Metal trading, encompassing precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, as well as base metals like copper, zinc, and aluminium, offers traders opportunities to diversify their portfolios, hedge against inflation, or speculate on price movements. Choosing the right platform is crucial for accessing these markets efficiently and cost-effectively. This article examines eight top platforms for initiating metal trading, including Fusion Markets, a low-cost broker recognised for its competitive pricing and accessibility. It provides guidance on how to select the best platform for your needs.
Table of Contents
Fusion Markets
Fusion Markets, an Australia-based broker founded in 2017, is a standout platform for metal trading. Regulated by ASIC, VFSC, and FSA, it offers a secure environment with no minimum deposit, making it ideal for beginners. Traders can access precious metals (gold, silver, platinum, palladium) and base metals (copper, zinc, aluminium, nickel) through contracts for difference (CFDs). Fusion Markets boasts commissions as low as $2.25 per side on its Zero Account and spreads starting at 0.0 pips, ensuring cost-effective trading. With support for MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and TradingView, plus a free demo account, Fusion Markets is versatile for both novice and experienced traders. Its lightning-fast execution, ranked #1 in Australia, is perfect for volatile metal markets.
Also Read: Fusion Markets Review
eToro
eToro is a globally recognised platform known for its user-friendly interface and social trading features. It offers metal trading through CFDs on gold, silver, platinum, and copper, as well as metal ETFs like SPDR Gold Shares (GLD). eToro’s CopyTrading feature allows beginners to mimic the strategies of experienced metal traders. With no commission on CFD trades and competitive spreads, it’s accessible for retail investors. The platform supports multiple payment methods and provides real-time market data, making it a solid choice for those new to metal trading.
Also Read: Best eToro Alternatives
IG Markets
IG Markets is a well-established broker offering comprehensive metal trading options, including CFDs and futures on gold, silver, platinum, palladium, and base metals like copper. Regulated by top-tier authorities like FCA and ASIC, IG Markets provides a secure trading environment. Its proprietary platform and support for MetaTrader 4 offer advanced charting and technical analysis tools. IG’s competitive spreads and educational resources make it suitable for traders seeking robust market access and learning support.
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TD Ameritrade
TD Ameritrade, a U.S.-based broker acquired by Charles Schwab, provides access to metal trading through futures contracts on the CME Group and metal ETFs. Its thinkorswim platform is renowned for advanced charting, real-time data, and technical analysis tools, making it ideal for experienced traders. TD Ameritrade offers commission-free ETF trading and competitive futures fees, though it requires a higher initial investment compared to Fusion Markets. It’s a great option for U.S.-based traders looking to trade metal futures or ETFs.
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Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a global platform catering to advanced traders with access to metal futures (via CME Group) and ETFs. IBKR’s Trader Workstation (TWS) offers sophisticated tools for analysing metal price movements, including customizable charts and risk management features. With low margin rates and access to global exchanges, IBKR is ideal for traders seeking high liquidity and diverse metal markets. However, its complex interface may be challenging for beginners compared to Fusion Markets’ simplicity.
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Saxo
Saxo offers a premium trading platform for metals, including CFDs on gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, as well as futures and ETFs. Its SaxoTraderGO and SaxoTraderPRO platforms provide advanced charting, real-time data, and multi-asset trading capabilities. Regulated by multiple authorities, Saxo Bank ensures security and transparency. While its fees are higher than Fusion Markets, its robust tools and global market access make it suitable for professional traders.
Also Read: 6 Best Forex Brokers for Easy Trading
Plus500
Plus500 is a user-friendly platform specializing in CFD trading for metals like gold, silver, platinum, and copper. It offers a proprietary web and mobile platform with intuitive charting and risk management tools, such as stop-loss orders. Plus500’s commission-free model and tight spreads make it attractive for beginners, though it lacks the advanced features of platforms like Interactive Brokers. Regulated by FCA and ASIC, it provides a reliable entry point for metal trading.
Also Read: 10 Best Forex Brokers
CME Group (via Brokers)
The Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME Group) is the world’s leading marketplace for metal futures, offering high liquidity for gold, silver, copper, and more. Retail traders can access CME markets through brokers like Fusion Markets, which offer CFDs linked to CME futures prices. With daily trading volumes exceeding 22 million ounces of gold and 350 million ounces of silver, CME ensures transparency and liquidity. Brokers like Fusion Markets enhance accessibility with low-cost CFD trading, allowing retail investors to tap into CME’s robust metal markets without high capital requirements.
