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AvaTrade Review 2024

By:
Plamen Stoyanov
Reviewed By:
Ola Alder
Updated: Sep 4, 2024
Overall Rating
4.6
  • Trust
    4.6
  • Fees
    4.3
  • Platforms and Tools
    4.6
  • Tradable Instruments
    4.5
  • Customer Support
    4.6
  • Research
    4.5
  • Deposit and Withdrawal
    4.9
  • Account Types and Terms
    4.9
  • Education
    4.9
  • How Did We Test and Rate This Broker?
    When trading forex and CFDs, understanding a broker's strengths and weaknesses is essential. We developed a proprietary rating system, which is the result of extensive research and hands-on evaluation by our expert reviewers. With a rigorous approach, our reviewers manually assess each broker, investing more than 50 hours per review, checking and testing the broker while analyzing over 250 variables to simplify the broker selection process for you. The categories we evaluate include trustworthiness, trading platforms, customer support, regulatory oversight, spreads, fees, the variety of instruments offered, education, and research tools. This unique rating system is specifically developed to ensure that the assessment is based on firsthand knowledge and experience. By dedicating a significant amount of time to each review, our team of experts can provide in-depth insights and help you make well-informed decisions when choosing the broker that best suits your trading goals.
    Chart

    Our Take on AvaTrade

    Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Ireland, AvaTrade is a multi-licensed forex and CFD broker that offers more than 840 CFDs and vanilla options.

    AvaTrade stands out with its diverse platform offering, low trading fees, extensive trading tools, and comprehensive educational content. The broker has also developed a unique risk management tool AvaProtect.

    I concluded that AvaTrade is an ideal choice for longer-term day and position traders because of its low swaps and enhanced risk management capabilities. It is also geared towards beginner traders wishing to learn the nuances of technical analysis or engage in copy trading.

    Recommended in 8 best broker guides: 
    Crypto | Regulated Brokers | MT5 | Social Trading | Trading Apps | Share CFD | Beginners | High Leverage

    AvaTrade Pros and Cons

    Pros Cons
    • Multiple Tier-1 regulations 
    • Risk management tool
    • Choice of platforms 
    • CFDs and Vanilla options trading 
    • Affordable costs 
    • High inactivity fee
    • Only one account type

    AvaTrade Highlights for 2024

    • Robust Fund Security: AvaTrade is regulated in multiple jurisdictions, including by top-tier CBI, ASIC, and JFSA.
    • Unique Risk Management Tool: The broker has developed a unique AvaProtect tool that allows full hedging of individual positions.
    • Competitive Fees: AvaTrade’s trading and non-trading fees are below the industry average.
    • Diverse Trading Platforms: AvaTrade offers three proprietary trading platforms and a mobile app. It also incorporates MetaTrader 4&5, and DupliTrade.
    • CFDs and Options Offering: The broker provides over 840 CFDs and options for speculation and hedging against price fluctuations.
    • Day and Position Trading: I deem AvaTrade to be perfect for longer-term trading strategies as its swap fees are lower than the industry average.

    What Sets AvaTrade Apart?

    AvaTrade combines multilayered protection, affordable prices, and a good range of trading platforms and tools.

    Additionally, it features the innovative AvaProtect insurance and risk-reduction tool, which enables traders to insure a specific trade for up to $1 million against a hedging cost at the time of purchase.

    Who is AvaTrade For?

    I assessed AvaTrade to be well-suited for day and position traders, thanks to its low swap fees and a strong selection of instruments that effectively manage long-term trading risks.

    Beginner technical traders will find value in AvaTrade’s comprehensive educational resources, particularly on technical analysis and its advanced copy trading features.

    AvaTrade Video Review

    I performed my tests on a standard trading account using AvaTrade’s web-based platform and the AvaTradeGO mobile app. The account was opened with the AVA Trade EU Ltd entity of the broker. Some features and services may vary depending on where you reside and which entity you open an account with.

    AvaTrade Main Features

    ☑️ RegulationsFSCA (South Africa), CBI (Ireland), ADGM (United Arab Emirates), ASIC (Australia), BVI FSC (Virgin Islands, British), ISA (Israel), JFSA (Japan)
    🗺 Supported Languages
    English, Russian, French, Portuguese, Arabic, Spanish, German, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Malaysian, Thai
    💰 ProductsOptions, Currencies, Stocks, ETFs, Crypto, Bonds, Indices, Commodities
    💵 Min Deposit$100
    💹 Max Leverage
    1:30 (FSCA), 1:30 (CBI), 1:30 (ADGM), 1:30 (ASIC), 1:1000 (BVI FSC), 1:20 (ISA), 1:25 (JFSA)
    🖥 Trading Desk TypeMarket Maker, Dealing Desk
    📊 Trading PlatformsAvaTradeGo, AvaOptions, AvaSocial, MT5, Proprietary, MT4, WebTrader, DupliTrade
    💳 Deposit Options
    Wire Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, Credit Card, Debit Card, Webmoney
    💳 Withdrawal Options
    Wire Transfer, Neteller, Skrill, Credit Card, Debit Card, Webmoney
    🤴 Demo AccountYes
    🗓 Foundation Year2006
    🌎 Headquarters CountryIreland
    Risk DisclosureCFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

