Overview of OANDA

OANDA is a well-known online forex broker that has been operating for over two decades. With a reputation for transparency and reliability, OANDA offers a wide range of trading products and services, including forex, CFDs, commodities, and indices.

Founded in 1996, OANDA is headquartered in New York City and is regulated in multiple jurisdictions, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan. This ensures that OANDA operates within strict regulatory frameworks and offers a high level of security and protection to its clients.

OANDA offers a range of trading platforms, including its proprietary platform, as well as the popular MT4 platform. The broker also provides a range of educational resources and tools to help traders improve their trading skills and stay up-to-date with market developments. In terms of customer support, OANDA has a 24/7 customer service team that can be reached via phone, email, or live chat.

Pros & Cons

OANDA is a well-established forex and CFD broker with a range of features and services that may appeal to traders of all levels. As with any broker, there are both pros and cons to consider before deciding whether to open an account. Some of the key advantages of OANDA include its regulatory status, extensive range of instruments, competitive spreads, and variety of trading platforms. However, it is important to note that OANDA also has some potential drawbacks, such as limited deposit and withdrawal options, high non-trading fees, and a lack of negative balance protection. Understanding both the positives and negatives of trading with OANDA can help traders make informed decisions about whether this broker is the right fit for their needs.

Is OANDA legit or a scam？

OANDA is a legitimate forex broker that has been in operation for more than 20 years and is regulated by reputable financial authorities, such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in the US, and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). OANDA has also won numerous awards for its trading services and technology, including being named the “Best Forex Broker” by the Financial Times and Investors Chronicle for three consecutive years. However, as with any financial service, it is important for traders to conduct their own research and due diligence before deciding to trade with OANDA or any other broker.

Market Instruments

OANDA offers a wide range of trading instruments to its clients, allowing them to diversify their investment portfolio and take advantage of various market opportunities. The market instruments offered by OANDA include:

• Forex: OANDA provides access to a wide range of currency pairs, including major, minor, and exotic pairs. The forex market is the largest and most liquid market in the world, offering traders the potential for high returns.

• Indices: OANDA offers trading in a variety of global indices, such as the US 500, UK 100, and Germany 30. These indices represent the performance of a basket of stocks and provide traders with exposure to a broader market.

• Commodities: OANDA offers trading in commodities such as precious metals, energy, and agricultural products. These markets can be highly volatile, but they offer the potential for significant returns.

• Bonds: OANDA offers trading in government bonds from a variety of countries, providing traders with exposure to the fixed-income market.

• Cryptocurrencies: OANDA offers trading in popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. The cryptocurrency market is highly volatile and can offer traders significant opportunities.

• Bonds: OANDA also offers a range of bond CFDs to trade, including US Treasury Bonds, UK Gilts, and Euro Bunds. With bond trading, traders can access a wide range of bond markets and potentially benefit from price movements in global interest rates.

Account Types

OANDA offers two live account types to cater to different trading needs and experience levels of traders. Here are the account types offered by OANDA:

• Standard Account: This account type is suitable for new traders who are just starting in the forex market. The minimum deposit requirement for this account is $0, and it offers access to the core features of OANDA's trading platform, including over 70 currency pairs, commodities, and indices.

• Premium Account: This account is designed for more experienced traders who require additional features and services. The minimum deposit requirement for this account is $20,000, and it offers tighter spreads, lower trading costs, and a dedicated relationship manager.

Apart from two live trading accounts, OANDA also offers a free demo account, which allows traders to practice trading with virtual funds in a risk-free environment. The demo account provides access to all the features and tools of the OANDA platform, allowing traders to test their strategies and trading skills without risking real money.

How to open an account？

1. Visit the official OANDA website and click on the “Open an Account” button.

1. Choose the type of account you want to open.

2. Fill in your personal information, including your name, address, date of birth, and employment status.

1. Provide some additional information, such as your trading experience, investment goals, and financial status.

2. Agree to the terms and conditions of the account and submit your application.

3. Once your application is approved, you will receive an email with instructions on how to fund your account.

4. Follow the instructions to deposit funds into your account and start trading.

Leverage

OANDA offers leverage up to 50:1 for major currency pairs and up to 20:1 for minor currency pairs, commodities, and indices. However, leverage may vary based on the regulatory requirements of the country where the trader is located. It is important to note that high leverage can increase both profits and losses, and traders should carefully consider their risk tolerance before using leverage.

