Overview of OANDA

OANDA is a well-known online forex broker that has been operating for over two decades. With a reputation for transparency and reliability, OANDA offers a wide range of trading products and services, including forex, CFDs, commodities, and indices.

Founded in 1996, OANDA is headquartered in New York City and is regulated in multiple jurisdictions, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan. This ensures that OANDA operates within strict regulatory frameworks and offers a high level of security and protection to its clients.

OANDA offers a range of trading platforms, including its proprietary platform, as well as the popular MT4 platform. The broker also provides a range of educational resources and tools to help traders improve their trading skills and stay up-to-date with market developments. In terms of customer support, OANDA has a 24/7 customer service team that can be reached via phone, email, or live chat.

Pros & Cons

OANDA is a well-established forex and CFD broker with a range of features and services that may appeal to traders of all levels. As with any broker, there are both pros and cons to consider before deciding whether to open an account. Some of the key advantages of OANDA include its regulatory status, extensive range of instruments, competitive spreads, and variety of trading platforms. However, it is important to note that OANDA also has some potential drawbacks, such as limited deposit and withdrawal options, high non-trading fees, and a lack of negative balance protection. Understanding both the positives and negatives of trading with OANDA can help traders make informed decisions about whether this broker is the right fit for their needs.

Is OANDA legit or a scam？

OANDA is a legitimate forex broker that has been in operation for more than 20 years and is regulated by reputable financial authorities, such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in the US, and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). OANDA has also won numerous awards for its trading services and technology, including being named the “Best Forex Broker” by the Financial Times and Investors Chronicle for three consecutive years. However, as with any financial service, it is important for traders to conduct their own research and due diligence before deciding to trade with OANDA or any other broker.

Market Instruments

OANDA offers a wide range of trading instruments to its clients, allowing them to diversify their investment portfolio and take advantage of various market opportunities. The market instruments offered by OANDA include:

• Forex: OANDA provides access to a wide range of currency pairs, including major, minor, and exotic pairs. The forex market is the largest and most liquid market in the world, offering traders the potential for high returns.

• Indices: OANDA offers trading in a variety of global indices, such as the US 500, UK 100, and Germany 30. These indices represent the performance of a basket of stocks and provide traders with exposure to a broader market.

• Commodities: OANDA offers trading in commodities such as precious metals, energy, and agricultural products. These markets can be highly volatile, but they offer the potential for significant returns.

• Bonds: OANDA offers trading in government bonds from a variety of countries, providing traders with exposure to the fixed-income market.

• Cryptocurrencies: OANDA offers trading in popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. The cryptocurrency market is highly volatile and can offer traders significant opportunities.

• Bonds: OANDA also offers a range of bond CFDs to trade, including US Treasury Bonds, UK Gilts, and Euro Bunds. With bond trading, traders can access a wide range of bond markets and potentially benefit from price movements in global interest rates.

Account Types

OANDA offers two live account types to cater to different trading needs and experience levels of traders. Here are the account types offered by OANDA:

• Standard Account: This account type is suitable for new traders who are just starting in the forex market. The minimum deposit requirement for this account is $0, and it offers access to the core features of OANDA's trading platform, including over 70 currency pairs, commodities, and indices.

• Premium Account: This account is designed for more experienced traders who require additional features and services. The minimum deposit requirement for this account is $20,000, and it offers tighter spreads, lower trading costs, and a dedicated relationship manager.

Apart from two live trading accounts, OANDA also offers a free demo account, which allows traders to practice trading with virtual funds in a risk-free environment. The demo account provides access to all the features and tools of the OANDA platform, allowing traders to test their strategies and trading skills without risking real money.

How to open an account？

1. Visit the official OANDA website and click on the “Open an Account” button.

1. Choose the type of account you want to open.

2. Fill in your personal information, including your name, address, date of birth, and employment status.

1. Provide some additional information, such as your trading experience, investment goals, and financial status.

2. Agree to the terms and conditions of the account and submit your application.

3. Once your application is approved, you will receive an email with instructions on how to fund your account.

4. Follow the instructions to deposit funds into your account and start trading.

Leverage

OANDA offers leverage up to 50:1 for major currency pairs and up to 20:1 for minor currency pairs, commodities, and indices. However, leverage may vary based on the regulatory requirements of the country where the trader is located. It is important to note that high leverage can increase both profits and losses, and traders should carefully consider their risk tolerance before using leverage.

