Visit Broker
Page Navigation
Chris Cammack
Edited by
Author
Chris Cammack
Edited by
Chris Cammack
Partner Manager and Financial Writer

Chris Cammack is the Partner Manager and a financial writer at FxScouts. Chris builds and maintains our relationships with our partners to provide our users with the best Forex trading experience.

Learn more about Chris Cammack
Author
Author
Alison Heyerdahl
Head of Content

Alison Heyerdahl is the Head of Content at FxScouts, a Chartered Market Technician (CMT), and an experienced trader, as well as a financial writer with extensive expertise in Forex trading, broker analysis, and market research. She has reviewed 100+ brokers, publishes weekly YouTube trading videos, and co-hosts the “Let’s Talk Forex” podcast.

Learn more about Alison Heyerdahl

XTB

Best Demo Account Platform

XTB
4.49
Rate & review
How we review
Accepts South African Clients. Average spread EUR/USD 0.70 pips on the trading account with lowest minimum deposit. Max leverage 500:1. Islamic account available. xStation5 platform supported. XTB Group is regulated by CySEC, FCA, the DFSA, the FSCA, and the IFSC
Visit Broker Compare Now
75 of retail CFD accounts lose money with this provider

Available to traders in %s

Min deposit

USD 0

Regulated By

CySEC, FCA, FSC, KNF

Trading Cost

USD 7

Leverage

500:1

Copy Trading

No

Platforms

xStation5, xStation5, xStation5, xStation5, xStation5

Instruments

Stock CFDs, Stock CFDs, Indices, Stock CFDs, Commodities ( )
Commodities, Commodities, Commodities, Commodities, Commodities, Cryptocurrencies, Cryptocurrencies, Cryptocurrencies, Cryptocurrencies, Cryptocurrencies, Cryptocurrencies, Stock CFDs, Stock CFDs, Stock CFDs, Stock CFDs, Stock CFDs, Stock CFDs, Stock CFDs, ETFs, ETFs, ETFs, ETFs, ETFs, ETFs, ETFs, ETFs, ETFs, ETFs, ETFs, ETFs, ETFs, ETFs, Forex, Forex, Forex, Forex, Forex, Forex, Forex, Forex, Forex, Forex, Forex, Forex, Commodities, Commodities, Indicies, Indices, Indices, Indices, Indices, Indices, Indices, Indices, Indices, Indices, Commodities, Cryptocurrencies, Cryptocurrencies, Cryptocurrencies, Cryptocurrencies, Cryptocurrencies, Commodities, Equities, Commodities, Stock CFDs, Commodities, Cryptocurrencies, Forex, Indices, Stock CFDs, Commodities, Cryptocurrencies, Indices, ETFs, Forex, Equities, Commodities, Cryptocurrencies, Forex, Indicies, Indices, Stock CFDs, Forex, Cryptocurrencies, Commodities, ETFs, Commodities, Cryptocurrencies, Indices, Stock CFDs

XTB Broker Review

Updated May 2026


A well-regulated broker, XTB appeals to traders looking for a wide choice of tradable instruments, top-class educational materials, and excellent market analysis.  However, traders should note that support is only offered for XTB’s proprietary platform, xStation5.


XTB offers trading on over 2100 financial assets, a wider range than is typically seen at other brokers.  Tradable assets include Forex, indices, commodities, stock CFDs, ETF CFDs, and cryptocurrencies.  XTB’s focus is to provide excellent support for traders, with comprehensive educational materials that cater to both beginners and more experienced traders alike through its Trading Academy and one-to-one mentorship programme.  XTB also provides frequent market commentary and trading ideas in its Market News section, and its responsive customer service is available to help traders with technical or account-related queries.  


The account choice at XTB is limited, with only two live accounts that both have higher than average trading costs, but no minimum deposit requirements.  Spreads average at 1.0 pips (EUR/USD) on both accounts, and Islamic traders are charged an additional 10 USD (round turn) commission on the Swap-Free Account. 


One drawback is that XTB no longer supports the MT4 trading platform so all clients have to use XTB’s proprietary platform, xStation 5 – though it has won awards for its functionality, fast execution speeds, and intuitive design.
Visit Broker
Accepts South African Clients. Average spread EUR/USD 0.70 pips on the trading account with lowest minimum deposit. Max leverage 500:1. Islamic account available. xStation5 platform supported. XTB Group is regulated by CySEC, FCA, the DFSA, the FSCA, and the IFSC
Broker Award

XTB - Best Proprietary Trading Platform

XTB wins Best Proprietary Platform for xStation 5, a fast, intuitive, browser-based platform with powerful charting, integrated tools, and excellent usability across a wide range of tradable instruments.

