BCR information

BCR is a forex broker that was established in 2008 under the company name BACERA CO PTY LTD. The broker is regulated by ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission) and offshore regulated by FSC (Financial Services Commission).

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Regulation: BCR is regulated by ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission), which provides a level of security and trustworthiness for traders.

• Demo Account: BCR provides a demo account, allowing traders to practice and test their trading strategies in a risk-free environment.

• Commission-free: BCR offers commission-free trading for all account types.

• Advanced Trading Platforms: BCR provides access to advanced MT4 trading platform, offering comprehensive charting tools, indicators, and automated trading capabilities.

• Market Research Tools: BCR offers various market research tools, including economic calendars and market live.

Cons:

• Offshore Regulation: BCR claims to be regulated by FSC, but it is offshore.

• Limited Account Types: BCR only offers two account types, which could restrict options for traders with specific needs or preferences.

• Wide Spreads: BCR offers spreads from 3.0 pips, while the industry average spread is just 1.5 pips.

• No 24/7 Support: The availability of customer support might be limited outside of regular business hours, which could be inconvenient for traders in different time zones or those requiring immediate assistance.

Is BCR Legit？

BCR operates within a well-regulated framework, authorized and regulated by respected financial authorities, including the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC, No. 328794) and offshore regulated by the Financial Services Commission (FSC, No. SIBA/L/19/1122) in the Virgin Islands.

This regulatory oversight ensures that BCR complies with stringent financial regulations, industry standards, and best practices. The ASIC and FSC play a crucial role in monitoring and supervising Doo Prime's operations, ensuring that the broker maintains transparency, ethical practices.

Additionally, BCR's practice of keeping segregated client funds means that client money is kept separate from the company's own funds. This can offer an additional layer of security for traders, since in the event of a company bankruptcy, these funds would not be treated as recoverable assets by general creditors of the company. This practice is common among regulated brokers as it provides more protection for traders' investments.

Market Instruments

Forex, CFDs on metals, commodities, indices... BCR allows clients to access 300+ trading markets. Therefore, both beginners and experienced traders can find what they want to trade on BCR.

This includes prominent global forex currency pairs, allowing for trading in the foreign exchange market.

They also offer CFDs on metals, which may include precious metals like gold and silver, as well as industrial metals.

In addition, traders can access CFDs on commodities, from energy sources like oil and gas to agricultural products.

This is extended to indices, tracking performance of groups of shares in a particular market or sector.

However, cryptocurrencies are currently unavailable.

Account Types

Apart from demo accopunts, BCR offers four live account types: Standard, Advantage, Alpha, and Affiliate. All account types provide leverage up to 400:1, a 50% stop-out level, micro-lot trading (0.01), and access to single stock CFDs, except for the Alpha account. The minimum deposit requirements range from $300 for the Standard and Advantage accounts to $3,000 for the Affiliate account. Spreads start from 1.2 pips for the Advantage account, with the Alpha account offering zero spreads. Additionally, the Advantage account charges a $3 commission per lot per side. The lot size per transaction is capped at 20 for all account types.

How to Open an Account？

Here are four specific steps to open an account with BCR:

Step 1: Visit the BCR official website: Go to the BCR website using a web browser on your computer or mobile device. Navigate to the account opening section: Look for the “Join Now” button on the website on the homepage.

Step 2: Fill out the account application form: Click on the account opening button/link, and you will be directed to an online form. Provide the requested information, including your full name, contact details (such as phone number and email address), and password.

Step 3: Submit identification documents: As part of the account verification process, BCR may require you to provide identification documents. These documents may include a copy of your passport or national ID card, proof of address (such as a utility bill or bank statement), and any other documents requested by the broker.

Step 4: Review and agree to the terms and conditions: Before finalizing your account creation, carefully read through the terms and conditions provided by BCR. Make sure you understand and agree to all the terms before proceeding. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact their customer support for clarification.

Leverage

BCR provides traders with maximum levearge up to 400:1.

Leverage, in simple terms, is a tool that enables traders to control a larger position in the market with a smaller amount of capital. It can be a valuable tool for experienced traders who understand its risks and benefits. By using leverage, traders can potentially generate higher returns on their investments.

