The search for the best forex brokers with micro account in the UK may seem overwhelming to most traders, especially with the many options dominating the financial market. The good news is that our team of expert researchers has conducted the necessary due diligence to ensure you have the best forex micro lot UK brokers at your disposal to choose from. Take a look below. We will also share the basic tips for getting started with such brokers, and many more.
Essence
- A micro account is a trading account specifically designed for beginner traders or those with limited capital. It allows traders to start with smaller investments than a standard account.
- Due to smaller trade sizes, micro accounts help mitigate risks, allowing traders to learn and practice without substantial financial exposure.
- Micro lot trading brokers usually offer leverage options, allowing traders to control more significant positions with a small amount of capital.
- Choose a micro account broker regulated by reputable authorities like the FCA for security and compliance.
- The best micro lot brokers should offer trading account upgrade options, allowing traders to transition to standard account as their skills and capital grow.
- Our recommended micro brokers offer transparent trading conditions, including spreads, commissions, and execution policies.
List of the Best Micro Account Brokers
- XTB – Best For Mobile Trading
- Spreadex – Top Option For Spread Betting
- FP Markets – Best For CFD Trading
- AvaTrade – Best Overall
- XM Group – Top Option With Low Fees
- City Index – Top Broker With Multiple Regulation
How We Choose Micro Account Brokers
You probably must be wondering how we selected our top brokers with micro account in the UK. Although the process was lengthy and overwhelming, the result was rewarding as we got to recommend the best and inform our readers accordingly.
We begin by conducting comprehensive research to identify brokers specifically catering to traders with micro accounts. We prioritise those with robust security measures and are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Once we have a list of potential micro trading account brokers, we assess their trading platform features using demo accounts as they are risk-free and virtually funded. By testing and comparing as many micro accounts as possible, we are guaranteed the best options that cater to traders of all types.
We always believe in remaining unbiased while recommending brokers and trading platforms. That is why we also analyse user comments and ratings on Google Play, the App Store, and Trustpilot. By combining our findings with the test results, our readers are guaranteed micro account brokers that maximise their trading experience.
In this guide
Best Micro Account Brokers in the UK
- List of the Best Micro Account Brokers
- Compare Best Micro Account Brokers
- Brief Overview of Our Recommended Brokers’ Fees and Assets
- What Do Other Traders Say?
- Micro Accounts vs Standard Account
- How to Choose the Best Micro Account Trading Broker
- What are Micro Accounts?
- Pros & Cons of Micro Accounts
- FAQs
Compare Best Micro Account Brokers
Besides testing micro account brokers’ performance in the UK, we compare their features to ensure we categorise them accordingly for our readers. Some of the elements we consider include licences, support service availability, supported software and more. See below a table we have prepared highlighting some of our recommended brokers’ features for informed decisions.
Best Micro Account Broker | Licence | Support Service | Software | Payment | Demo Account |
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XTB | CIRO, FCA, CNMV, KNF | 24/5 | xStation 5, xStation Mobile | Debit/credit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers | Yes |
Spreadex | FCA, SEBI | 24/5 | IPHONE App, IPAD App, ANDROID App, TradingView | Bank Wire Transfer, Credit cards | No |
FP Markets | CySEC, ASIC, FCA | 24/7 | MT4, MT5, cTrader, Iress | Credit/Debit cards, Bank transfer, PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, PayTrust FasaPay | Yes |
AvaTrade | FCA, CySEC, ASIC, CIRO, FSCA | 24/5 | MT4, MT5, AvaSocial, DupliTrade, AvaOptions, AvaTradeGO | Bank transfers, e-wallets, debit/credit cards | Yes |
XM Group | CySEC, ASIC, FSC, DFSA | 24/5 | MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 | Credit/Debit cards, Neteller, Skrill, UnionPay, WebMoney, Bank Wire | Yes |
City Index | FCA | 24/5 | MetaTrader 4, WebTrader, Mobile App, TradingView | Bank transfer, Credit/debit cards, PayPal | 24/5 |
Brief Overview of Our Recommended Brokers’ Fees and Assets
As a trader, it is advisable to select the best forex brokers with micro account. This means they must have features aligning with your trading needs. Among these features are the applicable fees and assets to ensure you plan and budget accordingly. We understand that the comparison process can be lengthy. That is why we have prepared tables below highlighting our recommended brokers’ fees and assets for the best choices.