Pros

  • Well regulated
  • Tight spreads
  • Low minimum deposit
  • Good for beginners

Cons

  • Limited platform choice

XTB | Best Proprietary Trading Platform

Rating Reviews
4.49

XTB Overall Summary

Trust Rating
5
Trading Conditions
5
Platforms
4
Education
5
Beginner Friendly
4
Assets Available
4.5
Analysis Research
5
Deposit & Withdrawal
3
Overall Rating
4.49
/ 5
Base Currencies
USD
Number of FX Pairs
69
Crypto Pairs
49
Copy Trading
No
Hedging Allowed
Yes
Scalping Allowed
Yes
Islamic Account
Yes
Account Name
Standard
Commission
Fees Included in Spread
EUR/USD
0.70
GBP/USD
2.20
USD/JPY
1.40
Negative Balance Protection
Yes
Company Name
XTB International
Founded
2004
Website
www.xtb.com
Website Language
English, Malay, Portuguese, Swedish, Hungarian, Arabic, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Polish, Spanish
Support Language
English, Vietnamese, Thai, Hungarian, Portuguese, Polish, Arabic
Office Locations
United Kingdom, France, Poland, Germany, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Spain, Portugal, Slovakia, Romania, Chile, Dubai, Italy, Vietnam, Thailand
Support Email Address
[email protected]
FP Markets FP Markets

Deposit & Withdrawal

banktransfer
mastercard
neteller
safetypay
visa

Supported Platforms

xStation5
XTB

Ready to trade with XTB?

Visit Broker

With regulation from some of the world’s top regulators and a listing on the Warsaw stock exchange, XTB has a high trust rating.

Is XTB Regulated in South Africa?

While XTB holds a licence from South Africa’s FSCA, South African traders are currently onboarded through its offshore entity based in Belize. Despite this, XTB remains a trusted and well-regulated broker with oversight from several top-tier authorities worldwide.

Regulatory Overview: Established in 2002, XTB is a globally recognised forex and CFD broker regulated by a number of international financial authorities, including:

  • Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) of South Africa – XTB Africa (Pty) Ltd (FSP No. 49970)
  • Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) of the United Kingdom – XTB Limited (FRN: 522157)
  • Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) – XTB Limited (Licence No. 169/12)
  • Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Belize – XTB International Limited (Licence No. IFSC/60/413/TS/19)
  • Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores (CNMV) of Spain – XTB S.A. (Registration No. 40)

Regulation for South African Traders: Although XTB Africa (Pty) Ltd is licensed by the FSCA, South African clients are onboarded under XTB International Limited, which is regulated by the FSC of Belize. This means that South African traders are not covered by FSCA protections, and their accounts are governed by the regulatory framework in Belize.

Client Protection Measures: Even though FSCA oversight does not apply to South African traders, XTB implements robust client protection protocols across all its entities:

  • Segregation of Funds: Client funds are kept in segregated accounts, separate from company operating capital.
  • Negative Balance Protection: Ensures clients cannot lose more money than they deposit.
  • Regulatory Oversight: XTB undergoes regular audits and complies with international anti-money laundering and financial reporting standards.

While XTB is licensed by the FSCA, South African clients should be aware that they are trading with an offshore entity. As a result, they will not have access to local investor protection mechanisms or the FSCA’s dispute resolution services.

Primary Image
Secondary Image

XTB’s Trading Instruments

XTB offers South African traders access to a wide and diverse range of trading instruments across global markets. 

Available Assets and Leverage

Instrument Categories: XTB provides access to a comprehensive selection of CFDs and real assets across multiple markets, including:

  • Forex: Major, minor, and exotic currency pairs—such as EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/ZAR, and USD/TRY—with leverage up to 1:500
  • Commodities: Hard and soft commodities via CFDs, including gold, oil, natural gas, coffee, and sugar, with competitive spreads and leverage up to 1:20.
  • Indices: Global indices CFDs including S&P 500, Dow Jones, DAX 40, FTSE 100, and Nikkei 225, with high liquidity and 24/5 trading availability.
  • Stock and ETF CFDs: Thousands of shares and ETFs from major global exchanges, including the NYSE, NASDAQ, and LSE. XTB also offers commission-free trading on some equities and leverage up to 1:5.
  • Cryptocurrencies: Popular digital assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Ripple via CFDs, available with 24/7 trading and leverage up to 1:2.

