InstaTrade Review 2025
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InstaTrade is #59 in our rankings of CFD brokers. |
Top 3 alternatives to InstaTrade |
InstaTrade Facts & Figures |
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InstaTrade, based in the British Virgin Islands, is an online broker specializing in fixed income structured products and active trading through CFDs. Its zero-spread accounts, excellent research notably through InstaTrade TV, and access to the popular MT4 alongside its own web-accessible InstaTrade Gear, make it an attractive option for short-term traders at every level. |
Pros |
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Cons |
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Instruments | FISP, CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos, Futures |
Demo Account | Yes |
Min. Deposit | $1 |
Mobile Apps | iOS & Android |
Trading App |
InstaTrade offers its own app that’s been downloaded more than 2 million times and facilitates trading on its 300+ instruments from your palm. Fast, responsive and sporting a modern interface, it supports real-time quotes, an array of orders, and analytical tools. However, what stood out during testing was the ‘hot’ ideas and trading signals, helping investors find opportunities. |
iOS App Rating | |
Android App Rating | |
Payments | |
Min. Trade | 0.01 |
Regulated By | BVI FSC |
MetaTrader 4 | Yes |
MetaTrader 5 | No |
cTrader | No |
DMA Account | No |
ECN Account | No |
Social Trading | No |
Copy Trading | Yes |
Auto Trading | Experts Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader |
Islamic Account | No |
Commodities |
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CFDs | InstaTrade offers the flexibility to trade CFDs across various markets, from stocks and indices to forex and commodities. Where it excels is its dynamic leverage up to 1:1000, amplifying potential returns and losses with negative balance protection preventing accounts from falling below zero. |
Leverage | 1:1000 |
FTSE Spread | 660 |
GBPUSD Spread | 0.2 |
Oil Spread | 0.0 |
Stocks Spread | 8 (Apple Inc) |
Forex | InstaTrade offers a huge selection of around 100 currency pairs. It provides spreads starting at 0.0 on majors, plus integrated forex analysis in the web platform, featuring signals, plus technical and fundamental summaries. Additionally, InstaTrade offers educational modules covering forex basics for beginners, including margin trading and risk management. |
GBPUSD Spread | 0.2 |
EURUSD Spread | 0.0 |
GBPEUR Spread | 2.8 |
Assets | 65 |
Stocks | InstaTrade offers an average selection of around 200 global stocks and indices, subject to your location. A modest commission rate of 0.1% on US shares is applied, complemented by various tools designed to keep you informed on stock market developments, though its 'Stock Markets' analytics hadn't been updated for 4+ months during our latest round of testing. |
Cryptocurrency | InstaTrade offers a modest selection of around 12 cryptos against the USD, tradable via CFDs. Fees are low, especially for major assets like BTC/USD with spreads from 0. There's also a dedicated cryptocurrency blog with useful technical insights to support short-term trading decisions. |
Coins |
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Crypto Lending | No |
Crypto Mining | No |
Crypto Staking | No |
Auto Market Maker | No |
InstaTrade operates under the InstaFintech Group, an international online brokerage active since 2007. The platform provides access to over 300 CFDs covering various assets such as forex pairs, cryptocurrencies, equities, indices, precious metals, and commodities.
Our team of financial experts and trading specialists based in the UK has conducted an in-depth review of InstaTrade, assessing its core offerings, reliability, and overall trading experience to determine its suitability for investors in the British market.
Our Take
- This one’s important for UK traders—InstaTrade is offshore and not regulated by the FCA. That means fewer protections, so it’s best for experienced traders who know how to manage risk independently.
- This is one of InstaTrade’s biggest selling points. It’s ideal if you’re a high-risk, high-reward kind of trader. But remember—more leverage = more risk, especially without FCA protection.
- Over 300 instruments is not a huge range compared to most brokers, but it covers the essentials: forex pairs, cryptocurrencies, equities, indices, precious metals and commodities. It’s decent, but don’t expect thousands of assets.
- If you’re into crypto, InstaTrade charges just 0.1% per transaction, which is competitive. It’s a nice perk if you’re dipping into digital assets without a separate exchange.
