Discover the financial markets with a demo account from Shares.com — a safe way to learn trading and test your strategies without risking real money.
The demo account provides virtual funds, allowing you to practice trading without the fear of real financial loss.
The demo account is 100% free and requires no initial deposit.
A demo trading account is a simulated trading environment that allows you to trade financial instruments using virtual funds. It replicates real market conditions but removes the risk of losing actual money. Whether you're a beginner learning the ropes or an experienced trader testing new strategies, a demo account is the perfect way to practice safely.
Learn how to place trades and navigate a trading platform without financial pressure.
Run simulations to evaluate technical setups or algorithmic models.
Get familiar with our tools, interface, and user experience before going live.
Capital: Virtual funds
Trading Risk: None
Market Data: Real-time
Order Execution: Simulated
Emotion & Psychology: No pressure
Payouts / Withdrawals: Not applicable
Capital: Your own deposited funds
Trading Risk: Real financial risk
Market Data: Real-time
Order Execution: Actual
Emotion & Psychology: Emotions affect decisions
Payouts / Withdrawals: Profits and losses are real
How long can I use a demo account for?
You can use a demo account for as long as you like - so long as you're actively trading. If you do not trade for two weeks, your account will be automatically closed.
What is the difference between the demo and live accounts?
The demo account enables you to use virtual funds and practise trading risk-free (currently our demo accounts are only available for CFDs). Please note that the funds on the demo account are virtual, so you can't withdraw them. The live account allows you to trade using your own money, which means you can make both profits and losses.
Do I have to pay to use the demo account?
The demo account is completely free and you do not risk any real funds while using it.
Practicing with a demo account is the smartest way to build trading confidence. Follow these tips to turn virtual trading into real skills:
Define what you want to achieve — whether it's learning platform features, testing a strategy, or simulating a real trading routine. Goals help you stay focused and measure progress.
Avoid trading as if you have unlimited funds. Instead, use position sizes you’d be comfortable risking in a real account. This keeps your risk management habits realistic.
Build and follow a strategy — for example, a moving average crossover or support/resistance breakout. Don't just place random trades. Discipline starts in demo mode.
Log every trade: entry, exit, result, and reason. This will help you review patterns in your decision-making and refine your strategy over time.
Even with virtual funds, pay attention to how you react after losses or wins. Learning to stay calm and objective is a critical trading skill.
Many traders overtrade in demo accounts just because there’s no risk. Instead, simulate real conditions by limiting trades per day or week — quality over quantity.
