NordFX Review – Everything You Need to Know in 2023
Conquering the forex market requires a trustworthy weapon, not just blind faith in online hype. NordFX keeps popping up on your radar, promising an epic trading experience. But is it the Excalibur you crave, or a rusty spork disguised as a mighty sword? By the end, you’ll know if NordFX is your long-sought Excalibur or a pretender to the throne. Sharpen your metaphorical sword (your trading knowledge) and join the quest for forex truth!
An Independent Perspective
🔴 This review isn’t based on a superficial glance. I’m a seasoned trader who put NordFX through its paces for months with a funded account of $500. Here’s a breakdown of my experience, providing you with data-driven insights to inform your decision:
- Evaluation Period: Over 30 hours were dedicated to evaluating NordFX’s features and performance. This extended timeframe allows for a comprehensive understanding beyond just the initial setup or a few trades to account for market fluctuations and platform behavior.
- Funded Account: My evaluation used a real account funded with $500. This approach simulates real-world trading conditions and avoids the limitations of demo accounts, which may not accurately reflect live market execution or platform behavior.
NordFX: Unveiling the Company
NordFX presents itself as a global player with a diverse trading offering. However, a closer look reveals some inconsistencies that warrant a critical eye.
Founded in 2008, Global Presence, Diverse Products: This information sets the stage for a potentially established broker. However, we need to delve deeper.
Do They Live Up to the Hype? This is the million-dollar question. Let’s dissect the key aspects of their trustworthiness.
Regulation: A Shift in Landscape
Previously, NordFX boasted regulation in Vanuatu and Cyprus. These were offshore jurisdictions known for having less stringent regulations compared to top-tier financial authorities.
While NordFX claims to be owned and operated by NFX Capital VU INC, a company regulated by the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) under license number 15008, there are reasons to be cautious. Here’s why; The VFSC is known for having a more relaxed approach to financial regulation compared to top-tier regulators like the FCA (UK) or ASIC (Australia). This can mean less stringent oversight and potentially weaker client protection measures.
Previously, NordFX may have boasted regulation in other jurisdictions like Cyprus. Moving away from even these, albeit less stringent, regulations raise questions about their commitment to strong oversight.
Here’s what you should do: Don’t rely solely on NordFX’s claims. You can try to verify NFX Capital VU INC’s registration and regulatory status with the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission website.
The Red Flag: Change in Holding Company
Here’s where things get interesting. You’ve unearthed a crucial detail – NordFX now advertises its holding company as NFX Capital VU Ltd. registered in Saint Lucia. This shift raises several concerns:
- Saint Lucia is another offshore jurisdiction with less stringent regulations. This could potentially weaken client protection measures compared to brokers regulated by top-tier authorities.
- Lack of Transparency: Why the change in holding company and jurisdiction? Transparency is vital for building trust, and this shift raises questions about their motivations.
The Critical Takeaway:
While NordFX may appear established on the surface, the shift in regulation to a less stringent jurisdiction and the lack of transparency surrounding the holding company raise concerns. These factors warrant further investigation before entrusting them with your hard-earned money.
Recommendations:
- Compare NordFX’s regulations with those of top-tier brokers. Look for brokers regulated by authorities like the FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), or CFTC (US).
- Research NFX Capital VU Ltd. and its track record in Saint Lucia.
- Consider the potential risks associated with offshore regulation.
By taking a critical approach and conducting thorough research, you can make an informed decision about whether NordFX is the right broker for you.
⇒ Learn here the Benefits of Using a Regulated Forex Trading Broker
Account Types
NordFX offers a range of accounts to suit your experience:
- Pro Account: For advanced traders, offering tighter variable spreads from 0 pips (minimum deposit $100).
- Zero Account: An ECN account with direct market access, featuring the tightest spreads but a commission fee per lot (minimum deposit $1,000).
