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 xChief？

xChief (formerly ForexChief) is an online Forex and CFD trading broker that offers multiple assets for trading online via the MetaTrader4/5 platforms. Founded in 2014, its head office is in Vanuatu while other representative offices are in Singapore and Nigeria. xChief Ltd is incorporated in the Republic of Comoros .

Regulatory Status

xChief Ltd is a retail forex broker regulated by the Mwali International Services Authority (MISA) in Comoros with the license number T2023379.

Pros & Cons

xChief has several notable pros and cons. The broker offers a wide range of trading instruments, multiple account types, and user-friendly MetaTrader platforms. They also prioritize the safety of client funds with segregation and negative balance protection. Additionally, their transparent and competitive spreads, along with various deposit and withdrawal options, add to their appeal.

xChief Alternative Brokers

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

• TigerWit - offers innovative trading technology and social trading features, making it a suitable choice for traders looking for a unique trading experience.
• Trading - provides a comprehensive range of trading instruments, competitive pricing, and reliable trading platforms, making it a recommended choice for traders of all levels.
• TrioMarkets - offers a wide selection of trading instruments, advanced trading tools, and strong customer support, making it a recommended broker for traders seeking a professional trading environment.

Market Instruments

xChief provides a diverse range of over 150 trading instruments, enabling traders to access various financial markets. The broker offers a wide selection of Forex currency pairs, allowing traders to engage in currency trading across major, minor, and exotic pairs. Additionally, xChief offers trading opportunities in precious metals like gold and silver, which are popular for their perceived value and safe-haven status. Traders can also explore the commodities market, including energies like crude oil and natural gas, as well as agricultural products like wheat and corn.

Furthermore, xChief provides access to a range of global stock indices, enabling traders to speculate on the performance of leading stock markets worldwide. Lastly, the broker offers exposure to the rapidly growing cryptocurrency market, allowing traders to trade popular digital currencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. With this extensive selection of trading instruments, xChief aims to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of traders.

Accounts

xChief offers a variety of trading accounts to suit the needs of different traders. The MT4/5.DirectFX and MT4/5.Classic+ accounts are designed for standard trading, providing access to a wide range of trading instruments. These accounts have a minimum deposit requirement of $10, making them accessible to traders with different budget sizes.

For those interested in PAMM (Percentage Allocation Management Module) trading, xChief offers pamm-MT4/5.DirectFX and pamm-MT4/5.Classic+ accounts, which allow investors to allocate their funds to experienced traders for potential profits.

Additionally, xChief provides cent-MT4/5.DirectFX and cent-MT4/5.Classic+ accounts for traders who prefer to trade with smaller volumes, as these accounts are denominated in cents instead of dollars.

Demo accounts are available for traders to practice their strategies and familiarize themselves with the trading platform without risking real money. xChief also offers Islamic/Swap-free accounts for clients who follow Islamic principles and wish to trade without incurring interest charges. With this wide range of account types, xChief aims to cater to the diverse preferences and trading styles of its clients.

Leverage

xChief offers leverage of up to 1:1000, which provides traders with the opportunity to amplify their trading positions and potentially increase their profit potential. With high leverage, traders can control larger positions with a smaller amount of capital, allowing for greater flexibility and potential returns. However, it's important to note that while leverage can enhance profits, it also magnifies losses, so proper risk management is crucial when trading with high leverage.

Spreads & Commissions

xChief offers competitive spreads and commissions to its traders. The spread for DirectFX accounts is floating from 0 pips, which means traders can benefit from tight spreads on their trades. For Classic+ accounts, the spread is floating from 0.3 pips, still providing traders with favorable trading conditions. It's important to note that spreads may vary depending on market conditions and the specific trading instrument.

As for commissions, xChief provides detailed information on its website. Commissions are charged based on the account type and vary accordingly. More deails can be founded in the table below.

By offering competitive spreads and transparent commission structures, xChief aims to provide its clients with cost-effective trading solutions and enhance their overall trading experience.

