Vantage Markets review – Should you sign up or not? – Broker test

Many companies are posing as online brokers on the internet. A few of them are legit, others are scams, and others simply aren’t worth investors’ time. 

Among the genuine regulated brokers, you will come upon expensive ones and those who charge reasonable fees. Deciding on the right online broker for you requires thorough research on the trading costs and the general trading conditions. 

We will give a comprehensive review of Vantage Markets in this article. So that you may determine if the broker is right for you or not. First, we should mention that Vantage Markets is a legitimate and regulated broker. You will learn all about the broker’s trading conditions, regulations, fees, and other crucial details before deciding about them.

What is Vantage Markets (previous Vantage FX)? – Quick facts about the company

Vantage Markets (previous Vantage FX) is an international multi-assets online CFD broker founded in Australia in 2009. The online broker has a physical presence in over 30 countries and allows traders from around the world to access various financial assets, including forex, shares, commodities, and indices. 

More than 130,000 investors around the world have active accounts with this broker. Cùstomers can choose from among nine currencies to trade their chosen financial instrument.

Vantage Markets has received numerous awards, the most recent of which is the Award for the Best CFD Broker and the Best Mobile Trading App (2022). 

Here’s a quick glance at who they are:

• Founded in 2009
• Base in Australia 
• Over 30 global offices
• 130,000+ active customers
• Multiple award-winner: holds the award for the current best broker in Australia. 
• $94million+ annual revenue

Regulations: – Is Vantage Markets regulated? Where? How does regulation work? How is it enforced?

Yes, Vantage Markets is regulated by its home country’s financial body, Australia Securities and Investment Commission ASIC. The company is also registered and operates under the United Kingdom’s FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) license.

Vantage Markets hold an additional license from the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA). 

These regulatory bodies oversee its operation by conducting regular audits to ensure the broker maintains the best and fair practices. Regulatory policies from these bodies mandate the separation of clients’ funds from the broker’s account in case of insolvency and a compensation scheme for customers.

Below are the broker’s license numbers from these reputable bodies:

• Australia Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC), AFSL No. 428901
• CIMA, under Securities Investment Business Law, SIBL No. 1383491
• Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), FRN 590299
• Vanuatu Financial Service Commission (VFSC), under Financial Service Licensing Act. 700271.

Security measures for traders and your money

Vantage Markets is registered with two tier-1 regulatory entities that mandate client compensation schemes and the safety of personal data.

That means clients’ funds are segregated and kept safe to prevent loss if the company goes bankrupt. The broker holds customers’ money in the National Bank of Australia. This bank is among the top 20 safest banks globally, and the funds stored here are insured. KPMG, one of the biggest accounting companies worldwide, conducts periodic audits of the broker’s financial activities. So fair financial practices are guaranteed in its business operations.

Its Users’ data on the broker’s trading platforms are also encrypted, keeping them secured and preventing theft or hacking.

Review of the offers and Vantage Markets trading conditions

Vantage Markets offer customers a collection of various financial vehicles to invest in or trade. We review its major asset offerings below:

Currency pairs

Customers can trade up to 44 forex pairs on the broker’s platform, including major and minor crosses. Among the popularly traded currency pairs are EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, USD/NZD, USD/CHF, and other famous minor pairs.

Vantage Markets account types allow customers to trade on low or zero spreads, depending on the one you choose. The popular pairs attract incredibly low fees. Visiting the broker’s website to see its quotes will give you detailed information about the spreads on these assets.

Currency pairs:	44+
Leverage:	Up to 1:500
Spreads:	Starting from 0.0 pips, usually low, depending on the chosen asset
Execution:	Instant
Availability:	During stock exchange opening hours

Cryptocurrencies

Over 40 cryptocurrency CFDs are available to trade, including Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Litecoin, Cardano, Sushi, and others. 

The spreads on this asset class are relatively low, starting from 6 pips. But this depends on the cryptocurrency traded. Also, note that leverage on these assets is usually quite low. The broker offers 2:1 on all its cryptocurrency CFD. Traders in the UK can not access crypto assets. You can find detailed information about this asset offering on the broker’s website.

