AvaTrade
- Written By thinkforexbrokers
- Updated:
If you’re a retail trader searching for a reliable forex broker, AvaTrade is definitely worth looking into. The platform is designed to give traders peace of mind with built-in protection against large, unexpected losses, while also offering solid social trading features that make it especially appealing for beginners and those still finding their way in the market. In this review, we’ll walk through the main things you should keep in mind when deciding if AvaTrade fits your trading needs.
The broker has also built up a strong reputation among its users. On Trustpilot, AvaTrade holds an impressive 4.7 out of 5 rating, based on over 10,000 customer reviews (as of June 12, 2024). Out of these, around 77% gave the broker a full 5-star score, while about 13% left a one-star review.
AvaTrade Summary | |
Year Founded | 2006 |
Minimum Deposit | $100 |
Tradable Instruments | Forex, stocks, commodities, indices, cryptocurrencies, bonds, treasuries, options, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) |
Open an Account | How to Open an Account at AvaTrade |
Trading Costs | Spreads, Fees, and Commissions at AvaTrade |
Key Pros and Cons
If you are tight on time, here are a few key pros and cons to consider before you start using the services of AvaTrade.
- Key Pros
- Over 1,000 tradable markets
- Competitive fixed spreads on offer
- Partial trading losses coverage via AvaTrade Protection
- Negative balance protection for all clients
- Key Cons
- Lacks an FCA license for the UK
- Does not accept customers from the US
- One account type only, STP and ECN accounts unavailable
- High administrative and inactivity fees
Company Information
AvaTrade was established back in 2006 by Emanuel Kronitz and Negev Nosatzki. At first, it operated under the name AvaFX, mainly focusing on forex trading. As the business grew and expanded into different types of assets, the company rebranded as AvaTrade in 2013. Over the years, it has built a large global following, now serving more than 400,000 registered traders. According to the broker, clients place over two million trades every month, with a combined trading volume that exceeds $70 billion. The firm is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, but its reach extends far beyond that, with regional offices spread across several countries to support its international client base.
 | Dublin, Ireland (main office) |
| Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) |
| Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Road Town, British Virgin Islands |
| Milan, Italy |
| Herzliya, Israel |
 | Sydney, Australia |
| Tokyo, Japan |
| Limassol, Cyprus |
| Warsaw, Poland |
| Las Condes, Chile |
| Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
| Mexico City, Mexico |
Catering to Traders Worldwide
One of the impressive features of AvaTrade is its truly global reach, which is something that will appeal to traders all around the world. Their website is configured for over 25 separate countries and regions and supports at least 20 different languages.
Multiple Industry Awards
AvaTrade has won multiple industry accolades from reputable outlets, such as The European, International Business Magazine, FXEmpire, and Daytrading.com.
Catering to Traders Worldwide
One of the impressive features of AvaTrade is its truly global reach, which is something that will appeal to traders all around the world. Their website is configured for over 25 separate countries and regions and supports at least 20 different languages.
Multiple Industry Awards
AvaTrade has won multiple industry accolades from reputable outlets, such as The European, International Business Magazine, FXEmpire, and Daytrading.com.
Management
AvaTrade is led by a management team with strong experience in the financial industry. At the helm is CEO Daire Ferguson, who previously worked as a Senior Treasury Manager at Bristol Myers Squibb. Supporting him is CFO Sairi Hemmendinger, who brings valuable expertise from her time at PwC. Overseeing compliance is Ian Webb, the Chief Compliance Officer, whose background includes roles at Citco Bank Nederland and Deutsche Bank. Together, this leadership team provides the broker with a solid foundation of knowledge and credibility.
Why Trade with AvaTrade?
If you are in a bit of a rush, here are some of the most important features of trading with AvaTrade that we like.
Aspect | What we like |
Regulation | Licenses from multiple financial regulators |
Trading | A wide range of instruments, including stocks and crypto |
Pricing/Costs | Competitive spreads |
Platforms | MT4, MT5, AvaOptions and a proprietary browser-based WebTrader platform |
Mobile Trading | AvaTrade is an excellent app with multiple functionalities. The broker also has a dedicated AvaOptions app. |
Social Trading | DupliTrade/ZuluTrade are available, but the AvaSocial app also allows you to copy other traders. |
Protection | Negative balance protection and AvaProtect are available. |
Education | An excellent selection of educational articles for traders |
Regulation
When it comes to brokers, regulation is always a key talking point. Traders often look at how many licenses a broker holds, since multiple regulators usually mean stronger oversight and a safer trading environment. AvaTrade stands out in this area with a strong regulatory framework. Its different entities are supervised by several well-known financial authorities, ensuring that clients worldwide can trade with confidence under strict regulatory standards.
