Best Cheque Brokers 2023
Cheque payments, otherwise known as bills of exchange, are written documents signed by individuals to instruct a bank to debit an account. Evolved from handwritten cheque payment orders years ago, current rules and features have made this transfer solution more secure.
We look at how and where traders can use cheques with online trading brokers, including payment speeds and any charges. We also list the top brokers that accept cheque deposits in 2023.
Cheque Brokers
These are the 5 best brokers that accept Cheque deposits and withdrawals:
#1 - Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers is a leading global brokerage that provides access to a comprehensive offering of stocks as well as forex, futures, metals, bonds and cryptos. The firm has over 40 years experience in the online trading industry and is heavily regulated by SEC, FCA, IIROC, and SFC. Day traders can use the proprietary Trader Workstation and can access powerful tools and data feeds as well as comprehensive educational resources.
"Experienced day traders seeking a regulated broker with sophisticated trading software and very low fees should look at IB. Their range of stocks also can't be beaten."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: CFD, Forex, Stocks, Crypto, Futures, Options, Commodities
- Regulator: SEC, FCA, IIROC, SFC
- Platforms: AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral
- Min. Deposit: $0
- Min. Trade: $100
- Leverage: 1:50
Pros
- Low commissions and tight spreads
- Commission reimbursement with Toggle AI
- Gives day traders unmatched access to global stocks with tens of thousands available from 100+ market centres in 24 countries
Cons
- Mediocre customer support
- Platform and web interface are complex and difficult for beginners to pick up
- The TWS platform falls short in terms of technical charting
#2 - Nadex
Nadex is a renowned exchange and binary options provider, based in the US. The company is fully regulated by the CFTC and offers options, call spreads and Knock Out contracts. Nadex also has just a $1 entry or exit fee and a user-friendly platform and proprietary app.
"Users looking to trade short-term binary options with a US-regulated broker will find a good platform in Nadex."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: Binary Options, Knock Outs™, Call Spreads
- Regulator: CFTC
- Platforms: Own
- Min. Deposit: $250
- Min. Trade: $1
Pros
- Proprietary mobile app with good range of indicators and charting tools
- A range of timeframes that will suit both short and longer term strategies
- US regulated exchange with excellent trust score
Cons
- No MT4 or MT5 platform integration
- Products and tools are more advanced than some alternatives
- Narrow selection of cryptocurrencies to trade
#3 - M1 Finance
M1 Finance is a US brokerage that allows users to build a customizable investment portfolio from a range of 6000+ stocks and shares, ETFs and cryptocurrencies. The innovative 'pie' based portfolio management system allows traders to build several portfolios with different aims, and the brokerage supports machine-learning tools that can provide automated portfolio management.
"US investors who want a straightforward, commission-free way to invest in stocks and crypto with AI-powered strategy support should consider M1 Finance."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: Stocks, ETFs, OTC stocks
- Regulator: SEC, FINRA
- Platforms: Own
- Min. Deposit: $100
- Min. Trade: $1
Pros
- Follow more than 60 expert portfolios
- Make your own ETF by customizing your pie
- Extras including a bank account and loan service make this a one-stop investing shop
Cons
- The way trades are placed puts transaction timing out of your control
- Accounts with less than $20 and no trading activity for 90 days are charged a fee
- M1 does not employ any human financial advisors, versus Betterment and other popular automated advisors
#4 - Firstrade
Firstrade is a US-headquartered discount broker-dealer with authorization from the SEC. The company is also a member of FINRA/SIPC. With welcome bonuses, powerful tools and apps, plus commission-free trading, Firstrade Securities is a popular online brokerage. It is also quick and easy to open a new account.
"We recommend Firstrade for beginner investors looking to trade US stocks with no commissions. There is a wealth of free education plus premium-quality research and trading ideas from Morningstar, Briefing.com, Zacks and Benzinga."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: Stocks, ETFs, Options, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Cryptos, Fixed
- Regulator: SEC, FINRA
- Platforms: Own
- Min. Deposit: $0
- Min. Trade: $1
Pros
- Commission-free investing
- Access to education, research, and tools
- Multiple customer support options
Cons
- Some withdrawal fees
- No copy trading
- No 24/7 customer support
#5 - 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.
