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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:
October 27, 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
Plus500 Trading.com USA OANDA FOREX.com IG Markets

Min. deposit, $

100 50 No 100 1

Tradable assets

2800 69 129 5500 20000

Demo

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Cent

No No No No No

Standard EUR/USD spread

0.7 1.1 0.3 1.0 0.9

Max. Regulation Level

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

Open an account

Go to broker
81% of retail CFD accounts lose money.
 Go to broker
Your capital is at risk.
 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

Trading under the age of 18 is generally restricted by brokers due to legal and financial risks, yet determined minors still have viable paths to learn and practice. The safest and most effective approach is to use demo accounts, which allow young learners to develop their skills and master risk management without real financial exposure. Alternatively, trading with a guardian or on certain cryptocurrency exchanges is possible, but these options carry added risks and responsibilities. Building a strong foundation before entering live markets ensures that young traders transform curiosity into competence while protecting themselves from avoidable pitfalls.

FAQs

What legal risks do families face if minors engage in unauthorized trading?

If minors engage in trading without proper legal arrangements, families may face serious financial liabilities. Because minors lack full legal capacity, courts may require parents or guardians to cover losses or debts incurred, potentially causing financial strain for the family.

How can minors benefit educationally from using demo accounts before the age of 18?

Demo accounts provide minors with risk-free exposure to market dynamics, allowing them to observe price movements, test trading strategies, and develop discipline. This educational approach helps minors build foundational knowledge and analytical skills before entering live trading environments when legally eligible.

What role does risk management play for aspiring traders under 18?

Risk management is crucial for aspiring traders under 18, as it teaches them to control potential losses and make informed decisions. By focusing on risk management early, minors develop habits and mindsets that protect them from common pitfalls and prepare them for long-term success in trading.

Are there unique risks associated with minors trading on cryptocurrency exchanges?

Yes, trading on cryptocurrency exchanges can expose minors to higher risks due to the volatile nature of digital assets. While some exchanges have minimal age requirements, the lack of regulation and potential for significant losses make these platforms particularly risky for inexperienced traders.

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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
Contributor

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
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.

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.

Index

Index in trading is the measure of the performance of a group of stocks, which can include the assets and securities in it.

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.

Bitcoin

Bitcoin is a decentralized digital cryptocurrency that was created in 2009 by an anonymous individual or group using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. It operates on a technology called blockchain, which is a distributed ledger that records all transactions across a network of computers.

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