Cryptocurrency assets:	40+
Leverage:	Up to 1:2 on cryptocurrency CFDs
Spreads:	Starting from 6 pips
Execution:	Instant
Availability:	During stock exchange opening hours

Commodities

Vantage Market offers a range of assets, which includes soft commodities such as cotton, coffee, cocoa, sugar, and orange juice.

Customers can also trade oil, silver, and gold on its platforms. The leverage available depends on the commodity you choose to trade. Spreads on these assets vary but can go as low as 0.1 pip on hard commodities. 

Commodity assets:	7+
Leverage:	Up to 1:500
Spreads:	From 0.1 pip on hard commodities
Execution:	Instant
Availability:	During stock exchange opening hours

Indices

Vantage Markets provide customers with access to speculate on the most famous global indices, including Dow Jones Industrial Average DJIA, Deutscher Aktien Index DAX, NASDAQ 100, Standard and Poor’s S&P 500, among others.

Traders can access fifteen popular stock markets through the broker’s index offerings. The spreads on popular indices are competitive. For example, Dow Jones has an average of 1.0 pip spread. Traders can find detailed pricing information on the broker’s website. Reasonable leverage is also available to maximize the traders’ returns on this asset.

Index assets:	15+
Leverage:	Up to 1:500 on Index CFDs
Spreads:	Spreads from 0.0 pips, usually around 1.0 pip
Execution:	Instant
Availability:	During stock exchange opening hours

Shares/stocks

On the Vantage Markets trading platform, you gain access to investing in global companies, including Netflix, Apple, Tesla, Coca-cola, and Google, among many others. The fees on shares start from $6 per trade. Leverage of up to 33:1 is provided. Note that this also depends on the actual stock. Most of its popular shares’ leverage does not exceed 20:1.

Non-US stocks are equally available to trade, including Alibaba, Ballard Power Systems, and others. 

Stock assets:	500+
Leverage:	Mostly up to 1:20
Spreads:	From $6 per trade
Execution:	Instant
Availability:	During stock exchange opening hours

Trading fees – How much does it cost to trade with Vantage Markets?

Trading costs on Vantage Markets depend on several things. The market you are trading and the account type greatly determine the fees and commission. 

For instance, the broker offers three account types, Standard, Raw ECN, Pro ECN, and MAMM & PAMM accounts. The fee structure varies in all of them.

There are no commission charges on the Standard account. But the spreads are higher than the ECN type. The spreads on the Standard account start from 1.4 pips, while on ECN, expect a minimum of 0.1 pip spread. Commission charges are $6 per round-turn trade.

The commission fee is lower on the Pro ECN account type with $4 per round turn trade. Spreads on this account start from 0.0 pip, with an average of 0.15 pips during active hours.

The MAMM & PAMM account allows you to trade more than one account at a time. You also get access to an Expert Advisor (EA), the trading software that prompts you to place a trade when it’s the best time. These features come with added fees, but like the ÈCN accounts, the minimum spreads here is 0.0 pips.

Swap fees also apply and vary according to the currency pair.

Account type:	Trading cost:	Minimum Deposit
Standard	Spreads start from 1.4 pips, with no commission charges	$50
Raw ECN	Spreads start from 0.1 pip, Commission starts from $6 per round turn trade	$50
Pro ECN	Spreads start from 0.0 pips, Commission starts from $4 per round turn trade	$10000
MAMM & PAMM	Spreads start from 0.0 pips	$200

Test of the Vantage Markets trading platforms

Vantage Markets platforms provide traders with access to the Electronic Communications Network ECN. In contrast to dealing-desk trading, this service allows customers to interact with a large pool of liquidity providers directly. It is beneficial for volatility and high liquidity, which leads to low fees.

The broker offers this service on the following trading platforms:

• MetaTrader 4
• MetaTrader 5
• Web-based platform
• Vantage Markets app
• ProTrader (new trading platform by TradingView)
• DupliTrade, Zulutrade, and MyFXbook for social trading

Its MetaTrader platforms support several third-party add-ons that benefit the traders. Social and copy trading is available through the broker’s partnership with DupliTrade, Zulutrade, and MyFXbook. These social trading platforms connect traders to a traders and investors community. You gain exposure to different strategies and trading ideas, increasing your chance of profitable trading.