- The copy trading feature works well and is easy to use. Plus, you can keep control over your funds—cancel trades, tweak settings, whatever. It’s flexible and beginner-friendly.
- There’s no inactivity fee if you take a break, which is great. But your account will be archived if you don’t log in for 90 days. A bit annoying, but not a dealbreaker.
Is InstaTrade Regulated In The UK?
InstaTrade is an offshore broker not regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Instead, it is licensed by the British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (BVI FSC).
While the BVI FSC provides a regulatory framework, it does not offer the same level of investor protection as the FCA.
For instance, UK-based traders using InstaTrade are not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), which safeguards your deposits up to £85,000 if the broker goes under.
That said, InstaTrade does implement some client protection measures. It segregates your funds from company operating accounts, which helps ensure that your money is kept separate and cannot be used for business expenses.
Additionally, InstaTrade offers negative balance protection, meaning you cannot lose more money than you deposit—even in highly volatile market conditions. Some offshore brokers, like IC Trading, don’t offer this protection.
Given these factors, UK traders should consider regulatory protections and potential risks before engaging with InstaTrade.
Accounts
Live Accounts
InstaTrade has reduced its account offerings to a single account type, the ZeroSpread account, designed for traders seeking low-cost execution with transparent pricing.
The ZeroSpread account is particularly well-suited for traders who use scalping strategies or require precise and low-cost execution. This account eliminates the typical spread-based costs by offering zero spreads, with you paying a low commission per trade instead.
It also supports using Expert Advisors (EAs), scalping, hedging, and VPS hosting, which can be particularly beneficial for algorithmic traders or those running automated strategies.
Demo Account
InstaTrade offers a demo account, which allows you to test its platform and features using up to $50,000 in virtual funds.
One of the standout aspects of my hands-on experience was the unlimited duration of the demo account. Unlike many brokers—such as Pepperstone—which often cap demo access at 30 days, InstaTrade places no time restrictions.
This gives me the freedom to learn at my own pace, experiment with different strategies, and get comfortable with the platform’s interface and tools over an extended period.
The demo account made the eventual decision to consider a live account feel far more informed, as I had ample time to explore the platform’s capabilities without any pressure or deadline.
Funding Options
Deposits
When I first opened an account with InstaTrade, the ultra-low minimum deposit of just $1 immediately caught my eye. It’s perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to test the waters with real funds before diving in deeper. I started small to get a feel for the platform, and it was a smooth experience.
One drawback for UK traders is the limited range of base currencies. You can only choose between USD, EUR, or RUB, which is a bit limiting.
Unlike brokers such as Interactive Brokers, which offer over 10 base currencies, including GBP, InstaTrade doesn’t cater particularly well to UK residents wanting to avoid unnecessary conversion fees.
InstaTrade supports a relatively broad range of deposit methods. I tested card payments and crypto, but you can also use bank wire transfers, e-wallets like PayCo, and some local transfer methods.
My e-wallet deposit was processed almost instantly, while card funding took closer to 24 hours. The platform mentions that deposits are handled on weekdays from 8 am to 5 pm. UTC, which aligns with my experience.
Withdrawals
I’ve found withdrawing funds from InstaTrade to be generally straightforward, though there are a few details worth noting.
Firstly, there are no limits on how much you can withdraw—you’re free to request a payout of any remaining balance in your account at any time. That level of flexibility is a plus, especially compared to some brokers that restrict access based on account status or activity.
That said, the minimum withdrawal amounts vary by method. If you’re withdrawing to an e-wallet or bank card, you can withdraw as little as $1 (including fees). But if you’re using a bank wire transfer, the minimum is $300, which could be inconvenient if you’re not moving large amounts.
One thing to keep in mind: InstaTrade doesn’t charge internal withdrawal fees, but third-party providers often do. For example, during my own crypto and bank withdrawals, I noticed commission fees ranging from 0.5% to 2%, depending on the method.
If you choose a bank wire transfer, your bank might charge up to $30 in processing fees—something to factor in when choosing your preferred withdrawal option.
Market Access
InstaTrade provides access to around 300 trading instruments, including major forex pairs, popular commodities like gold and oil, well-known stocks such as Apple, and a handful of cryptocurrencies.
