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 Probis

Probis is an Australian-based trading platform with a history dating back to its founding in 2009. This platform offers a diverse range of financial instruments, including Forex, Commodity CFDs, and Securities CFDs, allowing traders to engage in various aspects of the global financial markets. Prospective traders can opt for either Live Accounts, where real funds are used for trading, or Demo Accounts, which provide a risk-free environment for honing trading skills.

One of the key features of Probis is its proprietary trading platform known as PROBIS AUTON, which facilitates efficient and secure online trading. This platform supports 24-hour trading in Forex, indices, precious metals, and commodities, making it adaptable to different trading preferences and time zones. However, it's important to note that Probis's regulatory status is currently unusual, as its official regulatory status has been revoked. Therefore, traders are advised to exercise caution and thoroughly research the platform's regulatory status and oversight to ensure the safety of their investments.

Is Probis Legit？

Probis was previously regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) under license number 338241. However, it's important to note that the regulatory status of Probis is currently abnormal, and the official regulatory status has been revoked. Traders and potential clients should exercise caution and be aware of the associated risks when considering Probis as a trading platform. It's advisable to thoroughly research and consider the regulatory status and oversight of any brokerage before engaging in trading activities to ensure the safety and security of your investments.

Pros and Cons

Probis offers diverse tradable assets, including Forex, Commodity CFDs, and Securities CFDs. Traders can choose between Live and Demo Accounts for real-money or risk-free practice trading. The platform's proprietary PROBIS AUTON trading software is user-friendly and accessible on multiple devices. However, caution is advised due to the platform's uncertain regulatory status, as its official regulatory credentials have been revoked. Commission fees lack transparency, and non-trading fees like swap interest charges can affect overall trading costs. Considering these pros and cons is crucial for potential users.

Trading Instruments

Probis offers a range of trading instruments, including FX (Forex), Commodity CFDs (Contracts for Difference), and Securities CFDs. Each of these instruments has its own specifications and trading hours.

FX (Forex) Trading: Probis provides Forex trading options with various currency pairs, including EUR/USD, USD/JPY, GBP/USD, USD/CHF, USDCAD, AUD/USD, EUR/JPY, GBP/JPY, CHF/JPY, CAD/JPY, AUD/JPY, and EUR/GBP. These pairs come with specific contract sizes, minimum fluctuations, spread values, and necessary margin requirements per lot. Trading hours for Forex pairs vary between summer and winter times, with rollover times specified.

Commodity CFD Trading: Probis also offers Commodity CFDs for trading in assets such as Spot Gold, Spot Silver, Crude Oil, Copper, Soybean, Wheat, and Corn. Each commodity has its unique contract size, minimum fluctuation, spread, and margin requirements. Trading hours for these commodities differ during summer and winter times.

Securities CFD Trading: For traders interested in securities, Probis provides CFDs on various indices, including the US 30 Index, US E-mini SPX 500 Index, US NDAQ 100 Index, UK 100 Index, SGX Japan 225 Index, and HongKong50 Index. These securities CFDs have point values, minimum fluctuations, spreads, and margin requirements per lot. Trading hours for securities CFDs are specified for both summer and winter times.

Here is a comparison table of trading instruments offered by different brokers:

Account Types

Probis offers two main types of accounts to cater to the needs of traders: Live Accounts and Demo Accounts.

Live Account: A Live Account is designed for traders who are ready to engage in real-money trading. Opening a Live Account involves depositing real funds, and traders can use this account to execute actual trades in the financial markets. Live Accounts provide access to real market conditions, and any profits or losses are reflected in the trader's account balance. These accounts offer the opportunity to experience the excitement and risks of live trading, making them suitable for both novice and experienced traders.

Demo Account: A Demo Account, on the other hand, is a risk-free and practice-oriented account type. It allows traders to hone their trading skills and test strategies without risking real capital. Demo Accounts are funded with virtual money, and traders can execute trades in a simulated market environment that mirrors real market conditions. This is an invaluable tool for beginners to learn the ropes of trading and for experienced traders to refine their strategies. It's a safe way to explore the trading platform and gain confidence before transitioning to a Live Account.

How to Open an Account

To open an account with Probis, follow these steps.

1. Visit the Probis website. Look for the “Open Live Account” button on the homepage and click on it.

1. Sign up on websites registration page.

1. Receive your personal account login from an automated email

2. Log in

3. Proceed to deposit funds to your account

4. Download the platform and start trading

Leverage

Probis offers varying levels of leverage to traders, depending on the type of financial instrument they are trading. For major currency pairs like EUR/USD and USD/JPY, the maximum leverage is 1:30. This means that traders can control a position worth up to $30 for every $1 they have in their trading account. Minor currency pairs and gold trading come with a maximum leverage of 1:20. When trading CFD products other than gold, such as commodities, the leverage is set at 1:10. For securities CFDs, which include major stock markets, the maximum leverage is 1:20, while minor stock markets offer a leverage of 1:10. Traders should exercise caution and consider their risk tolerance when using leverage, as it can amplify both profits and losses in their trades.

Here is a comparison table of maximum leverage offered by different brokers:

Spreads and Commissions (Trading Fees)

Probis provides specific details about spreads for various trading instruments. For Forex pairs, spreads typically start at 3 pips. In the case of Commodity CFDs like Spot Gold, the spread starts at 0.5 dollars per troy ounce. For Securities CFDs such as the US 30 Index, the spread begins at 5 points. These precise spread values are essential for traders to understand their trading costs accurately.

Traders should stay informed about potential changes through the platform's notifications. Please note that commission details are not provided on the website and should be obtained from Probis' customer service.