Flag | Region | Entity | Authority |
| Ireland | AvaTrade EU | Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) – primary regulator |
| Australia | Ava Capital Markets Australia | Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) |
| Japan | AvaTrade Japan | Financial Futures Association of Japan(FFAJ), Financial Services Agency |
| Middle East | AvaTrade Middle East | Abu Dhabi Global Markets Financial Regulatory Service Authority (FRSA) |
| British Virgin Islands | AvaTrade | BVI Financial Services Commission (BVI FSC) |
| South Africa | Ava Capital Markets | Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) |
| Cyprus (EU) | DT Direct Investment Hub Ltd. | Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) |
| Israel | ATrade Ltd | Israel Securities Authority (ISA) |
One important detail to note is that AvaTrade does not hold a license from the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This is a bit of a drawback, given that the FCA is one of the most respected regulators in the world and enforces very strict compliance standards. That said, AvaTrade still operates under CySEC and CBI regulations, which means UK clients are covered under the CBI license. Retail traders here face the standard 1:30 leverage cap, while professionals can access leverage as high as 1:400.
Even without the FCA badge, AvaTrade’s range of licenses allows it to serve traders across different regions, each under the framework that suits them best. On the North American side, like many international brokers, AvaTrade does not hold authorization from the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). However, Canadian traders are not left out—they can access AvaTrade’s full suite of products through its partnership with Friedberg Direct, a well-established Canadian broker.
So, while the absence of FCA regulation may raise some eyebrows, AvaTrade balances this out by being supervised by several other reputable regulators, which helps reinforce its credibility on a global scale.
Regulation
3.5/5
- The multi-jurisdiction regulation improves customer trust
- Partner of the popular Canadian broker Friedberg Direct
- The lack of a CFTC license prevents the broker from accepting US traders
- Does not hold a license from the FCA in the UK
KYC Procedure for Account Creation and Depositing
Getting started with AvaTrade is pretty straightforward. Our registration process took around ten minutes from start to finish, and the questions asked were standard—nothing out of the ordinary compared to what most brokers require when opening a trading account.
To begin, all you need to do is head over to the website and hit the “Register Now” button. From there, the platform walks you through the sign-up steps, making it easy to complete the process without any confusion.
Add Contact Details – add in your email address and telephone number. Or simply use your Facebook or Google logins.
Choose a Password – select a strong password for your account.
Further Contact Details – enter your name, date of birth, and address.
Choose Your Platform – the broker offers MT4, MT5, and AvaOptions.
Select Your Base Currency – the options include USD, EUR, GBP, and CHF.
Financial Status and Funding – you are now required to disclose your estimated annual income, your savings, how much you intend to invest, and the source of your funds. This may seem a little uncomfortable to you, but is, nonetheless, a standard industry requirement.
Trading Experience – answer the questions about how much you have traded in the past year and what volume.
Trading Knowledge – assessment of your professional qualifications and experience in leveraged trading.
Terms and Conditions – finally, AvaTrade will ask that you confirm you do not reside in the United States and that you have read and agree to the broker’s terms and conditions. You may also choose to receive account updates from AvaTrade via WhatsApp.
Now that you have set up your account, you must upload some documents for AvaTrade to check. You will be asked to prove your identity and provide proof of address.
Proof of residency – upload a photo of a utility bill, bank account statement, or insurance policy (household/vehicle). When you complete your registration and upload your documents, you must wait for AvaTrade to verify your account. The verification is done within one business day.
- Passport
- National ID card
- Driver’s License
Financial Status and Funding – you are now required to disclose your estimated annual income, your savings, how much you intend to invest, and the source of your funds. This may seem a little uncomfortable to you, but is, nonetheless, a standard industry requirement.
However, there is also one more thing before you can start trading, as you must fund your account. To open a Standard account with AvaTrade, there is a minimum deposit requirement of $100 (or €100/£100).
Account Opening
3.5/5
- The signup process is fairly standard
- The registration requires around 10 minutes
- Includes a questionnaire to assess your experience in leveraged trading
- A minimum deposit of $100 is required for opening a Standard account
Account Types
When it comes to trading with AvaTrade, you basically have two main types of accounts to choose from. Each is designed to fit different styles of traders, depending on what you’re looking for in terms of features and flexibility.
- Standard Account – this is the default account option for all retail traders.
- Professional Account – qualifying traders are offered narrower spreads and higher leverage limits.
There are three significant differences between Professional and Standard accounts.
- Spreads are tighter for professional traders.
- Leverage limits are much higher with professional accounts.
- Cryptocurrencies can be traded with leverage of 1:2 or 1:100, depending on the account type.
