Seacrest Markets vs Ultima 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 - Seacrest Markets or Ultima Markets?
Our pick: Ultima Markets
Based on multiple factors - spreads and fees, available assets and instruments, execution quality, platform usability, support level, and educational resources - Ultima Markets looks preferable to Seacrest Markets.
Ultima Markets scored 4.4/5 and ranks 19 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 Seacrest Markets suitable for?
Suitable for retail and active Forex and CFD traders who value high leverage and straightforward trading conditions.
Who is Ultima Markets suitable for?
Ultima Markets is suitable for experienced traders and those who use automated strategies. It is less suitable for beginners due to a lack of educational materials.
Comparison Table of Seacrest Markets and Ultima Markets
| Broker | Seacrest Markets | Ultima Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.1/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2024 | 2016 |
| Regulated in Countries | South Africa | Mauritius, Cyprus |
| Minimum Deposit |
|
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| Spread | from 0.1 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:2000 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Review | Seacrest Markets Review | Ultima Markets Review |
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.
Ultima Markets Review
Ultima Markets is a broker offering a wide range of trading instruments and platforms, making it attractive to various categories of traders. With low trading commissions, user-friendly platforms, and extensive analytical materials, the broker is suitable for experienced traders and those who use automated strategies. However, due to the lack of educational materials, Ultima Markets is less suitable for beginner traders, but it is an excellent choice for anyone who does not require training.
Pros and Cons of Ultima Markets
Pros
- Low trading commissions.
- Coverage of all major trading asset markets.
- Extensive analytical materials and tools.
- Efficient technical support.
Cons
- Lack of educational materials.
- No phone support.
Ultima Markets is in the top 10 of the following ratings:
Reliability
| Broker | Seacrest Markets | Ultima Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | 4.5/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2024 | 2016 |
| Regulated in Countries | South Africa | Mauritius, Cyprus |
| 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
Ultima Markets
Ultima Markets demonstrates high reliability due to multi-tier regulation and client protection through insurance coverage. This makes the broker a safe and trusted partner for traders.
Pros
- Regulation by FSC and CySEC.
- Membership in The Financial Commission.
- Insurance coverage up to $1,000,000 USD.
Cons
- Lack of licenses from stricter regulators such as the FCA or ASIC.
Account Opening
| Broker | Seacrest Markets | Ultima Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Account Opening | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Minimum Deposit |
|
|
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
Ultima Markets
The account opening process at Ultima Markets is easy, convenient, and quick, making it attractive for new clients.
Pros
- Simple and fast registration.
- Accessible minimum deposit.
- Verification using standard documents.
Account Types
| Broker | Seacrest Markets | Ultima Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Account Types | 4/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Trading Accounts |
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| Minimum Deposit |
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| Spread | from 0.1 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:2000 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Demo Account | ||
| Swap-free Account |
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
Ultima Markets
Ultima Markets offers a variety of accounts that meet the needs of different traders, including standard, ECN, cent, and Islamic accounts. However, additional services could make their offering even better.
Pros
- A variety of accounts for different categories of traders.
- Islamic accounts available.
- Own copy trading platform.
Cons
- Lack of fixed spread accounts.
Commissions
| Broker | Seacrest Markets | Ultima Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Commissions | 3.5/5 | 5/5 |
| Spread | from 0.1 points | from 0 points |
| Average Spread (EURUSD) | 1.2 | 1 |
| Commission per Lot | $3.5 | $2.5 |
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
Ultima Markets
Ultima Markets has low trading commissions, making it attractive for traders. The absence of inactivity fees and withdrawal fees adds to the advantages.
Pros
- Low commissions on ECN account ($5 per lot).
- Tight spreads on standard account.
- No inactivity fees and withdrawal fees.
Deposit and Withdrawal
| Broker | Seacrest Markets | Ultima Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Account Funding Methods |
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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
Ultima Markets
Ultima Markets offers convenient deposit and withdrawal methods with minimal costs and fast processing time, making the broker attractive for traders.
Pros
- Wide range of deposit and withdrawal methods.
- No withdrawal fees.
Cons
- Withdrawal time up to 5 business days.
