Overview of USGFX

Union Standard Group (USG) is an Australian investment firm that provides access to trade forex and CFDs under the brand name ‘USGFX’. The brand began operations in 2005 and is headquartered in Sydney, Australia with subsidiaries in London and Asia. This broker offers a wide range of financial instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, which can be traded on the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) trading platforms.

USGFX prides itself on its commitment to customer service, with a 24/5 customer support team available to assist traders with their queries. The broker also offers educational resources such as webinars, ebooks, and video tutorials, as well as a free demo account for traders to practice their strategies. In addition, USGFX offers a range of account types to cater to the needs of different traders, including Standard, Pro, and VIP accounts.

Is USGFX legit or a scam？

USGFX has received mixed reviews and there have been reports of some traders experiencing issues with withdrawals and customer support. USGFX had their ASIC and FSC licenses suspended and VFSC license revoked in 2020 due to concerns over their compliance with regulatory requirements, particularly in regards to client money handling and risk management procedures. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of the British Virgin Islands suspended USGFX's licenses for six months, while the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) permanently revoked their licenses.

Regulated brokers are required to adhere to strict rules and regulations regarding client funds, transparency, and risk management. In the event of any dispute or issue, traders have recourse through the regulatory body. With an unregulated broker, there is no such protection, and traders may be at a higher risk of fraud or other unethical practices

Pros & Cons

Here let's take a closer look at the good and bad things about USGFX. On the plus side, they offer a wide range of financial instruments to trade, including Forex, commodities, and indices. Their trading platforms are also pretty user-friendly and easy to navigate. On the downside, their regulatory status is questionable, which could be a red flag for some traders. Plus, they don't accept clients from certain countries, so you'll want to make sure you're eligible before signing up.

Market Instruments

USGFX offers a range of financial instruments for trading, including forex currency pairs, commodities, indices, and shares of popular companies. Some examples of the instruments offered by USGFX are:

• Forex currency pairs such as EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, and AUD/USD

• Precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum

• Energy commodities such as crude oil and natural gas

• Indices such as S&P 500, NASDAQ, FTSE 100, and Nikkei 225

• Shares of popular companies like Apple, Amazon, Facebook, and Microsoft

Account Types

USGFX offers four different types of trading accounts to cater to the needs of different traders:

• MINI Account: This is the entry-level account with a minimum deposit requirement of $100. Traders with this account type can trade a wide range of instruments with low trading costs, access to educational resources, and 24/5 customer support. However, this account type comes with limited features, such as lower leverage and limited trading tools.

• Standard Account: The standard account requires a minimum deposit of $10,000 and comes with additional features such as higher leverage, access to more trading tools, and a dedicated account manager. Traders with this account type can also enjoy free VPS hosting and regular market analysis.

• VIP Account: This account type is designed for high-volume traders with a minimum deposit requirement of $50,000. In addition to the features of the standard account, VIP account holders can enjoy custom trading strategies, priority customer support, and exclusive market insights.

• Pro-ECN Account: The Pro-ECN account is designed for experienced traders and institutions with a minimum deposit requirement of $50,000. This account type offers ECN trading with no dealing desk, ultra-low spreads, and high execution speeds. Traders with this account type can also access premium research tools and institutional-grade liquidity.

How to open an account with USGFX？

Opening an account with USGFX is pretty straightforward and you need to follow these steps:

1. First, you need to go to their website and click on the “Open Account” button.

1. Then, you'll need to fill in some personal details, like your name, email address, and phone number. After that, you'll need to choose the type of account you want to open and provide some additional information, like your date of birth and proof of identity.

1. Once you've completed the registration process, you'll be able to deposit funds into your account and start trading. Just keep in mind that depending on the type of account you've chosen, there may be different deposit and withdrawal requirements.

