Oanda Review 2024
For trading on the Forex and CFD markets, the broker Oanda offers a unique trading platform, FxTrade, which, according to company representatives, ensures high-quality execution of transactions without dealer intervention and without the use of algorithmic programs that operate in the broker’s favor.
In this review, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the Oanda broker and examine trading accounts and platforms, commissions, terms, and company customer reviews.
Oanda Broker Overview
Foundation Year | 2001 |
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Official Website | https://www.oanda.com |
Regulated in Countries | United States, Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, Japan, British Virgin Islands, Singapore, PolandMore Details |
Minimum Deposit |
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Spread | from 1.6 points |
Max Leverage | 1:200 |
Trading Assets |
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Trading Platforms |
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Email Support |
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Hotline Phones | |
Social Media |
The history of Oanda Corporation began in 1996 when Dr. Michael Stumm and Dr. Richard Olsen decided that internet trading should be accessible to everyone. Initially, Oanda Corporation promoted applied ASP services, but since 2001, it has shifted to providing brokerage services.
Today, the broker has seven major centers and clients in nearly two hundred countries. Oanda's clients can trade currencies, indices, commodities, and precious metals.
Oanda Review Summary
Our broker evaluations are based on a transparent and objective methodology. We strive to provide you with a comprehensive and honest review so that you can make an informed decision. Continue reading for a detailed overview of the Oanda broker.
Reliability and Regulation
Oanda is one of the most reliable and regulated Forex brokers. The broker is licensed to operate in several countries and is also a member of the following regulators:
Legal Entity | Regulator | Review |
---|---|---|
OANDA Corporation OANDA Corporation | NFA NFA CFTC CFTC | Oanda US review |
OANDA Australia Pty Ltd OANDA Australia Pty Ltd | ASIC ASIC | Oanda AU review |
OANDA (Canada) Corporation ULC OANDA (Canada) Corporation ULC | CIRO CIRO | Oanda CA review |
OANDA Europe Limited OANDA Europe Limited | FCA FCA | Oanda UK review |
OANDA Japan Co., Ltd. OANDA Japan Co., Ltd. | JFSA JFSA | Oanda JP review |
OANDA Global Markets Ltd OANDA Global Markets Ltd | BVIFSC BVIFSC | Current review |
OANDA Asia Pacific Pte Ltd OANDA Asia Pacific Pte Ltd | MAS MAS | Oanda SG review |
OANDA TMS Brokers S.A. OANDA TMS Brokers S.A. | KNF KNF | Oanda EU review |
Account Opening
The registration process at Oanda is relatively simple and well-structured. Each step is detailed, providing clear instructions for the user. Account opening is possible directly from the homepage, which is convenient and time-saving.
The flexibility regarding the minimum deposit is also impressive, allowing traders to start trading with any amount they are comfortable with.
However, in some cases, additional documents may be required to verify identity, which can prolong the account opening process. Even considering this, opening an account with Oanda is user-friendly and convenient.
Official Website
Oanda's official website is available in many world languages. The language choice depends on the region you live in and the jurisdiction in which the broker can offer its services in your area.
For residents of some countries, there are restrictions on the services provided:
Financial spread betting is only available to United Kingdom and Ireland residents.
Residents of the USA cannot trade Contracts for Difference (CFDs), use leverage over 1:50, or use the hedging function in the MT4 terminal.
Residents of Canada cannot trade palladium.
Registration
You can initiate the registration process and access your Client Area directly from the homepage by clicking the "Start Trading" button.
First, the broker will ask you to complete a "Country/Region" form.
Next, you need to fill out a personal data questionnaire:
- Name and surname in English;
- Date of birth;
- Country of birth;
- Email;
- Mobile phone number;
- Choose and answer a Security Question.
The third step of registration requires you to:
- Fill out the form with your country of residence;
- Provide an identification number;
- Answer whether you are a tax resident of another country.
Then, you will need to write your full residential address.
In the following questionnaire, you need to indicate:
- Employment status (employed, self-employed, retired, student, unemployed);
- Financial details (annual income, source of income, amount of savings).
The last step of registration on Oanda is simply to review and confirm the filled details:
- Name and surname;
- Date of birth;
- Residential address.