The selection is broad enough for basic trading needs, though it feels limited compared to top-tier brokers like BlackBull Markets, which offers tens of thousands of assets.
Cryptocurrency trading offers competitive spreads and a 0.1% transaction fee, which works well for me as someone who follows digital assets closely. However, traders seeking greater market variety may find InstaTrade’s offering slightly restrictive.
InstaTrade also offers several investment tools. The Fixed Income Structured Product promises high returns but comes with unrealistic marketing claims that suggest it removes all risk, which is concerning.
The PAMM and PIP systems allow you to invest in other traders or manage funds for others, while InstaCopy lets you mirror the trades of experienced investors. I tried InstaCopy and liked that I could pause or adjust trades anytime.
While the range of features is decent, UK traders should consider that InstaTrade’s tools—particularly the investment programs—should be approached with careful research and a healthy degree of caution.
Leverage
InstaTrade offers leverage of up to 1:500, allowing you to open more prominent positions with a relatively small deposit.
This level of leverage can be attractive for active traders using short-term strategies like scalping or intraday trading, as it increases potential profits from small market movements.
I found the flexibility helpful in practice, especially when trying to test strategies across different position sizes.However, it’s important to remember that high leverage also increases the risk of amplified losses, making proper risk management essential—especially if you’re newer to leveraged products.
For UK traders, it’s also worth noting that since InstaTrade operates outside FCA regulation, it doesn’t follow the stricter leverage caps imposed on UK brokers (typically 1:30 for retail clients). While this opens the door to greater flexibility, it also means trading on this platform comes with fewer regulatory protections, so extra caution is advised.
Pricing
InstaTrade’s zero-spread account is particularly appealing if you rely on fast-paced strategies such as scalping.
The key advantage of this account is its zero-spread structure, which eliminates the typical costs associated with spread-based pricing models. Instead, you pay a low commission, allowing for greater cost control and more accurate profit predictions.
For example, most forex pairs incur a fee of $0.6 for opening, and there is no fee for closing. However, swap fees are still charged for holding positions overnight.
From my hands-on experience with the ZeroSpread account, I can confirm that it significantly reduces trading expenses, especially for frequent traders who aim to take advantage of small price movements.
However, while the ZeroSpread account is competitive in asset classes like forex and indices, I noticed that it comes with higher fees when trading commodities like oil and gas and commodity futures.
This could be a drawback for traders who want to diversify their portfolios, as these asset classes may incur additional trading costs that affect overall profitability.
InstaTrade provides a competitive pricing structure with no deposit fees, allowing you to fund your accounts without incurring additional costs.
However, InstaTrade charges a 0.5% fee for withdrawals, which is relatively modest compared to some brokers but can still impact larger withdrawal amounts.
Additionally, withdrawals made in USDT (Tether) can incur higher fees, ranging from 1% to 2%, depending on the transaction size and the method used. These fees may be significant for traders who frequently withdraw or deal with larger amounts, particularly if you rely on cryptocurrency withdrawals.
One feature I found particularly appealing during my experience with InstaTrade is the absence of inactivity fees. This is a rarity in the industry, as many brokers charge fees for accounts that remain dormant for an extended period.
However, it’s important to note that the account will be archived if there is no login activity for 90 days. While this doesn’t result in a fee, it could complicate account access if you must resume trading after a long hiatus.
Another key point to consider is that, unlike brokers like eToro, InstaTrade does not offer interest on cash balances.
Trading Platform
InstaTrade provides access to two trading platforms: the industry-standard MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and its proprietary InstaTrade Gear. Each platform caters to different types of traders, and during testing, I found strengths and trade-offs depending on the trading style.
MT4 is a tried-and-tested favourite among forex traders. It can be downloaded on desktop and mobile (Android and iOS) and offers web access for on-the-go trading.
For more experienced traders, MT4 remains a solid choice—it’s packed with technical indicators and advanced charting tools and supports algorithmic trading via Expert Advisors (EAs). The ability to customise the layout and plug in third-party tools adds even more flexibility, especially for those with a well-defined trading strategy.
In contrast, InstaTrade Gear, the broker’s browser-based platform, looks and feels a lot like TradingView and provides a clean, straightforward interface.