Standard Account
The standard trading account is the most common option at AvaTrade, but the exact features you get depend on where you’re based. For instance, traders in Europe face tighter rules, with forex leverage capped at 1:30. In regions outside of Europe, Canada, and Australia, the restrictions are more relaxed, allowing leverage of up to 1:400 on standard accounts.
When it comes to cryptocurrencies, European retail traders are limited to a maximum leverage of 1:2, reflecting the stricter regulations in that market.
Premium Account
One of the key perks of the professional account is access to tighter spreads. For example, the EUR/USD spread narrows to 0.6 pips compared to 0.8 pips on a standard retail account. In practical terms, that means a 1-lot trade on EUR/USD costs $6 with a professional account, versus $8 for retail clients.
The leverage limits are also far more generous, jumping from 1:30 on retail accounts to as high as 1:400 for professional traders. The trade-off, however, is that professionals give up certain protections that EU retail customers enjoy.
Another big difference is in crypto trading—while retail traders in Europe are capped at 1:2 leverage, professional accounts allow up to 1:100 on cryptocurrencies.
The qualifying criteria for professional accounts are quite stringent:
Trading Activity – over 10 large-volume transactions per quarter over the past four quarters.
Experience – having professional experience in the financial sector for at least one year.
Portfolio Size – this includes cash savings and financial instruments, and the size should be greater than $500,000.
Other Available Accounts
Other accounts are available, but they come with some restrictions:
- For clients based in Ireland, AvaTrade also offers a spread betting account. It works much like a standard CFD account, but the main advantage is that profits from spread betting are generally exempt from capital gains tax.
- Islamic Account – For traders who follow Sharia law, AvaTrade offers swap-free accounts. These accounts do not incur any overnight interest or financing charges, allowing users to trade in full compliance with Islamic principles.
- AvaOptions – Experienced traders can access a Vanilla Options account, designed for those looking to trade options with flexibility and advanced strategies.
What You Do Not Get at AvaTrade
It’s equally important to know which account features AvaTrade doesn’t provide. Unlike some other brokers, there are certain account types and functionalities that AvaTrade currently doesn’t offer:
- STP or ECN Accounts – All accounts at AvaTrade rely on the dealing-desk order execution model, which means you cannot get direct market access at AvaTrade, and accounts with spreads from zero pips are unavailable.
- Guaranteed Stop-Loss Orders – Some brokers provide guaranteed stop-loss orders to help protect traders from fast-moving and gapping markets, but AvaTrade does not offer this feature. The broker compensates for this omission with AvaProtect, which covers your trading losses within a specific period in exchange for a small fee.
Account Types
3.5/5
- Standard and Professional accounts are available
- Spread betting is available in select countries
- Islamic accounts are also on offer
- No STP/ECN accounts with zero spreads
- Guaranteed stop-loss orders are unavailable
Trading Fees and Other Costs
Almost every broker charges trading fees to cover operational costs and provide their services. Still, it’s always better when these fees are kept low after all, nobody wants to see a big chunk of their hard-earned money eaten up by unnecessary costs.
There are several types of trading costs you can incur, and generally, they can be divided into two categories:
- Trading Fees – spreads, commissions, and overnight financing charges.
- Non-Trading Expenses – account opening, inactivity, and currency conversion fees.
Let’s break these down into sections and see what they are at AvaTrade.
Costs/fees | What is this? | With AvaTrade? |
TRADING FEES | ||
Spreads | The expenses resulting from the difference in bid and ask prices. Wider spreads lead to higher costs. | Competitive spreads of 0.8 pips on EUR/USD. Spreads are also fixed. |
Commission | A flat fee paid upon opening and closing a position | Zero commissions |
Financing Charges | The cost of holding open positions overnight after the trading day ends | Standard formula |
NON-TRADING FEES | ||
Deposit Fees | Fees charged by the broker to fund your account | None at AvaTrade (see more in Deposit Methods below) |
Withdrawal Fees | Fees charged by the broker to withdraw money from your account | |
Inactivity Fees | Fees charged on dormant trading accounts | $10 per month after 2 consecutive months of inactivity |
Administration Fees | Charged for account maintenance after longer periods of inactivity | $100 after 12 consecutive months |
Trading Costs
AvaTrade functions as a market maker, managing its own dealing desk, and earns revenue primarily through two main channels:
- The first way AvaTrade makes money is through the spreads built into trades. Simply put, the spread is the difference between the bid price the amount you receive when selling and the ask price the amount you pay when buying.
- The second way AvaTrade earns revenue is by acting as the counterparty to client trades. In this setup, when a trader profits, the broker takes a loss, and when the trader loses, the broker gains.