Spreads & Commissions (Trading Fees)

OANDA charges variable spreads that start from as low as 0.1 pips on major currency pairs. OANDA's spreads can vary depending on market volatility and liquidity, but they tend to be lower than the industry average.

In terms of commissions, OANDA does not charge any commissions on trades. Instead, the broker earns revenue from the spreads on trades. This can be a plus for traders who prefer to avoid paying commissions.

It's worth noting that OANDA also offers a range of order types, including limit, stop-loss, and take-profit orders, which can help traders manage their risk and maximize their profits.

Here is the combined data for EUR/USD, gold, and UK100 spreads from three brokers:

Non-Trading Fees

OANDA also charges certain non-trading fees, which include:

• Inactivity fee: OANDA charges an inactivity fee of 10 units of the account's base currency per month if there has been no trading activity for a period of 12 months or more. This fee can be avoided by simply placing a trade during this period.

• Financing/rollover fees: If a position is held overnight, OANDA charges a financing/rollover fee. This fee is based on the interest rate differential between the two currencies involved in the trade and is calculated using the following formula: (trade size x interest rate differential x 1/365).

• Deposit/withdrawal fees: OANDA does not charge deposit fees, but some withdrawal methods may incur a fee. For example, bank wire withdrawals within the US incur a $20 fee, while international wire withdrawals incur a $35 fee.

• Conversion fees: If you are depositing or withdrawing funds in a currency other than your account's base currency, OANDA charges a conversion fee. This fee varies depending on the currency and the amount being converted.

Trading Platform

OANDA offers multiple choices of trading platforms, namely MetaTrader 4 (MT4), OANDA Web Trading Platform, and OANDA Trade.

MetaTrader 4 (MT4): This is a widely used trading platform in the forex industry, popular for its advanced charting tools and automated trading capabilities. OANDA offers MT4 to its clients as a downloadable desktop application and mobile app.

OANDA offers a proprietary trading platform called OANDA Trade, which is available in both web-based and mobile versions. The platform is highly customizable and offers a wide range of charting tools, technical indicators, and order types.

OANDA Web Trading Platform: This is a web-based platform accessible from any device with internet connectivity. It offers a user-friendly interface and customizable features for traders to analyze the market and execute trades.

Here is a comparison table of the trading platforms offered by OANDA, Avatrade, and IC Markets:

Trading Tools

OANDA provides several trading tools to its clients, including:

Advanced Charting: OANDA's advanced charting tools offer technical analysis and indicators to help traders make informed decisions.

Economic Calendar: OANDA's economic calendar provides real-time updates on important economic events and news releases that can affect the markets.

Partners & VPS: OANDA partners with TradingView, a leading charting platform, to provide its clients with advanced charting and analysis tools. OANDA also partners with MotiveWave, a professional trading platform, to offer advanced technical analysis tools and trading strategies. In addition, OANDA offers a virtual private server (VPS) service to traders who require uninterrupted trading connectivity.

Deposit & Withdrawal

Deposit

OANDA offers several deposit methods, including:

• PayNow/QR Pay: This payment method is available for Singapore residents only. It allows for instant deposits into your trading account. Deposits from the following banks in Singapore: DBS/POSB, Bank of China, Citi, HSBC, Maybank, OCBC, Standard Chartered and UOB, are accepted.

• DBS Bill Pay (SGD only): Another payment method available only for Singapore residents, DBS Bill Pay allows you to make SGD-denominated deposits into your trading account.

• PayPal: PayPal is a popular online payment system that is accepted by OANDA. It allows you to make instant deposits and withdrawals from your trading account.

• FAST: FAST (Fast and Secure Transfers) is a real-time interbank payment and settlement system in Singapore. It allows for instant SGD-denominated deposits into your trading account.

• Bank wire transfer: You can also fund your trading account via bank wire transfer. This method typically takes 1-2 business days to process.

• Cheques: Cheques are accepted for deposits only, and they must be in SGD currency.

Withdrawal

While withdrawals that can be done are limited to three channels: PayPal, Bank Wire Transfer, and Cheque.