What stands out to me is how fast I can jump into the market—no downloads, just a few clicks, and I can place trades.
The platform includes nine timeframes, a clear trading history and live news, but I am disappointed there is no favourites list that syncs across devices.
It also includes built-in technical analysis and trading signals from third-party InstaFintech that can be copied as pending orders with the click of a button.
InstaTrade also offers a Multiterminal platform for those managing multiple accounts, which I tested on a Windows machine. It’s designed specifically for traders or money managers who must execute trades and simultaneously monitor performance across several accounts.
I appreciated the ability to manage all client accounts from one interface without the headache of repeatedly logging in and out. This speeds up execution when you’re working across multiple strategies or investor portfolios.
Another standout feature is InstaTrade’s VPS hosting, which allows you to keep trading systems running even when your local computer is turned off. I tested the VPS on several overnight sessions and found it stable and responsive.
It’s an excellent option for running automated strategies or keeping trades active during off-hours, particularly if you trade during the Asian or US sessions from the UK.
InstaTrade offers a versatile platform setup with options that suit entry-level and more advanced traders. However, the lack of support for MetaTrader 5 (MT5), cTrader, or TradingView might be limiting for those looking for more modern tools or asset coverage. This is something to consider when comparing with brokers like IC Markets or Pepperstone, which offer broader platform choices.
Extra Tools
InstaTrade offers a solid range of trading tools and educational content, which is particularly appealing to those who want to monitor market movements closely.
I find the daily market commentary from a large team of forex analysts particularly helpful when forming trading strategies. The broker complements this with real-time news updates, technical outlooks, an economic calendar, and forecasting tools to help short-term and swing traders fine-tune their decisions.
One feature I find especially practical is the trading clock, which visually maps out global trading sessions. It’s a simple yet effective way to track market openings and closings and align strategies accordingly. I also regularly used InstaTrade’s calculators to estimate potential profits, losses, and dividend payouts, which helped clarify risk planning.
A standout offering is InstaTrade TV, a streaming hub with in-depth interviews, trading breakdowns, and strategy guidance. As someone who likes digesting information visually, I appreciated the level of detail in these videos.
The broker’s blog is another helpful resource, particularly for crypto enthusiasts. It frequently dives into digital asset trends and provides alternative perspectives not always covered by mainstream financial outlets.
That said, while InstaTrade’s educational section is wide-ranging—everything from video tutorials and glossaries to online lessons and articles—I find the content a bit disorganised.
There’s no structured learning path, which would make it easier for beginners to build up their skills progressively. Filtering lessons by experience level or topic would significantly improve usability. But for self-directed learners comfortable exploring independently, there’s plenty of helpful material to work with here.
Customer Service
InstaTrade provides 24/7 customer support in multiple languages, which can be especially helpful for UK traders who may need assistance during different trading sessions.
While the broker doesn’t currently list a direct telephone number, you can request a callback, and multiple digital communication options are available, including live chat through Telegram and Skype.
I always find the live chat function to be the most reliable and efficient support channel. Whenever I encounter issues—such as trouble logging into the platform or questions about account verification—the response time is consistently fast, often within a few seconds.The support agents are generally polite, well-informed, and able to resolve my concerns without escalating them elsewhere.
In addition to live support, InstaTrade offers an extensive Help Center filled with FAQs and self-help articles. This section is handy for newer traders or those trying to resolve fundamental issues independently, such as funding instructions or platform setup.
Bottom Line
InstaTrade offers competitive trading conditions, including zero-spread accounts, a wide range of instruments, and 24/7 customer support—all accessible via the popular MT4 platform.
Its low costs and flexible account options may appeal to UK traders, especially those who use active strategies like scalping. However, the lack of FCA regulation, the absence of GBP base accounts, and potential currency conversion fees are important considerations.
While InstaTrade may suit experienced traders comfortable with offshore brokers, those seeking stronger regulatory protection might prefer FCA-regulated alternatives.
FAQ
Can You Invest In GBP With InstaTrade?
No, InstaTrade does not offer GBP as a base currency for trading accounts. Instead, you must choose between USD, EUR or RUB when setting up your accounts.
