Brokers With ZAR Accounts
Brokers with ZAR accounts are a great option for investors from South Africa looking to deposit, trade and withdraw in their local currency. But are they better than USD or EUR accounts? And are they suitable for everyone? We list the best online brokers with South African Rand as the trading account currency in 2025.
Brokers With South African Rand Accounts
These are the 6 best brokers that offer accounts with ZAR as the base currency:
Here is a short summary of why we think each broker belongs in this top list:
- Dukascopy - Established in 2004, Dukascopy Bank SA is a Swiss online bank and brokerage providing short-term trading opportunities on 1,200+ instruments, including binaries. A choice of accounts (JForex, MT4/5, Binary Options) and sophisticated platforms (JForex, MT4/MT5) deliver powerful tools and market data for active traders.
- Zacks Trade - Zacks Trade is a FINRA-regulated US broker offering trading on stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, bonds and more through a proprietary terminal. The broker is geared toward active traders and offers very affordable fees on most assets as well as an app and a vast amount of market data.
- Exness - Established in 2008, Exness has maintained its position as a highly respected broker, standing out with its industry-leading range of 40+ account currencies, growing selection of CFD instruments, and intuitive web platform complete with useful extras like currency convertors and trading calculators.
- Trade Nation - Trade Nation is a top FX and CFD broker regulated in multiple jurisdictions including the UK and Australia. The firm offers low-cost fixed and variable spreads on 1000+ assets with robust trading platforms and training materials. The Signal Centre can also be used for trade ideas.
- BlackBull - BlackBull is a New Zealand-based CFD broker providing diverse trading opportunities on over 26,000 instruments. After undergoing a rebrand in 2023, it now sports a modern look and feel complete with professional-grade trading tools and ultra-fast execution speeds averaging 20ms.
- easyMarkets - Established in 2001, easyMarkets has made for a name for itself as a trusted, fixed spread broker. Improvements to its tools over the years, from adding the MetaTrader suite and TradingView to enhancing its exclusive risk management tools like dealCancellation, mark it out from the competition.
Brokers With ZAR Accounts Comparison
| Broker | Minimum Deposit | Instruments | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dukascopy | $100 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto, Bonds, Binary Options | JForex, MT4, MT5 |
| Zacks Trade | $2500 | Stocks, ETFs, Cryptos, Options, Bonds | Own |
| Exness | $10 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto | Exness Trade App, Exness Terminal, MT4, MT5, TradingCentral |
| Trade Nation | $0 | Forex, CFDs, Indices, Shares, Commodities, Futures, Bonds, Spread Betting, Cryptos (Bahamas Entity Only) | MT4 |
| BlackBull | $0 | CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Futures, Crypto | BlackBull Invest, BlackBull CopyTrader, MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist |
| easyMarkets | $25 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto | easyMarkets App, Web Platform, MT4, MT5, TradingView, TradingCentral |
Dukascopy
"If you’re an experienced trader, Dukascopy provides the tools you need: JForex for algorithmic strategies, competitive spreads from 0.1 pips, leverage up to 1:200, and the peace of mind of using a Swiss-regulated bank and broker."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
Dukascopy Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 10% Equity Bonus |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto, Bonds, Binary Options |
| Regulator | FINMA, JFSA, FCMC |
| Platforms | JForex, MT4, MT5 |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:200 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, ZAR, TRY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD, PLN, CZK, AED, SAR, HUF, MXN |
Pros
- The proprietary JForex platform is highly advanced, offering tools for algorithmic trading, extensive charting, and access to deep liquidity for short-term traders.
- Dukascopy features some of the best research we’ve seen, even a professional TV studio in Geneva covering financial news, market analysis, and daily insights from professionals.
- Dukascopy offers tight spreads starting from 0.1 pips, leverage up to 1:200 (depending on the jurisdiction), and volume-based commissions that reward high-frequency traders.
Cons
- Some account types, such as the MT4/MT5 accounts, require a higher minimum deposit of $1,000, which may not be ideal for traders with smaller budgets.
- While JForex is feature-rich, it has a steep learning curve, making it less suitable for beginner traders who might prefer simpler platforms.
- While Dukascopy provides some educational resources and 24/7 support, the complexity of its platforms and tools required extensive testing and may overwhelm newer traders.
Zacks Trade
"Zacks Trade will suit active day traders with experience using powerful platforms. Fees and margin rates are low while the market research is excellent."
