Vantage Markets Review

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Contributor, Benzinga
May 11, 2023
Vantage Markets
Overall Rating:
securely through Vantage Markets's website

Vantage Markets is an online broker specialising in forex and contracts for difference (CFD) trading. While accounts are not available in all countries, traders who do qualify for registration can choose among three account types and trade on nine different markets. Spreads are available from 0 pips, and the broker offers a completely free line of educational resources before opening an account.

Investors searching for a multi-asset brokerage option compatible with a MetaTrader setup will appreciate Vantage Markets’ streamlined access and multiple account options. New users can open an account from as low as USD50.

Pros
  • Low trading fees
  • Wide selection of markets accessible
  • Up to 1:500 leverage available for qualifying investors
  • Free forex signals
  • Negative balance protection
  • 24/7 customer service is ideal for international account holders
  • Convenient and seamless deposit and withdrawal process
  • ASIC, FSCA, the FCS and VFSC regulations
Cons
  • Product range could be increased
Details
  • Currency Pairs:
    40+
  • Account Minimum:
    $200 - $20,000 depending on account type

Vantage Markets Ratings at a Glance

Product Offerings
Customer Service Rating
Security
Minimum Investment and Pricing
User Experience
Overall Rating

Vantage Markets Product Offerings

Vantage Markets is a multi-asset broker offering investors a single place to trade on dozens of international markets. Vantage Markets has more than 13 years of experience offering brokerage and education services to investors around the globe. Vantage entities are regulated in multiple jurisdictions including VFSC, FSCA, ASIC and the FCA. Its primary trading product are CFDs, but it does offer access to a number of international markets.

When trading CFDs, the trader enters a contract with the broker that represents the difference between the opening and closing prices of the asset being traded. If the price of the asset goes up, the trader profits, and if the price goes down, the trader incurs a loss. Note that CFD trading may carry a greater risk of loss for new investors, so it may not be suitable for those learning about the market for the first time.

Vantage Markets is a CFD trading platform offering investors access to more than 1,000 CFD products, including:

  • Foreign exchange (Forex)
  • Indices
  • Precious metals
  • Soft commodities
  • Energy investments
  • Exchange-traded funds (ETFs)
  • Shares
  • Bonds

Vantage Markets offers multiple types of accounts, with the difference between accounts largely boiling down to fee structure and the types of tools you have access to when investing. Vantage Markets currently offers three tiers of accounts.

  • Standard STP: The Standard STP account is designed for novice investors, combining a straightforward buying process and no commission with a full range of market access. It features access to mobile and web platform options, and spreads start at 1 pip.
  • RAW ECN: The Raw ECN is Vantage Markets’ most popular account type and is designed for experienced investors looking for higher liquidity levels. Spreads on these accounts are even sharper than the Standard account, with the most active investors enjoying 0 pip spreads. This account combines enhanced functionality with a lower overall minimum deposit, which can be beneficial for more experienced investors.
  • PRO ECN: Professional investors looking for top-of-the-line functionality and more affordable commissions may appreciate the Professional ECN account option. While you’ll need a minimum original deposit of $USD10,000 to open a professional account, professional users can access spreads from 0 pips and commissions from $1.5 per lot per side.

All accounts include access to your choice of nine major world currencies, up to 500:1 in leveraged trading and your choice of platform. While Vantage Markets does not offer a proprietary desktop CFD trading platform, it is compatible with popular choices like MetaTrader 5. It also provides a proprietary mobile trading app, Vantage App, for trading on the go.

In addition to providing investors with market access and trading tools, Vantage Markets offers an impressive line of free investment education tools you can use to learn before entering the market. Favorite selections from Vantage Markets’ robust library include the following.

  • Active market news: Vantage Markets’ market news section offers investors streamlined access to top forex, currency and regulatory news.
  • Trading and investing courses: Vantage Markets offers a complete forex trading course with three chapters, covering everything from the basics to forex trader psychology.
  • Educational webinars: Vantage Markets hosts a series of multiple market webinars throughout the week, which you can tune into live. Register for free and view teacher credentials before following along in real time.
  • Demo accounts: If this is your first time using the MetaTrader platform or online CFD trading in general, it’s a good idea to practice your trading strategy before risking your own capital. Vantage Markets offers demo accounts, which you can take advantage of before registering a funding method.

Overall, Vantage Markets proves itself as a standout brokerage option thanks to its licensed status and its unique account options. For example, Vantage Markets offers multiple account types as well as swap-free accounts that do not accrue interest for those who need it for religious reasons. Even if you don’t qualify for account registration, Benzinga recommends checking out Vantage Markets’ selection of free educational tools.

