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Is Trading Possible Under the Age of 18

Oleg Tkachenko
Written by:
Oleg Tkachenko
Dan Blystone
Reviewed by:
Dan Blystone
Chinmay Soni
Fact-checked by:
Chinmay Soni
Updated:
June 09, 2026

Editorial Note: While we adhere to strict Editorial Integrity, this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation for How We Make Money. None of the data and information on this webpage constitutes investment advice according to our Disclaimer.

Brokers in most cases only allow traders over 18 years of age to open accounts. But there are exceptions:

  1. Trading with guardians.

  2. Demo account.

  3. Cryptocurrency exchanges.

Most brokers limit the age of traders to 18 years; in some countries, trading is only allowed from 21 years of age. Reason: minors do not have documents to pass KYS, cannot act as defendants in courts, their transactions may be declared invalid by the courts. Exit: training up to 18 years old on a demo account, trading with the permission of guardians, trading on cryptocurrency exchanges.

How to invest under 18?

In the modern world, trading is becoming increasingly popular. Many people see it as an opportunity to earn additional income or even build a career. It is not surprising that minors are also interested in trading. However, most brokers impose restrictions on opening accounts for minors. In this article, we will consider why this is happening and what possible solutions to this issue are.

Why do brokers impose restrictions?

There are several main reasons for imposing restrictions on trading for minors:

  • Legal restrictions. In most countries, minors do not have full legal capacity. This means that they cannot enter into contracts independently and be held accountable for their actions in court. In the event of financial losses, the broker may file a lawsuit against the minor trader to collect the debt. However, since the latter does not have full legal capacity, the court is likely to side with the broker and order the minor's parents or guardian to reimburse the losses. This can lead to serious financial problems for the family.

  • Risky operations. Trading is a risky activity. Even experienced traders cannot always predict how the market will behave. For minors who do not yet have enough experience and knowledge, the risks are even higher. As a result, they may lose all their money.

  • Consumer protection. Brokers are interested in their customers being satisfied and continuing to use their services. Therefore, they try to limit access to trading for minors in order to protect them from possible losses.

Although most brokers do not allow individuals under 18 to open live trading accounts independently, many platforms offer demo accounts that can be used for educational purposes. These accounts simulate real market conditions and allow beginners to practice trading strategies without financial risk. The brokers listed below are widely used by new traders because they provide demo accounts, educational tools, and strong regulatory oversight.

Best Forex brokers for beginners
Trading.com USA Plus500 OANDA FOREX.com Venom by Cobra Trading

Min. deposit, $

50 100 No 100 5000

Tradable assets

69 2800 129 5500 No

Demo

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Cent

No No No No No

Standard EUR/USD spread

1.1 0.7 0.3 1.0 0.4

Max. Regulation Level

Tier-1 Tier-1 Tier-1 Tier-1 Tier-1

Open an account

Go to broker
Your capital is at risk.
 Go to broker
80% of retail CFD accounts lose money.
 Go to broker
Your capital is at risk.
 Study review Study review

Possible solutions

There are several possible solutions to the issue of trading for minors:

  • Trading with a guardian. In this case, the minor trader can open a brokerage account, but the guardian will make transactions on his or her behalf. This will help to protect the interests of the minor and reduce risks.

  • Demo account. A demo account is a virtual account that is credited with virtual money. Minors can use demo accounts to learn trading without the risk of losing their money.

  • Trading on cryptocurrency exchanges. In most cases, cryptocurrency exchanges do not impose strict age requirements on customers. Therefore, minors can open accounts on such exchanges and make transactions. However, it should be taken into account that cryptocurrencies are highly risky assets, and trading them can lead to serious losses.

Which option to choose?

The choice of option depends on the specific circumstances. If the minor has sufficient experience and knowledge, as well as the support of parents or guardians, then he or she can open a brokerage account and make transactions independently. If the minor is just starting to learn trading, then it is better for him or her to start with a demo account or trading on cryptocurrency exchanges.