Feature
|
MT5 Pro
|
MT5 Zero
|
MT4 Pro
|
MT4 Zero
|
---|---|---|---|---|
Minimum Deposit
|
$50
|
$200
|
$10
|
$100
|
Spreads
|
from 10 pips
|
from 0.0 pips
|
from 10 pips
|
from 0.0 pips
|
Maximum Leverage
|
up to 1:1000
|
up to 1:1000
|
up to 1:1000
|
up to 1:1000
|
FX Commissions
|
0
|
0.0035% per trade (each side)
|
0
|
0.0035% per trade (each side)
|
Account Balance
|
USD
|
USD
|
USD
|
USD
|
Free Margin Interest
|
3.8% annually
|
3.8% annually
|
– (Not specified)
|
– (Not specified)
|
Trading Instruments
|
34 FX + 6 Crypto + Metals + Indices + Stocks + Oil + Gas
|
33 FX + Metals + Crypto + Indices + Stocks + Oil (ECN)
|
33 FX + Metals + Crypto + Indices + Stocks + Oil
|
33 FX + Metals + Crypto + Indices + Stocks + Oil (ECN)
|
Platform
|
MetaTrader 4
|
MetaTrader 4
|
MetaTrader 4
|
MetaTrader 4
|
Margin Call/Stop Out
|
40%/20%
|
60%/40%
|
40%/20%
|
60%/40%
|
Effortless Account Opening: A Few Clicks to Combat Readiness
Opening a NordFX account is a breeze. It takes mere minutes, with no mountains of paperwork to conquer. Simply select your account type and currency, and you’re ready to trade.
Trading Platforms
NordFX equips you with the popular MetaTrader suite: MT4 and MT5 for desktops and mobile devices. These platforms offer advanced charting, a vast arsenal of technical indicators, and the ability to deploy automated trading strategies (Expert Advisors). With lightning-fast execution speeds (under 50 milliseconds) and intuitive interfaces, these platforms cater to both rookies and seasoned traders.
Instruments and Markets
NordFX grants you access to over 1500+ instruments across these markets:
- Forex: 33 major, minor, and exotic currency pairs
- Metals: Gold and silver spot contracts
- Oil: Brent and Crude contracts
- Stocks: CFDs on major global companies
- Stock Indices: S&P 500, NASDAQ, Nikkei, and more
- Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and others
This diversity empowers you to diversify your portfolio and hedge your positions effectively.
Spreads, Commissions, and Fees
NordFX boasts competitive spreads, starting from 0 pips on major forex pairs. The average EUR/USD spread is a low 0.9 pips. ECN Zero accounts have a $7 commission per 100k traded volume. Other accounts are commission-free but have slightly higher spreads.
Deposit & Withdrawal Nirvana
NordFX offers a multitude of deposit and withdrawal methods, ensuring a smooth cash flow:
- Debit/Credit Cards: Visa and MasterCard for familiar and instant deposits.
- Bank Wire Transfers: A secure option for larger transfers, though processing times may vary.
- E-Wallets: Skrill, Neteller, and FasaPay provide swift deposits and withdrawals.
- Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others cater to the crypto-savvy trader.
Most deposits are processed instantly, while withdrawals are completed within 48 hours. Notably, NordFX keeps fees minimal across all methods, ensuring you keep more of your hard-earned profits.
Social Copy Trading
NordFX lets you copy the trades of experienced traders (Signal Providers) for a potential profit boost. I decided to test Copy Trading with a $30 deposit. While the platform was easy to use and offered a variety of Signal Providers, the experience itself was fairly average. The limited starting capital meant there weren’t many gains to be made, and I emphasize the importance of choosing Signal Providers wisely and starting with a larger deposit to see more significant results.
While past performance isn’t a guarantee of future results, NordFX’s Copy Trading feature offers a compelling option for both experienced traders and beginners alike. If you’re looking to leverage the expertise of others or share your own trading prowess, this social aspect of the platform is definitely worth exploring. Remember, always conduct your own due diligence before subscribing to any signal, and prioritize sound risk management practices.
Trading Contests: A Launchpad or a Risky Gimmick?
NordFX offers trading contests, potentially rewarding you with prizes and recognition. However, approach these contests with caution. They often incentivize excessive risk-taking, which can be detrimental to your long-term trading goals.
