ForexTB Review 2024

Written By

Christian Harris

Written By

Christian Harris

Christian is a seasoned journalist with decades of experience. He transitioned from tech journalism to finance to follow his interest in investing. He has been trading stocks, futures, forex, and cryptocurrencies for more than 5 years, becoming an eToro Popular Investor. With hands-on expertise across various assets, he offers valuable trading insights.

» Christian Harris Profile Page

Edited By

James Barra

Edited By

James Barra

James is an investment writer with a background in financial services. He has worked as a management consultant, where he delivered large-scale operational transformational programmes at some of Europe's biggest banks. James authors, edits and fact-checks content for a series of investing websites.

» James Barra Profile Page

Updated

Apr 23, 2024

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Our Rating

3.6 / 5

ForexTB is #39 in our CFD broker rankings.

No Customer Reviews Yet

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Regulation & Trust

Accounts & Banking

Assets & Markets

Fees & Costs

Platforms & Tools

Customer Support

ForexTB is geared towards active traders in Europe who can afford the significant minimum deposit to quality for competitive trading conditions. However, there are better brokers with ForexTB still failing to deliver in key areas, notably pricing, research, education and support.

- Christian Harris, Reviewer

Established in 2015, ForexTB (FXTB) is a multi-asset broker offering CFDs on over 300 instruments via its own web-based platform or the popular MetaTrader 4. FXTB offers a choice of four accounts with premium tiers enjoying tighter spreads and zero commissions, though substantial minimum investments climbing to €250k put these out of reach for most day traders.

Minimum Deposit $250

Trading Platforms WebTrader, MT4, TradingCentral

Instruments CFDs, Forex, Indices, Stocks, Commodities, Cryptocurrencies

Bonus Offer -

Account Currencies USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, RUB

Payment Options Visa, Venmo, PayPal, Neteller, Credit Card, Debit Card, Giropay, iDeal, Skrill, Sofort, Mastercard, Wire Transfer, Przelewy24

Trading App

FXTB provides a mobile version of its exclusive WebTrader platform, compatible with iOS and Android devices, featuring push notifications for real-time updates. This app facilitates trade execution, chart analysis, and asset price monitoring on-the-go. Alternatively, experienced traders may prefer the MT4 app, offering robust features like drawing tools, customizable graphs, and Expert Advisors (EAs).

iOS App Rating

Android App Rating

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Forex Trading

FXTB provides CFDs on 45 currency pairs, primarily consisting of crosses involving USD, EUR, GBP, or AUD. Basic account holders encounter very wide spreads, notably 3 pips on EUR/USD, while VIP members enjoy more competitive rates, with 1.6 pips offered on the same pair. The MT4 platform and app were built for forex trading.

Stock Trading

ForexTB offers a modest selection of around 100 stock CFDs. This encompasses prominent corporations like BNP Paribas and Alibaba, along with major US companies such as Apple, Tesla, and Microsoft. 14 indices are also supported, including Dow Jones, FTSE and Dax. However, fractional shares are not supported, missing a more achievable entry point for new traders.

CFD Trading

CFD trading is available across forex, commodities, indices, stocks, and cryptocurrencies, encompassing over 300 assets in total. Leverage levels vary by instrument, adhering to EU regulations with a maximum of 1:30. Spreads are variable across the platform, however there is no raw spread account that would cater to advanced day traders.

Crypto Trading

ForexTB offers short-term trading in cryptocurrency markets through approximately 25 CFDs, which are paired with USD, EUR, and GBP. Popular coins include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dash, and Litecoin. However, there are no crypto indices, limited emerging tokens and Bitcoin spreads came in wider than average during testing.

Awards

• Best Crypto CFDs Trading Platform Global 2022 - World Business Outlook
• Fastest Growing CFD Broker in Europe 2020 - Global Brands Magazine

✓ Pros

• ForexTB is authorized by the CySEC in Europe, a trusted regulator, though it reached a €270k settlement in 2022 for possible violations.
• The proprietary platform is simple by design but offers essential features with optimal charting tools, plus a limited version is accessible prior to registration.
• Analytics from Trading Central is included, which offers additional technical tools, analytical reviews, fundamental news, and access to primary sources of information, helping to inform trading decisions.
• FXTB is one of a select few brokers to offer a professional account that maintains negative balance protection, preventing losses beyond account balances.
• An extensive range of payment methods are supported from PayPal to bank cards and wire transfers, with same-day deposits and zero transfer fees