Sometimes, the broker requires traders to provide additional documents to verify their identity. It takes 1 to 2 working days to check these documents. The client is notified about the account opening via email.
The email address will be the login to the personal cabinet, and the trader will choose the password independently after the broker approves the account.
The login page for the Client Area portal.oanda.com.
The broker will also email you the details of your MetaTrader 4 trading account.
Verification
If you plan to trade with an amount exceeding 9000 USD, you will need to verify your identity and residential address. To do this, upload in the personal cabinet:
- A scan or photo of your international passport;
- A scan or photo of a bank statement from the last three months confirming your name and address.
All deposit restrictions will be lifted when the Oanda team reviews the uploaded documents. You will receive a notification about this by email.
Client Area Overview
In Oanda's client area, you can:
- Open a new trading account for MT4 or MT5;
- Deposit and withdraw funds;
- Change personal data and verify your account;
- Make trading reports for any period;
- Contact the broker's support team.
Minimum Deposit
There is no specific minimum deposit size at Oanda. This means you can start trading with any amount you consider acceptable.
Account Types
Oanda offers a variety of account types designed to meet most traders' needs. However, it is essential to note the absence of cent accounts, fixed spread accounts, and investment accounts such as PAMM or copy trading accounts. This is because, while the primary needs of traders are met, some specific types of accounts that may be important for certain categories of traders are not available.
Trading Accounts
Oanda offers two types of trading accounts:
Standard | Swap Free | |
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Account Currency | USD, EUR, AUD, CHF, SGD, HKD | USD |
Minimum Deposit | 1 $ | |
Trading Platforms | MetaTrader 5MetaTrader 4TradingViewfxTrade | MetaTrader 5MetaTrader 4TradingView |
Spread | floatingfrom 0.5 pipsfor EURUSD~ 0.8 pips | floatingfrom 1.6 pips |
Commission per Trade | per 1 lot~ 3.5 $ | |
Trading Assets | ForexIndicesCryptocurrencyStocksPrecious MetalsEnergy CarriersAgricultural CommoditiesBonds | ForexIndices |
Opened Positions | — | |
Leverage | 1:1-1:200 | |
Margin Call / Stop Out | 100% / 50% | |
Order Execution | STP | |
Demo Account | ||
Islamic Account | ||
Open AccountRegister | Open AccountRegister |
Both accounts provide flexibility in choosing the trading platform and access to various assets for trading.
Demo Account
Oanda offers a demo account for traders to test their skills with unlimited virtual funds and without a time limit for their use. Trading is conducted with actual market prices and current spread values. To register for a demo account, one must complete a form similar to that used for opening a real account.
Swap-free
The Swap-free or Islamic account is an option for traders who do not wish or are unable, due to religious reasons, to pay swap fees - the commission for carrying over a position to the next trading day.
Let's consider the terms of the Swap-free account.
Trading Platforms |
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Minimum Deposit | 1 USD |
Account Currency | USD |
Maximum Leverage | 1:200 |
Execution | Market Execution |
Spread | From 1.6 points |
Requotes | No |
Commissions | No |
Stop Out Level | 50% |
Assets |
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Minimum Order Volume (lots) | 0,01 |
One-Click Trading | Available |
Trading with Advisors | Allowed |
Scalping | Permitted |
To open a Swap-free account, contact Oanda's support service.
VPS
Oanda collaborates with reliable partners to provide Virtual Private Server (VPS) services, which ensure a dynamic trading experience with low latency and improved stability.
BeeksFX is one of the largest VPS providers for Forex, with data centers in New York and London. VPS services from BeeksFX provide some of the lowest latencies in retail Forex trading, ensuring precision in trade entries and exits.
Liquidity Connect is a leading provider of Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) technology, supporting enterprise operations on global financial markets with a focus on low latency. They offer VPS, ultra-low latency connections to liquidity providers, bridge providers, and fintech providers from Equinix in LD4 (London) and NY4 (New York). Additionally, they offer hosting and white-label services for MT4/5 brokers, cTrader servers, and broker VPS, as well as cybersecurity tools to mitigate DDoS attacks and secure remote management (VPN).
If you want to learn more, you can write to vps@oanda.com.