    AvaTrade Full Review

    Trust

    4.6
    How Did We Test the Broker's Trustworthiness?
    Assessing a broker's trustworthiness with your funds is vital. To help you make the right decision, we carefully checked each broker's regulatory license and examined how well they protect traders. Moreover, we looked at the broker's stability by studying their business history, corporate structure, and industry experience. Finally, we thoroughly reviewed all of the broker's legal documentation, including terms, conditions, and fees, and evaluated their transparency based on our analysis. Our hands-on approach ensures that even novice traders have the knowledge they need to make smart decisions.
    trust chart

    AvaTrade has everything you would expect from a safe and trustworthy broker. It operates 7 entities, three of which are authorized by Tier-1 regulators. The broker is also fairly transparent, having issued a ‘best execution policy’ and a robust client categorization policy.

    AvaTrade Regulations

    In our reviews, we examine the licenses and regulations of each entity operated by a broker. This allows us to compare their different levels of protection. We rank licenses by various regulatory bodies on a three-tier system, where Tier-1 licensing indicates the highest level of regulation.

    This is what I discovered about the seven entities operating under the AvaTrade trade name:

    • AVA Trade EU Ltd is licensed and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) under license number C53877. We rate the CBI as a Tier-1 regulator.
    • Ava Trade Markets Ltd is licensed and regulated by the British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (BVIFSC) under license number SIBA/L/13/1049. We rate the BVIFSC as a Tier-3 regulator.
    • Ava Capital Markets Australia Pty Ltd is licensed and regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) under license number 406684. We rate ASIC as a Tier-1 regulator.
    • Ava Capital Markets Pty is licensed and regulated by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) of South Africa under license number 45984. We rate the FSCA as a Tier-2 regulator.
    • Ava Trade Japan K.K. is licensed and regulated by the Japanese Financial Services Agency (JFSA) under license number 1662. We rate the JFSA as a Tier-1 regulator. The entity is also authorized and regulated by the Financial Futures Association of Japan under license number 1574.
    • Ava Trade Middle East Ltd is licensed and regulated by the Abu Dhabi Global Markets (ADGM) Financial Regulatory Services Authority (FRSA) under license number 190018. We rate the ADGM as a Tier-2 regulator.
    • ATrade Ltd is licensed and regulated by the Israel Securities Authority (ISA) under license number 514666577. We rate ISA as a Tier-2 regulator.
    Ava Trade EU Limited’s licensing information on registers.centralbank.ie
    Ava Trade EU Limited’s licensing information on registers.centralbank.ie

    We have summarized the most essential aspects of AvaTrade in terms of regulation and safety in the table below:

    Entity Features AVA Trade EU Ltd Ava Capital Markets Australia Pty Ltd Ava Trade Japan K.K. Ava Capital Markets Pty Ava Trade Middle East Ltd ATrade Ltd Ava Trade Markets Ltd
    Country/Region Ireland, Dublin Australi, Sydney Japan, Tokyo South Africa, Johannesburg UAE, Abu Dhabi Israel, Tel Aviv British Virgin Islands 
    Regulation CBI ASIC JFSA FSCA ADGM ISA BVIFSC
    Tier 1 1 1 2 2 2 3
    Segregated Funds Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
    Negative Balance Protection Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes No
    Compensation Scheme Up to EUR 20,000 under ICF No No No No No No
    Maximum Leverage 1:30 1:30 1:25 1:30 1:30 1:30 1:400

    Why is it Important to Know Where Your Broker’s Subsidiaries are Regulated?

    Brokers operate multiple entities because it allows them to serve clients worldwide. However, licenses obtained by regulators in different jurisdictions do not always entail the same degree of protection. Some regulators mandate compliance with the strictest financial frameworks, whereas others are less rigid. That is why traders need to familiarize themselves with the safety mechanisms ensured by the entity they want to open an account with beforehand.

    Here is what you need to be looking for in a broker in terms of safety mechanisms:

    • Segregation of client funds. Keeping client funds in segregated bank accounts from the ones used for the broker’s corporate capital negates the risk of accounting errors. All AvaTrade entities ensure segregated client funds.
    • Negative balance protection. This safety mechanism removes the risk of trading losses exceeding the account balance. In other words, the losses you incur from trading are capped at the amount you have put in your trading account. This is especially important in volatile markets. Most of AvaTrade’s entities offer negative balance protection to their clients, except for those regulated by the JFSA and BVIFSC.
    • Compensation scheme. A compensation scheme protects traders against the broker’s liabilities in the unlikely event that the company becomes insolvent. Only clients of AVA Trade EU Ltd can be compensated by up to EUR 20,000 under the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF).
    • Maximum leverage. Capping the maximum leverage restricts the extent of market exposure to retail traders. The higher the leverage, the higher the potential profits and potential losses. The British Virgin Islands entity of AvaTrade offers the highest retail leverage of 1:400.

    Is AvaTrade Safe to Trade With?

