Written by Angelo Martins
Edited by David Johnson
Fact checked by Evelina Laurinaityte
Human moderated by Jason Peterson
Last updated July, 2024

InstaForex Overall rating

3.9
Ranked 96 out of 815 (Forex Brokers)
Overall rating is derived from an aggregate of ratings in multiple categories.
Rating Weight
User Rating 3
Popularity
3.9
3
Regulation
5.0
2
Pricing rating
3.0
1
Features
Not rated
1
Customer Support
Not rated
1

Pros

  • Well-established broker since 2007
  • Regulated by CYSEC and BVI FSC
  • Offers a wide range of tradable instruments
  • Competitive average spreads in Forex and Cryptos
  • High organic web traffic indicating popularity
  • MetaTrader 4 and 5 platforms available for all devices
  • Offers a high leverage option for experienced traders

Cons

  • No public financial disclosure
  • Mixed user reviews with a rating of 3.6 out of 5
  • Not licensed as a bank
* As of July 22, 2024

We tested Instaforex using real-money live accounts. Our reviews are unique in that they do not have any bias for or against any broker and are driven purely on the underlying data we compile from live account testing, regulatory data, and opinions from customers. We list all brokers and do not charge a fee for it. We offer additional visibility for a fee, but our review content cannot be influenced. Read our About Us page to read our editorial guidelines and how we make money.

Trustworthiness & Regulation

* As of July 22, 2024

Instaforex has been in operation since 2007, making it a well-established broker in the forex industry. It is regulated by CYSEC in Cyprus and BVI FSC in the British Virgin Islands. User reviews indicate a mixed experience with an average rating of 3.6 out of 5 from 43 total reviews, of which 31 are from verified real trading accounts.

The broker ranks 63rd out of 815 forex brokers based on user ratings and 97th based on our expert's rating. With a popularity rating of 3.6 out of 5 and 556,436 organic monthly visits, Instaforex ranks 53rd out of 815 brokers for organic traffic.

Company Licenses & Regulations Segregated Client Money Deposit Compensation Scheme Negative Balance Protection Rebates Max. Leverage Retail Clients
Instant Trading EU Ltd up to €20,000 30 : 1
Instant Trading Ltd 3000 : 1

Deposit Insurance

Instaforex supports deposit insurance and investor compensation schemes as part of its regulatory framework. Under CYSEC regulation, the broker offers a deposit compensation scheme that compensates investors if the authorized financial firm fails.

Additionally, the broker ensures segregated client money, meaning client funds are kept separate from the company's operating capital to provide an extra layer of security. These measures enhance the trustworthiness and reliability of Instaforex, ensuring client funds are protected.

Spreads and Costs

* As of July 22, 2024

When comparing average spreads and costs across asset classes, Instaforex offers competitive rates, particularly in Forex and Cryptos. Overall, the broker's spreads and costs are generally in line with industry standards, providing a reasonable trading environment for most traders.

Combined Spread/Commission Costs by Asset Class Compared to Market Leading Brokers

Broker - Account Type Crypto Average Forex Average Indices Average Commodities Average
Instaforex – Standard 0.97 1.25 - -
FxPro – Standard - 1.51 2.14 -
IC Markets – Standard 9.10 1.54 1.12 0.10
ThinkMarkets – Standard 16.89 2.06 1.59 0.14
Admirals – Trade - 2.65 - 0.19
Oanda – Standard - 2.43 - -
Forex.com – Standard - 3.05 - -

Note: Crypto averages comprise (BTCUSD, ETHUSD), forex averages comprise (EURUSD, USDJPY, GBPJPY, EURGBP, AUDNZD, CADCHF), indices averages comprise (US30, AUS200), and commodities average comprises (XAUUSD, XAGUSD) and that data is sampled every 10 seconds for 24 hours to calculate the average. Forex is stated in pips, and the others are stated in base currency. All spreads including both spread and commission calculated in.

