High leverage can open the door to greater market exposure with less capital, but it also significantly increases risk. Because of this, not every broker offering high leverage provides the level of safety, pricing, and platform quality that traders need. To identify the best forex brokers with high leverage, we focused on firms that combine powerful trading conditions with strong regulatory oversight and practical risk controls.
We selected only brokers offering leverage of at least 1:400 for retail traders, giving them the flexibility to implement high-volatility, short-term strategies. Since high leverage is typically associated with more speculative trading, we only considered regulated brokers that adhere to recognized industry standards. We also reviewed risk management tools such as negative balance protection, margin call levels, and stop-out thresholds
Beyond leverage, we evaluated the complete trading environment. We tested platforms for usability and performance, and recorded live spreads and commissions to compare them with the industry average and ensure competitive trading costs. We also assessed the range of tradable products and the leverage available for each asset class.
Trading with leverage above 1:30, especially for novice traders, bears considerable risk.
*The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) limits leverage available to retail spot forex traders in the United States to 1:50 on major currency pairs and 1:20 for all others. For forex futures, the margin and corresponding leverage are set by the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME).
Our team of experts has identified brokers’ strengths and weaknesses using FXEmpire’s comprehensive methodology.
Now let’s dive into the selected brokers.
RoboForex is a Belize-based forex and CFD broker established in 2009. It appeals to traders with leverage up to 1:2000, robust trading platforms, and tight costs. RoboForex is regulated by the FSC of Belize and provides the highest level of protection for high-leverage traders.
Key Features:
RoboForex impressed me with its lineup of platforms, which includes its own R Web Trader, the R StocksTrader platform for trading and investing in over 12,000 ETFs, bonds, and real stocks, and the popular MT4 and MT5.
For high-leverage trading, I recommend choosing R Web Trader. The platform performs well, with powerful charts and high functionality. You can use it to place market, limit, and stop orders, customize your watchlists, and for one-click trading. R Web Trader also features 69 analytical tools, 10 timeframes, and 5 chart types.
My tests showed that RoboForex offers the best trading costs for stocks, while its index and forex spreads are in line with the industry average. Only the crude oil spreads exceeded the benchmark during my testing.
FXTM is a Mauritius-based forex and CFD broker founded in 2011 that distinguishes itself with its massive 1:3000 forex leverage. It offers over 1,200 CFDs plus real stocks that can be traded on MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, as well as FXTM’s own all-in-one mobile app.
Key Features:
The MetaTrader platform is built for speed and efficiency, and FXTM enhances it with fast execution and a range of diverse account types. I clocked FXTM’s average execution speed at under 80 milliseconds, and also learned that you can get started with as little as $200.
I also discovered that FXTM offers add-ons to enhance the MetaTrader experience. You can power up the platform with the FX Blue for actionable trading signals. There is also a Pro Trading Tools package available that gives you access to a broader selection of technical indicators.
I tested the Advantage Plus account and found that FXTM’s spreads exceed the industry average across most popular assets, except for stocks. On the plus side, this account features a relatively low margin call and comparatively high stop-out levels, making it safer for inexperienced high-leverage traders.
AvaTrade impresses with its vast selection of trading platforms, chief among which is its flagship Ava Web Trader. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Ireland, AvaTrade has carved out a reputation for its wide selection of 1450+ assets, including FX pairs, commodities, stocks, indices, cryptocurrencies, ETFs, bonds, and options.
Key Features:
I enjoyed the Ava Web Trader for its light, data-driven interface and advanced charting capabilities, accommodating all the needs of high-leverage traders. I discovered that the Ava Web Trader features 80 technical indicators, 13 drawing tools, 10 timeframes, and 3 chart types. It also supports market, limit, and stop orders, as well as watchlist customization and setting trading alarms.
I also appreciate that the platform integrates advanced market analytics and educational content so you can explore viable trading opportunities and learn at your own pace. Therefore, I found the Ava Web Trader a great fit for day trading and news trading.
Costs are another highlight of AvaTrade. I tested the broker’s commission-free account and found that AvaTrade’s spreads beat the industry average across most markets, except for Bitcoin.
tastyfx (formerly IG US) is a US-focused forex broker and part of the industry pioneer IG Group, founded in 1974. tastyfx is licensed and regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and is a member of the National Futures Association in the US. It offers 86 major, minor, and exotic currency pairs with a maximum retail leverage of 1:50.
Key Features:
tastyfx has an impressive lineup of trading software, including MT4 and MT5, TradingView, and ProRealTime. But the real star of the selection is the broker’s flagship tastyfx Web Platform, which features powerful charts and integrated market research. I was impressed by this platform’s functionality and consider it a great option for high-leverage trading, as it provides deep insight into price action.
I tested tastyfx’s Standard account, featuring zero commissions and floating spreads. The spreads captured range from 0.8 pips on the EURUSD to 2.5 pips on the GBPJPY, meeting the industry average. More favorable conditions are available on tastyfx’s Zero+ account.
The other great perk for US traders is tastyfx’s ‘Trading Alerts’ service. It offers a more hassle-free approach to trading, with the broker monitoring the market for you based on your preferences and notifying you when specific conditions are met. Also, tastyfx provides free VPS hosting for low-latency trading on MetaTrader. The service enables ultra-fast execution in just several milliseconds.
Founded in 2008, Plus500 is a global multi-asset fintech group that has expanded into the United States, where it offers futures trading via its innovative platform. Plus500 US is licensed and regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), ensuring compliance with the strictest regulations for trading futures contracts. The broker is also a member of the National Futures Association (NFA).
