AvaTrade SA Review 2024
Highlights of AvaTrade SA
AvaTrade is a global Forex and CFD broker regulated by prestigious authorities such as FSCA (South Africa), ASIC (Australia), FCA (United Kingdom), FSA (Japan), and CIRO (Canada).
AvaTrade is perfect for traders looking for a diverse array of trading instruments and a high level of investment protection. Beginners will find comfort in the intuitive interface of the AvaTradeGO mobile platform, while experienced traders will appreciate the depth of customization and analytical tools available in MetaTrader.
However, traders who require access to STP or ECN accounts should consider other brokerage firms.
Pros and Cons of AvaTrade SA
Pros
- A wide selection of financial assets.
- Innovative trading platforms.
- Highly rated educational resources.
Cons
- Limited trading account options.
- Account inactivity fee.
AvaTrade SA Broker Overview
Foundation Year | 2005 |
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Official Website | https://www.avatrade.co.za |
Regulated in Countries | Ireland, British Virgin Islands, Australia, South Africa, Japan, United Arab Emirates, Israel, CanadaMore Details |
Minimum Deposit |
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Spread | from 0.6 points |
Max Leverage | 1:400 |
Trading Assets |
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Trading Platforms |
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Email Support |
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Hotline Phones | |
Social Media |
AvaTrade is a broker offering trading services in the Forex and CFD markets. The company's clients can trade independently on the AvaTrader and MetaTrader platforms or entrust their funds to more successful peers through the DupliTrade terminal.
Since 2006, AvaTrade has attracted more than 400,000 private traders from 150 countries. Today, the broker's regional centres are in South Africa, Australia, Japan, Italy, and Poland, with the main office in Dublin, Ireland. AvaTrade's annual turnover amounts to approximately 60 billion US dollars.
As for AvaTrade's trading model, the broker operates as a market maker.
AvaTrade SA is in the top 10 of the following ratings:
AvaTrade SA Review Summary
If you're interested in the details of our approach to broker evaluation, you can familiarize yourself with our methodology. We invite you to continue reading the review to better understand AvaTrade and its services.
Reliability and Regulation
AvaTrade is regulated in various countries by several leading financial regulators, ensuring high reliability. Here are some of them:
Legal Entity | Regulator | Review |
---|---|---|
Ava Trade EU Ltd Ava Trade EU Ltd | Central Bank of Ireland Central Bank of Ireland KNF KNF | AvaTrade EU review |
Ava Trade EU Ltd Ava Trade EU Ltd | FCA FCA | AvaTrade UK review |
Ava Trade Markets Ltd Ava Trade Markets Ltd | BVIFSC BVIFSC | AvaTrade review |
Ava Capital Markets Australia Pty Ltd Ava Capital Markets Australia Pty Ltd | ASIC ASIC | AvaTrade Australia review |
Ava Capital Markets Pty Ava Capital Markets Pty | FSCA FSCA | Current review |
Ava Trade Japan K.K. Ava Trade Japan K.K. | JFSA JFSA JFFA JFFA | AvaTrade JP review |
AVA Trade Middle East Ltd AVA Trade Middle East Ltd | FSRA FSRA | AvaTrade UAE review |
ATrade Ltd ATrade Ltd | ISA ISA | AvaTrade IL review |
Friedberg Mercantile Group Ltd. Friedberg Mercantile Group Ltd. | CIRO CIRO | AvaTrade CA review |
The broker adheres to strict norms and standards, including handling client funds, ensuring security, and financial reporting. AvaTrade clients can be confident that their data and funds are secure.
Account Opening
AvaTrade offers clients a simple, convenient, and swift account-opening process from various countries.
Registration
To open an AvaTrade real account, click the "Open trading account" button in the homepage's upper right corner.
At the first registration stage, it's enough to specify an email and create a password.
To complete your registration, you will be required to enter your personal information in the designated fields provided in the Client Area:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Residential address
- Main occupation
- Total annual income
- Source of funds
- Phone number
Verification
Opening an account with AvaTrade involves a mandatory verification step. This is a crucial process established to ensure the security of your data and funds.