Our data comes from our sophisticated spread analyzer tool, which collects live account information and syncs with our performance analytics system. To compare all brokers and instruments with the latest live data, visit our spread analyzer tool. A spread is the difference between the bid (sell) and ask (buy) price of an asset and can vary widely between brokers and account types.

Some brokers charge higher spreads but no commission, while others charge both, making it crucial to assess the total cost, which includes both spread and commission. Our values reflect this all-in cost. Note that some brokers may set low costs on popular pairs like EURUSD but higher rates on other instruments.

Many brokers also advertise "as low as" spreads that may not reflect the true average or include commissions. Comparing true all-in cost averages across various instruments and asset classes is vital for accurate assessment.

Combined Spread/Commission Costs Per Instrument Compared to Market Leading Brokers

Broker - Account Type BTCUSD ETHUSD EURUSD USDJPY GBPJPY EURGBP AUDNZD CADCHF AUS200 US30 XAUUSD XAGUSD
Instaforex – Standard 0.23 1.71 0.58 0 .58 1.42 0.59 2.68 1.67 - - 0.80 -
FxPro – Standard - - 0.80 0.87 2.08 0.87 2.34 2.08 2.90 1.38 - -
IC Markets – Standard 15.19 3.00 0.87 1.19 2.16 1.37 2.27 1.38 1.28 0.95 0.17 0.02
ThinkMarkets – Standard 31.92 1.80 1.12 1.32 2.24 1.98 3.67 2.00 1.47 1.71 0.24 0.03
Admirals – Trade - - 0.96 1.53 2.88 1.15 4.17 5.21 3.57 - 0.35 0.03
Oanda – Standard - - 1.46 1.77 3.80 1.36 3.40 2.80 - - - -
Forex.com – Standard - - 1.41 1.71 4.34 1.51 5.23 4.08 - - - -

Swap Rates/Financing Fees

Swap fees are the costs of holding a trading position overnight, and they can either be positive or negative. Positive swap rates pay out, while negative swap rates cost money.

Instaforex's average swap rates are relatively high compared to the average of industry-leading brokers. Here are the swap rates for various brokers:

Broker Best Average NZDUSD Swap Short NZDUSD Swap Long USDJPY Swap Short USDJPY Swap Long XAUUSD Swap Short XAUUSD Swap Long
Instaforex - -11.74 -3.00 -2.60 -22.50 -13.50 -7.01 -21.82
FxPro - -4.03 -0.14 -0.15 -3.33 1.02 19.15 -40.75
IC Markets Best -2.27 -0.10 -0.14 -2.59 1.25 20.78 -32.84
ThinkMarkets - -3.27 -0.14 -0.14 -2.61 1.08 19.57 -37.37
Admirals - -5.93 - - - - 1.43 -31.59
Oanda - - 0.00 0.00 15.00 0.09 0.00 0.00
Forex.com - - 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 - -

Does Instaforex Offer Islamic/Swap-free Accounts?

Islamic or swap-free trading accounts are designed for traders who cannot receive or pay interest due to religious reasons. These accounts comply with Sharia law by ensuring that no interest is charged or received on overnight positions.

Instaforex offers swap-free Islamic accounts to clients upon request. Traders must provide proof of their religious beliefs to qualify for these accounts, ensuring they adhere to Islamic principles. More details can be found on the Instaforex website.

Other Fees

In addition to spreads, commissions, and swap rates, brokers often charge other fees that traders should be aware of. Here is a summary of additional fees charged by Instaforex:

Fee Type Instaforex
Withdrawal Fees Varies depending on the withdrawal method, typically ranging from 0.1% to 2% of the withdrawal amount.
Inactivity Fees $10 per month after 12 months of inactivity
Deposit Fees No deposit fees
Currency Conversion Fees 0.5% of the transaction amount

Comparison to other Brokers

* As of July 22, 2024

Instaforex stands out in the forex industry due to its long history since 2007 and its regulation by CYSEC and BVI FSC. While it offers competitive average spreads in Forex and Cryptocurrency, the broker has a mixed user review rating of 3.6 out of 5 and ranks 63rd out of 815 forex brokers based on user ratings.