At BestBrokers.com, we will tell you all there is to know about the trading and non-trading costs at AvaTrade so that you can easily determine whether the broker is suitable for you or not.
Spreads
AvaTrade offers competitive spreads, largely due to its dealing desk model, which provides fixed spreads. This ensures that traders always know the cost of trading, regardless of market conditions. While brokers with variable spreads may occasionally offer slightly better rates, AvaTrade’s pricing remains attractive compared to other market makers.
When trading commodities, standard spreads, often referred to as “Spread Over Market,” apply. For example, trading gold CFDs typically carries a spread of 27 pips.
Compared to its closest competitors, AvaTrade generally maintains favorable spreads on major forex pairs. Although some rival brokers may occasionally offer lower minimum spreads, AvaTrade’s fixed spreads provide consistency and predictability for traders.
Instrument | AvaTrade fixed | IG Markets min average | FXCM min average | OANDA min average | |||
EUR/USD | 0.8 | 0.6 | 0.85 | 0.0 | 0.82 | 1.0 | 1.6 |
GBP/USD | 1.2 | 0.9 | 1.40 | 0.0 | 0.98 | 1.2 | 1.9 |
USD/JPY | 1.3 | 0.7 | 0.94 | 0.0 | 0.98 | 1.1 | 1.6 |
USD/CHF | 1.3 | 1.5 | 1.99 | 0.0 | 1.8 | 1.3 | 1.8 |
AUD/USD | 0.9 | 0.6 | 0.82 | 0.0 | 0.82 | 1.1 | 1.3 |
USD/CAD | 1.8 | 1.3 | 1.77 | 0.0 | 1.7 | 1.5 | 1.9 |
NZD/USD | 1.4 | 1.8 | 2.05 | 0.0 | 1.54 | 1.4 | 2.4 |
AvaTrade Spreads on Major Forex Pairs for Retail and Pro Accounts
Instrument | Retail Spread | Pro Spread |
EUR/USD | 0.8 pips | 0.6 pips |
GBP/USD | 1.2 pips | 0.9 pips |
USD/JPY | 1.3 pips | 1.1 pips |
USD/CHF | 1.3 pips | 0.9 pips |
AUD/USD | 0.9 pips | 0.8 pips |
USD/CAD | 1.8 pips | 1.5 pips |
NZD/USD | 1.4 pips | 1.3 pips |
Commissions
AvaTrade charges no commissions as it profits mainly from the spreads.
Spreads & Commissions
4/5
- Competitive fixed spreads
- Zero commissions on trades
Financing Charges
When you keep a trade open overnight, you’ll be charged what’s known as a swap or overnight financing fee. These charges aren’t fixed—they fluctuate daily based on the interest rate differences between the two currencies in the pair you’re trading. Depending on whether your position is long or short, the fee can either work against you (negative) or in your favor (positive).
AvaTrade applies a fairly standard formula to calculate these charges:
Trade Amount × Daily Interest Rate = Overnight Financing Fee
This way, the cost (or credit) is directly tied to the size of your trade and the prevailing interest rate environment.
Deposit fees
AvaTrade has zero deposit fees, a fairly standard policy at most brokers. For more details, see Deposit Methods.
Withdrawal fees
AvaTrade has no withdrawal fees, which is also very good. Some brokers charge extra for second withdrawals requested within the same month and the additional fees often start from $25 for wire transfers. For more details, see Withdrawal Methods.
Inactivity fees
AvaTrade doesn’t charge for deposits or withdrawals, but there is a catch if your account goes unused. After just two months of inactivity, the broker applies a $10 fee (or the equivalent in your base currency), which is then deducted every month from your available balance.
While $10 is relatively small compared to what some brokers charge, the short two-month grace period is a drawback. Most brokers wait up to a year before applying inactivity fees, giving traders more breathing room if they decide to step away for a while.
Administration Fees
In addition to the monthly inactivity fee, AvaTrade also applies a larger annual charge. If your account has been inactive for a full year, you’ll be hit with a $100 administration fee on top of the $10 monthly deductions.
To put it into perspective: if you’re trading in USD, have less than $2,000 in your account, and don’t use it for 12 straight months, you’ll end up paying $220 in inactivity fees ($120 in monthly charges plus the $100 annual fee). That’s steep compared to many competing brokers, making long-term account dormancy quite costly at AvaTrade.
- Forex.com only starts charging an inactivity fee of $15 per month after 12 months.
- OANDA charges a $10 inactivity fee per month after 12 months.
