Core Spreads Alternative: Why Traders Switch to LHFX

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 settles withdrawals in about 13 minutes via auto-payout.

Quick Comparison

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
132+ (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
About 13 minutes
Not offered
Islamic Account
Yes, swap-free available
Not publicly advertised

Where LHFX Wins

The areas where LHFX offers a clear advantage over Core Spreads.

01

Raw Spreads Plus Per-Side Commission

$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.

02

Up to 1:500 Leverage

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.

03

Crypto Deposits and Withdrawals

BTC, ETH, USDT and other crypto rails alongside Skrill, Neteller and bank wire. Core Spreads does not offer crypto deposits or withdrawals.

04

MT5 as Standard

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.

05

13-Minute Auto-Payout

Withdrawals settle in about 13 minutes on average via auto-payout. Core Spreads processes by bank rails without a published average settlement time.

Where Core Spreads Wins

Core Spreads has genuine strengths. Here is where they come out ahead.

FCA UK and ASIC Authorisation

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.

UK Spread Betting

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).

Fixed Spreads

Core Spreads quotes fixed spreads (0.6 points on EURUSD as standard). Some traders prefer fixed pricing to raw spreads that widen around news.

500+ Share CFDs

Core Spreads lists 500+ share CFDs alongside its forex and indices. LHFX offers 132+ instruments concentrated on forex, indices, commodities, crypto and select stocks.

Who Should Choose LHFX

  • Traders who want leverage above 1:30 (LHFX offers up to 1:500)
  • Traders who want crypto, Skrill or Neteller deposits and withdrawals
  • Traders who prefer MT5 over CoreTrader or MT4
  • Traders who want raw spreads with explicit per-side commission
  • Traders who want withdrawals settled in roughly 13 minutes
Open an LHFX Account

Who Should Stick with Core Spreads

  • UK residents who want tax-free spread betting
  • Traders who specifically need an FCA UK or ASIC-regulated broker
  • Traders who prefer fixed spreads to raw spreads plus commission
  • Traders who want a wider share CFD list in one account
  • Traders who prefer a proprietary platform (CoreTrader) over MT5

Making the Switch

Moving from Core Spreads to LHFX takes minutes, not days.

1

Open an LHFX Account

$10 minimum deposit. Registration takes about 2 minutes.

2

Verify Your Identity

Upload a government-issued ID. Most verifications complete within a few hours.

3

Fund and Start Trading

Deposit via crypto, Skrill, or Neteller and place your first trade on MT5 or LHFX Trade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Try LHFX?

$10 minimum deposit. $3 per side commission. 1:500 leverage. Crypto withdrawals in about 13 minutes.