Markets and Products
| Broker | Seacrest Markets | Ultima Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Markets and Products | 3.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Forex | 50 | 60 |
| Precious Metals | 2 | 9 |
| Energy Carriers | 3 | 7 |
| Soft Commodities | 2 | 7 |
| Indices | 6 | 28 |
| Cryptocurrency | 4 | 47 |
| Stocks | - | 86 |
| ETF | - | 6 |
| Bonds | - | 7 |
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
Ultima Markets
Ultima Markets provides a wide selection of markets and products, satisfying the needs of most traders.
Pros
- Wide assortment of CFDs.
- Coverage of all major markets.
Cons
- Average number of stock CFDs compared to competitors.
Trading Platforms
| Broker | Seacrest Markets | Ultima Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.5/5 | 4/5 |
| Trading Platforms |
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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
Ultima Markets
Ultima Markets' trading platforms are user-friendly and functional, making them an excellent choice for most traders.
Pros
- Support for MT4 with extensive functionality.
- Intuitive mobile application.
Cons
- Limited choice of platforms.
Analytics
| Broker | Seacrest Markets | Ultima Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 4/5 |
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
Ultima Markets
Ultima Markets possesses excellent analytics and tools, aiding traders in making informed decisions. However, the lack of unique analytical tools and limited number of trading signals slightly lower the rating.
Pros
- Up-to-date market news.
- Expert analysis of popular instruments.
- Economic calendar and trading calculators.
Cons
- Lack of unique analytical tools.
- Limited number of specialized reviews.
Education
| Broker | Seacrest Markets | Ultima Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.5/5 | 1/5 |
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
Ultima Markets
Ultima Markets offers limited educational materials, which is insufficient for beginner traders. To improve the level of education, webinars, video tutorials, and articles should be added.
Pros
- Unlimited demo account.
Cons
- Absence of webinars and video tutorials.
- Lack of articles and podcasts.
Customer Support
| Broker | Seacrest Markets | Ultima Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Email Support | — |
|
| Hotline Phones | — | — |
| Social Media |
Discord
Twitter
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok
YouTube
Telegram
LinkedInSeacrest 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
Ultima Markets
Ultima Markets' customer support demonstrates high efficiency and professionalism, providing prompt assistance through various communication channels.
Pros
- 24/7 support.
- High response speed.
- Variety of communication channels (email, chat, Telegram).
Cons
- No phone support.
Comparisons of Seacrest Markets and Ultima Markets with other brokers
Seacrest Markets Comparisons
Conclusion
Ultima Markets stands out as the better overall pick, while Seacrest Markets trails on aggregate criteria.
Ultima Markets scored 4.4/5 and ranks 19 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: Seacrest Markets or Ultima Markets?
Ultima Markets comes out ahead by overall rank (score 4.4/5, position 19) versus Seacrest Markets (score 4.1/5, position 51).
Which broker is better for beginners: Seacrest Markets or Ultima Markets?
Ultima Markets 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) — Seacrest Markets or Ultima 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 Seacrest Markets and Ultima Markets?
Seacrest Markets: MetaTrader 5. Ultima Markets: MetaTrader 4, WebTrader. See the “Platforms” section for details and selection tips.
What markets can you trade with Seacrest Markets and Ultima Markets?
Seacrest Markets: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Soft Commodities, Indices, Cryptocurrency. Ultima Markets: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Soft Commodities, Indices, Stocks, ETF, Bonds, Cryptocurrency. Full lists and differences are in the “Markets” section.
What account types are offered by Seacrest Markets and Ultima Markets?
Seacrest Markets: Classic, ECN. Ultima Markets: Standard, ECN, Standard Cent Account, ECN Cent Account. See “Account Types” for a side-by-side comparison.
What deposit and withdrawal methods are supported by Seacrest Markets and Ultima Markets?
Seacrest Markets: Swift, Visa, Mastercard. Ultima Markets: Alipay, Bank Transfer, UnionPay, Visa, Mastercard, Online banking. Check method-specific fees/settlement times.
Which broker is safer — Seacrest Markets or Ultima Markets — and how was this assessed?
We consider regulation, corporate transparency, fund protection, and incident history. See the “Reliability” section for our findings.