Fees
Best Micro Account Broker | Fees | Minimum Deposit Requirement | Transaction | Inactivity |
---|---|---|---|---|
XTB | From 0.1 pips | £0 | Free | £10 monthly |
Spreadex | From 0.6 pips | £0 | Free | None |
FP Markets | From 0.0 pips | £100 | Free | None |
AvaTrade | 0.03 pips | £100 | Free | £50 quarterly |
XM Group | From 0.6 pips | £5 | Free | $15 one-off maintenance fee |
City Index | From 0.0 pips | £100 | 2% deposit fee | £15 monthly |
Assets
Best Micro Account Broker | Forex | Stocks | Commodities | ETFs | Options |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
XTB | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Spreadex | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
FP Markets | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
AvaTrade | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
XM Group | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
City Index | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
1. XTB – Best For Mobile Trading
We tested XTB and discovered that its micro lot trading feature is facilitated through a user-friendly and intuitive platform. XTB has no minimum deposit requirement, meaning users can start exploring the financial market with any amount they can afford. Additionally, the micro account option offers low spreads starting from 0.1 pips, making it an optimal choice for low-budget traders or newcomers. We explored over 50 currency pairs at XTB’s trading app. It also features an additional 6,000+ asset classes for efficient portfolio diversification.
Besides executing trades seamlessly on mobile devices, we noticed that the XTB trading platform employs robust security measures. This guarantees maximum safety for users’ personal details and funds. And although it doesn’t feature third-party platforms, the broker’s xStation 5 and xStation Mobile platforms offer unique resources for all types of users. On top of that, we like the fact that this CFD broker provides competitive interest rates on uninvested funds. It potentially allows traders to earn up to 5% GBP, 2.0% EUR or 2.0% USD annually. These rates offer an added avenue for potential passive income.
- A user-friendly trading app with high ratings from users
- No minimum deposit requirement
- Responsive and reliable support service
- Low spreads on the micro account
- Hosts only CFD and forex instruments
- Transaction charges apply to some e-wallet payments
Type | Fee |
Opening an account | $0 |
Account type: Standard: spread | 0.5 |
Account type: Swap Free: spread | 0.7 |
Forex | From 0.1 pips |
Stock CFDs commission | 0% |
ETF CFDs | 0% |
Crypto commission | From 0.22% |
Monthly Fee for maintaining an Account | Free of charge or up to 10 EUR |
Withdrawal fee | $0 |
Deposit fee | $0 |
2. Spreadex – Top Option For Spread Betting
Spreadex has firmly established itself as the premier spread betting brokerage firm in the UK, and it stands out as our top choice for traders seeking a micro account option. With an impressive track record dating back to 1999, we believe this best forex broker offers a unique advantage of accessing the dynamic world of spread betting with a micro account. This makes it an ideal option for beginners and those looking to limit their risk exposure. From our hands-on experience, Spreadex has a user-friendly platform that caters to all levels of traders. It also offers over 60 forex pairs and an additional 10,000+ assets, including shares, commodities, indices, and more.
We noticed that Spreadex does not have a minimum deposit requirement, thus reducing the barrier to entry into the spread betting market. Its micro account, coupled with competitive spreads empowers traders to explore the intricacies of spread betting without committing substantial capital. The broker’s long-standing presence in the industry and dedication to ensuring client satisfaction solidifies its position as one of the best choices for spread bettors in the UK.
- Features social trading on its TradingView platform
- Over 60 currency pairs to trade
- Low spreads
- No minimum deposit requirement
- No Islamic or demo account
- No negative balance protection for professional traders
Type | Fee |
Minimum deposit | Free |
Overnight fee | Yes |
Deposit fee | Free |
Withdrawal fee | Free |
Inactivity fee | Free |
3. FP Markets – Best For CFD Trading
Among the micro account brokers we tested for UK traders, FP Markets stood out as the best for CFDs. We had an opportunity to trade forex with this broker, and must confess that its trading charges are among the lowest. Overall, spreads start from 0.0 pips on major currency pairs. You will also incur zero transaction and inactivity fees. Furthermore, this best broker has a low minimum deposit requirement of £100, thus attracting budget-conscious CFD traders. You can get started at FP Markets’ demo account to practise CFD trading and gauge your skill level.
When it comes to CFD asset offerings, there are over 10,000 options at FP Markets trading platform. These include forex, indices, commodities, shares, and more. We explored these securities on a user-friendly platform, which we believe is an excellent feature for new CFD traders. On top of that, trades are executed fast, making it easier for you to enter and exit short-term positions. Leverage is also capped at 500:1 for professional CFD traders. However, we advise you to be keen with your approach in margin trading to avoid massive losses.
- Minimum trade size of 0.01 lot
- Low CFD trading fees
- Quality learning and research tools offered
- +10,000 CFD instruments to explore
- You are limited to trading forex and CFD broker assets
- No price plans on the micro account
Type | Fee |
Minimum deposit | $100 |
Overnight fee | $0 |
Deposit fee | $0 |
Withdrawal fee | Depends on payment method |
Inactivity fee | $0 |
4. AvaTrade – Best Overall
We list AvaTrade in this category for various reasons. First, the brokerage firm has proven to be one of the most secure and reliable. It is FCA-regulated and highly rated by many users on Google Play, the App Store, and Trustpilot. From our experience, we understood why it is loved by many, as we had an amazing time with it. We seamlessly traded forex, CFD and spread betting instruments on both its desktop and mobile devices. AvaTrade’s micro account makes it easier for any trader to enjoy forex trading, which is the largest financial market globally.
We also like AvaTrade’s micro account set-up, which is straightforward and takes minutes to complete. In addition, its minimum deposit requirement is only $100, making it pocket-friendly for many traders. On top of that, we discovered the social trading feature across the broker’s AvaSocial, DupliTrade, and ZuluTrade platforms. There are also the MT4 and MT5 platforms with advanced features like automated and additional trading solution.
- $100 minimum deposit requirement.
- Over 55 currency pairs.
- Low forex and CFD trading spreads.
- AvaTrade broker offers additional trading platforms, including MT4, MT5, and AvaTradeGO.
- Charges high inactivity fee after three months of no activity.
- No buying and taking full ownership of the underlying assets.
Type | Fee |
Minimum Deposit | £100 |
Inactivity Fee | USD Account: $50 EUR Account: €50 GBP Account: £50 |
Administration Fee | USD Account: $100 EUR Account: €100 GBP Account: £100 |
Deposit Fee | $0 |
Withdrawal Fee | $0 |
5. XM Group – Top Option With Low Fees
XM micro account broker provides an easy-to-navigate trading platform with adequate educational tools to get your trading venture off to a good start. From our analysis, it is also regulated in the UK market, so you can consider it one of the most trusted micro account brokers. And when it comes to trading costs, we find it to be among the cheapest, considering its low spreads starting from 1 pip on all major currency pairs. Its minimum deposit requirement is also $5, making it easier for any trader to get started with it.
Setting up micro accounts with this forex broker was easy, and we had an opportunity to explore 50+ currency pairs. We also like that XM supports portfolio diversification by listing additional securities. These include stocks, commodities, indices, and more. And when it comes to supporting traders, hats off to this forex and CFD broker because it offers plenty of quality research tools on its MT4 and MT5 platforms. Its customer service is also available 24/5 through phone, email, or live chat.
- Supports MT4 tading platform for web and mobile devices.
- $5 minimum deposit requirement.
- Adequate research and educational materials.
- A user-friendly and modern-design platform.
- Charges $5 inactivity fee should your account remain inactive for more than 12 months.
- There is no buying and taking full ownership of the featured assets.
Type | Fee |
Minimum deposit | 5$ |
Overnight fee | 0$ |
Deposit fee | 0$ |
Withdrawal fee | 0$ |
Inactivity fee | $15 one-off maintenance fee |
6. City Index – Top Broker With Multiple Regulation
Trade forex, CFDs, and spread betting across 13,500+ global markets with City Index. We tested this forex broker and confess that it is the best multi-regulated offering micro trading account for UK traders. This is because the brokerage firm is not only regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), but other authorities outside the UK financial market, including the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), and more.
