stop-loss and take-profit are essential. These tools limit your potential losses. All evaluated brokers include them, but XM and AvaTrade offer more advanced options.

24/7 customer support

Incidents can happen at any time. Make sure support is available when you need it, preferably in your language.

Main licenses and regulators in the trading sector

Minimum deposit comparison (decisive factor for beginners)

• XM: $5 (maximum accessibility)
• MyTrade: $20 ($100 bonus upon registration)
• eToro: $50
• AvaTrade and Plus500: $100

Final reflection: Start with a demo account

Regardless of your choice, all these brokers offer free demo accounts. This is your best ally: practice without real risk, familiarize yourself with the interface, test strategies, and only when you feel confident, deposit real capital.

Trading through trading apps is now more accessible, secure, and versatile than ever. The market is waiting for you, but remember: education, patience, and risk management are your best tools. Choose your platform, open a demo account, and start your journey in the financial markets.