eToro	Basic Information
Founded in	2007
Headquarters	United Kingdom
Regulations	CySEC, FCA, ASIC
Tradable Assets	Stocks, Cryptocurrencies, Currencies, Commodities, ETFs
Minimum Deposit	$10
Trading Fees	Commission-free trading, Spreads from 0.75 pips on EUR/USD
Non-Trading Fees	Withdrawal fee of $5, Inactivity fee of $10/month after 12 months of inactivity
Leverage	Up to 1:30 for retail clients, up to 1:400 for professional clients
Trading Platforms	eToro proprietary platform, MetaTrader 4
Mobile Trading	Yes, available on iOS and Android
Customer Support	24/5 live chat, email support
Educational Resources	Social trading, educational videos, blog articles, eToro Academy
Demo Account	Yes, unlimited time
Other Features	CopyTrader, Popular Investor Program, eToro Wallet

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.

Pros	Cons
User-friendly and easy-to-use platform	Higher spreads compared to some other brokers
Regulated by reputable financial authorities	Limited range of tradable assets
Copy trading and social trading features	Limited research and analysis tools
Wide range of payment methods	Inactivity fee charged after 12 months of inactivity
Commission-free trading on stocks and ETFs	Withdrawal fee of $5
Demo account available for practice	Limited customer support options

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.

Pros	Cons
Wide variety of assets including stocks, cryptocurrencies, commodities, forex, and more	Limited selection of options and futures contracts
Commission-free trading on most instruments	Limited research tools for fundamental analysis
Availability of social trading, allowing for copy trading and following other traders' strategies	Limited access to less popular or niche assets
Option to trade fractional shares for stocks, making it accessible to investors with small capital	Limited trading hours on certain assets, such as cryptocurrencies
	Lack of transparency in pricing structure for some assets

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.

Aspects	Pros	Cons
Account Types	Offers both retail and professional accounts	Professional accounts require certain qualifications
Minimum Deposit	Low minimum deposit requirement for retail account	High minimum deposit requirement for professional account
Commission	No commission on trades for most assets	Higher spreads compared to other brokers
Leverage	Up to 1:30 for major currency pairs	Limited leverage options for professional accounts
Platform	User-friendly platform with social trading features	Limited customization options
Customer Support	24/7 customer support in multiple languages	Phone support only available during market hours

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.

Pros	Cons
Zero commission on stock and ETF trading	Wider spreads compared to other brokers
Competitive spreads on major forex pairs	Overnight fees charged on leveraged positions
No hidden fees or surprises	Limited selection of exotic currency pairs
Transparent pricing	Higher spreads on cryptocurrencies
Tight spreads on commodities and indices	Spreads can widen during volatile 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.

Pros	Cons
No commissions on stock and ETF trading	Higher spreads compared to other brokers
No deposit fees	High withdrawal fees
No account maintenance fees	Inactivity fee after 12 months of inactivity
No fees for using the CopyTrader feature	Limited payment methods
No fees for currency conversion	Overnight fees for positions held overnight
	High fees for using PayPal as a payment method

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:

Broker	Trading Platform	Desktop	Web-based	Mobile
eToro	eToro Platform	✔️	✔️	✔️
FP Markets	MetaTrader 4 (MT4)	✔️	✔️	✔️
Exness	MetaTrader 4 (MT4)	✔️	✔️	✔️

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.

Pros	Cons
Wide range of payment methods available including credit/debit cards, PayPal, and bank transfer	Withdrawal fee of $5 per transaction
Quick and easy deposit process with most methods being processed instantly	Minimum withdrawal amount of $30
No deposit fees charged by eToro	Limited number of currencies available for deposits and withdrawals
Supports deposits and withdrawals in multiple currencies	Withdrawal processing time can take up to 7 business days
Allows users to set up multiple payment methods for convenience	Third-party fees may be charged by payment processors
Negative balance protection ensures that users cannot lose more than they have deposited	Users may need to provide additional verification documents for withdrawals

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.

