Regulators
Central Bank of Ireland, ASIC, FSCA, FSA Japan, ADGM, BVI FSC
Min. deposit
$100
Spread from
0.9 pips (Standard)
Max. leverage
Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:400 (offshore)
Platforms
MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGo, AvaOptions, AvaSocial, DupliTrade
Founded
2006 · Dublin, Ireland
AvaTrade review summary
AvaTrade is an Irish-regulated broker founded in 2006, with HQ in Dublin and one of the broadest multi-jurisdictional licensing footprints in retail FX. It is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland, ASIC, FSCA, FSA Japan, FSRA Abu Dhabi (ADGM), and BVI FSC — uncommon scope, even for established players.
Two features distinguish AvaTrade: fixed spreads (rare and useful for news-trading strategies where variable spreads can blow out) and FX options trading via AvaOptions, which most retail brokers don’t offer. The platform suite is also unusually wide — MT4, MT5, proprietary AvaTradeGo (mobile), AvaOptions (web), AvaSocial (copy), and DupliTrade.
The trade-off is fees: spreads are wider than ECN brokers (0.9 pips standard EUR/USD), and AvaTrade has an aggressive inactivity fee ($50/quarter after just 3 months) plus a $100/year administration fee for long-dormant accounts.
Account types
| Account | Min. deposit | Spreads | Type |
|---|
| Retail | $100 | From 0.9 pips | Fixed or variable |
| Professional | $100 | From 0.6 pips | Variable |
Regulation
- AVA Trade EU Ltd — Central Bank of Ireland C53877 (EU)
- Ava Capital Markets Australia Pty Ltd — ASIC 406684
- Ava Capital Markets Pty Ltd — FSCA 45984 (South Africa)
- Ava Trade Japan KK — FSA Kanto Local Finance Bureau No. 1662
- Ava Trade Middle East Ltd — FSRA ADGM 190018
Bottom line
AvaTrade scores 4.4/5. Best for traders who want fixed spreads, FX options, or platform breadth and don’t trade often enough to be hurt by inactivity fees. Active scalpers should look at Pepperstone or Pepperstone for tighter execution.
AvaTrade — Frequently Asked Questions
Is AvaTrade regulated and safe?
AvaTrade is regulated by Central Bank of Ireland, ASIC, FSCA, FSA Japan, ADGM, BVI FSC, holds client funds in segregated accounts and operates under active financial-services licenses. Verify each license number on the regulator's official website before depositing.
Is AvaTrade legit or a scam?
AvaTrade is a legitimate, regulated broker — not a scam. It operates under oversight from Central Bank of Ireland, ASIC, FSCA, which require segregated client funds and regular audits. Always confirm the specific entity and license that will hold your account, and avoid clone sites using a similar name.
What is the minimum deposit at AvaTrade?
The minimum deposit at AvaTrade is $100. Standard accounts accept this minimum; premium or professional tiers may require more.
How do I withdraw money from AvaTrade?
Withdrawals from AvaTrade are returned to your original funding method — card, bank transfer, e-wallet or crypto, depending on how you deposited. E-wallets and crypto are usually fastest; bank transfers take longest. Processing times and limits are set by AvaTrade, so check its funding page for current details.
What fees and commissions does AvaTrade charge?
AvaTrade's main cost is the spread, starting from 0.9 pips (Standard). Raw/ECN accounts add a per-lot commission in exchange for a tighter spread. Also factor in overnight swap fees and any inactivity fee. Compare the all-in cost (spread + commission), not just the headline spread.
What are the typical spreads at AvaTrade?
Spreads at AvaTrade start from 0.9 pips (Standard), varying by account type, instrument, time of day and market volatility. Raw/ECN accounts add a commission on top of the tighter spread.
What account types does AvaTrade offer?
AvaTrade typically offers a standard (commission-free, slightly wider spread) account and a raw/ECN (tight spread plus commission) account, with a swap-free Islamic option where available. The minimum to open is $100, and platforms include MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGo.
What trading platforms does AvaTrade offer?
AvaTrade supports: MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGo, AvaOptions, AvaSocial, DupliTrade. MT4/MT5 are the industry standards; cTrader suits ECN execution; proprietary platforms add broker-specific tools but less third-party compatibility.
What is the maximum leverage at AvaTrade?
Maximum leverage at AvaTrade is Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:400 (offshore). EU/UK retail clients are capped at 1:30 on major FX by ESMA rules regardless of broker policy; professional and offshore-entity clients can access higher leverage subject to qualification.
Does AvaTrade offer a demo account?
Yes — AvaTrade offers a free demo account with virtual funds, so you can test the platform and practise a strategy on live prices before depositing real money.
Who is AvaTrade best suited for?
Traders wanting fixed spreads or FX options; multi-platform users wanting copy-trading + manual.
