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.

Overview of GMO CLICK

GMO CLICK is a regulated institution in Japan that offers various financial services. It holds a retail forex license and is regulated by the Financial Services Agency. The company provides a range of market instruments, including stock trading, investment trusts, futures options, FX trading, forex options, currency exchange trading, CFDs, stock index binary options, and bond trading.

To open an account with GMO CLICK, individuals can visit their website and choose the type of account they want to open. The company offers different account options based on the desired trading activities. Users need to fill out an application form, provide personal information, agree to terms and conditions, and submit the completed application.

GMO CLICK offers trading platforms for various devices, including computers, smartphones, and smartwatches. They provide different payment methods for depositing funds, including internet banking, ATMs, and financial institution counters. The company has customer support available through phone, inquiry forms, direct mail, and social media channels.

While GMO CLICK is regulated and offers a range of financial services, it's important to verify the information provided and contact the company directly for the most accurate and up-to-date details regarding their services, regulations, and account opening procedures.

Pros and Cons

GMO CLICK offers a range of financial services, including stock trading, investment trusts, futures options, FX trading, forex options, currency exchange trading, CFDs, stock index binary options, and bond trading. The company is regulated and provides a variety of trading platforms for different devices. They have multiple payment methods available for depositing funds, and customer support is offered through various channels. However, it's important to note that GMO CLICK has certain limitations, such as the absence of trading software according to the provided information. Additionally, specific trading activities may have designated acceptance times, and withdrawals are supported only for GMO CLICK Securities accounts and financial institution accounts with the same name. It's advisable to verify the current details and contact GMO CLICK directly for more accurate and updated information.

Is GMO CLICK Legit？

Based on the information provided, GMO CLICK is a regulated institution in Japan. It holds a retail forex license and is regulated by the Financial Services Agency. The license number is “関東財務局長（金商）第77号” and the effective date of the license is September 30, 2007.

However, it's important to note that the information you provided also states that GMO CLICK does not have a trading software according to the current data. This could imply that there may be some limitations or restrictions on their services. It's advisable to verify this information with updated and reliable sources or contact GMO CLICK directly for more accurate and detailed information regarding their regulatory status and available services.

Market Instruments

GMO CLICK Securities offers a range of market instruments:

STOCK: GMO CLICK Securities offers stock trading services at low prices, providing investors with access to the stock market.

INVESTMENT TRUST: The company offers a selection of investment trusts, making it easy for investors to choose funds that have been carefully curated by GMO CLICK Securities.

FUTURES OPTIONS: GMO CLICK Securities provides futures options trading with industry-leading low fees, allowing investors to participate in this market.

FX NEO (OVER-THE-COUNTER TRADING): GMO CLICK Securities offers enhanced trading tools and a low-cost, comfortable FX trading experience for investors.

FOREX OPTIONS: Investors can engage in forex binary options trading through GMO CLICK Securities, which offers a user-friendly interface for easy operation.

CLICK 365 (EXCHANGE TRADING): GMO CLICK Securities provides a wide range of currency pairs for FX exchange trading through the Click 365 platform.

CFDs: Japanese investors can choose from a variety of CFDs (Contracts for Difference) offered by GMO CLICK Securities.

STOCK INDEX BINARY OPTIONS: GMO CLICK Securities offers stock index binary options, allowing investors to engage in this type of trading with ease.

BOND: GMO CLICK Securities facilitates the trading of overseas high-interest bonds, providing investors with access to this asset class.

Account Types

1. FXneo: This account type is for Forex trading. It allows customers to trade in the Forex market.

2. AnyForex OP: This account type is for Forex options trading. It enables customers to trade options in the Forex market.

3. AnyCFDs: This account type is for CFD (Contract for Difference) trading. It allows customers to trade CFDs.

4. AnyIXOP: This account type is for stock index binary options trading. It enables customers to trade binary options based on stock indexes.

5. Brokerage account: This account type provides tradeable services for various types of transactions, including stock, investment trust, futures OP, FX neo, Forex OP, 365FX, CFDs, BO (Binary Options), and bonds.

6. Securities Connect Account (Bank Linkage): This account type allows customers to open a securities trading account by filling in a single page without requiring an application form. Transactions can start after a minimum of 2 business days. Initial settings registration is required upon the first login.

7. Forex Trading Account: This account type is specifically for FX trading and Foreign exchange OP. It offers tradeable services for FX neo, Forex OP, and 365FX. Opening an FX trading account is faster than a brokerage account and does not require an application form. Customers can switch to a securities trading account from the member page without any difference in trading terms.

8. Corporate Customers: GMO CLICK also provides corporate account opening services for corporate customers.

How to Open an Account？

To open an account with GMO CLICK, follow these steps:

1. Visit the GMO CLICK website and click on the “Account Opening” option.

1. Choose the type of account you want to open from the available options, such as stock, investment trust, futures OP, FX neo, Forex OP, 365FX, CFDs, BO, bond, or Securities Connect Account (Bank Linkage).