Access for South African Traders: South African clients, onboarded under XTB International, have access to the full instrument list offered by the Belize-based entity. This includes nearly 2,000 trading instruments spanning forex, commodities, indices, stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies.

Trading Conditions: XTB offers competitive trading conditions, with tight spreads, fast execution, and access to popular instruments like USD/ZAR. For example, USD/ZAR can be traded with spreads starting from 0.01, leverage up to 1:500, and margin requirements from 0.20%. The broker also supports advanced charting, sentiment indicators, and fractional share trading across its platforms.

Primary Image
Secondary Image

XTB Accounts and Trading Fees

XTB offers South African traders a straightforward account structure with competitive trading costs. Although accounts are managed via an offshore entity, XTB maintains transparent pricing and low spreads across its asset classes.

Opening an Account at XTB

The account opening process at XTB is user-friendly, and accounts are ready for trading within one day. While there are no minimum deposit requirements to open an individual account, corporate accounts require a 15,000 EUR minimum deposit. 

Trading Accounts

XTB offers South African traders a straightforward account structure with competitive trading costs. Although accounts are managed via an offshore entity, XTB maintains transparent pricing and low spreads across its asset classes.

Account Types: XTB provides a simplified account offering that includes:

  • Standard Account: Commission-free CFD trading (excluding stocks and ETFs), with spreads starting from 0.6 pips on major forex pairs such as EUR/USD.
  • Islamic (Swap-Free) Account: Available on request for traders who require Sharia-compliant conditions. Spreads typically start from 0.7 pips.
  • Demo Account: Free virtual account for practice, offering full access to XTB’s trading platforms and instruments.

Trading Costs Overview:

  • Forex & CFD Trading: No commissions are charged on most CFD instruments in the Standard Account. Costs are built into the spread.
  • Stocks & ETFs: Real stock and ETF trading is commission-free up to €100,000 in monthly volume. Above this threshold, a 0.2% commission applies (minimum €10 per trade). A 0.5% currency conversion fee may also apply if trading in a non-account currency.
  • Spreads: Competitive spreads starting from 0.6 pips on major pairs. Swap-free accounts generally have slightly higher spreads, starting from 0.7 pips.

Access for South African Traders: South African clients onboarded under XTB International have access to the full range of instruments and account features, including commission-free CFD trading, real stocks and ETFs, and swap-free options.

Primary Image
Secondary Image

XTB's Trading Platforms and Tools

XTB no longer supports MetaTrader 4, but XTB’s proprietary xStation 5 trading platform combines speed, ease of use, and powerful tools for analysis and trade execution.

Mobile Apps

Overall, XTB’s mobile trading app provides an excellent trading experience.

xStation 5

A mobile version of the xStation5 application is available, which seamlessly connects to the application’s desktop version, and it is available on both Android and iOS mobile devices and tablets. 

The mobile app is well-designed and it has excellent search functionality, and it allows traders to work from anywhere, with functionality to close and modify existing orders, and calculate profit/loss in real-time.

Trading Platform Comparison

Broker
Platform Choice
Copy Trading
Platforms
XTB
4
/ 5
Read Review
No
xStation5
Exness
4.5
/ 5
Read Review
Yes
MT4
MT5
Exness Terminal
FP Markets
5
/ 5
Read Review
Yes
MT4
MT5
cTrader
TradingView

While XTB’s platform support is limited, xStation5 has won many awards, offers some great features, and is beginner-friendly.

Desktop Trading Platforms and Trading Tools

Available Platforms:

  • xStation 5 (Proprietary Platform): XTB’s award-winning platform is also available on web and desktop. It offers a user-friendly interface, fast order execution, and advanced integrated features designed for traders of all levels.

Platform Features & Tools:

  • Advanced Charting: xStation 5 includes dozens of technical indicators, charting tools, multiple timeframes, and layout customisation options for in-depth analysis.
  • One‑Click Trading & Fast Execution: Traders can open and close positions instantly with optimised trade tickets and fast execution speed.
  • Market Sentiment Indicator: A real-time tool showing how other XTB traders are positioned on specific instruments, helping inform strategy.
  • Risk & Trade Calculators: Built-in margin, profit/loss, and pip calculators help traders manage risk effectively and plan their positions accurately.
  • Integrated Education & Market Analysis: xStation 5 features a built-in education centre, economic calendar, live news feed, and expert commentary.

