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 au Kabucom Securities

au Kabucom Securities is an online brokerage company and is the core company of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG Group)s online financial services. It is a Japan-based company mainly engaged in financial product trading business through the net, as well as related business. The Company is engaged in the provision of brokerage, trading, offering and sale of securities. It also provides bank agency business, foreign exchange margin trading business and other financial services.

Founded in 1999, it operates under the regulation of the Financial Services Agency (FSA). The company offers a diverse range of tradable assets, including stocks, margin transactions, IPO/PO, ETF/ETN/REIT, free ETF, petit shares, tender offer, investment trust, FX (Forex Margin Trading), futures/options trading, bonds (foreign bonds), foreign currency-denominated MMF, and CFD (Share 365). The trading platforms provided by au Kabucom Securities are au Kabucom FX Navi for forex trading and au Kabucom FX for iPhone/Android as a mobile app. The company supports customer inquiries through email and phone. Various payment methods, such as net transfer, account transfer, direct debit (automatic debit), direct debit (real-time fund transfer), and direct debit (automatic debit from other financial institutions) are available. For educational purposes, au Kabucom Securities offers informative movies, events, face-to-face seminars, an Investment Information Office, investment guides and courses, reports, and social networking services (SNS).

Is au Kabucom Securities legit or a scam？

au Kabucom Securities is a financial institution that operates as a securities broker in Japan. It is authorized and regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA), which is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing the financial industry in Japan. The regulatory license number assigned to au Kabucom Securities is 関東財務局長(金商)第61号, which signifies its registration and compliance with the FSA's regulations.Being authorized and regulated by the FSA indicates that au Kabucom Securities has met the necessary requirements and standards set by the regulatory authority.

The FSA's oversight ensures that the company operates in a fair, transparent, and compliant manner, protecting the interests of investors and maintaining the integrity of the financial markets.As a regulated entity, au Kabucom Securities is expected to adhere to various regulatory guidelines, such as conducting thorough customer due diligence, implementing robust risk management systems, maintaining adequate financial resources, and providing transparent disclosure of information to its clients. Regular audits and inspections may be conducted by the FSA to ensure compliance with these regulations and to safeguard the interests of investors.

Pros and Cons

au Kabucom Securities offers a wide range of tradable assets and is backed by the reputable Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group. It is regulated by the Financial Services Agency, providing a sense of security for investors. The company provides informative educational resources to enhance investors' understanding of the market.

However, there are areas for improvement. Information about account types is lacking, making it difficult for potential clients to choose the most suitable option. The selection of trading platforms is limited, which may not meet the preferences of all traders. Customer support options are somewhat limited, with email and phone support available, but lacking additional channels like live chat or dedicated account managers.

Products and Services

au Kabucom Securities offers a wide range of products to cater to different investment needs and preferences. Here are the various products available:

1. Stocks: au Kabucom Securities provides opportunities to invest in stocks, including in-kind stocks where you can directly own shares of companies.

2. Margin Transaction (System/General): Margin trading allows investors to trade stocks with borrowed funds, potentially amplifying their investment returns. au Kabucom Securities offers margin trading services through both system-based and general methods.

3. Initial Public Offering (IPO)/Public Offering Sale (PO): au Kabucom Securities enables participation in initial public offerings and public offering sales, giving investors a chance to invest in newly listed companies.

4. ETF/ETN/REIT: au Kabucom Securities offers exchange-traded funds (ETFs), exchange-traded notes (ETNs), and real estate investment trusts (REITs) for diversifying investment portfolios across different asset classes.

5. Free ETF (Commission-Free Exchange Traded Fund): au Kabucom Securities provides commission-free trading for certain listed ETFs, allowing investors to save on transaction costs.

6. Petit Shares (Shares Less Than One Unit): au Kabucom Securities facilitates trading of fractional shares, enabling investors to own a portion of a share rather than purchasing a full unit.

7. Tender Offer (TOB): au Kabucom Securities allows investors to participate in tender offers, which are offers made by a company to purchase shares from existing shareholders.

8. Investment Trust: au Kabucom Securities offers investment trust products, which are professionally managed funds that pool money from multiple investors to invest in a diversified portfolio of assets.

9. FX (Forex Margin Trading): Investors can engage in forex margin trading through au Kabucom Securities, speculating on the price movements of different currency pairs.

10. Futures/Options Trading: au Kabucom Securities provides access to futures and options trading, allowing investors to trade contracts based on underlying assets such as commodities, indices, or currencies.