Tobias Robinson, Reviewer
Zacks Trade Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | Stocks, ETFs, Cryptos, Options, Bonds |
| Regulator | FINRA |
| Platforms | Own |
| Minimum Deposit | $2500 |
| Minimum Trade | $3 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, INR, JPY, ZAR, TRY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD, RUB, PLN, CZK, HUF |
Pros
- Comprehensive research and data
- Regulated by FINRA with access to the Securities Investor Protection Corporation
- Demo account
Cons
- No MT4 or MT5 platform integration
- High minimum requirement of $2,500
- Shortcomings regarding platform loading times and technical glitches
Exness
"After slashing its spreads, improving its execution speeds and support trading on over 100 currency pairs with more than 40 account currencies to choose from, Exness is a fantastic option for active forex traders looking to minimize trading costs."
Exness Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto |
| Regulator | CySEC, FCA, FSCA, CMA, FSA, CBCS, BVIFSC, FSC, JSC |
| Platforms | Exness Trade App, Exness Terminal, MT4, MT5, TradingCentral |
| Minimum Deposit | $10 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:Unlimited |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, INR, JPY, ZAR, MYR, IDR, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD, AED, SAR, HUF, BRL, NGN, THB, VND, UAH, KWD, QAR, KRW, MXN, KES, CNY |
Pros
- Improved execution speeds, now averaging under 25ms, offer optimal conditions for short-term traders.
- Exness Terminal offers a streamlined experience for beginners with dynamic charts while setting up watchlists is a breeze.
- Highly competitive spreads, reduced for USOIL and BTCUSD in 2024, are available from 0 pips with low commissions from $2 per side.
Cons
- Retail trading services are unavailable in certain jurisdictions, such as the US and the UK, limiting accessibility compared to top-tier brokers like Interactive Brokers.
- Apart from a mediocre blog, educational resources are woeful, especially compared to category leaders like IG which provide a more complete trading journey for newer traders.
- Exness has expanded its range of CFDs and added a copy trading feature, but there are still no real assets such as ETFs, cryptocurrencies or bonds
Trade Nation
"Trade Nation is a good choice for newer traders looking for a wide range of financial markets on a user-friendly platform. There is no minimum deposit, free funding options and strong education."
Trade Nation Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 200 Sign-Up Reward Points |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | Forex, CFDs, Indices, Shares, Commodities, Futures, Bonds, Spread Betting, Cryptos (Bahamas Entity Only) |
| Regulator | FCA, ASIC, FSCA, SCB, FSA |
| Platforms | MT4 |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.1 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:500 (entity dependent) |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, ZAR, SEK, NOK, DKK |
Pros
- Multiple account currencies are accepted for global traders
- The trading firm offers tight spreads and a transparent pricing schedule
- Trade Nation is a multi-regulated and respected broker that previously operated as Core Spreads
Cons
- Fewer legal protections with offshore entity
BlackBull
"After improving its trading infrastructure with Equinix servers in New York, London, and Tokyo, reducing latency for traders, BlackBull is an obvious choice if you want to day trade stock CFDs with ECN pricing."
BlackBull Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Futures, Crypto |
| Regulator | FMA, FSA |
| Platforms | BlackBull Invest, BlackBull CopyTrader, MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:500 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, ZAR, SGD |
Pros
- After partnering with ZuluTrade and Myfxbook, alongside improvements to its own CopyTrader, BlackBull offers one of the most comprehensive copy trading experiences we've seen.
- BlackBulls’s research is superb, especially the daily ‘Trading Opportunities’ articles that break down complex market movements into easy-to-understand insights, making it simpler to capitalize on emerging trends.
- With three ECN-powered accounts (Standard, Prime, and Institutional), BlackBull accommodates beginners, experienced traders, and professionals, offering flexibility based on trading needs and capital.
Cons
- Despite a growing selection of 26,000+ assets, including additions to its Asia Pacific indices, they are mainly stocks with an average selection of currency pairs and indices.
- BlackBull lacks a proprietary platform, relying on MetaTrader, cTrader and TradingView. While these are excellent, other brokers' exclusive platforms, notably eToro’s, often have unique features for beginner traders.
- Unlike most top brokers, BlackBull charges an irritating $5 withdrawal fee, which can detract from the overall cost-effectiveness, especially for active traders who frequently move funds.
easyMarkets
"easyMarkets provides fixed spreads starting at 0.7 pips, making it an excellent choice for beginners seeking predictable trading costs. After adding a Bitcoin-based account, it’s also a stand-out option for crypto-focused traders who want to deposit, trade, and withdraw in digital currencies."
easyMarkets Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 50% Deposit Bonus Or Up To A $2000 Tradable Bonus |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto |
| Regulator | CySEC, ASIC, FSCA, FSC, FSA |
| Platforms | easyMarkets App, Web Platform, MT4, MT5, TradingView, TradingCentral |
| Minimum Deposit | $25 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 lots |
| Leverage | 1:2000 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, TRY, SEK, NOK, CHF, HKD, SGD, PLN, CZK, MXN, CNY |
Pros
- Unlike variable spreads offered by 90%+ of brokers we've tested, easyMarkets provides fixed spreads from 0.7 pips. This makes trading costs predictable, a significant advantage for beginners and those trading in volatile markets.