For UK traders, the inability to maintain a GBP-denominated account means exposure to currency conversion costs and potential exchange rate fluctuations. This can impact deposits and withdrawals, as funds must be converted between GBP and your account’s base currency.
If minimising currency conversion fees is a priority, consider brokers that offer GBP as a base currency. This allows you to deposit, trade, and withdraw funds without additional conversion costs.
Is InstaTrade Safe For UK Traders?
InstaTrade presents both strengths and potential concerns when it comes to safety for UK traders.
On the plus side, the broker offers several protective features commonly valued by UK clients, including segregated client funds and negative balance protection.
However, it’s important to note that InstaTrade is not regulated by the UK’s FCA. Instead, it operates under an offshore regulatory framework, which may not provide the same oversight or legal recourse that UK-based regulation ensures.
This is a significant consideration for traders prioritising transparency and fund security.
Does InstaTrade Offer A Mobile Trading App?
Yes, InstaTrade does offer a mobile trading app, but it is limited to the MT4 platform. There is no proprietary app—InstaTrade’s InstaTrade Gear is a web-based trading platform that must be run from a browser.
While the MT4 app is reliable and widely used across the industry, the lack of a custom-built InstaTrade app means no broker-specific tools or enhancements beyond what MT4 already offers.
For UK traders who prefer a more tailored mobile experience with in-app account management, news feeds, or exclusive features, this could be a drawback compared to brokers offering their own apps.
Can You Invest In Cryptocurrency With InstaTrade In The UK?
You can invest in cryptocurrency with InstaTrade through CFD trading, not by directly purchasing or owning the underlying coins.
InstaTrade offers a selection of crypto CFDs, including popular assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin and others. These CFDs allow you to speculate on price movements without needing a crypto wallet or exchange account.
Crypto CFD trading is convenient for those who want to gain exposure to crypto markets without dealing with the complexities of storing or transferring digital assets.
Article Sources
- InstaTrade Website
- British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (BVI FSC)
- Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)
Top 3 InstaTrade Alternatives
These brokers are the most similar to InstaTrade:
- 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.
- 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.
- Swissquote - Established in 1996, Swissquote is a Switzerland-based bank and broker that offers online trading on an industry beating three million products, from forex and CFDs to futures, options and bonds. Highly trusted, it has built a strong reputation through innovative trading solutions, from becoming the first bank to offer crypto trading in 2017 to more recently launching fractional shares and its Invest Easy service.
InstaTrade Feature Comparison
InstaTrade | IG Index | Pepperstone | Swissquote | |
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Rating | 3 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4 |
Markets | FISP, CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos, Futures | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting | CFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto (only Pro clients), Spread Betting | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Bonds, Options, Futures, ETFs, Crypto (location dependent) |
Minimum Deposit | $1 | $0 | $0 | $1,000 |
Minimum Trade | 0.01 | 0.01 Lots | 0.01 Lots | 0.01 Lots |
Demo Account | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Regulators | BVI FSC | FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM | FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB | FCA, FINMA, CSSF, DFSA, SFC, MAS, MFSA, CySEC, FSCA |
Bonus | - | - | - | - |
Education | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Platforms | MT4 | MT4 | MT4, MT5, cTrader | MT4, MT5 |
Leverage | 1:1000 | 1:30 (Retail), 1:222 (Pro) | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) | 1:30 |
Visit | 70% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. |
75.1% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs |
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Review | InstaTrade Review |
IG Index Review |
Pepperstone Review |
Swissquote Review |
Trading Instruments Comparison
InstaTrade | IG Index | Pepperstone | Swissquote | |
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CFD | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Forex | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Stocks | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Crypto | Yes | No | Yes | No |
Commodities | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Oil | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Gold | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Copper | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Silver | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Corn | Yes | No | Yes | No |
Futures | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Options | No | Yes | No | Yes |
ETFs | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Bonds | No | Yes | No | Yes |
Warrants | No | Yes | No | Yes |
Spreadbetting | No | Yes | Yes | No |
Volatility Index | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
InstaTrade vs Other Brokers
Compare InstaTrade with any other broker by selecting the other broker below.