Learn risk management before trying to generate profits

Anastasiia Chabaniuk
Anastasiia Chabaniuk Educational Content Editor

The most important thing for aspiring traders under 18 is not rushing into real trading but focusing on building a strong foundation first. I usually recommend starting with market observation, studying how price movements react to news, economic events, and market sentiment. Keeping a simple trading journal – even when using a demo account – can help develop discipline and analytical thinking much earlier than many beginners realize.

Another useful approach is learning risk management before trying to generate profits. Many new traders concentrate on strategies, but the real difference between successful and unsuccessful traders often lies in how they control losses. If young traders treat their early experience as structured learning rather than a way to make quick money, they will enter the market later with a much stronger mindset and skill set.

Conclusion

While trading under the age of 18 is generally restricted due to legal and risk-related concerns, motivated minors are not entirely without options. Demo accounts offer valuable hands-on experience and skill-building without financial risk, making them a solid starting point for aspiring young traders. With parental support, supervised trading or learning on cryptocurrency exchanges can also be considered, although the latter bears its own set of risks. Ultimately, the strongest foundation for future trading success is formed through disciplined learning and risk management practices rather than quick profit-seeking. By embracing education and patience, minors can prepare themselves to enter the market confidently and responsibly when the time is right.

FAQs

What legal documents are required to open a trading account under 18?

Minors typically lack the necessary legal documents to pass identity verification (KYC) processes, which are required to open a live trading account. A guardian may sometimes open an account on behalf of a minor, providing their own documentation and legal responsibility.

Why are demo accounts recommended for minors interested in trading?

Demo accounts allow minors to practice trading strategies and gain market experience without the risk of financial loss. These accounts use virtual funds and replicate real market conditions, making them suitable for educational purposes and skill-building before engaging in real trading.

Are there specific risks minors face when trading cryptocurrencies compared to traditional assets?

Yes, cryptocurrency trading often involves fewer age restrictions, allowing minors to participate more easily. However, cryptocurrencies are highly volatile and riskier than many traditional assets, which increases the likelihood of significant financial losses for inexperienced traders.

How can minors build trading skills before reaching the legal age for real accounts?

Minors can develop trading skills by observing markets, learning how price movements relate to news and events, using demo accounts, keeping a trading journal, and focusing on risk management techniques. This foundation helps prepare them for responsible trading when they reach legal age.

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Team that worked on the article

Oleg Tkachenko
Oleg Tkachenko
Editor at Cryptocurrency & Blockchain Department

Oleg Tkachenko is an economic analyst and risk manager having more than 14 years of experience in working with systemically important banks, investment companies, and analytical platforms. He has been a Traders Union analyst since 2018.

Learn about our editorial policies
Dan Blystone
Dan Blystone
Senior English Editor

Dan Blystone began his trading career in 1998 as an arbitrage clerk on the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME). He later traded bond and Eurex futures at proprietary firms such as Altea Trading, gaining valuable experience in high-frequency trading and risk management.

Chinmay Soni
Chinmay Soni
Head of Fact-Checking Department

Chinmay Soni is a financial analyst with more than 5 years of experience in working with stocks, Forex, derivatives, and other assets. As a founder of a boutique research firm and an active researcher, he covers various industries and fields, providing insights backed by statistical data.

Glossary for novice traders
Leverage

Forex leverage is a tool enabling traders to control larger positions with a relatively small amount of capital, amplifying potential profits and losses based on the chosen leverage ratio.

Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency is a type of digital or virtual currency that relies on cryptography for security. Unlike traditional currencies issued by governments (fiat currencies), cryptocurrencies operate on decentralized networks, typically based on blockchain technology.

Forex Trading

Forex trading, short for foreign exchange trading, is the practice of buying and selling currencies in the global foreign exchange market with the aim of profiting from fluctuations in exchange rates. Traders speculate on whether one currency will rise or fall in value relative to another currency and make trading decisions accordingly. However, beware that trading carries risks, and you can lose your whole capital.

CFD

CFD is a contract between an investor/trader and seller that demonstrates that the trader will need to pay the price difference between the current value of the asset and its value at the time of contract to the seller.

Investor

An investor is an individual, who invests money in an asset with the expectation that its value would appreciate in the future. The asset can be anything, including a bond, debenture, mutual fund, equity, gold, silver, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and real-estate property.

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