FXTrading is an online forex brokerage marketed toward those looking for the security of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) regulation. This FXTrading review explores the broker’s features, platforms, and security to help you assess if it’s the right place to start trading.
FXTrading Headlines
It is located in Sydney, Australia. The company is owned by Gleneagle Securities Pty Ltd. Having opened its virtual doors in 2014 under the name RubixFX, the firm underwent a rebrand in 2020 to the premium domain ‘FXTrading’ to expand its global reach.
MetaTrader 4 Platform
FXTrading provides the coveted MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform. MT4 is widely regarded as the best platform in the online retail trading market, with fast execution speeds and extensive functionality, including indicators, charting tools, and trading signals.
All the platforms are available for download, including the desktop, web, and mobile trading stations. Unfortunately, MetaTrader 5 is not currently an option.
FXTrading also provides the MetaQuotes Multi Account Manager (MAM) platform. This lets clients manage numerous accounts without opening an investment fund.
Plus, those looking for a more hands-off trading account can utilize the MetaQuotes Percentage Allocation Management Module (PAMM). The service enables ‘Master’ fund managers to trade on your behalf. You set the conditions and the fund manager trades within those limits.
Markets
The broker offers most online markets, including forex and crypto trading as well as CFDs on indices and commodities:
- Forex – 45 forex pairs are available, including majors and an interesting mix of crosses and exotics
- Cryptocurrency – Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple CFDs are offered for those looking to trade on crypto
- Indices – 11 indices, including most big players from Europe, North America, and Asia can also be traded; for example, the NASDAQ 100 and Dow Jones US 30
- Metals & energies – Most commodities, such as gold, silver, and oil, can also be traded
Spreads & Commission
Spreads at FXTrading are competitive. Raw spreads are variable on their Pro account starting at 0 pips. However, the commission on these trades is $3.50AUD per lot. On the Standard account, variable spreads start from 1 pip with no commission. For gold and silver, spreads are variable from 10 cents and 1 cent respectively. Other commodities start at 1 pip. Indices start at 0.5 pips.
Leverage
Leverage is high compared to European regulated brokers and depends on the asset being traded. Both account options offer leverage up to 1:400 for forex.
With that said, as of March 2021, ASIC is bringing in stricter caps to protect clients:
- 1:30 on major currency pairs
- 1:20 on minor currency pairs, gold or major stock market indices
- 1:10 on commodities (other than gold) or minor stock market indices
- 1:5 on shares or other assets
- 1:2 on crypto assets
Mobile Apps
The MT4 mobile app is available to download from Google Play or the Apple App Store. The app makes it easy to switch between devices whilst maintaining trade functionality. To start trading, just sign up for a real or demo account via the FXTrading website. Once you’ve opened an account, details will follow about how to access the app.
Payments
FXTrading accounts can be created in the following base currencies USD, EUR, GBP, and AUD.
Investors can choose from the following deposit methods:
- Credit Card – Visa and Mastercard
- Electronic Payment – Neteller, Skrill, POLi Payments
- Bank Wire Transfer
- Local Bank Transfer
Fees are covered by FXTrading for most payment methods, except in the instance of wire transfer where a 15AUD fee will apply.
Processing times vary between methods. Deposits are instant for credit cards and E-payments. Wire transfers take 2-5 business days to process and bank transfers take 1-2 business days.
Depositing is simple. Just log in to the secure client portal, select the deposit method and amount, and click request.
Withdrawals to bank accounts take around 2-3 working days. This isn’t much different from most bank transfer or refund processing times, so it is competitive in that area.
Demo Account
A 30-day trial demo account is available where you can start trading with virtual funds. For those undecided about registering for a real account, the practice account is an excellent way to test the broker’s platforms, tools, customer support, and more.
Bonuses
There are several promotions on offer at FXTrading:
- For new traders, there is a 10% bonus which requires a minimum $1000 deposit and pays out up to $5000
- Alternatively, you can opt for cash bonuses to cover your losses up to $500, depending on the size of your deposit
- Until September 2021, the broker is also offering an iPhone 12 to clients who open an account with a minimum of 3000USD and trade the qualifying number of lots
Promotions can not be combined, so consider which is most beneficial to your needs. Terms and conditions are specific to each deal.