Commissions
The broker offers comparatively low spreads and does not charge fees for deposits or withdrawals. However, an inactivity fee and significant swap rates may increase the overall cost of trading for some traders.
Spreads and Swaps
Oanda provides competitive spreads for its clients. For instance, the average spread for the EUR/USD currency pair is 0.8 pips, which is relatively low compared to most other brokers. Nevertheless, swap rates can be significant and vary depending on the currency pair and the direction of the position.
Asset | Average spread | Swap long | Swap short |
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AUDUSD | 1.2 pips | -6.30 pips | -0.22 pips |
EURUSD | 0.8 pips | -6.63 pips | 0.96 pips |
GBPUSD | 1.6 pips | -3.40 pips | -2.38 pips |
NZDUSD | 1.6 pips | -3.64 pips | -3.40 pips |
USDCAD | 1.4 pips | -1.70 pips | -4.03 pips |
USDCHF | 1.5 pips | 7.29 pips | -13.18 pips |
USDJPY | 1.6 pips | 12.43 pips | -18.36 pips |
Swaps and spreads are dynamic values. You can view the current swap values here - link, and the spread values at this link.
Inactivity Fee
The broker charges an inactivity fee if no trading activity has occurred on an account for 12 months.
The fee is 10 USD. The inactivity fee stops being charged if:
- there are no funds left in the account;
- the account has been closed;
- the client has resumed trading activities.
If a client resumes trading, they may request a refund of the inactivity fees charged for up to three months.
Deposit and Withdrawal
Oanda provides clients with flexible and convenient conditions for conducting financial transactions, but it is necessary to consider potential payment system fees and currency exchange costs.
Deposit and Withdrawal Terms
Oanda does not charge any fees for deposits or withdrawals. However, fees may be applied by the payment systems through which the financial transactions are processed.
The broker imposes no limits on the amounts for deposits or withdrawals. Funds can be transferred in any global currency. However, make a deposit or withdrawal in a different currency than that of your trading account. You should consider any commission the payment system may charge for the currency exchange.
Methods of Account Funding
Account funding at Oanda is available through the following methods.
Payment System | Currencies | Deposit Fee | Operation Limit |
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Skrill | USDEURAUD. . .show all | 2.99% | — |
Neteller | USDEURAUD. . .show all | 2.99% | — |
Swift | USDEURAUD. . .show all | 1.7% | — |
Visa | USDEURAUD. . .show all | 5.9% | — |
Mastercard | USDEURAUD. . .show all | 5.9% | — |
Withdrawal Methods
Withdrawals can only be made via the same method used for deposit. The processing time for the withdrawal request depends on the transfer currency and the withdrawal method.
Payment System | Currencies | Withdrawal Fee | Operation Limit |
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Skrill | USDEURAUD. . .show all | 2.99% limitscommission limits | — |
Neteller | USDEURAUD. . .show all | 2.99% | — |
Swift | USDEURAUD. . .show all | 1.7%+ 20 USD limitscommission limits | — |
Visa | USDEURAUD. . .show all | 5.9% limitscommission limits | — |
Mastercard | USDEURAUD. . .show all | 5.9% limitscommission limits | — |
In different countries, the fees for withdrawing funds vary, but typically, the first withdrawal to a debit card is free, with a subsequent fee of 20 units. For other withdrawal methods, the payment amount depends on the account currency.
Markets and Products
Oanda offers a broad range of products, including currency pairs, stocks, cryptocurrencies, and commodities, making it a versatile choice for most traders.
What markets are available?
The following CFDs are available for trading on Oanda:
Broker | IC Markets | Oanda | Pepperstone |
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Forex | 61 | 48 | 97 |
Precious Metals | 7 | 3 | 20 |
Energy Carriers | 5 | 3 | 4 |
Agricultural Commodities | 8 | 4 | 16 |
Indices | 25 | 18 | 26 |
Stocks | 2175 | 1607 | 986 |
ETF | 38 | — | 108 |
Bonds | 10 | — | — |
Cryptocurrency | 21 | 18 | 30 |
Maximum Leverage
The maximum leverage offered by Oanda varies depending on the market and product. Here is an overview of the maximum leverage relative to the market for Oanda:
Trading Instrument | Max. Leverage for Retail Traders | Max. Leverage for Pro Traders |
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Forex | 1:30 | 1:200 |
Precious Metals | 1:20 | 1:66 |
Energy Carriers | 1:10 | 1:33 |
Agricultural Commodities | 1:10 | 1:33 |
Indices | 1:20 | 1:50 |
Stocks | 1:5 | 1:5 |
ETF | 1:5 | 1:5 |
Cryptocurrency | 1:2 | 1:2 |
Please note that the leverage levels may change based on the regulatory requirements of the trader's region, and Oanda complies with local regulations, which may impose lower maximum leverage levels.
