What is Trade245？

Trade245 is a forex and CFD broker that offers trading services in forex, indices, commodities, and stocks. The broker is registered in South Africa. It offers the popular MetaTrader4 (MT4) and MetaTrader5 (MT5) trading platforms. Trade245 claims to offer competitive spreads, fast execution, and various account types and educational resources for traders. It is said to be authorized and regulated by South Africa Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), but it seems to be a suspicious clone.

Pros & Cons

Trade245 offers several advantages such as a wide range of trading instruments, multiple account types, and user-friendly trading platforms. However, there are also several drawbacks, such as lack of regulation and transparency. Traders should carefully consider these factors before deciding to trade with Trade245.

Note: It is important to conduct thorough research and due diligence before choosing a broker to trade with. The above table is just a summary of the pros and cons of Trade245 and should not be taken as a recommendation to trade with or against the broker.

Trade245 Alternative Brokers

There are many alternative brokers to Trade245 depending on the specific needs and preferences of the trader. Some popular options include:

• Forex.com - a globally trusted broker that is regulated in multiple jurisdictions and offers a user-friendly platform, competitive pricing, and a range of educational resources.

• FXTM - a popular broker that is regulated in multiple jurisdictions and offers a range of trading instruments, including forex, CFDs, and cryptocurrencies, with competitive pricing and excellent customer support.

• IC Markets - a well-regulated broker that offers a range of trading instruments, including forex, CFDs, and cryptocurrencies, with tight spreads and fast execution.

Is Trade245 Safe？

Trade245 misrepresented its regulatory status by claiming to possess a license from the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA). However, upon investigation, it was revealed that the regulated entity named on the license, RED PINE CAPITAL (PTY) LTD, had no association with the Trade245 trading brand. Consequently, Trade245 unlawfully appropriated a regulatory license to mislead unsuspecting investors, compromising transparency and eroding trust in the financial markets.

Market Instruments

Tradable financial instruments available on the Trade245 platform include FX pairs, indices, stocks and commodities CFDs and more. Many other brokers could even offer richer instruments, like metals, cryptos, options, etc.

Accounts

Trade245 offered 7 account types targeting different trading preferences and strategies. Their account options included:

Standard Account: This account featured variable spreads starting from 1 pip, with leverage up to 1:500. Bonus funds of 100% were included with this account type, accessed via the MT4 platform.

Swap-Free Account: Similar to the Standard Account, with variable spreads from 1 pip and maximum leverage of 1:500, but without any bonus funds. This account was available on the MT4 platform and facilitated swap-free trading.

Zero Spread Account: As the name suggests, this account offered variable spreads starting from 0 pips, with leverage capped at 1:500. No bonus was included, and it operated on the MT4 platform.

Bonus 245 Account: This account provided variable spreads from 1 pip, with leverage up to 1:500. A substantial bonus of 245% was included with this account type, accessible via the MT4 platform.

Bonus Rescue Account: Designed for risk management, this account featured variable spreads from 1 pip and leverage of 1:500. It included a 100% bonus to protect against potential drawdowns, available on the MT4 platform.

Micro Account: Tailored for smaller trading sizes, this account offered variable spreads starting from 1 pip and leverage up to 1:500. No bonus was included, and it was accessible on both MT4 and MT5 platforms.

Copy Trading Account: This account facilitated copy trading, with variable spreads from 1 pip and maximum leverage of 1:500. No bonus was provided, and it was available on the MT4 platform.

Notably, there is no minimum opening deposit requirement for any of these accounts, providing traders with greater flexibility.

Leverage

All account types offered by Trade245 have a maximum leverage of 1:500. This means that traders can potentially increase their profits or losses by up to 500 times their initial investment. However, it is important to note that high leverage also increases the risk of significant losses. Therefore, it is crucial for traders to use leverage responsibly and manage their risk effectively. Traders should also ensure that they understand the risks and implications of using high leverage before trading with Trade245 or any other broker.

Spreads & Commissions

Trade245 offers variable spreads which start from as low as 1 pip for some account types (except for Zero Spread accounts from 0 pips). The spreads may vary based on the trading instrument, account type, and market conditions. Trade245 does not charge any commission fees for its trades. Instead, it includes its costs within the spread. However, the Zero Spread account type may charge an unspecified commission fee.

Below is a comparison table about spreads and commissions charged by different brokers:

Note: The above data is based on the information available on the respective brokers' websites and is subject to change. Spreads and commissions may vary depending on the account type, trading platform, and market conditions.

