Deriv vs Seacrest Markets Comparison
Compare trading conditions, commissions and platforms of Forex brokers Deriv and Seacrest Markets. Find out which broker is best for you.
We test brokers on real accounts using our own methodology, evaluating the quality of order execution, trading conditions, platforms and customer support.
Who is better - Deriv or Seacrest Markets?
Our pick: Deriv
Based on multiple factors - spreads and fees, available assets and instruments, execution quality, platform usability, support level, and educational resources - Deriv looks preferable to Seacrest Markets.
Deriv scored 4.3/5 and ranks 27 in our all Forex brokers list, whereas Seacrest Markets has 4.1/5 and ranks 51.
This is not financial advice. See the full comparison below.
Who is Deriv suitable for?
Deriv may be suitable for beginners looking for a user-friendly platform, a low entry threshold, and the opportunity to trade binary options or CFDs.
Who is Seacrest Markets suitable for?
Suitable for retail and active Forex and CFD traders who value high leverage and straightforward trading conditions.
Comparison Table of Deriv and Seacrest Markets
| Broker | Deriv | Seacrest Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2020 | 2024 |
| Regulated in Countries | Malaysia, British Virgin Islands, Vanuatu, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Jersey, Malta | South Africa |
| Minimum Deposit |
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| Spread | from 0.5 points | from 0.1 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:4000 | 1:500 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Review | Deriv Review | Seacrest Markets Review |
Deriv Review
Deriv is an appealing choice for a wide array of traders, particularly those who are just beginning or are at an intermediate level. Its user-friendly approach, diverse platforms, and low-cost structure make it ideal for individuals seeking a straightforward trading experience. While it may not fully satisfy the needs of highly advanced traders due to some limitations in educational and analytical resources, Deriv's overall offering is solid, making it a reliable and accessible broker for most trading requirements.
Pros and Cons of Deriv
Pros
- Simple and fast account opening process.
- A wide variety of account types cater to different trading needs.
- Low commission structure.
- A wide range of trading platforms.
- High-quality technical support with fast and effective responses.
Cons
- Some essential asset classes are absent, and a limited number of CFDs on stocks exist.
- Educational materials are confined to a blog and lack comprehensive learning resources.
Deriv is in the top 10 of the following ratings:
Seacrest Markets Review
Seacrest Markets is a CFD broker with moderate regulation (FSCA), a transparent fee structure, and an accessible entry threshold starting from $50. Trading is conducted via MetaTrader 5, covering major asset classes, with leverage available up to 1:500. The conditions are tailored to retail traders who value clear costs and a straightforward onboarding process.
The broker is best suited for:
retail traders working with Forex and major CFDs;
active traders seeking high leverage;
traders who appreciate 24/7 support and an easy account opening process.
It may be less suitable for investors looking for Tier-1 regulation, an extensive range of stocks and ETFs, or advanced institutional research.
Pros and Cons of Seacrest Markets
Pros
- FSCA (South Africa) license and formal regulation of brokerage activity.
- Low minimum deposit — from $50.
- 24/7 support and a strong community.
Cons
- No Tier-1 regulation and no compensation funds.
- Limited number of trading instruments compared to large brokers.
- No web-based platform and no alternative to MetaTrader 5.
Reliability
| Broker | Deriv | Seacrest Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | 4.2/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2020 | 2024 |
| Regulated in Countries | Malaysia, British Virgin Islands, Vanuatu, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Jersey, Malta | South Africa |
| Regulators |
Deriv
Broker Deriv is relatively reliable, with licenses from various global regulators.
Seacrest Markets
Seacrest Markets’ reliability can be described as moderate: the broker is regulated by the FSCA (Tier-2) but does not hold Tier-1 licenses or participate in compensation schemes, which reduces the level of protection compared to major international brokers.
Pros
- FSCA (South Africa) license
- Transparent registration information
Cons
- No Tier-1 regulation
Account Opening
| Broker | Deriv | Seacrest Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Account Opening | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Minimum Deposit |
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Deriv
The account opening process at Deriv brokerage is quite simple and fast.
Seacrest Markets
Opening an account with Seacrest Markets is fast and without unnecessary bureaucracy: online registration, verification within a day, and clear requirements make the process convenient for most traders.
Pros
- Simple online registration
- Verification within 24 hours
- Low minimum deposit
Cons
- Mandatory extended KYC questionnaire
Account Types
| Broker | Deriv | Seacrest Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Account Types | 4.5/5 | 4/5 |
| Trading Accounts |
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| Minimum Deposit |
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| Spread | from 0.5 points | from 0.1 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:4000 | 1:500 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Demo Account | ||
| Swap-free Account |
Deriv
A wide variety of accounts on Deriv satisfies the needs of different traders, although there are certain limitations.
Pros
- A sufficiently wide selection of account types.
- The ability to trade binary options and multipliers.
Cons
- No accounts with fixed spreads.
Seacrest Markets
Seacrest Markets offers classic trading accounts with a clear fee structure. The lineup suits different trading styles, though the overall variety and depth of account options remain moderate.
Pros
- Availability of Classic and ECN accounts
Cons
- Limited selection of trading accounts
Commissions
| Broker | Deriv | Seacrest Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Commissions | 4.3/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Spread | from 0.5 points | from 0.1 points |
| Average Spread (EURUSD) | 0.5 | 1.2 |
| Commission per Lot | $3.5 |
Deriv
Deriv's commissions are low.
Pros
- No commission for account funding and withdrawal.
- Low spreads and swaps on Financial type accounts.
Cons
- Fee for account inactivity.
Seacrest Markets
Seacrest Markets' fees are around the market average: spreads and swaps are comparable to competitors, and the ECN commission remains competitive. The cost structure is transparent and without notable hidden charges.
Pros
- Market-average spreads
- No withdrawal fee except for bank transfers
Cons
- There is an account inactivity fee
- Swaps can be significant for long-term trading
Deposit and Withdrawal
| Broker | Deriv | Seacrest Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Account Funding Methods |
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Deriv
Broker Deriv offers various convenient methods for account funding and withdrawal without commission.
Seacrest Markets
Deposits and withdrawals at Seacrest Markets are organized in a standard and convenient way: cards, bank transfer, and cryptocurrencies are available. The procedures are transparent, but the range of methods remains basic.
Pros
- Support for Visa/Mastercard
- Crypto transfers available
- Clear procedure via the client portal
Cons
- Limited selection of local payment systems
- Fee for withdrawals via bank transfer
Markets and Products
| Broker | Deriv | Seacrest Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Markets and Products | 3.8/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Forex | 57 | 50 |
| Precious Metals | 11 | 2 |
| Energy Carriers | 2 | 3 |
| Indices | 63 | 6 |
| Stocks | 57 | - |
| ETF | 31 | - |
| Cryptocurrency | 31 | 4 |
| Soft Commodities | - | 2 |
Deriv
A wide range of assets in many segments.
Pros
- A large selection of assets for trading.
- Ability to trade synthetic indices 24/7.
Cons
- Absence of some important asset classes.
- Limited number of CFDs on stocks.
Seacrest Markets
Seacrest Markets' market offering covers key asset classes and suits most retail strategies, but it falls behind large multi-asset brokers in breadth of instruments.
Pros
- Key asset classes (Forex, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies)
- High leverage up to 1:500
Cons
- Limited overall number of instruments
- No stocks or ETFs
Trading Platforms
| Broker | Deriv | Seacrest Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Trading Platforms |
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Deriv
Broker Deriv offers a wide range of trading platforms to meet the needs of traders of different levels.
Pros
- A variety of platforms for different types of trading.
- The ability to build trading robots without programming knowledge.
- Has its own mobile application.
Seacrest Markets
MetaTrader 5 provides full functionality for analysis and trading, but platform choice is limited to a single terminal and there is no web version, which reduces access flexibility.
Pros
- Support for algorithmic trading
- iOS and Android mobile apps
Cons
- No web version
- No alternative platforms
Analytics
| Broker | Deriv | Seacrest Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.5/5 | 5/5 |
Deriv
Deriv offers robust analytics with practical calculators and insightful market analysis, yet there's room for more real-time data tools.
Pros
- Detailed market insights on the Deriv Blog.
- Convenient risk management calculators.
Cons
- Lack of an economic calendar.
- Limited real-time data analytics.
Seacrest Markets
Seacrest Markets' analytics cover key needs of retail traders: video reviews, articles, and built-in analysis tools. The content is practical, but it is geared mainly toward beginner and intermediate levels.
Pros
- Regular video analysis
- Economic calendar and market widgets
- TradingView integration
Education
| Broker | Deriv | Seacrest Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 2.5/5 | 3.5/5 |
Deriv
Deriv's educational materials are limited to a blog, which restricts opportunities for comprehensive learning.
Seacrest Markets
Seacrest Markets' educational materials cover basic CFD and Forex topics and are suitable for beginners, but the education section is limited to a blog format without an extended learning program.
Pros
- Structured blog
Cons
- No comprehensive courses
- No webinars or podcasts
Customer Support
| Broker | Deriv | Seacrest Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Email Support |
| — |
| Hotline Phones | — | — |
| Social Media |
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube
Facebook
Instagram
Discord
TikTokDeriv
Technical support at Deriv operates at a high level, providing fast and quality responses.
Pros
- Wide selection of communication channels.
- Quality and constructive responses.
Cons
- No information on the support schedule is available on the website.
- Some clients complain about the technical support service.
Seacrest Markets
Seacrest Markets' support operates 24/7 and provides quick contact via live chat. A strong community enhances client service, but the set of communication channels remains standard.
Pros
- 24/7 support
- Live chat on the website
- Active community (Discord and social media)
Cons
- No extensive phone support
- No personal managers
- Limited selection of communication channels
Comparisons of Deriv and Seacrest Markets with other brokers
Conclusion
Deriv stands out as the better overall pick, while Seacrest Markets trails on aggregate criteria.
Deriv scored 4.3/5 and ranks 27 in our rating; Seacrest Markets has 4.1/5 and ranks 51.
We explain the reasons above in detail — fees, platforms, reliability, support, and more.
FAQ
Which broker is better: Deriv or Seacrest Markets?
Deriv comes out ahead by overall rank (score 4.3/5, position 27) versus Seacrest Markets (score 4.1/5, position 51).
Which broker is better for beginners: Deriv or Seacrest Markets?
Deriv is often a smoother start thanks to simpler onboarding and stronger baseline metrics. Still, your tools and budget should drive the final choice.
Who has lower typical trading costs (spreads/commissions) — Deriv or Seacrest Markets?
It depends on the instrument and account type. Compare the live conditions in the “Commissions” section on this page — we break down the nuances category by category.
What trading platforms are available with Deriv and Seacrest Markets?
Deriv: MetaTrader 5, Deriv X, cTrader. Seacrest Markets: MetaTrader 5. See the “Platforms” section for details and selection tips.
What markets can you trade with Deriv and Seacrest Markets?
Deriv: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Indices, Stocks, ETF, Cryptocurrency. Seacrest Markets: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Soft Commodities, Indices, Cryptocurrency. Full lists and differences are in the “Markets” section.
What account types are offered by Deriv and Seacrest Markets?
Deriv: MT5 Financial, MT5 Derived, Deriv X, Deriv cTrader. Seacrest Markets: Classic, ECN. See “Account Types” for a side-by-side comparison.
What deposit and withdrawal methods are supported by Deriv and Seacrest Markets?
Deriv: FasaPay, Skrill, Neteller, WebMoney, PaySafeCard, Jeton, SticPay, Airtm, Boleto, Paylivre, OnlineNaira, Beyonic, AstroPay, 1foryou, Volet, Swift, Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Diners Club, JCB, PayTrust88, Help2pay, DragonPhoenix, ZingPay, Ngan Luong, Trustly. Seacrest Markets: Swift, Visa, Mastercard. Check method-specific fees/settlement times.
Which broker is safer — Deriv or Seacrest Markets — and how was this assessed?
We consider regulation, corporate transparency, fund protection, and incident history. See the “Reliability” section for our findings.