Spreads & Commissions (Trading Fees)

OANDA charges variable spreads that start from as low as 0.1 pips on major currency pairs. OANDA's spreads can vary depending on market volatility and liquidity, but they tend to be lower than the industry average.

In terms of commissions, OANDA does not charge any commissions on trades. Instead, the broker earns revenue from the spreads on trades. This can be a plus for traders who prefer to avoid paying commissions.

It's worth noting that OANDA also offers a range of order types, including limit, stop-loss, and take-profit orders, which can help traders manage their risk and maximize their profits.

Here is the combined data for EUR/USD, gold, and UK100 spreads from three brokers:

Non-Trading Fees

OANDA also charges certain non-trading fees, which include:

• Inactivity fee: OANDA charges an inactivity fee of 10 units of the account's base currency per month if there has been no trading activity for a period of 12 months or more. This fee can be avoided by simply placing a trade during this period.

• Financing/rollover fees: If a position is held overnight, OANDA charges a financing/rollover fee. This fee is based on the interest rate differential between the two currencies involved in the trade and is calculated using the following formula: (trade size x interest rate differential x 1/365).

• Deposit/withdrawal fees: OANDA does not charge deposit fees, but some withdrawal methods may incur a fee. For example, bank wire withdrawals within the US incur a $20 fee, while international wire withdrawals incur a $35 fee.

• Conversion fees: If you are depositing or withdrawing funds in a currency other than your account's base currency, OANDA charges a conversion fee. This fee varies depending on the currency and the amount being converted.

Trading Platform

OANDA offers multiple choices of trading platforms, namely MetaTrader 4 (MT4), OANDA Web Trading Platform, and OANDA Trade.

MetaTrader 4 (MT4): This is a widely used trading platform in the forex industry, popular for its advanced charting tools and automated trading capabilities. OANDA offers MT4 to its clients as a downloadable desktop application and mobile app.

OANDA offers a proprietary trading platform called OANDA Trade, which is available in both web-based and mobile versions. The platform is highly customizable and offers a wide range of charting tools, technical indicators, and order types.

OANDA Web Trading Platform: This is a web-based platform accessible from any device with internet connectivity. It offers a user-friendly interface and customizable features for traders to analyze the market and execute trades.

Here is a comparison table of the trading platforms offered by OANDA, Avatrade, and IC Markets:

Trading Tools

OANDA provides several trading tools to its clients, including:

Advanced Charting: OANDA's advanced charting tools offer technical analysis and indicators to help traders make informed decisions.

Economic Calendar: OANDA's economic calendar provides real-time updates on important economic events and news releases that can affect the markets.

Partners & VPS: OANDA partners with TradingView, a leading charting platform, to provide its clients with advanced charting and analysis tools. OANDA also partners with MotiveWave, a professional trading platform, to offer advanced technical analysis tools and trading strategies. In addition, OANDA offers a virtual private server (VPS) service to traders who require uninterrupted trading connectivity.

Deposit & Withdrawal

Deposit

OANDA offers several deposit methods, including:

• PayNow/QR Pay: This payment method is available for Singapore residents only. It allows for instant deposits into your trading account. Deposits from the following banks in Singapore: DBS/POSB, Bank of China, Citi, HSBC, Maybank, OCBC, Standard Chartered and UOB, are accepted.

• DBS Bill Pay (SGD only): Another payment method available only for Singapore residents, DBS Bill Pay allows you to make SGD-denominated deposits into your trading account.

• PayPal: PayPal is a popular online payment system that is accepted by OANDA. It allows you to make instant deposits and withdrawals from your trading account.

• FAST: FAST (Fast and Secure Transfers) is a real-time interbank payment and settlement system in Singapore. It allows for instant SGD-denominated deposits into your trading account.

• Bank wire transfer: You can also fund your trading account via bank wire transfer. This method typically takes 1-2 business days to process.

• Cheques: Cheques are accepted for deposits only, and they must be in SGD currency.

Withdrawal

While withdrawals that can be done are limited to three channels: PayPal, Bank Wire Transfer, and Cheque.