✗ Cons

• ForexTB offers wider spreads than many competitors, notably low-cost brokers like IC Markets, especially if you opt for the Basic account.
• FXTB imposes a €20 inactivity fee after just one month, deterring casual traders, while only VIP account holders get unlimited free withdrawals.
• The educational guides lack practical examples, charting analysis and interactive elements, making them of limited use for newcomers, especially compared to category leaders like IG.
• ForexTB prices out many retail traders with three of its four accounts requiring minimum deposits of €25k+, making it a poor option for beginners.
• Customer support can't be relied upon for urgent trading queries with just phone and email channels and wait times of several hours during testing, seriously lagging behind alternatives like XTB.

This ForexTB review critically evaluates the broker’s day trading environment following firsthand tests and comparisons with our 500-strong database of online brokers.

Regulation & Trust

ForexTB holds a license from the Cyprus Securities & Exchange Commission (CySEC), a ‘green-tier’ regulator, ensuring compliance with the European MiFID directive.

ForexTB also emphasizes transparency through an extensive legal section on its website, offering traders segregated funds, negative balance protection, and coverage from the Investor Compensation Fund up to €20,000.

However, traders outside of Europe won’t receive protection through a trusted regulator. It also reached a €270,000 settlement in 2022 with the CySEC for possible violations of the 2017 Investment Services Law.

Ultimately, ForexTB lacks the industry standing of the safest brokers.

Accounts & Banking

Trading Accounts

FXTB offers four accounts tailored for retail clients:

1. Basic – requires a minimum deposit of €250 with typical spreads of 3.0 pip on EUR/USD.
2. Gold – requires a substantially larger deposit of €25,000, but offers narrower spreads of 2.7 pips on EUR/USD.
3. Platinum – requires a hefty €100,000 minimum deposit, but rewards users with reduced EUR/USD spreads of 2.1 pips.
4. VIP – requires a staggering €250,000 minimum deposit, but offers even tighter spreads of 1.6 pips on the EUR/USD.

While on the surface these accounts cater to various budgets, they don’t surpass many rivals. Competitors like Eightcap and IC Markets boast narrower spreads with minimum deposits as low as €100. Ultimately, FTXB’s tighter spreads do not justify the significant deposit requirements.

The account opening process is fairly typical – you need to complete an online application form and submit personal identification, proof of residence, and details of your trading experience.

Before committing any real funds, I took advantage of ForexTB’s demo account, a feature they offer across their platforms.

With access to a generous €100,000 in virtual funds, I could truly put the platforms through their paces under authentic market conditions.

Christian Harris

Author

Deposits & Withdrawals

ForexTB offers a diverse range of funding and withdrawal options, including payment cards, e-wallets, and bank wire transfers, catering to multiple currencies such as USD, GBP, JPY, EUR, and RUB.

However, ForexTB doesn’t support funding with cryptocurrencies, distinguishing it from competitors like SimpleFX.

Deposits are free of charge and usually processed the same day, although frequent withdrawals could incur costs, as each account type entitles users to a set number of free withdrawals before charges are applied.

Basic and Gold accounts grant one free monthly withdrawal, while Platinum accounts extend to three, and VIP accounts enjoy unlimited free withdrawals. This limitation may pose challenges for individuals who prefer greater flexibility and control over their funds.

Withdrawal requests are typically processed within 24 business hours, with credit cards and e-wallets requiring a minimum withdrawal of €80.

That said, I encountered instances where delays arose due to incorrect documentation during withdrawal requests, highlighting the importance of attention to detail in such transactions.

Assets & Markets

ForexTB offers over 300 financial assets, including 45 currency pairs, major corporation stocks, commodities such as precious metals, energies, and agricultural products, along with stock indices and cryptocurrencies. However, there are no ETFs, options, or bonds.

The range of CFDs at FXTB will probably be fine for beginner traders with EUR/USD and GBP/USD currency pairs, plus commodities including gold, silver and crude oil.

However, the overall number of instruments is severely restrictive compared to category leaders like Blackbull Markets or IG, who offer a more complete environment for advanced traders with thousands of assets.

The margin call/stop out is 50% for all retail clients.

