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),.

ATFX Information

ATFX is a global online forex and CFD broker established in 2014, offering trading on various markets including forex, precious metals, crude oil, and indices. The broker also offers several account types, including the Standard Account, Edge Account, and Premium Account, targeting different trading groups, with $100 to start. Besides, the demo account is also provided. Regarding trading platform offerings, MetaTrader 4 (MT4) supported and its proprietary trading app - ATFX Mobile Trading App are offered.

Pros & Cons

On the positive side, ATFX is a well-regulated broker and offers negative balance protection to protect security of clients' funds. It also offers various trading instruments with competitive spreads via the industry-leading MT4 platform. You can also test their trading conditions via risk-free demo accounts.

On the downside, ATFX has limited options for deposit and withdrawal methods, as it only accepts payments via bank transfers and credit/debit cards. Another disadvantage is that ATFX does not offer social trading or copy trading features, which may be important to some traders. Finally, ATFX has limited research and analysis tools compared to other brokers, which may be a concern for more advanced traders.

Is ATFX Legit?

ATFX is a thoroughly regulated broker, boasting four licenses from esteemed global financial regulatory bodies.

These include a Market Making (MM) license (No. 418036) from the Australia Securities & Investment Commission (ASIC), an Institution Forex License (No. 760555) from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom, an STP license (No. 285/15) from the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), and a general registered Investment Advisory License (No. 20200000078) from the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) in the United Arab Emirates.

These multiple layers of regulation demonstrate ATFX's commitment to adhering to high financial standards, transparency, and the protection of investor interests.

Regulated Country	Regulated Authority	Regulated Entity	License Type	License Number
	ASIC	AT GLOBAL MARKETS (AUSTRALIA) PTY LTD	Market Making (MM)	418036
	SFC	AT Global Financial Services (HK) Limited	Leveraged foreign exchange trading	BUM667
	FCA	AT Global Markets (UK) Limited	Institution Forex License	760555
	CYSEC	ATFX Global Markets (Cy) Limited	Straight Through Processing (STP)	285/15
	SCA	Investment Advisory License	Investment Advisory License	20200000078

Market Intruments

ATFX supports trading on forex, precious metals, crude oil, and indices. However, in contrast to other brokers, ATFX does not enable shares, cryptocurrencies, ETFs, futures or options trading, and their product choices are somewhat limited.

Account Types

ATFX understands that every trader has their own trading style, preferences, and needs, and that's why it offers flexible trading account options. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced trader, there is an account type that is suitable for you.

The Standard Account is a basic account type that is suitable for beginner traders who are just starting in the forex market. It requires a minimum deposit of $100.

The Edge Account is a more advanced account type that is suitable for traders who have some experience in the forex market. It requires a minimum deposit of $5,000.

The Premium Account is the most advanced account type offered by ATFX, designed for professional traders who require advanced trading features and tools. It requires a minimum deposit of $10,000. This account type offers free VPS hosting, market analysis, a personal account manager, and access to exclusive trading tools, such as Autochartist and Trading Central.

Demo Trading

ATFX offers demo trading accounts to its clients, allowing them to practice and familiarize themselves with the trading platform and strategies before committing real funds. Demo accounts are available for all account types, including Standard, Edge, and Premium accounts. These accounts simulate real market conditions, providing traders with the opportunity to test their trading skills and strategies without any financial risks.

The demo accounts are also an excellent tool for beginners who are new to trading as it enables them to learn the basics of trading without the fear of losing money. The demo accounts offer the same features as live accounts, including access to all trading instruments and educational resources, enabling traders to experience the real trading environment.

ATFX's demo accounts have no time limit, giving traders ample time to perfect their trading strategies and techniques. Moreover, traders can switch between the demo and live accounts anytime they want.

Leverage

ATFX offers varying levels of leverage depending on the type of trading account and financial instrument.

For forex trading, the maximum leverage available for retail clients is typically 30:1 for major currency pairs and 20:1 for minor and exotic currency pairs. Professional clients may have access to higher leverage, up to a maximum of 400:1, depending on their trading experience and other criteria.

Notably, while leverage can amplify potential profits, it also magnifies potential losses, so it's crucial to use leverage responsibly and only trade with funds you can afford to lose. Additionally, different regulations may apply in different regions and countries, which could impact the maximum leverage available to traders.

Spreads & Commissions (Trading Fees)

ATFX offers competitive spreads and commissions on its trading accounts, which vary depending on the type of account and trading instrument.

For forex trading, ATFX offers both fixed and variable spreads, depending on the account type. The spreads for major currency pairs on the standard account start from 1.0 pip, while the spreads on the Edge account start from 0.0 pips but come with a commission of $7 per lot traded.