- With 20+ years in the industry, multiple awards, and authorization from two ‘green tier’ regulators, easyMarkets continues to earn its reputation as a secure broker for active traders.
- easyMarkets takes risk management seriously, with negative balance protection plus guaranteed stop losses and its dealCancellation (enhanced in 2024 to include periods of 1, 3, or 6 hours) in the Web Trader.
Cons
- easyMarkets is falling behind by not providing the copy trading features you get at category leader eToro, which are popular among beginners looking to follow the strategies of experienced traders.
- easyMarkets does not offer a zero-spread account like Pepperstone, which can be a drawback for day traders and high-frequency traders who require minimal transaction costs.
- While easyMarkets provides solid educational resources for beginners, they fall short for advanced traders. The Academy offers well-structured courses and engaging gamification, but the overall content lacks depth.
ZAR Accounts Explained
All brokers with ZAR accounts essentially offer a live trading account where South African Rand is the base currency.
The Rand consists of 100 cents and is known by the symbol ‘R’. It is one of the leading currencies in Africa and is popular with traders all over the world. But whilst a regular feature in forex pairs, ZAR accounts have piqued interest owing to their competitive rates, low payment thresholds and ease of use when making deposits and withdrawals.
Of course, not all forex and stock brokers that accept South African Rand as the base currency offer the same perks and trading conditions. As a result, it’s important to compare options before you start trading.
Benefits Of Brokers With ZAR Accounts
There are several reasons to start trading with a ZAR account:
- Account holders don’t have to pay currency conversion fees if they wish to trade in Rand
- ZAR accounts tend to come with lower deposit requirements making them a good option for beginners
- For traders from South Africa, funding accounts in Rand tends to be quicker, safer and more convenient because funds are kept in local banks
- Brokers with ZAR accounts typically require the support of large South African banks so platforms that do offer them are often regulated by the FSCA
- ZAR accounts generally offer lower risk per pip. This is because account holders are less affected by the exchange rate risk associated with other major currencies
- Clients can still access major financial markets in a range of countries, from the NASDAQ (NAS100) in the US to the FTSE (FTSE100) in the UK
Should You Open A ZAR Account?
South African Traders
If you’re a South African citizen, a ZAR-based account has a lot to offer. Users can make quick, secure and convenient deposits and withdrawals while avoiding currency conversion fees that typically range from 7% to 10%. Brokers with ZAR accounts also usually rely on large banking institutions to facilitate payments, meaning that capital is in relatively secure hands.
International Traders
If you’re not a South African citizen, a USD, EUR or GBP account may be a better option. With that said, if you regularly use the Rand, including trading it on the forex market, then you may still get value from opening a ZAR account. It can help cut costs and facilitate hassle-free forex trading.
Unfortunately, not every international broker offers ZAR accounts. This scarcity is largely due to reduced liquidity vs more established currencies. Still, check out our list of brokers with ZAR accounts for the best options.
Final Word On Brokers With ZAR Accounts
If you’re an active trader based in South Africa, it probably makes sense to open a ZAR account. It will make funding trading positions straightforward and often fee-free. For international traders, online brokers with a ZAR account could still be a good option if you regularly trade the currency. Check out our list of the best Brokers with ZAR accounts to get started.
FAQ
What Is A ZAR Account?
A ZAR account is a trading account that operates with Rand as its base currency. The Rand (ZAR) is the currency of South Africa and regularly features in popular forex pairs.
Can I Open A ZAR Account If I Am Not A South African Citizen?
You do not need to be a South African citizen to open a ZAR account. With that said, accounts are few and far between versus accounts in USD or EUR. Whilst several international brokers do offer ZAR accounts, most are local brokers aimed at traders from South Africa.
What Are The Benefits Of Brokers With ZAR Accounts?
The primary benefit of opening an account with Rand as the base currency is that they facilitate fast and cost-effective payments to and from trading accounts. Local traders won’t need to pay currency conversion fees and brokers that offer ZAR accounts tend to accept lower minimum deposits.
How Can I Open A ZAR Account?
The first step is to find a broker that offers a ZAR trading account. Once you’ve checked they offer the tools and market access you need to make your strategy a success, follow the sign-up process on their website. Most trading platforms will require basic contact details and proof of ID before you can open positions.
Which South African Brokers Offer ZAR Accounts?
Whilst there are a number of local brokers that offer ZAR accounts, Khwezi Trade stands out for its strong reputation and product offering. Clients can access a wide range of assets, tools and resources. Check out our Khwezi review for more details.