• Paypal: This is an online payment system that allows you to send and receive money electronically. To use this method for withdrawal, you will need to have a verified Paypal account that is linked to your OANDA trading account. Withdrawals are typically processed within 1-2 business days.

• Bank Transfer: This method involves transferring funds from your OANDA trading account directly to your bank account. The time it takes to receive your funds will depend on your bank's processing time. OANDA does not charge any fees for bank transfers, but your bank may have its own fees.

• Cheque: You can request to receive your funds via cheque, which will be sent to your registered address. It typically takes around 7-10 business days to receive your cheque. However, there may be additional fees for this method, depending on your location.

Customer Support

OANDA offers customer support services through various channels, including email, live chat, phone, and social media. The support team is available 24/7 to assist traders with any issues they may encounter during their trading journey.

One notable feature of OANDA's customer support is its multilingual support, which is available in several languages, including English, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish.

In addition to its customer support services, OANDA provides a comprehensive FAQ section on its website, which covers various topics, including account management, trading platforms, technical analysis, and more. The FAQ section is a valuable resource for traders who may have common questions and want quick answers without contacting customer support.

Educational Resources

OANDA offers a wealth of educational resources to its clients, enabling them to develop their trading skills and stay up-to-date with the latest market trends. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced trader, OANDA's educational resources cater to your needs.

One of OANDA's important educational resources is the OANDA Academy, which offers a range of educational materials, including videos, tutorials, webinars, and articles, covering a wide range of trading topics, from the basics of forex trading to advanced trading strategies.

Additionally, OANDA provides clients with a variety of market analysis tools and resources, including market news, economic indicators, and trading signals, enabling traders to stay informed about the latest market trends and make informed trading decisions.

Conclusion

OANDA is a well-established online broker that offers a variety of trading instruments, account types, and platforms to its clients. The broker is regulated by multiple reputable authorities and has been operating for more than two decades, which gives it credibility and reliability. Additionally, OANDA provides several trading tools, educational resources.

However, it is important to note that OANDA has received a significant number of complaints regarding its customer support, trading platforms, and pricing policies. While the broker has taken steps to address these issues, they still raise concerns about the overall quality of its services.

Overall, OANDA is a legitimate and reputable broker that offers a range of benefits to its clients. However, potential traders should be aware of the complaints and consider them before making a decision to open an account with OANDA. As with any investment, it is important to conduct thorough research and due diligence to ensure that the broker aligns with your trading needs and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Q: Is OANDA regulated？

A: Yes, OANDA is regulated by multiple financial regulatory authorities around the world, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in the US, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).

• Q: What is the minimum deposit required to open an account with OANDA？

A: The minimum deposit required to open an account with OANDA varies depending on the account type and the regulatory jurisdiction. In general, it ranges from $0 to $20,000.

• Q: What trading instruments are available on OANDA's platform？

A: OANDA offers a wide range of trading instruments, including forex, CFDs, commodities, bonds, and stock indices.

• Q: Does OANDA charge commissions on trades？

A: OANDA does not charge commissions on trades. Instead, they make money from the spread, which is the difference between the bid and ask price.

What is GSI Markets？

GSI Markets is a Forex trading broker operated by Media Force Limited, founded in 2013 and registered in the Marshall Islands. It claims to specialize in online Forex trading, converting on a leading FX and CFD broker for clients in more than 120 countries worldwide. Providing services through MetaTrader 4, It offers a demo account. The maximum leverage available is 1:100, and the minimum deposit required is $250, with margin requirements ranging from 0.20% to 5%. Notably, GSI Markets operates without any regulations.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Diverse Market Instruments: GSI Markets offers a wide range of market instruments, including stocks, cryptocurrencies, indices, forex, and commodities, providing traders with various options for diversification.

Demo Account Availability: Traders can access a demo account, allowing them to practice trading strategies and familiarize themselves with the platform without risking real money.

Multiple Contact Channels: The broker provides multiple contact channels, including seven telephone numbers, email, and other social platforms, making it easier for traders to reach customer support when needed.

Cons:

No Regulation: GSI Markets operates without any regulatory oversight, which is a huge red flag for the safety of funds and the reliability of the broker.