S.A.M. Trade	Basic Information
Company Name	S.A.M. Trade
Founded	2015
Headquarters	Australia
Regulations	Unlicensed broker
Tradable Assets	Forex, Indices, Commodities, Futures, Cryptocurrencies
Account Types	Standard Account, VIP Account, ECN Account, Islamic Account
Minimum Deposit	$10
Maximum Leverage	1:1000
Spreads	Varies depending on account type and instrument
Commission	No commission for most account types; $5 commission per round lot turn for ECN Account
Deposit Methods	Tether (USDT), Bank Wire Transfer, Visa/Mastercard Credit & Debit Cards
Trading Platforms	MetaTrader 4 (MT4), CopySam™
Customer Support	Contact form, Email
Education Resources	Educational guides, Membership program
Bonus Offerings	Not specified

General Information

S.A.M. Trade is an unlicensed broker based in Australia that offers a range of tradable assets including Forex, Indices, Commodities, Futures, and Cryptocurrencies. They provide different account types such as Standard, VIP, ECN, and Islamic accounts, with minimum deposits starting at $10. The broker offers leverage of up to 1:1000 and varying spreads depending on the account type and instrument. Traders have access to the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform and a copy trading platform called CopySam™. S.A.M. Trade also provides educational resources, membership programs, and accessible customer support channels.

However, it's important to note that S.A.M. Trade operates as an unlicensed broker. This raises concerns about regulatory oversight and accountability, as well as potential issues with fund safety and unfair trading practices. Traders should exercise caution when considering trading with an unlicensed broker, as there may be limited avenues for dispute resolution and challenges in recovering funds in case of disputes or financial issues.

While S.A.M. Trade offers a wide range of tradable assets, account types with varying leverage options, and access to popular trading platforms, the lack of regulatory oversight and accountability is a significant drawback. Traders should carefully evaluate the risks and consider regulated alternatives before engaging with S.A.M. Trade or any unlicensed broker.

Is S.A.M. Trade Legit？

S.A.M. Trade is an unlicensed broker, and it is risky trading with it. Caution is advised when considering trading with S.A.M. Trade, as this broker operates without a license. Trading with an unlicensed broker carries inherent risks and raises concerns regarding the safety and security of funds. Regulatory authorities play a crucial role in overseeing and regulating the operations of brokers, ensuring compliance with industry standards and protecting the interests of traders.

Choosing to trade with an unlicensed broker such as S.A.M. Trade means there is a lack of regulatory oversight and accountability. This absence of oversight can result in potential issues such as inadequate client fund protection, unfair trading practices, and limited avenues for dispute resolution. In the event of any disputes or financial issues, traders may face challenges in seeking recourse or recovering their funds.

Pros and Cons

S.A.M. Trade offers a wide range of tradable assets and provides different account types with varying leverage options and spreads. Traders have access to the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform and a copy trading platform called CopySam™. The broker also provides educational resources and a membership program. Additionally, they offer accessible customer support channels. However, it's important to note that S.A.M. Trade is an unlicensed broker, which raises concerns about regulatory oversight and accountability. There may be potential issues with fund safety and unfair trading practices. Furthermore, the limited avenues for dispute resolution can be a disadvantage for traders.

Pros	Cons
Wide range of tradable assets	Unlicensed broker
Different account types with varying leverage options and spreads	Lack of regulatory oversight and accountability
Availability of MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and CopySam™ platform	Potential issues with fund safety and unfair trading practices
Educational resources and membership program	Limited avenues for dispute resolution
Accessible customer support channels

Market Instruments

S.A.M. Trade offers a variety of trading instruments to its clients, including Forex, Indices, Commodities, Futures, and Cryptocurrencies. Here's a breakdown of each category:

1. Forex:

S.A.M. Trade provides trading services for over 30+ currency pairs. Each currency pair is offered with a standard contract size of 100,000 units of the first-named currency. The company operates 24/5 trading, allowing traders to participate in the forex market throughout the week. It's important to note that there may be fluctuations in spreads during opening, closing, and between market sessions. These fluctuations can be attributed to routine settlements conducted by major financial institutions, which can affect prices. S.A.M. Trade offers a range of major and minor currency pairs, each with its own value per pip, contract size, minimum lot size, and typical spread.

2. Indices:

S.A.M. Trade provides investors with the opportunity to trade on derivatives of various indices. Trading indices offers a way to diversify risk compared to single stock trading. The company offers a selection of popular indices such as ASX 200, FTSE CHINA A50, Germany DAX 30, Euro Stoxx 50, Hang Seng, KOSPI 200, and more. Each index contract has its own value per tick, quote digits, contract size per lot, minimum lot size, and average spread.

3. Commodities:

S.A.M. Trade allows investors to expand their investment portfolios by trading derivatives on spot metals and energies. The company offers contracts for gold, silver, WTI crude oil, Brent crude oil, and natural gas. Each commodity contract has a specific value per contract, quote digits, contract size per lot, minimum lot size, and average spread.