    AvaTrade complies with essential safety requirements, such as segregated funds and negative balance protection. It has also developed an innovative AvaProtect tool and a robust client categorization system that allows inexperienced traders to avoid unnecessary trading risks.

    Moreover, the broker has implemented a ‘best execution policy,’ ensuring clients receive optimal price quotes consistently. Given all mentioned above, I assess AvaTrade as indeed a safe broker to trade with.

    Stability and Transparency

    In our Trust category tests, we also evaluate factors related to stability and transparency, focusing on the broker’s longevity, company size, and the availability of transparent information.

    I checked AvaTrade’s transparency by going over its legal documents. I assessed that the broker provides ample information about its various services without the use of any misleading language or notable discrepancies.

    Some of AvaTrade’s protection methods
    Some of AvaTrade’s protection methods

    I also evaluated AvaTrade’s fee transparency by making sure that the spread rates listed on the website matched the live quotes on the platform. I did not see any discrepancies, and everything seemed in order.

    In summary, my research indicates that AvaTrade can be regarded as having a very high level of trust and stability due to the following factors:

    • Tightly regulated globally
    • Developed an innovative risk-management tool
    • Transparent legal docs
    • Best execution policy
    • Client categorization policy

    Fees

    4.3
    How Did We Test the Broker's Fees and Commissions?
    Broker commissions and fees can be challenging to understand. To simplify this for you, we carefully examined all the broker's fee-related documentation and presented it in a clear, easy-to-understand format. Furthermore, we conducted hands-on tests on spreads and commissions for the most common instruments during both London and New York trading sessions. We then compared these real-time test results to the market benchmark we've established through our extensive experience evaluating the industry.
    fees chart

    I assessed that AvaTrade offers competitive spreads and commissions. The broker also has very low swaps that are suitable for day and position trading. While deposits and withdrawals are free, the broker charges a relatively high inactivity fee.

    AvaTrade Trading Fees

    AvaTrade Spreads

    I tested AvaTrade’s spreads during the most actively traded times – the London open at 8:00 a.m. GMT and just after the U.S. open at 2:45 p.m. GMT. The test was conducted on the 30th of January 2024. The results are shown in the table below:

    Instrument Live Spread AM Live Spread PM Industry Average
    EURUSD 0.9 pips 0.9 pips 1.08 pips
    GBPJPY 2.4 pips 2.4 pips 2.44 pips
    Gold (XAUUSD) 27 pips 27 pips  42 pips
    Crude Oil 0.03 pips 0.03 pips 0.03 pips
    Apple NA 0.22 points 0.33 points
    Tesla NA 0.39 points 0.5 points
    Dow Jones 30 4.0 basis points 3.0 basis points 3.3 basis points
    Germany 40 3.0 pips 2.0 basis points 2.4 basis points
    Bitcoin $65 $63 $35.5

    Broken down by asset class and compared to the broader industry, AvaTrade offers low spreads on share CFDs, low-to-average spreads on currency pairs and commodities, average spreads on indices, and high spreads on cryptocurrencies.

    AvaTrade Swaps

    A swap fee is a trader’s cost for holding an open position overnight because of changing interest rates. Swap long refers to the charge deductible or credit receivable for holding a buy position open overnight. In turn, swap short relates to the charges/credits deductible or receivable for holding a selling position open overnight.

    The values listed below are for one full contract (100,000 units) of the base currency.

    Instrument Swap Long Swap Short
    EURUSD Charge of $2.53 Credit of $0.33
    GBPJPY Credit of $3.07 Charge of $7.05

    My findings indicate that AvaTrade’s low swaps accommodate the execution of day trading and position trading strategies, which require multiple days to complete.

    Swap-free trading is also possible via AvaTrade’s Islamic accounts.

    AvaTrade’s Non-Trading Fees

    The broker does not charge a handling fee for deposits or withdrawals. However, third-party banking fees may apply depending on the chosen payment method.

    I also discovered that the broker charges a relatively high inactivity fee. After three months of inactivity, the dormant account is charged $50 (or the base currency equivalent). The fee is charged monthly until activity resumes or the account balance drops to zero. After twelve months of inactivity, AvaTrade charges an administration fee of $100.

    Are AvaTrade’s Fees Competitive?

    Based on my findings regarding AvaTrade’s spreads, commissions, and swaps, I estimated that its trading fees are indeed competitive. The broker’s pricing mechanism is suitable for high-frequency trading when trading instruments from certain asset classes (most FX pairs and share CFDs, some commodities, etc).

    The pricing mechanism is also geared towards longer-term trading because of AvaTrade’s low swap charges.

    Accounts Comparison

    I have compiled the table below to help you better understand the difference between the trading fees on AvaTrade’s retail account type and the industry average. It illustrates the spreads and commissions I have recorded for the EUR/USD pair and compared against the typical costs for ECN and STP accounts in the industry at large.

    The table demonstrates how much you would have to pay to trade 1 full lot (100,000 units) in EUR/USD with a pip value of $10 for each account.

