Table Of Contents

Best FOREX Brokers in South Africa for 2024

Writer: Marwan Kardoosh
Editor: Adrian Ashley
Checker: Bahaa Khateeb
Last Update: 2024-12-24

With many years of meticulous FOREX broker testing, Arincen stands out as a voice of authority. Our analyses, shaped by exhaustive data collection, are trusted by many. Each year, we gather 120 data points from more than 100 brokers. Our team of more than 20 people collaborate extensively to produce high-quality broker reviews like this one. For a detailed explanation of how we test brokers, navigate to the bottom of this article.

Now is the best time to discover the best FOREX brokers in South Africa. The top FOREX brokers are all trying to improve their services to attract more users. For you, the user, this means more variety of choices, but this also means more complexity.
At Arincen, we are always striving to simplify the world of trading for you, our readers. For this reason, we will be listing the best FOREX brokers in South Africa today. This ranking is the result of a detailed review process carried out by our experts at Arincen. We will share our review methodology so you can understand why we chose the companies we did. 

Best FOREX Brokers in South Africa for 2024

Company Name ICM Capital
Regulations

FCA

Minimum Deposit $500
Main Branch United Arab Emirates
Company Name Tradeview
Regulations

FCA

Minimum Deposit $250
Main Branch USA
Company Name XTB
Regulations

FCA

Minimum Deposit $500
Main Branch UK
Company Name IG
Regulations

FCA

Minimum Deposit $500
Main Branch UK

Top Tips for Selecting the Best FOREX Brokers in South Africa

There are several excellent FOREX brokers operating in South Africa. As always, it's important to safeguard your investments by partnering with a broker who has a proven history of stability. Conducting thorough research is the key. Here are some of the most crucial elements to keep in mind when selecting a broker in South Africa:
• The broker must be supervised by a high-tier regulatory body, whether it's the local Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) or another globally recognized entity.
• The broker's fee structure must be competitive
• The broker must provide a broad range of financial assets for trading
• The broker must boast a customer service team that responds promptly and efficiently
• The broker should have a comprehensive package of research tools and educational resources available.

Top FOREX Brokers in South Africa for 2024

With so many choices out there, it's hard to select the best trading platform in South Africa. In this case, we've done the work for you. Here is a summary of each of the top brokers according to specific criteria, along with their pros and cons:

  1. ICM - Capital 91.10: Best Deposit and Withdrawal Broker

  2. Tradeview - 90.00: Trusted broker that offers very low trading costs as well as comprehensive financial literacy materials for its clients.

  3. XTB - 85.55: Best Customer Service Broker

  4. IG - 85.45: Best Regulations Broker plus Convenient Platform

  5. Saxo Bank - 80.09: Excellent Private Trading Platform

  6. CMC Markets - 80.07: More than 9,000 Assets

  7. ThinkMarkets - 80.05: Aimed at the Audience of Traders

ICM Capital

ICM Capital is considered the industry leader in deposits and withdrawals, whereby each withdrawal does not take more than five business days. Moreover, the company offers its customers a handy credit card to withdraw their profits, in addition to enabling customers to use various deposit methods. The company, which is licensed by the UK's FCA, has several branches around the world. Among other things, it has a rich portfolio of assets, especially stocks, offers a low spread, as well as the ability to use MT4.

Broker Evaluation 8.11
Regulations

FCA

Minimum Deposit $500
Islamic Account Yes
Payment Methods Bank transfer, credit card, electronic payment providers, crypto
Main Branch United Kingdom
Customer Service 24/5
Demo Account Yes
Trading Platforms MT4, MT5, cTrader, Web Platform

Pros

  • Segregated client funds.
  • Regulated by the UK’s FCA.
  • Established in 2009.
  • More than 10,000 ICM Capital users and traders.
  • Reasonable minimum deposit from $500.
  • Decent funding options.
  • No swaps.
  • MetaTrader4 (MT4) desktop and mobile download.

Cons

  • Does not allow scalping.
  • Not ASIC-regulated.
  • Relatively limited range of instruments.
  • Slow live-chat service.
  • Relatively high trading fees.

Tradeview Markets

Tradeview Forex, interchangeably known as Tradeview Markets, was established in 2004 and is headquartered in the Cayman Islands, setting itself up as a significant player in the online FOREX and CFD trading world. Regulated by the Cayman Island Monetary Authority (CIMA) and the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), Tradeview Forex is a reliable platform in a competitive market​​​​. The broker’s commitment to offering a broad and accessible trading environment shines through with its low deposit requirement and how it provides various advanced trading platforms to clientele.

