Oanda US Review 2024
Highlights of Oanda US
Oanda is an international Forex and CFD broker regulated by leading financial authorities such as ASIC, FCA, and CFTC.
Oanda stands out with its high-quality analytics and a variety of educational materials, making it suitable for traders of any experience level. Tight spreads and a wide range of trading assets, including currencies, indices, and commodities, cater to diverse client needs. Advanced trading platforms, such as MetaTrader 4 and Oanda's proprietary fxTrade platform, provide convenience and functionality for trading.
Pros and Cons of Oanda US
Pros
- Tight spreads.
- Advanced trading platforms.
- Quality analytics.
- Extensive learning section.
Cons
- Limited trading account types.
- Inactivity fee.
- High swaps.
Oanda US Broker Overview
Foundation Year | 2001 |
---|---|
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 0.5 points |
Max Leverage | 1:50 |
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 US is in the top 10 of the following ratings:
Oanda US Review Summary
- Strict regulatory compliance with CFTC and NFA enhances safety.
- Membership in NFA assures adherence to ethical trading practices.
- Robust legal framework provides substantial trader protection.
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 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 | Current 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 | 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 the USA
Oanda Corporation, renowned for its reliability in the Forex market, operates with robust regulatory oversight in the United States. Oanda adheres to stringent financial and operational standards as a registered Futures Commission Merchant and Retail Foreign Exchange Dealer with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). This compliance ensures a high level of integrity and accountability in its services.
Moreover, Oanda's membership in the National Futures Association (NFA), an independent self-regulatory organization, further solidifies its commitment to upholding the best practices in the financial industry.
One of the critical aspects of Oanda's regulatory framework in the U.S. is the protection offered to traders. This includes adherence to the CFTC's rules regarding segregating client funds. Oanda must keep clients' funds in separate accounts, ensuring that these funds are not used for the firm's operating expenses or other purposes. This segregation provides a significant layer of security for traders' investments.
While the United States does not have a Forex-specific compensation scheme like some other countries, the regulatory environment ensures high safety and transparency for traders. The regulatory framework protects traders from fraud and abusive practices, fostering a trustworthy trading environment.
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.
Registration
When registering for an account with Oanda, applicants are required to provide comprehensive personal and financial details. The information necessary during the application process includes:
- Name
- Address
- Date of Birth
- Social Security Number (SSN)
- Employment Details
- Financial Information
- Bankruptcy Status
- Trading Experience
Oanda employs an electronic identification system (EID) to verify your identity. This process matches the details you provide with those in your credit file. Importantly, this does not involve checking or viewing your credit score.
After submitting your application, Oanda may contact you within 24-48 hours for further supporting information or clarification. Regularly check your email and junk folder; they must be periodically checked following your application submission.
Even if you pass the EID, stay vigilant for potential communication from Oanda's Onboarding team, who may require confirmation or additional details regarding your application.
Verification
In cases where electronic identification is unsuccessful, you will need to provide additional documentation:
- Proof of Identity: A valid, government-issued photo identification showing your photo, name, and date of birth. It must remain valid for at least three months from submission. Ensure the full page of the document is visible, with all details legible and your face identifiable.
- Proof of Address: If your photo ID does not include your current residential address, a personal bill or statement issued in your name to your residential address is required. This document should be dated within three months of submission. P.O. boxes or business addresses are not acceptable.
Additional Documentation
In certain circumstances, you might be asked to provide further documentation:
- Social Security Number (SSN): A legible, signed, and scanned image of your SSN card may be requested for validation purposes.
- Notarized Documentation: In rare instances, such as cases of suspected fraud or a security freeze on your data, copies of your proof of identity and address might be required. These can be notarized by a Notary Public and available via your state's Secretary of State website.
Uploading documents does not complete the registration. A member of the Oanda Onboarding team will review your application and contact you via email for any additional details or to confirm the approval and readiness of your account for funding.
Client Area Overview
In Oanda's client area, you can:
- Open a new trading account;
- 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 only one trading account type, catering to most traders' needs. Oanda introduces the Elite Trader Program for high-volume traders, providing additional benefits for those with a monthly trading volume exceeding $10 million.
Trading Accounts
Oanda offers only one type of trading account:
Standard | |
---|---|
Account Currency | USD, EUR, GBP, CHF, CAD, AUD, JPY, HKD, SGD |
Minimum Deposit | 1 $ |
Trading Platforms | MetaTrader 4TradingViewfxTrade |
Spread | floatingfrom 0.5 pipsfor EURUSD~ 0.8 pips |
Commission per Trade | |
Trading Assets | ForexCryptocurrency |
Opened Positions | — |
Leverage | 1:1-1:50 |
Margin Call / Stop Out | 100% / 50% |
Order Execution | STP |
Demo Account | |
Islamic Account | |
Open AccountRegister |
This account provides 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. 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.
