What is Vantage？

Vantage is an online forex broker that offers trading services for individuals and institutions around the world. The company was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Australia, with additional offices in the United Kingdom, Cayman Islands, and China. Vantage provides a variety of trading instruments, including forex, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies, and offers multiple trading platforms, such as MetaTrader4 and5. The broker also provides a range of educational resources and customer support services to help traders of all levels make informed trading decisions.

Pros & Cons

Vantage offers a good selection of trading instruments, competitive spreads, and multiple trading platforms. The broker is also well-regulated and offers a high level of security for client funds.

On the downside, some traders have reported issues with order execution and withdrawals. Additionally, some trading platforms may not be available to all clients based on their country of residence.

Note: This table is not exhaustive and there may be other pros and cons of Vantage depending on individual experiences and preferences.

Vantage Alternative Brokers

There are many alternative brokers to Vantage depending on the specific needs and preferences of the trader. Some popular options include:

• Admiral Markets: An online trading platform offering a range of financial instruments, including forex, stocks, and commodities.

• AvaTrade: A regulated forex broker that provides trading services to clients worldwide, with a range of trading platforms and instruments available.

• Plus500: An online trading platform that offers CFD trading on various financial instruments, including forex, cryptocurrencies, and stocks, with a user-friendly interface and competitive spreads.

Ultimately, the best broker for an individual trader will depend on their specific trading style, preferences, and needs.

Is Vantage Safe or Scam？

Based on the available information, Vantage appears to be a reliable broker. It is regulated by top-tier authorities including ASIC and the FCA, offers negative balance protection, ensuring clients cannot lose more than their account balance. Vantage also has a range of trading platforms and tools, as well as competitive fees and spreads. However, there have been some negative reviews regarding customer service and the withdrawal process. Overall, it is important for individuals to conduct their own research and due diligence before deciding to use Vantage or any other broker.

Market Instruments

Vantage provides a diverse range of trading instruments to cater to the different trading needs of its clients. It offers trading in major, minor, and exotic forex currency pairs, as well as popular indices, such as S&P 500, NASDAQ, and Dow Jones. In addition, Vantage also offers trading in precious metals, including gold and silver, soft commodities, such as coffee, sugar, and wheat, and energy products, including crude oil and natural gas. Clients can also trade Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), share CFDs, and bonds. With this variety of instruments, traders can diversify their portfolio and capitalize on different market opportunities.

Accounts

Vantage offers three tiered trading accounts to satisfy different traders trading needs. Standard STP account is for novice traders who want direct market access with no commissions applied. Raw and Pro ECN accounts are designed for experienced traders who pursue high liquidity and ultra-low spreads. To open a Standard STP or Raw ECN account, you need $50, while Pro ECN account is designed for traders with high volume, which requires an account opening amount of $10,000. It also offers unlimited demo accounts.

Leverage

Vantage offers the maximum trading leverage of up to 500:1, a generous offering, ideal for professionals and scalpers. However, inexperienced traders are advised not to use such a high leverage level in case of heavy fund losses.

Spreads & Commissions

When it comes to the core part of the forex trading spread, it varies depending on the account type. The spread in the Standard STP account starts from 1.0 pips with no additional commissions. The spreads in the Raw and Pro ECN accounts start from 0.0 pips, but with additional commissions required, from $3 per lot per side and from $1.5 per lot per side respectively.

Below is a comparison table about spreads and commissions charged by different brokers:

Please note that the spread and commission may vary depending on the account type and trading platform used.

Trading Platforms

Vantage offers traders the most popular online forex trading terminals on the market- MT4 and MT5 trading platforms. MT4 trading platform from VANTAGE FX comes with a wide range of powerful chart types and supports desktop, web, and mobile devices, etc. MT5 offers a full suite of trading needs, including forex, commodities, and indices, with all quotes from liquidity providers at your fingertips. MT5's two account types (Equity and Hedge) make it easier for traders to manage their accounts in the way they want.

Overall, Vantage's trading platforms are well-designed, user-friendly, and offer a range of advanced features suitable for both beginner and experienced traders.

See the trading platform comparison table below:

Note: The table only includes some of the available trading platforms for each broker.

