Swissquote Review 2024
United States not accepted.Pros
- Scalping, day trading and swing trading strategies supported
- Vast range of products including CFDs, futures and options
- Fractional shares added making high-value assets accessible to traders with less capital
Cons
- Higher than average fees on some products
- High minimum deposit of $1000
- Complex suite of services and tools
Swissquote Review
Swissquote is an online provider of forex and CFD trading. The broker offers MT4, MT5 and its proprietary trading platform, as well as market research and webinars. This website review looks at everything from the registration process and login to fees and leverage. Find out whether to open a Swissquote account today.
Swissquote Details
Based in London, Swissquote Ltd is a subsidiary of Swissquote Bank and has been authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom since 2012.
The broker provides over 400 forex and CFD instruments on award-winning platforms to over 360,000 clients worldwide. The company is also the official partner of the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Conference League, and a former sponsor of Manchester United (Man Utd).
Swissquote Group Holding Ltd is Switzerland’s leading provider of financial services and has been listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange since 2000.
The group has offices scattered around Europe, Asia, and the UAE, and currently employs over 700 people.
Trading Platforms
Advanced Trader
Swissquote’s in-house platform for forex and CFD trading, Advanced Trader, comes with a fully customizable interface and allows trading in synthetic CFDs among other instruments.
The platform’s smart features are designed for automatic pattern detection, making it the ideal tool for traders who are new to chart pattern analysis. The broker also offers a robo advisory service that receives positive customer reviews.
Traders can also access 80+ indicators, 50+ charting tools, and a synchronized layout for multiple timeframes. In addition, complex order types including Order Cancels Other (OCO) and If Done are available.
Hedging capabilities are also available upon request. The web platform is available through a desktop or web terminal, once you have opened an account.
However, when we used the Advanced Trader platform, we found the interface felt a bit old and in need of a design refresh. Whilst the capabilities were good, more could be done to ensure the user experience is enjoyable.
MetaTrader 4
Traders of any level can enjoy automated trading capabilities as well as complimentary plugins, including Autochartist and Trading Central, with the award-winning MT4 platform.
Clients can choose from thousands of Expert Advisors or copy trades from hundreds of successful traders. Strategy back-testing is also possible.
MT4’s extensive charting suite also includes 30 built-in indicators, 24 analytical objects, 9 timeframes, and a range of order types. MT4 is available for download or can be accessed straight from any internet browser.
MetaTrader 5
The next generation MetaTrader platform, MT5, offers a greater selection of tools and flexibility for the experienced trader. As with MT4, traders get unrestricted automated trading capabilities and access to plugins.
In addition, MT5 users enjoy 80 built-in indicators, 44 analytical objects, and highly customizable charts with 21 timeframes.
Clients can enjoy full mobility with access to the platform via desktop or web browser.
How To Place A Trade
Traders can place a trade in just a few simple steps:
- Register for an account on the homepage – you will need to submit basic contact and identity details (takes several minutes)
- Login to the ePortal using the button in the top right-hand corner
- Select ‘create order’ on the asset you are interested in, for example EUR/USD
- Enter the order details, including position size, risk parameters etc
- Confirm the order
Assets & Markets
Swissquote provides 400+ forex and CFD instruments, including over 80 major, minor and emerging currency pairs, over 25 stock indices including the FTSE 100 and CAC 40, a selection of commodities and precious metals, plus three bonds. 35 cryptocurrencies are also available.
The company’s Swiss investment arm also offers gold ETFs, as well as themes trading, stocks, cryptocurrencies, options, funds, and futures.
In addition, the online broker has plans to offer crypto lending and crypto staking services for UK retail account holders.
Note, instrument access may vary according to your location.
Spreads & Commission
Swissquote offers commission-free trading, starting from 0.6 pips. Popular pairs such as the EUR/USD are around 1.3 pips with the starter account, however. Both the S&P 500 and XAUUSD (gold) start from around 0.25 points.
Whilst Premium and Prime account holders can trade commission-free, Elite and Professional traders will be subject to a 2.5 Euro commission, per side per lot traded.
Other fees include an inactivity fee of 10 account currency units per month after 6 months of inactivity, plus overnight swap charges which are detailed on the website.
