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Demo trading account
Try our award-winning platform and develop your CFD trading skills.
Practice trading with $20,000 virtual funds
Gain access to exclusive educational content on IG Academy
Test strategies on the go with our mobile apps
Practice trading with $20,000 virtual funds
Gain access to exclusive educational content on IG Academy
Test strategies on the go with our mobile apps
What is a demo trading account?
A demo account is a simulated market environment offered by a trading provider that aims to recreate the experience of ‘real’ trading as closely as possible. This is so that you can get a feel for how different products and financial markets work without the risk of losing any money, so you can explore and experiment with confidence.
When you open a demo account with IG, you’ll be given immediate access to a version of our online platform, along with a pre-set balance of $20,000 in virtual funds to practise with.
Important points
While much of the functionality of the live platform features in the demo, there are key differences to be aware of, including (but not limited to):
- Trades made through the demo account will not be subject to slippage, interest and dividend adjustments, or out-of-hours price movements
- Trades may be rejected if you have insufficient funds to open them, but, unlike on a live account, will never be rejected on the grounds of size or price
- You will not be charged for chart packages on a demo account
- Trades will not be closed if you have insufficient funds to cover margin and running losses, which can happen on a live account
This is by no means an exhaustive list, and therefore opening a live account we recommend you read the information available on our website as well as the Customer Agreement to ensure that you are aware of the features of a live account.
Discover the differences between a live account and a demo account
Why use a trading simulator?
Traders will choose to use a trading simulator, such as a demo account, because it enables them to get to grips with a platform, build their strategy and grow in confidence, without having to risk any real money.
Trading simulators aren’t just for newcomers. Experienced traders often like to use demo accounts to try out new strategies, tools or ideas, safe in the knowledge that they won’t result in any real-world losses.
You’ll often see demo accounts described as ‘paper trading’, which is the term to describe simulated securities trading. However, with an IG demo trading account, you’ll gain access to over 17,000 markets, including:
As well as a range of other markets including bonds, rates and options.
FAQs
What can you do on a demo trading account?
A demo account will enable you to view the range of financial markets available to you with IG and get used to how they behave. You’ll be able to select the markets you want to keep an eye on and set alerts so you can react instantly to any price volatility. The demo account will also help you navigate the IG platform, ensuring that you can read and analyse price charts, fill in the deal ticket and monitor open positions.
Alternatively, if you’re interested in using more advanced software, we also offer an MT4 demo account. This enables you to build your understanding of the MetaTrader4 online trading platform in a risk-free environment.
Can I practice CFD trading?
With an IG demo account, you can practice CFD trading. These products use leverage, which enables you to gain full market exposure for just a small initial deposit. While this can magnify your returns, it can also magnify your risk – making it important to get to grips with how they work before you start to trade on live markets.
What is the difference between a demo trading account, trading simulator and paper trading account?
There is no difference between a demo trading account, trading simulator or paper trading account. All of these terms are just synonyms for the same type of simulated trading platform.
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Contact us
Interested in opening an account?
Contact 1800 601 799 or newaccounts.au@ig.com
Want to check on your application’s progress?
Email newaccounts.au@ig.com
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