However, leverage is a double-edged sword. While it can enhance profits, it can also magnify losses. Traders should exercise caution and implement effective risk management strategies when utilizing leverage. It is crucial to have a thorough understanding of the market and the associated risks before engaging in leveraged trading.

Spreads & Commissions

Specifically, the commissions and spreads need to pay will differ for the various trading accounts traders have.

The Standard account offers a zero-commission trading environment, allowing traders to execute trades without incurring any additional charges. Spreads for the Standard account start from 8.0 pips.

For those seeking even tighter spreads, the Advantage account is available. With spreads starting from 3.0 pips and no commissions, this account offers enhanced trading conditions for traders looking to optimize their trading strategies and minimize their trading costs.

Spreads and commissions vary on the trading symbol, more details can be found in the screenshot below.

Trading Platforms

BCR provides traders with popular MT4 (MetaTrader4) and MT5 (MetaTrader5) platforms as well as a user-friendly Webtrader and MAM platform. Some other popular and user-friendly trading platforms like cTrader and TradingView are not supported.

Deposit & Withdrawal

BCR provides its customers with over 10 payment options. The options available for depositing and withdrawing funds include Bank transfer, MasterCard, Direct Debit, Visa, UnionPay, Fasapay, helpay2, NPAY, Skrill, Neteller, POLi, and USDT.

In terms of withdrawal request processing, BCR operates a specific schedule. The cut-off time for processing on the same day is 10:00 AM. Requests submitted before this time will be processed on the same day, whereas requests submitted afterwards will not be processed until the following business day.

Additionally, BCR does not charge any fees for deposits or withdrawals. However, transactions between international banks might incur fees such as intermediary fees.

Trading Tools & Education

BCR also provides some trading tools and educational resources to help traders to gain a superb trading environment.

Their economic calendar is a must-have tool for traders, allowing them to stay informed about important economic events that have the potential to impact the markets. Identifying these events can help with planning trading strategies.

Their glossary is an excellent educational resource, especially for beginner traders. It provides definitions for numerous terms used in trading, helping traders become familiar with industry jargon.

Additionally, BCR offers a 'Market Live' feature, which provides real-time updates about market conditions and trends.

These tools, combined with their educational resources, assist traders in making informed decisions and understanding the complexity of the markets, which ultimately contributes towards a more efficient trading experience.

Customer Support

Language(s): English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese, etc.

Service Time: 24/5

Live chat, contact form

Email: info@thebcr.com

Phone: +44 3300010590

Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn

Address: BCR Co Pty Ltd, Trident Chambers, Wickhams Cay 1, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

FAQs

Is BCR Legit？

Yes. BCR operates legally and it is regulated by ASIC and offshore regulated by FSC.

What assets can I trade with BCR？

Forex and CFDs on metals, commodities, and indices.

Does BCR offer demo accounts？

Yes.

Does BCR offer industry leading MT4 & MT5？

Yes. It supports both MT4 and MT5.

Is BCR a good broker for beginners ？

Yes, given its stringent Australian regulation and its provision of demo accounts for novices to engage in risk-free trading, BCR could be an excellent option for beginners.

Risk Warning

Online trading involves significant risk, and you may lose all of your invested capital. It is not suitable for all traders or investors. Please ensure that you understand the risks involved and note that the information provided in this review may be subject to change due to the constant updating of the company's services and policies.

In addition, the date on which this review was generated may also be an important factor to consider, as information may have changed since then. Therefore, readers are advised to always verify updated information directly with the company before making any decision or taking any action. Responsibility for the use of the information provided in this review rests solely with the reader.

Overview of Swissquote

Swissquote is a leading online forex and financial trading broker headquartered in Switzerland. It was established in 1996 and has since grown to become a popular choice among traders worldwide. The broker offers a wide range of financial instruments to trade, including forex, stocks, indices, commodities, bonds, and cryptocurrencies. Swissquote provides its clients with access to several trading platforms, including Mobile App, MT4, MT5, and Money Managers.

Pros & Cons

Swissquote is areputable and regulated broker, offering an array of financial instruments and account types for traders to choose from. As with any broker, there are advantages and disadvantages to consider. In the following table, we present a summary of the key pros and cons of trading with Swissquote.

