Note: Vault Markets official site - https://www.vault-markets.com/ is currently not functional. Therefore, we could only gather relevant information from the Internet to present a rough picture of this broker.

What is Vault Markets？

Vault Markets is an unregulated multi-asset broker founded in 2021 and registered in South Africa that claims to provide its clients with various tradable financial instruments with leverage up to 1:500 and floating spreads from 1 pip on the MT4 trading platform via 6 different live account types.

Pros & Cons

Vault Markets' advantages include its competitive spreads, low minimum deposit requirement, multiple account types, and user-friendly trading platform. However, its disadvantages include the lack of regulatory licenses and unavailable website.

Vault Markets Alternative Brokers

There are many alternative brokers to Vault Markets in the market that offer similar services, such as IC Markets, Pepperstone, XM, and Tickmill.

• IC Markets: IC Markets is a well-established broker with a strong reputation, offering a wide range of trading instruments, competitive pricing, and advanced trading platforms.

• XM: XM is a reputable broker with a wide range of trading instruments, low minimum deposit, competitive pricing, and a user-friendly platform.

• Tickmill: Tickmill is a reliable broker offering competitive pricing, a wide range of trading instruments, and a user-friendly platform, with a focus on transparency and security.

It is important to conduct thorough research on any broker you are considering to ensure that they are reputable and suitable for your trading needs. Factors to consider may include regulations, fees, trading platforms, customer service, and trading instruments offered.

Is Vault Markets Safe or Scam？

Vault Markets does not seem to be a regulated broker by any major financial authority. The lack of regulation raises concerns about the safety of client funds and the overall legitimacy of the company. It is important for traders to do their own research and due diligence before deciding to trade with an unregulated broker.

Market Instruments

Vault Markets offers a range of tradable financial instruments that include Forex, Shares, Indices, and Cryptocurrencies. Forex traders can enjoy competitive spreads and leverage, while share traders can access a wide range of global markets. Additionally, the platform offers various indices, such as NASDAQ and S&P500, for those looking to trade a diversified portfolio. Lastly, Vault Markets has recently expanded its trading offerings to include cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Ethereum, providing traders with a new asset class to diversify their portfolios.

Accounts

Vault Markets offers 6 trading accounts in total, namely Vault100, Vault200, Swap Free, Vault Zero, Vault No Bonus, and Vault Cent. The minimum opening balance for Vault100, Vault200, Vault No Bonus, and Vault Cent accounts is as low as $5, while $100 for Swap Free and Vault Zero accounts. Although this requirement sounds encouraging, traders are not advised to register real trading accounts here given the fact that Vault Markets is unregulated.

Leverage

The maximum trading leverage offered by Vault Markets is as high as 1:500. Leverage can amplify gains as well as losses, traders are not advised to use too high leverage.

Spreads & Commissions

The spreads on major currency pairs start from 1 pip, which could be considered a competitive pricing model compared to other brokers in the market. Unfortunately, there is no available information about Vault Markets' commission fees. Traders may need to contact the broker's customer support team for further details on pricing and fees.

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

Note: Spreads can vary depending on market conditions and volatility.

Trading Platforms

The only platform provided for trading is the popular MetaTrader4 (MT4) trading platform developed by the Russian software company MetaQuotes. Vault Markets provides the MT4 platform as a downloadable windows desktop application and also as Mobile APPs. MAC OSX users are advised to contact the support team for assistance on how to install MT4 on their systems. Other brokers provide MT4 for MAC.

See the trading platform comparison table below:

Note: Some brokers may offer additional platforms or have different versions of the above platforms with varying features.

Deposits & Withdrawals

Payment Options:

• Bank Card (minimum deposit of $3),

• Bitcoin (minimum deposit of $10),

• Internet Banking (minimum deposit of $10),

• Internal Transfer (minimum deposit of $1),

• Neteller (minimum deposit of $10),

• Perfect Money (minimum deposit of $50),

• Skrill (minimum deposit of $10).

Vault Markets minimum deposit vs other brokers

Customer Service

Vault Markets offers multiple contact channels, including phone (27(0) 10 449 6045), email (info@vaultmarkets.trade), Skype, WhatsApp and social networks like Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Company Address:

• 2nd floor, Nelson Mandela Square, Maude Street, Sandton;

• 9th Floor, SKYCITY MALL, University Road Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salam, Tanzania;

• Unit 3b, South Port, Hosea Kutako Drive, Windhoek, Namibia.

Overall,Vault Markets' customer service is considered reliable and responsive, with various options available for traders to seek assistance.