    To calculate the cost of such a full-sized trade, I used this formula: Spread x pip value+commission

    Account Type* Spread Commission** Net Cost
    AvaTrade 0.9 pips $0 $9
    Typical STP 1.0 pips $0 $10
    Typical ECN 0.2 pips $6 $8

    *The numbers in this chart are only illustrative and subject to change over time

    **Round-turn commission

    My tests indicate that AvaTrade’s standard account type offers more competitive conditions than the average STP account but slightly worse-off conditions compared to the typical ECN account. This varies depending on the instrument traded.

    Platforms and Tools

    4.6
    How Did We Test the Broker's Trading Platforms?
    We understand that platforms play a crucial role in your trading experience. That's why we spent many hours testing the broker's web, desktop, and mobile trading platforms to gain a real understanding of their usability, functionality, and overall performance. From experimenting with different order types to testing execution speeds, charting, and other features, we thoroughly examined every aspect of these platforms based on our trading expertise, helping you make an informed choice.
    platforms chart

    AvaTrade shines with its wide array of trading platforms. For retail traders, it offers a proprietary platform along with the widely recognized MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. AvaSocial and DupliTrade cater to copy traders, while AvaOptions is tailored for option traders. For trading on the go, the broker provides the AvaTradeGO app and mobile versions of MetaTrader.

    AvaTrade Platforms Walkthrough

    Platform/Tool Suitable For
    MT4 and MT5 Automated trading via Expert Advisors (EAs)
    Ava Web Trader User-friendly charting capabilities
    AvaSocial and DupliTrade Social and copy trading with advanced filters for trading strategies search  
    AvaOptions Vanilla options trading with better risk management 
    AvaTradeGO Mobile trading with intuitive design
    VPS hosting Faster execution speeds 
    Guardian Angel Suit Advanced risk management for MT4 and MT5

    AvaTrade’s Web Trader platform is a great choice for technical traders interested in price action examination. Its charts are light and flexible, allowing traders to study even minute changes in price action behavior in detail.

    The platform incorporates actionable trading ideas directly on its interface, however, it notably lacks some essential features, such as the Elliott Wave drawing tool and alert setting option.

    AvaTrade enhances the trading experience with several tools, including the Guardian Angel Suite, an advanced risk management tool that integrates seamlessly with both MT4 and MT5 platforms. The suit is available to AvaTrade clients for free.

    AvaTrade’s Web Trader Platform

    The AvaTrade Web Trader’s main frame
    The AvaTrade Web Trader’s main frame

    General Ease of Use

    I quite enjoyed exploring the various features of the AvaTrade Web Trader. The platform has a sophisticated instruments search bar for quick and easy search. Its charts are light and detailed, affording traders an intricate glimpse into price action behavior.

    Charts

    I consider the chart screen a platform’s most important feature. It facilitates technical analysis by providing an overview of price action behavior. Chart artists use many analytical tools and chart configuration possibilities to examine it from multiple angles. In my experience, the really important aspect of a chart is how easy it is to scale price action up and down.

    The Web Trader’s chart window
    The Web Trader’s chart window

    I have broken down the available analytical tools and chart configurations below

    • 80 technical indicators. The platform supports trend-based, volume-based indicators, oscillators, and more. These can be applied to study price action behavior and determine the underlying market sentiment. In general, technical indicators are used to gauge where the market is likely to head next. The assortment of 80 technical indicators exceeds the industry average.
    • 13 drawing tools. Drawing tools, such as Fibonacci retracement levels and Elliott waves, are used to study repeatable price patterns. Additionally, they can be applied to determine key support and resistance levels and potential breakout or breakdown levels. I was a bit surprised by the relatively low range of drawing tools, and the notable absence of the Elliott Waves tool. Especially given the otherwise very pleasant feel to the charts screen.
    • 9 timeframes. The Web Trader allows multi-timeframe analysis of price action behavior. The greater the number of timeframes, the more intricate examinations that can be carried out across the short-term and long-term. The platform’s lowest time frame is 1 minute, which is rather insufficient for successful high-frequency trading (e.g. scalping).
    • 3 chart types. Price action can be represented as a line, bars, or candlesticks. This diversity makes it possible to examine potential trading opportunities from different angles.

    Orders

    Order placing window
    Order placing window

    I have broken down the available order types on the Web Trader platform below:

    • Market orders. Market orders are used for immediate entry at the best possible price. If triggered, they guarantee volume filling, though there could be a discrepancy between the requested price and the price where the order gets filled.
    • Limit orders. Unlike market orders, limit orders guarantee exact price execution. However, a limit order will not be filled if the price action does not reach the pre-determined execution price.
    • Stop orders. They are used to support open positions by limiting the maximum loss that can be incurred if the market turns in the opposite direction. A stop-loss order is placed at a fixed price below or above the spot price. If the market does indeed turn and triggers the stop-loss, it will transform into a market order and get filled at the best possible price.

    My Key Takeaways After Testing the Web Trader Platform

    In my estimation, AvaTrade’s Web Trader platform is an ideal choice for chart artists interested in careful examination of price action behavior. It features a light and easy-to-navigate interface and multiple technical indicators.

    The platform also incorporates trading ideas directly from TradingCentral, which saves traders time and energy. Moreover, the platform features the innovative AvaProtect tool, providing traders with the ability to hedge any given position.