Identity confirmation. You must provide a colour copy of a document confirming your identity. This can be a passport or state-issued driver's license. The document must include your name, photograph, date of birth, and expiration date. Ensure that the document matches the information provided when registering your account.
Address confirmation. You must provide a document confirming your current residential address. The document should be no older than six months. They can include a bank statement, credit card statement, utility bill (electricity, water, gas), mobile or landline phone bill, or even a letter from the local municipality. The address must match the one provided at registration.
In some cases, AvaTrade may request a copy of your credit card. Don't worry; you can hide the eight middle digits on the front and the CVV code on the back of the card.
Verification is an essential part of opening an account with AvaTrade, and this process allows the company to maintain a safe and transparent environment for its clients.
Minimum Deposit
AvaTrade minimum deposit is set at a relatively low level and amounts to the equivalent of 100 units in the currency of your choice.
Minimum deposits for various currencies:
- 100 US dollars (USD)
- 100 euros (EUR)
Account Types
AvaTrade offers a trading account with attractive trading conditions and a range of additional services, but certain limitations may not meet the needs of specific traders. For example, there is no market execution of orders, cent accounts, or fixed spread accounts. These aspects can be critical to traders, particularly those who prefer market execution to obtain the best prices or cent accounts to minimize risks.
Trading Account
Since the broker has a very extensive arsenal of financial instruments, for the convenience of traders, there is only one type of real account. The main conditions of the AvaTrade trading account are as follows:
- | |
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Account Currency | USD, EUR |
Minimum Deposit | 100 $100 € |
Trading Platforms | MetaTrader 4MetaTrader 5WebTraderAvaTradeGO |
Spread | floatingfrom 0.6 pipsfor EURUSD~ 0.9 pips |
Commission per Trade | |
Trading Assets | ForexStocksIndicesETFCryptocurrencyBondsPrecious MetalsEnergy CarriersSoft Commodities |
Opened Positions | — |
Leverage | 1:1-1:400 |
Margin Call / Stop Out | 100% / 50% |
Order Execution | MM |
Demo Account | |
Islamic Account | |
Open AccountRegister |
Demo Account
Considering that practice is one of the critical aspects of becoming a successful trader, AvaTrade offers its clients the opportunity to open a free demo account. This type of account allows beginners to learn the intricacies of trading without real risk and experienced traders to test new strategies and approaches to trading.
AvaTrade demo account has the following features:
- It's provided free of charge for trading with virtual funds amounting to $10,000.
- The account is active for 21 days, allowing for comprehensive testing of trading strategies and exploration of the platform's functionality.
- After opening a demo account, you can download and explore the trading platform of your choice. Platforms like MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and AvaOptions are available for the demo account.
- Choose the base currency for the demo account: ZAR, USD, or EUR.
Swap-Free Account
AvaTrade allows its clients to open an Islamic account that fully complies with Sharia principles. Such an account is ideal for those who follow Islamic religious principles and want to participate in international trade.
The process of opening an Islamic account is quite simple and consists of three steps:
- Account verification. You need to provide all the requested documentation to verify your account.
- Funding the account. Before applying for an Islamic account, you must fund it.
- Application submission. Once the account is verified and funded, you can contact AvaTrade's support service with a request to open an Islamic account. Requests are usually processed within 1-2 business days.
It is worth noting that no swaps are charged on Islamic accounts, but there is one limitation - transactions that remain open for more than 5 days will still be subject to swap charges.
Copy Trading
AvaTrade offers its clients a unique opportunity to copy trades through DupliTrade and AvaSocial systems (which we will discuss in the "Trading Platforms" section).
With AvaTrade's copy trading platform, you gain access to hundreds of different trading strategies and can use the experience of successful traders to improve your trading results.
Commissions
AvaTrade does not charge a commission for depositing or withdrawing funds, but it does have inactivity fees, which could become an unplanned expense for some clients. Nonetheless, considering the level of spreads and the absence of other types of commissions, it can be said that the overall level of the broker's commissions is below the market average.
Trading Fees
The broker does not charge a trading commission apart from spreads and swaps. This means that the traders' main costs when trading are the spreads and, in some cases, swaps.
It is worth noting that AvaTrade offers relatively narrow spreads. Below are the average spreads and swaps for major currency pairs.