Swissquote undoubtedly offers a comprehensive range of trading instruments and state-of-the-art trading platforms. However, despite its many strengths, it falls short in terms of customer support, as it does not provide round-the-clock assistance, which can be a major drawback for traders who require immediate assistance during off-hours or in emergency situations.

Is Swissquote Legit?

Yes, Swissquote is a legitimate broker with four entities under respective jurisdictions:

Swissquote Bank Ltd, which is based in Switzerland, is regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA).

Swissquote Ltd, which is based in the United Kingdom, is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Swissquote MEA Ltd, which is based in Dubai, is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).

SWISSQUOTE FINANCIAL SERVICES (MALTA) LTD, is regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA).

These regulatory authorities ensure that Swissquote adheres to strict standards in terms of financial stability, transparency, and investor protection.

Market Instruments

Swissquote offers a wide range of market instruments for trading, including 400+ forex and CFD instruments, commodities, stock indices, shares, bonds, and cryptocurrencies. As a well-established Swiss broker, Swissquote is able to offer trading on several Swiss-specific instruments, such as the Swiss Market Index (SMI) and the Swissquote Group Holding Ltd. (SQN) stock, as well as access to other global exchanges such as the NYSE, NASDAQ, and LSE.

Account Type

Swissquote offers a range of account types to cater to the varying needs and preferences of its clients. The primary account types available are the Premium Account, Prime Account, Elite Account and Professional Account. Each account type comes with distinct features and benefits, such as different minimum deposit requirements, leverage ratios, and spreads. The Premium Account requires a minimum deposit of 1,000 CHF or equivalent, while the Prime Accounts require a higher minimum deposit of 5,000 CHF or equivalent. The Elite and Professional accounts ask for the highest minimum deposit of 10,0000 CHF or equivalent.

The Standard Account provides clients with access to a wide range of financial instruments, including forex, CFDs, stocks, options, futures, and bonds. The Premium Account, on the other hand, is designed for high-volume traders and offers lower spreads and commissions, as well as personalized service. The Prime Account is designed for institutional clients and provides them with a dedicated account manager, as well as access to exclusive liquidity and pricing.

Moreover, Swissquote also offers an Islamic Account, which is compliant with Sharia law and is available to clients who follow the Islamic faith.

Demo Trading

Swissquote offers a free demo account for clients to practice trading strategies and test out the broker's trading platforms without risking any real funds. The demo account provides users with virtual funds to trade on the same live markets as the actual trading accounts. The account comes with real-time pricing and charting tools, allowing traders to simulate trading conditions as closely as possible. This is an excellent opportunity for traders to get familiar with the broker's platforms and trading environment before committing any real money. Moreover, the demo account is ideal for both novice and experienced traders who want to try new trading strategies or test their current trading strategies without incurring any financial risk.

How to Open an Account with Swissquote?

Step 1: Visit the Swissquote website and click on the “Open your account” button.

Step 2: Provide personal information, such as name, email, and phone number, along with a valid identification document, such as a passport or driver's license.

Step 3: After the account is created and verified, the next step is to select the desired account type and deposit funds, such as Premium, Prime or Elite accounts.

Step 4: Agree to the terms and conditions and submit your application.

Step 5: Swissquote offers several convenient deposit methods, including debit card (Visa, MasterCard) and bank wire transfer.

Step 6: Once the account is funded, traders can access the trading platforms, begin analyzing the markets, and placing trades on a variety of financial instruments.

Leverage

Swissquote offers variable leverage levels depending on the financial instrument and the account type. For forex trading, the maximum leverage available is typically 1:30 for retail clients and up to 1:100 for professional clients who meet certain criteria. For CFD trading on indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, the maximum leverage ranges from 1:10 to 1:5, depending on the underlying asset.

Always keep in mind that high leverage can significantly increase the potential gains, but it can also magnify the losses, so it's important to use it with caution and always keep in mind the risks involved.

Spreads & Commissions (Trading Fees)

Swissquote offers competitive spreads and commissions to its clients. The exact costs depend on the type of account and the trading instrument being traded. The Premium Account has variable spreads, with the EUR/USD spread starting from 1.3 pips, while the Prime Account offers spreads starting from 0.6 pips. The Elite Account offers spreads as low as 0.0 pips, but it requires a higher minimum deposit and trading volume. The professional accounts provide spreads from 0.0 pips too.