Trading Tools Comparison

Broker
Economic Calendar
Autochartist
Trading Central
Trading View
Free VPS
VPS services are usually offered free with a minimum trade volume, otherwise a monthly subscription fee will apply. VPS services are usually hosted by third-party companies.
XTB
Yes
No
No
No
No
Exness
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
FP Markets
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Primary Image
Secondary Image

XTB Deposits and Withdrawals

XTB provides a limited range of funding options compared to other big brokers, and it charges fees on some deposit and withdrawal methods.  

Account Currencies and Funding Options

A well-regulated broker, XTB does not process payments to third parties. All withdrawal requests from a trading account must go to a bank account or a source in the trader’s name.

Trading Account Currencies: XTB only allows trading accounts to be denominated in USD, which limits traders with accounts denominated in other currencies. Currency Conversion Fees are charged for all trades on instruments denominated in a currency different from the currency of a trader’s account. 

Deposits and Withdrawals: There are several ways to deposit funds into your trading account, and some of these methods may incur additional charges.  All deposits except for bank transfers are instant; you will see this reflected in your account balance immediately.  Bank transfers can take 2-5 days to arrive, depending on the country you send money from. Unfortunately, this depends on your bank and any intermediary bank.

Primary Image
Secondary Image

XTB’s Education and Market Analysis

The trading education and market analysis at XTB are some of the best in the industry and cater to traders of all experience levels.  

Education

Library: XTB’s library is comprehensive and comprises short articles covering Platform and Account tutorials, as well as trading-related subjects such as Fundamental Analysis, Technical Analysis, and Trader Questions.   

Demo Account: XTB also offers a demo account with virtual funds, but unfortunately, the demo expires after 30 days. Demo accounts are a great way to practice trading in a risk-free environment, allowing traders to familiarise themselves with XTB’s platform.

Education Comparison

Broker
Beginner Course
Advanced Course
Well Structured Education
Education Quality
Webinars
XTB
Yes
Yes
Yes
High
Yes
Exness
Yes
Yes
Yes
Medium
Yes
FP Markets
Yes
No
Yes
High
Yes

Market Analysis

XTB’s market analysis materials are comprehensive and provide actionable trading ideas. 

XTB offers frequent webinars with live market analysis, demonstrated on XTB’s trading platform, xStation 5. These webinars are followed by a live discussion, during which traders can chat with XTB’s market analysts and account managers.

Traders receive multiple updates throughout the trading day, which can consist of brief fundamental summaries, technical trading alerts, the Trade of the Day, and the Crypto Newsletter. Some content is text-only, and the rest includes charts and trading ideas.

XTB also offers an economic calendar, a comprehensive log of all scheduled macroeconomic releases, including a potential impact rating, and detailed historical data to help traders predict the results on corresponding markets.

A wide range of fundamental and technical analysis tools are also available within the xStation5 platform, giving traders a comprehensive charting package to identify potential trading opportunities.

Primary Image
Secondary Image

XTB’s Customer Service

XTB operates a 24/5 customer support desk, with contact available via email, live chat, and phone support.

24/5 Customer support

As mentioned, XTB also operates an open-door policy so customers can visit any of their offices.  Notably, XTB has 20 local branches.

Customer support is offered in English, Spanish, Arabic, French, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, German, Polish, Czech, Slovak, Romanian, and Hungarian. Overall, we found the live chat support responsive, polite, and able to answer most of our questions.

How We Score and Rank Forex Brokers

At FxScouts, our Broker Score and Trust Rating are designed to provide traders with an objective, data-driven evaluation of forex brokers. We continuously refine our methodology to reflect market changes, ensuring transparency and accuracy in our rankings.

