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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:
July 03, 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
zForex Plus500 OANDA Trading.com USA FOREX.com

Min. deposit, $

10 100 No 50 100

Tradable assets

80 2800 129 69 5500

Demo

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Cent

No No No No No

Standard EUR/USD spread

0.3 0.7 0.3 1.1 1.0

Max. Regulation Level

Not regulated 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.
 Go to broker
Your capital is at risk.
 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 regulations and the need to protect minors from financial risks and contractual obligations. However, young individuals can participate in the markets through custodial accounts, where a parent or guardian manages the assets until the child reaches the age of majority. While some may seek to bypass these age restrictions, doing so can lead to serious legal consequences and undermines the safeguards set in place. The key takeaway is that while enthusiasm for trading can start early, responsible financial education and adherence to regulations pave the way for a secure and sustainable investing journey. Ultimately, patience and proper guidance are invaluable assets for young aspiring traders.

FAQs

What are the main reasons brokers restrict trading for those under 18?

Brokers restrict trading for minors primarily due to legal requirements, as minors cannot independently enter contracts or be fully accountable for financial obligations in court. Additionally, brokers aim to protect inexperienced young traders from the risks of financial loss and to avoid potential legal and financial complications for families.

Is it possible for a minor to invest with the help of a guardian, and how does that work?

Minors can invest with the assistance of a guardian, who opens and manages the trading account on the minor's behalf. The guardian is responsible for all transactions and legal obligations, ensuring the minor's interests are protected and that all activity complies with regulations.

How do demo accounts help minors prepare for real trading environments?

Demo accounts simulate real trading conditions using virtual money, allowing minors to practice strategies, observe market behavior, and develop discipline without risking actual funds. This experience builds foundational skills and confidence before transitioning to live trading when legally permitted.

Are there any alternatives for minors interested in trading besides standard brokerage accounts?

Yes, alternatives include trading on cryptocurrency exchanges, which often have fewer age restrictions, and using demo accounts provided by many platforms. While these options allow minors to participate or practice trading, each carries varying levels of risk and should be approached with caution and strong risk management.

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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
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.

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.

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.

Copy trading

Copy trading is an investing tactic where traders replicate the trading strategies of more experienced traders, automatically mirroring their trades in their own accounts to potentially achieve similar results.

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.

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