Best STP Forex Brokers in 2024
STP brokers are becoming increasingly popular among Forex traders. These brokers offer a unique and economically efficient approach to trading, which can appeal to those seeking more flexible options.
But what exactly are STP brokers, and how do they differ from other Forex accounts? In this article, we will explore the key features and benefits of STP brokers, as well as the potential risks associated with them. We will also look at the top 10 best STP brokers so you can choose a company that meets your requirements.
Top 10 Best STP Brokers of 2024
The best STP brokers also provide reliable customer service and offer fast execution speeds, tight spreads, and liquidity from central banks. This broker ranking gives an insight into the company's reliability, customer service quality, and trading conditions. With this information, you can make an informed decision when choosing an STP Forex broker that suits your trading needs.
1. Vantage
Vantage broker offers various trading instruments and platforms, making it attractive for multiple traders. The availability of extensive analytical tools and educational materials can benefit novice traders looking to deepen their knowledge.
Vantage could be a good choice for intermediate and advanced traders seeking a variety of trading instruments and platforms.
Advantages of Vantage
- Wide range of trading instruments. Many available markets and products include currency pairs, indices, and metals.
- Diversity of trading platforms. Availability of various platforms, including mobile app, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, ProTrader, and TradingView.
- Free VPS. Provision of free VPS of severe traders.
- Extensive analytical tools. Various market analysis tools are available, including correlation matrices, trading signals, etc.
- Educational materials. Availability of webinars, articles, and other educational resources.
Disadvantages of Vantage
- Variable quality of technical support. Some clients complain about low efficiency and speed of service.
- Absence of cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurrencies are missing from the trading instruments.
2. Tickmill
Tickmill offers high-quality services and conditions for trading on the international Forex market. With reliable regulation, access to popular trading platforms, and comprehensive educational and analytical materials, Tickmill becomes an attractive choice for traders of different experience levels.
The broker is suitable for novice traders, thanks to accessible educational materials and the ease of opening an account, as well as for experienced traders who value low spreads, platform stability, and a variety of trading instruments.
Advantages of Tickmill
- Regulation. Tickmill is regulated by leading international bodies, indicating the broker's reliability and security.
- Low trading commissions. Tickmill offers competitive spreads and commissions, making trading cost-effective for traders.
- Trading platforms. MT4, MT5, TradingView and the Tickmill mobile app provide convenience and functionality for trading on various devices.
- Educational and analytical materials. The broker provides an extensive library of educational materials, webinars, seminars, video tutorials, analytical tools and market information.
Disadvantages of Tickmill
- Customer support hours. The support service operates from Monday to Friday from 7:00 to 16:00 GMT, which may be inconvenient for clients in different time zones.
3. RoboForex
RoboForex is recognized as one of the few Forex brokers with an impeccable reputation. The company strictly adheres to its regulations, does not delay payments, and provides fair quotes. RoboForex can be a good choice for both novice and professional traders due to its robust offerings, which include a variety of trading instruments, account types, platforms, and competitive trading conditions. The broker's commitment to transparency and customer service further solidifies its standing in the Forex community.
Advantages of Roboforex
- A variety of trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and R StocksTrader.
- Over 12,000 trading instruments, including currency pairs, stocks, indices, ETFs, commodities, metals, and cryptocurrencies.
- Different types of accounts for traders of all experience levels, including accounts with ECN and STP access.
- Competent 24/7 customer support.
- Loyalty programs and bonus offers for clients.
- Low spreads and commissions, as well as the ability to trade with high leverage.
Disadvantages of Roboforex
- Regulation in an offshore jurisdiction.
- Beginner traders may find a lack of educational materials.
4. FxPro
FxPro provides a comprehensive range of services and tools for traders. With its variety of trading accounts, platforms, and available markets, it is well-suited to meet the needs of different traders. This broker suits traders looking for a wide selection of markets, diverse platforms, and analytical tools. It is also apt for beginner traders, thanks to the educational materials and experienced traders who value flexible trading conditions.
Advantages of FxPro
- Various trading platforms, such as MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and FxPro Edge, provide flexibility and convenience in trading.
- A diverse range of available markets and products, including currency pairs, CFDs on indices, stocks, commodities, futures, and cryptocurrencies.
- Analytical tools, including signals from Trading Central and Autochartist functionality.
- Extensive educational materials, including free courses, articles, videos, and webinars, contribute to the development of traders.
Disadvantages of FxPro
- An inactivity fee is charged after six months of no position opening or closing.
- Average trading commissions. FxPro does not have the tightest spreads in the market and not the most minuscule trading commission per transaction.
- Absence of cent accounts and services for copying trades of successful traders.
5. AMarkets
AMarkets is a versatile broker offering a full range of services in the Forex market. It enables independent trading and investing funds in copy trading with equal success.
Traders can access several accounts with low spreads, permitted scalping, and fast trade execution. Up-to-date analytics, valuable services, and rapid fund withdrawal support a stable technical platform.
Investors who are not keen on engaging in independent trading can still achieve significant profits by copying the trades of successful traders. Building a portfolio is time-efficient and offers the possibility of passive income.
Advantages of AMarkets
- A wide range of trading instruments, including currencies, stocks, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.
- Extensive analytical capabilities using modern tools and trading robots.
- No commissions on many operations.
- Convenience and simplicity of opening an account and managing it.
Disadvantages of AMarkets
- Not the most extensive educational materials. The broker offers essential resources such as a blog and FAQ but lacks deeper educational content such as webinars, courses, etc.
- The broker does not offer a trading platform, which may disadvantage those seeking a unique trading solution.
- On some assets, spreads are higher than those of competing Forex brokers.
6. Deriv
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.
Advantages of Deriv
- Relatively reliable with licenses from various global regulators.
- 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 is suitable for traders of different levels.
- High-quality technical support with fast and effective responses.
Disadvantages of Deriv
- 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.
7. Admirals
The broker Admirals is suitable for a broad spectrum of traders. With its strict regulation, various account types, and a competent set of educational and analytical materials, this broker provides high-quality services for novice and experienced traders.
Beginners seeking detailed educational resources and support will undoubtedly appreciate this broker. Experienced traders will also find it beneficial due to competitive trading commissions, abundant tools for analysis and trading, and the convenience of the depositing and withdrawal process.
Advantages of Admirals
- Regulation. Admirals is regulated by several leading financial authorities, including the FCA in the UK and CySEC in Cyprus, ensuring high reliability and security.
- Trading Fees. Trading commissions are set at a competitive level, making trading with Admirals cost-effective.
- Wide Range of Payment Methods. Clients can deposit and withdraw funds using various convenient payment methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and electronic wallets.
- Analytics. Admirals offers extensive analytical resources, including an economic calendar, trading news, weekly podcasts, and technical and fundamental analyses.
- Education. The broker provides a rich collection of educational materials, including webinars, articles, guides, and e-books.
Disadvantages of Admirals
- Inactivity fee. Admirals charges a fee if an account remains inactive for a certain period, which may be undesirable for some investors.
- Support. Although the support service provides multiple communication channels and quick responses, some users sometimes complain about its intrusiveness and note unprofessionalism. Additionally, information about the support service's working hours is missing from the Admirals website.
8. OANDA
Oanda is an excellent choice for 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.
Advantages of Oanda
- Strict Regulation. Oanda is regulated by leading financial authorities worldwide, ensuring high security.
- Tight Spreads. Oanda offers competitive and transparent spreads.
- Diverse Markets and Products. The broker provides a wide selection of assets, from Forex and CFDs to indices and commodities.
- Advanced Trading Platforms. Oanda supports MetaTrader 4 and 5 and its proprietary platform, fxTrade.
- Quality Analytics. Automatic pattern recognition, advanced tools for MetaTrader, a currency converter, and other resources are provided.
- Extensive Learning Section. Oanda offers rich educational materials and resources, including webinars, videos, and articles.
Disadvantages of Oanda
- Limited Account Types. Oanda offers only one standard type of account, which may not be suitable for traders with different needs.
- Inactivity Fee. An inactivity fee may be charged if the account is not used for an extended period.
- High Swaps. Oanda has relatively high swap rates, which could reduce the profitability of long-term trades.
9. FXCM
FXCM represents a comprehensive solution that will benefit traders of all levels — from beginners to professionals. Beginners will appreciate the accessible educational materials and analytics, while experienced traders can use various instruments and flexible platform settings.
However, it's essential to consider drawbacks such as fees for account inactivity and the limited variety of trading accounts. These factors may be particularly significant for traders who do not plan to trade actively or are looking for more options for customization.
The broker offers a good balance between high-quality services and reasonable rates, making it an attractive choice for a broad spectrum of traders.
Advantages of FXCM
- High level of regulation. Security and reliability in broker dealings.
- Diverse methods for deposit and withdrawal. Convenience and flexibility in financial transactions.
- Wide range of markets and products for trading. Opportunities for diversification and choice.
- A broad spectrum of trading platforms. Ease and flexibility in trading.
- Analytics. Extensive and quality materials for making informed decisions.
- Technical support. Quick and efficient help in solving emerging issues.
Disadvantages of FXCM
- Insufficient variety of trading accounts. Limited options for different types of traders.
- Inactivity fees and commissions for bank transfer withdrawals. Additional expenses that can reduce overall profitability.
- Protracted account opening and verification process. It can take up to 3 days, delaying the start of trading.
10. HF Markets
HF Markets is a reliable and appealing Forex broker, offering a wide selection of trading assets, a variety of account types, and access to the popular trading platforms MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. With its regulation and industry experience, the company has earned a reputation as a dependable partner for traders of varying experience levels.
HF Markets is recommended for those seeking a trustworthy and vetted broker with favorable trading conditions and customer support.
Advantages of HF Markets
- Regulation and reliability. The broker is regulated by various regulators, including the FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), and FSCA (South Africa), ensuring the safety of clients' funds and adherence to high business standards.
- Wide selection of trading instruments. HF Markets offers a large selection of trading assets, including currency pairs, indices, stocks, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.
- Educational materials and analytics. The broker offers a variety of educational materials, webinars, video tutorials, and analytical reviews, helping traders to improve their skills and make informed trading decisions.
- Support in different languages. Customer support is available in many languages, making the broker accessible to traders from around the world.
Disadvantages of HF Markets
- No proprietary trading platform. HF Markets offers trading through the popular platforms MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 but does not provide a unique proprietary trading platform. This may be a disadvantage for traders seeking a more personalized and innovative trading experience.
- Absence of fixed spreads. For traders who prefer to trade with fixed spreads, HF Markets may not be the best choice, as only floating spreads are offered on standard accounts.
- High swaps and wide spreads. On the Premium account at HF Markets, traders encounter high swaps and wide spreads, which can be a disadvantage, especially for those who prefer to trade large volumes or keep positions open for an extended period.
How is the List of Best STP Brokers Compiled?
In compiling the list of the best STP brokers, the following main criteria were used, reflecting the critical features of the STP model in Forex:
Our list exclusively includes brokers that provide STP services or have STP accounts. This criterion ensures that every broker on the list specializes in directly transmitting trading orders, bypassing the dealing desk, a vital characteristic of the STP model.
The positions of brokers in the list are based on our Forex broker ranking, which considers the overall reliability and quality of services.
The brokers' assessment was conducted using our methodology, which includes analysis of factors such as trading conditions transparency, customer service quality, level of technological sophistication, and overall reliability. This ensures the objectivity and relevance of the information about each broker.
These criteria guarantee that the STP brokers in the list meet high standards of quality and reliability, which is extremely important for traders seeking transparent and efficient trading in the Forex market.
What is STP Technology?
Straight Through Processing, or STP, is a trading system that allows traders to execute deals quickly and easily in the Forex market.
STP works by routing all orders through an intermediary broker, who then sends these orders to liquidity providers for execution. This eliminates the need for manual intervention when placing orders and reduces the possibility of errors made manually. The technology also speeds up the execution of orders, as they are sent directly to liquidity providers, leading to more efficient and profitable trades.
STP provides traders with increased transparency, as they can see where their order is being directed and executed. This allows them to make more informed decisions regarding their trading activities. Overall, STP offers Forex traders an efficient and cost-effective way to execute trades quickly and accurately.
How Does an STP Broker Work?
STP (Straight Through Processing) is a brokerage service model that provides traders with direct market access without the intervention of a dealer. In this model, the broker acts as an intermediary, transmitting orders to the interbank market rather than executing them through a Dealing Desk (DD).
The work of an STP Forex broker begins with receiving an order from a trader. After receiving the order, the broker checks for accuracy and market compliance. Then, the order is sent to the interbank market to liquidity providers, which is matched with other orders and executed if the terms of the trade satisfy both parties.
An STP broker does not interfere in the trading process and cannot manipulate prices, as all orders are sent directly to the market.
One of the main advantages of an STP broker is the absence of a conflict of interest between the trader and the broker. Since the broker is not a counterparty in each transaction, they cannot be interested in the trader's loss and will not hinder them in achieving profits.
Moreover, an STP broker allows traders to receive the best quotes and participate in trading with various market participants. This contributes to more efficient and transparent trading.
However, a drawback of an STP broker may be the higher level of commissions, which can reduce trading profitability. Also, there can sometimes be delays in order execution due to issues with the broker's or liquidity providers' technical infrastructure.
Overall, an STP broker is a reliable and efficient brokerage model allowing traders direct access to the market.
