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 customer reviews of the company.

Oanda Broker Overview

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.

Oanda is one of the most reliable 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	Current review
OANDA Global Markets Ltd OANDA Global Markets Ltd	BVIFSC BVIFSC	Oanda 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

Regulation in Japan

Oanda is rigorously regulated in Japan, ensuring high security for traders. The broker is registered under OANDA Securities Co. Ltd. as a Type I Financial Instruments Business, supervised by the Director of the Kanto Local Finance Bureau (registration number 2137). This registration signifies adherence to stringent financial standards and compliance with local regulations.

Membership in critical associations like the General Incorporated Association of Financial Futures Trading, Japan Securities Dealers Association, Japan Investor Protection Fund, and Japan Commodity Futures Trading Association further bolsters Oanda's credibility. These memberships indicate that Oanda participates in schemes designed to protect investors, including access to compensation funds in the unlikely event of broker insolvency or financial mismanagement.

The Japan Investor Protection Fund is critical in safeguarding traders' interests. In case of a broker's failure, it compensates investors, ensuring their funds are protected up to a specific limit. This adds an extra layer of security for traders using Oanda's services in Japan, giving them peace of mind in their trading endeavors.

Opening an account with Oanda involves a straightforward process, which can vary in duration depending on the method of identity verification chosen.

Registration

The registration process starts online, where applicants must fill out a form with their personal details. The time it takes to open an account depends on the submission method of identity verification documents.

• Online identity verification. The review is usually completed by the next business day for those opting for online verification, and the results are emailed.
• Document upload or mail submission. The review process takes longer if documents are submitted through upload or postal mail. In these cases, the review results are sent via non-forwarding registered mail to the registered address.

Verification

Verification is crucial to the account opening process, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. The necessary documents for verification depend on the method chosen:

1. Online identity verification:

   • My Number Card (front and back)
   • Driver's license if submitting a My Number-attached resident certificate or a notification card.

2. Image upload:

   • For those submitting documents via upload, a PDF guide is available here. This guide details the valid combinations of My Number and identity verification documents.

3. Postal mail:

   • Applicants submitting documents by mail should refer to a separate PDF guide here for the valid combinations of documents required.

Required Identity Verification Documents

• Driver's license or driving record certificate (back side also required if there are changes)
• Various types of insurance cards (e.g., national health insurance, health insurance, seafarer's insurance, long-term care insurance)
• Passport (all pages with name, birth date, and current address required; passports applied for after February 4, 2020, without a holder's section are not accepted)
• Basic Resident Register Card
• Residence Card or Special Permanent Resident Certificate
• Copy of the resident's card
• Copy of seal registration certificate
• Disability certificate
• Individual Number Card (photo-included My Number Card)

Supplementary Documents

• Utility bills (electricity, city gas, water, NHK)
• Social insurance premium receipts
• National or local tax receipts or tax payment certificates

Minimum Deposit

When opening an account with Oanda, the minimum deposit requirement varies depending on the selected account type and server location.

• For the Basic Course and accounts using the Tokyo server, the minimum deposit is set at 100,000 yen. This option suits those new to trading or who prefer to start with a lower investment.
• The Pro Course, catering to more experienced traders who require advanced features, has a higher minimum deposit requirement of 200,000 yen.

Oanda Japan provides a range of account types that cater to the majority of traders' requirements. However, it's important to acknowledge that certain specialized account types, such as cent accounts, fixed spread accounts, and investment accounts, are not available. This indicates that while Oanda Japan addresses the fundamental needs of most traders, it may not offer specific account types that are crucial for some categories of traders.

Trading Accounts

Oanda offers two types of trading accounts:

Oanda's account system allows traders to create sub-accounts after opening their main account. These sub-accounts can be customized based on the desired instruments, trading platforms, and trading conditions.

FX Accounts

For Forex trading, FX accounts can be created with the freedom to choose between different plans and servers. The Tokyo server offers Standard and Discretionary Plans for MT5 and MT4 platforms. On the NY server, traders can choose between Basic and Pro Courses compatible with MT4, fxTrade, and TradingView platforms.

