In short
- Many FCA brokers have no minimum deposit.
- To trade micro lots with 1% risk, around £250–£1,000 is more practical.
- Only use money you can afford to lose entirely.
What different balances allow
| Balance | 1% risk | With a 20-pip stop on EUR/GBP | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| £100 | £1 | Less than a micro lot | Learning only |
| £500 | £5 | 0.02 lots | Workable for practice with real money |
| £2,000 | £20 | 0.10 lots | Flexible position sizing |
| £10,000 | £100 | 0.50 lots | Room for several positions |
Realistic expectations
Even a skilled trader making 2% a month would turn £1,000 into about £20 a month. Treat early trading as paid education, not income.
Before you deposit
- Clear any high-interest debt and keep an emergency fund.
- Practise on a demo account first.
- Decide in advance how much you're prepared to lose before stopping.
Frequently asked questions
Can I start forex trading with £100?
Yes, using micro lots at many brokers. But with 1% risk per trade, your stop-loss would need to cost about £1, which limits what you can do.
Can I make a living from a small account?
Very unlikely. Trying to earn a salary from a small account pushes traders into excessive risk.
CFDs and spread bets are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Most retail investor accounts lose money when trading these products. You should consider whether you understand how they work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Content is general information, not financial or tax advice.