Leverage

USGFX offers flexible leverage options ranging from 1:1 to 500:1, depending on the account type and instrument traded. It is important for traders to understand the risks involved with using high leverage and to use it judiciously. Additionally, some instruments may have lower leverage options due to market conditions or regulatory requirements. Traders should check with the broker regarding the available leverage options for specific instruments.

Spreads and Commissions (Trading Fees)

USGFX offers variable spreads, which means that the spread can widen or narrow depending on market conditions. The average spread for major currency pairs such as EUR/USD, USD/JPY, and GBP/USD is around 2-3 pips. Commissions are not charged for forex trading, but there are swap fees for holding positions overnight.

For trading other instruments like commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies, USGFX charges a fixed spread. The size of the spread varies depending on the instrument traded. For example, the spread for gold is typically around $0.50 per ounce, while the spread for Bitcoin is around $60 per lot.

Non Trading Fees

Apart from spreads and commissions, USGFX also charges several non-trading fees. These fees can add up and affect your overall trading experience, so it's important to be aware of them.

One such fee is the inactivity fee. This fee is charged to your account if you haven't made any trades or withdrawals for a specified period of time. The fee amount varies depending on the type of account you have and how long you've been inactive.

Another fee to be aware of is the withdrawal fee. While USGFX doesn't charge a deposit fee, they do charge a fee for each withdrawal you make from your account. This fee is a fixed amount and varies depending on the payment method you choose for your withdrawal.

USGFX also charges a swap fee, which is a fee charged for holding positions overnight. This fee can be a credit or debit depending on the direction of your position and the interest rates of the currencies you are trading.

Lastly, USGFX may charge a conversion fee if you deposit or withdraw funds in a currency that is different from the base currency of your trading account. The conversion fee is a percentage of the amount being converted and can add up if you frequently deposit or withdraw in different currencies.

Trading Platforms

USGFX offers its clients the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) trading platforms, which are highly popular among traders worldwide. These platforms are equipped with a range of trading tools, including charting tools, technical analysis indicators, and trading robots, making them suitable for traders of all levels.

MT4 is a well-established platform that has been around for over 15 years. It is known for its user-friendly interface, ease of use, and a wide range of trading tools. MT5, on the other hand, is the latest version of the platform, which was introduced in 2010. It offers several advanced features, such as more technical analysis tools, a multi-threaded strategy tester, and an economic calendar.

One of the significant advantages of MT4 and MT5 is that they are compatible with a range of devices, including desktop computers, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. This allows traders to access their accounts and trade from anywhere at any time.

Here's how USGFX's trading platform stacks up against other brokers' platforms:

Deposits and Withdrawals

Minimum Deposit

USGFX has a minimum deposit requirement of $100, which is pretty reasonable compared to some other brokers out there. It means that even if you're just starting out with trading and don't have a lot of money to invest, you can still give it a go with USGFX. Of course, you won't be able to make huge trades for just $100, but it's a good starting point to get your feet wet and learn the ropes of trading.

USGFX offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal options to its clients. Deposits can be made through bank wire transfer, credit/debit cards, and various e-wallets such as Skrill, Neteller, and FasaPay. The processing time and fees for each method may vary.

Withdrawals can also be made through bank wire transfer, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets. However, it is important to note that there may be fees associated with withdrawals, depending on the method chosen. Withdrawal requests are typically processed within 1-2 business days.

Also, USGFX may apply internal fees to withdrawals that are not actively traded. For example, if you make a deposit and then withdraw it without trading, USGFX may apply a fee of up to 3% of the deposit amount.

Customer Support

USGFX offers customer support through various channels, including email, phone, and live chat. The broker has dedicated support teams in different regions to cater to clients' needs. Customer support is available 24/5, and clients can contact the broker through the website's contact form or through the provided phone numbers and email addresses.

USGFX also has an extensive FAQ section on its website that covers different aspects of trading, including account management, deposit and withdrawal, and trading platforms.