Broker Evaluation 7
Regulations

FCA

Minimum Deposit $450
Islamic Account Yes
Payment Methods Bank transfer, credit card, electronic payment providers, crypto
Main Branch Cayman Islands
Customer Service 24/5
Demo Account Yes
Trading Platforms Proprietary Platform, MT4, MT5, Web Platform

Pros

  • Established in 2004.
  • Variety of trading platforms, such as MT4, MT5, cTrader, and Currenex, catering to different trading preferences and strategies.
  • Low minimum deposits.
  • Beginners and experienced traders looking to refine their strategies.
  • Supports automated trading through the use of Expert Advisors (EA) on MT4 and MT5 platforms.
  • Decent leverage levels of 1:400 available in some jurisdictions.
  • Regulated by CIMA, MFSA, and will soon be regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Cons

  • While regulated by CIMA and the MFSA, the broker is still in the final stages of becoming regulated by the tier-one FCA.
  • Trades on the Innovative Liquidity Connector® account are subject to commission charges, which may add to trading costs.
  • While offering high leverage up to 400:1 can be an advantage, it also introduces significant risks, especially for new traders.

XTB

What distinguishes XTB from other brokers is the fact that it offers the best customer experience among all the companies we have surveyed. Indeed, it boasts the fastest response rate from all the companies under investigation. This is especially relevant since the market is always on-the-go, and so you need to act fast. XTB offers lots of asset classes, as well as the ability to use the MT4 trading platform. Finally, it maintains a relatively low spread, which is suitable for quick deals.

Broker Evaluation 8.55
Regulations

FCA

Minimum Deposit $500
Islamic Account Yes
Payment Methods Bank transfer, credit card, electronic payment providers
Main Branch United Kingdom
Customer Service 24/5
Demo Account Yes
Trading Platforms MT4, MT5, Web Platform

Pros

  • Long history of operation.
  • Globally recognized, having won multiple awards.
  • Some of the lowest FOREX spreads in the market.
  • Regulated by the FCA (UK).
  • Offers protection for client accounts.
  • Emphasis on customer service.
  • Excellent support, learning and research tools.

Cons

  • Does not accept US clients.
  • Non-FOREX spread costs are relatively high.
  • No GSLO.
  • No back-testing or automated trading capabilities.
  • Conditions vary according to regulation and entity.

IG

IG is arguably the best broker when it comes to security and trust, boasting, as it does, licenses from 10 regulatory bodies, including the all-important FCA from the UK. The company is also a bank and is a publicly traded company in London. It is known for offering more than 10,000 asset classes of currencies, commodities, future contracts, ETFs, indices, cryptocurrencies etc. Further, it has its own state-of-the-art trading platform and offers a relatively low spread.
Broker Evaluation 7.54
Regulations

FCA

Minimum Deposit $250
Islamic Account Yes
Payment Methods Bank transfer, credit card, electronic payment providers
Main Branch United Kingdom
Customer Service 24/5
Demo Account Yes
Trading Platforms Proprietary Platform, MT4, Web Platform

Pros

  • Easy-to-navigate platform that is simple for beginners to master.
  • Margin rates are easy to understand and affordable.
  • Mobile and tablet platforms offer full functionality of the desktop version.
  • Accepts US clients.
  • Access to more than 100 currency pairs
  • Emphasis on education and research.
  • Regulated by the FCA (UK), as well as the CFTC and the NFA (US).
  • Offers protection for UK/EU client accounts.

Cons

  • US traders can currently only trade FOREX.
  • No GSLO for US-based traders.
  • No account protection for US clients.
  • Relatively high share-CFD fees.
  • No copy trading or back-testing integration on IG platform.

Saxo Bank

Saxo Bank is considered one of the best investment banks in financial markets and currencies, as it offers the very best trading platform and tools from all the companies we have reviewed. Meanwhile, its spreads are very low and, as such, suitable for short-term deals; and it offers a large number of asset classes, including currencies, commodities, indices etc. Finally, its customer service is excellent and very responsive to traders' needs.

Broker Evaluation 6.09
Regulations

FCA

Minimum Deposit $5000
Islamic Account No
Payment Methods Bank transfer, credit card
Main Branch Copenhagen, Denmark
Customer Service 24/5
Demo Account Yes
Trading Platforms SaxoTrader

Pros

  • Extensive range of offerings.
  • Regulated by the FCA (UK) and other top regulators.
  • Great trading platform.
  • Among the industry’s best research.
  • Superior user interface.
  • Offers protection for client accounts.

Cons

  • High bond, options and futures fees.
  • Confusing instrument fee structures.
  • High minimum deposit.
  • Does not accept US clients.
  • No MT4.
  • Lacks live chat.

CMC Markets

CMC Markets is a well-regarded broker offering some 9,000 asset classes that encompass currencies, commodities, indices, cryptocurrencies, bonds, and stocks. The company offers relatively low spreads, access to MT4, and fast customer service. It is most suited for traders looking for diversity in asset classes.

