How to Day Trade on eToro - 2025 Guide & Walkthrough
Want to learn day trading on eToro? This step-by-step 2025 guide covers everything from opening your account to managing live trades. We’ll break down stocks, forex, CFDs, and how to set stops — so you can start smart, limit risk, and trade confidently.
Quick Answer: How Do You Day Trade on eToro?
Open and fund your eToro account, build watchlists, then buy and sell assets within the same day aiming to profit from small moves. Use stop losses and take profits to manage risk. Always start small — day trading is high risk and needs discipline.
eToro Overview
- Minimum Deposit: $50 (via UK bank transfer)
- Copy top-performing traders across a wide range of assets
- FCA regulated and compliant with UK crypto marketing rules
- User-friendly platform with social trading and mobile app support
- Perfect for beginners and casual investors looking to follow expert strategies with ease
CFDs are complex instruments with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 61% of retail CFD accounts lose money when trading CFD’s with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Day Trading on eToro
Here’s exactly how to start day trading on eToro, from sign-up to your first trade. Each step ensures you build a safe, structured approach — critical for avoiding common beginner mistakes.
Step 1: Open and Verify Your eToro Account
Go to eToro’s site or app and click “Join Now.” Complete your details, set security questions, and accept T&Cs. Verification is required by law before you can trade or withdraw funds.
What Documents Will You Need?
You’ll upload a passport or driver’s license, plus a recent utility bill or bank statement to prove your address. Make sure documents are clear and in date to avoid delays.
How Long Does Verification Take?
Most UK users get verified in under 24 hours. Occasionally, eToro asks for extra ID checks, which can stretch to 48 hours. You’ll get an email once fully approved.
Step 2: Fund Your Account Safely
Once verified, click “Deposit Funds.” eToro accepts cards, bank transfers, PayPal, and more. Always double-check your deposit details and start small — never add money you can’t afford to lose.
Deposit Methods & Minimums
UK minimum deposits are typically $50–$200 (around £40–£160), depending on funding method. Debit cards and e-wallets are fastest; bank transfers can take a few days to clear.
Any Hidden Fees?
eToro doesn’t charge deposit fees, but withdrawals cost $5, and funds are held in USD, so conversion fees around 0.5% apply. Always factor in these small costs when planning trades.
Any Hidden Fees?
| Method | Min Deposit | Typical Speed | Withdrawal Fee | FX Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Debit Card | ~$50 | Instant | $5 | ~0.5% |
| Bank Transfer | ~$200 | 3-5 days | $5 | ~0.5% |
| PayPal | ~$50 | Instant | $5 | ~0.5% |
Step 3: Set Up Your Watchlists & Alerts
Before trading, build watchlists of assets that interest you. This keeps your day trading focused and stops random chasing. eToro makes it easy to group stocks, forex pairs, or cryptos, so you’re always tracking the right markets.
How to Build a Focused Watchlist
Click the “Watchlist” tab, then “Create New List.” Add high-volume stocks or currency pairs with strong daily moves. Avoid clutter — stick to a handful of assets you’ll actually monitor each session.
Using Price Alerts to Spot Day Trades
Tap the bell icon on any asset to set alerts. eToro notifies you when prices hit key levels, so you can jump in without staring at charts all day. Alerts help spot breakout trades or reversal zones.
Step 4: Pick the Right Stocks or Markets to Day Trade
Choose assets that move. Day traders rely on volatility and volume. On eToro, look for trending stocks, popular forex pairs, or cryptos with clear momentum. Avoid illiquid shares — wide spreads eat profits fast.
What Makes a Good Day Trading Stock?
Tight bid-ask spreads, consistent daily swings of at least 2-3%, and high trading volumes. Think Tesla or big banks on earnings days — not sleepy penny stocks that barely budge.
Example: Finding a Volatile Equity on eToro
Go to “Discover,” filter by “Trending Stocks” or use “Most Volatile.” Check the 1-day chart — look for clean up or down moves. Add it to your watchlist for the next session.
What Makes a Good Day Trading Asset?
| Factor | Ideal for Day Trading? | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Volume | High | Easy entries/exits |
| Volatility | Moderate-High | More opportunities |
| Tight Spreads | Yes | Lower trading costs |
| News Sensitivity | Often | Moves quickly on catalysts |
Step 5: Learn the Basics of Forex & CFD Day Trading
Forex pairs like GBP/USD or EUR/USD move daily, offering leverage for small accounts. eToro also lets you trade stocks via CFDs, meaning you can go long or short — but this increases both profit potential and risks.
Why Forex is Popular with Day Traders
Forex runs 24 hours on weekdays, so you can trade before or after UK stock hours. It’s liquid, fast-moving, and often trends cleanly on news — perfect for short-term charts.
CFD Leverage: Boosting (and Risking) Returns
CFDs let you trade with a small margin, amplifying gains. But it cuts both ways. A 5% move against you wipes out a small account fast. Always use stop losses and never max your leverage.
Key Forex & CFD Day Trading Concepts
| Concept | What It Means | Day Trader Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Leverage | Trade with borrowed funds | Magnifies gains & losses |
| Spread | Difference buy vs sell price | Cost of each trade |
| Margin Call | Broker closes positions | If losses too large |
Step 6: Place Your First Day Trade on eToro
Once you’ve found your trade, hit “Trade” on the asset page. Decide how much to risk, set your stops, and confirm. Start small — even a £50 test trade builds experience without heavy losses if things turn fast.
