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.

VT Markets Information

VT Markets was founded in 2015 and headquartered in Sydney, Australia, has over ten years' experience and expertise in global financial markets. As a regulated broker, VT Markets operates under the oversight of the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA).

VT Markets offers a suite of trading instruments, including major, minor, and exotic currency pairs, allowing traders to capitalize on various market opportunities. In addition to forex, the broker also provides access to other financial instruments, including precious metals, energies, CFD shares, indices, soft commodities, ETFs & bonds. Traders can benefit from competitive trading conditions at VT Markets, including low minimum deposit of $50, fast execution speeds, and flexible leverage options up to 500:1.

VT Markets supports the industry-standard MetaTrader 4 (MT4) trading platform and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) trading platform, as well as webtrader, known for its robust functionality, advanced charting tools, and customizable features, with access to a wide range of technical indicators, expert advisors (EAs), and automated trading capabilities.

Pros & Cons

VT Markets offers several advantages, including a wide range of trading instruments, multiple account types and flexible leverage options to cater to the diverse needs of traders. The user-friendly trading platforms, along with advanced trading tools and features, enhance the trading experience.

However, the ASIC license is just general registrated and residents of United States, Singapore and Russia are not allowed.

Is VT Markets Legit？

VT Markets operates under the regulation of multiple regulatory authorities, including the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC, general registration) in Australia and the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa.

With its entity in South Africa regulated by the FSCA, VT Markets complies with the regulatory requirements set by this reputable financial authority. The FSCA is known for its stringent oversight and supervision of financial services providers.

Market Instruments

VT Markets boasts an extensive and diverse range of over 1,000 market instruments, making it a highly attractive option for traders looking to diversify their investment portfolios. This broad selection includes major categories such as forex, which offers a variety of currency pairs; precious metals like gold and silver; energies including oil and natural gas; and CFD shares that cover numerous global corporations.

Additionally, VT Markets provides opportunities to trade indices, soft commodities like coffee and sugar, as well as ETFs & bonds, catering to different trading preferences and strategies.

Account Types

VT Markets offers a versatile range of account types to cater to different trading needs and preferences, including Standard STP, Raw ECN, Swap Free, Cent, and Demo accounts. The minimum deposit required is accessible, with $100 needed for the Standard STP, Raw ECN, and Swap Free accounts, and a lower threshold of 5,000 USC (equivalent to $50) for the Cent accounts, making it easier for traders with varying financial capabilities to enter the market.

The base currencies available also provide flexibility; Standard STP and Raw ECN accounts support AUD, USD, GBP, EUR, CAD, and HKD, while Swap Free accounts offer all except HKD, and Cent accounts operate exclusively in USC. Additionally, VT Markets enhances trading opportunities by offering bonuses for Standard STP, Raw ECN, and Swap Free accounts.

How to Open an Account？

Opening a trading account with VT Markets is a straightforward and user-friendly process designed to facilitate quick access to the trading world.

To begin, simply click the ‘Trade now’ button on their platform.

You will then be prompted to enter your personal information, including your country of residence, email address, and a password of your choice; there is also an optional field for a referrer if applicable. Once these details are filled in, click the Open a live account button to finalize the setup of your new trading account.

Leverage

With a leverage of up to 500:1, its customers can trade 40 different currency pairings and spot gold contracts. One can use a leverage of up to 1:333 on energy commodities, 1:100 on Silver Spot, and 1:20 on soft commodities such as cocoa, coffee, cotton, orange juice, and raw sugar (Crude Oil, Natural gas, Gasoline, and Gasoil). Stocks of the 50 largest U.S. and Hong Kong firms are available for trading via Contracts for Difference (CFDs), with leverage of 1:20. You can trade 15 stock indexes, including the SP 500, DJ30, and US 2000, with high leverage (up to 1:333).

Spreads & Commissions

VT Markets offers a competitive and varied structure of spreads and commissions tailored to different types of trading accounts, ensuring traders can select the option that best suits their trading style and strategy.

For those preferring simplicity and no commission costs, the Standard STP and Standard STP (Swap free) accounts offer spreads starting from 1.2 pips, and the Cent Account STP starts from 1.1 pips, all with zero commission charges.

Conversely, for traders looking for tighter spreads and are comfortable with commission fees, the Raw ECN, Raw ECN (Swap free), and Cent Account ECN accounts provide spreads starting as low as 0.0 pips with a commission of $6 per round turn.