Inactivity Fees
5/5
- AvaTrade has high administration fees for inactivity
- The broker charges $10 per month for inactivity
- The $10 fee comes into effect after 2 months of inactivity
- There is also a $100 administration fee, charged annually after 12 months of inactivity
Overall on Fees
AvaTrade stacks up fairly well against many of its competitors when it comes to trading costs. The broker offers low fixed spreads and charges no commission, which is definitely a plus. Another advantage is the fact that deposits and withdrawals are free of extra fees.
That said, AvaTrade does fall short when it comes to account inactivity. The combination of monthly inactivity charges and an additional annual administration fee makes it far more expensive than what most other brokers impose.
So, to sum it up: AvaTrade is cost-friendly for active traders, but if you plan on leaving your account untouched for long stretches, those extra fees can quickly become a burden.
Trading Fees and Other Costs
4/5
- Trading costs are low, with competitive fixed spreads and zero commissions
- The absence of deposit and withdrawal fees is also a positive
- Inactivity and administration fees on dormant accounts are high
Desktop Trading Platforms
AvaTrade has a few platforms you can trade on. Let’s start by looking at the main options available:
- WebTrader – AvaTrade’s proprietary browser-based platform.
- MetaTrader 4 – MT4 is still considered the benchmark platform for retail traders.
- MetaTrader 5 – MT5 is the upgraded version of MT4.
Now, let’s have a look at each platform in more detail:
WebTrader
AvaTrade’s own trading platform runs directly in your web browser, so you don’t have to bother with any downloads or installations on your computer. The interface is modern, clean, and pretty straightforward, which makes it easy to get around.
Here’s what stands out in a good way:
- The simple, well-structured layout contains separate categories for the different asset classes.
- The information in the trade editor enables traders to easily calculate their profits, losses, costs, and overnight financing charges.
- The Live Chat function is available directly on the platform.
However, the charting capabilities are slightly more limited compared to those of some rival proprietary platforms, like the one used by CMC Markets, for example.
MT4 & MT5
MetaTrader 5 is the next-generation platform from MetaQuotes, designed to build on the success of MT4 while offering a more advanced trading experience. Just like MT4, it comes with Global Prime’s competitive pricing and fast execution, but MT5 goes a step further by adding features such as Level 2 pricing, Depth of Market (DoM) trading, and detailed volume analysis.
The platform is highly customizable, so traders can tailor the interface to match their personal style and preferences. MT5 also supports expert advisors (EAs) for automated trading strategies, along with multiple dashboards for checking market depth and liquidity.
It’s worth noting that MT5 is currently only available for clients registered under Global Prime’s Vanuatu entity, while Australian clients still have access exclusively to MT4. Both platforms can be used as desktop applications for Windows and Mac, a web version that works directly in popular browsers, and mobile apps for iOS and Android devices.
Other Platforms & Functions
In addition to the MetaTrader platforms, AvaTrade also offers a few other options for desktop users. One of these is AvaOptions, a dedicated platform for trading vanilla options that is not commonly provided by many rival brokers. On top of that, the broker supports automated trading through DupliTrade and ZuluTrade. DupliTrade is specifically available for European clients, while ZuluTrade gives traders the opportunity to copy the strategies of over 10,000 traders from more than 190 countries, making it a popular choice for those interested in social and copy trading.
Desktop Platforms
4/5
- A good selection of desktop platforms
- WebTrader is a decent proprietary platform but better ones are available
- MT4 and MT5 are, of course, on offer
- AvaOptions is a good addition for options traders
- Social trading is possible as well
Mobile Trading Platforms
AvaTrade also provides a solid range of mobile trading options, with its proprietary app standing out as a reliable choice for traders on the go. The app closely resembles the WebTrader platform in terms of design and usability, making it easy to switch between devices without confusion. Available for both iOS and Android, it comes packed with useful features such as access to tutorials, educational resources, and even a free demo account, which is particularly helpful for beginners who want to practice without risking real funds. Overall, the AvaTrade app delivers a smooth and functional mobile trading experience.
- Charting features are available.
- Users have access to market sentiment information.
- Social trading notifications.
- AvaProtect is also available here.
- Users can see current market trends.
AvaSocial is AvaTrade’s dedicated copy trading app. Social trading is growing in popularity, and AvaSocial reflects this as it enables you to:
- Follow and copy the positions of the best traders.
- Learn by asking mentors questions and join various trading groups.
- Discover new trading strategies.