11. Bonds (Foreign Bonds): au Kabucom Securities offers the opportunity to invest in foreign bonds, providing diversification and potential fixed-income returns.

12. Foreign Currency Denominated MMF: au Kabucom Securities facilitates investments in foreign currency-denominated money market funds, which provide short-term liquidity and potential currency exposure.

13. CFD (Share 365): au Kabucom Securities offers contracts for difference (CFDs) specifically for shares, allowing investors to speculate on the price movements of shares without owning the underlying asset.

Account Types

au Kabucom Securities did not say what kind of accounts were offered. Other traders, such as AMarkets, are much better, which offer a total of 4 account types, including crypto, fixed, standard, and ECN, with an Islamic account option for traders who adhere to Islamic rules on trading, catering to diverse needs of various traders.

How to Open an Account？

To open an account with au Kabucom Securities, you can follow these general steps:

1. Visit the au Kabucom Securities website: Go to https://kabu.com/.

2. Navigate to the account opening section: Look for the “Account Opening” option on the website. It is typically located in the main menu or prominently displayed on the homepage.

3. Choose the type of account: Select the appropriate account type for your requirements.

4. Start the application process: You may be directed to an online application form or prompted to download and fill out a physical application form. Provide the necessary details accurately and completely. This typically includes personal information, contact details, employment information, and financial information. Follow the instructions provided and ensure all required fields are filled in.

5. Agree to terms and conditions: Read and understand the terms and conditions of opening an account with au Kabucom Securities. If you agree to the terms, confirm your acceptance by checking the appropriate box or signing the physical application form.

6. Review and submit: Before submitting your application, review all the provided information to ensure its accuracy. Make any necessary corrections or adjustments. Once you are satisfied, submit the application form through the online submission process or by mailing it to the designated address.

7. Account verification and approval: After submitting your application, au Kabucom Securities will review your information and documents. Once your application is approved, you will receive confirmation and instructions on how to fund your account.

Spreads &Commissions

au Kabucom Securities offers commission-free forex trading, where the trading cost is incorporated into the spreads. Here are the approximate spreads for some currency pairs:

- USD/JPY: As low as 0.2 pips

- EUR/JPY: From 0.5 pips

- GBP/JPY: From 1 pip

- AUD/JPY: From 0.6 pips

- CAD/JPY: From 2.8 pips

It's important to note that spreads may vary depending on market conditions, liquidity, and other factors. The figures provided are approximate and subject to change. It's always a good idea to check the current spreads on the au Kabucom Securities website or contact their customer support for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Trading Platform

au Kabucom Securities provides a range of useful tools for different types of trading activities. For cash stock and margin trading, the following tools are available:

1. Futures/Options Board: A tool that displays information and data related to futures and options trading, allowing users to analyze market trends and make informed trading decisions.

2. Flash: This tool provides real-time market data, including stock prices, charts, and news updates, enabling traders to stay up to date with the latest market movements.

3. Margin Simulator: A simulator that allows users to calculate and simulate margin requirements for margin trading, helping traders plan their positions and manage risk.

4. Destination OP Navigation: A navigation tool specifically designed for options trading, providing users with access to various options strategies and information to support their trading decisions.

5. Bond Simulator: This simulator enables users to simulate bond trading scenarios, helping them understand bond market dynamics and test different investment strategies.

6. 365CFD Simple Chart: A simplified charting tool specifically for CFD (Contract for Difference) trading, providing basic charting features to analyze CFD instruments and monitor price movements.

For futures, options trading, and other activities, au Kabucom Securities offers additional tools such as:

1. au Kabucom FX Navi: A comprehensive tool for forex trading, providing access to real-time forex market data, charting tools, and trading functions.

2. au Kabucom FX for iPhone/Android: A mobile application specifically designed for forex trading, offering convenience and flexibility to trade on the go using smartphones.

3. App-Recommended-Smartphone Light (simplified version): A simplified version of the au Kabucom Securities trading application, designed for users who prefer a streamlined and user-friendly trading experience.

Deposit & Withdrawal

Au Kabucom Securities provides customers with five convenient methods for depositing funds into their accounts. These methods include Net transfer, Account transfer, Direct debit (automatic debit), Direct debit (real-time fund transfer), and Direct debit (automatic debit from other financial institutions). These options offer flexibility and ease of use for customers to deposit funds according to their preferences and convenience.

