Broker comparison

Seacrest Markets vs XTB Comparison

Compare trading conditions, commissions and platforms of Forex brokers Seacrest Markets and XTB. Find out which broker is best for you.

VS summaryScores and ranking at a glance
Seacrest MarketsHigher ranked
Rating
4.1/5
Rank
#47
Register

Trading CFDs carries high risks. You may lose all invested funds

XTB
Rating
4.2/5
Rank
#62
Register

69-80% of retail investors lose money when trading CFDs with this broker

  • Conditions, fees and platforms compared
  • Ratings and ranking positions checked
  • Based on our review methodology
How we compare brokers
Updated

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 XTB?

Quick comparison

Key differences between the brokers

Below, we show only the differences in trading conditions covered in our reviews. These may include the minimum deposit, available markets, platforms and account types. Compare these details with your requirements.

Methodology

Ratings and ranks

Seacrest Markets ranks higher in the editorial ranking.
Seacrest Markets
Rating: 4.1/5Rank: #47
XTB
Rating: 4.2/5Rank: #62

Seacrest Markets

Minimum deposit · USD
50 USD
Different platforms
  • MetaTrader 5
Different markets
None listed

XTB

Minimum deposit · USD
1 USD
Different platforms
  • xStation
Different markets
  • Stocks
  • ETF
  • Bonds

This material is not personalized financial advice. Terms and service availability vary by country.

Full broker ranking

Comparison Table of Seacrest Markets and XTB

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Overview: comparison of Seacrest Markets, XTB
BrokerSeacrest MarketsXTB
Foundation Year20242002
Regulated in CountriesSouth AfricaBelize, Poland, United Kingdom, Spain, United Arab Emirates, Germany
Minimum Deposit
  • 50 EUR
  • 50 GBP
  • 50 USD
  • 1 USD
Spreadfrom 0.1 pointsfrom 0.5 points
Max Leverage1:5001:500
Trading Assets (CFDs)
  • Forex
  • Precious Metals
  • Energy Carriers
  • Soft Commodities
  • Indices
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Forex
  • Precious Metals
  • Energy Carriers
  • Soft Commodities
  • Indices
  • Stocks
  • ETF
  • Bonds
  • Cryptocurrency
Trading Platforms
  • MetaTrader 5
  • xStation
ReviewSeacrest Markets ReviewXTB Review

Seacrest Markets Review

Seacrest Markets Logo
RegisterTrading CFDs carries high risks. You may lose all invested funds
Countries of registration:
Regulators:
Trading Assets
Forex Precious Metals Energy Carriers Soft Commodities Indices Cryptocurrency
Trading Platforms
MetaTrader 5

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

  1. FSCA (South Africa) license and formal regulation of brokerage activity.
  2. Low minimum deposit — from $50.
  3. 24/7 support and a strong community.

Cons

  1. No Tier-1 regulation and no compensation funds.
  2. Limited number of trading instruments compared to large brokers.
  3. No web-based platform and no alternative to MetaTrader 5.

XTB Review

XTB Logo
Register69-80% of retail investors lose money when trading CFDs with this broker
Countries of registration:
Regulators:
Trading Assets
Forex Precious Metals Energy Carriers Soft Commodities Indices Stocks ETF Bonds Cryptocurrency
Trading Platforms
xStation

XTB is a highly regulated broker with licenses from leading bodies such as the FCA, reinforcing its reliability and transparency. This broker offers a wide range of trading products, including currencies, indices, commodities, stocks, and cryptocurrencies, making it a flexible choice for traders of different levels and interests. Various deposit options and advanced analytical support further enhance its appeal against competitors.

XTB suits traders who value regulation and security, those looking for various trading tools, and those who want access to extensive analytical resources. The broker will especially suit active traders who maximize low spreads and product diversity.

Pros and Cons of XTB

Pros

  1. Regulated by several leading financial authorities.
  2. Variety of methods to deposit funds.
  3. Wide range of trading assets.
  4. Extensive analytical tools and resources.

Cons

  1. Withdrawal methods are limited.
  2. Lack of educational materials.

Reliability

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Reliability: comparison of Seacrest Markets, XTB
BrokerSeacrest MarketsXTB
Reliability
4.5/5
5/5
Foundation Year20242002
Regulated in CountriesSouth AfricaBelize, Poland, United Kingdom, Spain, United Arab Emirates, Germany
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

  1. FSCA (South Africa) license
  2. Transparent registration information

Cons

  1. No Tier-1 regulation

XTB

XTB is quite reliable, considering regulation in several authoritative jurisdictions.