Vantage Markets include valuable trading tools in its MetaTrader platforms, such as Signals markets, SmartTrader, and forex news. Through the SmartTrader, you can automate trades and receive notifications on specific market moves. You can customize your Market-watch window, and also access other valuable tools. Although, some of these unique features require higher minimum deposits.  

These added features set the broker apart from others offering the same. These platforms are available on iOS and Android, making them compatible with smartphones. 

Indicators & charting availability

Vantage Markets platforms come with various trading indicators and charts, including the most popular, moving average, moving average crossovers, and oscillators. The charting allows traders to see up to five timeframes by displaying it in landscape view when you launch it. There are 30 indicators and charting tools, including trendlines, allowing you to draw trendlines, view multiple timeframes, and autosave drawings.

Mobile trading via the Vantage Markets app

The broker offers its proprietary app together with the MetaTrader. Customers can access the MT4 and Vantage Markets app on mobile by downloading them from Apple or Google’s Android store.

The broker’s app and MT4 mobile version offer the standard user interface but with special add-ons. Market research, news updates, trading signals, and videos powered by Trading-central, are all integrated. Users can also access helpful charts and trading indicators, and these tools are easy to navigate through. Traders can fund their accounts and withdraw profits using mobile apps. Social trading is also embedded.

The mobile trading app offers:

• User-friendly interface
• Indicators, charts, and multiple time frames
• Supports news updates, research, and signals

How to trade on the platform (Tutorial)

Before you trade, be sure to research the asset of choice to learn about its price behavior. Conducting an analysis will help you gain insight into the necessary details about the market instrument.

Whether you use the web-based app, MetaTrader, or the broker’s app, trading is simple on the broker’s platforms and follows the same format. However, each user interface differs from the other.

To enter your trade, choose the asset from the quotes list. Enter the relevant details in the order box that pops up. These should include the limit orders and reminders, if necessary. 

Place your trade by clicking on the buy or sell tab. Constantly observe the transaction on the go, and adjust the orders or exit when necessary.

How to trade forex on Vantage Markets

Over forty forex pairs are available to choose from on Vantage Markets’ platforms. So the first step to trading is deciding on the currencies that would be most profitable for you. Follow these steps to trade once you have decided:

Step 1: Research and market analysis

After choosing the pair or pairs you wish to invest in, the next step is research and analysis. Market analysis helps you understand the assets’ historical prices. So that you can make the right trading decisions. 

The research should include trading strategies that work best for the currencies you wish to deal in.

Step 2: Demo trading practice

Vantage Markets demo is free and gives you an opportunity to practice trading before funding your account. After researching strategies, test them on this free trial account. Practice your moves on the demo before going live with them. 

Step 3: Login and trade on the live account

The market analysis would have shown you where the best opportunities lie. So after testing your strategies, choose the appropriate position on your live account, using the techniques learned in your research. Risk management should be part of your strategy, so ensure you apply all the stops and limit orders that are required. 

Step 4: Monitor trades and close at the appropriate time

Keep track of your position by checking the trades from time to time. Though this depends on your strategy. Some techniques require keeping your eyes on the screen, while others do not need much attention. The trade will close at the specified target if your limit orders are in place.

How to trade binary options on Vantage Markets

Binary options are currently not available on Vantage Markets. 

How to trade cryptocurrencies on Vantage Markets

There are forty-three cryptocurrency CFDs to choose from. Investing in the most liquid ones is the obvious right step. Apart from Bitcoin, several others are worth speculating on for profit. The first step is to choose the cryptocurrency with a high potential to generate profit.

Like the forex guide above, research and analysis are equally essential to trading cryptocurrencies. These assets have higher volatility and are riskier than forex. For this reason, some traders use EAs and other automated trading software instead. Thorough study and analysis are recommended to understand the price moves before starting. 

