Best Wire Transfer Brokers 2024
A bank wire transfer is a payment method used for domestic and international money transfers from one bank to another, supported by the likes of Barclays, Bank of America, NatWest, and Santander. But before you login and make a deposit, there are several factors to consider, including the time it takes to transfer cash into your trading account, fees you may have to pay, plus any minimum and maximum transfer limits.
In this guide, we list the best brokers that accept wire transfer deposits in 2024. We also run through the pros and cons of funding your trading account with bank wire transfers.
Best Wire Transfer Brokers
After testing dozens of brokers, these are the 5 highest-rated firms offering wire transfer:
Wire Transfer Brokers Comparison
| Broker | Minimum Deposit | Instruments | Platforms | Leverage | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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- | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting | WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade | 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro) | Visit |
|
$0 | Forex, Crypto | OANDA Trade, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist | 1:50 | Visit |
|
$5 | CFDs, Multipliers, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities | Deriv Trader, MT5 | 1:1000 | Visit |
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$0 | CFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto, Spread Betting | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) | Visit |
|
$5 | Forex, Stock CFDs, Turbo Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Precious Metals, Energies, Shares, Crypto, Futures | MT4, MT5 | - | Visit |
|
$200 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade | 1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global) | Visit |
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$100 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities | MT4, MT5, TradingView | - | Visit |
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$0 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Cryptos, Options, Commodities, Bonds | MT4, TradingView, TradingCentral | 1:30 (Retail), 1:50 (Accredited Investor), 1:200 (Sophisticated Investor), 1:300 (Wholesale Investor), 1:400 (Professional Trader). Varies with jurisdiction. | Visit |
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$10 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto | Exness Trade App, MT4, MT5, TradingCentral | 1:2000 | Visit |
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$100 | CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks, Crypto | MT4, MT5 | - | Visit |
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$100 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Cryptos, Futures, Options, Commodities | MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral | 1:200 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) | Visit |
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$50 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, ETFs, Cryptos, Futures, Commodities, Bonds | eToro Web, CopyTrader, TradingCentral | - | Visit |
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$10 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures | R StocksTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView | 1:2000 | Visit |
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- | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, ETFs, Cryptos, Futures, Commodities | MT4, MT5 | - | Visit |
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£0 | Stocks, Funds, Trusts, ETFs, Bonds, Gilts, VCTs | Own | - | Visit |
#1 - AvaTrade
Why We Chose 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.
"AvaTrade offers the full package for short-term traders. There is powerful charting software, reliable execution, transparent fees, and fast account opening with a low minimum deposit."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting
- Regulator: ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBol, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM
- Platforms: WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
- Minimum Trade: 0.01 Lots
- Leverage: 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)
Pros
- The broker offers reliable 24/5 multilingual customer support with fast response times during testing
- The broker’s unique risk management tool, AvaProtect, protects against losses up to $1 million and is easy to activate in the platform
- Automated trading is supported through MetaTrader Expert Advisors (EAs), as well as the AvaSocial and DupliTrade tools
Cons
- A high $2000 minimum investment is required to use DupliTrade, which will be out of reach for many beginners
- There is no ECN account with raw spreads
- It’s a shame that there are no rebate schemes for serious traders looking for additional perks - CMC Markets would be a better choice here
#2 - OANDA US
Why We Chose OANDA US
OANDA is a popular brand offering exceptional execution, low deposit requirements and advanced charting and trading platform features. The top-rated brand has over 25 years of experience and is regulated by trusted agencies, including the NFA/CFTC. Around the clock support is available for short-term traders, alongside flexible contract sizes and automated trade executions.