Tokyo server

The Tokyo server features two distinct plans: the Standard Plan and the Discretionary Plan. The Standard Plan is popular for supporting automated trading programs (EAs) and is based on the conventional Tokyo Server (TY3) course. It allows traders to use self-developed or externally purchased EAs. In contrast, the Discretionary Plan does not support EAs but offers narrower spreads and is more beginner-friendly, supporting smaller trades starting from 1,000 currency units.

New York Server

On the NY server, Oanda offers Basic and Pro Courses. These courses vary regarding maximum trade size, spreads, using EAs on MT4, and API trading availability. The selection between these courses is made at the time of account opening and can be altered later through the My Page section.

CFD Accounts

For CFD trading, Oanda provides similar flexibility. Traders can create sub-accounts for Stock Index CFDs and Commodity CFDs, available on MT5 and MT4 platforms.

Demo Account

Oanda offers a demo account for traders to test their skills with unlimited virtual funds and without a time limit. 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.

Member Status

Oanda offers a tiered member status system based on the previous month's trading volume. This system, which changes over based on the NY time at 6:00 PM, includes three stages: Regular, Silver, and Gold. Each status tier provides different access levels to various services and information, as detailed below. Notably, new account holders are granted Gold status as a special welcome offer until the end of the following month.

The trading volume used for determining status is calculated on a round-trip basis. For instance, if a trader buys USD 250,000 in USD/JPY and sells it, the total volume is USD 500,000. Status assessments are made on the first Monday of each month using the previous month's trading volume. If the first Monday is a holiday or falls on the first day of the month, the assessment is conducted the next day. After determination, status updates are implemented sequentially.

Member Status Comparison Table

The benefits for each status level include different update frequencies for the Order Book, both in Web and MT4/MT5 versions, and varying levels of access to analytical tools like currency strength charts, volatility graphs, Value at Risk charts, and correlation tools. Higher tiers like Silver and Gold provide more frequent updates and detailed data access, enhancing the trading experience and analytical capabilities.

The Gold status unlocks the full suite of Oanda's advanced tools and data, providing a comprehensive trading and analytical environment. This tiered system encourages active trading, rewarding higher-volume traders with more detailed and frequent market insights.

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.

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.

Oanda offers a highly efficient and cost-effective system for account funding and withdrawal, with minor restrictions that slightly impact its flexibility and convenience.

Methods of Account Funding

Oanda offers two primary methods for account funding: "Direct Deposit" and "Regular Deposit," each catering to traders' different preferences.

Direct Deposit

This method provides an instantaneous reflection of the deposited funds on the trading screen and is usually available 24 hours a day. It's a convenient and free-of-charge option.

Payment System	Currencies	Deposit Fee	Operation Limit
Bank Transfer	JPY	0%	from 10000 JPY
MUFG Bank	JPY	0%	from 10000 JPY
Mizuho Bank	JPY	0%	from 10000 JPY
SMBC	JPY	0%	from 10000 JPY
Rakuten Bank	JPY	0%	from 10000 JPY
PayPay Bank	JPY	0%	from 10000 JPY
Japan Post Bank	JPY	0%	from 10000 JPY
SBI Sumishin Net Bank	JPY	0%	from 10000 JPY

Regular Deposit

Regular Deposit allows traders to transfer funds nationwide from financial institution service counters and ATMs. This option involves bank transfer fees, which are the customer's responsibility. The deposit destination banks accepting Regular Deposits include MUFG Bank, Mizuho Bank, SMBC, and Japan Post Bank. Traders can find their specific bank account information for Regular Deposits in the document sent upon account creation or through the screen after logging into their account.