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

Trading Platforms

xChief offers a wide range of trading platforms to cater to the diverse needs of its clients. One of the primary platforms provided is MetaTrader 5 (MT5), a powerful and advanced trading platform known for its comprehensive features and flexibility. Traders can access MT5 through various versions, including MT5 for Android, MT5 for iPhone and iPad, and MT5 WebTerminal, allowing them to trade on the go from their mobile devices or through a web browser.

Additionally, xChief also offers MetaTrader 4 (MT4), a popular and widely used platform known for its user-friendly interface and extensive charting capabilities. Traders can access MT4 through MT4 for Android, MT4 for iPhone and iPad, and take advantage of its features to execute trades efficiently. Moreover, xChief provides its own xChief App, offering a convenient and intuitive trading experience for clients.

With these robust and versatile trading platforms, xChief aims to empower traders with the necessary tools and technologies to make informed trading decisions and execute trades effectively.

See the trading platform comparison table below:

Copy Trading

xChief offers a copy trading feature, which allows traders to automatically replicate the trades of experienced and successful traders in real-time. With copy trading, traders can benefit from the expertise of seasoned professionals without the need for extensive market knowledge or analysis. xChief's copy trading platform enables users to browse through a selection of skilled traders, evaluate their performance metrics, and choose to copy their trades with a simple click.

This feature is particularly beneficial for novice traders who can learn from experienced traders and potentially achieve similar trading results. It also saves time and effort as traders can rely on the expertise of others while still having control over their trading activities. xChief's copy trading feature provides a convenient and efficient way for traders to access profitable trading strategies and potentially enhance their trading performance.

Deposits & Withdrawals

In terms of deposit and withdrawal, like many good brokers, xChief provides a detailed form with important information about payment options, transfer currencies, fees, and transfer time. The feasible payment methods are Bank Wire Transfer, Local Transfer Solutions, Credit/Debit cards, and Electronic Payments including Skrill, Neteller, Advanced Cash, Perfect Money, and FasaPay.

The minimum deposit requirement is set at a competitive $10, allowing traders with different budgets to access the platform. The acceptable currencies include USD, EUR, GBP, CHF, and JPY, providing flexibility for traders from different regions.

xChief minimum deposit vs other brokers

While Credit/Debit card deposits incur a 2% fee, Perfect Money deposits have a fee of 1.99%, and other deposit methods are fee-free. The processing times for deposits vary, with Bank Wire Transfer taking 1-2 business days, Local Transfer Solutions being processed within 24 hours, and Credit/Debit cards and Electronic Payments being instant.

Withdrawals from xChief generally take up to 1 business day, and withdrawal fees depend on the chosen method. Clients are encouraged to refer to the provided screenshot for specific information.

Customer Service

xChief is committed to providing excellent customer service to its clients. Traders have access to multiple channels to reach out for support, including live chat, phone, and email. The availability of live chat ensures quick and real-time assistance, while phone support offers the convenience of direct communication. Additionally, clients can utilize email support for more detailed inquiries or requests. The broker values transparency and provides its company address openly, which adds to the trustworthiness of their operations.

Traders can also find answers to common questions through the readily available FAQs section, which offers self-help resources. Furthermore, xChief maintains a strong presence on various social networks such as Telegram, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. By following the broker on these platforms, traders can stay updated with the latest news, market insights, promotions, and engage with the xChief community.

With their comprehensive customer service options and active social media presence, xChief aims to ensure that clients receive the necessary support and stay well-informed throughout their trading journey.

Note: These pros and cons are subjective and may vary depending on the individual's experience with xChief's customer service.

User Exposure on WikiFX

On our website, you can see that some reports of unable to withdraw and severe slippage. Traders are encouraged to carefully review the available information and consider the risks associated with trading on an unregulated platform. 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

In conclusion, xChief offers a diverse range of trading instruments, competitive spreads, and multiple account types to cater to different trading preferences. They prioritize the safety of client funds through segregation and negative balance protection. The availability of popular MetaTrader platforms enhances the trading experience.

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.