Overview of eToro

eToro is a multi-asset social trading platform that has gained widespread popularity among investors, traders, and social media enthusiasts since its inception in 2007. It offers users access to a wide range of financial instruments, including stocks, cryptocurrencies, forex, indices, and commodities, among others. The platform provides a user-friendly interface that caters to both novice and experienced traders alike, making it one of the most popular trading platforms on the market.

One of eToro's standout features is its social trading capabilities, which allow users to copy the trades of successful traders and build their investment portfolios. The platform has a large community of traders who share insights, strategies, and knowledge, making it an excellent learning resource for traders looking to improve their skills.

Is eToro legit or a scam？

eToro is a legitimate and regulated online brokerage firm that has been operating since 2007. It is licensed and regulated by several reputable financial authorities, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). The company is also a member of the Investor Compensation Fund, which provides additional protection for traders' funds. However, as with any investment platform, there are risks involved in trading, and traders should always be aware of the potential risks and take steps to protect their investments.

Pros & Cons

eToro's user-friendly interface, range of trading assets, and social trading features have made it popular among both beginner and experienced traders. However, as with any trading platform, eToro has its pros and cons, which potential users should consider before signing up. In this section, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using eToro as a trading platform.

Market Instruments

eToro offers a wide range of financial instruments for traders to choose from, covering various markets globally. Traders can access more than 2,400 assets, including popular currencies, commodities, indices, and stocks from exchanges around the world. Furthermore, eToro enables traders to trade cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, which has become a popular asset class in recent years due to its high volatility and potential for substantial profits. With this wide range of instruments available, traders can diversify their portfolios and explore various markets to find the best investment opportunities.

Account Types

eToro provides traders with two primary types of accounts to choose from, namely the Retail and Professional accounts. These account types differ in various aspects, such as trading features, account requirements, leverage limits, and the level of regulatory protection they offer.

eToro's Retail account is suitable for most traders and investors. This account type requires a minimum deposit of $500 and provides access to all eToro's trading instruments, including cryptocurrencies, stocks, ETFs, commodities, and more. Retail account holders can also benefit from eToro's social trading features, which allow users to follow and copy other successful traders on the platform. However, retail account holders are limited to a maximum leverage of 1:30, as per regulatory requirements.

eToro's Professional account is designed for experienced traders who meet certain criteria, such as having a minimum of two years of trading experience and meeting certain financial thresholds. This account type provides access to higher leverage of up to 1:400, and allows users to benefit from reduced margin requirements and negative balance protection. However, professional account holders are not eligible for certain investor protection rights, such as compensation schemes, as they are deemed to have a higher level of trading knowledge and experience.

How to open an account with eToro？

To open an account with eToro, you need to follow these steps:

• Go to the eToro website and click on the “Join Now” button.

• Enter your personal information, including your name, email address, and phone number.

• Verify your email address by clicking on the verification link sent to your email. Provide additional information, including your date of birth, address, and tax ID number. Agree to the terms and conditions and submit your application.

• Wait for eToro to review and approve your account, which usually takes a few minutes to a few business days.

• After approval, you can fund your account with preferable payment methods and then start your real trading with this broker.

Demo Account

eToro offers a demo account for traders who want to practice trading strategies without risking real money. The eToro demo account provides $100,000 in virtual money and is valid for an unlimited amount of time, allowing traders to familiarize themselves with the platform and practice their trading skills.

To open a demo account, traders can simply sign up for an eToro account and select the option to use the demo account. It's important to note that the eToro demo account does not require any deposit or funding, making it a risk-free way to test out the platform.

When using the demo account, traders should keep in mind that the virtual money provided is not real, and any profits or losses made are also not real. It's also important to note that while the demo account provides a good introduction to the platform, it may not accurately reflect the actual market conditions and trading experience.

Leverage

eToro offers leverage for trading various financial instruments. The maximum leverage provided by eToro varies depending on the instrument and the jurisdiction of the client. For example, for major forex pairs, eToro offers leverage up to 1:30 for retail clients and up to 1:400 for professional clients. For commodities such as gold and silver, leverage can be up to 1:20 for retail clients and up to 1:100 for professional clients. For stocks, eToro offers leverage up to 1:5 for both retail and professional clients. It is noted that high leverage can amplify your potential returns, but more importantly, it can increase your risks.