    AvaTrade’s AvaTradeGO Mobile App

    A watch list (first), an order screen (second), a chart screen (third), and a trading signal (fourth)
    A watch list (first), an order screen (second), a chart screen (third), and a trading signal (fourth)

    The AvaTradeGO mobile app affords traders quick and easy access to the market on the go. It is very useful for monitoring and adjusting open trades. The market is volatile and ever-changing, which is why it is so essential to stay on top of things at all times.

    The app allows you to place market, limit, and stop orders and adjust the exposure of your open trades. Additionally, it is very convenient for assessing trading signals by TradingCentral.

    My Key Takeaways After Testing AvaTradeGO App

    I appreciated AvaTrade’s mobile app for its light and easy-to-navigate design, and I think it’s a great tool for staying informed of the latest market developments. However, since mobile apps are run on low-resolution devices, they are not ideal for carrying out sophisticated technical analyses. In that respect, it is somewhat surprising that the AvaTradeGO app features a greater number of technical indicators compared to the Web Trader.

    Tradable Instruments

    4.5
    How Did We Test the Broker's Tradable Instruments?
    For this section, we examined the broker's market offering, assessing the variety and depth of instruments and asset classes available for trading. Through our proprietary database, we then compared the results with other brokers. This comprehensive analysis allows you to determine if the broker offers the specific instruments and trading options you're looking for.
    tradable_instruments chart

    AvaTrade offers more than 840 tradable instruments, including CFD on currency pairs, commodities, shares, indices, cryptocurrencies, ETFs, bonds, and forex options. This diversity exceeds the industry average and accommodates the needs of both speculative traders and those interested in hedging.

    Instruments Number Types
    Currency Pairs 53 Majors (11), Minors (25), Crosses (17)
    Commodities 19 Metals (7), Energies (5), Agricultural (7)
    Share CFDs 603 USA (494), Canada (21), UK (22), Europe (66)
    Indices 34 USA, Europe, Asia, Other
    Cryptocurrencies 19 Majors and Minors
    ETFs 59 Financial, Commodity, Retail, Other
    Bonds 2 Japan and Europe
    FX Options 64 Currency Pairs, Indices, Commodities

    Compared to the industry average, AvaTrade offers an average number of currency pairs and cryptocurrencies and a high number of commodities, share CFDs, and indices.

    What Are CFDs?

    Contracts for difference (CFDs) are derivatives used to speculate on the underlying asset’s price without physical delivery. For example, a long position on gold would generate profit as the price rises or incur a loss as it falls, all without the need to purchase actual gold bars. One of the biggest advantages of trading CFDs is that traders can get in and out of the market almost instantaneously, thereby catching even minute changes in the price of the derivative.

    What Can You Trade With AvaTrade?

    I have broken down the available instruments with AvaTrade below:

    Forex Commodities
    EURUSD | GBPJPY | USDCHF | USDCAD | EURJPY | GBPNOK  Gold | Crude Oil | Wheat | Sugar | Natural Gas | Palladium | Coffee | Brent Oil
    Share CFDs Indices
    Apple | Tesla | Microsoft | Netflix | Barclays | Tellus | Siemens | Bayer Dow Jones 30 | Germany 40 | Japan 225 | Honk Kong 50 | Australia 200 | China 50
    Cryptocurrencies ETFs
    Bitcoin | Ethereum | Litecoin | Doge Coin | Ripple | Cardano | Polygon | Stellar MSCI Emerging Markets Index Fund | Energy Select Sector SPDR | TR Gold Miners
    Bonds FX Options
    EURO BUND | JAPAN BOND EURUSD | AUDUSD | XAUUSD | USTECH100 | Italy 40 | Japan 225

    My Key Takeaways After Exploring AvaTrade’s Instruments Offering

    AvaTrade offers a very decent range of tradable instruments – both lower-risk securities and higher-yield/risk assets. This diversity is suitable for the implementation of a wide range of trading strategies. This is also afforded by the inclusion of CFDs and vanilla option contracts.

    Customer Support

    4.6
    How Did We Test the Broker's Customer Support?
    Traders often underestimate the importance of customer support, yet it proves to be a critical aspect during times of crisis. We put the broker's customer support to the test ourselves using all possible channels, such as chat, phone, and others. Our evaluation focused on the accessibility of live agents, as well as the helpfulness and professionalism of their responses. This way, we provide you with comprehensive insights into whether a broker can deliver full support when you need it most.
    customer_support chart

    AvaTrade offers reliable customer support over the phone, email, and live chat. Service is available in multiple languages across 36 countries. My testing found agents to be quick and informative in their responses. The website also features a comprehensive FAQ section.

    Live Chat Phone Email
    24/5 Mon–Fri, during office hours  Mon–Fri, during office hours 

    Customer Support Test

    When we test a broker’s customer support team, we evaluate the agent’s knowledge of their own website, how long it takes them to respond to questions, and how detailed their answers are.

    I conducted my customer support test on 29 January at around 4:00 p.m. CET via live chat, and an agent connected almost instantaneously.