Trading Platforms

Trade245 offers its clients the popular and widely used MetaTrader4 (MT4) and MetaTrader5 (MT5) trading platforms. Both platforms are available for download on desktop, mobile, and tablet devices. These platforms provide a user-friendly interface, advanced charting tools, and a wide range of technical analysis indicators. MT4 and MT5 are well-known for their fast execution speeds, reliable order execution, and a range of trading tools to enhance the trading experience.

Additionally, the platforms support automated trading through expert advisors (EAs) and allow traders to customize their trading strategies using their preferred programming language.

Overall, Trade245 provides a comprehensive trading experience for both novice and experienced traders with the support of two of the most popular trading platforms in the industry.

See the trading platform comparison table below:

Note: The table is based on the information available on the official websites of the brokers, and is subject to change.

Deposits & Withdrawals

Trade245 offers various deposit and withdrawal methods to its clients, including Visa, MasterCard, mPESA, ozow, Skrill and various cryptocurrencies. There is no minimum deposit requirement. There are no deposit fees charged by Trade245.

Withdrawals are said to be processed within hours, and there are no withdrawal fees charged by Trade245. However, clients should be aware that some payment providers may charge fees for their services.

Multiple Trading Currencies

ZAR, USD, GBP

Trade245 minimum deposit vs other brokers

Fees

Trade245 charges fees for several services as follows:

• Overnight Financing Fees: Also known as swap fees, overnight financing fees are charged for holding positions open overnight. The fees are calculated based on the trading instrument being traded and the position size.

• Inactivity Fees: Trade245 charges an inactivity fee of $50 per month for accounts that have been inactive for 3 months or more.

• Deposit & Withdrawal Fees: Trade245 does not charge any fees for deposits and withdrawals. However, third-party fees may apply, depending on the method used.

It's worth noting that the fees charged by Trade245 may vary depending on the type of account opened and the trading platform used. It's important to read the terms and conditions carefully before opening an account with Trade245 to fully understand the fees charged.

See the fee comparison table below:

Customer Service

Trade245 offers 24/5 customer support through various channels including email and phone. Their website also has an FAQ section where clients can find answers to common questions. You can also follow them on some social networks such as Facebook and Instagram.

Education

Trade245 offers some educational resources to its clients, including a glossary of commonly used trading terms and articles on various topics related to trading. These resources are aimed at helping traders of all levels to gain a better understanding of the financial markets and improve their trading skills. Overall, Trade245's educational offerings are a valuable resource for traders who are looking to improve their trading performance and achieve their financial goals.

Conclusion

Overall, Trade245 appears to offer a competitive trading environment with a wide range of trading instruments, multiple account types, and popular trading platforms including MT4 and MT5. However, the fact that their FSCA license is a suspicious clone raises some concerns about the legitimacy of the broker. In addition, there are some negative reviews from users reporting difficulties with withdrawals, which is certainly a red flag. As with any broker, it is important to conduct thorough research and exercise caution before investing any funds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Trade245 legit ？

No. It has been verified that their South Africa Financial Sector Conduct Authority - FSCA license is a suspicious clone.

At Trade245, are there any regional restrictions for traders？

Yes. Trade245 does not provide services for the residents of certain countries, such as the United States, Canada, Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Does Trade245 offer demo accounts？

Yes. Demo accounts are available.

Is Trade245 a good broker for beginners？

No. Trade245 is not a good choice for beginners. Though it offers demo MT4 and MT5 accounts, never forget their FSCA license is a suspicious clone.

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 contained in this article is for general information purposes only.

Overview of Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers, founded in the United States, offers a wide array of trading assets including stocks, ETFs, forex, bonds, options, and futures, providing traders with various opportunities across global markets.

However, risks have been raised about its legitimacy, with reports of the platform being identified as a suspicious clone. Traders are directly impacted by the platform's regulatory status, influencing oversight, transparency, and legal protections. Adherence to regulatory standards instills confidence among traders regarding the platform's reliability and security, while any suspicion or regulatory ambiguity may undermine trust and deter participation, emphasizing the importance of due diligence.

Is Interactive Brokers legit or a scam？

Interactive Brokers is identified as Suspicious Clone under various regulatory bodies such as the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom, the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI), and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).

However, the presence of “Suspicious Clone” designations in some regions suggests potential regulatory risks. Traders on the platform are directly impacted by the regulatory status, as it influences the level of oversight, transparency, and legal protections afforded to their investments.

Adherence to regulatory standards instills confidence among traders regarding the platform's reliability and security, while any suspicion or regulatory ambiguity may undermine trust and deter participation. Thus, traders are likely to favor jurisdictions where Interactive Brokers maintains clear and reputable regulatory standing, ensuring a safer trading environment.

What are Clone Brokers？

The prevalence of clone brokers is increasingly alarming, as deceptive entities exploit the names of reputable firms to lure unsuspecting clients into believing they are trading with regulated forex firms.