Fees & Costs

ForexTB generates revenue from spreads that vary depending on the account type and the specific instrument being traded. Yet they seriously trail the cheapest brokers, especially in the Basic account which will be the only affordable option for many retail traders.

There are also additional fees. These include withdrawal fees once the monthly allowance has been exhausted and the possibility of encountering charges when withdrawing funds to an e-wallet. Overnight fees also apply, though day traders can avoid these by closing positions by the end of the trading session.

Additionally, there is an inactivity fee, set at €20 per month after just one month of no trading activity. This is one of the shortest periods of inactivity to incur a penalty that we’ve seen. This fee is also high compared to brokers like XTB, which imposes a €10 fee after 12 months of inactivity.

Finally, while ForexTB provides comprehensive information on fees in their ‘General Fees’ documentation, available in the ‘Legal’ section of their website, we learned that charges can change, sometimes with little notice. Therefore, it’s crucial to remain vigilant, as there may be additional fees that apply to individual circumstances.

Platforms & Tools

WebTrader

There are two platform options available to traders. The first is ForexTB’s proprietary web-based system, aptly named WebTrader, developed in-house for seamless accessibility directly from the FXTB website.

This eliminates the need for any software downloads and presents a clean interface and intuitive navigation.

While using the WebTrader platform, I’ve found it to be relatively basic compared to similar offerings from other brokers. However, it does boast some useful features such as one-click trading, six chart types, and a variety of indicators.

I also appreciate the ability to overlay multiple graphing tools for market sentiment analysis and the option to switch between light and dark modes.

Overall, I’ve found WebTrader to be a user-friendly platform that simplifies the trading process, particularly for newcomers to the market.

MetaTrader 4

ForexTB also supports the widely recognized MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform, which caters to more experienced traders seeking a comprehensive and data-rich environment.

With access to over 2,000 technical indicators and 24 chart analysis tools, along with complete trading and asset histories, MT4 provides a customizable interface tailored to advanced traders.

The platform also supports automated trading and allows for seamless switching between nine timeframes while enabling you to open an unlimited number of charts.

However, I noted some limitations during testing. Unlike competitors such as Hantec Markets, FXTB does not offer support for MT4’s Multi-Account Manager (MAM) feature, which simplifies the management of multiple accounts from a single interface.

Additionally, ForexTB does not support MetaTrader 5, nor does it facilitate day trading directly from increasingly popular platforms like cTrader and TradingView.

Christian Harris

Author

Research

ForexTB’s research offerings are lacking compared to industry leaders such as IG. In particular, there is a shortage of depth, breadth, and consistency in the available resources.

That said, ForexTB integrates with Trading Central, a reputable third-party provider renowned for its robust technical analysis-based trading ideas, particularly suited for short-term strategies.

One notable feature accessible to all live account holders is the ‘Market Buzz’ news feed, powered by Trading Central. This feed provides valuable analytics and sentiment indicators, enhancing the trading experience.

I particularly appreciate the ability to input specific symbols or names into the search box, allowing for the isolation of news related to particular assets, which has proven convenient for tracking indices or currency pairs.

ForexTB offers additional resources such as daily signals and market news, courtesy of Trading Central, along with an economic calendar and an asset calculation tool.

The asset calculation tool is also a nice touch for beginners, simplifying tasks such as finding spreads, swaps, trade sizes, and fees with just a few clicks.

Education

The educational resources are basic, especially compared to brokers like eToro which excel in providing exemplary educational resources that cater to aspiring traders.

The education section on the website is divided into two main sections: ‘Education’ and ‘CFD’. The written content is somewhat superficial, lacking practical examples with charts to illustrate concepts effectively.

The content covers fundamental topics such as introducing CFDs, stocks, indices, technical and fundamental analysis, and leverage. Additionally, there is a glossary of terms available, along with a link to live webinars.

However, I noted that there are no past or future events listed, which limits the availability of live learning opportunities. And while there are a few trading e-books accessible on the site, registration as a client is required to view them, which could be a deterrent for some users.

ForexTB could significantly improve its educational content by providing more in-depth and practical resources suitable for traders of all levels.

This could include comprehensive tutorials, case studies, interactive quizzes, and practical trading exercises to enhance learning outcomes.

Offering regular webinars and live trading sessions facilitated by experienced traders would also provide valuable real-time insights and support for those seeking to improve their skills.

