James Thornton
Regulated by: ASIC (Australia), FCA (UK), VFSC (Vanuatu)
MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, ProTrader
Up to 1:1000 leverage
Score: 17 / 20
Quick take: Long-running, globally regulated, and fast—but not for casual browsers.
Founded in 2009, regulated by ASIC, FCA, FSCA, and more.
Over 1,000 CFDs across forex, indices, shares, and crypto.
Fast onboarding and wide regulation coverage.
No U.S., Canadian, or Japanese account access.
Branding leans functional rather than personality-driven.
Vantage FX is anchored by top-tier regulators (ASIC, FCA) and also operates via FSCA, CIMA, Mauritius FSC, and VFSC, depending on your region. Its reach spans 30+ offices worldwide, offering varied instruments from multiple asset classes.
Final Score Calculation
Category | Score | Reasoning |
---|---|---|
Regulation | 5/5 | Tier-1 oversight in multiple regions |
Product Breadth | 4.5/5 | 1,000+ instruments across many classes |
Global Access | 3.5/5 | Broad reach but restricted in some major markets |
Onboarding | 4/5 | Fast process, lacks personality |
Total | 17/20 | Trustworthy, capable, but not universally accessible |
Score: 18 / 20
Quick take: Solid MT4/5 execution, plus advanced tools, but you won’t win any beauty contests.
MT4/MT5, TradingView, proprietary app, and social platforms (ZuluTrade, Autotrade, DupliTrade).
Smart Trader tools like mini terminal, sentiment, correlation matrix.
No cTrader or Next-gen platform beyond the standard offerings.
Education, while improved, still lags top competitors.
Execution uses Equinix fibre infrastructure—low latency is a benefit for scalpers. Login with the app, browser, or MT4/5 nested with advanced tools. Smart Trader Toolkit gives edge to power users; novices may struggle.
Final Score Calculation
Category | Score | Reasoning |
---|---|---|
Execution Speed | 5/5 | Fast via fibre + MT infrastructure |
Platform Options | 4.5/5 | Good variety, but no proprietary desktop tool |
Tool Power | 4.5/5 | Smart Trader tools are a strong differentiator |
UX Accessibility | 4/5 | Competent but not built for newbies |
Total | 18/20 | Powerful and fast, but still a niche feel |
Score: 18 / 20
Quick take: Broad coverage with depth where it counts—but expect the usual gaps.
1,000+ tradable CFDs across many asset classes.
ECN/STP pricing ensures fair execution across most instruments.
No futures or cTrader ETFs; Crypto availability depends on regulation.
Vantage delivers a healthy mix: major & minor FX, commodities, indices, shares, bonds, ETFs, and crypto—though crypto isn’t accessible in markets like the UK.
Final Score Calculation
Category | Score | Reasoning |
---|---|---|
Asset Variety | 5/5 | Deep across many categories |
Market Coverage | 4.5/5 | Crypto limited by geography |
Niche Depth | 4.5/5 | Shares & ETFs available, but no futures/options |
Trader Relevance | 4/5 | Excellent for traders, weak for investors |
Total | 18/20 | Bollocks everywhere, but a few minor gaps |
Score: 18 / 20
Quick take: Rock-solid regulation and robust safety—only lacking negative balance in some areas.
Licensed by ASIC, FCA, FSCA, CIMA, Mauritius FSC, VFSC.
Implements fund segregation and negative balance protection in tier-1 regions.
Compensation schemes vary by region.
Negative balance protection isn’t universal.
Authorized under Tier-1 regulators like ASIC and FCA ensures client fund safety via segregation. Negative balance protection applies in some jurisdictions, but check local coverage.
Final Score Calculation
Category | Score | Reasoning |
---|---|---|
Tier-1 Oversight | 5/5 | ASIC and FCA jurisdictions involved |
Client Fund Protection | 4.5/5 | Segregation standard; NBP in some areas |
Entity Transparency | 4.5/5 | Multiple jurisdictions—complex, but clear |
Accessibility | 4/5 | Restricted in some territories |
Total | 18/20 | Strong footprint, a few caveats linger |
Score: 18 / 20
Quick take: Ultra-competitive pricing for serious traders, just mind your account type.
Raw ECN spreads from 0.0 pips + commission.
Standard STP option with no commission.
Smart pricing tiers.
Standard spreads are wider.