Leverage Review
You can access leverage up to 1:30 for forex, 1:20 for precious metals and index CFDs, 1:10 for commodity CFDs, and 1:5 for bonds. Leverage allows you to use borrowed funds to increase your position.
It’s highly recommended that you use lower leverage until you are confident in your strategy.
Mobile Apps
Swissquote’s Advanced Trader platform is available for download on iOS and Android smartphones and supports eight languages.
Traders can swiftly transition between mobile and desktop versions of the platform, with access to real-time streaming quotes, sophisticated charting tools, and complex order types. The app generally receives positive customer ratings online.
Both the MT4 and MT5 platforms are also available as mobile apps, meaning that traders who prefer automated trading strategies can enjoy all the same algorithmic capabilities and technical analysis tools whilst away from their PC.
Traders also benefit from the community chat feature, mobile push notifications, and financial news.
Deposits & Withdrawals
Funding is available in nine different currencies via prepaid debit and credit cards or wire transfer. There are no deposit or withdrawal fees on the broker’s side but they do require a 1000 EUR (or equivalent) minimum deposit.
For deposits via wire transfer, the broker lists the relevant Swift codes and bank details within the Support section. Withdrawals must be made from within the ePortal.
Processing times are instant for credit cards and 1 – 3 working days for wire transfers.
Swissquote Demo Account
A free demo account is available with all three platforms, offering access to over 400 financial instruments with no obligation or risk.
Traders receive up to 100,000 USD of virtual money to practice their trading strategies.
Demo accounts are available for 30 days.
Bonuses & Promo Codes
As per regulatory restrictions, Swissquote does not offer any bonus deals or promotions.
Regulation & Licensing
Swissquote Ltd is authorized and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), under reference number 562170.
Swissquote provides negative balance protection as well as deposit protection up to 85,000 GBP in case of insolvency.
There are also other companies within the Swissquote group, offering a suite of financial services to retail and institutional clients from offices based in Malta, Luxembourg Zürich, Dubai, Hong Kong, Indonesia and South Africa.
As per FCA rules, all client money is held in segregated accounts at one or more approved banks. Swissquote Group Holding Ltd must also provide annual reports relating to corporate governance and financial audits. As a Tier-1 institution, traders should be confident this broker is safe and trustworthy.
Note, US citizens and persons are not able to open an online account with this broker.
Additional Features
Swissquote offers a good quality research section containing daily reports and live analysis on market insights.
There is also an education center with a handful of ebooks, courses, webinars, a magazine and free demos, covering the basics on how to trade, as well as advanced trading techniques.
The broker also provides the Autochartist and Trading Central plugins free of charge to all clients, giving traders access to automated trading alerts and enhanced technical analysis.
Overall, the research and tools provided are fairly impressive but the education section is a little limited compared to other brokers.
Invest Easy
A fairly unique product available at Swissquote is its integrated investing and savings solution, Invest Easy. This is available to clients that hold a bank account with the firm and offers direct interest payments on USD, EUR, GBP and CHF with decent rates.
It also offers automated investing with four strategies that vary depending on your risk tolerance. This straightforward solution essentially allows customers to manage their trading and saving in one place, and with recurring payments available, it is quick and easy to set up.
Swissquote Account Types
Traders can choose from four live accounts at Swissquote: Premium, Prime, Elite, and Professional.
Traders should note that the minimum deposit with the starter account (Premium) is 1000 in the chosen currency, which is considerably higher than other competitors like eToro and Degiro.
Apart from minimum deposits, spreads and commissions, the other account features in the Premium, Prime and Elite accounts are identical. Minimum deposit requirements increase up to 10,000 of the base currency and spreads become more competitive. The minimum transaction size for forex and CFD forwards is 0.01 lots.
The maintenance margin is 100% and the stop out level is 50%.
Trading Hours
For most currency pairs, trading hours are 00:00 – 24:00 CET, Monday to Thursday, and 00:00 – 22:55 CET on Fridays. Sunday times vary and are detailed on the website.
For precious metals and some commodities, trading runs from 00:05 – 22:55 CET, Monday to Friday. All other assets vary and details can be found in the downloadable product guide on the Swissquote website.