    Initially, when I asked about AvaTrade’s average execution speeds, the agent struggled to understand my question, admitting it wasn’t his area of expertise and promising to forward it to the relevant department for an email response. However, for simpler questions like AvaTrade’s maximum retail leverage, the agent provided quick and accurate answers and was polite and helpful.

    My conversation with AvaTrade’s customer support
    My conversation with AvaTrade’s customer support
    Languages English, Chinese, Portuguese, Spanish, German, Danish, Finish, Dutch, Swedish, Nigerian, Korean, Thai, and more

    Deposit and Withdrawal

    4.9
    How Did We Test the Broker's Deposit and Withdrawal Process?
    The deposit or withdrawal process can be tricky since you may encounter hidden fees or longer than expected processing time. To assess the broker's offerings, we examined their deposit and withdrawal options and conditions. Using our proprietary database, we then compared these results with those of other brokers.
    deposit chart

    AvaTrade accepts payments via bank wire, credit/debit card, and e-wallets. Processing times vary depending on the payment method but usually fall within the norm. The broker does not charge handling fees for deposits or withdrawals, though third-party banking fees may apply.

    AvaTrade Deposit Methods

    Payment Method  Currency Fee Processing Time
    Bank Wire USD, EUR, GBP, AUD $0 Up to 7 business days
    Credit/Debit Card USD, EUR, GBP, AUD $0 Instant
    Skrill USD, EUR, GBP, AUD $0 Up to 24 hours
    Neteller USD, EUR, GBP, AUD $0 Up to 24 hours
    WebMoney USD, EUR, GBP, AUD $0 Up to 24 hours

    AvaTrade Withdrawal Methods

    Payment Method Currency Fee Processing Time
    Bank Wire USD, EUR, GBP, AUD $0 Up to 10 days
    Credit/Debit Card USD, EUR, GBP, AUD $0 Up to 48 hours
    Skrill USD, EUR, GBP, AUD $0 Up to 48 hours
    Neteller USD, EUR, GBP, AUD $0 Up to 48 hours
    WebMoney USD, EUR, GBP, AUD $0 Up to 48 hours

    Account Types and Terms

    4.9
    How Did We Test the Broker's Account Types and Terms?
    When it comes to achieving your trading goals, choosing the proper account is essential. We initiated our evaluation by personally opening an account with the broker, which allowed us to gain firsthand experience of the process and accurately asses, how fast and easy it is. In addition, we carried out an in-depth analysis of the account types and features offered by the broker, including spreads, maximum leverage, minimum deposits, and more. For a comprehensive comparison, we turned to our proprietary database and examined how this broker's account offerings and processes stacked up against other brokers.
    account chart

    AvaTrade provides a universal account type for retail trading, featuring commission-free trading with floating spreads starting at 0.9 pips. Clients can also opt for an Islamic account to trade without swap charges. Additionally, certain clients may qualify for a Professional account, which offers higher leverage and fewer trading restrictions.

    Why is Choosing the Right Account Type Important?

    Your account should reflect your goals, needs, and ambitions on the market. You should take into consideration several factors, such as whether the account type has a minimum deposit requirement, its spreads and commissions, the execution method, and more.

    What Account Types Does AvaTrade Offer?

    I have broken down the features of AvaTrade’s retail account type below:

    Spread From 0.9 pips
    Commission $0
    Minimum Deposit $100
    Base Currencies  EUR, USD, GBP, CHF
    Margin Call Retail 50%
    Margin Call Professional 10%
    All Strategies Available Yes
    Islamic Account Yes
    Demo Account Yes

    AvaTrade’s account is affordable and equally suitable for high-frequency trading and longer-term day and position trading. It accommodates the execution of all kinds of strategies, including scalping, hedging, and algorithmic trading.

    Watch our video guide, “Best High-Leverage Forex Brokers,” where AvaTrade is featured:

    What is CFD Leverage?

    The leverage determines a trader’s overall market exposure. When trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs), positions can be opened for a fraction of their value because of the leverage. Essentially, the broker lends the trader money so that the latter can open bigger positions. The leverage multiplies the profits a trader generates from winning positions but also the losses incurred from failed trades.

    AvaTrade’s Execution Model

    AvaTrade operates as a market maker with a dealing desk. The benefit of market makers is typically faster order execution, as they can fill orders internally.

    AvaTrade’s Account Opening Process

    AvaTrade’s account registration form
    AvaTrade’s account registration form

    The account creation process with AvaTrade is straightforward and quick. You can go at your own pace and be done with everything within an hour. I have summarized the step-by-step process below:

    • Step 1. Click ‘Create Account’ at the top-right corner of the main page.
    • Step 2. Provide an email address and choose a password.
    • Step 3. Enter your personal details, including your name, date of birth, address, etc.
    • Step 4. State your financial information, including your personal wealth and trading experience.
    • Step 5. Confirm your email address.
    • Step 6. Verify your account by uploading proof of ID and address.
    AvaTrade’s registration form (continued)
    AvaTrade’s registration form (continued)

    Why is a Demo Account Important?