Educational Resources

USGFX offers a variety of educational resources to help traders improve their knowledge and skills in trading. The broker provides free webinars, video tutorials, e-books, and other resources to help traders learn about various topics such as technical analysis, risk management, trading strategies, and more. Additionally, USGFX offers a demo account, which traders can use to practice trading in a risk-free environment.

The educational resources provided by USGFX can be accessed through the broker's website or the trading platform. The resources are available in multiple languages, making them accessible to traders from different countries. Traders can also interact with the broker's experts and other traders through online forums and social media channels.

Conclusion

USGFX is a forex broker that offers trading services in a variety of markets, including forex, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. The broker offers several account types with varying minimum deposit requirements, allowing traders to choose an account that suits their trading needs. However, the broker's regulation has been a point of concern, with its licenses revoked by various regulatory authorities. This, coupled with negative reviews from clients and the low ranking score, raises questions about the broker's trustworthiness.

FAQs

• Q: Is USGFX a regulated broker？

A: USGFX was previously regulated by ASIC, FSC, and VFSC, but their licenses have been revoked due to regulatory violations.

• Q: What trading platforms does USGFX offer？

A: USGFX offers the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform for desktop, web, and mobile devices.

• Q: What is the minimum deposit requirement to open an account with USGFX？

A: USGFX offers a MINI account with a minimum deposit requirement of $100.

• Q: What is the maximum leverage offered by USGFX？

A: USGFX offers a maximum leverage of up to 500:1 for forex trading.

• Q: What are the available payment methods for deposits and withdrawals with USGFX？

A: USGFX offers various payment methods, including bank transfer, credit/debit card, and electronic payment systems such as Neteller and Skrill.

• Q: Does USGFX offer educational resources for traders？

A: Yes, USGFX provides a range of educational resources for traders, including webinars, e-books, and trading tutorials.

What is CJC Markets？

Based in Auckland, New Zealand, CJC Markets (Carrick Just Capital Markets Limited) is a regulated online NDD (No Dealing Desk) trading broker that allows clients to trade multiple financial assets with flexible leverage up to 1:400 and floating spreads on the MT4 trading platform via 3 different live account types, as well as 24/5 customer support service.

In the following article, we will analyse the characteristics of this broker in all its dimensions, providing you with easy and well-organised information. If you are interested, read on.

Pros & Cons

CJC Markets has several advantages including a wide range of tradable instruments, a variety of deposit and withdrawal options, and 24/5 customer support. However, there are also some significant drawbacks, including high minimum deposit requirements, and mixed reviews from clients. Overall, traders should exercise caution and carefully consider these factors before deciding whether to trade with CJC Markets.

CJC Markets Alternative Brokers

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

• FP Markets - An ASIC and CySEC-regulated broker with a wide range of trading instruments, competitive spreads, and multiple trading platforms, suitable for both novice and experienced traders.

• FXDD - An offshore broker offering ECN trading accounts with a variety of trading instruments and low spreads, but lacks regulatory oversight and has mixed reviews from clients.

• Global Prime - An ASIC-regulated broker with a focus on transparency, offering ECN trading accounts with competitive spreads and a range of trading tools, but has limited trading instruments and high minimum deposit requirements.

Ultimately, the best broker for an individual trader will depend on their specific trading style, preferences, and needs.

Market Instruments

CJC Markets provides investors with 500+ instruments including Forex, Metals, Equity Indices, US Shares, Asia Shares, EUR Shares, Cryptocurrency CFDs. The broker provides access to more than 100 currency pairs, such as the EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and USD/JPY. Clients can also trade precious metals such as gold and silver, as well as a variety of equity indices such as the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq 100. CJC Markets also offers a broad selection of shares from the US, Europe, and Asia. Additionally, the broker provides access to popular cryptocurrency CFDs such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin, and Tether.