Trading Platforms

VT Markets offers a range of advanced trading platforms to cater to the diverse needs of traders. With their selection of robust platforms, including MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), WebTrader, and the VT Markets App, traders can access the financial markets with ease and precision. Each platform provides unique features and capabilities to enhance trading experiences and execute trades efficiently.

MetaTrader 4 (MT4): MT4 is a globally recognized and widely used trading platform, renowned for its user-friendly interface and extensive range of trading tools. It offers real-time market data, advanced charting options, and customizable indicators to help traders analyze the markets and make informed trading decisions. MT4 also supports automated trading through expert advisors (EAs), allowing traders to automate their strategies.

MetaTrader 5 (MT5): MT5 is the successor to MT4 and comes with additional features and enhanced capabilities. It offers an improved interface, advanced charting tools, and an expanded range of technical indicators. MT5 also allows traders to access different asset classes, including stocks and futures, in addition to forex trading. With its powerful analytical tools and multi-asset support, MT5 caters to traders seeking advanced trading functionalities.

WebTrader: The WebTrader platform is a web-based trading solution that provides traders with the flexibility to access their accounts from any web browser without the need for software installation. It offers a user-friendly interface, real-time market data, and essential trading features. Traders can analyze charts, place trades, and manage their positions conveniently through WebTrader.

VT Markets App: The VT Markets App is a mobile trading platform designed for traders who prefer to trade on the go. Available for both iOS and Android devices, the app allows traders to access their accounts, monitor market conditions, and execute trades from anywhere, anytime.

Copy Trading

VT Markets provides an innovative copy trading service that allows traders, especially those who may not have the time or expertise to trade independently, to automatically replicate the positions of more experienced traders. This feature is particularly beneficial for new traders as it enables them to learn from seasoned market participants and potentially benefit from their trading strategies.

Copy trading at VT Markets is user-friendly and accessible, allowing clients to browse through a list of skilled traders and choose whom they want to follow based on performance metrics and trading style. This service not only simplifies the trading process but also offers an opportunity for traders to diversify their investment approaches by mirroring the trades of professionals, thus potentially enhancing their trading outcomes while managing risk.

Deposits & Withdrawals

VT Markets supports a variety of popular payment methods. These include major credit cards like MasterCard and Visa, bank transfers, and several e-wallets such as Neteller, Skrill, UnionPay, and FasaPay. VT Markets offers a streamlined and efficient process for deposits and withdrawals, trying completing all transactions within one business day, which is a significant advantage for traders needing quick access to their funds.

Bonus

VT Markets offers enticing bonus schemes to both new and existing clients, enhancing their trading potential. New clients are welcomed with a 50% bonus on their initial deposit, applicable to all account types. This welcome bonus is designed to give traders a substantial boost as they begin their trading journey, with the bonus credit being added to their accounts within just one business day after the deposit.

Additionally, VT Markets provides a recurring 20% deposit bonus for all subsequent deposits over $1,000, allowing traders to increase their trading capital by up to $10,000 in extra funds. This ongoing bonus can be claimed multiple times, offering continuous support to enhance trading activities. Traders interested in these opportunities can easily start by opening a live account in just five minutes and begin benefiting from these generous promotional offers, subject to terms and conditions.

Educational & Tools

VT Markets provides a comprehensive suite of educational resources and analytical tools. The learning center at VT Markets is extensive, featuring a trading glossary for beginners, detailed courses on forex trading, and specialized tutorials on using MetaTrader platforms. Additionally, they offer podcasts that delve into various trading topics, catering to learners who prefer auditory content.

On the analysis front, VT Markets provides daily market analyses and weekly market overviews to keep traders informed about the latest market trends and opportunities. Their blog also serves as a valuable resource for deeper insights and trading strategies.

Furthermore, VT Markets enhances trading efficiency with practical tools such as an economic calendar, trading signals, and access to Trading Central MT4 tools and ProTrader tools. They also support automated trading by offering expert advisors.

Customer Support

VT Markets prioritizes exceptional customer support by providing around-the-clock assistance through various channels, ensuring traders can receive help whenever required. Their 24/7 Help Center is equipped to address and resolve common issues instantly, facilitating a seamless trading experience.

For more interactive and immediate assistance, VT Markets features a live chat service where traders can communicate directly with knowledgeable support staff in real-time.

Additionally, traders can reach out via email at info@vtmarkets.com, with the assurance of receiving a detailed response within 1-3 business days.

VT Markets also extends its customer engagement through active social media presence on platforms like LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, offering updates, educational content, and a platform for community interaction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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.