    AvaTrade offers demo accounts that introduce traders to the broker’s services and allow them to tweak their strategies in a risk-free environment. The market is continually evolving and never static, so it is important to hone your skills in a safe environment. You can set up a demo account for yourself alongside your live CFD account.

    AvaTrade Accepted Countries

    AVA Trade EU Ltd accepts clients from the European Union and the European Economic Area (EEA).

    Research

    4.5
    How Did We Test the Broker's Research Tools?
    Research options offered by brokers may not be seen as the most important feature for some traders, but they can provide a competitive advantage. To assess the broker's research offerings, we personally explored and tested both proprietary and third-party tools and content, such as Fundamental and Technical Analysis, Market News, educational videos, and webinars. After evaluating the availability and quality of the overall research offering, we compared the results with our benchmark to provide a comprehensive analysis of the broker's research capabilities.
    research chart

    AvaTrade offers multifaceted research materials with a strong emphasis on technical analysis. It incorporates content from the seamless TradingCentral – one of the biggest and most trusted signal providers in the industry.

    I have broken down AvaTrade’s most important research content by type below.

    TradingCentral Content

    A signal by TradingCentral
    A signal by TradingCentral

    I appreciated that trading signals are integrated directly into the Web Trader platform. They can be accessed from the left-hand side of the main panel and appear on the right-hand side. There is usually an active signal for most of the available instruments.

    Each signal consists of an anticipated direction for the price of the underlying asset and duration. Additionally, you are provided with an entry-level for a trade, a take-profit, and stop-loss levels.

    News Screener

    AvaTrade’s news screener
    AvaTrade’s news screener

    The news screener section of the platform contains detailed breakdowns of the latest market developments. Each article has a strong economic focus and provides the reader with an insight into what is driving the market at present.

    I quite liked that each article highlights an instrument that is likely to be impacted by the news. This helps traders gauge the likelihood of upsurges in volatility.

    Economic Calendar

    AvaTrade’s economic calendar
    AvaTrade’s economic calendar

    The economic calendar is an essential tool in a trader’s arsenal. It informs traders of upcoming market events and releases that have the potential to stir price action, thereby creating viable trading opportunities.

    I appreciated the ‘Event Chart’ feature of AvaTrade’s calendar, which is rather uncommon though not unique. It visualizes the previously released numbers for a given economic indicator.

    Analysts Views

    AvaTrade also offers market analyses developed in-house. They represent a combination of senior market experts’ opinions and algorithmic signals. This type of content is only available to funded accounts.

    Market Sentiment

    The MarketBuzz feature is a market sentiment tool powered by TradingCentral. It helps the trader see how other market participants are viewing current market developments. The MarketBuzz feature, too, is only available to funded accounts.

    Weekly Expectations

    AvaTrade publishes weekly market expectations in video format on the broker’s YouTube channel. Each analysis contains a technical and a fundamental aspect, affording the trader multiple perspectives.

    My Key Takeaways After Exploring AvaTrade’s Research Content

    I liked AvaTrade’s research content and think it is suitable for beginners and seasoned traders alike. It strikes a fine balance between practicality and insightfulness.

    By having TC’s signals integrated directly into the platform, newbies can quickly and effortlessly understand what is being said, whereas more experienced traders can keep track of the ever-evolving trading opportunities.

    Education

    4.9
    How Did We Test the Broker's Education Offering?
    Gaining knowledge about trading in the financial markets can make the difference between success and failure. To assess the broker's educational offerings, we personally tested and evaluated the quality of the content provided, considering its relevance for both novice and experienced traders. We explored the range of materials available, such as articles, videos, webinars, and courses. After evaluating the content's volume, update frequency, and overall quality, we compared the results with our benchmark to provide a well-rounded analysis of the broker's education offerings.
    education chart

    AvaTrade stands out for its comprehensive educational offerings, providing a wide array of content that covers topics in depth. This includes a variety of articles, videos, courses, and an e-book, with a particular focus on the nuances of technical analysis. However, it appears less emphasis is placed on fundamental analysis and trading psychology.

    I have broken down the available educational materials by type below.

    Academy

    AvaTrade’s educational academy
    AvaTrade’s educational academy

    The Academy section of the website contains over 150 lessons with a duration of over 5 hours of study time – one of the most impressive collections I have ever seen. Most attention is paid to the intricacies of technical analysis and how to trade specific asset classes.

    Tutorials

    The tutorials section
    The tutorials section

    More than a dozen educational videos are available from the platform. They cover topics such as different order types, essential trading concepts, and more. Each video lasts several minutes and is geared towards first-time traders.

    Blog

    AvaTrade’s blog
    AvaTrade’s blog

    The blog section of the website is updated once every few months. Each article represents a broader and somewhat more abstract take on various trading and economic topics. At the moment of writing, the blog contained around 50 articles.

    Webinars

    Hundreds of past webinars are available from AvaTrade’s YouTube channel. I found them highly informative and covering a wide array of topics.

    The Bottom Line

    AvaTrade is a well-balanced broker catering to the needs of first-time traders and seasoned experts alike. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Ireland, Ava is licensed in multiple jurisdictions and adheres to all safety requirements.