When it comes to withdrawals, customers can withdraw amounts starting from 1,000 yen or more in 1 yen increments, with a maximum withdrawal limit of up to 10 billion yen. However, if customers have set up an account transfer contract with au Jibun Bank, they can withdraw amounts starting from 1 yen or more in 1 yen increments, with a maximum withdrawal limit of up to 100 million yen.

These deposit and withdrawal options provide customers with flexibility and accessibility to manage their funds effectively within the specified limits. Whether it's depositing funds for trading or withdrawing profits, Au Kabucom Securities strives to offer convenient and efficient services to meet the financial needs of their customers.

Customer Support

Inquire by email:

au Kabucom Securities offers several customer support options. For customers who do not have an account, they can make inquiries by email. The company aims to respond as quickly as possible and requests customers to send their inquiries to the following email address: cs@kabu.com.

Customers who have an account:

For customers who have already opened an account with au Kabucom Securities, they can use the “E-mail inquiry” form located on the “Support” page, accessible from the top right of the My Page section after logging in. By filling out the form and submitting it, they can send their inquiries to the company.

Inquire by phone:

Customers who do not have an account can make inquiries by phone. They need to follow the voice guidance and press the appropriate number. The phone numbers to dial are:

- Mobile/IP phone starting with 0120-390-390

- Mobile/IP phone starting with 05003-6688-8888

The operator reception is available from 8:00 to 16:00 on weekdays, excluding year-end and New Year holidays.

Educational Resources

Au Kabucom Securities offers a range of educational resources to support and empower their customers in making informed investment decisions. These resources are designed to enhance customers' understanding of the market, investment strategies, and industry trends.

One of the educational resources provided is a collection of informative movies, events, and face-to-face seminars. Au Kabucom Securities also provides investment information and news through their Investment Information Office. By keeping customers informed about market trends, they can make more informed decisions about their investment portfolios.

To further support customers, Au Kabucom Securities offers guides and investment courses. These resources are designed to provide step-by-step instructions, explanations of investment concepts, and practical guidance for customers who are new to investing or looking to expand their investment knowledge.

Additionally, customers can access reports and utilize social networking services (SNS) provided by Au Kabucom Securities.

Overall, Au Kabucom Securities' educational resources encompass a wide range of tools and platforms, including movies, events, seminars, an Investment Information Office, investment guides and courses, reports, and SNS. These resources aim to equip customers with the knowledge and information needed to make informed investment decisions and navigate the financial markets effectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, au Kabucom Securities is a legitimate online brokerage company operating under the regulation of the Financial Services Agency (FSA) in Japan. As part of the Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG Group), it offers a wide range of tradable assets and financial services. The company provides various trading products, including stocks, margin trading, IPO/PO participation, ETFs/ETNs/REITs, investment trusts, forex margin trading, futures/options trading, bonds, foreign currency-denominated MMFs, and CFDs. The trading platforms, au Kabucom FX Navi and au Kabucom FX for iPhone/Android, cater to different trading needs. The company supports customer inquiries through email and phone, and multiple payment methods are available. Educational resources such as informative movies, events, seminars, investment guides and courses, reports, and SNS are offered to enhance customers' investment knowledge. While the company's advantages include its regulation by the FSA, diverse product offerings, and educational resources, a notable disadvantage is the lack of information regarding specific account types. Overall, au Kabucom Securities provides a legitimate and comprehensive platform for individuals interested in online financial trading and investment.

FAQs

Q: Is au Kabucom Securities a legitimate company？

A: au Kabucom Securities is a genuine online brokerage company operating under the regulation of the Financial Services Agency (FSA) in Japan.

Q: What trading platforms does au Kabucom Securities offer？

A: au Kabucom Securities provides the au Kabucom FX Navi platform for forex trading and the au Kabucom FX for iPhone/Android as a mobile app for trading convenience.

Q: What types of assets can be traded on au Kabucom Securities？

A: au Kabucom Securities offers a diverse range of tradable assets, including cash stock, margin trading, petit stock, US stocks, mutual funds, NISA, forex (FX), CFDs, and futures.

Q: What are the customer support options provided by au Kabucom Securities？

A: au Kabucom Securities offers customer support via email and phone. Customers can send inquiries by email to cs@kabu.com or make inquiries by phone using the provided phone numbers.

Q: What are the available payment methods for au Kabucom Securities？

A: au Kabucom Securities offers payment methods including net transfer, account transfer, direct debit (automatic debit), direct debit (real-time fund transfer), and direct debit (automatic debit from other financial institutions).

Q: Are there different account types offered by au Kabucom Securities？

A: The specific account types offered by au Kabucom Securities are not mentioned.