We identified over 84 currency pairs for forex trading at City Index. While trading, the fees we incurred were low, from 0.7 points, with free deposits and withdrawals. In addition, this best broker has a plethora of research tools for market analysis. These resources are offered at the broker’s WebTrader, TradingView, and MT4 platforms. Overall, we find City Index’s micro account easy to create. There is also no minimum deposit requirement, allowing any user to get started. Alternatively, you can test its performance via its risk-free demo account before transitioning to the live account.
- Low trading fees.
- Zero minimum deposit requirement.
- A wide range of research tools.
- Multiple platforms to choose from, including MT4, TradingView, and WebTrader.
- You can only trade the featured assets as CFDs or spread betting.
- The TradingView platform is not supported on its mobile app.
Type | Fee |
Minimum deposit | £100 |
Overnight fee | +2.5% on long positions |
Deposit fee | 2% |
Withdrawal fee | 0$ |
Inactivity fee | $15 |
EUR/USD spreads from | 0.5 pts |
Trade major indices with spreads from | 0.4 pt |
Commission on shares | 0.08% |
Trade US Crude with spreads from | 1.5 pts |
Spot gold spreads from | 0.5 pts |
What Do Other Traders Say?
We do not rely solely on tests and comparisons when choosing the best micro account brokers to recommend. We also analyse user testimonials on Google Play, the App Store, and Trustpilot. This way, we get to fully understand the brokers’ strengths and weaknesses, thus making unbiased decisions. See below a few of the comments we sampled. We hope you will get a better insight into your research for the best broker.
XTB
Traders appreciate XTB’s comprehensive trading tools and educational resources. The platform’s analytical tools and customer support are highlighted as advantageous.
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“I have shares in other brokers, but I’m using this app to check prices and charts because it’s simply better. Flawless usability” – Kosciej
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“Very good app. Customer service is welcoming. Lots of information for new traders available for free. Feel very valued and accepted as a beginner. Best app I have found after trying 10+ others.” – Thomas Ashley
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“Excellent account managers who keep in touch. Find the app easy to use. Lots of educational content to help me learn. Good use of news and kept up to date with any stock market changes.” – Ross
Spreadex
Spreadex stands out for its simplicity and accessibility in trading. Users commend the platform’s user-friendly interface and diverse range of markets available for trading.
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“Easy to use Platform, v friendly staff. Never had any issues” – Matthew Hill
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“Been with Spreadex more than ten years, great range of markets, particularly among UK smaller caps. Pay up quickly when a short goes to ‘zero’ too, much better experience than I have had with CMC for example.” – TheAceTrader
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“A very useful financial spread betting app that should cover all your needs. It’s definitely the most useable of the broker apps that I’ve tried. A great platform that lets you analyse the markets, place spread bets & manage your risk and positions all on your phone. They’ve also got a great range of tools and excellent customer service which I found very attractive. 10/10 for my experience with Spreadex thus far” – JakeReadman
FP Markets
FP Markets earns praise for its robust trading infrastructure and competitive pricing. Users highlight the platform’s reliability and fast execution, which are crucial in trading environments.
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“Customer support is really marvelous, my problem was taken seriously and solved within no time. Thanks to the team for their efforts. Great!” – Tariq
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“The app is user friendly. Even for beginners, it is easy to use, and the customer service live chat is quick in replying.” – Wayne K.
AvaTrade
AvaTrade receives acclaim for its comprehensive trading options and educational resources. Users value the platform’s user-friendly interface and array of available trading instruments.
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“I was contacted within 10 minutes from opening my account. The account validation process took less than 1 hour. I was literally trading on a live account within 2 hours from opening my account. Very impressed with the service.” – Mr Coetzee
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“Very smooth and clean, educational videos to support your understanding of the system and trading in general. Interactive customer service that actively try to support you as best they can, very friendly and understanding” – Jaundre Koekemoer
XM Group
XM is recognised for its user-friendly interface and access to various global currency markets. However, there are occasional remarks about customer service and the need for more advanced trading tools within the app.