    The broker has developed several highly functional platforms and apps suitable for different kinds of trading. It also incorporates DupliTrade for social trading and the Guardian Angel Suit for enhanced risk management on MT4 and MT5.

    AvaTrade stands out with its innovative risk management service AvaProtect, a wide collection of platforms, below-average costs, and diverse instrument offerings. Traders can choose between hundreds of CFDs and vanilla options.

    In conclusion, I assessed that AvaTrade is a perfect choice for technical traders of all experience levels. As a market maker, it accommodates high-frequency trading, though I think it is even better suited for day trading and position trading because of its low swaps.

    FAQ

    AvaTrade is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. It also has offices in Tokyo, Sydney, Abu Dhabi, and elsewhere.
    AvaTrade holds several Tier-1 regulations, adheres to all essential safety requirements, and has very transparent legal documents. It has also developed a unique risk-management tool in AvaProtect. All of these factors, in my opinion, make AvaTrade a safe and reliable broker to trade with.
    Thanks to extensive educational and research content, user-friendly platforms, and low costs, AvaTrade is a good choice for beginners.
    You can deposit funds via bank wire transfer, debit/credit card, and e-wallets if outside of Europe and Australia.
    The minimum deposit requirement with AvaTrade is $100.
    Withdrawals can be processed via wire transfer, credit/debit card, and e-wallets.
    Transaction times may vary between 3 to 8 business days.
    The maximum leverage for retail traders with AvaTrade is 1:400 with Ava Trade Markets Ltd.
    The account can be opened from the main page of the website.
    AvaTrade offers its proprietary web-based platform and AvaTradeGO mobile app along with, MetaTrader 4&5, AvaOptions, AvaSocial, and DupliTrade.
    Yes, it does.
    Yes, AvaTrade is suitable for scalping.
    Yes, auto-trading is available via MetaTrader’s Expert Advisors (EAs) feature.
    Yes, hedging is permitted with AvaTrade. Additionally, AvaProtect affords a unique way to hedge individual trades.
    Yes, spread betting is available for British clients with AvaTrade.
    Yes, AvaTrade offers free VPS hosting.
    Yes, AvaTrade operates as a market maker with a dealing desk.
    No, AvaTrade does not operate a bank.

    See AvaTrade Full Information

    Headquarters Country
    Ireland
    Foundation Year
    2006
    Regulations
    FSCA (South Africa), CBI (Ireland), ADGM (United Arab Emirates), ASIC (Australia), BVI FSC (Virgin Islands, British), ISA (Israel), JFSA (Japan)
    Publicly Traded
    No
    Number Of Employees
    200+
    Trading Desk Type
    Market Maker, Dealing Desk
    Trading Platforms
    AvaTradeGo, AvaOptions, AvaSocial, MT5, Proprietary, MT4, WebTrader, DupliTrade
    Restricted Countries
    Iran, United States, North Korea
    Supported Languages
    English, Russian, French, Portuguese, Arabic, Spanish, German, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Malaysian, Thai
    Min Deposit
    $100
    Max Leverage
    1:30 (FSCA), 1:30 (CBI), 1:30 (ADGM), 1:30 (ASIC), 1:1000 (BVI FSC), 1:20 (ISA), 1:25 (JFSA)
    Deposit Options
    Wire Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, Credit Card, Debit Card, Webmoney
    Withdrawal Options
    Wire Transfer, Neteller, Skrill, Credit Card, Debit Card, Webmoney
    Time to Withdrawal
    4
    Time to Open an Account
    1
    Crypto
    Ethereum, Dogecoin, Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ripple, Dash, NEO, Cardano, Stellar, EOS, IOTA, Uniswap, Polygon
    Products
    Options, Currencies, Stocks, ETFs, Crypto, Bonds, Indices, Commodities
    Demo Account
    Yes
    OCO Orders
    No
    Offers Hedging
    Yes
    Automated Trading
    Yes
    API Trading
    No
    Guaranteed Stop Loss
    No
    Guaranteed Limit Orders
    Yes
    Guaranteed Fills / Liquidity
    No
    Economic calendar
    Yes
    Trading From Chart
    Yes
    One-Click Trading
    No
    Expert Advisor
    Yes
    Social Trading
    Yes
    Autochartist
    No
    Trading Signals
    Yes
    Platform Languages
    Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese, Arabic, Swedish, Hungarian, English, French, Spanish, Russian, German, Indonesian
    24 Hours Support
    Yes
    Support During Weekends
    No
    Live Chat
    Yes
    Daily Market Commentary
    Yes
    News (Top-Tier Sources)
    Yes
    Webinars
    Yes
    Deposit Fee
    No
    Withdrawal Fee
    No
    Inactivity Fee
    Yes

    About the Author

    Plamen StoyanovBroker Analyst

    Having been a retail trader since 2013, Plamen has gained an in-depth understanding of the challenges that novice traders face today. His expertise is swing trading and day trading with a heavy emphasis on psychological and fundamental analysis. Plamen’s favourite trading instruments include FX majors and gold. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics and International Relations. Plamen's broad experience has equipped him with the expertise to recommend the best forex brokers.

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