"OANDA remains an excellent broker for US day traders seeking a user-friendly platform with premium analysis tools and a straightforward joining process. OANDA is also heavily regulated with a very high trust score."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: Forex, Crypto
- Regulator: NFA, CFTC
- Platforms: OANDA Trade, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist
- Minimum Deposit: $0
- Minimum Trade: 0.01 Lots
- Leverage: 1:50
Pros
- Seasoned day traders can access industry-leading tools, including an MT4 premium upgrade and advanced charting provided by MotiveWave
- OANDA is a reliable, trustworthy and secure brand with authorization from tier-one regulators including the CFTC
- The broker's API facilitates access to 25 years of deep historical data and rates from 200+ currencies
Cons
- There's only a small range of payment methods available, with no e-wallets supported
- It's a shame that customer support is not available on weekends
- The range of day trading markets is limited to forex and cryptos only
#3 - Deriv.com
Why We Chose Deriv.com
Deriv.com is a low cost, multi-asset broker with over 2.5 million global clients. With just a $5 minimum deposit, the firm offers CFDs, multipliers and more recently accumulators, alongside proprietary synthetic products which can't be found elsewhere. Deriv provides both its own in-house charting software and the hugely popular MetaTrader 5.
"Deriv.com will suit day traders looking to make fast-paced trades using CFDs and multipliers with high leverage up to 1:1000. The broker is also the industry leader in synthetic indices, which simulate real market movements and are available around the clock. "
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: CFDs, Multipliers, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities
- Regulator: MFSA, LFSA, VFSC, BFSC
- Platforms: Deriv Trader, MT5
- Minimum Deposit: $5
- Minimum Trade: 0.01 Lots
- Leverage: 1:1000
Pros
- The free demo account is ideal for practicing short-term trading strategies and no registration is required
- There's a good range of fast deposit and withdrawal methods with zero payment fees and low minimum deposits
- The low $5 minimum initial deposit suits those on a lower budget
Cons
- The range of 100+ assets trails some competitors such as Quotex which offers 400+
- There's no loyalty program or rebate scheme for high volume traders
- There are limited copy trading tools and analysis features compared to alternatives like IQ Cent
#4 - Pepperstone
Why We Chose 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.
"Pepperstone stands out as a top choice for day trading, offering razor-sharp spreads, ultra-fast execution, and advanced charting platforms for experienced traders. New traders are also welcomed with no minimum deposit, extensive educational resources, and exceptional 24/7 support."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: CFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto, Spread Betting
- Regulator: FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB
- Platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade
- Minimum Deposit: $0
- Minimum Trade: 0.01 Lots
- Leverage: 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
Pros
- Now offering spread betting through TradingView, Pepperstone provides a seamless, tax-efficient trading experience with advanced analysis tools.
- Award-winning customer support is available via telephone, email or live chat with response times of <5 minutes during testing.
- Pepperstone boasts impressive execution speeds, averaging around 30ms, facilitating fast order processing and execution that’s ideal for day trading.
Cons
- Despite enhancements to its range of markets, crypto offerings are relatively limited compared to other brokers such as eToro, with no option to invest in real coins.
- Pepperstone’s demo accounts are active for only 30 days, which may not be not long enough to familiarize yourself with the different platforms and test trading strategies.
- There’s no simplified proprietary trading platform, nor are there any social trading features, which could be a disadvantage if you are new to day trading.
#5 - XM
Why We Chose XM
XM is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker with 10+ million clients in 190+ countries. Since 2009, this trusted broker has been known for its low fees on 1000+ instruments. XM is regulated by multiple financial bodies, including the ASIC and CySEC.
"XM is one of the best forex and CFD brokers we have tested. The flexible account types will suit a variety of short-term trading styles while the $5 minimum deposit and smooth sign-up process make it easy to start trading."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: Forex, Stock CFDs, Turbo Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Precious Metals, Energies, Shares, Crypto, Futures
- Regulator: ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, FSC, FSCA
- Platforms: MT4, MT5
- Minimum Deposit: $5
- Minimum Trade: 0.01 Lots
Pros
- Powerful MT4 and MT5 platforms are available with 60+ and 80+ technical charting tools
- XM continues to deliver diverse and multilingual educational materials and offers a useful live education schedule for its webinars and insights
- Accessible trading accounts with a $5 minimum deposit and fast account opening
Cons
- PayPal deposits are not supported
- There's $5 inactivity fee after only 3 months, though this won't affect active traders
- There is weak regulatory oversight through the global entity
Wire Transfer Overview
Wire transfer services were originally launched in 1872 by Western Union when the existing telegraph network was used to transmit a money transfer message to another telegraph office. In just five years, almost $2.5 million was being transacted each year.