In comparison, brokers like IC Markets and FxPro offer lower average spreads across multiple asset classes and have higher user ratings. However, Instaforex's high leverage options and a wide range of tradable instruments make it appealing to certain traders.

Overall, while it may not lead in all areas, it offers a solid trading experience with strong regulatory oversight.

Trading Platforms - Mobile, Desktop, Automated

Platform Device Automated Trading
MetaTrader 4 Desktop, Mobile, Web Yes (MQL4, easy to learn)
MetaTrader 5 Desktop, Mobile, Web Yes (MQL5, easy to learn)

Instaforex offers the MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms for desktop, mobile, and web. These platforms are renowned for their robust features, including advanced charting tools, a wide range of technical indicators, and support for automated trading.

MetaTrader 4 uses the MQL4 programming language, which is relatively easy to learn, making it accessible for traders looking to develop automated trading strategies.

MetaTrader 5, the newer version, uses MQL5 and offers additional features, including more timeframes and order types, further enhancing trading flexibility. Both platforms provide a seamless trading experience across devices, catering to the needs of different types of traders.

What Can you Trade?

Asset Class Number of Instruments
Forex CFD 100+
Crypto CFD 13
Stock CFD 200+
Stock Index CFD 15
Commodities CFD 21
ETFs -
Bond CFD -
Futures CFD 52

Instaforex offers a diverse range of tradable instruments across several asset classes. Traders can access over 100 Forex CFDs, 13 Crypto CFDs, more than 200 Stock CFDs, 15 Stock Index CFDs, and 21 Commodities CFDs. Additionally, the broker provides 52 Futures CFDs, though ETFs and Bond CFDs are not available.

It's important to note that trading CFDs or derivatives involves leverage, which can amplify both gains and losses. Unlike owning real assets, trading CFDs does not confer ownership but allows traders to speculate on price movements.

The use of leverage means traders can control larger positions with a smaller initial investment, but it also increases the risk. For a detailed list of available instruments, visit the Instaforex website.

Available Leverage

Instaforex offers different leverage levels depending on the regulatory entity and the type of instrument being traded. Under CYSEC regulation, the maximum leverage for retail clients is 30:1, while under BVI FSC regulation, it can go up to 3000:1.

This high leverage option is suitable for experienced traders who understand the risks involved. For Forex trading, leverage typically ranges from 50:1 to 500:1, while for other asset classes, it varies accordingly.

Traders should always use leverage cautiously, as it can significantly increase both potential profits and potential losses.

Prohibited Countries

Instaforex cannot open client accounts for residents of certain countries due to regulatory restrictions. Some of the prohibited countries include the United States, Canada, and Israel. Additionally, the broker may have restrictions on other countries based on changes in regulatory environments or sanctions.

Traders should check the Instaforex website or contact customer support for the most up-to-date list of prohibited countries.