Asset | Average spread | Swap long | Swap short |
---|---|---|---|
EURUSD | 0.9 pips | -0.01 % | 0.00 % |
GBPUSD | 1.5 pips | -0.00 % | -0.00 % |
USDJPY | 1.0 pips | 0.00 % | -0.02 % |
AUDUSD | 1.1 pips | -0.01 % | -0.00 % |
USDCAD | 2.0 pips | -0.00 % | -0.01 % |
USDCHF | 1.6 pips | 0.00 % | -0.01 % |
NZDUSD | 1.8 pips | -0.00 % | -0.00 pips |
Inactivity Fee
If you do not use your account at AvaTrade for a certain period, the broker may charge an inactivity fee. After 3 months of non-use ("Inactivity Period"), a fee of $50 is deducted from the client's trading account. If the account remains inactive for 12 consecutive months ("Annual Inactivity Period"), the broker charges a maintenance fee of $100.
Deposit and Withdrawal
AvaTrade provides flexible and accessible methods for depositing and withdrawing funds, although processing times can be lengthy.
How to Deposit Funds
Payment System | Currencies | Deposit Fee | Operation Limit |
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Neteller | USDEUR | 0% | from 100 to 20000 USDfrom 100 to 20000 EUR |
Skrill | USDEUR | 0% | from 100 to 20000 USDfrom 100 to 20000 EUR |
Google Pay | USDEUR | 0% | from 100 to 20000 USDfrom 100 to 20000 EUR |
Bank Transfer | USDEUR | 0% | from 500 USDfrom 500 EUR |
Visa | USDEUR | 0% | from 100 to 20000 USDfrom 100 to 20000 EUR |
Mastercard | USDEUR | 0% | from 100 to 20000 USDfrom 100 to 20000 EUR |
Maestro | USDEUR | 0% | from 100 to 20000 USDfrom 100 to 20000 EUR |
JCB | USDEUR | 0% | from 100 to 20000 USDfrom 100 to 20000 EUR |
Deposits via e-wallets are processed within 24 hours. A bank transfer deposit can take up to 10 days.
How to Withdraw Funds
The following methods are available for withdrawing money:
Payment System | Currencies | Withdrawal Fee | Operation Limit |
---|---|---|---|
Neteller | USDEUR | 0% | — |
Skrill | USDEUR | 0% limitscommission limits | — |
Bank Transfer | USDEUR | 0% | — |
Visa | USDEUR | 0% limitscommission limits | — |
Mastercard | USDEUR | 0% limitscommission limits | — |
Maestro | USDEUR | 0% | — |
JCB | USDEUR | 0% | — |
By anti-money laundering regulations, funds can only be sent back via the methods used to fund the account.
AvaTrade processes withdrawal requests within 1 day. After confirmation and processing of the request, additional time may be required for the payment system to process the withdrawal:
- 1 day for e-wallets;
- up to 5 days for card withdrawals;
- up to 10 days for bank transfer withdrawals.
AvaTrade covers the commission fee of up to $100 for bank transfer withdrawals.
Markets and Products
AvaTrade offers various financial instruments, including currency pairs, CFDs, stocks, ETFs, bonds, cryptocurrencies, etc. This makes AvaTrade attractive to traders of different levels and interests.
What markets are available?
The broker offers a large selection of financial instruments:
Broker | IC Markets | AvaTrade SA | Pepperstone |
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Forex | 61 | 53 | 97 |
Precious Metals | 7 | 7 | 20 |
Energy Carriers | 5 | 5 | 4 |
Soft Commodities | 8 | 7 | 16 |
Indices | 25 | 46 | 26 |
Stocks | 2175 | 614 | 986 |
ETF | 38 | 61 | 108 |
Bonds | 10 | 2 | — |
Cryptocurrency | 21 | 20 | 30 |
Margin Requirements
Depending on the type of traded asset, different leverage sizes are available:
Trading Instrument | Max. Leverage for Retail Traders |
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Forex | 1:400 |
Precious Metals | 1:200 |
Energy Carriers | 1:100 |
Soft Commodities | 1:33 |
Indices | 1:200 |
Stocks | 1:10 |
ETF | 1:20 |
Bonds | 1:20 |
Cryptocurrency | 1:25 |
Trading Platforms
AvaTrade offers various platforms for trading: MetaTrader 4 and 5, WebTrader, and AvaTradeGO providing traders with the flexibility to choose the right tool to execute their trading strategies.