Risk management is also crucial when trading cryptocurrencies. Part of this is constantly checking the status while trading. Once your price reaches the set target, it is better to close the trade and make a profit. You can always open a new transaction if the market is in your favor and shows many opportunities.

How to trade stocks on Vantage Markets

You can trade stocks directly or through popular indices offered on Vantage Markets platforms.

Like other instruments explained above, the most important and foremost thing is to understand the market and the stocks that interest you.

That is why learning about the market and what influences stock prices is the essential first step. Countless books and articles exist that can help you in this regard.

Once you understand the stock market behavior, the next step is analysis. Fundamental analysis is good, but technical analysis is crucial to profit from stock trading. You will gain valuable insights into price action through this analysis, and price action is a key element for the best trading decisions in the stock market. 

Learning and analyzing should also include identifying the best strategies for the stocks you want to trade. Once you have one or more strategies, we recommend testing them on a demo before investing in them.

Through virtual trading (demo), you can familiarize yourself with the stock market environment and build a bit of confidence, which increases over time, the more you trade.

After the tests and practice, you can then trade live. Some seasoned traders can hold several positions at a time. But this can be mentally and emotionally tasking for a newbie. We recommend holding as few positions as possible for a start while you gain trading experience. 

Find the stock’s symbol in the quotes lists and click on it. Choose ‘new order’ from the options, enter the necessary transaction details, and place the trade.

How to open your trading account with Vantage Markets

Opening a trading account with Vantage Markets is easy and takes only a few minutes. 

By visiting the broker’s website from your mobile phone or computer, you can get started on opening an account. The open account button is on bold display once the page loads. Click on that to fill out the small form on the page.

You would first be required to enter your full name, country, phone, email, and account type (individual or company).

Once you fill in these details, the broker sends a confirmation link to your email or phone. The purpose is to verify these details, so clicking on the link confirms the information you provided.

You will then have the option to choose the account type, between demo and live. For a beginner, we recommend the demo. If you choose the demo, the broker sends a unique username and password to your email with instructions on accessing the demo account. 

If you select a live account, you will have the option to choose between a standard, ECN, Pro ECN, or a MAMM & PAMM type.

Financial institutions in most regions are required to know their customers’ contact details. So if you choose the live account, you may be required to show an ID and utility bill. A bank statement carrying your address can also suffice to complete the registration. Vantage Markets provide easy means to scan and upload these KYC documents. 

Once you send them the ID and proof of address, the account will be ready for trading immediately.

Account types on Vantage Markets platforms

The broker trading account gives you several options, depending on your experience level, objectives, and budget. The account types include Standard STP, Raw ECN, Pro ECN, Mamm & Pamm account. 

Standard STP

The Standard STP type is ideal for beginners. It is a commission-free account, meaning the direct trading fees are included in the spreads. The minimum deposit for this Vantage Markets account is $200, and leverage can range from 30:1 to 500:1, depending on your region’s regulations. The account gives you access to all the broker’s asset offerings, and you can use the MT4 and MT5 for trading on an Apple device. But all the platforms, including the Web Trader and Vantage app, are available if you’re using Windows or Android. In terms of spreads, it varies according to time and the market. But you can expect a minimum of 1.0 pip on major crosses during peak hours. 

Raw ECN 

The Raw ECN type is great for seasoned traders who seek tight spreads and highly liquid markets. A $3 per lot side commission fee accrues for trading on this account. The minimum deposit is $500, and the same leverage of 20:1 to 500:1 applies. Spreads can drop as low as 0.0 pip during active hours. So experience traders can benefit from zero spreads, which lowers the trading costs significantly. 

Pro ECN 

The Pro ECN account is ideal for professional traders who are always active and invest a larger sum than the average trader. You need, at least, $10,000 to start trading on this account. The commission charge per lot side is $1.5, which is much lower than other accounts. The account holders may also enjoy other features, such as a free VPS for higher security and flexibility. Spreads on the account can drop to 0.0pip, and leveraged trading of up to 500:1 is offered. The Vantage Markets ECN accounts allow scalping and are very famous among traders who use such strategies. 