Account Opening

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Account Opening: comparison of Seacrest Markets, XTB
BrokerSeacrest MarketsXTB
Account Opening
5/5
4.5/5
Minimum Deposit
  • 50 USD
  • 50 EUR
  • 50 GBP
  • 1 USD

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

  1. Simple online registration
  2. Verification within 24 hours
  3. Low minimum deposit

Cons

  1. Mandatory extended KYC questionnaire

XTB

The account opening process at XTB is simple and clear, but takes some time.

Pros

  1. Easy registration and data verification.
  2. Flexibility regarding the minimum deposit.
  3. Adherence to KYC and AML standards.

Cons

  1. Verification can take time.
  2. Need to provide a large volume of personal data.

Account Types

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Account Types: comparison of Seacrest Markets, XTB
BrokerSeacrest MarketsXTB
Account Types
4/5
3.5/5
Trading Accounts
  • Classic
  • ECN
  • Standard
  • Swap Free
Minimum Deposit
  • 50 USD
  • 50 EUR
  • 50 GBP
  • 1 USD
Spreadfrom 0.1 pointsfrom 0.5 points
Max Leverage1:5001:500
Trading Assets (CFDs)
  • Forex
  • Precious Metals
  • Energy Carriers
  • Soft Commodities
  • Indices
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Forex
  • Precious Metals
  • Energy Carriers
  • Soft Commodities
  • Indices
  • Stocks
  • ETF
  • Bonds
  • Cryptocurrency
Trading Platforms
  • MetaTrader 5
  • xStation
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

  1. Availability of Classic and ECN accounts

Cons

  1. Limited selection of trading accounts

XTB

XTB’s account types cover the core needs of most traders and investors: a Standard and Swap-Free account for CFD trading plus a separate investment account for real stocks and ETFs, though the overall choice is less diverse than some rivals.

Pros

  1. Simple lineup: Standard, Swap-Free and Investment account.
  2. Access to real stocks and ETFs with one broker.
  3. Unified xStation platform for trading and investing.

Cons

  1. Fewer account types than some competitors.
  2. No specialized “pro” accounts for niche strategies.

Commissions

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Commissions: comparison of Seacrest Markets, XTB
BrokerSeacrest MarketsXTB
Commissions
3.5/5
3.5/5
Spreadfrom 0.1 pointsfrom 0.5 points
Average Spread (EURUSD)1.21.4
Commissionper 1 lot$3.50No data

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

  1. Market-average spreads
  2. No withdrawal fee except for bank transfers

Cons

  1. There is an account inactivity fee
  2. Swaps can be significant for long-term trading

XTB

XTB offers an average level of commissions.

Pros

  1. Cashback system helps to offset some of the commissions.

Cons

  1. Fee for account inactivity.

Deposit and Withdrawal

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Deposit and Withdrawal: comparison of Seacrest Markets, XTB
BrokerSeacrest MarketsXTB
Rating
4.5/5
4/5
Account Funding Methods
  • Swift
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • Neteller
  • Skrill
  • PaySafeCard
  • Bank Transfer
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • Maestro

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

  1. Support for Visa/Mastercard
  2. Crypto transfers available
  3. Clear procedure via the client portal

Cons

  1. Limited selection of local payment systems
  2. Fee for withdrawals via bank transfer

XTB

XTB provides convenient methods for depositing funds without a commission, but has limited withdrawal options.

Pros

  1. Wide selection of deposit methods.
  2. No commission for depositing funds.
  3. No commission for withdrawals over $50.

Cons

  1. The only available withdrawal method is bank transfer.
  2. Commission of $30 for withdrawals less than $50.

Markets and Products

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Markets and Products: comparison of Seacrest Markets, XTB
BrokerSeacrest MarketsXTB
Markets and Products
3.5/5
5/5
Forex5057
Precious Metals29
Energy Carriers35
Soft Commodities210
Indices635
Cryptocurrency441
Stocks-1997
ETF-177
Bonds-3

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

  1. Key asset classes (Forex, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies)
  2. High leverage up to 1:500

Cons

  1. Limited overall number of instruments
  2. No stocks or ETFs

XTB

XTB offers an extensive range of markets and products for trading, including currency pairs, indices, commodities, stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies.

Trading Platforms

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Trading Platforms: comparison of Seacrest Markets, XTB
BrokerSeacrest MarketsXTB
Rating
3.5/5
4.2/5
Trading Platforms
  • MetaTrader 5
  • xStation

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

  1. Support for algorithmic trading
  2. iOS and Android mobile apps

Cons

  1. No web version
  2. No alternative platforms

XTB

XTB offers its functional and user-friendly trading platform xStation 5, well-suited for market analysis.

Pros

  1. A multitude of analytical tools.
  2. Customizable terminal interface.
  3. Android mobile app available.

Cons

  1. Lack of choice between different trading platforms.
  2. No platform version for iOS devices.
  3. No desktop version of the platform.

Analytics

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Analytics: comparison of Seacrest Markets, XTB
BrokerSeacrest MarketsXTB
Rating
5/5
5/5

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

  1. Regular video analysis
  2. Economic calendar and market widgets
  3. TradingView integration

XTB

XTB offers superior analytics with a rich set of tools available to all users, making them one of the leaders in this area.

Pros

  1. In-depth analytics, including forecasts from experts and news.
  2. A wide range of analysis tools, including an economic calendar and trading schedules.
  3. Analytics available to all users, not only company clients.

Education

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Education: comparison of Seacrest Markets, XTB
BrokerSeacrest MarketsXTB
Rating
3.5/5
3/5

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

  1. Structured blog

Cons

  1. No comprehensive courses
  2. No webinars or podcasts

XTB

XTB's educational materials are limited.

Pros

  1. Basic trading information is provided.

Cons

  1. Lack of webinars and detailed video tutorials.
  2. Not suitable for beginners seeking comprehensive education.

Customer Support

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Customer Support: comparison of Seacrest Markets, XTB
BrokerSeacrest MarketsXTB
Rating
4.5/5
4.5/5
Email Support
Hotline Phones
Social Media

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

  1. 24/7 support
  2. Live chat on the website
  3. Active community (Discord and social media)

Cons

  1. No extensive phone support
  2. No personal managers
  3. Limited selection of communication channels

XTB

XTB's technical support is generally good, available 24/5.

Pros

  1. Operates 24/5.
  2. Contact options include phone and email.
  3. Responses to inquiries are received within a reasonable timeframe.

Cons

  1. Lack of messaging channels for communication.

Comparisons of Seacrest Markets and XTB with other brokers

Conclusion

When choosing between Seacrest Markets and XTB, match their platforms, markets, account types and funding terms to your needs.

Before opening an account, verify fees, regulation, support and service availability for your country in the sections above.

FAQ

Which broker is better: Seacrest Markets or XTB?

Seacrest Markets ranks higher than XTB in our editorial ranking. That does not make it a universal choice: compare fees, markets, platforms, account types and support.

Which broker is better for beginners: Seacrest Markets or XTB?

Beginners should compare availability in their country, account types, minimum deposit, trading platforms and customer support.

Who has lower typical trading costs (spreads/commissions) — Seacrest Markets or XTB?

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 XTB?

Seacrest Markets: MetaTrader 5. XTB: xStation. See the “Platforms” section for details and selection tips.

What markets can you trade with Seacrest Markets and XTB?

Seacrest Markets: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Soft Commodities, Indices, Cryptocurrency. XTB: 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 XTB?

Seacrest Markets: Classic, ECN. XTB: Standard, Swap Free. See “Account Types” for a side-by-side comparison.

What deposit and withdrawal methods are supported by Seacrest Markets and XTB?

Seacrest Markets: Swift, Visa, Mastercard. XTB: Neteller, Skrill, PaySafeCard, Bank Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Maestro. Check method-specific fees/settlement times.

Which broker is safer — Seacrest Markets or XTB — and how was this assessed?

We consider regulation, corporate transparency, fund protection, and incident history. See the “Reliability” section for our findings.

Nikolay is an experienced specialist in financial markets and co-founder of IamForexTrader. He has been successfully trading Forex since 2014 and has been actively involved in the cryptocurrency market since 2017.

He develops investment strategies adaptable to any level of experience and has been actively investing in stocks, bonds and ETFs since 2018.