How much money do I need to start trading stocks?

Less than most people expect. Some brokers accept minimum deposits as low as a few dollars, and because stock CFDs are leveraged you only put down a margin fraction of a position's value. Whatever the minimum, start with an amount you can afford to lose while you learn.

Do I need a stockbroker to trade shares?

You need a broker of some kind. Stock CFDs are traded through CFD or multi-asset brokers, while buying real shares outright is done through a share-dealing or investment broker. The brokers we review are mainly multi-asset CFD brokers offering shares alongside forex and other markets.

What is a ticker symbol?

A ticker is the short code that identifies a stock on its exchange, such as AAPL for Apple or TSLA for Tesla. You search for the ticker or company name in your platform to bring up the instrument and its live price before placing an order.

Should I use a market or a limit order?

A market order fills immediately at the best available price and is simplest for getting in or out now. A limit order only fills at a price you set or better, which gives you control but may not execute if the price never reaches your level. Beginners often start with market orders and add limits as they gain confidence.

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Stocks · How-to

How to trade stocks with a broker

From opening an account to placing your first order, in six clear steps. No jargon, just what actually happens when you trade a share.

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Placing a stock trade for the first time feels bigger than it is. Once your account is open, the actual process takes under a minute: find the company, decide your direction and size, and confirm. The steps below walk through the whole path, from picking a broker to closing the position, so nothing on the screen is a surprise.

Six steps to your first trade

Choose a regulated broker

Pick a broker that is properly regulated, covers the stocks you want, and has costs you understand. This is the decision that matters most.

Open and verify your account

Register, then complete identity verification (KYC) straight away with a photo ID and proof of address, so nothing holds up your first withdrawal later.

Fund the account

Deposit by card, bank transfer or e-wallet. Fund in your account currency where you can, to avoid conversion costs on the way in and out.

Find the stock

Search the company name or its ticker, such as AAPL for Apple, to open the instrument and see its live price, spread and any overnight fee.

Place your order

Choose buy or sell, set your size, pick a market or limit order, and attach a stop-loss and take-profit before you confirm.

Manage and close

Watch the position, adjust your stop if needed, and close it manually or let your stop or target do it for you.

Market versus limit orders

A market order fills immediately at the best available price, which is simplest when you just want in or out now. A limit order only fills at a price you set or better, giving you control at the cost of possibly not executing. Most beginners start with market orders and add limits with experience.

Always set a stop-loss

A stop-loss closes your trade automatically if the price moves against you by a set amount, capping the loss before it grows. With leverage in play on stock CFDs, a stop is not a nice-to-have, it is how you keep one bad trade from doing real damage. Decide your exit before you enter.

Step one starts here

Find a broker for the stocks you want

The right broker is the biggest decision on this list. Answer 12 quick questions and the Matchmaker shortlists regulated brokers that fit how you want to trade shares.

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Frequently asked

Keep learning

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Education

Demo vs live accounts: how to start

A note on risk
This guide is for educational purposes only and is not financial advice. Trading forex and CFDs carries a high level of risk and can result in the loss of all your capital. Most retail investor accounts lose money. Make sure you understand the risks and seek independent advice if needed before trading.