MAM & PAMM

This account type comes with a dedicated money manager and is ideal for people who do not wish to trade by themselves. 

The customer invests capital and the trading or money manager takes care of the rest for a commission. Vantage Markets Mam & Pamm accounts allow hedging and scalping trading styles. Holders can use Expert Advisors, and also hold more than one account.

Can you use a demo account on Vantage Markets?

Yes! If you are new to trading or wish to practice a new strategy before trading for real, Vantage Markets offer a free demo account for this purpose. 

The virtual account comes with enough credit to conduct many trades. So you will not deposit a dime to use this account. Through the demo, you can become conversant with any market environment you wish to enter, whether it is forex or stocks. 

Virtual trading allows you experience the actual market conditions without risking funds. The demo account is a simulation of the live market. So you would have the opportunity to experience market highs and lows before trading with money. It will help you build confidence and gain some emotional management skills.

How to login into your Vantage Markets trading account? A quick tutorial

You can choose the email or phone option to sign into your trading account. On the sign-in page, click on your preference and enter the email or phone in the appropriate field. Followed by your password in the next column.  

Click on the login button after this to launch the trading homepage.

If you encounter issues, click on the live chat icon on the lower right side of the page to get help.

For password problems, click on forgot password, and enter your email in the pop-up box to request a password reset link.

A ‘two-factor authentication’ feature is available if you desire added security to your account. If you enable this feature, logging in will require two steps.

After typing your username and password, the broker will re-confirm the login by sending a code to your email or phone. The code should have a very short expiry time. You would need to type in the exact code on the ‘2FA’ box in the login area before the time runs out. Once you enter the code and click SIGN IN, the account homepage should load for you to trade.

Verification – What do you need and how long does it take?

As part of financial regulations in different regions, brokers must request KYC details to verify customers’ identities.

Vantage Markets requires a government-issued ID card or number (depending on your region) to confirm identity. Proof of address is also needed, which can be a utility bill receipt or bank account statement.

Verification takes only a few minutes. Although sometimes, it can delay for a few hours, the maximum time is 24 hours. If you don’t hear from them in 24 hours, contacting support through live chat or email should be the next move.

Available payment methods for deposits and withdrawals on Vantage Markets

Vantage Markets offer various payment methods to ease the deposit and withdrawal process on its platforms. These methods include e-wallets, card payments, local deposits, and international ETFs.

Credit card and e-wallet payments are the easiest, and funds hit the trading account instantly. The accepted payment services are Visa, MasterCard, Neteller, JCB, AstroPay, and FasaPay. Using these methods attracts zero fees from the broker.

Domestic and International wire transfers can take between two to five business days to process. But they also attract zero charges from Vantage. Note that bank charges may apply. Customers in Thailand can deposit and withdraw through the local wire transfer option.

UnionPay also works, and funds get to the account instantly. But there is a 2.5% charge on transactions. 

Skrill payment is accepted but can take up to 24 hours to reflect in the account. Also, fees may apply and are subject to the PSP’s charges.

Broker-to-broker transfer is allowed and takes between two to five business days to process. Fees apply and are subject to bank charges.

Skrill and Neteller are not available in Australia. But other instant and free payment services like BPay and POLi work perfectly.

How to deposit money on Vantage Markets? – The minimum deposit explained

Here are the steps to fund your live account:

• Click on the funds’ tab and deposit from the drop-down menu
• Select your preferred payment method from the list that appears
• Follow the instructions to fill out the request form
• Confirm payment details and enter the account’s password to authorize the transfer

Depending on the method, the funds should settle in your account within a few minutes to a few days. As explained above, if you used a card or fast e-wallet services, the transfer should reflect immediately in your trading account. 

Deposit transfers are mostly free on Vantage, but be aware that the bank, card, or e-wallet company may take a small fee for their service.

The money you transferred also has to be up to the minimum deposit to be processed successfully. This minimum amount depends on the account you signed up for.