Spreads & Commissions (Trading Fees)

eToro's spreads vary depending on the asset being traded. The platform charges variable spreads, which means that the spread can widen or narrow depending on market conditions. The typical spread for major currency pairs such as EUR/USD and GBP/USD is around 3 pips during normal market conditions. However, this can vary depending on market volatility and liquidity.

For other assets, such as cryptocurrencies and commodities, eToro's spreads are generally higher. For example, the spread for Bitcoin can range from 0.75% to 5% depending on market conditions.

Non Trading Fees

In addition to spreads and commissions, eToro also imposes a few non-trading fees that traders should take into consideration before trading on this platform. These fees include:

• Withdrawal fee: eToro charges a withdrawal fee of $5 per withdrawal. This fee is relatively low compared to other brokers.

• Inactivity fee: If you don't log in to your eToro account for 12 months, an inactivity fee of $10 per month will be charged to your account. This fee is charged until you log in again or until your account balance reaches zero.

• Overnight fees: eToro charges overnight fees or rollover fees for positions held open overnight. The amount of the fee depends on the instrument traded, the direction of the position, and the size of the position.

• Currency conversion fee: If you deposit funds in a currency different from the base currency of your account, eToro charges a currency conversion fee. The fee is 0.5% of the deposited amount, and it's calculated based on the exchange rate at the time of the conversion.

Trading Platform

eToro offers its proprietary trading platform, which is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, particularly for novice traders. The platform provides a variety of tools and features, including real-time market data, advanced charting tools, and an easy-to-use order entry system.

One of the most notable features of the eToro platform is its social trading functionality, which allows users to follow and copy the trades of successful traders. This feature is particularly appealing to new traders who may lack the knowledge or experience to make their own trades.

In addition to its proprietary platform, eToro also supports the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform, which is widely used by traders around the world. MT4 is known for its advanced charting capabilities, extensive library of technical indicators, and the ability to automate trading strategies through the use of Expert Advisors (EAs).

Here is a comparison table of the trading platform offered by eToro, FP Markets and Exness:

Deposits & Withdrawals

eToro accepts multiple payment methods, including credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets such as PayPal, Neteller, and Skrill. The minimum deposit amount is $10, which is relatively low compared to other brokers in the industry. Deposits are usually processed instantly or within one business day, depending on the payment method. eToro does not charge any deposit fees, but some payment providers may have their own fees.

eToro allows you to withdraw funds using the same payment methods as deposits.The minimum withdrawal amount is $30, and there is a withdrawal fee of $5.Withdrawals are usually processed within one business day, but it may take longer for bank transfers.Before making a withdrawal, you need to verify your identity and complete the necessary KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures. eToro also has a policy of returning funds to the original payment method used for deposits, whenever possible.

Customer Support

Customer support is an important aspect of any online brokerage firm, and eToro is no exception. eToro offers various channels for customers to get in touch with its support team. These channels include:

• Live chat: This is available 24/5, Monday to Friday. It is the fastest and most efficient way to get support.

• Email: Customers can send an email to the eToro support team. The response time is usually within 24 hours.

• Phone: Customers can also call the support team during office hours. eToro provides local phone numbers for various countries.

• Social media: eToro has a presence on various social media platforms, including Twitter and Facebook. Customers can use these platforms to get in touch with the support team.

• FAQ section: eToro offers a comprehensive FAQ section on their website that covers a wide range of topics related to their services, trading, account management, and more. The FAQ section is organized into categories, making it easy for users to find answers to their questions quickly.

Educational Resources

When it comes to educational resources, Toro offers a variety of educational content to help traders improve their skills and knowledge of the financial markets.

These resources include:

• eToro Academy: This is an online education portal that provides traders with a wide range of educational materials, including articles, videos, webinars, and courses on various topics such as trading strategies, market analysis, risk management, and more.

• Trading Guides: eToro also offers a series of trading guides that provide in-depth information on various trading topics, including stocks, commodities, currencies, and indices.

• Market News and Analysis: eToro provides traders with up-to-date news and analysis on the financial markets. This includes daily market updates, weekly market analysis, and other educational content.

• Blog: eToro has a blog that provides traders with the latest news, market analysis, and trading tips.

• Virtual Portfolio: eToro offers a virtual portfolio feature that allows traders to practice trading without risking real money. This is a great way for beginners to gain experience and test out their trading strategies before trading with real money. Here is an instructional video for users to know clearly what Virtual Portfolio is:https://www.youtube.com/watch？v=GWK7uQ98KpM.

