Axi Review 2024

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Axi is a popular broker of forex and CFD instruments, serving tens of thousands of clients worldwide. Despite being founded in Australia, the firm is well established in the UK and is covered by regulation from the FCA. This 2024 review will cover important considerations such as commission and fee structure, available trading platforms, leverage capacity and account types.

About Axi

Founded in 2007 under the name AxiTrader by a small team of passionate traders in Sydney, Australia, Axi has been in the online forex and CFD business for almost 15 years. The broker has grown from a small startup to an internationally recognised trading platform with UK, Dubai, Philippines and Singapore offices.

During its tenure, the firm has won several awards, stemming from recognition for customer service and platform reliability. Axi offers several account types and execution methods to suit every client and receives regulation from the FCA. Recently, the broker has added cryptocurrency CFDs to its arsenal of assets, though these are not available to UK users.

Markets

Axi provides a solid range of assets, including commodities, shares and indices CFDs. Additionally, live spreads are clearly displayed on the website for both retail account types.

Forex

There is conflicting information on the number of forex markets offered, with some areas of the website claiming over 140 pairs, while others promise 70+ markets and only list 40 specific assets.

Closer inspection reveals 66 total currency pairs, including one futures-based market on USD/INR. The Axi forex offerings are split into major, minor, exotic and other pairs, with Pro (ECN) account spreads starting at 0.0 pips on EUR/USD.

The minimum order size for all forex markets is 0.01 lots, while the maximum ranges from 20 to 100 lots, depending on the asset.

Indices

Over 30 index CFD markets are available through Axi, with support for both spot and futures index speculation. Users can invest in major global markets, including the Australia 200, US S&P 500 and UK FTSE 100, or exotic indices such as the VIX 75 and US Dollar Index.

The US indices futures markets are tracked in e-mini form to allow for greater accessibility for retail clients. The minimum trade size standard is 1.0 lots for cash indices and 0.01 lots for futures offerings. Spreads start at 0.2 pips for the lowest-cost markets.

Share CFDs

Axi boasts more than 50 shares for CFD speculation, with assets from UK, US and European exchanges. FTSE 100 big hitters such as BP and GSK provide exposure to global industries, while US mega stocks like Apple and Tesla provide plentiful trading opportunities.

There are no typical or minimum spread values for stock CFDs on Axi, though there is no commission levied on any such instruments. The minimum trade size for UK assets is 100 shares, while EU and US equities require a one share minimum position.

Commodities CFDs

There are 18 total commodities markets on the Axi platform, spanning oils and fuels, soft commodities and precious metals.

A noteworthy six gold spot markets in various currencies are supplemented by platinum pairs, though silver, palladium and copper spot markets are conspicuously absent. Two additional cash CFDs are available in UK (Brent) and US (WTI) crude oil, while nine futures markets round out the Axi commodities provision.

Spreads start at 0.18 pips on gold US dollar markets, while oil and silver futures spreads are also competitive at 0.4 pips. The minimum trade size stands at 0.01 lots on all markets other than spot crude oil, which has a minimum trade size of 1.0 lots.

Trading Platforms

Axi offers one trading platform for users in the form of MetaQuotes’ MetaTrader 4. This platform will be familiar to experienced forex and CFD traders as a popular software package throughout the industry.

On top of a significant range of indicators and charting tools as standard, MT4 offers traders the ability to create custom trading tools using the MQL4 programming language. Moreover, the same system facilitates the seamless integration of expert advisors for automated trading, while demo account support allows new traders to gain hands-on experience in the markets.

While using MetaTrader 4 usually involves a download for Windows, Mac, Linux or the Android or iPhone app, Axi has the MT4 web trader facility built into its website for browser-based trading.

Account management, such as making a deposit or requesting a withdrawal, is conducted through the Axi client portal rather than the trading platform. Client login to this facility is available 24/7.

Mobile App

In addition to the MetaTrader 4 app, both Android and iOS users can download the Axi copy trading app. This service allows clients to emulate the positions of leading traders in exchange for a small commission on profits. However, some reviews for this app are negative, citing reliability issues and unresolved bugs.

Account Types

There are two Axi account types available to retail clients – a standard and a pro account. Both offerings utilise the MT4 platform and provide the full range of supported forex and CFD markets with no minimum deposit or account minimum level enforced.

The main difference between the standard and pro account is in spreads and commissions. The standard account has higher spreads, starting from 0.4 pips but is commission-free. The pro account has tighter live spreads, starting from 0.0 pips, but charges a commission of $7 per round trip per lot.

Though not explicitly stated, this structure suggests that the standard account uses an STP execution method, while the broker discloses that the pro account utilises a modified ECN system with selected liquidity providers.

Alternative Accounts

Axi provides a 30-day free demo period for either of the provided account types so that traders can acclimatise to the platform and markets before wagering real funds. In addition, the broker offers an Islamic account to clients that are unable to earn or pay interest due to their religious beliefs.