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“I have never seen a cool app like this, deposits are super fast, withdrawals also the same, verification, it’s super cool, it’s really amazing, thanks to team xm, I really recommend every trader to use this app” – Ahabwe Peter
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“The service was outstanding. Deposit and withdraw very fast.
Bonus 100% limited to 500 usd, it’s better to increase the amount limited bonus. ?. Overall the trusted broker and legitimate.” – Abdul Baset
City Index
Traders commend City Index for its diverse range of CFD markets and user-friendly platform. The availability of research tools and responsive customer support are also valued by users.
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“I must say I’m not sure why people are writing bad reviews, I have been a trader for a few years now with city index and I must say I can not fault them at all.” – gp.c
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“The Customer Service Officer who attended to me was very helpful in resolving my issue.He was very approachable person and was very patient .” – Thanabalan Rajoo
Micro Accounts vs Standard Account
Many traders are profiting from forex trading, and as a result, we’ve seen many join the currency trading venture. However, the activity carries the risk of losing money if you do not apply the best trading strategies accordingly.
Traders are torn about choosing between a Micro, Mini, or Standard trading account. A micro account is primarily suitable for newbies since it allows them to trade forex without investing a lot of money. This also means that the minimum deposit requirement for brokers with micro account is low.
The contract size to trade on this micro/small account is 1000 units of base currency. Most brokers with mini accounts also offer low spreads and a low minimum deposit requirement. There is also higher leverage.
In contrast, a standard currency trading account is for more advanced traders with a contract size of 100,000 units of base currency. You will also find this account type charging high trading fees with a high minimum deposit requirement (probably thousands of pounds).
Read full info about the DMA brokers in the UK and the best forex signal providers in our other guides.
How to Choose the Best Micro Account Trading Broker
Engaging in a real trading environment using a micro lot account broker is one way of improving your potential for success. Since trading using a micro account carries higher leverage, there are increased risks involved. Therefore, you should carefully choose the best forex broker by considering the following elements:
Reputable brokers with micro account that are highly regulated in the UK market should be what to go for. They guarantee your trading funds’ safety, unlike unscrupulous brokers that only intend to scam you off your trading capital. Therefore, ensure you confirm whether a broker is licensed and regulated by the FCA.
Before you open an account, find a micro account forex broker with a wide selection of assets to choose from, including forex pairs. The assets should be available in plenty so that you have the flexibility to diversify your portfolio across various global markets.
An easy-to-use trading platform that improves your trading experience is worth considering. Additionally, every trader understands the importance of keeping up with the latest financial market news. Therefore, choose a micro lot trading broker that offers various trading tools on its platform for market analysis.
Brokers that offer micro accounts have different trading and non-trading charges, so it is up to you to choose a forex broker that aligns with your trading capital. Fees like commission, spreads, minimum deposit requirement, overnight fee, transaction charges, among others, should be what contribute to your decision.
Most traders overlook this factor, but it is essential when choosing a micro lot account broker. There is always a time when you will require a broker’s assistance, and having reliable customer service will serve you best. Also, ensure the broker offers a wide range of communication channels, including phone, email, and live chat.
If you have zero experience with a micro lot trading broker, you probably would love to test it before making a final decision. Therefore, find a forex broker with a demo account to test drive it. Demo accounts work similarly to live trading accounts, but the only difference is that demo accounts are free.
What are Micro Accounts?
Micro accounts are a type of forex trading account offered by many online brokers, designed for novice traders and those with limited funds. These accounts have lower minimum deposit requirements, smaller contract sizes, and reduced trading costs compared to a standard account. This low barrier to entry and fees allows novice traders to get started with trading without risking a lot of money upfront.
The smallest contract you can trade with micro accounts is called a micro lot, which represents 1,000 units of the base currency. Overall, micro accounts are tailored for retail traders looking to explore the financial market at a low fee. You can find these forex accounts on credible brokers like the ones we recommend above for maximum experience. However, remember that over 76% of micro accounts lose money in trading. So, employ solid strategies and plan accordingly.
Explore in our other guide Low Spread Forex Brokers.
