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CFDs vs. spread betting: What is the difference?

Spread betting and CFD trading are leveraged trading products that offer many of the same benefits.

They're similar in that they're both margined products. This means you can open a relatively large position while putting up just a small percentage of the full value of the trade.

What is spread betting?

A spread bet is a strategy in which you speculate on whether an asset’s price will rise or fall. Your stake is up to you, as you decide how much you wish to bet per point of movement. When you spread bet, you're betting on a range of possible outcomes, based on the underlying data.

Two prices are quoted for spread bets – the 'bid price' at which you can buy and the 'ask price' at which you can sell. The difference between the two is known as the 'spread'. Brokers will take a small portion of this spread as profit, without adding commission to the trade.

What is CFD trading?

A CFD is a financial derivative based on the underlying market. You buy or sell contracts which represent an amount per point in that market. This is similar to what you would do when trading the physical instrument, but without taking ownership of the underlying asset.

As this is a margined product, you can open a relatively large position using a small amount of capital and therefore can win or lose significantly more than you deposit initially.

Similarities between spread betting and CFD trading

Both products allow you to position at any time of day on rising and falling markets, with prices based on the underlying market.

Both products enable you to open positions and gain market exposure with leverage and therefore a smaller margin requirement.

Both provide opportunities to go long or short, on a broad range of markets including forex, indices, stocks and commodities.

You don't need to own the underlying asset, so you don't pay stamp duty.

Choose from thousands of other online tools to plug into MT4.

Differences between spread betting and CFD trading

FeatureSpread bettingCFDs
Tax-efficiencyNo stamp duty, No Capital Gains Tax (CGT) in the UK*No stamp duty, Capital Gains Tax (CGT) liable
Our chargesNo commission, just our spreadCommission charged only on CFD equity trades. Razor account - raw spread with commission. Standard account - no commission.
Other chargesSpread is built into prices, Holding costs may applyHolding costs may apply
Deal sizesPounds per pointNumber of contracts
Calculating profit and lossThe difference between your entry and exit price, multiplied by your stakeThe difference between your entry and exit price, multiplied by the number of CFDs, multiplied by the size of the contract
Corporate account availableYesYes
Currency deal sizeAll in £, limiting foreign currency exposure riskIn the currency of the CFD

*In the UK spread betting profits are exempt from capital gains tax. Please be aware that tax treatment depends on your individual circumstances and tax law may be subject to change.

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© 2025 Pepperstone Limited 
Company Number 08965105 | Financial Conduct Authority Firm Registration Number 684312

Risk warning: Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 74.8% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Trading derivatives is risky. It isn't suitable for everyone and, in the case of Professional clients, you could lose substantially more than your initial investment. You don't own or have rights in the underlying assets. Past performance is no indication of future performance and tax laws are subject to change. The information on this website is general in nature and doesn't take into account your or your client's personal objectives, financial circumstances, or needs. Please read our legal documents and ensure you fully understand the risks before you make any trading decisions. We encourage you to seek independent advice.

Pepperstone Limited is a limited company registered in England & Wales under Company Number 08965105 and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Registration Number 684312). Registered office: 70 Gracechurch Street, London EC3V 0HR, United Kingdom.

The information on this site is not intended for residents of Belgium or the United States, or use by any person in any country or jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation.