xChief vs Seacrest Markets Comparison: Which Is Better for Traders?
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 - xChief or Seacrest Markets?
Our pick: xChief
Based on multiple factors - spreads and fees, available assets and instruments, execution quality, platform usability, support level, and educational resources - xChief looks preferable to Seacrest Markets.
xChief scored 4.1/5 and ranks 39 in our all Forex brokers list, whereas Seacrest Markets has 4.1/5 and ranks 47.
This is not financial advice. See the full comparison below.
Who is xChief suitable for?
xChief is suitable for traders looking for a wide range of trading instruments and low spreads. However, the broker is not suitable for those seeking a strong analytical section and educational courses
Who is Seacrest Markets suitable for?
Suitable for retail and active Forex and CFD traders, as well as those looking for prop funding and high leverage.
Comparison Table of xChief and Seacrest Markets
| Broker | xChief | Seacrest Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.1/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2014 | 2024 |
| Regulated in Countries | Comoros | South Africa |
| Minimum Deposit |
|
|
| Spread | from 0 points | from 0.1 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:1000 | 1:500 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
|
|
| Trading Platforms |
|
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| Review | xChief Review | Seacrest Markets Review |
xChief Review
xChief offers traders a variety of opportunities and services for successful trading in the Forex market. With a wide selection of trading instruments, reliable trading platforms, contests, and educational materials, the broker creates conditions for developing traders of all experience levels.
Pros and Cons of xChief
Pros
- A wide range of trading instruments.
- Availability of cent and PAMM accounts.
- Tight spreads and low commission per transaction.
- Scalping and algorithmic trading allowed.
Cons
- Regulation in an offshore jurisdiction.
- Weak analytical section.
- No educational courses and webinars for beginner traders.
xChief is in the top 10 of the following ratings:
Seacrest Markets Review
Seacrest Markets is a broker with a moderate level of regulation (FSCA), a clear fee structure, and an accessible entry threshold from $50. The company combines a classic CFD model with a prop arm, which broadens its audience with traders interested in funded accounts and capital scaling. Trading is conducted via MetaTrader 5, major asset classes are available, and leverage goes up to 1:500.
This broker is primarily suitable for:
- retail traders who trade Forex and core CFDs;
- active traders for whom high leverage matters;
- participants interested in taking prop challenges;
- traders who value 24/7 support and a simple account-opening process.
It may be less suitable for investors seeking strict Tier-1 regulation, the widest possible selection of stocks and ETFs, or advanced institutional-grade analytics.
Pros and Cons of Seacrest Markets
Pros
- FSCA (South Africa) license and formal regulation of brokerage activity.
- Low minimum deposit — from $50.
- Prop program with multiple challenge formats and a scaling plan.
- 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.
- The education section is mostly a blog without comprehensive courses.
Reliability
| Broker | xChief | Seacrest Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | 3/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2014 | 2024 |
| Regulated in Countries | Comoros | South Africa |
| Regulators |
xChief
ForexChief is of medium credibility, having a license from a body in an offshore jurisdiction.
Seacrest Markets
Seacrest Markets' reliability can be rated as moderate: the broker is regulated by FSCA (Tier-2), but it lacks Tier-1 licensing and compensation funds, and the prop arm operates outside a traditional financial license.
Pros
- FSCA (South Africa) license
- Legal separation between the broker and the prop program
- Transparent registration information
Cons
- No Tier-1 regulation
Account Opening
| Broker | xChief | Seacrest Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Account Opening | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Minimum Deposit |
|
|
xChief
Opening an account with Forex Chief is simple and fast thanks to a clear registration and verification process.
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 | xChief | Seacrest Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Account Types | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Trading Accounts |
|
|
| Minimum Deposit |
|
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| Spread | from 0 points | from 0.1 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:1000 | 1:500 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
|
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| Trading Platforms |
|
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| Demo Account | ||
| Swap-free Account |
xChief
Forex Chief offers a variety of account types, satisfying the needs of different traders, from beginners to professionals.
Pros
- Wide selection of accounts: DirectFX, Classic+, cent, and Islamic.
- Demo accounts are available for novice traders.
- Investment accounts available: PAMM accounts and copy trading.