4. Futures:

Trading futures enables investors to diversify their portfolios and explore various trading opportunities. S.A.M. Trade offers futures contracts for the volatility index, Hang Seng China Enterprises, India Nifty 50, KOSPI 200, Russell 2000 Mini, Dollar Index, 10-year US Bond, DAX 30, Mini-sized DJIA, and US Oil. Each futures contract has its own value per tick, quote digits, contract size per lot, minimum lot size, and average spread.

5. Cryptocurrencies:

S.A.M. Trade allows clients to trade CFDs on popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and more. The company offers a range of cryptocurrency pairs, each with its own value per contract, quote digits, contract size per lot, and minimum lot size. It's important to note that leverage on cryptocurrency CFDs is capped at 1:5, and trading hours are available 24/7.

By offering these diverse trading instruments, S.A.M. Trade aims to provide its clients with a wide range of options to suit their investment preferences and strategies.

Here is a comparison table of trading instruments offered by different brokers:

Trading Instruments	S.A.M Trade	IG Group	Just2Trade	Forex.com
CFDs	Yes	No	No	Yes
Forex	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Indices	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Commodities	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Futures	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Cryptocurrencies	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
ETFs	No	Yes	Yes	No
Shares	No	Yes	No	No
Options	No	Yes	Yes	Yes

Account Types

S.A.M. Trade offers a range of account types tailored to meet the specific needs and expertise levels of traders. The account types differ based on factors such as minimum funding requirements, spreads, leverage options, commissions, and additional features.

For the Australia region, S.A.M. Trade provides the following account types:

1. Standard Account: This account offers standard spreads, leverage of up to 1:30, no commission charges, floating spreads, negative balance protection, and 24/5 technical and account support. The minimum funding requirement for this account is USD 10.

2. VIP Account: The VIP account features tight spreads, priority customer support, leverage of up to 1:30, no commissions, floating spreads, negative balance protection, and 24/5 technical and account support. The minimum funding requirement for this account is also USD 10.

3. ECN Account: The ECN account offers the best available spreads, priority customer support, leverage of up to 1:30, USD 5 commission charges, floating spreads, negative balance protection, and 24/5 technical and account support. The minimum funding requirement for this account is USD 100.

For the St Vincent and the Grenadines region, S.A.M. Trade provides the following account types:

1. Standard Account: This account type offers standard spreads, leverage of up to 1:1000, no commission charges, floating spreads, negative balance protection, 24/5 technical and account support, and daily trade call. The minimum funding requirement for this account is USD 10.

2. VIP Account: The VIP account features tight spreads, priority customer support, leverage of up to 1:1000, no commissions, floating spreads, negative balance protection, 24/5 technical and account support, and daily trade call. The minimum funding requirement for this account is also USD 10.

3. ECN Account: The ECN account provides the best available spreads, priority customer support, leverage of up to 1:200, USD 5 commission charges, floating spreads, negative balance protection, 24/5 technical and account support, and daily trade call. The minimum funding requirement for this account is USD 100.

4. Islamic Account: S.A.M. Trade also offers an Islamic account with standard spreads, swap-free trading, leverage of up to 1:500, no commission charges, floating spreads, negative balance protection, 24/5 technical and account support, and daily trade call. The minimum funding requirement for this account is USD 10.

Traders should note that the maximum leverage differs between the two regions, with the Australia region offering a maximum leverage of 1:30, while the St Vincent and the Grenadines region offers higher maximum leverage options, ranging from 1:1000 to 1:200 depending on the account type. It is crucial for traders to consider their risk tolerance and trading strategies when selecting the appropriate account type.

How to Open an Account？

To open an account on S.A.M. Trade, follow these steps:

1. Visit the S.A.M. Trade website: Go to the official website of S.A.M. Trade and locate the “Open Live Account” button on the homepage. Click on it to initiate the account opening process.

2. Choose your account type: On the registration page, you will be presented with different account types to choose from, including Individual, Joint and Corporate.

3. Complete the registration process: Fill in the required information, including your personal details, contact information, and any additional information requested. Ensure that all the provided information is accurate and up to date.

4. Receive your account login details: After submitting the registration form, you will receive an automated email containing your personal account login information. Keep this information secure as it will be used to access your trading account.

5. Log in to your account: Using the provided login details, access your S.A.M. Trade account by logging in through the website's login portal. Make sure to use the correct username and password to gain access successfully.

6. Deposit funds: Once logged in, proceed to deposit funds into your trading account. S.A.M. Trade typically provides multiple payment methods, including Bank Transfers, Visa / Master and Tether (USDT). Choose the most convenient option for you and follow the instructions to deposit the desired amount.