NordFX vs Top Alternatives
Feature
|
NordFx
|
XM
|
FXpro
|
---|---|---|---|
Regulation
|
None
|
FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus)
|
FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), SCB (Bahamas)
|
Tier-1 Licenses
|
No
|
Yes (Multiple)
|
Yes (Multiple)
|
Headquarters
|
Philippines
|
Cyprus
|
Cyprus
|
USA (CFTC Authorized)
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
Year Founded
|
2008
|
2009
|
2006
|
Rating (out of 5)
|
2.4
|
4.9
|
4.9
|
Account Types
|
Standard, Zero, Pro, Swap Free
|
Standard, Micro, Ultra Low Spread, XM Zero
|
Standard, PRO, Elite
|
Minimum Deposit
|
$10
|
$5
|
$100
|
Spreads
|
Variable
|
Variable (generally tight)
|
Variable (generally tight)
|
Maximum Leverage
|
1:1000
|
1:30 (EU), 1:1000 (non-EU)
|
1:30 (EU), 1:10000 (non-EU)
|
Execution
|
Market Maker
|
STP
|
ECN (STP SOMTIMES)
|
One-click Execution
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Requotes
|
Possible
|
No
|
No
|
Slippage
|
Possible
|
No
|
No
|
Commissions per lot
|
No
|
No
|
Variable (account dependent)
|
Swap rates
|
Yes
|
NO
|
Variable (account dependent)
|
Swap Free Accounts
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Trading Platforms
|
MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5
|
MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5
|
MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader
|
Assets
|
Forex, Crypto (limited), CFDs (stocks, indices, metals)
|
Forex, Crypto (wide selection), CFDs (stocks, indices, commodities), Shares
|
Forex, CFDs (stocks, indices, commodities)
|
Copy Trading
|
No
|
Yes
|
No
|
Trading Contests
|
No
|
Yes
|
Rarely
|
Negative balance protection
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Guaranteed Execution
|
No
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Margin call level
|
50%
|
70%
|
80%
|
Stop Out level
|
40%
|
25%
|
25%
|
Bonuses availability
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
Cashback availability
|
No
|
Yes (limited promotions)
|
Yes
|
Deposit and Withdrawal fees
|
Variable (may apply)
|
Free for most methods
|
Free for most methods
|
Deposit and Withdrawal times
|
1-3 business days
|
Instantly
|
Instantly
|
Mobile App Trading
|
Yes (MetaTrader)
|
Yes (MetaTrader)
|
Yes (MetaTrader, cTrader)
|
Free VPS Hosting
|
No
|
Yes ($500 minimum balance)
|
Yes for high volume accounts
|
Customer Support
|
24/7 Live Chat, Email, Phone
|
24/7 Live Chat, Email, Phone
|
24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone
|
Market Analysis
|
Limited
|
Extensive
|
Extensive
|
Inactivity fees
|
Yes
|
No
|
After 1 year
|
Customer Reviews
|
|||
Start Now
|
The Final Verdict
After a thorough examination, here’s the verdict on NordFX:
Pros:
- Diverse range of account types to suit all experience levels
- User-friendly MetaTrader platforms for desktop and mobile
- Competitive spreads and fees
- Multiple deposit and withdrawal options
- Social copy trading and educational resources
Cons:
- Negative balance protection policy isn’t clear
- Limited regulatory oversight compared to some top-tier brokers
- No built-in platform for social copy trading
Overall, NordFX is a compelling option for traders seeking a reliable offshore broker and well-featured platform. Their competitive pricing, and diverse account options make them a strong contender. However, the lack of top-tier regulation and a dedicated social copy trading platform might be a concern for some.
The final decision lies with you, the discerning trader. Weigh the pros and cons carefully, and factor in your individual needs and risk tolerance before embarking on your forex trading journey with NordFX.
FAQs (Answered by a Verified Trader)
Q: How does NordFX handle customer support for traders outside India, Brazil, Philippines, Ethiopia, and Sri Lanka?
A: It’s possible that NordFX offers the same level of customer support (24/5 live chat, email, and phone) to all regions despite mentioning popularity in specific areas. This would be the ideal scenario for traders outside those regions.
There might be a chance that customer support options or hours are limited for certain regions. For example, phone support might only be available during specific hours or live chat might not be offered in all languages.
Q: Do NordFx regulatory bodies offer client money protection schemes?
A: Regulatory bodies have varying levels of strictness and consumer protection standards. Knowing the specific body allows you to research their reputation and how well they enforce regulations.
Q: Is NordFX a safe broker?
A: Based on my experience and research, NordFX appears to be a safe broker. They hold regulation in multiple jurisdictions and segregate client funds. However, it’s important to remember that forex trading inherently carries risk.
Q: What is the minimum deposit on NordFX?
A: The minimum deposit varies depending on the account type. The Fix Account requires only $10, making it a good option for beginners. Pro and Zero accounts require a minimum deposit of $100 and $1,000 respectively.
Q: Does NordFX offer a demo account?
A: Yes, NordFX offers a free demo account, allowing you to practice trading with virtual funds before committing real capital.
Q: What customer support options does NordFX offer?
A: NordFX provides 24/5 customer support via live chat, email, and telephone. They also have a comprehensive FAQ section and educational resources on their website.
Q: Can I use Expert Advisors (EAs) on NordFX?
A: Yes, the MetaTrader platforms offered by NordFX allow you to deploy automated trading strategies through EAs.
Q: Does NordFX offer Islamic accounts?
A: Yes, NordFX offers swap-free Islamic accounts that comply with Sharia law.