InstaForex Account types

  Insta.Standard Insta.Eurica Cent.Standard Cent.Eurica PAMM Account
Commission-0.03%-0.07%-0.03%-0.07%-
Maximum leverage1000:1
Mobile PlatformMT4 Mobile-
Trading platformMT4, MT5-
Spread TypeFixed Spread , Variable Spread
Minimum Deposit1
Minimum Trade Size0.010.10.01
Trailing Stops
Scalping Allowed
Hedging Allowed
Islamic Accounts
  Insta.Standard
Maximum leverage 1000:1
Typical Spread 1 - 3 pips
Trading platform MT4MT5
Mobile platform MT4 Mobile
Spread type Fixed Spread Variable Spread
Minimum deposit 1
Minimum Trade Size 0.01
Trailing Stops
Scalping Allowed
Hedging Allowed
Islamic Accounts
  Insta.Eurica
Commission 0.03%-0.07%
Maximum leverage 1000:1
Typical Spread 0
Trading platform MT4MT5
Mobile platform MT4 Mobile
Spread type Fixed Spread Variable Spread
Minimum deposit 1
Minimum Trade Size 0.01
Trailing Stops
Scalping Allowed
Hedging Allowed
Islamic Accounts
  Cent.Standard
Maximum leverage 1000:1
Typical Spread 1.0-3.0
Trading platform MT4MT5
Mobile platform MT4 Mobile
Spread type Fixed Spread Variable Spread
Minimum deposit 1
Minimum Trade Size 0.1
Trailing Stops
Scalping Allowed
Hedging Allowed
Islamic Accounts
  Cent.Eurica
Commission 0.03%-0.07%
Maximum leverage 1000:1
Typical Spread 0.0
Trading platform MT4MT5
Mobile platform MT4 Mobile
Spread type Fixed Spread Variable Spread
Minimum deposit 1
Minimum Trade Size 0.01
Trailing Stops
Scalping Allowed
Hedging Allowed
Islamic Accounts
  PAMM Account
Maximum leverage 1000:1
Spread type Fixed Spread Variable Spread
Minimum deposit 1
Minimum Trade Size 0.01
Trailing Stops
Scalping Allowed
Hedging Allowed
Islamic Accounts

InstaForex Web traffic

Our web traffic data is sourced from SimilarWeb and sums the traffic data of all websites associated with a broker. Organic visits are visits the broker didn't pay for, based on the available data. This data updates once monthly and can be based on data purchased from internet service providers, traffic metrics sourced by a third party such as Google Analytics that the company chooses to share with SimilarWeb, etc.

Websites
instaforex.com
Organic monthly visits 556,436 (94%)
Organic traffic rank 53 out of 815 (Forex Brokers)
Paid monthly visits 32,966 (6%)
Total monthly visits 589,402
Bounce rate 56%
Pages per visit 2.78
Average visit duration 00:01:53.8420000

InstaForex Profile

Company Name InstaForex Companies Group
Categories Forex Brokers, Cryptocurrency Brokers, Forex Rebates, Cryptocurrency Rebates
Primary Category Forex Brokers
Year Founded 2007
Headquarters Russia
Office Locations China, Hong Kong, Nigeria
Account Currency EUR, RUB, USD
Support Languages Arabic, Bulgarian, Chinese, English, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Thai, Vietnamese, Czech
Funding Methods Bank Wire, Bitcoin, CashU, China Union Pay, EgoPay, Filspay, Neteller, PayCo, Paxum, Skrill, Ukash, Webmoney
Financial Instruments Futures, Forex, Shares, Indices, Oil/Energies, Cryptocurrencies, Metals, Soft Commodities (coffee, sugar...)
24 hour support
Segregated Accounts
Islamic Accounts
Accepts Canadian clients
Accepts Japanese Clients
Non expiring demo
Trading API
Cent accounts
Negative balance protection
Social trading
Regulatory deposit insurance
Trailing stops
Bonuses
Interest on margin
Fixed spread
Variable spread

InstaForex User reviews

3.6
(43 )
Ranked 63 out of 815 (Forex Brokers)
This rating is based on 31 reviews by users that proved they are real customers of this company. All reviews undergo significant human and technical moderation. Companies that get 30+ reviews by verified reviewers are scored only on their ratings by verified reviewers and get a green checkmark by their rating.

Newer user ratings have greater impact than older ratings and user ratings have no impact after 5+ years old. The more reviews a company receives, the higher the maximum possible aggregate user rating. After 100 reviews a company can receive the highest rating, which is an average of their user ratings.

Filter reviews:
53.49%
11.63%
13.95%
4.65%
16.28%
0%
Account Types:
Sort:
We display the reviews we reject as spam or vote fraud. Not all rejected reviews are displayed, for example reviews advertising a website or service.

InstaForex Regulation / Money Protection

5.0
Company Licenses & Regulations Segregated Client Money Deposit Compensation Scheme Negative Balance Protection Rebates Max. Leverage Retail Clients
Instant Trading EU Ltd up to €20,000 30 : 1
Instant Trading Ltd 3000 : 1

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