Seacrest Markets
Seacrest Markets offers a combination of classic trading accounts and a flexible prop program with several challenge formats. The lineup is designed for different traders, but the depth of choice on the brokerage side remains moderate.
Pros
- Availability of Classic and ECN accounts
- Flexible prop-challenge formats
Cons
- Limited selection of trading accounts
Commissions
| Broker | xChief | Seacrest Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Commissions | 4.2/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Spread | from 0 points | from 0.1 points |
| Average Spread (EURUSD) | 0.7 | 1.2 |
| Commission per Lot | $2.5 | $3.5 |
xChief
Forex Chief offers attractive commissions and tight spreads, although swaps are average for the market. Rebates add extra benefits for active traders.
Pros
- Low commission per trade.
- Tight spreads.
- No inactivity fees and no withdrawal fees.
Cons
- High swaps.
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 | xChief | Seacrest Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Account Funding Methods |
|
|
xChief
ForexChief offers a wide range of deposit and withdrawal methods without any fees on their part, with fast processing of requests.
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 | xChief | Seacrest Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Markets and Products | 4/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Forex | 39 | 50 |
| Precious Metals | 2 | 2 |
| Energy Carriers | 3 | 3 |
| Indices | 10 | 6 |
| Stocks | 100 | - |
| Cryptocurrency | 5 | 4 |
| Soft Commodities | - | 2 |
xChief
Forex Chief offers a respectable variety of trading instruments.
Pros
- Wide range of currency pairs and CFDs.
- Access to cryptocurrency trading.
- Flexible margin requirements.
Cons
- Lack of soft commodities.
- Limited number of stock CFDs.
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 | xChief | Seacrest Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Trading Platforms |
|
|
xChief
Forex Chief offers widely used and functional MT4 and MT5 platforms, providing convenience and accessibility for traders.
Pros
- Use of popular and proven MT4 and MT5 platforms.
- Availability of platforms on various OS (Windows, iOS, Android).
Cons
- Lack of proprietary unique platform.
- Limited selection of platforms compared to some competitors.
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 | xChief | Seacrest Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3/5 | 5/5 |
xChief
ForexChief offers basic analytical tools, but they are generally insufficient for serious trading.
Pros
- Current central bank interest rates.
- Convenient trader's calculator.
Cons
- Outdated economic articles.
- Insufficient variety of analytical tools.
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 | xChief | Seacrest Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3/5 | 3.5/5 |
xChief
ForexChief's educational materials cover the basics, but do not offer in-depth training.
Pros
- Wide range of article topics for beginners.
- Various trading strategies and indicators are presented.
Cons
- Lack of more advanced materials.
- No video tutorials or webinars.
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 | xChief | Seacrest Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Email Support |
| — |
| Hotline Phones |
| — |
| Social Media |
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
YouTube
Telegram
Discord
TikTokxChief
ForexChief support is well-organized and easily accessible, but has limited operating hours.
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 xChief and Seacrest Markets with other brokers
Conclusion
xChief stands out as the better overall pick, while Seacrest Markets trails on aggregate criteria.
xChief scored 4.1/5 and ranks 39 in our rating; Seacrest Markets has 4.1/5 and ranks 47.
We explain the reasons above in detail — fees, platforms, reliability, support, and more.
FAQ
Which broker is better: xChief or Seacrest Markets?
xChief comes out ahead by overall rank (score 4.1/5, position 39) versus Seacrest Markets (score 4.1/5, position 47).
Which broker is better for beginners: xChief or Seacrest Markets?
xChief 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) — xChief 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 xChief and Seacrest Markets?
xChief: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5. Seacrest Markets: MetaTrader 5. See the “Platforms” section for details and selection tips.
What markets can you trade with xChief and Seacrest Markets?
xChief: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Indices, Stocks, 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 xChief and Seacrest Markets?
xChief: CENT, Classic+, DirectFX, xPRIME. Seacrest Markets: Classic, ECN. See “Account Types” for a side-by-side comparison.
What deposit and withdrawal methods are supported by xChief and Seacrest Markets?
xChief: Skrill, Neteller, Volet, WebMoney, Perfect Money, FasaPay, SEPA, Credit and Debit Cards, Online banking. Seacrest Markets: Swift, Visa, Mastercard. Check method-specific fees/settlement times.
Which broker is safer — xChief 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.