Broker Evaluation 7.07
Regulations

FCA

Minimum Deposit $0
Islamic Account No
Payment Methods Bank transfer, credit card, electronic payment providers
Main Branch United Kingdom
Customer Service 24/5
Demo Account Yes
Trading Platforms Proprietary Platform, MT4, Web Platform

Pros

  • Extensive range of offerings.
  • Regulated by the FCA (UK).
  • Low FOREX fees.
  • Emphasis on education and customer service.
  • Great Web and mobile platforms.
  • Offers protection for client accounts.
  • Research amenities are industry leading.

Cons

  • Does not accept US clients.
  • High stock CFD fees.
  • High CFD spreads for certain indices.
  • Differences between Next Generation and MT4.
  • Complicated account verification.
  • No back-testing or automated trading capabilities.

ThinkMarkets

Originally founded in New Zealand in 2010, and moving to Australia within the space of their first two years, ThinkMarkets is a global online brokerage focusing on FOREX and CFD trading. In addition to a range of major and minor currency pairs. ThinkMarkets has an array of CFDs on offer. This includes indices, as well as hard and soft commodities.

Broker Evaluation 8.05
Regulations

FCA

Minimum Deposit $0
Islamic Account Yes
Payment Methods Bank transfer, credit card, electronic payment providers, crypto
Main Branch Australia
Customer Service 24/7
Demo Account Yes
Trading Platforms Proprietary Platform, Web Platform, MT4, MT5

Pros

  • Beginner assistance offered through 24/6 channels.
  • Spreads are as low as 0.0 pips.
  • 24/7 expert customer service.
  • CFD shares and indices come at no extra fee.
  • Zero broker fees for FOREX trading.
  • Technical analysis and quality market information.
  • Percentage allocation management module (PAMM) and Multi-account manager (MAM) accounts available.

Cons

  • Direct share trading is on a separate platform.
  • No binary options offered.
  • Commissions charged for two account types.
  • After a strong early start, ThinkTrader user ratings have slid to 3.4 stars.
  • No US, Canada, or Japan clients allowed.

There is a high degree of risk involved in trading securities like FOREX, or CFDs, which are highly complex instruments. As a trader, you could be exposed to excessive leverage, questionable broker tactics, market volatility, and limited regulatory protection. Despite your best trading techniques and risk management strategies, your efforts may not be profitable, and you could suffer losses.

What is FOREX and Why Do I Need a Broker to Trade?

For every FOREX trader, it is good to know that the FOREX market is the largest financial market in the world with some six trillion dollars’ worth of deals taking place daily. In this decentralized market, currencies are bought and sold electronically over the counter (OTC). The FOREX market operates 24 hours a day, five days a week, excluding international holidays. This article will help you understand the implications of round-the-clock trading for market participants. Explore the pivotal role of the best FOREX brokers in South Africa and learn how they facilitate clients' participation through trading platforms.

How Do I Choose from the Best FOREX Brokers in South Africa?

South Africa's Best FOREX Brokers

Regulation and Licensing in South Africa

Trading FOREX is legal in South Africa, as long as it does not contravene money laundering or exchange control laws. FOREX brokers operating in South Africa must be regulated by the FSCA, a tier-2 oversight body.

The broker must also be in good standing with the Companies Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), which is responsible for company registration. Traders must declare all profits to the country’s tax authority, the South African Revenue Service, and readily comply with Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements. Islamic FOREX trading is supported.

Notwithstanding local regulations, it is always important to check if your broker is regulated by overseas tier-1 regulators. Some examples of the most stringent regulators include the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySec). These regulators have sweeping powers, but they also mandate member brokerages to compensate clients for lost funds through broker insolvency.

Although the FSCA calls the shots in South Africa, there are other major regulators around the world. If you want to read more about some of the best-regarded regulators, read our article on regulation here. As we have said, as someone resident in South Africa, it’s enough that your broker is regulated by the FSCA.

Make sure your broker is regulated by a reputable authority. Not all brokers are regulated by tier-one regulators, but you can still rest easy if your broker works with the regulator in your area. To verify if your broker is registered with a regulator, navigate to the regulator’s official website.

Leverage

The common practice of leverage refers to the use of borrowed funds to increase your trading position beyond what would be available from your own cash balance alone. Leverage is a double-edged sword as it can amplify both gains and losses. Depending on the regulator under which your broker works, you will encounter different policies relative to leverage. Many regulators have implemented specific rules to limit the leverage offered to retail traders as a means of consumer protection. Here are selected leverage rules according to some key regulators:
FSCA, South Africa:
In South Africa, the permitted leverage levels for retail FOREX traders depend on the experience level of the trader and the amount of equity in their account. The FSCA places a maximum level of 50:1 as the amount of leverage that can be offered to beginner traders, while more experienced traders can trade up to a maximum of 100:1.
FCA, UK: 
30:1 for major currency pairs
20:1 for non-major currency pairs, gold, and major indices
10:1 for commodities (excluding gold) and non-major equity indices
5:1 for individual equities and other reference values
2:1 for cryptocurrencies
These limits are in place to reduce the risk of significant losses for retail traders.
Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA), Switzerland:
FINMA has not set specific leverage limits. However, Swiss brokers must adhere to rigorous capital and risk management requirements, ensuring they don't offer excessively high leverage that could endanger their solvency or their clients' funds.
Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), USA:
The CFTC enforces a 50:1 leverage limit on major currency pairs and a 20:1 limit on non-major currency pairs for retail FOREX traders.
The U.S. has a distinct regulatory environment, with retail FOREX trading regulated separately from other forms of derivatives trading.
To confirm if a FOREX broker is, indeed, authorized by the FSCA, the first thing to do is to identify the FSCA registration number from the disclosure text at the bottom of the broker's homepage. The second thing to do would be to look up the company on the financial register available on the FSCA’s website to validate that the broker is currently authorized in South Africa.
It's worth noting that these rules generally apply to retail clients. Professional or institutional clients might have access to diverse levels of leverage, depending on the regulatory environment and the broker's policies. As we can see, responsible regulators closely monitor leverage levels.