"Zacks Trade will suit active day traders with experience using powerful platforms. Fees and margin rates are low while the market research is excellent."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: Stocks, Crypto, Options
- Regulator: FINRA
- Platforms: Own
- Min. Deposit: $2500
- Min. Trade: $3
Pros
- 20+ account denominations
- Customizable proprietary trading platform and mobile app
- Comprehensive research and data
Cons
- Shortcomings regarding platform loading times and technical glitches
- No forex, commodities or futures trading
- No MT4 or MT5 platform integration
Cheque Payments Overview
The cheques payments procedure is an established global transaction method. It is accepted as a solution for businesses and individuals to send and receive money. With that said, usage rates are falling due to the introduction of innovative digital methods with countries including the UK submitting plans to phase out the money transfer system.
Nonetheless, several popular trading brokers and platforms do still accept cheque deposits and withdrawals.
Pros Of Trading With Cheque
Electronic Processing
Many banks and building societies now accept cheque imaging, allowing transactions to be accepted via mobile banking, reducing the time for funds to clear. This means that paper cheques can be used to electronically deposit and withdraw funds into forex trading accounts.
Currency Support
Bankers’ drafts cheques can be drawn in most major currencies, meaning traders from a host of different countries can, in theory, use the payment method. Cheques are also well understood given their long-standing use.
Cons Of Trading With Cheque
Future
Cheques are arguably not as quick, secure and easy to use as many other options today, such as Skrill and Neteller. As a result, many countries have either stopped using cheques or are considering stopping them in the future. The UK Payment Council, for example, plans to phase out cheques as a payment method, though this move has been paused. Still, it’s unlikely that many traders will use cheques in the future.
Processing Times
Traditional cheques payments are slow to receipt vs digital methods and it can take up to 7 working days for funds to clear. This is a real drawback for traders looking to deposit funds into their forex account promptly so they can start trading quickly.
Transactions from a payment system on the internet, such as PayPal, are processed at most brokers within minutes. This makes it a popular payment option for investors and trading platforms alike.
Limited Availability
Despite being an established payment method, cheques are currently only integrated with a select list of online trading brokers including SpreadEx and Interactive Brokers. We don’t expect this to increase as businesses move to more secure digital payment gateways.
Speed
Traditionally cheques can take up to 7 working days to clear, however, many banks and building societies now accept payments online via mobile app or tablet, meaning deposits can clear by the next working day.
Note that there may be a funds limit on cheque payments accepted via digital methods. Some brokers offer cheque cashing for instant withdrawal of funds, subject to a fee.
Security
Electronic gateways provide a safer deposit method vs cheques. Banks have no liability if payment details such as account numbers or payee information are incorrect and may not provide reimbursements. To help prevent issues, you should keep proof of payment and follow the advice below when using cheques:
- Keep the stub for reference
- Add a line to any blank spaces
- Include a format of cheque payments covering letter
- Write the name of the person/organization you are paying
Deposits & Withdrawals
To make payments, locate the cheque logo within your trading account. Providers such as Interactive Brokers accept cheque deposits from Hong Kong, the USA, and Canada, with details to be submitted in the fund transfer section of your account before sending. Maximum and minimum payment limits, daily transfer amounts, and processing times may differ between cheque-accepting brokers.
Speak to the brand’s customer support team if you have any questions or if you have issues, for example, when the cheque payment hasn’t been received.
Fees
It is usually free to use cheques as a payment method though brokers may charge if they incur business costs. By definition, you may also be liable for charges including stopping a cheque or bounced transactions.
Are Cheque Payments A Good Choice For Traders?
The cheque payments system is a simple transfer option established for many years. The deposit method has also now gone digital, improving processing times. However, cheques are not widely available in today’s online broker market and there is a long list of faster and more secure transfer options, including PayPal, Skrill and Neteller.
FAQ
How Do I Know If My Cheque Payment Has Been Received?
Most banks, building societies and brokers work to specific processing times. If your cheque payment has not been processed it may be worth showing proof or canceling the payment as not received before using an alternative method.
Why Are Cheque Payments Not Accepted At Some Brokers?
Electronic transfers are much quicker and safer to process than cheque payments and offer reduced fees for businesses and individual traders.
How Long Do Cheque Payments Take?
When a payment has been made, funds usually leave your account three working days after the recipient pays in the cheque. Clearance at your trading broker can take up to seven working days.
What Should Be Included In The Cheque Payment Covering Letter Format?
A cheque payment covering letter should include the following; date, institute name, institute address, reference numbers, sender name, sender contact details, and signature.