Conclusion

Overall, eToro is a reputable and user-friendly online trading platform that offers a wide range of financial instruments and trading options to its clients. Its innovative social trading features, intuitive platform, and excellent customer service make it an attractive choice for both beginner and experienced traders. However, it does have some drawbacks, such as relatively high fees, limited research tools, and a lack of advanced charting capabilities.

FAQs

• Q: Is eToro a regulated broker？

• A: Yes, eToro is a regulated broker. It is authorized and regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) in Europe, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) in Australia.

• Q: What trading instruments are available on eToro？

• A: eToro offers a wide range of trading instruments, including stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, forex, commodities, and indices.

• Q: What is the minimum deposit required to open an account on eToro？

• A: The minimum deposit required to open an account on eToro varies depending on your location and the type of account you choose. For most countries, the minimum deposit is $500.

• Q: Does eToro offer a demo account？

• A: Yes, eToro offers a demo account that allows you to practice trading with virtual funds. The demo account is free and can be used for an unlimited period of time.

• Q: What is eToro's customer support like？

• A: eToro's customer support is available 24/5 and can be reached through email, live chat, and phone. They also have a comprehensive help center and a community forum where you can get answers to common questions and connect with other traders.

Overview of FBS

FBS is a forex and CFD broker established in 2009. With its headquarters situated in Cyprus, the company maintains a global presence through offices in various countries such as China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

Catering to a diverse clientele, FBS offers an array of account types suitable for traders of varying experience levels and preferences. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned trader, FBS provides tailored account options to align with your requirements. The broker boasts an extensive selection of trading instruments encompassing over 40 currency pairs, precious metals, CFDs on stocks, and cryptocurrencies.

FBS equips its clients with the widely acclaimed MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 trading platforms, recognized as industry benchmarks. These platforms are accessible across desktop, web, and mobile devices, empowering traders to manage their accounts and execute trades on the move. Additionally, FBS introduces its proprietary mobile trading app, FBS Trader, catering to both iOS and Android users.

Ensuring top-notch client assistance, FBS is committed to delivering round-the-clock multilingual support via phone, email, and live chat. Complementing its support system, the broker extends an array of educational resources encompassing trading courses, video tutorials, webinars, and market analysis.

Is FBS Scam or Safe Broker？

No, FBS is not a fraudulent entity. FBS is authorized and regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission(CySEC) in Cyprus under regulatory license number: 331/17.

This FBS is operated by FBS Markets Inc., and it is authorized and offshore regulated by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) in Belize under regulatory license number: IFSC/60/230/TS/17.

Market Intruments

FBS offers a wide range of trading instruments, including Forex currency pairs, stocks, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies. Forex traders can access a total of 40 currency pairs, including major, minor, and exotic pairs.

In addition to currency pairs, traders can also access CFDs on various global stocks such as Amazon, Apple, and Facebook, as well as commodities like gold, silver, and oil. Furthermore, FBS offers CFDs on several popular indices, including the S&P 500, NASDAQ, and the FTSE 100. Finally, traders can also access cryptocurrency CFDs on Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Ripple.

Overall, FBS offers a diverse range of trading instruments for traders to choose from.

Account Types

FBS offers a range of account types to cater to the different needs and trading styles of its clients.

The Standard account is the most popular choice, offering competitive spreads and no commission fees. It's ideal for both new and experienced traders who want to trade with a relatively low initial deposit and enjoy the benefits of FBS's trading conditions.

For those who prefer to trade with smaller amounts, the Cent account is a good option. It allows traders to trade with cents instead of dollars, so they can better manage their risks and test different trading strategies. The Cent account has the same features as the Standard account, but with smaller contract sizes.

FBS also offers a Pro account, which allows traders to trade with cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Ripple. This account type is suitable for those who want to take advantage of the volatility of the cryptocurrency market and speculate on their price movements.

Each account type has its pros and cons. The Standard account offers more trading instruments and requires a higher minimum deposit, but it has competitive spreads and no commission fees. The Cent account is ideal for those who want to start trading in smaller amounts, but it has wider spreads and fewer trading instruments. The Crypto account has a lower minimum deposit yet wider spreads.