Pro ECN deposit tiers may lock out smaller traders.
Raw ECN spreads start at 0.0 pips. Standard accounts open at $50, with tighter pricing on Raw ECN ($50 min) and Pro (>$10K). Gold commission is waived on select accounts.
Final Score Calculation
Category | Score | Reasoning |
---|---|---|
Forex Spreads | 5/5 | 0.0 on raw ECN puts it up with the best |
Commission Structure | 4.5/5 | Well tiered; high thresholds for top tiers |
Fee Transparency | 4.5/5 | Clear cost breakdown; easy to compare |
Overall Pricing | 4/5 | Strong for FX; less for casual investment |
Total | 18/20 | Excellent for serious traders, not casual |
Score: 17.5 / 20
Quick take: Fast, fee-free methods – except in certain regions or account types.
Accepts cards, e-wallets, wire, crypto (in some regions).
Transparent, no broker fees.
Deposits begin from USD 50 (Standard & Raw ECN) and higher for Pro ECN. Methods include cards, Skrill, Neteller, wire, UnionPay, and even BTC/ETH in some entities. No broker fees, but bank/crypto fees may apply.
Final Score Calculation
Category | Score | Reasoning |
---|---|---|
Payment Options | 4.5/5 | AD cards, e-wallets, crypto—but region dependent |
Speed | 4/5 | Instant for some, slow for wires |
Cost Transparency | 5/5 | No hidden charges, clear structure |
Usability | 4/5 | Region-dependent quirks persist |
Total | 17.5/20 | Strong, but regional variability matters |
Score: 17 / 20
Quick take: Broad education resources and responsive help—though still not industry-leading.
24/7 multilingual support via chat/email.
Webinars, eBooks, signals, economic calendar, VPS.
Educational content is still behind category leaders.
Some user complaints about withdrawal delays (per comments).
Support is accessible across channels, but training is appetite-wide rather than VIP-tier, though signals and economic tools are in place. Watch feedback forums for withdrawal friction in certain regions.
Final Score Calculation
Category | Score | Reasoning |
---|---|---|
Support Availability | 4/5 | 24/7 available, but region speed varies |
Learning Materials | 4/5 | Good range, but not standout |
Trust from Users | 4/5 | Mostly positive, albeit some withdrawal flags |
Platform Utility | 4/5 | Useful tools, but lacks personalization |
Total | 17/20 | Solid support and tools, needs polish |
Vantage FX outfits retail traders with tight ECN pricing, MetaTrader tools, and global regulation. It’s solid for scalpers, pros, and technically-minded users, though lack of platform variety and mixed support make it feel functional, not flashy.
✅ Recommended for Pro traders, scalpers, Forex veterans who value tight spreads, latency, and tool-rich environments.
❌ Not Ideal For Casual investors, U.S. traders, or those seeking social-first or visually-polished platforms.
Section | Score | Notes |
---|---|---|
Broker Overview | 17/20 | Global, multi-regulated, but restricted hubs |
Trading Experience | 18/20 | Fast execution, strong tools, niche appeal |
Tradable Products | 18/20 | Deep instrument coverage, crypto limited |
Regulation & Security | 18/20 | Strong tier-1 oversight |
Spreads, Fees & Commissions | 18/20 | Excellent for traders, structured cleanly |
Deposits & Withdrawals | 17.5/20 | Flexible, minor regional delays |
Customer Support & Education | 17/20 | Good resources, still needs standout flair |
Overall Score: 123.5 / 140 → ~88 / 100
To open an account, visit the Vantage website and click on "Live Account." Complete the registration form, provide the required documentation for proof of identity, and once approved, your new account details will be emailed to you.
The minimum deposit is $50 for Standard STP and Raw ECN accounts. The Pro ECN account requires a higher minimum deposit.
You will need to provide a government-issued ID (such as a passport or driver's license) and a proof of residence document (like a utility bill or bank statement) to verify your account.
Account verification typically takes a few minutes after submitting the required documents, but it can take up to 24 hours during peak times.
Vantage does not charge fees for deposits or withdrawals. However, third-party payment providers may apply their own charges.
Vantage operates in many countries worldwide. However, due to regulatory restrictions, it may not be available in certain regions, including the United States. It's advisable to check the Vantage website or contact their customer support to confirm availability in your country.
Vantage offers flexible leverage options, up to 1000:1, depending on the account type and regulatory restrictions.