• Paypal: This is an online payment system that allows you to send and receive money electronically. To use this method for withdrawal, you will need to have a verified Paypal account that is linked to your OANDA trading account. Withdrawals are typically processed within 1-2 business days.

• Bank Transfer: This method involves transferring funds from your OANDA trading account directly to your bank account. The time it takes to receive your funds will depend on your bank's processing time. OANDA does not charge any fees for bank transfers, but your bank may have its own fees.

• Cheque: You can request to receive your funds via cheque, which will be sent to your registered address. It typically takes around 7-10 business days to receive your cheque. However, there may be additional fees for this method, depending on your location.

Customer Support

OANDA offers customer support services through various channels, including email, live chat, phone, and social media. The support team is available 24/7 to assist traders with any issues they may encounter during their trading journey.

One notable feature of OANDA's customer support is its multilingual support, which is available in several languages, including English, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish.

In addition to its customer support services, OANDA provides a comprehensive FAQ section on its website, which covers various topics, including account management, trading platforms, technical analysis, and more. The FAQ section is a valuable resource for traders who may have common questions and want quick answers without contacting customer support.

Educational Resources

OANDA offers a wealth of educational resources to its clients, enabling them to develop their trading skills and stay up-to-date with the latest market trends. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced trader, OANDA's educational resources cater to your needs.

One of OANDA's important educational resources is the OANDA Academy, which offers a range of educational materials, including videos, tutorials, webinars, and articles, covering a wide range of trading topics, from the basics of forex trading to advanced trading strategies.

Additionally, OANDA provides clients with a variety of market analysis tools and resources, including market news, economic indicators, and trading signals, enabling traders to stay informed about the latest market trends and make informed trading decisions.

Conclusion

OANDA is a well-established online broker that offers a variety of trading instruments, account types, and platforms to its clients. The broker is regulated by multiple reputable authorities and has been operating for more than two decades, which gives it credibility and reliability. Additionally, OANDA provides several trading tools, educational resources.

However, it is important to note that OANDA has received a significant number of complaints regarding its customer support, trading platforms, and pricing policies. While the broker has taken steps to address these issues, they still raise concerns about the overall quality of its services.

Overall, OANDA is a legitimate and reputable broker that offers a range of benefits to its clients. However, potential traders should be aware of the complaints and consider them before making a decision to open an account with OANDA. As with any investment, it is important to conduct thorough research and due diligence to ensure that the broker aligns with your trading needs and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Q: Is OANDA regulated？

A: Yes, OANDA is regulated by multiple financial regulatory authorities around the world, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in the US, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).

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

A: The minimum deposit required to open an account with OANDA varies depending on the account type and the regulatory jurisdiction. In general, it ranges from $0 to $20,000.

• Q: What trading instruments are available on OANDA's platform？

A: OANDA offers a wide range of trading instruments, including forex, CFDs, commodities, bonds, and stock indices.

• Q: Does OANDA charge commissions on trades？

A: OANDA does not charge commissions on trades. Instead, they make money from the spread, which is the difference between the bid and ask price.

Overview of USGFX

Union Standard Group (USG) is an Australian investment firm that provides access to trade forex and CFDs under the brand name ‘USGFX’. The brand began operations in 2005 and is headquartered in Sydney, Australia with subsidiaries in London and Asia. This broker offers a wide range of financial instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, which can be traded on the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) trading platforms.

USGFX prides itself on its commitment to customer service, with a 24/5 customer support team available to assist traders with their queries. The broker also offers educational resources such as webinars, ebooks, and video tutorials, as well as a free demo account for traders to practice their strategies. In addition, USGFX offers a range of account types to cater to the needs of different traders, including Standard, Pro, and VIP accounts.

Is USGFX legit or a scam？

USGFX has received mixed reviews and there have been reports of some traders experiencing issues with withdrawals and customer support. USGFX had their ASIC and FSC licenses suspended and VFSC license revoked in 2020 due to concerns over their compliance with regulatory requirements, particularly in regards to client money handling and risk management procedures. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of the British Virgin Islands suspended USGFX's licenses for six months, while the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) permanently revoked their licenses.