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

Conclusion

Overall, Vault Markets seems to be a relatively new forex broker that offers competitive trading conditions such as tight spreads, high leverage, and a variety of trading instruments. It also provides multiple contact channels for customer support. However, it is important to note that Vault Markets does not appear to be regulated, which may raise concerns for some traders about the safety and security of their funds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General Information

Santander UK is a large retail and commercial bank based in the UK and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the major global bank Banco Santander. It is registered in England and Wales, authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority, and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. It manages its affairs autonomously, with its own local management team, responsible solely for its performance. It has its origins in three constituent companies—Abbey National, Alliance & Leicester and Bradford & Bingley—all former mutual building societies. It is one of the leading personal financial services companies in the United Kingdom, and one of the largest providers of mortgages and savings in the United Kingdom.

Regulation

Santander UK Plc is a regulated institution under the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) with License No. 106054. It holds a Market Making (MM) license type and has been regulated since December 1, 2001. The institution operates with the license type of “No Sharing.” You can contact them via email at customerservices@santander.co.uk and find more information on their website: https://www.santander.co.uk/. The regulatory status does not specify an expiry date, and Santander UK Plc is located at 2 Triton Square, Regent's Place, London NW1 3AN, UNITED KINGDOM, with a phone number of 448003897000. Certified documents related to their regulatory status are not provided in the information provided.

Pros and Cons

Santander offers a wide range of financial products and services to cater to diverse customer needs. However, it's essential to consider both the advantages and disadvantages when evaluating their offerings.

Pros:

1. Comprehensive Product Range: Santander provides a diverse selection of banking, investment, insurance, and borrowing options, allowing customers to find suitable solutions for their financial goals.

2. Accessible Customer Support: Customers can easily reach Santander's support through telephone, live chat, or the ATM/Branch Locator. The extended hours of operation and accessibility options accommodate various needs.

3. Regulated Institution: Santander is regulated by the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), providing customers with confidence in their financial stability and adherence to industry standards.

Cons:

1. Monthly Fees: Some of Santander's current accounts come with monthly fees, which may not be ideal for individuals seeking fee-free options.

2. Complexity: With numerous products and services, navigating Santander's offerings can be overwhelming for some customers who may prefer simpler banking solutions.

3. Eligibility Criteria: Eligibility criteria apply to certain products, such as personal loans, which may limit access to individuals who do not meet specific income or credit requirements.

Here is a table summarizing the pros and cons of Santander:

Market Instruments

The Santander UKs segments include Retail Banking, Corporate & Commercial Banking and Corporate & Investment Banking. The Retail Banking segment offers a range of products and financial services to individuals and small businesses, through a network of branches and automated teller machines (ATMs), as well as through telephony, digital, mobile and intermediary channels. The Corporate & Commercial Banking segment offers a range of products and financial services include loans, bank accounts, deposits, treasury services, trade and asset finance for small medium enterprises (SME) and corporate customers. The Corporate & Investment Banking segment serves corporate clients and financial institutions.

Here's a summary of their products:

1. Current Accounts:

• Santander Edge Up Current Account:

• Earn cashback on selected household bills, supermarket, and travel costs.

• Earn interest on credit balances up to £25,000.

• Requires funding the account with £1,500 each month and setting up 2 active Direct Debits.

• No charges for using the debit card outside the UK.

• £5 monthly fee.

• Santander Edge Current Account:

• Earn cashback on selected household bills at supermarkets and travel spend.

• Access to an optional savings account with exclusive rates.

• Requires funding the account with £500 each month and setting up 2 active Direct Debits.

• No charges for using the debit card outside the UK.

• £3 monthly fee.

• Everyday Current Account:

• Simple and straightforward account with no monthly fee.

• 1|2|3 Student Current Account:

• Free 16-25 railcard for four years.

• Interest-free overdraft of £1,500 for the first 3 years of studies.

• Requires regular deposits of at least £500 every 4 months.

• 1|2|3 Mini Current Account:

• Designed to help children and young people learn money management.

• Offers interest on balances at certain thresholds.

• Choice of contactless debit card or cash card.

• Basic Current Account:

• Suitable for those with poor credit history or newcomers to the UK.

1. Mortgages:

• Services for first-time buyers, home movers, and those looking to remortgage.

• Options for changing lenders, borrowing more money, and managing existing mortgages.

• Later life mortgages for individuals aged 55 or over.

• Partnership with ufurnish.com for home furnishing experiences.

1. Credit Cards:

• Range of credit cards for various needs, including:

• All in One Credit Card

• Long Term Balance Transfer Credit Card

• Everyday No Balance Transfer Fee Credit Card

• Santander World Elite™ Mastercard®

1. Savings and ISAs:

• Savings and ISAs for different goals, including:

• Easy Access Saver

• Regular Saver

• Santander Edge Saver

• Easy Access ISA

• Fixed Rate ISAs

• Fixed Term Bonds

• Junior ISA

• Inheritance ISA

1. Investments:

• Investment options with cashback incentives.