Christian Harris

Author

Customer Support

ForexTB’s customer support is disappointing. The broker adopts a barebones approach, offering only phone and email – there’s a notable absence of live chat or social media options.

While the website does feature an FAQ section and educational resources, I’ve found that these are no substitute for the responsive human interaction that many day traders seek when encountering urgent issues.

If you want support you can depend on, especially for urgent trading queries, Plus500 is a stand-out alternative. It offers 24/7, reliable assistance via live chat, WhatsApp, email and popular social media platforms.

Should You Trade With ForexTB?

ForexTB is a mediocre broker, lacking standout features that distinguish it from competitors.

Notably, the company maintains relatively high spreads, which can undermine the effectiveness of short-term strategies like scalping and day trading.

Additionally, withdrawal fees, subpar support, basic education and research, plus high minimum deposit requirements, lower its appeal.

Ultimately, there are superior alternatives available, particularly for day traders based outside the EU seeking lower costs.

FAQ

Is ForexTB Legit Or A Scam?

ForexTB is regulated and operates in compliance with the European directive MiFID II, so it should adhere to regulatory standards to ensure honesty, transparency, and personal data protection for all clients.

Is ForexTB A Regulated Broker?

ForexTB is regulated in the European Economic Area (EEA) by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC).

Is ForexTB Suitable For Beginners?

ForexTB is an average choice for beginners. Despite a user-friendly platform, free demo account and third-party research tools, the basic educational resources are a huge disadvantage for novice traders, while an inactivity fee kicks in after just one month.

Does ForexTB Offer Low Fees?

ForexTB does not compete with the cheapest brokers. The tightest spreads are reserved for those that deposit substantial sums for premium accounts, while the Basic account features above-average spreads on popular asset classes, including currencies and commodities.

Is ForexTB A Good Broker For Day Trading?

ForexTB is an average broker for day trading. Their platforms, MT4 and the proprietary WebTrader, provide the necessary tools for day traders to analyze the markets. However, high fees and unreliable support make it less suitable for fast-paced day trading strategies.

Top 3 Alternatives to ForexTB

Compare ForexTB with the top 3 similar brokers that accept traders from your location.

1. IG – Founded in 1974, IG is part of IG Group Holdings Plc, a publicly traded (LSE: IGG) brokerage. The brand offers spread betting, CFD and forex trading across an almost unrivalled selection of 17,000+ markets, with a range of user-friendly platforms and investing apps. For 50 years, IG has maintained its position as an industry leader, excelling in all key areas for traders.
   Go to IG
2. Pepperstone – Established in Australia in 2010, Pepperstone is a top-rated forex and CFD broker with over 400,000 clients worldwide. It offers access to 1,300+ instruments on leading platforms MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView, maintaining low, transparent fees. Pepperstone is also regulated by trusted authorities like the FCA, ASIC, and CySEC, ensuring a secure environment for day traders at all levels.
   Go to Pepperstone
3. AvaTrade – AvaTrade is a leading forex and CFD broker, established in 2006 and regulated across 9 jurisdictions. Over 400,000 users have signed up with the broker which processes over 2 million trades each month. The firm offers multiple trading platforms, including MT4, MT5, and a proprietary WebTrader. 1250+ financial instruments are available for day trading, alongside a comprehensive education center and multilingual customer support.
   Go to AvaTrade

ForexTB Comparison Table

Compare Trading Instruments

Compare the markets and instruments offered by ForexTB and its competitors. Please note, some markets may only be available via CFDs or other derivatives.

ForexTB vs Other Brokers

Compare ForexTB with any other broker by selecting the other broker below.

	Visit	Established in 2015, ForexTB (FXTB) is a multi-asset broker offering CFDs on over 300 instruments via its own web-based platform or the popular MetaTrader 4. FXTB offers a choice of four accounts with premium tiers enjoying tighter spreads and zero commissions, though substantial minimum investments climbing to €250k put these out of reach for most day traders.
Established in 2015, ForexTB (FXTB) is a multi-asset broker offering CFDs on over 300 instruments via its own web-based platform or the popular MetaTrader 4. FXTB offers a choice of four accounts with premium tiers enjoying tighter spreads and zero commissions, though substantial minimum investments climbing to €250k put these out of reach for most day traders.