Regulated brokers are required to adhere to strict rules and regulations regarding client funds, transparency, and risk management. In the event of any dispute or issue, traders have recourse through the regulatory body. With an unregulated broker, there is no such protection, and traders may be at a higher risk of fraud or other unethical practices

Pros & Cons

Here let's take a closer look at the good and bad things about USGFX. On the plus side, they offer a wide range of financial instruments to trade, including Forex, commodities, and indices. Their trading platforms are also pretty user-friendly and easy to navigate. On the downside, their regulatory status is questionable, which could be a red flag for some traders. Plus, they don't accept clients from certain countries, so you'll want to make sure you're eligible before signing up.

Market Instruments

USGFX offers a range of financial instruments for trading, including forex currency pairs, commodities, indices, and shares of popular companies. Some examples of the instruments offered by USGFX are:

• Forex currency pairs such as EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, and AUD/USD

• Precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum

• Energy commodities such as crude oil and natural gas

• Indices such as S&P 500, NASDAQ, FTSE 100, and Nikkei 225

• Shares of popular companies like Apple, Amazon, Facebook, and Microsoft

Account Types

USGFX offers four different types of trading accounts to cater to the needs of different traders:

• MINI Account: This is the entry-level account with a minimum deposit requirement of $100. Traders with this account type can trade a wide range of instruments with low trading costs, access to educational resources, and 24/5 customer support. However, this account type comes with limited features, such as lower leverage and limited trading tools.

• Standard Account: The standard account requires a minimum deposit of $10,000 and comes with additional features such as higher leverage, access to more trading tools, and a dedicated account manager. Traders with this account type can also enjoy free VPS hosting and regular market analysis.

• VIP Account: This account type is designed for high-volume traders with a minimum deposit requirement of $50,000. In addition to the features of the standard account, VIP account holders can enjoy custom trading strategies, priority customer support, and exclusive market insights.

• Pro-ECN Account: The Pro-ECN account is designed for experienced traders and institutions with a minimum deposit requirement of $50,000. This account type offers ECN trading with no dealing desk, ultra-low spreads, and high execution speeds. Traders with this account type can also access premium research tools and institutional-grade liquidity.

How to open an account with USGFX？

Opening an account with USGFX is pretty straightforward and you need to follow these steps:

1. First, you need to go to their website and click on the “Open Account” button.

1. Then, you'll need to fill in some personal details, like your name, email address, and phone number. After that, you'll need to choose the type of account you want to open and provide some additional information, like your date of birth and proof of identity.

1. Once you've completed the registration process, you'll be able to deposit funds into your account and start trading. Just keep in mind that depending on the type of account you've chosen, there may be different deposit and withdrawal requirements.

Leverage

USGFX offers flexible leverage options ranging from 1:1 to 500:1, depending on the account type and instrument traded. It is important for traders to understand the risks involved with using high leverage and to use it judiciously. Additionally, some instruments may have lower leverage options due to market conditions or regulatory requirements. Traders should check with the broker regarding the available leverage options for specific instruments.

Spreads and Commissions (Trading Fees)

USGFX offers variable spreads, which means that the spread can widen or narrow depending on market conditions. The average spread for major currency pairs such as EUR/USD, USD/JPY, and GBP/USD is around 2-3 pips. Commissions are not charged for forex trading, but there are swap fees for holding positions overnight.

For trading other instruments like commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies, USGFX charges a fixed spread. The size of the spread varies depending on the instrument traded. For example, the spread for gold is typically around $0.50 per ounce, while the spread for Bitcoin is around $60 per lot.

Non Trading Fees

Apart from spreads and commissions, USGFX also charges several non-trading fees. These fees can add up and affect your overall trading experience, so it's important to be aware of them.

One such fee is the inactivity fee. This fee is charged to your account if you haven't made any trades or withdrawals for a specified period of time. The fee amount varies depending on the type of account you have and how long you've been inactive.

Another fee to be aware of is the withdrawal fee. While USGFX doesn't charge a deposit fee, they do charge a fee for each withdrawal you make from your account. This fee is a fixed amount and varies depending on the payment method you choose for your withdrawal.

USGFX also charges a swap fee, which is a fee charged for holding positions overnight. This fee can be a credit or debit depending on the direction of your position and the interest rates of the currencies you are trading.

