There are two main ways to trade forex - through spot trading or using contracts for difference (CFDs). With spot trading, the trader directly exchanges one currency for another at the current exchange rate. CFD trading replicates the price movements of currencies but does not involve direct ownership of the underlying assets. The main differences are that with CFDs the trader does not actually own the currencies and trades based on the provider's prices rather than direct exchange rates. CFD providers also act as the counterparty and market maker for all trades, which could potentially put the trader at a disadvantage compared to spot trading if the provider experiences losses or manipulates spreads.