• Investment Hub for online advice and fund selection.

• Investment advice and resources available.

1. Insurance:

• Home insurance, including contents insurance for renters.

• Life insurance, including critical illness cover.

• Health insurance.

• Mortgage life insurance.

• Family and lifestyle insurance.

• Over 50s Life Insurance.

• Car insurance, including electric vehicle insurance.

• Travel insurance.

• Business insurance and landlord insurance.

1. Personal Loan:

• Personal loans with fixed interest rates.

• Loan amounts from £1,000 to £25,000.

• Flexible repayment terms.

• Loan eligibility criteria apply.

Santander provides a comprehensive range of financial products and services to cater to their customers' banking, investment, insurance, and borrowing needs.

Accounts

Six digit account sort codes are used in the range between 09-00-xx to 09-19-xx. Sort codes for accounts formerly held by Alliance & Leicester use the range 09-01-31 to 09-01-36.

Credit Rating

In October 2011, Moody's downgraded the credit rating of twelve financial firms in the United Kingdom, including Santander UK, blaming financial weakness. In June 2012, Moody rated Santander UK as being in a more financially healthy position than its parent company, Banco Santander.

Deposit & Withdrawal

In November 2009, Santander launched the first current account in the United Kingdom without fees (including unauthorised overdrafts) for its current and future mortgage customers. In January 2010, the bank began waiving fees for customers using Santander's automated teller machines in Spain, which traditionally would incur fees for transactions in a foreign currency.

Accepted Countries

Santander's Corporate and Commercial Banking division operates from a number of regional business banking centres across the United Kingdom. Less than 1% of Santander UK's business is held abroad.

Customer Service

Santander has frequently been rated the worst bank for customer service in the United Kingdom, although by July 2011 had sought to improve, notably by returning call centre operations to the United Kingdom from India. Its '123' product range was ranked third best in the United Kingdom in 2013, and in a moneysavingexpert.com poll in February 2014, customers ranked their satisfaction higher than with any of other main high street banks.

Santander's customer support offers several ways to contact them and obtain assistance:

1. Telephone Support:

• Customers can reach a Customer Service Center Advisor at 1-877-768-2265.

• Hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday to Saturday.

• For customers with hearing/speech impairments, there is a dedicated relay service at 7-1-1.

1. International Calls:

• For customers calling from outside the United States, there is a local number: 1-401-824-3400.

1. Live Chat:

• Customers can use the live chat feature on the Santander website to get real-time assistance with their inquiries or problems.

1. ATM/Branch Locator:

• For information on ATM and branch locations as well as their hours of operation, customers can use the ATM/Branch Locator on the Santander website.

Santander's customer support is accessible through various channels, including phone, chat, and online resources, ensuring that customers have multiple options to address their banking needs and inquiries. The telephone support hours are accommodating, and they provide accessibility options for customers with hearing or speech impairments.

Summary

Santander UK Plc is a regulated financial institution under the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) with License No. 106054. They offer a diverse range of financial products and services, including current accounts, mortgages, credit cards, savings and ISAs, investments, insurance, and personal loans. Santander provides accessible customer support through telephone, live chat, and an ATM/Branch Locator, ensuring customers have various ways to seek assistance with their financial needs. Their customer service hours are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday to Saturday. Santander's comprehensive product offerings aim to meet a wide array of customer banking and financial requirements.

FAQs

Q: What types of current accounts does Santander offer？

A: Santander offers various current account options, including the Santander Edge Up, Santander Edge, Everyday Current Account, and specialized accounts for students and children.

Q: How can I contact Santander's customer support？

A: You can reach Santander's customer support by calling 1-877-768-2265 for general inquiries. For international calls, dial 1-401-824-3400. Alternatively, you can use the live chat feature on their website.

Q: Are there fees associated with Santander's current accounts？

A: Some current accounts may have monthly fees, such as £5 for the Santander Edge Up Current Account and £3 for the Santander Edge Current Account. The Everyday Current Account, however, has no monthly fee.

Q: What types of insurance does Santander offer？

A: Santander provides a range of insurance options, including home insurance, life insurance, health insurance, car insurance, and travel insurance, catering to various coverage needs.

Q: Can I apply for a personal loan from Santander？

A: Yes, Santander offers personal loans with fixed interest rates. You can apply for loan amounts ranging from £1,000 to £25,000, with flexible repayment terms. Eligibility criteria apply, and you can typically get a decision within 5 minutes.