Android | iOS | |
Minimum System Requirements | Android 7.0 and up | iOS 15.0 or later |
User Rating | 4.3/5 | 5/5 |
User Reviews | 82.7K reviews | 8 ratings |
Supported Languages | English, Arabic, Bengali, Czech, Dutch, Filipino, French, German, Greek, Hindi, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Singhalese, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, Traditional Chinese, Turkish, Urdu, Uzbek, Vietnamese | English, Arabic, Bengali, Czech, Dutch, Filipino, French, German, Greek, Hindi, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Singhalese, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, Traditional Chinese, Turkish, Urdu, Uzbek, Vietnamese |
Forex Pairs | 50+ | 50+ |
Other Tradable Assets | CFDs on Stocks, Commodities, Equity Indices, Thematic Indices, Precious Metals, Energies, Shares | CFDs on Stocks, Commodities, Equity Indices, Thematic Indices, Precious Metals, Energies, Shares |
Features | Instant order execution and no re-quotes, Account customization features, In-app deposits and withdrawals, Real-time charts, Over 90 trading indicators, Access to the latest news, analysis, and market research materials | Instant order execution and no re-quotes, Account customization features, In-app deposits and withdrawals, Real-time charts, Over 90 trading indicators, Access to the latest news, analysis, and market research materials |
Biometric Authentication | Yes | Yes |
2-Factor Authentication | Yes | Yes |
Mobile Trading
4/5
- The AvaTrade app is excellent for traders on the go and is an extension of the proprietary WebTrader platform
- AvaSocial is a dedicated social trading app, which is a solid feature
Trading Instruments
AvaTrade offers a broad variety of tradable instruments across eight different asset classes, which makes it appealing to many types of traders. The inclusion of forex options, cryptocurrencies, and ETFs is a definite advantage since not all brokers provide access to these markets. That said, the bond offering feels somewhat limited, and while the 53 available currency pairs cover the essentials, the selection is fairly standard compared to what some competitors provide. Overall, the variety is solid, though certain areas could be expanded to strengthen the lineup even further.
Asset Class | Number of instruments | Selection |
Forex | 53 | Average |
Indices | 36 | Good |
Commodities | 36 | Good |
Bonds | 2 | Poor |
Stocks | 643 | Good |
FX options | 87 | Good |
ETFs | 67 | Strong |
Cryptocurrency | 25 | Strong |
Forex
AvaTrade provides 53 currency pairs, which is a decent and competitive selection for most traders. However, when compared to some rivals, it does fall a little short. For instance, OANDA offers more than 60 pairs, while Forex.com provides over 55. So, while the range at AvaTrade covers the key markets effectively, traders looking for the widest possible currency variety might find other brokers slightly more appealing.
Indices
AvaTrade offers a total of 36 indices, covering all the major ones along with 19 main indices and several sector-specific options like FAANG, AIRLINES, and GREEN ENERGY. This provides traders with a solid and well-rounded selection, giving access not only to the global benchmarks but also to trending sectors that many investors are particularly interested in. Overall, it’s a decent range that caters well to both traditional and modern market preferences.
Commodities
AvaTrade provides access to 19 commodity markets, covering precious metals like gold and silver, energy products, and a range of soft commodities. The only drawback is the limited choice in base metals, with copper being the sole option. Despite this, the overall selection is solid and gives traders plenty of opportunities across the key commodity sectors.
Bonds
AvaTrade’s bond offering is very limited, with only two options available — the EURO-BUND and the JAPAN GOVT BOND. There are no treasuries, gilts, or other major government debt instruments, making the selection quite restricted compared to what some other brokers provide.
Stock
AvaTrade provides a solid variety in the stock category, which is usually the most diverse asset class among brokers. With just over 640 stocks available, the majority are US-based, but traders also have access to major German, UK, French, Italian, Dutch, and Canadian stocks. Overall, this represents a fairly decent selection, though some competitors may offer a broader global range.
Cryptocurrencies
AvaTrade offers 25 cryptocurrencies for trading, including popular options like Bitcoin, Ripple, and Ethereum, along with several others. This provides a solid variety that should appeal to most crypto traders, giving them enough choice to explore different digital assets without being overwhelming
Other Asset Classes
AvaTrade also gives traders access to more than 60 exchange-traded funds (ETFs) along with 44 forex options. This is a solid offering, especially since options trading is not something many brokers provide, making AvaTrade stand out in this area.
Traded Instruments
4/5
- An average selection of forex pairs
- Good for trading stocks, commodities, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies
- The availability of forex options is a plus
- Overall, the selection of tradable instruments is solid
Trade Execution
AvaTrade follows a dealing-desk model of order execution, meaning it acts as a market maker. This setup has its own advantages for traders, though it also comes with certain drawbacks. To start with the positives, one of the main benefits is that spreads are fixed, giving traders consistency and predictability when it comes to trading costs. In volatile markets, this can be an advantage since variable spreads at other brokers can widen significantly. Another plus is that execution is usually fast and reliable because trades are handled internally rather than being sent out to external liquidity providers. For newer or more casual traders, this model can also feel more straightforward, as the pricing structure is easier to understand.