Lastly, USGFX may charge a conversion fee if you deposit or withdraw funds in a currency that is different from the base currency of your trading account. The conversion fee is a percentage of the amount being converted and can add up if you frequently deposit or withdraw in different currencies.

Trading Platforms

USGFX offers its clients the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) trading platforms, which are highly popular among traders worldwide. These platforms are equipped with a range of trading tools, including charting tools, technical analysis indicators, and trading robots, making them suitable for traders of all levels.

MT4 is a well-established platform that has been around for over 15 years. It is known for its user-friendly interface, ease of use, and a wide range of trading tools. MT5, on the other hand, is the latest version of the platform, which was introduced in 2010. It offers several advanced features, such as more technical analysis tools, a multi-threaded strategy tester, and an economic calendar.

One of the significant advantages of MT4 and MT5 is that they are compatible with a range of devices, including desktop computers, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. This allows traders to access their accounts and trade from anywhere at any time.

Here's how USGFX's trading platform stacks up against other brokers' platforms:

Deposits and Withdrawals

Minimum Deposit

USGFX has a minimum deposit requirement of $100, which is pretty reasonable compared to some other brokers out there. It means that even if you're just starting out with trading and don't have a lot of money to invest, you can still give it a go with USGFX. Of course, you won't be able to make huge trades for just $100, but it's a good starting point to get your feet wet and learn the ropes of trading.

USGFX offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal options to its clients. Deposits can be made through bank wire transfer, credit/debit cards, and various e-wallets such as Skrill, Neteller, and FasaPay. The processing time and fees for each method may vary.

Withdrawals can also be made through bank wire transfer, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets. However, it is important to note that there may be fees associated with withdrawals, depending on the method chosen. Withdrawal requests are typically processed within 1-2 business days.

Also, USGFX may apply internal fees to withdrawals that are not actively traded. For example, if you make a deposit and then withdraw it without trading, USGFX may apply a fee of up to 3% of the deposit amount.

Customer Support

USGFX offers customer support through various channels, including email, phone, and live chat. The broker has dedicated support teams in different regions to cater to clients' needs. Customer support is available 24/5, and clients can contact the broker through the website's contact form or through the provided phone numbers and email addresses.

USGFX also has an extensive FAQ section on its website that covers different aspects of trading, including account management, deposit and withdrawal, and trading platforms.

Educational Resources

USGFX offers a variety of educational resources to help traders improve their knowledge and skills in trading. The broker provides free webinars, video tutorials, e-books, and other resources to help traders learn about various topics such as technical analysis, risk management, trading strategies, and more. Additionally, USGFX offers a demo account, which traders can use to practice trading in a risk-free environment.

The educational resources provided by USGFX can be accessed through the broker's website or the trading platform. The resources are available in multiple languages, making them accessible to traders from different countries. Traders can also interact with the broker's experts and other traders through online forums and social media channels.

Conclusion

USGFX is a forex broker that offers trading services in a variety of markets, including forex, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. The broker offers several account types with varying minimum deposit requirements, allowing traders to choose an account that suits their trading needs. However, the broker's regulation has been a point of concern, with its licenses revoked by various regulatory authorities. This, coupled with negative reviews from clients and the low ranking score, raises questions about the broker's trustworthiness.

FAQs

• Q: Is USGFX a regulated broker？

A: USGFX was previously regulated by ASIC, FSC, and VFSC, but their licenses have been revoked due to regulatory violations.

• Q: What trading platforms does USGFX offer？

A: USGFX offers the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform for desktop, web, and mobile devices.

• Q: What is the minimum deposit requirement to open an account with USGFX？

A: USGFX offers a MINI account with a minimum deposit requirement of $100.

• Q: What is the maximum leverage offered by USGFX？

A: USGFX offers a maximum leverage of up to 500:1 for forex trading.

• Q: What are the available payment methods for deposits and withdrawals with USGFX？

A: USGFX offers various payment methods, including bank transfer, credit/debit card, and electronic payment systems such as Neteller and Skrill.

• Q: Does USGFX offer educational resources for traders？

A: Yes, USGFX provides a range of educational resources for traders, including webinars, e-books, and trading tutorials.