7. Download the trading platform: To start trading, you will need to download the trading platform provided by S.A.M. Trade. Follow the instructions on the website to download and install the trading platform.

Once the trading platform is installed, you can log in using your account credentials and begin trading in the financial markets offered by S.A.M. Trade. It is recommended to familiarize yourself with the platform's features and tools before placing any trades.

Leverage

S.A.M. Trade provides different leverage options based on the account types and the regions in which they operate. In the Australia region, the maximum leverage offered is 1:30 for all the account types available, including the Standard, VIP, and ECN accounts. This means that traders can access a leverage ratio of up to 1:30 for their trades.

On the other hand, in the St Vincent and the Grenadines region, S.A.M. Trade offers higher maximum leverage options. The Standard and VIP accounts in this region allow traders to utilize leverage of up to 1:1000, providing greater potential for amplifying trading positions. The ECN account, however, offers a maximum leverage of 1:200.

It's important for traders to understand that leverage magnifies both potential profits and losses. Higher leverage can increase potential gains but also increases the risk of significant losses. Therefore, it is crucial for traders to carefully assess their risk tolerance, trading strategies, and market conditions when deciding on the appropriate leverage level.

Here is a comparison table of maximum leverage offered by different brokers:

	S.A.M Trade	IG Group	Just2Trade	Forex.com
Maximum Leverage	1:1000	1:30	1:20	1:200

Spreads & Commissions

S.A.M. Trade offers a variety of account types with different spreads and commissions to suit the needs of different traders. For most account types, including the standard ones, there are no commissions charged for investing. This means that traders can execute trades without incurring additional fees beyond the spreads.

While S.A.M. Trade does not provide specific spreads for each account or instrument, they do offer average prices for certain popular trading pairs and assets. For example, the EUR/USD currency pair typically has a spread ranging from 1.7 to 2 pips, indicating the difference between the buying and selling prices. The GBP/USD pair, on the other hand, has an average spread of 2.4 to 2.6 pips. Commodity trades like Crude Oil and Natural Gas have an average spread of 5.0 cents.

For traders looking for the tightest spreads, S.A.M. Trade offers an ECN account type. With this account, traders can access the market through an STP/ECN model, which provides direct access to liquidity providers. However, there is a $5 commission per round lot turn for trades executed through the ECN account. This commission covers the cost of accessing the competitive spreads and liquidity offered by the ECN model.

In summary, S.A.M. Trade offers commission-free investing for most account types, allowing traders to trade without additional fees beyond the spreads. While specific spreads are not provided for all instruments, average prices are available for popular trading pairs and commodities. Traders seeking the tightest spreads can opt for the ECN account, but should be aware of the $5 commission per round lot turn.

Non-Trading Fees

S.A.M. Trade imposes swap charges for positions held overnight. They offer a profit-sharing plan called CopySam™, where users may share a portion of the profits generated from copied trades. Opening a live trading account with S.A.M. Trade is free, and there are no account management fees.

Trading Platform

S.A.M. Trade offers different trading platforms for traders in Australia and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

In Australia, S.A.M. Trade provides the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) trading platform. MT4 is widely recognized as a leading trading platform in the world. Traders can download MT4 for free and enjoy its user-friendly interface, extensive tools, and indicators. It supports various financial instruments such as forex, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies, providing a seamless trading experience.

For traders in St Vincent and the Grenadines, S.A.M. Trade introduces CopySam™, an innovative trade copying technology. CopySam™ allows traders to follow and trade like expert traders by automatically copying their trades with precision. It offers beginners the opportunity to replicate winning traders' trades and experienced traders the convenience of minimal time involvement while diversifying their portfolios. CopySam™ has received the Collective Investment Platform Certification, ensuring transparency and fair trading practices.

By offering both MT4 and CopySam™, S.A.M Trade caters to the needs of different types of traders. MT4 provides a robust and versatile trading platform for those who prefer to analyze the markets and execute their own trades, while CopySam™ offers a convenient way to follow and copy the trades of successful traders, making it suitable for traders who prefer a more hands-off approach to trading.

Customer Service

S.A.M. Trade offers customer service support through different channels, including a contact form on their website and dedicated email addresses for media/partnership inquiries and general support. Traders can fill out the contact form with their details to receive a prompt response. Media and partnership inquiries can be sent to marketing@samtradefx.com, while general support inquiries can be directed to support@samtradefx.com. Additionally, customers can follow S.A.M. Trade on Facebook and YouTube for updates. While phone support may not be mentioned, the broker is committed to providing accessible customer service through these available channels.