Trading Platforms
The availability of platforms like MetaTrader 4 and 5, fxTrade, and integration with TradingView provides traders with extensive capabilities for their trading activities. The functionality of each platform is impressively diverse and deep, allowing for meticulous analysis and the development of complex trading strategies.
MetaTrader 4 and 5
Oanda offers the classic MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 terminals in various versions. On the broker's website, versions for Windows and mobile applications for Android and iOS can be downloaded. Trading on Forex and CFD markets is also possible directly from a web browser.
Trading Platform | MetaTrader 4 | MetaTrader 5 |
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Operating Systems | Windows, Android, iOS, Web | Windows, Android, iOS, Web |
Pending Orders | 4 types | 6 types |
Timeframes | 9 | 21 |
Programming Language | MQL4 | MQL5 |
Built-in Indicators and Tools | 30 indicators + 2000 free indicators in the marketplace | 38 indicators + 44 analytical objects |
Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Trading Reports | English only | All supported languages |
64-bit Multithreading Technology | No | Yes |
Level II Pricing | No | Yes |
As a market maker, Oanda executes all trades on its platforms without additional costs, rejections, or requotes. The platform also features its own minute-by-minute industry news feed.
fxTrade
fxTrade is Oanda's mobile application for Android and iOS, which has rightfully earned recognition for its high-quality technology, speed, and reliability.
A significant advantage of fxTrade is its integration with MetaTrader 5. The app allows you to access all your accounts using a single-tap login feature, eliminating the need to sign in repeatedly.
After installing the app, press the "One-Tap Sign-In" button and enter your standard OANDA credentials (not MT5 or MT4). This redirects you to a page displaying all your accounts.
Starting trading in the fxTrade app is straightforward and user-friendly. You can browse numerous available instruments and look for the most likely trades. Setting risk and profit parameters is quickly done in the order terminal, and you can monitor the chart even while placing your trade.
fxTrade is a powerful and easy-to-use application for trading in financial markets, aimed at providing an optimal trading experience for traders of various levels.
Integration with TradingView
TradingView is a popular social trading platform that allows traders to view thousands of charts, analyze market trends, and share ideas with other users worldwide. It is a meeting place for traders and investors to exchange opinions and trading ideas in real-time.
A key feature of TradingView is the large array of technical analysis tools and indicators that can be used to create complex trading strategies. The platform supports trading across various financial markets, including Forex, stocks, indices, futures, and cryptocurrencies.
Oanda's integration with TradingView allows traders to leverage the benefits of this platform, including the ability to trade directly from TradingView charts. This means traders can access deep market analysis, extensive graphic analysis tools, and a community of traders without leaving the Oanda platform.
Analytics
The Oanda broker's analytical section offers many tools to aid traders in making well-informed decisions.
Premium Tools for MetaTrader
Oanda provides premium tools for MetaTrader platforms, including trade alert management, keyboard trading, a mini-terminal, tick chart trading, and more. These augment the already available MetaTrader features, such as expert advisors, custom indicators, and scripts.
Autochartist
Autochartist automatically recognizes chart patterns and model quality indicators for intraday market analysis. The tool can be an advisor on MT4 and MT5 platforms and a web application accessible through MetaTrader.
Currency Converter
The Oanda currency converter allows checking average exchange rates and converting all major world currencies. OANDA's rates are based on data from significant market participants.
Currency Correlation Table
Oanda offers a currency correlation table, enabling a quick assessment of the relationships between various currency pairs. The correlation coefficients in the table help determine the degree of correlation between two currency pairs.