Non-Trading Fees

Aside from trading fees, ATFX also charges non-trading fees that traders should be aware of, including:

• Inactivity Fee: ATFX charges an inactivity fee of $50 per quarter for accounts that have been inactive for more than 90 days. This fee may be waived for active traders or in certain circumstances.
• Conversion Fee: If you deposit or withdraw funds in a currency different from your account's base currency, ATFX may charge a conversion fee to cover the costs of currency conversion.
• Overnight Financing Charges: If you hold a position overnight, ATFX may charge or credit you with an overnight financing charge, also known as a swap fee. This fee is based on the interest rate differential between the two currencies being traded and is typically charged at a fixed percentage of the position value.
• Deposit/Withdrawal Fee: While ATFX does not charge any deposit/withdrawal fees, third-party payment providers may charge a fee for their services.

Trading Platform

ATFX currently provides the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform for its traders, which is a widely used platform among forex traders. It offers advanced charting tools, technical analysis indicators, and automated trading options through Expert Advisors (EAs).

While some traders may prefer other trading platforms, the MT4 platform is a robust and reliable option with a large community of users and third-party developers creating and sharing custom indicators and EAs.

In addition to the MT4 platform, ATFX also provides the Mobile Trading App, allowing traders to trade on the go.

Deposit & Withdrawal

Minimum Deposit

ATFX's minimum deposit requirement of $100 makes it an accessible option for traders who are just starting out or those who prefer to trade in smaller amounts. The following payment methods are available for deposits:

• Credit/Debit Cards: Visa and Mastercard are accepted. The processing time for deposits made via credit/debit cards is instant, and there are no fees charged by ATFX.
• Bank Wire Transfer: Deposits can be made via bank wire transfer. The processing time for this method varies, and it may take 2-5 business days to reflect in the trader's account. ATFX does not charge fees for deposits made through bank wire transfer, but traders should check with their bank for any charges that may apply.
• Online Payment Methods: ATFX also supports online payment methods such as Skrill, Neteller, and Trustly. Deposits made using these methods are typically processed instantly. ATFX does not charge fees for deposits made through online payment methods, but third-party payment providers may charge a fee for their services.

Withdrawal

How to withdraw money from my trading account?

1. Log in to the secure Client Portal section of our homepage, then click “Withdrawal”.
2. This broker will always return funds to the original source they were deposited. For example, if a deposit is made by credit card, funds will be returned to the same credit card. The return can be done through bank transfer, credit/debit card or e-wallet transfers.
3. If you are withdrawing profit, this broker may ask you for bank account details to send funds directly to your account.

Please note: Your bank account must be fully verified before submitting a withdrawal request.

The time it takes for funds to return to a trader's bank account will depend on the withdrawal method used.

For bank transfers, once the funds have been removed from the trading account, it will take 3-5 business days before they arrive in the trader's bank account. The actual time required for processing may vary, and traders should refer to their bank for more information.

If using an e-wallet, funds will typically be returned to the trader's e-wallet within 2 business days.

For refunds to credit/debit cards, the process typically takes 2-5 business days after the withdrawal has been successfully processed. However, if there are restrictions preventing funds from being returned to the card, ATFX may request a valid bank statement and return the funds to the trader's registered bank account. In such cases, the trader will be contacted by their relationship manager.

All withdrawal requests received before 2 pm (UK time) on a business day will be processed on the same day. Requests received after this time will be processed on the next available business day.

Customer Support

ATFX customer support can be connected through the following channels:

• Live chat, contact form
• Phone: +357 25 258 774, the phone lines are open during Mon – Fri 08:00 – 18:00 GMT+2*, and *GMT+3 during Daylight Saving Time.
• Email: info@atfxgm.eu
• Headquarters: Maryvonne Building, 159 Leontiou A Street, Office 204, 3022, Limassol, Cyprus

Educational Resources

ATFX offers rich and solid educational resources to help traders improve their skills and knowledge.

One of the primary educational resources available through ATFX is their comprehensive online trading academy. This academy provides traders with a variety of resources, including webinars, videos, articles, and e-books, all designed to help traders learn the fundamentals of trading and improve their strategies. The academy covers a range of topics, from basic concepts such as market analysis and risk management to more advanced topics like trading psychology and algorithmic trading.

ATFX also provides traders with access to a variety of market analysis tools and resources. These include daily market analysis reports, economic calendars, and real-time news feeds, all of which can help traders stay informed about the latest market trends and make more informed trading decisions.

FAQs

Is ATFX a regulated broker?

Yes. It is regulated by ASIC, SFC, FCA, CYSEC, and SCA (general registration).

What is the minimum deposit requirement for ATFX?

$100 is required to start real trading.

What trading platforms does ATFX offer?

ATFX offers the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) trading platform for desktop, web, and mobile devices.

Does ATFX offer demo accounts?

Yes.

Is ATFX suitable for beginner traders?

Yes. ATFX offers a range of educational resources, including an online trading academy and tailored courses, to help beginner traders develop their knowledge and skills.