Our independent review process analyzes 200+ data points across seven key categories, incorporating:

  • Regulation & Trustworthiness – Regulatory status, security measures, and broker reputation
  • Trading Costs & Fees – Spreads, commissions, and hidden charges
  • Platforms & Execution – Trading tools, execution speed, and user experience
  • Asset Selection: Forex, stocks, and other available instruments
  • Deposit & Withdrawal – Processing times, local banking support, and transaction costs
  • Education & Research – Quality of learning resources for beginners and experienced traders
  • Customer Support – Response times, multilingual service, and problem resolution


To ensure fairness and transparency, we independently verify broker claims and integrate real-user feedback, regulator data, and live trading tests. The radar chart to the left illustrates the weight of each category in our final scoring system.

Why Our Reviews Set the Standard

Every broker we recommend meets strict trust and safety criteria and is tested for reliability, transparency, and overall trading experience.

XTB Risk Statement

XTB Risk Statement

Trading Forex is risky, and each broker is required to detail how risky the trading of Forex CFDs is to clients. XTB would like you to know that: CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 75% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Visit Broker

User Reviews

Loading reviews...

Meet the Experts Behind Our Unbiased Reviews

Chris Cammack

Partner Manager and Financial Writer

Chris Cammack
Chris Cammack is partner manager and senior financial writer at FxScouts, specialising in broker relations and forex market analysis. As the former Head of Content (2019–2024), he set editorial standards for all content published at FxScouts, including broker reviews, broker comparison pages and education. With over a decade of experience in editorial management and partner relations, Chris builds and maintains our relationships with our partners to provide the best Forex trading experience for our users. Healso co-hosts the “Let’s Talk Forex” podcast with Alison Heyerdahl, where he explores trading strategies, industry news, and macroeconomic trends to help traders navigate the markets with confidence.

Alison Heyerdahl

Head of Content

Alison Heyerdahl
Alison Heyerdahl is the Head of Content at FxScouts, a Chartered Market Technician (CMT), an experienced trader, and a financial writer with extensive hands-on experience in the Forex trading industry. She specialises in Forex trading, broker analysis, and market research, with a focus on helping traders navigate the complex world of online trading safely and confidently. Alison has tested and reviewed more than 100 Forex brokers, assessing everything from regulatory status and trading conditions to platform features and customer support. Her goal is to provide honest, detailed, and practical insights that traders can rely on when choosing a broker. She’s also produced more than 100 educational videos for the FxScouts YouTube channel, where she explains trading concepts in a clear, accessible way. As the co-host of the “Let’s Talk Forex” podcast, Alison shares expert commentary on broker reliability, trading strategies, and market developments—always with a focus on transparency and trader protection.

Stefan de Clerk

Financial Writer

Stefan de Clerk
Stefan is a financial writer and Forex trading enthusiast with over a decade of experience creating in-depth content on finance and technology. His deep interest in geopolitical events, big data, and market sentiment fuels his passion for analyzing how global factors shape financial markets. With a background in marketing and financial research, Stefan believes that Forex trading offers the best insight into the pulse of the world economy. Committed to delivering well-researched, unbiased, and objective information, he helps traders navigate the markets with clarity and confidence.
1.
FP Markets
Most competitive trading costs
2.
AvaTrade
Best social and copy trading platform
3.
Pepperstone
Best broker for scalpers
4.
Exness
Broker with quickest local withdrawals
5.
XTB
Best platform for beginners
6.
XM
Lowest Fees in South Africa
7.
IC Markets
8.
IG
9.
Tickmill
10.
ACY Securities

Others Also Viewed

Explore more resources that fellow traders find helpful! Check out these other guides to enhance your forex trading knowledge and skills. Whether you’re searching for the best brokers, educational material, or something more specific, we’ve got you covered.

Forex Trading Platforms

Compare the best Forex trading platforms for 2026, including MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView. Find the right tools to enhance your trading experience.

Read Now
Cape Town

How does Forex Trading Work?

What is Forex trading and how does it work? An easy-to-read guide including how to trade, and how to choose a reliable broker.

Read Now

Best Brokers in South Africa

Compare FSCA-regulated forex brokers in South Africa by ZAR accounts, local deposit methods, withdrawal speed, spreads, and platform support. Independently tested for South African traders.

Read Now
Listen to our Podcast!

Let's Talk Forex

Listen to our Podcast!

Ready to have your forex knowledge amplified? Tune in to “Let’s Talk Forex,” a podcast designed for traders of all levels. From market analysis and trading strategies to interviews with industry experts, this podcast covers the breadth of the forex landscape. Join the conversation and discover insights that can help you navigate the exciting world of currency trading.

Listen Now!
Polygon icon
Polygon icon
Polygon Image