Choosing Order Types (Market vs Limit)
A market order buys instantly at current prices — ideal in fast markets. A limit order sets your own price, useful for breakouts or pullbacks. New day traders often start with markets for speed but switch to limits for control.
Setting Stop Losses and Take Profit Levels
Always set a stop loss to cap downside and a take profit to lock gains. On eToro’s ticket, toggle “Stop Loss” and “Take Profit” — adjust to key chart levels, not just random numbers.
Step 7: Monitor Positions and Manage Risk
After entering, watch price action. Avoid panic if it wobbles — small intraday moves are normal. Stick to your plan. Adjust stops to lock in gains or limit bigger losses as the trade develops.
Adjusting Stops in Real Time
If price moves in your favour, tighten stops to breakeven or small profit. This protects from sudden reversals — crucial in day trading where trends can flip fast.
When to Exit Winning or Losing Trades
For losses, honour your stop. For winners, exit at your planned take profit or when momentum fades. Never hold hoping a losing day trade “comes back.” That’s how small losses become portfolio killers.
What Are the Main Risks of Day Trading on eToro?
Day trading on eToro offers speed and leverage — but that also means higher risks. It’s easy to overtrade or let small losses snowball. Know the main pitfalls so you can protect your account and keep emotions from wrecking your trades.
Why Day Trading is Riskier Than Investing
Unlike investing, where you ride long-term trends, day trading means frequent entries and exits. One bad session wipes out days of gains. Add leverage, and tiny moves can empty your balance fast. Always be ready to cut losers quickly.
How to Use eToro Tools for Safer Trades
eToro’s stop loss and take profit features are your best defence. Use alerts to avoid staring at charts all day, and the “Close at Profit/Loss” toggles to automate exits. Keeping trade sizes small also limits damage on rough days.
| Risk Factor | How I Mitigate It |
|---|---|
| Market Volatility | I avoid trading just before big economic reports and use tight stop-loss orders. |
| Leverage Risks | I never risk more than 1-2% of my trading account per trade and limit leverage. |
| Emotional Trading | I follow a pre-defined trading plan and never let emotions dictate my actions. |
| Regulatory Risks | I stay informed by reading financial news and understanding new regulations. |
| Liquidity Risks | I only trade high-volume stocks and forex pairs to ensure smooth exits. |
Is eToro a Good Platform for Day Trading?
For most, yes. eToro blends simplicity with advanced features, letting you day trade stocks, forex, and CFDs in one place. Its clean app makes executing trades fast — crucial for short-term moves. Just watch fees on frequent crypto or forex trades.
Pros of Using eToro for Day Trades
- Super user-friendly app and web platform
- Hundreds of stocks, major forex pairs, and crypto CFDs
- Built-in stop loss, take profit, and price alerts
- Regulated by the FCA, adding trust for UK traders
Any Drawbacks or Limitations?
- Crypto and forex spreads are higher than specialist brokers
- Limited deep charting tools — pro day traders may want extra software
- $5 withdrawal fee + small FX conversions add up if moving money often
Final Thoughts
Day trading on eToro has been a journey of learning and growth. While it offers great opportunities, I’ve had to be disciplined and strategic. Risk management is key, and taking advantage of eToro’s tools has helped me stay on track. If you’re thinking about starting, I’d suggest using the demo account first, setting realistic goals, and sticking to a strategy. Happy trading!
eToro is a multi-asset platform which offers both investing in stocks and
cryptoassets, as well as trading CFDs.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money
rapidly due to leverage. 61% of retail investor accounts lose money when
trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you
understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk
of losing your money.
This communication is intended for information and educational purposes
only and should not be considered investment advice or investment
recommendation. Past performance is not an indication of future results.
Copy Trading does not amount to investment advice. The value of your
investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.
Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a
high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something
goes wrong.
eToro USA LLC does not offer CFDs and makes no representation and
assumes no liability as to the accuracy or completeness of the content of this
publication, which has been prepared by our partner utilizing publicly
available non-entity specific information about eToro.
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- Competitive Fees
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61% of retail CFD accounts lose money when trading CFD’s with this provider.
FAQs
Is day trading on eToro good for beginners?
Not really — day trading is high risk. eToro’s simplicity helps, but start with small amounts or demo trades to learn without costly mistakes.
Can you day trade forex on eToro?
Yes, easily. eToro lets you trade all major forex pairs with leverage. Just be extra cautious — forex moves fast and magnifies tiny errors.
What’s the minimum to start day trading on eToro?
Usually around $50–$200 (about £40–£160) to fund your account, depending on payment type. Keep initial day trades tiny to avoid blowing your balance while learning.
References
- eToro Official Website – Trading Platform Features & Fees | Provides official information on trading tools, fees, and platform functionality.
- Forex.com – Understanding Forex Trading | Detailed insights on forex trading principles, leverage, and currency pairs.
- Financial Times – Stock Market News & Analysis (Subscription may be required) | Up-to-date market trends, stock performance, and expert analysis.
- Bloomberg – Global Financial News | Provides real-time data, insights, and expert opinions on financial markets.
- NerdWallet – eToro Review | An in-depth review of eToro’s features, pros, and cons for traders.
- SEC (U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission) – Trading & Investing Regulations
- TradingView – Real-time Market Charts & Analysis