Trading Tools

Vantage offers a range of trading tools to assist traders in making informed trading decisions. These tools include market news and analysis, an economic calendar, sentiment indicators, smart trader tools for the MT4 and MT5 platforms, a range of calculators, Forex VPS, TradingView, trading signals, PRO Trader Tools, and PRO Trader Tutorials. These tools provide traders with comprehensive market insights and analysis to help them identify profitable trading opportunities. Additionally, the PRO Trader Tools offer advanced features such as trade management, sentiment analysis, and correlation matrix, making it an attractive option for professional traders looking for sophisticated trading tools.

Deposits & Withdrawals

Vantage offers several flexible payment options, consisting of Domestic EFT, Domestic Express Transfer (Australia only), International EFT, credit/debit cards of Visa/MasterCard, JCB, China UnionPay, Neteller, Skrill, AstroPay, Broker-to-Broker Transfer, FasaPay, and Thailand Instant Bank Wire Transfer.

Before submitting a withdrawal request, please ensure that the requested amount is equal to or above the minimum required amount for each withdrawal method shown in the table below. Otherwise, you may need to top up your account balance to or above the suggested minimum before withdrawing.

The broker does not charge any internal fees for any deposits and withdrawals. However, outgoing and incoming deposits from foreign banking institutions may be subject to brokerage fees for either party. These fees are not controlled by Vantage, and the user is responsible for the costs incurred.

Base currencies:

AUD – Dollars, USD – United States Dollar, EUR – Euro, GBP – British Pound Sterling, NZD – New Zealand Dollar, SGD – Singapore Dollar, JPY – Japanese Yen, CAD – Canadian Dollar

Vantage minimum deposit vs other brokers

Vantage Money Withdrawal

To withdraw funds, clients need to log in to their Vantage account and go to the “Withdrawal” section. From there, they can select the withdrawal method and follow the instructions provided. Withdrawal requests are typically processed within one business day, and the time it takes for the funds to reach the client's account depends on the withdrawal method used.

Fees

Vantage also charges an inactivity fee of $50 per quarter for accounts that have been inactive for 6 months or more. There are no deposit or withdrawal fees, but clients may incur charges from their payment provider.

See the fee comparison table below:

Note that the withdrawal fees for Vantage and Admiral Markets may vary depending on the withdrawal method chosen. It's important to check with each broker for the most up-to-date information on fees.

Customer Service

Vantage offers customer support 24/7 through various channels such as email, live chat, and phone. They also provide a comprehensive FAQ section on their website to answer common queries. Moreover, they are also some social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Overall, their customer service is efficient and responsive, with quick response times and helpful support agents.

Note: These are general observations and experiences may vary depending on individual cases and circumstances.

Education

Vantage provides educational resources to its clients to help them improve their trading skills and knowledge. These educational resources include articles, webinars, and guides that cover various topics such as trading strategies, technical analysis, fundamental analysis, risk management, and more. Vantage also offers a free demo account to clients to practice their trading skills in a risk-free environment. Additionally, Vantage provides market analysis and research to its clients to help them make informed trading decisions.

Conclusion

Overall, Vantage offers a wide range of trading instruments and platforms, with competitive spreads and no commission on trades, making it an attractive option for traders. The broker also provides various educational resources for traders, including webinars and tutorials. However, Vantage's customer service could be improved, as some traders have reported slow response times and have difficulty withdrawing funds. Despite these drawbacks, Vantage has established a strong reputation for reliability, with stringent regulations in place to protect client funds. Overall, Vantage is a choice for traders looking for a reputable broker with a wide range of trading tools and educational resources.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General Information

Santander UK is a large retail and commercial bank based in the UK and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the major global bank Banco Santander. It is registered in England and Wales, authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority, and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. It manages its affairs autonomously, with its own local management team, responsible solely for its performance. It has its origins in three constituent companies—Abbey National, Alliance & Leicester and Bradford & Bingley—all former mutual building societies. It is one of the leading personal financial services companies in the United Kingdom, and one of the largest providers of mortgages and savings in the United Kingdom.