Withdrawal Methods

Payment System	Currencies	Withdrawal Fee	Operation Limit
Bank Transfer	JPY	0%	from 10000 JPY

Oanda offers a streamlined process for fund withdrawals, ensuring traders can easily access their funds. To initiate a withdrawal, traders must log into My Page and submit a request through the "Withdrawal Request" section. If this procedure is completed before 11:00 AM on a weekday, the funds are typically processed and available by 3:00 PM the same day. This expedited service is especially beneficial for traders who require quick access to their funds. Oanda also absorbs the withdrawal fees, adding to the convenience for traders. However, this does not apply during specific holidays like Christmas and the year-end and New Year holidays.

The company adheres to a policy of processing withdrawals within three business days as stipulated in their transaction instructions. Traders should be aware that, in some cases, withdrawals may be executed the next day or later. It's also important to note that withdrawal requests are limited to one per day. Should there be a need to alter the withdrawal amount, the trader must cancel the existing request and submit a new one with the revised amount. This policy ensures the orderly processing of withdrawals but requires traders to plan their withdrawal requests carefully.

Oanda provides a range of assets in the CFD market, which includes forex, indices, and commodities. However, it does not offer as wide a selection as other brokers that cover a more extensive range of instruments like individual stocks, additional commodities, and other asset classes. While Oanda serves traders who focus on the available categories well, its overall product range is moderately comprehensive compared to more extensive offerings in the market.

What markets are available?

The following CFDs are available for trading on Oanda:

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:

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. Versions for Windows and mobile applications for Android and iOS can be downloaded on the broker's website. Trading on Forex and CFD markets is also possible directly from a web browser.

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.

Oanda's Analytics section is sufficient for most traders, especially those who value tailored tools and data-driven insights. Still, those seeking the most advanced or diverse analytical resources might find it slightly limited.

Available Analytical Materials

Oanda provides a comprehensive suite of analytical materials catering to the varied needs of traders. Key offerings include:

1. OANDA Lab tools. A unique collection of OANDA's original analysis tools to enhance FX/CFD trading strategies. These include custom indicators and automated trading programs (EAs) tailored for MT4 and MT5 platforms.

2. MT4/MT5 indicators and EAs. Traders can access various custom indicators and EAs specifically developed for MetaTrader platforms. These tools are instrumental in facilitating more informed trading decisions.

3. Market news and economic indicators. Oanda keeps traders updated with the latest market news and a broad spectrum of economic indicators. This includes real-time updates on global stock prices, foreign exchange rates, and critical economic events from various countries.

4. Central Bank communications. Videos of press conferences from major central banks (FRB, ECB, Bank of Japan) provide insights into monetary policy decisions and economic outlooks, crucial for fundamental analysis.

5. Trade and service balances. Detailed reports on the trade and service balances of the United States offer valuable information for assessing economic trends.

6. Margin and Profit/Loss simulation. Tools to simulate margin requirements and potential profit or loss scenarios in FX and CFD trading, aiding in the formulation of risk management and trading strategy.

7. Swap point simulator for Tokyo server (TY3 course). A specialized tool for calculating swap points, beneficial for traders interested in understanding and managing swap-related costs in their trades.

8. Recommended indicator library for MT4/MT5. A curated selection of indicators with installation guides enables traders to customize their chart analysis on MetaTrader platforms.

Oanda’s educational offerings are substantial, covering many topics with practical and theoretical insights. This comprehensive approach makes it a valuable resource for traders at all levels, although the depth and specificity of some topics might not match specialized educational platforms.

Available Educational Materials

In the Education section, Oanda, in partnership with Pan Rolling, offers an extensive range of educational materials and resources, catering to investors' needs at all levels – from beginners to advanced traders.

1. Collaboration with Pan Rolling. This partnership introduces valuable books, aiming to make users wiser investors. Oanda even hosts campaigns where select books are gifted to its customers.

2. Platform tutorials. Comprehensive guides and tutorials for platforms like MT5 and MT4 are provided, covering everything from basic operations to more advanced features. This includes creating sub-accounts, installing software, and logging in, all demonstrated with images and videos for clearer understanding.