The modern wire transfer works by passing payment instructions from a sending account to a receiving account through a secure online system, such as SWIFT or Fedwire. Funds are then deposited and normally settled within two business days for international transfers and within a few hours for domestic transfers.
Pros Of Trading With Wire Transfer
Accepted Globally
Wire services are supported globally and are ideal for traders based anywhere in the world. They are also administered by hundreds of reputable financial institutions, including HSBC, Lloyds Bank, Metrobank and Nationwide, as well as online fintechs such as Monzo, Revolut and Starling Bank.
You can find your regional locations by typing into Google “wire transfer near me”.
Offered By Most Brokers
As bank wires are so widely used around the world, traders will have no problem finding a broker that supports the deposit method. In fact, some of the top wire transfer brokers include XM, ETrade, eToro, Interactive Brokers, and Coinbase.
Fast
Wires are sent and received in real time and are usually processed within two business days for international payments (ie: from UK to USA, Canada to UK, or even India to UK) and within a few hours for domestic transfers. Make sure to check with your broker where their receiving bank is located, as this can also affect processing times on their side.
Transfer Options
Wire transfers are normally flexible and can be done using a credit card, over the phone, or in person at your post office or bank.
Note that a wire transfer using a credit card may incur higher fees.
Money Transfer Apps
Money remittance apps have become increasingly popular among traders for their convenience, security, speed and global reach. For example, PayPal and TransferWise can facilitate quick transactions in a wide range of countries, including Canada, Kenya, Egypt, Jamaica and India.
Relatively Safe
Brokers that accept wire transfer deposits are usually safe, as long as you know and trust the receiver. Legitimate wire services will require both parties to prove their identity, so it is important for traders to choose trusted and regulated brokerages that are both transparent and accountable.
Transfer Tracking
Most financial institutions will have tools that allow senders to apply tracking information to a transaction. You can contact customer support at your respective remitting bank or money transfer service if you have any questions. This provides an additional layer of security.
The best wire transfer brokers also have helpful customer support teams that can advise on payment queries.
Cons Of Trading With Wire Transfer
Broker Processing Times
Domestic payment systems such as Automated Clearing Houses (ACH) are processed within 24 hours. However, foreign systems must clear the domestic system as well as the foreign equivalent, therefore adding an extra day to the processing time. In addition, trading brokers will also have their own processing times, sometimes taking up to 7 days for funds to appear in your trading account. Withdrawals can be even longer.
Fees
There is usually a cost to initiate both domestic and international bank wires, which can be high even if you are only depositing a small amount. Therefore, bank wire transfers tend to be more cost-effective for experienced traders who want to deposit or withdraw large amounts of money.
Note that there may also be additional service fees charged by your broker as well as exchange rate fees. For example, sending money from the US to UK could cost you $45-50 plus any other currency conversion and broker fees.
Not Reversible
As a bank wire is processed immediately, it is not possible to reverse a payment or request a chargeback if, for example, the sender or trader has provided the wrong recipient address. This is particularly attractive for scammers who can claim the funds and disappear before the sender even realizes the money has gone missing. This also demonstrates why it’s important to open a trading account with a trusted broker.
Weekend Delays
Whilst you are free to use the service at the weekend, there is no guarantee that your broker will also receive the funds at the weekend. This usually means that money wired on a Friday or Saturday is not received until the start of the following week.
Payment Speed
It only takes a few minutes to set up and initiate a wire, but bear in mind that international transactions may take a few days to be received by your broker and then released to your trading account.
It may also take several hours for domestic transfers to show in your broker’s account, plus any additional processing times on your brokerage’s side. For example, an ETrade wire transfer out can take three days, whereas FXTM can take up to five days.
Note that financial institutions may also have cut-off times for sending money on the same business day. For example, same-day transmissions are not possible after 5 pm ET at Bank of America and online at Wells Fargo.
The time it takes to receive your money can also be affected by limits imposed by online brokers. Higher amounts might require additional identity verification or security checks. As such, these transactions will take longer to process.
Wire Transfer Security
Wire transfers are generally very safe, as long as the receiving party, such as a trading broker, is a trusted entity. Information is transmitted through encrypted connections, which may differ depending on your banking or money transfer service.