Educational Resources and Community Support

S.A.M. Trade recognizes the importance of education and provides a range of resources to help clients gain knowledge and skills in forex and commodity trading. They offer educational guides and articles that cover various topics such as forex trading basics, CFDs and commodities, leverage and margin, and important concepts like Overnight Funding and Margin Call Policy. These resources aim to equip traders with the necessary understanding to navigate the trading world effectively.

In addition to educational materials, S.A.M. Trade offers an exclusive membership program that provides valuable guidance and market analysis. Led by expert trainers, registered clients gain access to the latest market news, fundamental research, and a results-driven approach to trading. The membership program includes eight sessions held every Friday evening for eight weeks, as well as a Bootcamp consisting of 10 sessions spread over three weekends. While there is a one-time membership fee of $10,000 associated with this program, clients can benefit from the expertise and insights shared during these sessions to enhance their trading strategies.

Trading Tools

S.A.M. Trade offers trading tools to enhance the trading experience and ensure the security of funds. One of these tools is SamTracks™, a Portfolio Monitoring System that helps traders track their account and trading performance. It provides an overview of the account, allows performance tracking, monitors asset allocation, and displays traded volume.

S.A.M. Trade also prioritizes fund security through their Six Pillars of Secured Fund Coverage, known as SamAide™. These pillars include measures such as segregating clients' funds, professional indemnity insurance, third-party insurance protection, membership in the Financial Commission, and Negative Balance Protection. They also provide real-time deposit and withdrawal notifications to keep clients informed about their account activity.

Promotion

S.A.M. Trade provides promotional offers to its clients, including the SamRewards™ program. This program rewards retail investors based on their trading volumes. By meeting certain criteria such as making a first deposit of $500, trading 1 standard FX lot, or referring new clients, investors can earn 'points'. These points can then be exchanged for luxury prizes, including electronics.

In addition, S.A.M. Trade occasionally organizes a 'Traders' Challenge'. This challenge allows clients to compete based on their performance during a specific month. Participants have the opportunity to win up to $2000 and earn 1,000 SamPoints, providing an added incentive for traders to excel in their trading activities.

Deposit & Withdrawal

At S.A.M. Trade, there are several deposit methods available for clients. These include Tether (USDT), which typically takes up to one working day to process, Bank Wire Transfer, which takes one to four working days, and Visa & Mastercard Credit & Debit Cards, which are processed within one hour during weekdays. While most S.A.M. Trade live accounts have a minimum deposit of $10, the accepted payment methods require a minimum deposit of $20 or its equivalent currency (or USDT 50). The broker itself does not charge any fees for deposits, but investors may be responsible for any third-party charges.

When it comes to withdrawals, S.A.M. Trade accepts withdrawals through the same deposit methods. A minimum withdrawal amount of $20 or USDT 50 applies. Withdrawal processing times typically range from one to four working days for bank transfers and credit/debit cards. However, all withdrawals are processed by the broker within 72 hours. Tether payments, on the other hand, can be processed in one working day. Just like with deposits, S.A.M. Trade does not charge any withdrawal fees, but investors may need to bear any applicable third-party charges.

Conclusion

In conclusion, S.A.M. Trade is an unlicensed broker based in Australia that offers a variety of tradable assets and account types with attractive features such as low minimum deposits, high leverage, and access to popular trading platforms. However, the lack of regulatory oversight and accountability is a significant disadvantage. Trading with an unlicensed broker raises concerns about fund safety, unfair trading practices, and limited avenues for dispute resolution. Traders should carefully evaluate the risks involved and consider regulated alternatives before engaging with S.A.M. Trade or any unlicensed broker.

FAQs

Q: Is S.A.M. Trade a regulated broker？

A: No, S.A.M. Trade currently operates without valid regulation.

Q: What trading instruments are available on S.A.M. Trade？

A: S.A.M. Trade offers Forex, Indices, Commodities, Futures, and Cryptocurrencies as trading instruments. Each category has a variety of assets available for trading.

Q: What leverage options does S.A.M. Trade offer？

A: S.A.M. Trade offers leverage options of up to 1:1000 for Standard and VIP accounts, up to 1:200 for ECN accounts, and up to 1:500 for Islamic accounts.

Q: What trading platforms are available at S.A.M. Trade？

A: S.A.M. Trade offers MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and their proprietary copy trading platform, CopySam™.

Q: What are the deposit and withdrawal methods offered by S.A.M. Trade？

A: S.A.M. Trade accepts deposits through Tether (USDT), Bank Wire Transfer, and Visa/Mastercard Credit & Debit Cards. Withdrawals can be made using the same methods.