High leverage can amplify potential profits, but it equally magnifies potential losses. It can put a stop to your trading career if not used carefully. The allure of high returns is tempting, but the risk associated with such strategies is highly dangerous. We strongly urge traders to approach leverage with caution, fully grasping its mechanics and implications.

Stop Out and Margin

As a FOREX trader, it's crucial to understand the most important terms you'll encounter to avoid going into a negative balance. One of these terms is "stop out," which refers to a situation where a broker automatically closes some or all of your open positions to prevent your account from going into a negative balance. To be clear, this is an unwanted position to be in as a trader because it means you haven't planned well.

This is especially relevant for traders using leverage. The stop-out level is typically expressed as a percentage, representing the margin level at which the broker starts to close out open trades.

Here are the three most common stop-out levels:

0% Stop-Out Level

At this level, when the margin level of the account drops to 0%, the broker will automatically close all open positions. This is the most aggressive stop-out level, and it gives no room for your positions to recover, even if the market turns in your favor immediately after reaching this level.

Here's how it works:

Imagine you have a trading account with a balance of ZAR10,000, and you've opened several positions in the market. Your broker has a 0% Stop-Out Level policy, which means that if your margin level drops to 0%, they will automatically close all your open positions to prevent further losses.

  • You start with a R10,000 trading account balance

  • Using 50:1 leverage, you can control R500,000 worth of currency with your R10,000 account

  • You open a position in ZAR/USD with a notional value of R500,000, and the margin required for this trade is R10,000 (2% of the notional value)

  • The market moves against your position, causing your account balance to drop to R9,000

  • If your losses accumulate, your account balance decreases, and your margin level (account equity divided by used margin) drops accordingly 

  • When it reaches 0%, the broker's 0% Stop-Out Level policy comes into play

50% Stop-Out Level

Here, if the margin level drops to 50%, the broker will start closing out positions. It offers a bit more flexibility compared to the 0% level. The broker will typically close the most unprofitable positions first, and if that's not enough to bring the margin level back above 50%, more positions will be closed until it's achieved.

100% Stop-Out Level

A 100% stop-out level means that when a trader's equity equals the margin required for the open positions, the broker will start closing those positions. It's important to know that this is like the 0% level but might be worded differently based on broker terminology.

It's worth noting that while stop-out procedures are meant to protect you from negative balances, they can lead to significant losses in volatile markets if positions are closed automatically, especially if the market quickly reverses after the stop out. As such, using protective measures, like stop-loss orders and not over-leveraging, is always a good idea. Additionally, the specific percentage and the order in which positions are closed can vary among brokers, so you need to be aware of your broker's policy on stop-out levels.

Commissions and Fees

Trading fees are not always easy to monitor. Be sure to check how these fees compare with other brokers:

Spreads: In FOREX trading, a spread is the difference between the price at which a trader can buy (ask) and the price at which they can sell (bid) a currency pair. The spread can be categorized into two main types: fixed and variable.

Fixed Spreads: As the name suggests, fixed spreads remain constant regardless of market conditions. They don't change during the day and are set by the broker. Some traders prefer fixed spreads because they provide predictability, especially during times of high market volatility.

Variable Spreads: These spreads fluctuate based on market conditions. During times of low liquidity or high volatility, variable spreads can widen. However, during times of high liquidity and normal market conditions, the spreads can be very narrow. This type of spread is a direct reflection of market supply and demand.

Why do they differ?

The main reason they differ is due to their reaction to market conditions. Fixed spreads don't react to the market, giving traders a consistent spread cost. On the other hand, variable spreads can offer lower costs during normal market conditions but can widen and become more expensive during volatile times.

Example of Good vs. Worse Spreads for EUR/USD:

A good spread for the EUR/USD currency pair might be around 1.4 pips. This means that if the bid price is 1.1000, the ask price would be 1.10014.

A worse spread could be significantly higher, let's say 3.0 pips or more. In this scenario, if the bid price is 1.1000, the ask price would be 1.1003.