MetaTrader 4 and 5
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 are robust and reliable platforms for trading in the forex and other financial markets. They offer access to all necessary tools for technical analysis, feature functionality for automated trading, and allow the creation of custom trading robots. Users can customize the workspace according to their preferences.
WebTrader
WebTrader is a convenient and intuitive platform that does not require downloading or installation. It provides all the necessary tools for effective trading, including pending and market orders, take-profit and stop-loss, partial closing of positions, and a detailed transaction history. With the ability to trade directly from a browser, WebTrader is ideal for those who value convenience and speed.
AvaTradeGO
AvaTradeGO is an innovative trading app from AvaTrade, available for mobile devices. It offers access to global market trading with actual quotes and charts and a unique feature called AvaProtect, which minimizes trading risks. The app allows managing multiple MT4 accounts, switching between demo and real accounts, and instant access to all AvaTrade data anytime and anywhere.
AvaOptions
For trading exchange-traded options, AvaTrade offers the specialized platform AvaOptions, where classic call and put options are traded.
Benefits of AvaOptions
- Options on more than 40 currency pairs, as well as spot gold and silver;
- A single account is sufficient for spots and options;
- 24/5 trading;
- Trading statistics in the form of charts;
- A 21-day practice account.
AvaOptions can be downloaded for free from the broker's website.
Platforms for Copy Trading
For beginners and traders with limited free time, AvaTrade offers several services for auto trading:
DupliTrade is a platform compatible with MT4, allowing the automatic copying of signals and strategies of experienced traders in real-time.
AvaSocial is an innovative platform for social trading designed to take the concept to the next level.
DupliTrade
DupliTrade is an innovative platform for automatic copy trading, allowing clients to automatically follow experienced traders' strategies. It lets you closely monitor successful traders' strategies and copy their trades in real time. This is an excellent opportunity for beginners to learn from professionals and for seasoned traders to expand their trading strategies.
AvaSocial
AvaSocial is a leading platform in social trading, enabling traders to mimic the transactions of their peers. It introduces distinctive tools and features that allow users to tailor their trading strategy to align with their personal goals and risk tolerance. AvaSocial is particularly adept at independently selecting strategies and considering expert advice, offering a comprehensive solution for novice and experienced traders who wish to engage in social trading, emphasising community learning and strategy sharing.
Analytics
The economic calendar and AvaTrade's collaboration with Trading Central let traders stay informed about the financial markets' most important news and events. This will enable them to make informed decisions based on up-to-date information.
The availability of a trader's calculator with the broker enables traders to calculate potential risks and profits before executing a trade. This can be a handy tool for trading and allows traders to make more informed decisions.
However, AvaTrade lacks in-depth analytical materials, such as detailed reports and research, which could help traders better understand the market and develop effective trading strategies.
Economic Calendar
The economic calendar is a critical tool that helps traders keep track of important economic events and indicators that can impact financial markets. It allows traders to prepare for events that could cause significant market fluctuations.
Trading Central
AvaTrade partners with Trading Central, a leading provider of research and analytical materials for traders. Trading Central offers crucial market news, tips, and other timely information that traders can use to make educated trading decisions. This information is available directly through the interface of AvaTrade's trading platforms and via SMS notifications and emails.
Trader's Calculator
The trader's calculator from AvaTrade is a powerful tool that helps traders manage risks. It allows traders to calculate potential losses, profits, and costs before entering a trade. Using this tool, traders can understand the possible outcomes of their trading operations and make reasoned decisions.
Education
AvaTrade provides quality educational materials that allow traders to learn the trading basics and improve their skills. Video tutorials and articles cover various aspects of trading on the financial markets and provide valuable information for traders of all levels. Thanks to the availability of educational resources on the AvaTrade platform, traders can learn at their own pace and convenience.
However, the broker could offer various learning formats like webinars, courses, and podcasts.