These fraudulent companies go to great lengths, even utilizing the license numbers of legitimate brokers, to deceive traders into opening accounts with them. Remaining vigilant is paramount to avoid falling prey to such scams. Additionally, these unscrupulous entities resort to aggressive tactics, akin to boiler room operations, pressuring clients into opening accounts or increasing their deposits.

It's crucial to heed the adage: if something sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Traders must exercise caution and conduct thorough research before engaging with any brokerage firm to safeguard their investments and financial security.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Wide range of tradable assets: Interactive Brokers offers an extensive selection of tradable assets, including stocks, ETFs, forex, bonds, options, and futures. This diversity provides traders with ample opportunities to diversify their portfolios and explore various investment strategies, catering to different risk appetites and objectives.

• Access to global markets: The platform grants users access to a broad range of global markets, enabling them to trade securities and currencies from around the world. This global reach allows traders to capitalize on international market trends, economic developments, and geopolitical events, enhancing their trading flexibility and potential for profit.

Cons:

• Identified as Suspicious Clone: Some users have reported instances where Interactive Brokers was identified as a suspicious clone, potentially raising risks about the platform's legitimacy and trustworthiness. Such allegations can undermine user confidence and deter participation in trading activities.

• Limited customer support options: Interactive Brokers may offer limited options for customer support, which can lead to delays in addressing user inquiries, resolving issues, or providing assistance when needed. This lack of robust support channels may frustrate users and hinder their overall trading experience.

• Potential for technical glitches: Like any online platform, Interactive Brokers is susceptible to technical glitches or system failures, which can disrupt trading activities, cause delays in order execution, or lead to inaccuracies in account information. These technical issues may impede users' ability to trade effectively and impact their overall experience on the platform.

• Risk of exposure to scams: Users may face the risk of exposure to scams or fraudulent activities associated with Interactive Brokers, such as clone brokers attempting to deceive traders. Falling victim to such schemes can result in financial losses and damage to one's reputation, highlighting the importance of vigilance and due diligence when engaging with the platform.

Market Instruments

Interactive Brokers offers a wide range of tradable financial instruments on its platform.

Traders can access a variety of assets including Stocks, ETFs, Forex, Funds, Bonds, Options, Futures, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies, Warrants, and Structured Products.

This extensive selection provides traders with opportunities to diversify their investment portfolios and pursue different trading strategies across global markets.

With access to such a broad array of instruments, traders have the flexibility to capitalize on market opportunities and manage risk effectively.

Deposit & Withdrawal

Interactive Brokers offers a variety of payment methods to fund your account:

• Bank wire transfer: This is the most common and preferred method. It's free for most currencies.

• ACH transfer: This is another electronic transfer option available for US accounts. It's also free.

• Check: You can mail a check to Interactive Brokers. However, there may be processing fees and delays associated with this method.

• Wire transfer from another brokerage: You can transfer funds from another brokerage account to your Interactive Brokers account. This may be subject to fees from both brokers.

• Bill pay: This option is available for US accounts only. It allows you to pay your Interactive Brokers account from your bank's online bill pay service.

• Third-party deposits: Interactive Brokers generally discourages and rejects third-party deposits due to potential fraud and money laundering risks.

There is no minimum deposit required to open an Interactive Brokers account. This makes it a good option for beginners who want to start with a small amount of money.

Customer Support

Interactive Brokers provides the following contact information for customer support:

1. Twitter: @IBKR

2. Facebook: Interactive Brokers

3. Instagram: Interactive Brokers

4. YouTube: Interactive Brokers

5. LinkedIn: Interactive Brokers

These social media platforms serve as channels for reaching out to Interactive Brokers for support and assistance. However, Interactive Brokers' customer support lacks efficiency and responsiveness. Traders often encounter significant delays in receiving assistance, with support tickets remaining unresolved for extended periods. Communication channels such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn are available, but their effectiveness in addressing customer risks is questionable.

Exposure

Users have reported a single instance of exposure related to a pyramid scheme complaint, which unveiled a potential scam on the Interactive Brokers platform.

The complaint alleges that the platform induced clients to participate in activities, promising withdrawal options upon event completion. However, upon attempting to withdraw profits, users encountered obstacles, including unexpected tax requirements not deducted from the platform. The inability to access funds and unresponsive customer service exacerbates the situation for affected users. Such exposure to fraudulent activities undermines trust and confidence in the platform, potentially dissuading traders from engaging in further transactions.

Conclusion

This instance of Interactive Brokers is suspected to be a clone operated by a company known as Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. Notably, this particular iteration of Interactive Brokers lacks regulation, posing potential risks for traders. Therefore, it is advisable for traders to refrain from engaging with this broker.