Regulation

Santander UK Plc is a regulated institution under the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) with License No. 106054. It holds a Market Making (MM) license type and has been regulated since December 1, 2001. The institution operates with the license type of “No Sharing.” You can contact them via email at customerservices@santander.co.uk and find more information on their website: https://www.santander.co.uk/. The regulatory status does not specify an expiry date, and Santander UK Plc is located at 2 Triton Square, Regent's Place, London NW1 3AN, UNITED KINGDOM, with a phone number of 448003897000. Certified documents related to their regulatory status are not provided in the information provided.

Pros and Cons

Santander offers a wide range of financial products and services to cater to diverse customer needs. However, it's essential to consider both the advantages and disadvantages when evaluating their offerings.

Pros:

1. Comprehensive Product Range: Santander provides a diverse selection of banking, investment, insurance, and borrowing options, allowing customers to find suitable solutions for their financial goals.

2. Accessible Customer Support: Customers can easily reach Santander's support through telephone, live chat, or the ATM/Branch Locator. The extended hours of operation and accessibility options accommodate various needs.

3. Regulated Institution: Santander is regulated by the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), providing customers with confidence in their financial stability and adherence to industry standards.

Cons:

1. Monthly Fees: Some of Santander's current accounts come with monthly fees, which may not be ideal for individuals seeking fee-free options.

2. Complexity: With numerous products and services, navigating Santander's offerings can be overwhelming for some customers who may prefer simpler banking solutions.

3. Eligibility Criteria: Eligibility criteria apply to certain products, such as personal loans, which may limit access to individuals who do not meet specific income or credit requirements.

Here is a table summarizing the pros and cons of Santander:

Market Instruments

The Santander UKs segments include Retail Banking, Corporate & Commercial Banking and Corporate & Investment Banking. The Retail Banking segment offers a range of products and financial services to individuals and small businesses, through a network of branches and automated teller machines (ATMs), as well as through telephony, digital, mobile and intermediary channels. The Corporate & Commercial Banking segment offers a range of products and financial services include loans, bank accounts, deposits, treasury services, trade and asset finance for small medium enterprises (SME) and corporate customers. The Corporate & Investment Banking segment serves corporate clients and financial institutions.

Here's a summary of their products:

1. Current Accounts:

• Santander Edge Up Current Account:

• Earn cashback on selected household bills, supermarket, and travel costs.

• Earn interest on credit balances up to £25,000.

• Requires funding the account with £1,500 each month and setting up 2 active Direct Debits.

• No charges for using the debit card outside the UK.

• £5 monthly fee.

• Santander Edge Current Account:

• Earn cashback on selected household bills at supermarkets and travel spend.

• Access to an optional savings account with exclusive rates.

• Requires funding the account with £500 each month and setting up 2 active Direct Debits.

• No charges for using the debit card outside the UK.

• £3 monthly fee.

• Everyday Current Account:

• Simple and straightforward account with no monthly fee.

• 1|2|3 Student Current Account:

• Free 16-25 railcard for four years.

• Interest-free overdraft of £1,500 for the first 3 years of studies.

• Requires regular deposits of at least £500 every 4 months.

• 1|2|3 Mini Current Account:

• Designed to help children and young people learn money management.

• Offers interest on balances at certain thresholds.

• Choice of contactless debit card or cash card.

• Basic Current Account:

• Suitable for those with poor credit history or newcomers to the UK.

1. Mortgages:

• Services for first-time buyers, home movers, and those looking to remortgage.

• Options for changing lenders, borrowing more money, and managing existing mortgages.

• Later life mortgages for individuals aged 55 or over.

• Partnership with ufurnish.com for home furnishing experiences.

1. Credit Cards:

• Range of credit cards for various needs, including:

• All in One Credit Card

• Long Term Balance Transfer Credit Card

• Everyday No Balance Transfer Fee Credit Card

• Santander World Elite™ Mastercard®

1. Savings and ISAs:

• Savings and ISAs for different goals, including:

• Easy Access Saver

• Regular Saver

• Santander Edge Saver

• Easy Access ISA

• Fixed Rate ISAs

• Fixed Term Bonds

• Junior ISA

• Inheritance ISA

1. Investments:

• Investment options with cashback incentives.

• Investment Hub for online advice and fund selection.

• Investment advice and resources available.

1. Insurance:

• Home insurance, including contents insurance for renters.

• Life insurance, including critical illness cover.

• Health insurance.