Customer Service Rating

Vantage Markets takes a truly global approach to its customer service, offering round-the-clock customer service contact. You can currently use the following methods to get in touch with Vantage Markets.

  • Phone: To contact Vantage Markets by phone, call 345-769-1640.
  • Email: If you prefer to contact Vantage Markets by email, send a message to support@vantagemarkets.com. Use the email address associated with your Vantage Markets account for faster assistance.
  • Live chat: Vantage Markets also offers live chat services, which you can access directly through the company’s homepage here.

Vantage Markets commitment to providing multiple routes of contact with its team earns top marks. 

Security

Opening a brokerage account often requires providing sensitive financial information, which is why it’s important to review your broker’s security features before opening an account. Vantage Markets employs top-of-the-line security and encryption standards, as required by its regulators. It is also strictly audited, ensuring that your account funds and storage are overseen by government third parties. All client funds are kept in a segregated trust account to ensure your money is protected.

Funds help on Vantage Markets are kept in segregated accounts with accredited credit institutions.  

Minimum Investment and Pricing

The minimum amount that you’ll need to invest to open an account with Vantage Markets will vary depending on the type of account you need. Standard STP and Raw ECN account holders will be able to open an account with as little as $50, which will be accessible to most new investors. However, those interested in opening a Pro ECN account will need a minimum of $10,000. Keep this in mind if you’re an established CFD investor looking to transfer your assets to a new account.

Leverage and spreads from Vantage Markets are competitive as well, with spreads available as low as 0.0 pips. You can fund your account using a direct wire transfer, Visa charge, UnionPay transfer and using added methods, which can be useful for international investors. No deposit fees on any level are charged on Vantage Markets accounts.

User Experience

Vantage Markets earns points for its ease of use, offering multiple unique features that make it exceptionally user-friendly.

  • Quick account signups: The Vantage Markets’ account signup process is simple, and most users will be able to open an account in as little as 5 minutes. That kind of speed can be a useful feature if you’re looking to open a demo account as soon as possible.
  • Multiple base currencies: Vantage Markets accounts can be funded with any one of nine base currencies. This feature can be useful for investors living in a jurisdiction where they do not want to fund their accounts using local currency for liquidity reasons.
  • Around-the-clock customer service: Vantage Markets is one of only a few trading platforms that offers 24/7 customer service. This is another feature that makes it appealing for international investors, who are oftentimes excluded from phone service due to limited business hours.

While Vantage Markets does not offer its own proprietary trading platform, its overall experience is straightforward. Most users will not have trouble navigating their accounts, providing funding and accessing the markets through MetaTrader. However, if you’re new to CFD trading, you might have a bit of trouble differentiating between Vantage Markets’ three levels of accounts.  

Vantage Market vs. Competitors

While Vantage Markets provides an impressive range of investment products and affordable commission rates, it may not be the right broker for everyone. Vantage Markets provides investors access to CFD trading, which means that residents of some countries where these instruments are banned (like the United States) cannot qualify for an account. Additionally, Vantage Markets does not currently provide access to stock and mutual fund investing, which can make it a less valuable choice if you’re looking to invest toward a long-term goal like retirement.

Benzinga offers insights and reviews on the following U.S.-based brokerage firms. Consider continuing your search for the right broker using a few of the links below.

Overall Rating

When choosing a brokerage platform, it’s important to consider transparency before thinking about market access. Vantage Markets offers access to an impressive range of tradable assets, including CFD products, including Forex, stocks, indices, commodities and bonds. It offers high leverage and no commissions on most accounts, and account minimums start at just $USD50.

Vantage provides free educational resources and tools that are easily accessible to everyone. Overall, Vantage is a solid choice for most international investors looking to start CFD trading or test out a trading strategy using a demo account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

How long does Vantage withdrawal take?

A

Once your request has been processed, it may take up to five days for your funds to get to you depending on your chosen method.

Q

Is CFD trading good for beginners?

A

CFD trading is not recommended for new investors who are entering the market for the first time. If you are a professional client using leverage, you could lose substantially more than your initial investment. For this reason, it’s important to study the market and develop a viable trading strategy before risking any of your own money. You may want to open a demo account with a broker like Vantage Markets before investing.

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Sarah Horvath

About Sarah Horvath

Sarah is an expert in the insurance, investing for retirement and cryptocurrency space.