Non-Trading Fees

Probis charges non-trading fees, with one significant fee being swap interest or overnight financing charges. Swap interest arises from the difference in interest rates between two currencies in a currency pair during rollover periods.

In essence, if traders hold a position overnight in a currency pair, they may either receive or pay swap interest based on the interest rate differentials between the currencies involved. For instance, if traders buy a currency with a higher interest rate and sell a currency with a lower interest rate, they can earn interest. Conversely, if they sell a currency with a higher interest rate and buy a currency with a lower interest rate, they will incur interest charges.

For example, if the Australian Dollar has a higher interest rate compared to the Japanese Yen, and traders hold an AUD/JPY position overnight, they may earn or pay the net interest difference between these currencies. The calculation and settlement of FX swap interest occur at the market's closing.

Traders should be aware of these swap interest rates as they can impact the overall costs of holding positions overnight, affecting their trading strategies and expenses. It's advisable to check Probis for specific swap interest rates for different currency pairs.

Deposit & Withdraw Methods

Probis provides bank transfer for depositing and withdrawing funds:

Deposit:

You can deposit funds into your Probis trading account via bank wire. Domestic transfers typically take 1-2 business days, while international transfers usually take 3-5 business days. You can make deposits in either AUD or USD. Probis does not charge any fees for deposits. However, please note that international transfers to and from international banking institutions may incur intermediary or transfer fees that are independent of Probis.

Withdrawal:

To withdraw margins from your trading account, you have two options:

- Use the “withdraw margin” button within the trading platform. Fill in the withdrawal amount to complete the application.

- Contact Probis customer service by telephone. You will need to provide your login ID and service pin to complete the withdrawal application.

Trading Platforms

Probis offers the PROBIS AUTON trading platform for efficient and secure online trading. It supports 24-hour trading in forex, indices, precious metals, and commodities. The platform is available on PC, tablets, and mobile devices, ensuring flexibility for traders. It has specific system requirements, such as Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 for the PC version and various operating systems for mobile devices. Users can download the platform from the Probis website or app stores for iOS and Android. Manuals are available for each platform version to help users navigate and make the most of their trading experience.

Customer Support

Probis offers comprehensive customer support to assist clients with their inquiries and needs. They are conveniently located in Sydney, Australia, with a registered office at Suite 11.01, Level 11, 227 Elizabeth Street, and a postal address at PO Box 20697 World Square. Clients can reach out to Probis through various communication channels. They provide telephone support at +61 2 9047 7800, allowing clients to speak directly with their team.

For specific inquiries, Probis has dedicated email addresses for different services. Clients looking for assistance with asset management can reach out to enquiries@probisgroup.com.au. If you have questions related to FX and CFD trading, you can contact cs@probisgroup.com.au. For FX and CFD account-related inquiries, you can email account@probisgroup.com.au, and margin deposit and withdrawal matters can be addressed at margin@probisgroup.com.au.

Educational Resources

Probis provides a range of educational resources to empower clients in their FX and CFD trading journey. Their educational offerings cover FX & CFD trading, trade characteristics, technical analysis, and a comprehensive glossary.

FX & CFD Trading: Probis offers educational content that helps clients understand the fundamentals of FX (foreign exchange) and CFD (contract for difference) trading. This includes insights into market dynamics, trading strategies, and risk management techniques.

Trade Characteristics: Understanding the unique characteristics of different trading instruments is crucial for success. Probis provides resources that delve into the specifics of various assets, helping traders make informed decisions.

Technical Analysis: Technical analysis is a vital tool in trading, and Probis equips clients with the knowledge and skills needed to analyze price charts, identify trends, and make data-driven trading decisions.

Glossary: The financial world comes with its own jargon and terminology. Probis offers a comprehensive glossary that defines and explains key terms, ensuring that clients can navigate the trading landscape with confidence.

Trading Tools

Probis provides traders with Economic Calendar to enhance their market analysis and decision-making. It provides traders with a professional perspective on market events, helping them understand market dynamics, stay informed about crucial economic announcements, and seize investment opportunities. This tool is instrumental in tracking economic indicators, central bank decisions, and geopolitical events that can significantly impact financial markets.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Probis offers traders access to various financial instruments, a user-friendly trading platform, and educational resources. However, its regulatory status is uncertain, which raises concerns about the safety of investments. The lack of transparency regarding commission fees and potential non-trading fees like swap interest charges can impact overall trading costs. While Probis has its advantages, including a range of tradable assets and a demo account for practice, potential users should carefully consider these drawbacks and exercise caution when choosing this platform for their trading needs.

FAQs

Q: Is Probis a regulated trading platform？

A: Probis was previously regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), but its regulatory status is currently uncertain as the official regulatory status has been revoked.

Q: What types of trading accounts does Probis offer？

A: Probis provides two main types of accounts: Live Accounts for real-money trading and Demo Accounts for practice trading.

Q: Can I access Probis's trading platform on mobile devices？

A: Yes, Probis's trading platform, PROBIS AUTON, is available on PC, tablets, and mobile devices, offering flexibility for traders.

Q: What is the maximum leverage offered by Probis？

A: The maximum leverage varies depending on the type of financial instrument. For major currency pairs, it's 1:30, while minor currency pairs and gold trading offer 1:20. CFD products other than gold come with 1:10 leverage, and securities CFDs offer a maximum leverage of 1:20 for major stock markets and 1:10 for minor stock markets.

Q: How can I deposit and withdraw funds with Probis？

A: You can deposit funds via bank wire transfer in either AUD or USD. Withdrawals can be made using the “withdraw margin” button within the trading platform or by contacting Probis customer service.