Regulation Reviews
FXTrading became a registered broker with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) in 2019 under its parent company Gleneagle Securities PTY Limited. ASIC is a stringent regulator and those compliant with its obligations are considered safe and trustworthy places to trade.
Obligations include:
- Segregated client funds
- The minimum level of staff and owner training
- Strict accounting and auditing compliance
- Regular risk management audits
It is also licensed by the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission which covers traders from across the world.
Additional Features
FXTrading provides a regularly updated blog to keep you atop the latest market events. Beyond this, the resources offered are fairly limited. This is a brokerage for those wanting to trade without the noise.
FXTrading Accounts
FXTrading offers two account options: the Standard and the Pro.
Spreads are competitive on both accounts, starting from 1 pip with the Standard but dropping to a minimum variable spread of zero pips with the Pro. However, this benefit is recouped on the commissions, as the Standard account is free to place any trade while the Pro comes with a $3.50 charge per lot. Depending on your trading strategy, you’ll want to assess whether tighter spreads are what you’re after or if you’re looking to avoid commissions.
Beyond this, there isn’t much additional benefit to opening a Pro account. Where other brokerages might offer close assistance from account managers, more resources, or bigger leverages, FXTrading does not.
To open an account, the minimum deposit is fairly low across both, with $1,000 for the Pro vs the $200 needed with the Standard.
Benefits
FXTrading is strong in the following areas:
- Good leverage within the ASIC regulatory framework
- No dealing desk intervention
- Zero pip spreads
- Rapid execution
- Tier 1 liquidity
Drawbacks
There are a few disadvantages of using FXTrading vs competitor brokers:
- No negative balance protection
- Fewer resources compared to other brokers
Trading Hours
Opening hours at FXTrading are variable depending on the asset. Forex markets are open 24 hours from Sunday to Friday. There are slight differences in trading hours across commodities and indices, but most open around 1 am and close at 11 pm Monday to Friday.
Customer Support
Customer services at FXTrading can be contacted on +61 (0) 2 8039 7366 for international clients. There is also a live chat function available during working hours (GMT+11). Alternatively, you can email FXTrading at [email protected].
Security
The company’s website is HTTPS secure, meaning that your data is relatively safe from hackers. The MetaTrader 4 platform also offers dual-factor authentication and secure login settings.
FXTrading Verdict
It is a good broker if you’re looking for a no-frills company, regulated by ASIC that will provide you with all the basics required to get trading at a good price. With its 2020 rebrand, it’s clear the company is keen to go global. The strong signup bonuses also make for a good proposition, but its lack of resources let it down slightly.
Accepted Countries
FXTrading accepts traders from Australia, Thailand, United Kingdom, South Africa, Singapore, Hong Kong, India, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Italy, Denmark, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Qatar, and most other countries.
Traders can not use FXTrading from the United States, Canada, Japan, Korea, Iran, New Zealand, or Vanuatu.
FAQ
Where is FXTrading regulated?
FXTrading is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) as well as the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC).
Does FXTrading offer a demo account?
Yes, FXTrading offers a 30-day free trial demo account on the MT4 platform.
How much capital do I need to trade with FXTrading?
The minimum deposit is $200 on the Standard account and $1,000 on the Pro account.
Can I trade cryptos on FXTrading?
FXTrading offers CFDs on Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple. These are the three most widely traded cryptocurrencies available on the retail trading market.
Does FXTrading charge a commission?
A Commission of $3.50 per lot is charged on trades if you open a Pro account. There is no commission on trades with a Standard account.
| FXTrading offers online forex, stocks, commodities, and crypto financial markets. |
Editorial Staff at Chweya is a team of financial experts led by Vincent Nyagaka, with over 9 years of experience in finance, commerce, forex, crypto, and marketing. Started in 2014, Chweya is now among the largest free financial resource sites in the industry and is often referred to as Wikipedia for business.