Traders always prefer narrower spreads because the cost of entering and exiting a trade is lower. However, it's essential to consider other factors, like the broker's reliability, platform features, and overall trading conditions, when choosing among brokers offering different spreads. This article explains more about this important concept.

Commission: This is the service charge that brokers require for carrying out transactions on behalf of their clients.

Rollover fees: When you leave a trade open overnight, the broker normally charges a rollover fee for the facility of holding your trade open for that period. This is because they assume the risk of the market changing adversely.

Withdrawal and Deposit Fees: Some platforms might charge fees for depositing or withdrawing funds. Pay attention to this. It's important to be aware of these and any associated limits or conditions.

Subscription or Inactivity Fees: Certain platforms have monthly charges or fees for inactive accounts. Ensure you're aware of these potential costs.

Spread Commission Swap Islamic Account
Currencies Starting from 1.3 Pips 0$ No Available
Stocks Starting from 18 Pips 0$ Yes Unavailable
Commodities Starting from 2.3 Pips 0$ No Available
Indices Starting from 4 Pips 0$ Yes Unavailable
Spread Commission Swap Islamic Account
Currencies Starting from 0.14 Pips $0 No Available
Stocks Starting from 0 Pips $0 No Available
Commodities Starting from 2 cent $0 No Available
Indices Starting from 0.2 Pips $0 No Available
Spread Commission Swap Islamic Account
Currencies Starting from 0.2 Pips 0$ No Available
Stocks Not Mentioned 0$ Yes Unavailable
Commodities Starting from 8 Pips 0$ No Available
Indices Starting from 4 Pips 0$ Yes Unavailable
Spread Commission Swap Islamic Account
Currencies Starting from 0.6 Pips 0$ Yes Unavailable
Stocks Starting from 2.4 Pips 0$ Yes Unavailable
Commodities Starting from 0.1 Pips 0$ Yes Unavailable
Indices Starting from 0.2 Pips 0$ Yes Unavailable
Spread Commission Swap Islamic Account
Currencies Starting from 0.9 Pips $0 Yes Unavailable
Stocks Starting from $0.02 $6 Yes Unavailable
Commodities Starting from $0.6 $6 Yes Unavailable
Indices Starting from $0.7 $6 Yes Unavailable
Spread Commission Swap Islamic Account
Currencies Starting from 0.5 Pips $0 Yes Unavailable
Stocks Starting from $0.2 $10 Yes Unavailable
Commodities Starting from 0.2 Pips $0 Yes Unavailable
Indices Starting from 0.5 Pips $0 Yes Unavailable
Spread Commission Swap Islamic Account
Currencies Starting from 0.4 Pips $0 Yes Unavailable
Stocks Starting from 0.1% $0 Yes Unavailable
Commodities Starting from $0.19 $0 Yes Unavailable
Indices Starting from 0.4 Pips $0 Yes Unavailable

Tradable Assets and Instruments

Retail trading offers a diverse range of financial instruments, each with its own set of opportunities and challenges. Even though your main interest might be FOREX, it is always a good idea to know what else is out there for when you want to diversify. Here are the most common tradable assets and instruments:

  • FOREX

With the largest trading volume globally, the FOREX market allows traders to speculate on the future movements of currency prices, trading pairs like EUR/USD, GBP/JPY and many more.

  • Commodities

Whether it's precious metals like gold and silver, or energy commodities like oil and natural gas, commodities trading offers a chance to profit from the tangible assets that drive global economies.

  • CFDs

CFD trading allows you to speculate on the rising or falling prices of fast-moving global financial markets, such as shares, indices, commodities, currencies, and treasuries. You don’t own the underlying asset and you can go short or long. CFD brokers typically provide a wide range of financial instruments across different asset classes, allowing traders to diversify their portfolios with ease.

  • Equities or stocks

These represent ownership in a company and constitute one of the most popular avenues for retail traders, given their potential for substantial returns and the thrill of being a part of the corporate world.

  • Indices

These are baskets of stocks representing a particular market or sector, like the France 40 or the UK 100 Index, giving traders exposure to broader market movements.

  • Cryptocurrencies

Digital coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum and countless altcoins offer both high rewards and volatility.

  • Bonds

These debt securities offer periodic interest to holders and return the principal amount at maturity. Bonds are best for those interested in fixed returns.

  • Options and Futures

These derivative products allow traders to hedge against potential losses or speculate on price movements without owning the underlying asset.