3. fx Trade platform guides. Oanda also offers detailed tutorials on its proprietary trading platform 'fx Trade', ensuring users understand its fundamental functionalities through engaging video content.

4. TradingView tutorials. Users can learn about the basic and advanced features of TradingView, a popular analytical tool, through easy-to-understand guides.

5. API usage. Guidance on how to start with OANDA's API and ideas that can be realized using the API is provided, helping traders to integrate more advanced technology into their strategies.

6. Technical analysis guides. Key technical analysis concepts like moving averages, Ichimoku Cloud, Bollinger Bands, and Parabolic SAR, are explained using actual charts, making these critical trading tools more accessible.

7. Commodity and bond fundamentals. The fundamentals of various commodities (like precious metals, oil, and agricultural products) and bonds, including their historical context, market mechanisms, and fundamentals, are clearly explained.

8. Cryptocurrency basics. Comprehensive explanations of cryptocurrencies, including underlying technologies like blockchain and differences between various digital assets, provide a thorough understanding of this growing asset class.

9. Practical trading strategies. OANDA Lab offers '30 Trading Strategies', showing how to leverage their tools, indicators, and information in practical trading scenarios.

10. Automated trading with EAs. Courses cover the basics and applications of automated trading using EAs, which are suitable for beginners and more experienced traders.

11. Video Content and Seminars. Various video content, including seminars related to MT4, fxTrade, and other platforms, are available, along with regular live meetings and webinars, offering interactive learning experiences.

12. Columns and insights. Regular columns and insightful pieces provide valuable knowledge that can aid market analysis.

Oanda Japan's customer support is appreciated for its professionalism and effectiveness, especially for users in Japan who benefit from platform-specific assistance. However, the support experience could be enhanced by introducing more immediate communication channels like live chat and providing more precise information on response times. The existing phone support and email system meet basic needs, but a more diverse range of contact methods would significantly improve accessibility and efficiency for users seeking prompt assistance.

How to contact support?

Oanda Japan offers customer support primarily through email for inquiries related to demo accounts and content in the OANDA Lab. It's important to note that these inquiries are not handled over the phone. Email inquiries require specific mandatory fields to be filled out, ensuring the query is adequately detailed. For existing members, logging in before inquiring is recommended.

Additionally, Oanda Japan provides customer support hotlines for more immediate assistance. The general customer support line is 0120-923-213, and for more specific queries related to commodity futures trading, the Japan Commodity Futures Trading Association offers support at 03-3664-6243.

It should be noted that depending on the nature of the inquiry, responses via email may take some time, and in some cases, a response might not be possible. Users are advised to keep this in mind when reaching out.

Support Reviews

Feedback from users indicates a generally positive experience with Oanda Japan's customer support. Traders appreciate the broker's compatibility with platforms like Tradingview, a notable advantage for those based in Japan. The responsiveness and effectiveness of the customer service have been highlighted as solid points, contributing to a reliable trading experience. Users often express their intention to continue trading with Oanda as their accounts grow, suggesting a level of trust and satisfaction with the support provided. However, it's important to note the absence of an online chat feature, which could enhance the support experience further.

Oanda Pros and Cons

Advantages

1. Strict Regulation. Oanda is regulated by leading financial authorities worldwide, ensuring high security.

2. Tight Spreads. Oanda offers competitive and transparent spreads.

3. Advanced Trading Platforms. Oanda supports MetaTrader 4 and 5 and its proprietary platform, fxTrade.

4. Quality Analytics. Automatic pattern recognition, advanced tools for MetaTrader, a currency converter, and other resources are provided.

5. Extensive Learning Section. Oanda offers rich educational materials and resources, including webinars, videos, and articles.

Disadvantages

1. Limited Account Types. Oanda offers only one standard type of account, which may not be suitable for traders with different needs.

2. High Swaps. Oanda has relatively high swap rates, which could reduce the profitability of long-term trades.

Conclusion

Oanda is an excellent choice for Japanese 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.