• Mortgage life insurance.

• Family and lifestyle insurance.

• Over 50s Life Insurance.

• Car insurance, including electric vehicle insurance.

• Travel insurance.

• Business insurance and landlord insurance.

1. Personal Loan:

• Personal loans with fixed interest rates.

• Loan amounts from £1,000 to £25,000.

• Flexible repayment terms.

• Loan eligibility criteria apply.

Santander provides a comprehensive range of financial products and services to cater to their customers' banking, investment, insurance, and borrowing needs.

Accounts

Six digit account sort codes are used in the range between 09-00-xx to 09-19-xx. Sort codes for accounts formerly held by Alliance & Leicester use the range 09-01-31 to 09-01-36.

Credit Rating

In October 2011, Moody's downgraded the credit rating of twelve financial firms in the United Kingdom, including Santander UK, blaming financial weakness. In June 2012, Moody rated Santander UK as being in a more financially healthy position than its parent company, Banco Santander.

Deposit & Withdrawal

In November 2009, Santander launched the first current account in the United Kingdom without fees (including unauthorised overdrafts) for its current and future mortgage customers. In January 2010, the bank began waiving fees for customers using Santander's automated teller machines in Spain, which traditionally would incur fees for transactions in a foreign currency.

Accepted Countries

Santander's Corporate and Commercial Banking division operates from a number of regional business banking centres across the United Kingdom. Less than 1% of Santander UK's business is held abroad.

Customer Service

Santander has frequently been rated the worst bank for customer service in the United Kingdom, although by July 2011 had sought to improve, notably by returning call centre operations to the United Kingdom from India. Its '123' product range was ranked third best in the United Kingdom in 2013, and in a moneysavingexpert.com poll in February 2014, customers ranked their satisfaction higher than with any of other main high street banks.

Santander's customer support offers several ways to contact them and obtain assistance:

1. Telephone Support:

• Customers can reach a Customer Service Center Advisor at 1-877-768-2265.

• Hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday to Saturday.

• For customers with hearing/speech impairments, there is a dedicated relay service at 7-1-1.

1. International Calls:

• For customers calling from outside the United States, there is a local number: 1-401-824-3400.

1. Live Chat:

• Customers can use the live chat feature on the Santander website to get real-time assistance with their inquiries or problems.

1. ATM/Branch Locator:

• For information on ATM and branch locations as well as their hours of operation, customers can use the ATM/Branch Locator on the Santander website.

Santander's customer support is accessible through various channels, including phone, chat, and online resources, ensuring that customers have multiple options to address their banking needs and inquiries. The telephone support hours are accommodating, and they provide accessibility options for customers with hearing or speech impairments.

Summary

Santander UK Plc is a regulated financial institution under the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) with License No. 106054. They offer a diverse range of financial products and services, including current accounts, mortgages, credit cards, savings and ISAs, investments, insurance, and personal loans. Santander provides accessible customer support through telephone, live chat, and an ATM/Branch Locator, ensuring customers have various ways to seek assistance with their financial needs. Their customer service hours are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday to Saturday. Santander's comprehensive product offerings aim to meet a wide array of customer banking and financial requirements.

FAQs

Q: What types of current accounts does Santander offer？

A: Santander offers various current account options, including the Santander Edge Up, Santander Edge, Everyday Current Account, and specialized accounts for students and children.

Q: How can I contact Santander's customer support？

A: You can reach Santander's customer support by calling 1-877-768-2265 for general inquiries. For international calls, dial 1-401-824-3400. Alternatively, you can use the live chat feature on their website.

Q: Are there fees associated with Santander's current accounts？

A: Some current accounts may have monthly fees, such as £5 for the Santander Edge Up Current Account and £3 for the Santander Edge Current Account. The Everyday Current Account, however, has no monthly fee.

Q: What types of insurance does Santander offer？

A: Santander provides a range of insurance options, including home insurance, life insurance, health insurance, car insurance, and travel insurance, catering to various coverage needs.

Q: Can I apply for a personal loan from Santander？

A: Yes, Santander offers personal loans with fixed interest rates. You can apply for loan amounts ranging from £1,000 to £25,000, with flexible repayment terms. Eligibility criteria apply, and you can typically get a decision within 5 minutes.