Elite Trader Loyalty Program
The Elite Trader Loyalty Program caters to high-volume traders and provides exclusive benefits and rewards.
Feature | Standard Account | Elite Trader |
---|---|---|
Minimum Volume Trading Requirement | ✗ | From $10M |
Rebate per Million Traded | ✗ | From $5 |
Number of FX Pairs | 68 | 68 |
Dedicated Relationship Manager | ✗ | ✓ |
Trading Platforms | OANDA Web, Mobile, Tablet, TradingView, MT4 | OANDA Web, Mobile, Tablet, TradingView, MT4 |
Monthly TradingView Subscription Reimbursement | ✗ | ✓ |
Unlimited Free Wire Transfers | ✗ | ✓ |
Core Pricing + Commissions | ✓ | ✓ |
Spread-Only Pricing | ✓ | ✓ |
API Trading | ✓ | ✓ |
24/5 Support | ✓ | ✓ |
Variable Contract Sizes (as low as 1 unit) | ✓ | ✓ |
MT4 Open Order Indicator | Updates every 20 minutes | Updates every 5 minutes |
Priority Service Queues | ✗ | ✓ |
Account holders can earn interest on unused margin when it exceeds $10,000, providing an incentive to keep funds in the account.
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 and 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 |
---|---|---|---|
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 |
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.
Rebates
Elite Trader members can receive a trading discount of up to 34% on trading volume of $10M or more per month.
Tier | Monthly Volume Requirement (US$) | Rebate per Million Traded | Average Savings |
---|---|---|---|
Tier 1 | 10M-49M | 5.00 | 10% |
Tier 2 | 50M-249M | 7.00 | 14% |
Tier 3 | 250M-499M | 10.00 | 20% |
Tier 4 | 500M-1B | 15.00 | 30% |
Tier 5 | 1B+ | 17.00 | 34% |
Deposit and Withdrawal
OANDA offers efficient financial transactions. Debit card and wire transfer options are available, with debit card withdrawals taking 1-3 business days and wire transfers 1-5 business days. However, it's important to note that cryptocurrency and e-wallet funding or withdrawals are not supported.
Methods of Account Funding
When it comes to funding your OANDA account, you have several options to choose from.
Payment System | Currencies | Deposit Fee | Operation Limit |
---|---|---|---|
Bank Transfer | USDEURAUD. . .show all | 0% | — |
Automated Clearing House (ACH) | USD | 0% | up to 50000 USD |
Credit and Debit Cards | USDEURAUD. . .show all | 0% | up to 20000 USD |
Note: you cannot deposit cryptocurrencies directly into your spot crypto account. Only funds can be deposited.
Deposit Processing Time
- Debit Cards: Immediate processing.
- ACH: Immediate for Instant ACH (starting at 50% of the requested deposit amount) for transfers equal to or less than $1000. Up to 6 business days for regular ACH processing.
- Wire Transfer: One to three business days for domestic wire transfers. Up to five business days for international wire transfers.
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 |
---|---|---|---|
Bank Transfer | USDEURAUD. . .show all | 0.5%+ 20
USD | — |
Credit and Debit Cards | USDEURAUD. . .show all | 0.65% | — |
At present, direct withdrawals of cryptocurrencies are not possible. Cryptocurrencies stored in a Paxos wallet must be sold, and the funds can then be withdrawn.
Withdrawal Processing Time:
Debit Card: Withdrawals via debit card typically take 1-3 business days to process. Please note that your card provider may impose fees for this transaction.
Wire Transfer: Withdrawals usually take 1-5 business days. It's important to know that your bank may apply fees to the transfer.
Markets and Products
OANDA offers trading options in Forex and cryptocurrencies. Due to regulatory limitations, the broker does not provide CFD trading for commodities, indices, and stocks.
What markets are available?
The following CFDs are available for trading on Oanda:
Broker | FOREX.com | Oanda US |
---|---|---|
Forex | 91 | 68 |
Precious Metals | 16 | — |
Energy Carriers | 14 | — |
Soft Commodities | 22 | — |
Indices | 54 | — |
Stocks | 5500 | — |
ETF | 318 | — |
Bonds | 14 | — |
Cryptocurrency | 12 | 8 |
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 |
---|---|
Forex | 1:50 |
Cryptocurrency | 1:1 |
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. For Forex trading, traders based in the US are allowed to use a maximum leverage of 1:50.
Trading Platforms
The availability of platforms like MetaTrader 4 and OANDA Trade and integration with TradingView provide 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
Oanda provides the classic MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform, known for its user-friendly interface and advanced trading features. MT4 is available in various versions to cater to different user needs, including downloadable versions for Windows and mobile applications for both Android and iOS devices. Additionally, traders can access Forex and CFD markets directly through a web browser version of MT4.