Demo Trading

FBS provides demo trading accounts, enabling traders to refine their skills and acquaint themselves with the broker's trading platforms without financial risk. These demo accounts are complimentary and feature virtual funds, allowing users to replicate actual market conditions.

A key benefit of FBS's demo trading accounts lies in their ability to offer insight into the broker's trading conditions and execution speeds. They also facilitate the testing of various trading strategies and techniques. This feature proves particularly advantageous for novice traders who are still mastering the intricacies of trading and desire increased self-assurance prior to committing real capital.

Furthermore, FBS's demo trading accounts offer the advantage of global accessibility, requiring only an internet connection. This convenience is especially beneficial for traders without access to a physical trading station or those who prefer the flexibility of trading on the move.

How to Open an Account？

Registering an account with FBS is a straightforward process that ensures a hassle-free start to your trading journey. Here's a step-by-step overview:

1. Visit FBS Website: Begin by visiting the FBS website.

2. Open an Account: Locate and click on the “Open an account” button on the website. This initiates the registration process.

3. Provide Personal Information: You will be prompted to enter some essential personal details, including your name, address, and email. This information helps establish your identity.

4. Financial Information: Additionally, FBS will require some financial information. You'll be asked about your trading experience and investment goals. This helps tailor your trading experience to your needs and objectives.

5. Application Submission: Once you've completed the necessary steps and filled in the required information, submit your application. FBS will receive your application and review it meticulously.

6. Identity Verification: FBS will verify your identity, a standard procedure to ensure the security of your account. This verification process typically takes a few business days.

7. Funding Your Account: After your application has been successfully processed and your identity verified, you can proceed to fund your trading account. FBS offers a range of convenient deposit methods, including credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets.

In summary, FBS offers a user-friendly and secure registration process that ensures traders can quickly get started with their preferred trading account. Whether you're looking to trade with real funds or practice in a risk-free environment, FBS caters to your needs.

Leverage

The maximum leverage offered to retail clients with FBS is 1:30. This is in compliance with the regulations set forth by regulatory bodies like CySEC and the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) to protect traders from the risks associated with high leverage.

However, professional clients with FBS have access to higher leverage up to 1:500, which can be beneficial for those who have a deeper understanding of the markets and are comfortable with taking on more risks.

It's important to have a solid understanding of leverage and risk management before engaging in high-leverage trading.

Spreads & Commissions (Trading Fees)

FBS offers a wide range of trading opportunities with their motto, “Narrow spreads – wide trading opportunities.” They provide traders with the advantage of incredibly tight spreads, starting from 0 pips.

When it comes to choosing a spread that suits their trading strategy, FBS offers flexibility. Traders can select from various spread types, including floating spreads starting from as low as 0.2 pips, fixed spreads starting from 3 pips, and even the option to trade without any spread (fixed spread of 0 pips). The choice of spread type and its associated value is determined by the specific account type a trader uses.

To enhance precision and accuracy in trading, FBS provides up to 5-digit quotes on all account types. This high level of precision is especially crucial for traders who engage in short-term orders. With this precision, traders can confidently select and execute their trading strategies, ensuring they have the most accurate information about the market to make the most of their trading endeavors.

Here is a table comparing the spreads on EUR/USD, Gold, and Indices by FBS, eToro, Exness, and IC Markets:

Non-Trading Fees

Apart from trading fees, there may be other charges that traders should be aware of when using FBS. Here are some non-trading fees to consider:

• Deposit and Withdrawal Fees: FBS offers various payment methods for deposits and withdrawals, including credit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. While most of these methods are free, some may incur fees depending on the payment provider and currency used.

• Inactivity Fee: FBS charges an inactivity fee of $10 per month if the trading account has been inactive for 180 days or more. This fee is taken from the account balance and continues until the account becomes active again.

• Conversion Fees: If a trader deposits funds in a currency different from their trading account currency, FBS may charge a conversion fee to convert the funds to the trading account currency. The conversion fee varies depending on the payment method and currency.

• VPS Hosting Fees: FBS offers VPS hosting services for traders who want to use automated trading strategies. The fee for VPS hosting varies depending on the plan chosen and the billing cycle.

Trading Platform

FBS offers its clients a variety of trading platforms to choose from, including the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms. Both platforms are widely used by traders all around the world, and they offer a range of advanced tools and features to help traders analyze the markets and execute trades.