Exposure Labeled as Unable to Withdraw: There are five pieces of exposure labeled as unable to withdraw, which indicates a risk that traders face issues with withdrawing their funds.

Is GIS Markets Safe or Scam？

The most glaring red flag is the complete lack of regulation. This raises significant concerns about the safety of your funds, the fairness of their trading practices, and the potential for scams or manipulative activities.

Furthermore, the existence of exposures labeled as “unable to withdraw” is incredibly alarming. This suggests that some users have encountered difficulties withdrawing their funds, raising the possibility of encountering similar issues yourself.

Market Instruments

GSI Markets offers a wide array of market instruments for traders to engage with, catering to the varying trading preferences and strategies of its clients.

Stocks: You can access shares of publicly traded companies, enabling them to invest in the performance of individual companies.

Cryptocurrencies: The platform offers trading in digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others, allowing traders to participate in the dynamic and evolving cryptocurrency market.

Indices: GSI Markets provides access to major stock market indices, offering exposure to broader market performance.

Forex: The broker facilitates trading in the foreign exchange market, allowing traders to trade currency pairs and take advantage of fluctuations in exchange rates.

Commodities: You can also trade in commodities such as precious metals, energy, and agricultural products, providing diversification opportunities beyond traditional asset classes.

Account Types

GSI Markets offers traders three different live account types: Silver ECN, Gold ECN, and Platinum ECN accounts.

The Silver ECN account requires a minimum deposit of 250 USD and has a withdrawal time of 7 days. To acquire a Silver Account, traders must either trade 300 aggregated lots or reach total deposits of $1,000 to $10,000. To maintain the Silver Account, traders must continue to trade 150 lots quarterly.

The Gold ECN account offers a first deposit bonus of 10% up to 1,000 USD and has a withdrawal time of 3 days. To acquire a Gold Account, traders must either trade 2,000 aggregated lots or reach total account equity of $10,000 to $75,000. Gold account holders must trade a minimum of 600 lots quarterly to keep the account in good standing.

The Platinum ECN account provides a first deposit bonus of 15% up to 2,000 USD and has a withdrawal time of 3 days. To acquire a Platinum Account, traders must either trade 10,000 aggregated lots or reach total deposits of $75,000 and above. The Platinum Account is targeted at traders with higher trading volumes and account sizes.

How to Open a GSI Markets Account？

Step 1: Open an account by going to the broker's website: https://www.gsimarkets.com/.

Step 2: All you have to do is fill in the information in the box that says QUICK START. Once this is done, click on OPEN A REAL ACCOUNT which will take you to a page that says REGISTER ACCOUNT.

Step 3: Fill in your details, create a password, check the terms and conditions box and all other related boxes then click on CREATE MY ACCOUNT.

Step 4: You are now on your home page and can make a deposit online using your credit card. All you need to do is complete the DEPOSIT INFORMATION and click on the DEPOSIT NOW button.

Leverage

GSI Markets offers leverage of up to 1:100 for you. Leverage allows you to control a larger position size with a relatively small amount of capital. For example, with a 1:100 leverage, you can control a position of $10,000 with a deposit of only $100. While leverage can amplify profits, it also increases the risk of losses, as losses are also magnified in proportion to the leverage used.

Spreads & Commissions

GSI Markets distinguishes itself by offering trading with zero commissions. This means that you will not incur additional charges for each trade placed through the platform. However, while there are no commissions, you should consider the impact of spreads on the trading costs, which is not present on the official website.

Trading Platforms

GSI Markets offers the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) trading platform, which is widely regarded as one of the best in the industry. MT4 is known for its user-friendly interface, advanced charting tools, and customizable features. It also offers automated trading capabilities through Expert Advisors (EAs) and a wide range of technical indicators.

Additionally, the GSI Markets mobile app provides traders with access to the mobile version of MT4. While the mobile version may lack some of the features found in the desktop version, it offers several benefits, including increased flexibility and the ability to trade on the go. The mobile app is available for both Android and iOS systems, allowing traders to access their accounts and trade from their smartphones or tablets.

Trading Tools

GSI Markets provides traders with a comprehensive set of trading signals and tools designed to enhance their trading experience and improve decision-making.