STP Broker Commissions
STP brokers may charge various commissions for their services to traders. Here are some of the most common fees that STP brokers can charge:
Trading Commissions. This is the fee a broker charges for each transaction a trader makes on their platform. The commission size can depend on the type of instrument, trading volume, and other factors.
Spread. This is the difference between the buy and sell price of an instrument the broker includes in the price and earns from. Spreads can be fixed or vary depending on market conditions. Naturally, it's more advantageous for a trader to choose a Forex broker with low spreads.
Withdrawal Fees. This is the fee a broker charges for withdrawing funds from a trader's account. The fee size can depend on the withdrawal method, currency, and other factors.
Inactivity Fees. This is the fee a broker charges a trader for a lack of activity on their platform over a certain period.
Each STP broker may charge fees following company policy and regulatory rules. Therefore, before choosing a broker, it is advisable to carefully study their rates and conditions to assess what fees may be charged and how they might impact trading results.
Who is an STP Account Suitable for?
Depending on their investment goals and preferences, an STP account on Forex can be suitable for various traders.
An STP account can benefit traders seeking direct market access without intermediaries and with minimal commissions.
An STP account can be a preferred choice for traders engaged in scalping or other types of fast trading on Forex, as these accounts ensure quick order execution and are free from requotes or slippage.
Pros and Cons of STP Brokers
Advantages
Fast Order Execution. On STP accounts, orders are executed immediately and without delay, as transactions are directed straight to the market.
High Liquidity. STP brokers usually have a wide range of counterparties, providing increased liquidity and the ability to execute trades of any size.
No Requotes. Market liquidity allows traders to execute their orders at guaranteed current market quotes.
Transparency. On STP accounts, traders can access market depth to see the best available buy and sell prices for currency pairs.
Narrow Spreads. Again, due to high liquidity, a trader can trade with minimal spread.
No Conflict of Interest. STP brokers are not interested in opposing their clients, as their profit depends on the number of trading operations, not their outcomes.
Disadvantages
Trading Commissions. In addition to the spread, the broker charges a commission per lot or turnover.
Potential Delays in Order Execution. Due to the data coming from liquidity providers, the technical infrastructure becomes more complex. In the event of infrastructure problems on the side of the broker or liquidity provider, there may be delays in order execution.
Differences Between STP and ECN
STP (Straight-Through Processing) and ECN (Electronic Communication Network) are different Forex order execution models, each with its characteristics.
STP brokers route client transactions to third-party liquidity providers to ensure direct market access without intermediaries. Meanwhile, ECN brokers consolidate orders from their clients with those of other market participants, creating a deeper and more liquid market.
Critical differences between STP and ECN:
| Parameter | STP | ECN |
|---|---|---|
| Nature of Order Execution | Orders are routed to the market without intermediaries | Orders are combined with those of other market participants |
| Level of Liquidity | Brokers may have limited access to liquidity depending on their third-party providers | Brokers have a higher volume of liquidity as they consolidate orders with other market participants |
| Commissions | Brokers may use various pricing models, including commissions and/or spreads | Brokers charge commissions for trading operations |
| Speed of Order Execution | Orders are executed immediately | Orders may be executed more slowly due to the need to combine with other market participants |
| Minimum Deposit | Lower | Higher |
How to Open an STP Account with a Forex Broker - A Step-by-Step Guide
Select a Reliable Forex Broker that offers STP accounts and register on their website.
Verify Your Identity by providing documents such as a passport or driver's license and proof of residence, for example, a utility bill copy.
Choose the Type of Account that suits you, and open an STP account if available.
Fund Your Account using one of the available payment methods, such as bank transfer, credit card, or electronic payment systems.
Download and Install the Trading Platform offered by the broker, and log in to your account using the credentials sent to you upon registration.
Set Up Your Trading Platform, including selecting currency pairs, instruments, and lot size.
Before you start trading, check the Trading Conditions on your STP account, including spreads, commissions, and other parameters.
Open Your First Position using the trading platform and monitor its execution in real-time.
Monitor Your Positions and Market Conditions using available analytical tools and signals.
Withdraw Your Profits using an available method on your account when you wish to close your position or end trading.
Conclusion
Thanks to the advantages they offer their clients, STP brokers in the Forex market are among the most popular and in-demand among traders. These include primarily fast order execution, low spreads and commissions, and the absence of a conflict of interest between the broker and the trader. Additionally, STP brokers are highly reliable and secure, which is critical for traders investing their money in Forex.
Despite some drawbacks with STP brokers, they are still one of the best options for those who want to earn on the Forex market using a reliable and transparent broker.