MT4 is a widely-used trading platform that is known for its reliability and ease of use. It offers a range of advanced charting tools, customizable indicators, and the ability to use expert advisors (EAs) to automate trading strategies. MT4 is available in both desktop and mobile versions, making it accessible to traders on-the-go.

MT5 is an upgraded version of MT4 and offers even more advanced features and tools. It has a more advanced charting package, as well as more timeframes and order types available. MT5 also allows traders to trade on the exchange markets, in addition to Forex.

In addition to these two popular platforms, FBS also offers a proprietary trading platform called FBS Trader, which is designed for mobile trading.

The platform is available for both Android and iOS devices and offers traders access to over 50 markets, including Forex, stocks, and commodities.

Deposit & Withdrawal

FBS offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal methods, including:

As for withdrawals, there are also no fees charged by FBS, but certain payment methods may have their own fees, such as bank wire transfer. The processing time for withdrawals may vary depending on the payment method chosen, but FBS aims to process withdrawals as quickly as possible.

Customer Support

FBS offers customer support through various channels, including email, phone, live chat, and social media. Their website is also available in multiple languages, making it more accessible to traders worldwide. The broker's customer support team is available 24/7, and they have received positive reviews from traders for their quick and helpful responses.

Educational Resouces

FBS offers a range of educational resources for traders of all skill levels. These resources include:

1. Trading courses: FBS provides free educational courses on various trading topics, including technical analysis, fundamental analysis, and risk management.

2. Webinars: The broker regularly hosts webinars on different aspects of trading. These webinars are conducted by experts in the field and cover a wide range of topics.

3. Video tutorials: FBS offers a collection of video tutorials that cover various aspects of trading. These tutorials are designed to help traders learn the basics of trading as well as advanced strategies.

4. Economic calendar: FBS provides an economic calendar that includes all major economic events that can impact financial markets. This helps traders stay informed about upcoming events and make informed trading decisions.

5. Trading tools: FBS offers a range of trading tools, including an economic news feed, a currency converter, and a trading calculator. These tools can help traders make better trading decisions.

6. Market analysis: FBS provides daily market analysis that covers major currency pairs, commodities, and indices. The analysis includes technical and fundamental analysis as well as trading recommendations.

Conclusion

FBS is a well-established online forex and CFD broker that offers a wide range of trading instruments, account types, and educational resources. The broker is regulated by reputable authorities and provides excellent customer support services to its clients. FBS also offers various trading platforms, including the popular MetaTrader 4 and 5, as well as a proprietary mobile application, FBS Trader.

While FBS has several advantages, such as a diverse range of trading instruments and low minimum deposit requirements, it also has some drawbacks, such as higher spreads and commissions than some of its competitors, as well as some limitations on the availability of certain account types in specific regions.

FAQs

• Q: Is FBS a regulated broker？

A: Yes, FBS is a regulated broker. It is licensed by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) and offshore regulated by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) in Belize.

• Q: What trading instruments are available on FBS？

A: FBS offers a variety of trading instruments, including forex currency pairs, metals, energies, stocks, and cryptocurrencies.

• Q: What are the account types available on FBS？

A: FBS offers three main account types - Standard, Cent, and Zero Spread. There is also an ECN account type available for professional traders.

• Q: What is the minimum deposit required to open an account with FBS？

A: The minimum deposit required to open a Standard or Cent account with FBS is $1.

• Q: What leverage does FBS offer？

• A: FBS offers flexible leverage options, up to 1:500 for professional traders, 1:30 for retail clients.

• Q: What trading platforms are available on FBS？

A: FBS offers the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) trading platforms, as well as a proprietary mobile trading app called FBS Trader.

• Q: What are the deposit and withdrawal methods available on FBS？

A: FBS offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal methods, including bank wire transfer, credit/debit cards, electronic payment systems such as Skrill, Neteller, and Perfect Money, and local payment methods.

• Q: Does FBS offer any educational resources for traders？

A: Yes, FBS offers a range of educational resources, including video tutorials, webinars, e-books, market analysis, and a comprehensive FAQ section on their website.

• Q: What are the customer support options available on FBS？

A: FBS offers customer support via live chat, phone, email, and social media channels. The support team is available 24/7 to assist traders with any questions or issues they may have.

• Q: Is FBS a good broker for beginners？

A: FBS can be a good option for beginners due to its low minimum deposit requirement, flexible leverage options, and educational resources. However, traders should always do their own research and due diligence before choosing a broker.