Brokers Currency pairs Stocks Indices Commodities Crypto ETFs
ICM Capital 67 Pairs 89 Shares 17 Indices 12 Commodity 6 Coins Unavailable
Tradview 80 Pairs 5000 Shares 10 Indices 10 Commodity 30 Coins Unavailable
XTB 57 Pairs 1848 Shares 36 Indices 22 Commodity 22 Coins 135 ETFs
IG 81 Pairs 21714 Shares 49 Indices 39 Commodity 11 Coins 12858 ETFs
Saxo Bank 320 Pairs 22000 Shares 49 Indices 39 Commodity 9 Coins 6700 ETFs
CMC Markets 330 Pairs 8000 Shares 80 Indices 100 Commodity 18 Coins 200 ETFs
Think Markets 46 Pairs 3750 Shares 15 Indices 11 Commodity 21 Coins 350 ETFs

Payments, Deposits, and Withdrawals in South Africa 

Brokers operating in South Africa offer traders multiple methods to make deposits into their trading accounts. Most deposit methods, such as bank wire, credit and debit cards, and electronic wallets, are accepted. Brokerage accounts are denominated in South African Rand. Of course, once you have deposited funds in your wallet, you can convert them into a different currency, in keeping with whatever the broker supports. Withdrawals, however, must be processed in South African Rand.
South Africa’s currency is considered a minor currency, meaning that exchange rates can fluctuate regularly, as is normal with the currencies of developing nations. Traders need to keep watch of prevailing exchange rates and only process withdrawals denominated in stronger currencies when the exchange rate is advantageous for them.
Method Credit Card Wire Transfer Skrill Neteller Cryptocurrency PayPal
Deposit fee 0$ $0 + Bank commission 1.9% 2.5% Unavailable 3.75%
Withdrawal fee 0$ $15 1% $0 Unavailable 2%
Method Credit Card Wire Transfer Skrill Neteller Cryptocurrency PayPal
Deposit fee 0$ 0$ 1.9% 2.5% $0 3.75%
Withdrawal fee 0$ 0$ 1% $0 $0 2%
Method Credit Card Wire Transfer Skrill Neteller Cryptocurrency PayPal
Deposit fee 0$ $0 + Bank commission 1% 1% Unavailable Unavailable
Withdrawal fee 1.5% 30$ 1% 1% Unavailable Unavailable
Method Credit Card Wire Transfer Skrill Neteller Cryptocurrency PayPal
Deposit fee 0$ $0 + Bank commission Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable 3.4% + fixed fee
Withdrawal fee 0$ $0 + Bank commission Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable 3.4% + fixed fee
Method Credit Card Wire Transfer Skrill Neteller Cryptocurrency PayPal
Deposit fee 0$ $0 + Bank commission Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable
Withdrawal fee 0$ $0 + Bank commission Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable
Method Credit Card Wire Transfer Skrill Neteller Cryptocurrency PayPal
Deposit fee 0$ $0 + Bank commission Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable
Withdrawal fee 0$ $0 + Bank commission Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable
Method Credit Card Wire Transfer Skrill Neteller Cryptocurrency PayPal
Deposit fee 0$ $0 + Bank commission 0$ 2.5% Not mentioned Unavailable
Withdrawal fee 0$ $0 + Bank commission 5.50$ 0-7.5% Not mentioned Unavailable

FOREX Trading Customer Service

As timing is key to FOREX trading, you must pick a brokerage firm that can provide reliable customer support around the clock. This most notably includes the company representatives being easy to reach, fast, and polite, which in turn will spare you from having to worry about problems later. The best FOREX brokers in South Africa for beginners will be able to provide you with the following:
  • Quick resolution of issues
  • Educational support
  • Assistance with queries during volatile markets
  • Account security
  • Customized advice (although not all customer service desks offer this)
  • Technical assistance
  • Regulatory compliance queries
Email Live Chat Phone WhatsApp
Available Available Available Available Available
Quick response Very Fast Very Fast Very Fast Very Fast
Email Live Chat Phone WhatsApp
Available Available Available Available Available
Quick response Quick response Fast Fast Fast
Email Live Chat Phone WhatsApp
Available Available Available Available Not Available
Quick response Very Fast Moderate Moderate Not Available
Email Live Chat Phone WhatsApp
Available Available Available Available Not Available
Quick response Very Fast Very Fast Moderate Not Available
Email Live Chat Phone WhatsApp
Available Available Not Available Available Not Available
Quick response Slow Not Available Moderate Not Available
Email Live Chat Phone WhatsApp
Available Available Not Available Available Not Available
Quick response Moderate Not Available Moderate Not Available
Email Live Chat Phone WhatsApp
Available Available Available Available Not Available
Quick response Moderate Fast Moderate Not Available

Technical Aspects of the Broker’s Website 

When it comes to sharing sensitive personal information online, such as a credit card, cyber security is paramount. You should, therefore, always look out for SSL certification and two-factor authentication (especially when registering with a new site). Make sure you are using a strong password.

Trading Platforms, Tools, and Features

When choosing a trading platform, you should consider a range of features that cater to both novice and seasoned traders. Here are some elements to keep in mind:

  • Shariah-compliant accounts: There is a small but active Islamic trading community in South Africa. If this is you, there should be access to a swap-free account that is consistent with the dictates of Sharia financial law.