Leverage

Due to FCA regulations, Axi is severely restricted in the leverage it can provide to UK clients. The maximum leverage levels are as follows:

• 1:30 for major forex pairs
• 1:20 on minor forex pairs, major indices and gold markets
• 1:10 for exotic currency pairs, minor indices and other commodities
• 1:5 on US, UK and European shares

Additionally, FCA regulations enforce margin calls when margin levels fall below 50%.

Trading Fees

While Axi levies no account management fees on active accounts, clients that do not login and place a trade for over 12 months are charged an inactivity fee of £10 per month. This does not apply to an account with a zero balance.

The broker provides no information on swap rates and overnight fees, though traders can view these charges on each asset through the MT4 platform.

Investors will be pleased to know that no commission is charged when they add funds or make withdrawals through any of the supported methods.

Payment Methods

UK-based Axi traders have several options to fund their trading accounts. To add funds or make withdrawals in GBP, clients can choose between credit and debit card transactions, bank transfers and Neteller or Skrill e-wallet payments.

There is no minimum deposit for bank transfers, though all other methods are subject to a £5 minimum deposit. Bank transfers can take one to three working days to process, while alternative deposit methods allow clients to add funds instantly.

There are no minimum withdrawal limits placed on payment cards, though a £5 minimum stands for Skrill and Neteller, while a £50 limit is in place for bank transfers. Withdrawals can take between one and three working days to process once approved.

Educational Content

The Axi academy provides free courses on forex, shares and cryptocurrency for those who wish to learn more about the markets. These courses are engaging and informative, featuring videos and quizzes to help new clients learn more effectively.

Axi also offers MT4 tutorial videos and guides on various trading tools to help inexperienced users familiarise themselves with the software. This content is best used alongside the free demo account provided by the broker.

Additional Features

Axi clients that trade over 20 lots per month are entitled to free virtual private server (VPS) hosting, allowing them to take advantage of trading opportunities around the clock.

Additionally, a free economic calendar helps keep investors up to date with upcoming market events. Copy trading facilities through the dedicated Axi app or the separate Myfxbook Autotrade application are available to all. More advanced users will be thankful for the free access to PsyQuation AI and machine learning software.

Safety & Regulation

Axi operates in a sector where scams are rife, so prospective clients will want to be sure of their funds and information security before opening an account. To this end, the FCA, a reputable UK regulator, oversees the activities of Axi and provides clients with a fund protection scheme of up to £85,000, should the company go under.

While the VPS service has optional two-factor authentication, there is no such added protection for the standard client login. However, the MT4 login uses separate details to the client portal, which helps reduce customer risk.

Advantages

• Copy trading
• Demo trading
• FCA regulated
• No transaction charges
• Good educational content
• Range of additional features
• STP & ECN execution models

Disadvantages

• MT4 only
• No crypto trading
• Limited leverage rates
• Conflicting information on the site

Customer Support

When clients encounter difficulties like login issues or withdrawal problems, receiving fast and knowledgeable assistance can mean the difference between trade profit and loss. Axi provides several avenues for customer support, starting with its dedicated help and FAQ section. Here, traders can draw upon information regarding individual markets, the MetaTrader 4 platform, account details and more.

For those who require help from the support team, Axi offers 24 hours, five-days-a-week help through an integrated live chat system and WhatsApp service. Within UK office hours, investors can also contact a UK-based phone helpline or broker email address.

• Phone Number: +44 800 018 3316

Trading Hours

Axi users can invest in forex and CFD markets 24/5, though certain assets like indices or individual shares may be restricted to their local exchange hours. That being said, customers are free to fund or manage their accounts at any time through the client portal.

Axi Verdict

All in all, Axi is an appealing forex and CFD trading platform for users in the UK. This broker review has highlighted key strengths, such as solid regulation, free deposits and withdrawals and impressive educational content for new traders. Two account types provide clients with options for trade execution and no minimum deposit levels. Due to its substantial regulation, traders miss out on higher leverage rates, crypto CFDs and bonus offers. However, many will feel that this is a small price to pay for the added protection.

FAQ

Top 3 Axi Alternatives

These brokers are the most similar to Axi:

1. Pepperstone - Established in Australia in 2010, Pepperstone is a top-rated forex and CFD broker with over 400,000 clients worldwide. It offers access to 1,300+ instruments on leading platforms MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView, maintaining low, transparent fees. Pepperstone is also regulated by trusted authorities like the FCA, ASIC, and CySEC, ensuring a secure environment for traders at all levels.
2. IG Index - Founded in 1974, IG is part of IG Group Holdings Plc, a publicly traded (LSE: IGG) brokerage. The brand offers spread betting, CFD and forex trading across an almost unrivalled selection of 17,000+ markets, with a range of user-friendly platforms and investing apps. For 50 years, IG has maintained its position as an industry leader, excelling in all key areas for traders.
3. FXPro - Established in 2006, FxPro has emerged as a trusted non-dealing desk (NDD) broker offering trading on over 2,100 markets to more than 2 million clients worldwide. It has scooped over 100 industry awards and counting for its competitive conditions for active traders.

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