To reiterate, here are the minimum deposits for each Vantage Markets account type:

• Standard STP – $200
• Raw ECN – $500
• Pro ECN – $10,000

Deposit bonuses on Vantage Markets explained

Many brokers do not give bonuses. Thankfully, Vantage Markets is not one of them. Customers enjoy as high as a 50% bonus when they fund their accounts for the first time. Subsequent deposits above $1000 attract a 10% bonus reward. 

That means if your first deposit is $500, you get a $250 extra credit to trade with. However, to enjoy more bonuses in your subsequent deposits, you would have to fund your account with at least, $1000.

Only the first deposit earns you a 50% bonus. Other transfers after that will earn you a 10% bonus credit.

Note that $500 is the maximum deposit bonus you can get on the Standard or Raw ECN account. So if you transfer $2000 into these trading accounts, you still get a $500 bonus, nothing more.

Pro ECN account holders can enjoy a bonus of up to $20,000 on their first deposit.

Unlike other brokers running the same promotions, Vantage also allows you to convert the bonus to cash for withdrawal. Although, there are stringent terms and conditions, and you would have to meet specific criteria to be able to withdraw the bonus.

Withdrawal – How to withdraw your money on Vantage Markets?

Withdrawing profits from the Vantage Markets platforms is similar to a deposit. Instead of choosing the deposit option in the funds drop-down menu, click on withdraw.

Select your preference from the payment methods list. We recommend choosing the same method with which you deposited funds on Vantage Markets. This would help you dodge any complications.

Fill out the request form by typing the required details in the appropriate fields.

Confirm the information you entered and click on submit to send the request.

Withdrawals on Vantage are not as fast as deposits, so the money may not hit the account immediately. But as with the deposit options, the method you used will determine the waiting period. Debit and credit cards, with some of the fast e-payment options, process much quicker than the others. 

The funds could hit your receiving account within the hour if you use one of these services. If not, it can take a few days, sometimes a whole week.

Support for traders on Vantage Markets

The broker offers quality 24-7 customer support service through live chat, email, and phone. Its service is among the best with several awards to prove this. Vantage Markets support is rated above 4 stars on Trustpilot and Google customer reviews. Traders can get in touch by calling +44 2080 363 883. Email support is reachable through [email protected]

The live chat on its website is the easiest and fastest way to talk with them.

Education material – How to learn trading with Vantage Markets 

Vantage Markets offer a free 30-day video tutorial for beginners to learn trading basics. There are also lessons on trading psychology and specific guides for each platform, including MT4 and MT5.

Existing traders can improve their skills through the broker’s wealth of resources on its platforms. These include a Market overview, market analysis reports, and advanced trading tutorials for various market instruments.

Additional fees on Vantage Markets

Apart from trading costs, brokers may charge other fees for their services that traders need to consider. Some traders tend to overlook these non-trading fees which have the potential to affect their profits. 

These charges include deposits, withdrawals, and dormant account fees. Fortunately, Vantage Markets does not charge these additional fees.

Available countries and forbidden countries 

Vantage Markets welcome customers from 150 countries in the world. Unfortunately, they can not accept traders from Japan, Canada, North Korea, China, the USA, Zimbabwe, Congo, and Iraq.

The broker’s website has the full list of unavailable countries. You can confirm your region’s eligibility on its FAQ page.

Conclusion – Vantage Markets is a legit broker with superb conditions

Overall, we can see that Vantage Markets is a legit broker offering a considerable selection of financial assets to invest in. However, the broker is not without drawbacks. The minimum deposits on its ECN accounts could be lower. Its $1000 criteria for deposit bonuses is another demerit worth scrutinizing. 

But customers may overlook this since its services include the most popular platforms with essential tools and added features. Trading costs are reasonable and competitive, meaning its trading conditions are conducive to profitability. Support is also on par with the industry’s bests. For these reasons, we can recommend the broker to traders of all levels.

Summary of the pros and cons of Vantage Markets

Pros:

• Competitive fees
• Award-winning customer service and platforms 
• Easy deposit and withdrawal process
• Straightforward account creation

Cons:

• Does not service clients in the US, Japan, and Canada.
• High minimum deposit on ECN accounts

Frequently Answered Questions: