Hey everyone,
I’m located in the UK and want to set up automated trading using a bot. Right now I use Trading 212 for my trades, but unfortunately they don’t have API functionality available for CFD instruments.
I’ve been searching for alternative brokers that would allow me to connect my trading software through their API. The main requirement is that they need to support CFD trading through their programming interface.
Has anyone here had experience with UK-based brokers that offer proper API integration for CFD products? I’d really appreciate any suggestions or recommendations you might have.
Cheers
Saxo Bank API is rock solid for CFDs.
XTB has solid CFD API access and handles UK clients well. Platform stays responsive when markets get crazy, and fills are clean most of the time. Here’s what people forget to check - minimum position sizes can be different through API vs manual trading. Some brokers jack up minimums for bots. Also make sure they don’t hit you with extra API fees once you cross certain monthly limits. Before ditching Trading 212, run your bot on demo APIs first. Real execution never matches your backtests.
Plus500’s API handles basic CFD automation well. Just heads up - they’ve got position limits on weekends.
OANDA and Interactive Brokers work well for CFD automation. OANDA’s REST API is easy to use and well-documented. IB’s more complex but handles big volume better. IG’s got an API too, but their rate limits suck if you’re trading frequently. Plus One Markets has MT4/MT5 with EA support if you’d rather skip the custom coding. Test API speeds during London session - some brokers slow down when things get volatile and you’ll miss your entries.
Interactive Brokers is a good choice. Their API works well for CFDs and has good reliability.
FxPro’s got solid CFD API support with MT4/MT5 and their platform. Connection holds up during London open, which is key for automated systems.
Watch the overnight swap rates though - they’ll kill your profits on longer positions. Check their terms on automated trading frequency limits too.
Test small positions first before scaling your bot up.
Been running automated CFD strategies for 3 years. Started with OANDA but execution got sketchy during high volatility.
Using Pepperstone now for most setups. Their cTrader API is solid and latency stays low when markets go crazy. Spreads stay tight.
Got a backup with City Index. API docs suck but it’s reliable once you get it working. Always good to have two brokers.
Test your connection during major news releases - that’s when you’ll see if their servers can actually handle it.
CMC Markets has a solid CFD API and they’re FCA regulated - big plus for UK traders.
Documentation’s decent and I haven’t had connection drops during market chaos. Works fine for my swing trading setups.
Heads up though - spreads blow out during news events and can screw up your automated entries.
Look at IG Markets or Saxo Bank for CFDs.