Customer Support
You can contact Swissquote’s customer support team Monday to Friday, between 08:00 – 18:00 (UK time) via:
- Email – info@swissquote.co.uk
- Live chat – logo in the bottom corner of the website
- Telephone hotline helpline number – +44 20 7186 2600 (European toll-free numbers listed on website)
- Headquarters office address – Boston House, 63-64 New Broad Street, London, EC2M 1JJ, United Kingdom
The support team can provide information on a range of topics, from forgotten passwords to using APIs and platform journals.
Security & Safety
Swissquote’s Advanced Trader and MetaTrader platforms are all securely encrypted with SSL technology. Traders can also enable other layers of security, such as Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and Touch ID.
Swissquote Verdict
Swissquote offers regulated forex and CFD trading on the Advanced Trader and MetaTrader platforms. Our experts found that there is a good range of assets to choose from and pricing is fairly reasonable. While using Swissquote, we found that the portal was easy to navigate, there were plenty of options for customization, and should any issues arise, the customer support team were on hand to offer guidance.
However, the high minimum deposit requirement for the starter account and limited funding options might turn away some beginners.
FAQs
Is Swissquote A Market Maker?
Yes, Swissquote is a market maker.
Does Swissquote Offer Any No Deposit Bonus Deals Or Promo Codes?
Due to regulatory restrictions, Swissquote does not offer any bonus deals or promotional codes.
Is Swissquote A Bank?
Swissquote Ltd is a trading arm of Swissquote Bank, an investment bank which has been providing online banking, savings and expats accounts, etrading services, robo-advisory, and other solutions since 2000.
Where Is Swissquote Based?
The Swissquote Group is headquartered in Gland, Switzerland and has additional offices in Zurich, Bern, London, Luxembourg, Malta, Dubai, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
Does Swissquote Accept US Citizens?
No, Swissquote does not accept clients from the United States.
Is Swissquote A Good Trading Platform?
Swissquote is a well-regarded online FX and CFD provider offering automated trading services, rich market analysis and competitive investing accounts.
Top 3 Alternatives to Swissquote
Compare Swissquote with the top 3 similar brokers that accept traders from your location.
- IG – Founded in 1974, IG is part of IG Group Holdings Plc, a publicly traded (LSE: IGG) brokerage. The brand-US 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.
- Interactive Brokers – Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a premier brokerage, providing access to 150 markets in 33 countries, along with a suite of comprehensive investment services. With over 40 years of experience, this Nasdaq-listed firm adheres to stringent regulations by the SEC, FCA, CIRO, and SFC, amongst others, and is one of the most trusted brokers for trading around the globe.
- FOREX.com – Founded in 1999, FOREX.com is now part of StoneX, a financial services organization serving over one million customers worldwide. Regulated in the US, UK, EU, Australia and beyond, the broker offers thousands of markets, not just forex, and provides excellent pricing on cutting-edge platforms.
Swissquote Comparison Table
| Swissquote | IG | Interactive Brokers | FOREX.com | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4 | 4.7 | 4.3 | 4.5 |
| Markets | Forex, CFDs, Indices, Stocks, ETFs, Bonds, Options, Futures, Cryptos (location dependent) | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting | Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies | Forex, Stocks, Futures, Futures Options |
| Demo Account | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum Deposit | $1000 | $0 | $0 | $100 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots | 0.01 Lots | $100 | 0.01 Lots |
| Regulators | FCA, FINMA, DFSA, SFC, AFM | FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM | FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM | NFA, CFTC |
| Bonus | – | – | – | Active Trader Program With A 15% Reduction In Costs |
| Education | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, AutoChartist, TradingCentral | Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral | Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral | MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral |
| Leverage | 1:30 | 1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro) | 1:50 | 1:50 |
| Payment Methods | 5 | 6 | 6 | 8 |
| Visit | – | Visit | Visit | Visit |
| Review | – | IG Review |
Interactive Brokers Review |
FOREX.com Review |
Compare Trading Instruments
Compare the markets and instruments offered by Swissquote and its competitors. Please note, some markets may only be available via CFDs or other derivatives.
| Swissquote | IG | Interactive Brokers | FOREX.com | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CFD | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Forex | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Stocks | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Commodities | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Oil | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Gold | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Copper | No | Yes | No | No |
| Silver | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Corn | No | No | No | No |
| Crypto | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Futures | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Options | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ETFs | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Bonds | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Warrants | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Spreadbetting | No | Yes | No | No |
| Volatility Index | No | Yes | No | No |
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