Key Features:
American traders can access 15 forex futures contracts, 11 equity index futures contracts, 32 commodity futures contracts, 8 interest rate futures contracts, and 4 cryptocurrency futures contracts with leverage up to 1:50.
I performed my tests on the Plus500 WebTrader – a powerful trading platform that stands out for its versatility. You can apply more than 100 technical indicators and drawing tools, and choose from 11 timeframes. The platform also supports watchlist customization and setting price alerts. All basic order types, including market, limit, and stop orders, are supported.
Another highlight is Plus500 US’s low fees. The broker’s Standard & E-Mini contract commission starts from $0.89, while its micro contract commission starts from $0.49. There is also a liquidation-per-contract fee of $10. I also learned that Plus500 US does not charge platform, deposit, withdrawal, routing, data, or inactivity fees.
*Futures contracts can be traded on margin, which gives traders greater flexibility to exploit expected and unexpected changes in volatility in the medium and long term.
High leverage in trading refers to the situation in which traders can control a large amount of money with a small amount of their own funds, with the rest borrowed from their broker. For example, a leverage ratio of 1:500 means that for every dollar in your account, you can trade $500 on the forex market. A leverage ratio of 1:1000, considered very high, means a trader can trade $1000 for every $1 in their account.
If you want to trade with high leverage, your first task is to find a broker that is licensed to provide financial services, including CFD trading, and is monitored by a financial regulator. These will ensure your rights are protected, and in cases of conflict of interest, you may turn to that regulatory body for assistance.
Read more about Best regulated forex brokers.
Keep in mind that not all regulators are the same. We categorize them into three tiers:
We have built this categorization based on the level of client protection. Tier-1 regulators impose greater restrictions on brokers and conduct tighter monitoring, while Tier 3 regulators, which are typically based offshore, are more lenient.
Learn more about financial regulators in our dedicated article.
Offshore regulation does not necessarily mean less protection. Many brokers seek offshore licensing to serve international clients. In most cases, brokers authorized by one or more Tier-1 regulators and holding offshore licenses are more trustworthy than those regulated solely offshore.
Offshore and top-tier regulators also differ in the maximum leverage they allow. Brokers based offshore will likely offer higher retail leverage, ranging from 1:500 to unlimited, while Tier-1 regulators, such as CySEC and ASIC, cap retail leverage at 1:30. If you choose to deal with a broker that offers high leverage, make sure you understand its margin call policy and whether it guarantees negative balance protection.
Check out our guides on Best CySEC-regulated forex brokers and Best ASIC-regulated forex brokers.
When trading with high leverage, even small price movements can result in significant profits or losses. That is why you must always stay sharp and monitor your positions carefully.
But if your running losses start to accumulate and your free margin (the funds in your balance that are not tied up by your open positions) drops dangerously low, several things may happen.
First, you may receive a margin call to increase your free margin – either by depositing additional funds or by closing your open positions. Second, this can then lead to the automatic termination of your open trades.
Most brokers have a 100% margin call and a 50% stop-out. Accordingly, you will receive a margin call when you have used up all your free margin. Unless you do something to increase it, the automatic termination of your open positions may commence once you have lost 50% of your used margin – the amount you have used to open the positions in the first place.
Generally speaking, the lower the margin call and the higher the stop-out, the better. Because you will then have more room to decide how to proceed in order to avoid a complete account wipeout.
You can find more information about margin calls and stop-out levels from our complete guide to safe trading.
To assess how much you’ll need to spend for opening and closing a position, consider several things:
To assess how much trading EURUSD, gold, or any other CFD instrument would cost you, we use this formula: spread rate × pip value + commission.
Check out our dedicated guide for Best forex broker with the lowest spreads.
The forex and CFD analysts and editors at FXEmpire bring together seasoned trading professionals and experienced financial journalists. Many of our experts have been featured in leading publications such as Investopedia and Forbes, and all of them combine strong industry credentials with hands-on trading experience.
Dan Blystone began his career in the trading industry in 1998 on the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Later, Dan gained insight into the forex industry during his time as a Series 3 licensed futures and forex broker. He also traded at a couple of different prop trading firms in Chicago. Dan is well-equipped to recommend the best forex brokers due to his extensive experience and understanding of the brokerage industry.
Jitan Solanki is a professional trader, market analyst, and educator. He day trades major currency and index markets and focuses on swing trading US equities and commodities. A qualified Market Technician, Jitan also works with trader education and brokerage companies on various projects. These include market analysis, live trading events, and broker reviews. As an experienced trader and educator, Jitan brings all his qualities in action when reviewing and recommending brokers.
Having been a retail trader since 2013, Plamen has gained an in-depth understanding of the challenges that novice traders face today. His expertise is swing trading and day trading with a heavy emphasis on psychological and fundamental analysis. Plamen’s favourite trading instruments include FX majors and gold. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics and International Relations. Plamen's broad experience has equipped him with the expertise to recommend the best forex brokers.
In more than 15 years of trading in the financial markets, Vladimir dealt with a wide range of brokers and financial instruments. His career as a day-trader at a proprietary trading firm goes back to 2007. Later, Vladimir turned to longer time frames and became an independent trader and analyst managing his own portfolio. Using his experience, he helps traders find the best broker in his reviews.
Having been a retail trader since 2013, Plamen has gained an in-depth understanding of the challenges that novice traders face today. His expertise is swing trading and day trading with a heavy emphasis on psychological and fundamental analysis. Plamen’s favourite trading instruments include FX majors and gold. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics and International Relations. Plamen's broad experience has equipped him with the expertise to recommend the best forex brokers.
At FXEmpire, we strive to provide unbiased, thorough and accurate broker reviews by industry experts to help our users make smarter financial decisions.