  • Technical analysis tools: The platform should have robust technical indicators to help traders make informed decisions.

  • Customization and user interface: Traders should be able to mold the platform according to their preferences, allowing them to set up their trading environment precisely how they want. We find that the products from the MetaTrader suite, especially MT4, offer excellent features for this purpose.

  • Platform accessibility: A top-notch trading platform should offer flexibility in terms of access, whether it's web-based or a downloadable application.

  • Risk-management tools: Trading inherently comes with risks, and a high-quality platform should provide instruments that allow traders to set stop-losses, take-profits, and other crucial order types.

  • Performance and reliability: Beginner traders especially need a platform that operates seamlessly with minimal downtimes or glitches. This ensures a smooth trading journey, allowing them to focus on market movements rather than technical hiccups.

  • Learning and educational resources: The best brokers will offer platforms that are not only intuitive, but also come with tutorials, guides, and responsive customer support to assist traders in navigating any challenges they might face.

To choose the perfect trading platform, here’s some advice:

  • Determine your trading style and needs.

  • Research different platforms and compare their features.

  • Test the platforms with a demo account to see which one suits you best.

  • Choose a platform that offers the features you need and is user-friendly.

  • Ensure that the platform is reliable and has a good reputation in the industry.

Remember that the trading platform you choose can have a significant impact on your trading success, so it's important to choose wisely.

Tip: Invest in Your knowledge
For every aspiring retail trader, knowledge is key to a successful trading journey. We invite you to delve into Arincen's goldmine of insights, strategies, and expert analyses. Whether you're just embarking on your trading venture or trying to level up your trading game, our resources are designed to give you all the information you need. Visit our educational resources here.

FOREX Trading Scams and How to Avoid Them

The classic online trading scam involves criminal syndicates setting up fake online trading platforms that are indistinguishable from those that are genuine. They often have attractive websites with acceptable functionality.
Trading with a scam broker often seems to start off well, with some early gains. Many unsuspecting investors report that they started small, and then invested more, but when the time came to withdraw their funds, they either found their accounts frozen or were advised of some technicality of which they were not aware before. At this point, the online scammer normally disappears and any company contact becomes impossible, 
While this is an old scam that is becoming harder to pull off, scammers are always developing new methods to defraud traders. In fact, many traders lose more money through inside jobs at legitimate traders than through some shady external operator. For this reason, making sure that your broker is regulated by a legitimate regulator is the best way to protect yourself.

The choice of a regulated broker isn't merely a matter of preference—it's a protective measure. When a broker is regulated, it undergoes stringent assessments to ensure transparency, fair trading practices, and your financial security. Opting for an unregulated broker brings with it significant risks. For a list of the best regulators, read our article here.

Will Your Money Be Protected if Your Broker Becomes Insolvent?

There is no compensation available for South African traders who lose their money. The FSCA merely supervises and licenses the activities of brokers. Its powers do not include meaningful censure of fraudulent financial institutions
The FSCA’s remit is to prevent unfair activities intended to deceive customers. The regulator can impose small fines if violations are detected. However, it does not oblige FOREX brokers in South Africa to offer compensation schemes. 

The Do’s and Don’ts of FOREX Brokers in South Africa

One of the first things a new FOREX trader ought to do is to check the extent to which the FOREX brokers abide by the rules and regulations governing its operation. Emphasis must be placed on what it can and cannot do.
There are seven things brokerage firms cannot do:
The FOREX brokerage firm cannot recommend a buy or sell.
  1. The FOREX brokerage firm must not provide price or market expectations (rise/fall);
  2. The FOREX firm cannot control your financial dealings (deposit/withdrawal);
  3. The FOREX brokerage firm should not “manage” your portfolio under any circumstance.
  4. The FOREX brokerage firm cannot grant a client a bonus unless clear terms guide it beforehand.
  5. The brokerage firm must not use bank accounts not under its name; and
  6. FOREX brokerage firms cannot have or offer the service of account managers.           
In short, the role of brokerage firms is strictly confined to facilitating buyers and sellers to come together toward an agreed-upon commission. FOREX brokerage firms that violate any of the seven rules should be avoided.

Which FOREX Broker Has the best Platform?

Most FOREX brokers use the MT4 platform, which is rightly considered as the best third-party platform on the market. For the best proprietary platform with advanced tools and new innovations for the progressive trader, Saxo Bank has the best proprietary platform.

Which is the Best FOREX Broker for Low Fees and Spreads?

According to our research, ICM’s ECN account offers unrivaled low fees for entry level and high-volume traders alike.

Which FOREX Broker Offers the Most CFDs?

For brokers that deal in the most CFDs, look no further than CMC Markets and IG, both of which offer extensive CFD selections.

Which is the Best FOREX Broker with the Most Assets?

The modern trader is interested in getting as much choice as possible. You will not go wrong by checking out the wide range of assets offered by CMC and IG, which are both known for their vast range of asset classes.