- Fast Trade Execution – all orders are processed in-house and are never routed to the interbank market.
- Low Spreads – AvaTrade offers relatively low fixed spreads.
- No Commissions – AvaTrade generates revenue mainly from the spreads and charges no additional commissions upon opening and closing positions.
On the downside, the dealing-desk model does come with notable drawbacks. The biggest concern is the potential conflict of interest since AvaTrade may sometimes act as the counterparty to its clients’ trades. While the broker does use external liquidity providers to hedge risk in many cases, situations still exist where trades are not hedged, effectively putting the broker on the opposite side of a client’s position. This naturally raises questions of trust, as some traders may feel uncomfortable knowing their broker could be trading against them. Another limitation is that AvaTrade does not currently support STP (Straight-Through Processing) or ECN (Electronic Communication Network) execution models, which many professional traders prefer because they provide direct access to liquidity providers and typically allow for tighter spreads and greater transparency.
Trade Execution
3.5/5
- Uses a dealing-desk pricing model
- Fast order execution, low spreads, and no commissions
- This also means AvaTrade may take opposite positions against its clients
- No STP or ECN execution
Deposit Methods
To open a live account with AvaTrade, you must meet the minimum deposit requirement of 100 units in your base currency:
- USD-Denominated Account – $100
- EUR-Denominated Account – €100
- GBP-Denominated Account – £100
- AUD-Denominated Account – AU$100 (only available to Australian clients)
AvaTrade suggests depositing between 1,000 and 2,000 units of your chosen base currency to make the most of the products and services available on its platforms. While this is only a recommendation and not a requirement, it helps ensure smoother trading conditions and access to a wider range of instruments. On the plus side, the broker does not charge any extra fees for deposits, which is in line with industry standards but still worth double-checking beforehand. Funding your account is straightforward, with several different methods available to suit trader preferences.
- Debit/Credit Card
- Wire Transfer – note that it may take up to 7 business days for the funds to reflect in your balance.
- E-Wallet (such as PayPal, Skrill, Webmoney, or Neteller) – this solution is unavailable to Australian or EU clients.
Method | Clearing Time | Notes |
Debit/Credit Card | Instant | Unavailable to Canadian traders |
Wire Transfer | Can take up to 7 business days | Processing times depend on your bank and country |
E-Wallet | Within 24 hours | Not available to EU or Australian customers |
The funding process is simple – just click on the “Deposit” section of your account and select the method you would like to use.
Deposits Methods
4/5
- A good selection of deposit options
- No fees are charged on deposits
- Fast clearing of funds for credit-card and e-wallet deposits
Withdrawal Methods
Withdrawals at AvaTrade are fairly straightforward and usually processed within a reasonable timeframe. In some cases, funds are released within minutes, while in others it may take up to 1–2 business days, which is still acceptable compared to industry standards. In line with international anti-money laundering regulations, withdrawals must be made using the same payment method you used to fund your account, up to 200% of the deposited amount (the deposit itself plus profits equal to the deposit). Once that threshold is reached, you can switch to another withdrawal method. Importantly, AvaTrade does not charge any fees for withdrawals, unlike some brokers that add extra costs for multiple withdrawals within the same month.
Withdrawal Methods
4/5
- The prompt withdrawal processing is a definite plus
- Withdrawals are returned to the original deposit method due to standard anti-money laundering regulations
- The absence of withdrawal fees is a perk
Customer Support Contacts
Contacting AvaTrade’s customer service center can be done through all the usual communication methods. However, we were a bit disappointed with the email option, which we will discuss further below. In the meantime, here are the available support contacts:
Support contact | Available | Response |
FAQ & Help Center – provide extensive information | 24/7 | Website |
Online Chatbot – AvaGuide | 24/7 | Instant |
Telephone Line | 24/5 | Within minutes |
“Email” | 24/5 | Within a few hours |
First and foremost, we liked the fact that AvaTrade’s website can be accessed in a multitude of different languages. Just go to “About Us” and click on “Trading Websites” to choose the language you prefer.
FAQ and Help Center: AvaTrade provides a comprehensive FAQ section on its website, organized into multiple sub-categories to make navigation easier. It covers a wide range of topics, including general account support, technical issues, and platform-related questions. Since the page is accessible 24/7, traders can quickly find answers to common queries without needing to contact customer support directly.
Online Chatbot (AvaGuide): If the FAQ section does not provide the information you need, you can turn to AvaGuide, AvaTrade’s online chatbot. It delivers instant automated responses and, if necessary, can also transfer you to a live customer support representative for further assistance.