• Indicators

Impulse MACD: This indicator combines three moving averages to visually represent market momentum on a chart. It helps traders identify potential buy or sell signals based on the convergence or divergence of these moving averages.

SHI Channel True: This indicator displays dynamic moving channels on a chart. It identifies fractal points in price history, connects them with lines, and draws parallel lines to create channels. You can use these channels to identify potential support and resistance levels.

Stretch Breakout Channel: This indicator helps you identify breakout opportunities by plotting channels based on recent price action. Breakouts above or below these channels may signal potential trading opportunities.

Variation Index: This indicator measures the variation in price movements over a specified period. It helps you gauge the volatility of an asset and can be used to identify potential trend changes.

ZeroLag MACD: This indicator is a modified version of the MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence) indicator that aims to reduce lag and provide more timely signals. It can help you identify trend reversals and momentum shifts.

• Economic Calendar

This tool provides you with a schedule of important economic events and announcements that may impact financial markets. It includes key indicators such as GDP releases, interest rate decisions, and employment reports, helping you make informed trading decisions based on fundamental analysis.

• Technical Signals

These signals are generated by technical analysis tools and indicators, such as those mentioned above. They provide insights into potential buy or sell opportunities based on price movements, trends, and other technical factors.

• Calculators

Profit Calculator: This tool helps you calculate potential profits or losses based on their trading position size, entry price, and exit price.

Margin and Pip Calculator: These calculators help you determine the margin required for a trade and calculate the value of a pip, which is the smallest price movement in a currency pair.

• BTC Signals

These signals are specific to Bitcoin (BTC) trading and provide insights into potential buy or sell opportunities in the Bitcoin market. You can use these signals to make informed decisions when trading Bitcoin.

Deposits & Withdrawals

To deposit money into your GSI Markets trading account, you can log in to your account using the email and password you provided during registration. Once logged in, navigate to the Members Area and click on the “Deposit” tab. From the dropdown menu, select your preferred deposit method, which can include Credit Cards, e-Wallets, or Wire Transfers. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the deposit process.

Withdrawing money from your GSI Markets account is also straightforward. Log in to your account and navigate to the Members Area. Click on the “Withdraw” tab to access the withdrawal section. Fill out the withdrawal form with the required information, ensuring that all your verification documentation is in order. Withdrawals will be returned to the credit cards from which the charge was made, and profits above the invested amount will be transferred to your personal bank account. Wire transfers will take up to 7 business days due to intermediary financial processors.

Customer Service

The broker provides multiple contact options, including telephone support with dedicated numbers for various regions.

• +(44) 203 150 1767 (United Kingdom)

• +(55) 213 50 01808 (Brazil)

• +(56) 229 381 559 (Chile)

• +(57) 601 5141319 (Colombia)

• +(502) 237 84653 (Guatemala)

• +(52) 558 421 0153 (Mexico)

• +(507) 833 7744 (Panama)

In addition to telephone support, traders can also contact the customer support team via email at info@gsimarkets.com.

For traders who prefer real-time assistance, GSI Markets offers a live chat feature on their website.

GSI Markets also maintains an active presence on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google+, and Telegram. These platforms serve as additional channels for traders to interact with the customer support team, stay updated on news and announcements from the broker, and engage with other traders in the community.

Conclusion

GSI Markets provides a range of trading instruments and account options, but there are significant issues that impact your trading experience. The lack of regulatory oversight and reports of exposure labeled as “unable to withdraw” are both red flags that jeopardize your financial security. We advise against using GSI Markets and it is better to choose a broker with a clear track record and regulation from a reputable financial authority.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is GSI Markets regulated？

A: No.

Q: What trading platforms does GSI Markets offer？

A: GSI Markets offers MetaTrader 4, including a desktop version, a web-based version, and a mobile trading app.

Q: What is the minimum deposit required to open an account with GSI Markets？

A: $250.

Q: Does GSI Markets offer a demo account？

A: Yes.

Q: What is the maximum leverage offered by GSI Markets？

A: 1:100.

Q: What are the available methods for deposit and withdrawal？

A: GSI Markets offers various methods for deposit and withdrawal, including Credit Cards, e-Wallets, and Wire Transfers.

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.