2. If you select the Securities Connect Account (Bank Linkage), you can start demo trading by tapping “Start demo trading” on the login screen without registering an account.

1. Fill in the required information on the application form. This typically includes personal details such as name, contact information, address, date of birth, sex, post code, telephone number, and email address.

1. Provide nationality information, indicating whether you have Japanese nationality or nationality other than Japan. Note that accounts cannot be opened by individuals holding U.S. citizenship.

2. Specify if you have any U.S. tax liability, whether you are an important foreign public figure or a relative of one, and your country of residence.

1. Choose your preferences regarding the delivery of email news and direct mail from GMO CLICK.

2. If you wish to open a specific account, select the appropriate options for FX trading, forex options trading, CFD trading, or stock index binary options trading.

1. Read and agree to the terms and conditions and other regulations pertaining to account opening and trading activities.

2. Review the documents to be delivered before concluding a contract for securities and CFD transactions, and agree to their terms.

3. Confirm that the information entered in the application is accurate and certify that it is provided by the account holder or an authorized representative.

4. Submit the completed application.

Spreads & Commissions

GMO Click offers spreads on various currency pairs. The spreads for USD/JPY are 0.2 pips, for EUR/JPY they are 0.5 pips, for GBP/JPY they are 1.0 pips, for AUD/JPY they are 0.7 pips, for EUR/USD they are 0.4 pips, and for GBP/USD they are 1.0 pips. These spreads indicate the difference between the buying and selling prices of these currency pairs.

When trading Nikkei 225 options, GMO Click charges a minimum commission of 0.152% of the contract price. Additionally, there is a minimum commission fee of 214 yen applicable for these trades. The commission is calculated based on the percentage of the contract price and ensures that the broker earns revenue from facilitating these options trades.

GMO Click provides free trading services for certain types of trading instruments. Forex options trading, stock index binary options trading, and CFD (Contract for Difference) trading do not incur any charges. This means that traders can engage in these types of trading activities without paying commissions or fees to GMO Click.

Deposit & Withdrawal

GMO CLICK offers an instant deposit service that allows customers to transfer funds immediately. The service supports transfer deposits via ATMs and bank counters, and withdrawals are also free of charge. The minimum withdrawal amount is 10,000 yen, and the maximum withdrawal amount is 100 million yen. However, if the balance is below 10,000 yen, the entire balance will be withdrawn at once.

It's important to note that withdrawals are only supported for GMO CLICK Securities accounts and financial institution accounts with the same name. The amount that can be withdrawn in one operation ranges from ¥10,000 to ¥100,000,000.

GMO CLICK provides bank accounts for each customer, including GMO Aozora Net Bank and Mitsubishi UFJ Bank. When making a transfer from a bank counter or ATM, customers are required to make a payment to their bank account. Please be aware that the transfer source is limited to domestic branches of financial institutions.

GMO CLICK provides various options for customers to deposit funds. Those using internet banking can take advantage of the immediate deposit service, which allows for instant fund transfers without any commission fees. Deposits made through ATMs or financial institution counters are also free of commission, and customers can perform these transactions using their computers or smartphones. Additionally, GMO CLICK offers the option to deposit funds from the Securities Connect account of GMO Aozora Net Bank, and this service is commission-free and can be accessed through a computer. For customers investing in mutual funds, the investment trust reserve fee is automatically deducted monthly from the designated financial institution account.

In terms of withdrawals, GMO CLICK does not charge any commission, and customers can initiate the withdrawal process through the GMO CLICK Securities member page. This can also be done through their smartphone app.

Trading Platforms

GMO Click offers a variety of trading platforms, including FX neo for high-performance FX trading on computers, Hatchu-kun FX Plus for rate delivery and execution speed, and FXWatch! for checking rates and charts on smartwatches. They also provide CFD trading apps, such as GMO Click CFDs and Hatchu-kun CFD, along with stock trading apps like GMO Click stock and GMO Click Stock for iPad. Super Hatchu-kun is a comprehensive tool for stock/futures OP trading. Traders can also access smartphone browser-based platforms for Forex OP, stock trading, and binary options. Additionally, there are iPhone and Android apps available for Click 365 trading. Transactions can be conducted on a PC browser using the WEB transaction screen.

Payment Methods

GMO CLICK offers a range of payment methods for customers to deposit funds. These include options such as Rakuten Bank, MUFG, SMBC, Mizuho, SBI Sumishin Net Bank, ANN Seven Bank, JP Yucho Bank, Resona Bank, Aeon Bank, Jibun Bank, and Saitama Resona Bank, among others. Customers can utilize internet banking services to make immediate fund transfers without incurring any commission fees. Deposits can be made through ATMs or financial institution counters, and these transactions are also commission-free. The method of depositing funds through computers or smartphones is provided. GMO CLICK also facilitates deposits from the Securities Connect account of GMO Aozora Net Bank, with no commissions and accessibility via computer. For customers investing in mutual funds, the investment trust reserve fee is automatically deducted monthly from the designated financial institution account.