Also Read: Top 7 CFD Brokers in 2025
How to Choose the Best Metal Trading Platform
Selecting the best metal trading platform depends on your trading goals, experience level, and budget. Here are key factors to consider:
- Fees and Costs: Look for platforms with low commissions and tight spreads to maximize returns. Fusion Markets, for example, offers commissions as low as $2.25 per side and spreads starting at 0.0 pips, making it one of the most cost-effective options. Compare transaction fees, withdrawal fees, and any hidden costs across platforms.
- Regulation and Security: Ensure the platform is regulated by reputable authorities like ASIC, FCA, or CFTC to protect your funds. Fusion Markets, regulated by ASIC, VFSC, and FSA, provides a secure environment, as do platforms like IG Markets and Saxo Bank.
- Asset Variety: Choose a platform offering a wide range of metals (precious and base) and instruments (CFDs, futures, ETFs). Fusion Markets and Interactive Brokers provide access to both precious and base metals, while eToro includes metal ETFs for diversification.
- Platform Features: Evaluate charting tools, technical indicators, and order execution speed. Advanced traders may prefer Interactive Brokers’ Trader Workstation or TD Ameritrade’s thinkorswim, while beginners might opt for eToro’s intuitive interface or Fusion Markets’ support for multiple platforms (MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView).
- Leverage and Risk Management: Check the platform’s leverage options and risk tools like stop-loss orders. Fusion Markets offers up to 500:1 leverage for professional accounts, while Plus500 provides user-friendly risk management tools for retail traders.
- Ease of Use: Beginners should prioritize platforms with simple interfaces and demo accounts. Fusion Markets and Plus500 offer free demo accounts, while eToro’s social trading features help novices learn from experienced traders.
- Customer Support: Opt for platforms with 24/7 support, especially for volatile metal markets. Fusion Markets provides round-the-clock assistance, ensuring traders can resolve issues quickly.
- Funding and Accessibility: Look for platforms with no or low minimum deposits and flexible payment methods. Fusion Markets stands out with no minimum deposit and fee-free funding via PayPal, credit cards, or bank transfers.
By weighing these factors, you can select a platform that aligns with your trading style and financial goals.
Conclusion
Metal trading offers diverse opportunities for investors, from hedging to speculation, and selecting the right platform is key to success. Fusion Markets stands out for its low commissions, tight spreads, and support for multiple trading platforms, making it an excellent choice for beginners and seasoned traders alike. Platforms like eToro, IG Markets, TD Ameritrade, Interactive Brokers, Saxo Bank, Plus500, and CME Group (via brokers) provide additional options tailored to different trading styles and experience levels. To choose the best platform, consider fees, regulation, asset variety, and user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What metals can I trade on these platforms?
Trade gold, silver, platinum, palladium, copper, zinc, and aluminium via CFDs, futures, or ETFs. Fusion Markets and Interactive Brokers offer the widest range, including precious and base metals. eToro, Plus500, and others focus on gold, silver, and copper.
Which platform is best for beginners?
Fusion Markets and eToro are ideal for beginners. Fusion Markets has no minimum deposit, free demo accounts, and low fees ($2.25/side). eToro’s CopyTrading and commission-free metal CFDs suit novices. Plus500’s simple platform with stop-loss tools is also beginner-friendly.
Are these platforms regulated and safe?
Yes, all are regulated. Fusion Markets is overseen by ASIC, VFSC, and FSA. eToro, IG Markets, and Plus500 are FCA- and ASIC-regulated. Saxo, TD Ameritrade, and Interactive Brokers follow strict standards, ensuring fund safety through segregated accounts and transparency.
How do fees compare across these platforms?
Fusion Markets offers $2.25/side commissions, 0.0-pip spreads. eToro and Plus500 are commission-free with spreads (0.45–0.8 pips). IG Markets starts at 0.98 pips. TD Ameritrade has free ETFs, $2.25 futures fees. Saxo’s higher fees suit professionals. Check withdrawal fees.
Can I practice metal trading first?
Yes, Fusion Markets, eToro, IG Markets, Plus500, and Saxo offer free demo accounts. Interactive Brokers and TD Ameritrade provide paper trading. Practice gold, silver, or copper trading risk-free. Fusion Markets supports MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView for versatile practice.