Which FOREX Broker is Best for Professionals?

Professional traders are becoming more demanding as technology improves. If you require services like advanced indicators, access to day trading, and advanced trading orders and if you want to trade at a professional level, look for brokers that offer MT4 that supports advanced indicators like MACD, RSI, Moving Average, Volume, Bollinger Band, Harmonic, and Elliot Waves.

Who is Arincen and What Do We Do?

Put simply, Arincen is a social networking platform that brings together traders and experts to exchange expertise and ideas. Together, we evaluate the best FOREX companies in the world while offering a comprehensive suite of services and tools, all in one place, either via a computer or a mobile app. The platform is so rich that you can create your own private portfolio of traders and experts you like and, at the same time, follow their recommendations and investment sentiments.            
Further, thanks to Arincen, users can keep an eye on market-price developments, as well as the latest news. Users can also benefit from the network’s educational courses on offer, to say nothing of exciting webinars – all done in a modern and fast-paced work environment. Get all that you need in one place. Our motto: We Meet to Simplify the Trading World.  

Conclusion

Any new trader entering the FOREX market is heading into a space that is much more vibrant, competitive, and safe than at any time in our history. It's an exciting time to be starting out this adventure. Like any such enterprise, you need to make sure you are safe from pitfalls. That's why we will always reiterate our key message which is that any of the top online FOREX brokers you pick must be legally licensed and well-regulated.
Next, be sure to vet the broker's tools, platforms, and reputation. Make sure that you can get customer service whenever you need it. If at any stage you are unsure about what steps to take when vetting the best online brokers in South Africa, you can always refer back to this article.

Arincen’s Review Methodology

The team at Arincen collected more than 120 pieces of data covering more than 100 licensed FOREX companies. Data collection was done in three ways:

  1. Companies’ websites.

  2. Other websites that have ranked FOREX companies.

   a. survey questionnaire (referred to here as Survey “1”) we had sent to the companies invited to participate in the exercise. We have identified 13 criteria for our assessment, each containing several aspects and carrying its relative weight. These include licensing, deposits and withdrawals, number of assets, etc.
Afterwards, we validated the data by:

  1. Registering with FOREX companies as a secret shopper and/or as Arincen.

  2. Survey number “2,” in which we asked these companies’ customers for important feedback and experience.

The next step saw us evaluate and rank each company, relying on the demanding work of 15 Arincen employees. We were careful to ensure the most accurate assessment possible, including considering different languages, as well as the various mobile app operating systems, e.g., Apple, Samsung, etc.

To add credibility to our research project, we sent a final and third survey (referred to here as Survey “3”) to enable participating FOREX brokers to evaluate our research and whether it accurately reflects the realities on the ground. We were fortunate enough to receive a mark of 9.9 out of 10! We have kept to a minimum the margin of error, which stood at a measly 1%. To learn more about how we came up with the evaluation, please click here.

Forex Risk Disclaimer
Trading foreign exchange on margin carries a high level of risk, and may not be suitable for all investors. The high degree of leverage can work against you as well as for you. Before deciding to trade foreign exchange you should carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite. The possibility exists that you could sustain a loss of some or all of your initial investment and therefore you should not invest money that you cannot afford to lose. You should be aware of all the risks associated with foreign exchange trading, and seek advice from an independent financial advisor if you have any doubts.

FAQ

Is FOREX trading legal in South Africa?

Yes, FOREX trading is legal in South Africa. As long as the broker is correctly registered and abides by the financial oversight laws of the country, including the central bank for FOREX transfers, the South African Revenue Authority (SARS) for tax affairs, and the CIPC for company affairs, then FOREX trading is legal.

What is FOREX trading?

The FOREX market is the largest financial market in the world at some six trillion dollars daily, only followed by the credit market. The market operates 24 hours a day and five days a week (Monday through Friday), except international holidays.

What costs and commissions are associated with FOREX trading?

A first step in FOREX trading is identifying the spread differential, defined as the difference between the bid (sell) price and the ask (buy) price of a currency pair. While most FOREX currency pairs are traded without commission, the spread is one “cost” that applies to any trade that you place. This is, indeed, the biggest source of profit for the FOREX company. Top FOREX brokers typically offer a EUR-USD spread of three basis points. As for commissions, FOREX trading companies can be placed in three categories. The first offer fixed spreads, the second tender variable spreads, with a third category of companies offering low-cost spreads but that come with a (relatively high) fixed commission.

How important is good customer service in FOREX trading?

As timing is key to FOREX trading, you must pick a brokerage firm that is able to provide good customer support around the clock. This most notably includes the company representatives being easy to reach, fast and polite, which will, in turn spare you of having to worry about problems down the road.

Is FOREX trading taxable in South Africa?

Yes, profits from FOREX trading are taxable. FOREX traders who reside in South Africa are required to declare all their profits from FOREX trading, be it onshore or offshore, on their annual tax returns.

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