Account Types

There are three account options available on the CJC Markets platform: Standard, VIP and ECN. The minimum initial deposit for a Standard account is $1,000, way too high for most regular traders to get started. The high minimum initial deposit can be a disadvantage for many traders, especially beginners who want to start with a smaller amount of money.

However, the higher minimum deposit requirement for the Standard account may be suitable for more experienced traders who want access to higher leverage and other advanced trading features. The VIP and ECN accounts require a minimum initial deposit of $25,000 and $50,000 respectively, which may not be feasible for many traders.

Leverage

In terms of trading leverage, the maximum leverage for the Standard account is up to 1:400, up to 1:300 for the VIP account and up to 1:200 for the ECN account. It is important to keep in mind that the greater the leverage, the greater the risk of losing your deposited capital. The use of leverage can both work in your favour and against you.

Spreads & Commissions

Spreads and commissions with CJC Markets are scaled with the accounts offered. Specifically, the spread starts from 1.5 pips on the Standard account, from 1 pip on the VIP account, and raw spreads on the ECN account. As for the commission, there is no commission charged on the Standard and VIP accounts, while unspecified on the ECN account.

While the Standard and VIP accounts do not charge commissions, the spreads are higher, which may not be as cost-effective in the long run. Traders should carefully consider their trading style and needs when choosing an account type with CJC Markets.

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

Note that these rates are subject to change and may vary depending on account type and market conditions. Traders should always confirm the most up-to-date rates directly with the broker.

Trading Platform

CJC Markets offers the leading MT4 trading platform for iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac to meet a wide range of user needs. MT4 is currently the most popular forex trading platform on the market, with a user-friendly interface, and powerful charting tools. With a user-friendly interface, powerful charting tools, and a large number of custom indicators, MT4 is available for automated trading and EA trading, helping traders of all levels to develop different trading strategies and help traders to get ahead in the financial markets.

See the trading platform comparison table below:

Deposits & Withdrawals

From the logos shown at the foot of the home page on CJC Markets official website, we found that this broker seems to accept numerous means of deposit and withdrawal choices, consisting of Visa, MasterCard, Bitcoin, bit wallet, BTPay, Bank Wire, dragon pay, help2ay, PayTrust, Skrill, Neteller, and Tether.

Having multiple payment options provides more convenience and flexibility for traders to deposit and withdraw their funds. It's worth noting that certain payment methods may have fees or restrictions, so it's essential to check with the broker's website or customer service before making any transactions.

CJC Markets minimum deposit vs other brokers

See the deposit & withdrawal fee comparison table below:

Note: Withdrawal fees for FXDD vary depending on the payment method used. Please refer to the broker's website for more information.

Customer Service

The CJC Markets customer support team can be contacted 24/5 through telephone, email, social media, or live chat. You can also follow this broker on social networks such as Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. FAQ section is also available. Alternatively, traders can visit their physical office in Auckland, New Zealand.

It's worth noting that having a physical office can provide additional peace of mind for traders who value face-to-face communication and transparency with their broker. The availability of multiple channels for customer support is also a plus, as traders can choose the most convenient way to reach out for help. However, the lack of 24/7 customer support may be a disadvantage for traders who need immediate assistance outside of regular business hours.

Please note that these pros and cons are based on the information available and may not be exhaustive.

User Exposure on WikiFX

On our website, you can see that some users have reported scams and unable to withdraw. Please be aware and exercise caution when investing. You can check our platform for information before trading. If you find such fraudulent brokers or have been a victim of one, please let us know in the Exposure section, we would appreciate it and our team of experts will do everything possible to solve the problem for you.

Conclusion

Generally, CJC Markets is a regulated broker that provides a range of instruments. However, the high minimum deposit requirement and negative reviews from clients raise concerns about the safety of the platform. On the other hand, the broker offers balance protection up to $500, and there is a range of deposit and withdrawal options available. The customer support team can be contacted 24/5. Overall, traders should approach CJC Markets with caution and consider the potential risks before investing.

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.