Pros & Cons of Micro Accounts
As mentioned earlier, micro accounts are forex trading accounts many online brokers offer. While they can be an excellent option for some traders, especially newbies, they have advantages and disadvantages. As a trader, understanding micro accounts’ pros and cons will help you determine if they are worth trading with.
Pros
- Low Barrier to Entry – Micro accounts have lower minimum deposit requirements, making it easier for novice traders to start trading.
- Smaller Contract Sizes – Micro accounts offer smaller contract sizes than standard account, making it easier for traders to manage risks and learn the ins and outs of trading.
- Reduced Trading Costs – A micro account broker offers tighter spreads than a standard account, thus reducing the cost of trading.
- Opportunity to Practice – Most micro accounts feature demo accounts that allow users to practice their skills and trading strategies without risking their hard-earned money.
- Access to Trading Tools – Many brokers featuring micro accounts offer a range of tools and educational resources for their forex trading account holders. This helps them to improve their trading skills and knowledge.
Cons
- Limited Profit Potential – The smaller contract sizes of micro accounts mean that traders will earn smaller profits and losses than standard accounts.
- Limited Trading Options – Some brokers may offer limited trading options for micro accounts, which can be a drawback for more experienced traders.
- Margin Requirements – While micro accounts have smaller contract sizes, traders still need to meet margin requirements, which can be challenging for those with limited funds.
You can learn in our other guide “How to Trade Option“.
FAQs
While both micro and cents accounts allow you to trade at lower risks, cent accounts trading balances are measured in cents rather than US dollar. In contrast, micro accounts balance and transactions are carried in US dollar.
Leverage in micro accounts can go as high as 30:1, depending on a broker. However, as a beginner, you do not want to trade on a large margin. So instead, use the micro account for improving your trading skills.
The contract size is what differentiates a micro account and a mini account. Whereas the micro account’s contract size is 1,000 units of base currency, the mini account’s contract size is 10,000 units of base currency.
Micro accounts are suitable for beginner traders willing to taste the world of forex trading without risking a lot of investment.
Micro accounts allow you to trade with smaller amounts, meaning that the profits that you will likely incur are low. In addition, the spreads in micro accounts are usually higher than those in a standard account.
Yes, they are because of the smaller trading sizes. Beginners can start their trading venture using micro accounts before moving on to a more advanced platform.
Conclusion
Beginner traders in the UK forex industry, especially those on a low budget, should take advantage of micro account brokers. Choose from our above recommendations based on your trading requirements. With them, not only will you improve your skills at a low cost, but you will also increase your chances of earning profits. Also, note the Micro vs Cent account difference. Understanding distinction can help you make informed decisions when selecting the most suitable trading account type.
Remember, having the best micro lot account broker in the UK is not a sure-fire way to success. You still need to be selective about the assets you trade in micro lots accounts and ensure you are fully familiar with its operations and risks. Furthermore, conduct a thorough market analysis for the best forex trading strategy and always stick to your trading plan. Losses are inevitable in any trade, so be open to learning from your mistakes to quickly become independent.
How we test?
Our test process is really based on two different aspects: our independent tests and research, as well as user reviews from Google Play, the App Store, and Trustpilot, etc.
The first thing we do when testing is to check every detail and test every tool and instrument. Our experts spend more than 200 hours on every article. We pay special attention to the specific function or the criteria that we’re comparing during the comparing stage. This means that we must determine which broker is more suited for beginners, and which is better suited for experts, for example. Find out more about our test process here.
I want to start to trade with AvaTrade but I'm worried about the inactivity fee
try city index. I started with demo account few mont ago
It was very helpful for me to learn about the differences between micro and standard accounts in trading. Here are a few key points that I highlighted: Initial investments, Contract size, Trading conditions, Standard accounts. I now understand which account type might be the best choice.Very useful information. Thank you. ??
This article proved to be highly informative and beneficial for me as an experienced trader. Despite my expertise, I found valuable insights about reliable brokers and the advantages of utilizing micro accounts. The clarification of differences between micro and cent accounts was a refreshing aspect, providing an understanding of how to leverage these accounts to one's advantage. I can now easily identify the best micro account that suits my requirements, boosting confidence in successful trading.