Trading Hours

GMO CLICK offers customer support through various channels and during specific time frames. The call center is available from 8:00 until close and provides assistance for trading inquiries. Trading platforms like Super Hatchu allow login access from 0:00 to 24:00, excluding maintenance time. Specific acceptance hours are set for immediate deposits, transfers, and order placements based on different types of trading accounts. Support for mutual fund trading is available from 6:30 to 15:00 and 17:00 to 3:30. For futures, options, forex, Click 365, and CFD trading, there are designated acceptance times. Forex Neo and forex options trading have 24-hour availability, while CFD trading is open from Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 7:00 am the next day. Bond trading hours vary for domestic and foreign bonds. It's important to be aware of these time frames when seeking customer support or engaging in trading activities with GMO CLICK.

Customer Support

1. FAQ: GMO CLICK provides a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section on their website. Traders can enter keywords related to their inquiries and search for relevant information. The FAQ covers various topics, including account login, password recovery, deposit/withdrawal methods, tax information, and more.

2. Inquiries by Phone: Traders can reach out to GMO CLICK's customer support team via phone. The contact number for Japanese customers is +81 0120727930.

3. Inquiries Using the Inquiry Form: GMO CLICK offers an inquiry form for customers to submit their questions or concerns. This form allows traders to seek assistance or clarification on various aspects of their trading experience.

4. Direct Mail (DM): GMO CLICK provides the option of contacting customer support through direct mail. Customers can use this method to address specific issues, such as suspension procedures, inheritance procedures, or other account-related matters.

5. Responding to Opinions and Requests: GMO CLICK acknowledges and values customer feedback. They have a system in place to respond to opinions and requests, allowing traders to provide input on their services and suggest improvements.

6. Business Operation System for Complaints and Disputes: GMO CLICK has a business operation system designed to handle complaints and resolve disputes. They outline the procedures and mechanisms through which customer concerns can be addressed.

7. Social Media Presence: GMO CLICK maintains a presence on social media platforms such as Twitter (https://twitter.com/GMO_ClickSec_PR) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/gmoclicksec). Traders can connect with them through these channels to stay updated and potentially reach out for support.

Conclusion

In conclusion, GMO CLICK is a regulated institution in Japan that offers various market instruments such as stocks, investment trusts, futures options, forex options, CFDs, and more. It provides multiple account types and trading platforms to cater to different preferences. GMO CLICK's deposit and withdrawal options are diverse, allowing customers to choose from a range of payment methods. However, it's important to note that GMO CLICK does not have a trading software according to the available information, and there may be limitations or restrictions on their services. Traders should verify the current status of their offerings and contact GMO CLICK directly for detailed information. Additionally, the spreads and commissions may vary depending on the trading instruments, and customers should consider these factors when engaging in trading activities.

FAQs

Q: Is GMO CLICK a regulated institution？

A: Yes, GMO CLICK is a regulated institution in Japan and holds a retail forex license. It is regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) with the license number “関東財務局長（金商）第77号” and the effective date of the license is September 30, 2007.

Q: What market instruments does GMO CLICK offer？

A: GMO CLICK Securities offers a range of market instruments including stocks, investment trusts, futures options, FX NEO (over-the-counter trading), forex options, CLICK 365 (exchange trading), CFDs (Contracts for Difference), stock index binary options, and bonds.

Q: How can I open an account with GMO CLICK？

A: To open an account with GMO CLICK, you can visit their website and click on the “Account Opening” option. Choose the type of account you want to open, fill in the required information on the application form, agree to the terms and conditions, and submit the completed application.

Q: What are the spreads and commissions charged by GMO CLICK？

A: GMO CLICK offers spreads on various currency pairs, and the commissions vary depending on the trading instrument. For example, the spreads for USD/JPY are 0.2 pips, and when trading Nikkei 225 options, there is a minimum commission of 0.152% of the contract price.

Q: What are the available payment methods for depositing funds with GMO CLICK？

A: GMO CLICK offers various payment methods including Rakuten Bank, MUFG, SMBC, Mizuho, SBI Sumishin Net Bank, ANN Seven Bank, JP Yucho Bank, Resona Bank, Aeon Bank, Jibun Bank, and Saitama Resona Bank, among others. Internet banking services and deposits through ATMs or financial institution counters are also available.

Q: What are the trading platforms offered by GMO CLICK？

A: GMO CLICK provides a variety of trading platforms including FX neo, Hatchu-kun FX Plus, FXWatch!, GMO Click CFDs, Hatchu-kun CFD, GMO Click stock, GMO Click Stock for iPad, Super Hatchu-kun, and smartphone browser-based platforms for Forex OP, stock trading, and binary options.

Q: What are the trading hours and customer support options provided by GMO CLICK？

A: GMO CLICK offers customer support through various channels during specific time frames. The call center is available from 8:00 until close, and support hours vary for different types of trading activities. Customer support options include FAQs, inquiries by phone, an inquiry form, direct mail, responding to opinions and requests, and a business operation system for complaints and disputes. GMO CLICK also has a social media presence on platforms like Twitter and Facebook.