As a market maker, Oanda ensures all trades on MT4 are executed without additional costs, rejections, or requotes. The platform also features a minute-by-minute industry news feed, keeping traders informed about the latest market developments.
OANDA Trade
OANDA Trade is an Android and iOS mobile application that has earned recognition for its high-quality technology, speed, and reliability.
A significant advantage of OANDA Trade 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 OANDA Trade 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.
OANDA Trade 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 you to check average exchange rates and convert 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
At OANDA, US traders can access a wealth of educational resources to enhance their trading skills. The broker offers a variety of webinars and workshops conducted by market analysts, helping traders improve their understanding of the market.
Webinars
OANDA hosts informative webinars covering live market analysis, premium trading strategies (for live account holders), and leveraged trading. These sessions are designed to inform traders about market trends and strategies.
Blog
The broker's blog is valuable for traders seeking insights and knowledge to make informed decisions. It provides in-depth analysis and tools for better trading decisions.
Articles & Resources: OANDA offers a range of articles and educational materials covering various aspects of trading, from technical analysis to trading with leverage. Traders can expand their knowledge and skills through these resources.
Tools & Strategies: OANDA equips traders with tried and tested tools for intelligent trading. These resources help traders build robust trading strategies and conduct market analysis effectively.
Market Analysis: The broker provides market analysis and commentary, offering insights into key events that should be on traders' watchlists. This information is crucial for informed decision-making, from geopolitics to general market trends.
OANDA Views: Traders can access views and insights from OANDA's business leaders and experts. These perspectives cover various financial topics and market events, providing valuable insights for traders.
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 effectiveness of the solutions.
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 is available from Sunday to Friday.
Support can be contacted via interactive chat, phone, or email.
Phones and Working Hours
OANDA provides two contact numbers for traders in the United States:
- +1 212 858 7690
- 1 877 626 3239
You can reach OANDA's support team from 16:00 ET on Sundays to 18:00 ET on Fridays. These dedicated hours ensure that assistance is readily available for US-based traders during the active trading periods.
- frontdesk@oanda.com for trading-related inquiries
- moneytransfer@oanda.com for questions about money transfers
Conclusion
Oanda is an excellent choice for US 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.
FAQ
Is Oanda US legit?
Yes, Oanda US is a legitimate broker regulated by the CFTC (Commodity Futures Trading Commission) and NFA (National Futures Association) in the USA.
Which country is Oanda US from?
Oanda US is based in New York, USA.
Is Oanda US an ECN broker?
No, Oanda US is not classified as an ECN (Electronic Communication Network) broker. Oanda US operates as an STP (Straight Through Processing) broker.
How does Oanda US make money?
Oanda US makes money primarily through the spreads on trades, which is the difference between the buy and sell prices of an asset. Additionally, Oanda US may charge overnight financing fees (also known as swap fees) for positions held overnight.
Is Oanda US good for beginners?
Yes, Oanda US is considered good for beginners due to its user-friendly platforms, comprehensive educational resources, and reliable customer support. The availability of a demo account also helps beginners practice trading without risking real money.
Does Oanda US offer a demo account?
Yes, Oanda US offers a demo account that allows users to practice trading with virtual funds. This is beneficial for both beginners and experienced traders who want to test new strategies.
How can I open an account with Oanda US?
To open an account with Oanda US, you need to visit their website and complete the online registration form. You will be required to provide personal information, verify your identity, and submit any necessary documents as part of the account opening process.
How can I delete my Oanda US account?
To delete your Oanda US account, you need to contact Oanda US's customer support team. They will guide you through the process and ensure that your account is closed properly.
What is the minimum deposit for Oanda US?
Oanda US does not have a minimum deposit requirement for its accounts, allowing traders to start with any amount they are comfortable with.
What is the maximum leverage on Oanda US?
The maximum leverage on Oanda US is up to 1:50 for retail traders.
How do I deposit funds in an Oanda US account?
You can deposit funds into your Oanda US account using various methods such as bank transfers and credit/debit cards.
How do I withdraw money from Oanda US?
To withdraw money from Oanda US, login to your account, go to the withdrawal section and choose your preferred withdrawal method. Follow the instructions to complete the withdrawal process. Methods include bank transfers and credit/debit cards.
Does Oanda US provide VPS?
Yes, Oanda US provides Virtual Private Server (VPS) services for its clients.
Is Oanda US suitable for scalping?
Yes, Oanda US is suitable for scalping. It allows scalping strategies and offers competitive spreads that are beneficial for short-term trading.
Is Oanda US suitable for auto-trading?
Yes, Oanda US is suitable for auto-trading. It supports automated trading through platforms like MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, which allow the use of expert advisors (EAs) for automated trading strategies.
Is Oanda US suitable for hedging?
Yes, Oanda US is suitable for hedging. The broker allows hedging strategies, enabling traders to open multiple positions in the same or opposite direction.