MarketPulse
MarketPulse is an award-winning news and analysis service from Oanda that delivers deep insights into macroeconomic aspects, technical analysis, and Forex news. It includes detailed technical reports on major currency pairs, commodity markets, global indices, and an economic calendar.
Education
Oanda’s educational offerings cater to new and experienced traders, providing a comprehensive learning experience in leveraged trading, market analysis, and practical trading techniques.
Trading Resources
Oanda provides a wealth of trading resources, essential for enhancing trading skills and developing innovative strategies. The resources cover various aspects of trading, including:
- Leveraged trading: An introduction to leverage concepts in trading, helping traders understand the differences and nuances of other trading forms.
- Fundamental analysis: This section explains the importance of fundamental analysis in trading and how it influences trading decisions.
- Technical analysis: An essential tool for traders, this part delves into how technical analysis works and its application in trading strategies.
- Indicators and oscillators: Exploring the role of indicators and oscillators in leveraged trading, highlighting their importance in market analysis.
Webinars and Workshops
- Webinars: Oanda regularly hosts webinars where traders can register to learn about various trading topics. Market experts lead these sessions and cover a range of subjects, from live market analysis to advanced trading strategies.
- Trading workshops: Aimed at improving trading skills, these workshops are conducted by experienced market analysts. They offer a mix of webinars and events, focusing on practical trading skills and market insights.
- Live Market Analysis: These webinars provide insights into the market trends of major forex and CFD trading instruments, aiding traders in making informed decisions.
- Premium Webinar Series: Exclusively available to live account holders for a limited time, these premium webinars delve into advanced trading strategies using technical tools and indicators.
Customer Support
Oanda offers various communication channels, allowing clients to choose the most convenient option, and the support service operates at times suitable for most regions. Many positive user reviews confirm the staff's professionalism and the solutions' effectiveness.
How to contact support?
Oanda provides a dedicated client support portal where answers to the most common questions related to trading and the broker's services can be found. The support team's working hours depend on the trader's region, but generally, it is available from Sunday to Friday, considering different time zones.
Support can be contacted via interactive chat, phone, or email.
Phones and Working Hours
Region | Contact Number | Working Hours |
---|---|---|
Australia | +61 2 8046 6258 | From 8:00 AEST Monday to 10:00 AEST Saturday |
Canada | +1 416 593 9436, 1 877 626 3239 | From 16:00 ET Sunday to 18:00 ET Friday |
Taiwan | +886 2 7737 4432 | From 17:00 AST Sunday to 19:00 AST Friday |
Singapore | +65 6579 8289 | From 5:00 SGT Monday to 7:00 SGT Saturday |
Macau | +853 6825 8512 | From 17:00 AST Sunday to 19:00 AST Friday |
United Kingdom | +44 020 3151 2050 | From 21:00 GMT Sunday to 23:00 GMT Friday |
USA | +1 212 858 7690, 1 877 626 3239 | From 16:00 ET Sunday to 18:00 ET Friday |
- frontdesk@oanda.com for trading-related inquiries
- moneytransfer@oanda.com for questions about money transfers
Oanda Pros and Cons
Advantages
Strict Regulation. Oanda is regulated by leading financial authorities worldwide, ensuring high security.
Tight Spreads. Oanda offers competitive and transparent spreads.
Diverse Markets and Products. The broker provides a wide selection of assets, from Forex and CFDs to indices and commodities.
Advanced Trading Platforms. Oanda supports MetaTrader 4 and 5 and its proprietary platform, fxTrade.
Quality Analytics. Automatic pattern recognition, advanced tools for MetaTrader, a currency converter, and other resources are provided.
Extensive Learning Section. Oanda offers rich educational materials and resources, including webinars, videos, and articles.
Disadvantages
Limited Account Types. Oanda offers only one standard type of account, which may not be suitable for traders with different needs.
Inactivity Fee. An inactivity fee may be charged if the account is not used for an extended period.
High Swaps. Oanda has relatively high swap rates, which could reduce the profitability of long-term trades.
Conclusion
Oanda is an excellent choice for traders seeking a reliable and regulated broker with competitive spreads and various trading assets.
With quality analytics and diverse educational materials, Oanda suits beginners and experienced traders.