Telephone Lines: If you prefer to interact with a person, there is also an extensive list of 37 different telephone numbers on the website, which includes countries from around the world.
- 21 countries in Europe
- 8 countries in Asia
- 4 countries in South America
- 2 countries in Africa
Clients who reside in Australia, New Zealand, the UAE, or Mexico also have phone numbers they can call. Customer support agents can assist users only on weekdays, that is 24/5.
Email Contact: AvaTrade does not provide a direct email address for customer support. Instead, you can reach out through the broker’s built-in messaging system on the website, where you submit your inquiry along with your contact details. While the company refers to this as an “Email” service, it functions more like a messaging form, requiring both your phone number and email address. In our experience, the response time was fairly quick, with a reply arriving within 24 hours. However, since the process collects additional contact details, it feels just as much like a marketing tool as it does a support channel.
Support Contact
4/5
- An extensive FAQ section
- Provides live support via a chatbot
- Plenty of telephone lines for different countries
- No dedicated email contact
Research and Educational Materials
The Education hub on the AvaTrade website is packed with resources that cater to traders of all experience levels. It’s a solid collection that can be particularly helpful for beginners who are just starting out. The broker provides a wide range of articles that cover important areas such as trading strategies, technical and fundamental analysis, risk management, and explanations of different financial instruments. The content is designed to simplify complex concepts, making it easier for newcomers to understand the basics while also offering valuable insights for more advanced traders looking to refine their skills.
- Trading for beginners – explaining the basics of trading
- Technical analysis indicators
- Fundamental analysis indicators
- Trading strategies and risk management guides
AvaTrade also provides plenty of learning materials in different formats. If reading isn’t your style, you can watch educational videos that cover key trading topics in a clear and practical way. On top of that, you can download a free e-book packed with extra insights. For registered clients, there’s also the “Ava Academy,” which gives access to even more in-depth resources, including advanced lessons on technical and fundamental analysis, as well as both video and written guides to help sharpen your trading skills.
Trading Central
Trading Central, which sends trading signals to the platform, is also available. You can access analysts’ opinions and trading ideas, as well as news streamed within the MT5 platform.
Research & Education
4/5
- An excellent education hub covering all manner of trading topics
- Registered members gain access to even more educational content
- Hosts regular webinars
- Additional materials, available through Trading Central
Security and Money Guarantees
At Bestbrokers.com, we believe that the protection of client funds is one of the most important factors when choosing a broker. The good news is your money is in safe hands with AvaTrade. Depending on the country, the broker offers:
- Full segregation of client funds
- Investor compensation scheme (for European traders)
- Negative balance protection
- AvaProtect
AvaTrade offers several protective measures to help safeguard its clients, though coverage depends on where you are based. Like most reputable brokers, it keeps client funds segregated from its own, which means that if the company were ever to go bankrupt, traders’ deposits would not be mixed with the broker’s assets. For European customers, there is an added layer of security through the ICCL (Investor Compensation Company Limited), which can reimburse up to 90% of losses with a cap of €20,000 per investor. This is helpful, though it falls short when compared to the UK’s FCA protection, where the compensation limit is significantly higher at £85,000.
Another benefit is negative balance protection, which ensures that retail traders cannot lose more money than they have deposited. This is particularly reassuring for beginners who may be worried about sudden market moves. On top of that, AvaTrade offers an optional tool called AvaProtect, which works like an insurance policy for trades. For a small one-time hedging fee paid at the opening of a position, traders can shield their trade for a set period and receive full compensation for potential losses of up to $1 million. However, this feature is only available when using the WebTrader or AvaTradeGO platforms.
Security of Money Guarantees
4/5
- The IRCC compensation of up to €20,000 is good, but it could be higher if the broker had an FCA license
- Negative balance protection is available for all accounts
- AvaProtect provides additional risk management functionality for a fee
Conclusion
According to BestBrokers.com, AvaTrade is a good broker and is definitely a suitable option for beginner traders. Taking stock, we see that the broker has the following advantages:
- Solid licenses (despite the lack of FCA authorization)
- A good range of desktop and mobile trading platforms
- A large variety of tradable markets
- Low spreads and no commissions whatsoever
- Robust social and automated trading functionalities
Our only complaints are related to:
- The lack of a UK licenserization)
- The absence of STP or ECN accounts
- The high inactivity fees, although this should not bother active traders
Overall, we believe AvaTrade is a good broker for online trading.
Overall
4.5/5
- AvaTrade is a solid choice for online traders
- Low trading costs
- A good selection of available markets and instruments
- Strong education content
- Slightly lags behind due to the lack of a UK license, high inactivity fees, and the absence of DMA accounts