In terms of commissions, the Premium Account and Prime Account charge zero commission. The Elite Account and the Professional Account charge a commission of EUR2.5 per side per lot traded. Overall, Swissquote is often seen as competitive in terms of spreads and commissions when compared to other major brokers.

Non-Trading Fees

Non-trading fees are fees that Swissquote charges its clients for services that are not directly related to trading activities. Swissquote has a relatively low level of non-trading fees compared to other brokers. Swissquote does not charge deposit and withdrawal fees, which depend on the method used. Swissquote also charges an inactivity fee of CHF 50 per quarter if no trades have been made during the last 6 months. This fee is lower than the industry average, which is around $15 per month.

Besides, Swissquote also charges overnight swap fees, also known as rollover fees or financing fees, on positions that are held overnight. The amount of the fee depends on the currency pair, the size of the position, and the prevailing interest rates in the respective countries.

Trading Platform

Swissquote offers Mobile App, MT4, MT5, and Money Managers.

MT4: Swissquote offers the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) trading platform to its clients, which is widely recognized in the industry for its reliability, speed, and advanced charting tools. MT4 is available for download on desktop, web, and mobile devices, allowing traders to access their accounts and manage their trades from anywhere at any time. Swissquote also offers a range of customized tools and indicators, allowing traders to personalize their trading experience on the platform. Additionally, Swissquote provides free access to Autochartist, a popular technical analysis tool that helps traders identify potential trading opportunities.

MT5: Swissquote also offers the MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platform to its clients, which is the successor to the popular MT4 platform. MT5 has several advanced features such as improved charting capabilities, additional order types, and an economic calendar. Clients can also use MT5's algorithmic trading capabilities through the use of Expert Advisors (EAs) to automate their trading strategies. Swissquote's MT5 platform is available for desktop, web, and mobile devices, making it easily accessible for traders on the go.

Deposit & Withdrawal

Swissquote offers two primary deposit methods: debit card (Visa, MasterCard), bank wire transfer. With wire transfer, clients can make deposits in various currencies, but the process may take longer, typically taking 1 to 2 business days to reflect on their account. On the other hand, debit card deposits are processed faster, typically within a few minutes, and they are available in CHF, EUR, GBP, EUR, AUD, JPY, PLN, CZK, HUF and USD.

For withdrawals, Swissquote typically processes requests within 1 to 2 business days. Clients can withdraw funds using the same methods they used to deposit funds. However, it's important to note that some withdrawal methods may incur fees, so it's essential to check with the broker first before initiating a withdrawal request.

Educational Resources

Swissquote offers a plethora of educational resources to help traders of all levels enhance their knowledge and skills. The broker provides various learning materials, including webinars, seminars, online courses, and e-books. Additionally, Swissquote offers market analysis and news to keep clients informed about the latest developments in the financial markets.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Swissquote is a well-established and highly regulated forex broker offering a wide range of trading instruments, advanced trading platforms, and competitive trading conditions. The broker has earned a strong reputation for its commitment to security, transparency, and innovation, which has made it a preferred choice for traders looking for a reliable and trustworthy trading partner. While the broker's high minimum deposit requirement may be a challenge for some traders, its educational resources and excellent customer support help to offset this disadvantage.

FAQs

Is Swissquote a regulated broker?

Yes, Swissquote is regulated by several financial authorities, including FCA, MFSA, FINMA, and DFSA.

What trading platforms are offered by Swissquote?

Swissquote offers several trading platforms, including the MetaTrader 4 and 5 platforms, Mobile App, and Money Managers.

What is the minimum deposit required to open an account with Swissquote?

The minimum deposit required to open an account with Swissquote is 1,000 EUR/USD/GBP/CHF.

Does Swissquote offer demo accounts?

Yes, Swissquote offers a free demo account with virtual funds for traders to practice trading strategies.

How can I deposit and withdraw funds from my Swissquote account?

You can deposit and withdraw funds from your Swissquote account using bank wire transfer or debit card (Visa, MasterCard),.