In terms of regulations, some nations do have stringent policies in place that provide protection against money laundering activities and terrorist funding, including the Office of Foreign Assets Control in the USA and the Wire Transfer Regulation (WTR) in the UK and EU. Organizations like this collect information on transfers over $3,000.
In the US, traders that wish to receive more than $10,000 in one lump sum from the same payer must file Form 8300 to the IRS. So for big amounts, check with your local authority to make sure you comply with regulations.
In cases where there is suspicious activity, the sending bank has the authority to freeze funds and stop the transfer. Whilst this does provide a good level of safety, traders should also ensure that their brokers have measures in place to protect clients.
Investors should also be aware of broker scams where they request a hefty minimum deposit via wire order to open an account. This is often alongside other red flags such as a poorly written website, no transparency around company information and unrealistic trading conditions.
How To Deposit Using Wire Transfer
The wire transfer process is fairly simple. Look out for the logo at your broker and make sure to check any minimum or maximum limits, both with your bank and your trading platform. Usually, bank and payment service transfer limits are generous (i.e. up to 1 million dollars at TransferWise and $250,000 per business day at Chase Bank).
Once your broker has provided you with the payment details and a wire transfer receipt, enter the information into your bank’s transfer form, along with the amount, beneficiary address and postal zip code, as well as the purpose of payment. Depending on where you reside or where you’re transferring to, you may need to provide a routing number or a SWIFT code. Once the transfer is complete on your side, you will both receive a confirmation.
The withdrawal process can vary depending on the broker, but traders usually need to fill out a withdrawal form to request a bank wire transfer.
Wire Transfer Fees
Domestic and international wire transfers can be costly. For example, in the US, the online domestic transfer fee at Bank of America and Discover Bank is $30. In the UK, the transfer fee with HSBC is £5 for transfers in another currency than GBP. In Australia, domestic transfers are generally free but international transfers can cost up to $30, plus the foreign exchange margin.
Whilst some brokers do also charge their own fees, many cover the cost of deposits and withdrawals, including XM, FxPro and FP Markets.
Is Wire Transfer Good For Day Trading?
Despite growing competition with e-wallets, bank wire transfers are still the preferred option, particularly among professional traders who transfer larger sums using a credit card, bank account or money transfer app. International and domestic transfers are also safe, especially to and from jurisdictions that are backed by robust regulations. The main downsides are the fees involved with a wire transfer, as well as the time it takes for funds to clear in your trading account.
Use our list of brokers that accept wire transfer deposits to start trading today.
FAQ
What Is A Wire Transfer And How Does It Work For Day Trading?
A wire transfer is a popular electronic payment method that involves sending a transmission from one bank to another. Wire transfers can be carried out domestically or internationally, including to trading accounts.
Are Wire Transfer Deposits To My Trading Account Safe?
Wire transfers are usually fairly safe, as long as the sender trusts the recipient. With this in mind, traders should ensure that they are investing with a reputable and secure broker.
Are Wire Transfers Free At My Broker?
A wire transfer can cost money, whether it is domestic or international and regardless of how much money you are sending. SWIFT fees, for example, are usually priced at 3-4% of the total amount. By definition, wire transfers are expensive due to handling charges (shipping fees) between banks and currency conversion fees (if sending money internationally).
Does Wire Transfer Work On Weekends?
Generally, a wire transfer will go through on a Saturday from the sender’s side, but clearing times on the recipient’s side tend to slow down at the weekend. Time frames also vary depending on the receiving bank and broker. For example, if your bank is shut on weekends it may take until Monday to receive your funds.
Do Wire Transfer Trading Deposits Take Long?
International wires can take up to two days to be processed, whilst domestic transfers are usually received within a few hours. Note that brokers will have their own processing time frames, sometimes up to seven days.
How Do I Wire Transfer To My Online Broker?
You can wire transfer to your trading broker by signing into your online banking and initiating a payment using a transaction form. You will need the beneficiary address details, transfer amount and reference, as well as a SWIFT or routing number if applicable. You can also send money to yourself (to another bank account you own).
Can A Wire Transfer Trading Deposit Be Cancelled?
It cannot be recalled once it has been initiated at your bank; meaning you need to make sure you are sending to a reliable recipient and that you have entered the transfer details correctly. This is particularly true when multiple scam brokers operate in the retail trading space.