Core Spreads is a UK and Australian broker focused on fixed-spread CFDs and spread betting at 1:30 retail leverage. The product has since rebranded to Trade Nation. If you want raw ECN spreads with up to 1:500, here is how LHFX compares.
LHFX charges $3 per side on raw spreads from 0.0 pips, opens at $10, runs on MT5, and typically processes withdrawals in under 20 minutes via auto-payout.
LHFX vs Core Spreads at a glance.
| Feature | LHFX | Core Spreads |
|---|---|---|
| Commission | $3 per side ($6 per lot round-turn) | Spread-only, no per-lot commission on FX |
| Minimum Deposit | $10 | From $10 |
| Spreads | From 0.0 pips (raw) | From 0.6 points fixed on EURUSD |
| Leverage | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:30 retail (FCA, ASIC) |
| Platforms | MT5 | CoreTrader (proprietary), MT4 |
| Instruments | 144 (41 forex pairs) | 560+ including 500+ share CFDs (30+ forex pairs) |
| Execution | STP/ECN | STP |
| Regulation | FSC Mauritius (GB23202204), FSCA South Africa (FSP 52816) | FCA UK, ASIC Australia (now operating as Trade Nation) |
| Crypto Withdrawals | Typically under 20 minutes | Not offered |
| Islamic Account | Yes, swap-free with holding fee after grace period | Not publicly advertised |
The areas where LHFX offers a clear advantage over Core Spreads.
$3 per side on spreads from 0.0 pips at LHFX. Core Spreads quotes a fixed 0.6 points on EURUSD with no per-lot commission, which is typically more expensive once you size up beyond hobby flow.
LHFX offers up to 1:500. Core Spreads is capped at 1:30 retail leverage under FCA UK and ASIC Australia rules. That is roughly 16x more buying power for non-EU and non-UK clients at LHFX.
BTC, ETH, USDT and other crypto rails alongside card. Core Spreads does not offer crypto deposits or withdrawals.
LHFX is MT5 only with full ECN execution. Core Spreads leads with its proprietary CoreTrader platform and offers MT4. For traders who want MT5 with raw spreads, LHFX is the cleaner fit.
Withdrawals are typically processed in under 20 minutes via auto-payout. Core Spreads processes by bank rails without a published average settlement time.
Core Spreads has genuine strengths. Here is where they come out ahead.
Core Spreads (now Trade Nation) operates under FCA UK (FRN 525164) and ASIC Australia (AFSL 422661). For UK and Australian residents who want a domestic-regulated provider, this matters.
Core Spreads offers tax-free spread betting for UK residents, which can be more tax-efficient on profits than CFDs. LHFX does not offer spread betting (CFDs only).
Core Spreads quotes fixed spreads (0.6 points on EURUSD as standard). Some traders prefer fixed pricing to raw spreads that widen around news.
Core Spreads lists 500+ share CFDs alongside its forex and indices. LHFX offers 144 instruments concentrated on forex, indices, commodities, crypto and select stocks.
Moving from Core Spreads to LHFX takes minutes, not days.
$10 minimum deposit. Registration takes about 2 minutes.
Upload a government-issued ID. Most verifications complete within a few hours.
Deposit via crypto or card and place your first trade on MT5 or LHFX Trade.
$10 minimum deposit. Registration takes about 2 minutes.
Upload a government-issued ID. Most verifications complete within a few hours.
Deposit via crypto or card and place your first trade on MT5 or LHFX Trade.
$10 minimum deposit. $3 per side commission. 1:500 leverage. Crypto withdrawals typically processed in under 20 minutes.