History and Founding
Swissquote is a leading Swiss-based online trading platform established in 1996, providing innovative financial services to traders and investors worldwide. Originally focused on providing online banking services, Swissquote expanded its operations to include forex and CFD trading, positioning itself as a prominent player in the global brokerage industry. The company is listed on the Swiss stock exchange, demonstrating its strong financial position and commitment to transparency.
Mission and Vision
Swissquote’s mission is to deliver reliable and accessible financial services, empowering traders to make informed decisions in the global markets. With a vision of becoming the preferred broker for traders of all levels, Swissquote focuses on innovation, security, and customer-centric services. The company aims to offer the best online trading experience by leveraging technology and providing advanced tools to help traders achieve their financial goals.
Global Presence
Swissquote operates globally, with a strong presence across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The broker serves a wide range of clients, from individual traders to institutional investors, with its multilingual customer support and regulatory adherence in several jurisdictions. Swissquote’s international reach and commitment to providing high-quality trading services make it a preferred choice for traders around the world.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros
- Lightning-fast execution speeds
- Feature-rich proprietary platform
- More than 3 million instruments
- FIX API offering
- Comprehensive research and education
- Listed on a major exchange
Cons
- High trading fees
- High minimum deposit requirement
- Fee for withdrawals
Security and Regulations
Licenses Held
Swissquote is a fully regulated broker, adhering to financial regulations in various jurisdictions, including the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK. This ensures that Swissquote operates with high levels of transparency, reliability, and security, giving traders peace of mind when trading on the platform.
Fund Segregation and Insurance
Swissquote takes the security of client funds seriously, employing strict fund segregation practices to ensure that client money is kept separate from the company’s operational funds. In addition, the broker offers deposit insurance to further protect client funds in the unlikely event of company insolvency, giving traders extra confidence when trading on the platform.
Tradable Instruments
Forex Pairs
Swissquote offers a wide range of forex pairs, including major, minor, and exotic currencies, providing traders with plenty of opportunities to trade on the currency markets. Some popular pairs available for trading include EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and USD/JPY.
Commodities
Traders can also access a variety of commodities, including gold, silver, oil, and agricultural products. These instruments provide a great way to diversify a trading portfolio and take advantage of the volatility in commodity markets.
Indices
Swissquote offers access to a range of stock indices, including the S&P 500, NASDAQ 100, and FTSE 100, enabling traders to speculate on the performance of major stock markets worldwide.
Cryptocurrencies
Swissquote provides cryptocurrency trading for several leading digital currencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, allowing traders to access this rapidly growing market.
Account Types
Standard
| Minimum deposit | 0 |
|---|---|
| Commission | 0.0 |
| Available tools | 0 |
| Leverage, min | 1:1 |
| Leverage, max | 1:500 |
| Margin call level | 100 |
| Stop-out level | 20 |
Fees and Charges
Spreads and Commissions
Swissquote offers competitive spreads starting from 1.2 pips for forex trading. For stock trading, commissions are charged based on the trade size. The broker’s pricing is transparent, and no hidden fees are applied.
Swap Rates
Swap rates apply to positions held overnight. Swissquote provides competitive swap rates for various currency pairs, commodities, and indices. Swap-free accounts are available for traders following Islamic principles.
Inactivity Fees
Swissquote charges inactivity fees on accounts that remain dormant for an extended period. Traders are advised to keep their accounts active to avoid unnecessary charges.
Trading Platforms
| Available tools | Forex, Commodities, Share CFDs, Indices, Bonds, FX Options |
|---|---|
| Cryptocurrencies | ETH, DOGE, BTC, LTC, BTC Cash, XRP, ETH Classic, 0x, ADA, EOS, ENJ, Bancor, DOT, LINK, XTZ, SOL, MATIC, ATOM, The Sandbox, MANA, AVAX |
| CFD | Forex: 72 Commodities: 5 Metals: 14 Energy: 7 Indices: 26 Stocks: 337 Bonds: 3 |
MetaTrader 4 and 5
Swissquote offers both MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), which are two of the most popular trading platforms globally. These platforms provide advanced charting tools, automated trading options, and extensive customization features, ideal for both beginner and experienced traders.
WebTrader
Swissquote also provides its own WebTrader platform, accessible directly through any modern web browser. This platform offers an easy-to-use interface, essential trading tools, and real-time market data, making it a convenient choice for traders on the go.
Mobile Trading Apps
The Swissquote mobile app is available for both Android and iOS devices, enabling traders to manage their accounts and execute trades while on the move. The app offers all the essential features, including charting tools and real-time data, for seamless trading on the go.
Customer Support
Steps to Register
To get started with Swissquote, simply visit the official website, click on "Open an Account," and complete the registration form. You will be asked to provide personal details, financial information, and identification documents to comply with KYC regulations.
Verification Requirements
Swissquote requires traders to verify their identity by submitting a government-issued ID and a proof of address, such as a utility bill or bank statement. This process ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and protects against fraud.
Deposits and Withdrawals
Payment Methods
Swissquote supports a variety of payment methods, including credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets like PayPal and Skrill. These methods ensure that clients can deposit and withdraw funds securely and efficiently.
Processing Times
Deposits are typically processed instantly, while withdrawals may take between 1 and 3 business days, depending on the payment method. Bank transfers may take longer to process.
Associated Fees
Swissquote does not charge fees for deposits. However, withdrawal fees may apply depending on the chosen method. Bank transfers and credit card withdrawals are subject to specific fees, so traders should review the fee structure for each method.
FAQ
Is the broker regulated?
Yes, Swissquote is regulated by financial authorities in multiple jurisdictions, including the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) and the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
What trading platforms are available?
Swissquote offers MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), and its proprietary WebTrader platform for trading. Additionally, the Swissquote mobile app is available for on-the-go trading.
What is the minimum deposit required to open an account?
The minimum deposit for a Standard Account is $100, while Prime and Professional Accounts may require higher deposits depending on the account type and trading conditions.
What types of accounts does the broker offer?
Swissquote offers Standard, Prime, Professional, and Islamic accounts, catering to different types of traders and their needs.
What fees and commissions are charged?
Swissquote charges competitive spreads starting from 1.2 pips for forex trading. Commissions for stock trading vary based on trade size, and specific fees may apply to withdrawals depending on the method used.