Video Tutorials and Articles
AvaTrade offers a rich library of educational videos and articles that cover different aspects of trading on the financial markets. These resources are accessible to traders of all levels, from beginners just starting with Forex to advanced traders looking to deepen their knowledge and trading skills. The educational courses offered by AvaTrade thoroughly explore essential topics such as the fundamental principles of trading, the use of trading tools, developing trading strategies, and risk management. Video tutorials are available on the official AvaTrade website, providing convenience and flexibility for learning.
Customer Support
The technical support team at AvaTrade offers a variety of communication channels, including phone, email, live chat, and WhatsApp, ensuring convenience and accessibility for clients. The 24/7 operation of the support service guarantees a quick response to traders' inquiries and issues.
How to contact support?
There are several ways to contact technical support:
- By calling the hotline at +1 212-941-9609.
- By writing an email to customer@avatrade.co.za.
- By using the live chat feature on the broker's website.
- By sending a message on WhatsApp to +447520644093.
Support Schedule
AvaTrade's support operates 24/7.
Conclusion
AvaTrade SA is well-suited for traders seeking a variety of trading instruments and user-friendly trading platforms. It can appeal to both beginners looking to start trading and experienced traders who want to expand their knowledge and skills.
FAQ
Is AvaTrade SA legit?
AvaTrade SA is a legitimate broker, regulated by FSCA in South Africa.
Which country is AvaTrade from?
AvaTrade is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, and operates as a global Forex and CFD broker.
Is AvaTrade SA an ECN broker?
AvaTrade SA is not an ECN broker. It primarily operates as a market maker, offering a range of trading instruments across various asset classes.
How does AvaTrade SA make money?
AvaTrade SA earns its revenue primarily through spreads and occasional commissions on certain trading accounts and financial instruments. It also profits from overnight financing charges.
Is AvaTrade SA good for beginners?
Yes, AvaTrade SA is well-suited for beginners due to its user-friendly AvAvaTrade SAGO mobile app, comprehensive educational resources, and support services designed to help new traders navigate the complexities of trading.
Does AvaTrade SA offer a demo account?
Yes, AvaTrade SA offers a demo account that allows traders to practice trading with virtual funds in a risk-free environment, which is ideal for both beginners and experienced traders to test their strategies.
How can I open an account with AvaTrade SA?
To open an account with AvaTrade SA, visit their official website, click on 'Register' or 'Open Trading Account,' and follow the instructions to complete the registration form. Verification of identity and address is required to activate the account.
How can I delete my AvaTrade SA account?
To delete your AvaTrade SA account, you need to contact customer support either through email, phone, or live chat, requesting the closure of your account. Ensure all open positions are closed and funds are withdrawn before making the request.
What is the minimum deposit for AvaTrade SA?
The minimum deposit required to open an account with AvaTrade SA typically starts at $100.
What is the maximum leverage on AvaTrade SA?
The maximum leverage offered by AvaTrade SA can go up to 1:400, depending on the type of financial instrument being traded.
How do I deposit funds in an AvaTrade SA account?
Funds can be deposited into an AvaTrade SA account via various methods including credit/debit cards, wire transfers, and e-wallets such as Neteller and Skrill. Log into your account management portal to initiate a deposit.
How do I withdraw money from AvaTrade SA?
To withdraw funds from AvaTrade SA, log into your account management area, select 'Withdraw Funds,' and follow the instructions to submit a withdrawal request. Note that withdrawal methods should match the deposit methods, and verification processes may apply.
Does AvaTrade SA provide VPS?
Yes, AvaTrade SA provides Virtual Private Server (VPS) services to eligible clients, which can be particularly useful for traders using automated trading systems.
Is AvaTrade SA suitable for scalping?
AvaTrade SA permits scalping. However, traders should review the broker’s trading conditions and policies to ensure they are favorable for scalping strategies.
Is AvaTrade SA suitable for auto-trading?
Yes, AvaTrade SA supports auto-trading and offers platforms like MetAvaTrade SAr 4 and MetAvaTrade SAr 5, which are compatible with automated trading systems.
Is AvaTrade SA suitable for hedging?
Yes, AvaTrade SA allows hedging. Traders can open positions in opposite directions on the same trading instrument, which can be an effective risk management strategy.