Vantage Markets

Vantage Markets Trading Broker Review UK

When I first heard about Vantage Markets, I didn’t know what to expect. Compared to big names like Pepperstone and IG, Vantage seemed to fly under the radar. But after spending time testing their platform, I was pleasantly surprised. Vantage delivers a solid trading experience, especially for CFD traders who value low spreads and fast execution.

Whether you’re looking to trade Forex, commodities, indices, or crypto CFDs, Vantage Markets has built an offering that stands out. With access to platforms like MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and TradingView, it’s clear they’ve designed their service to suit both beginner and advanced traders.

Here’s my breakdown of everything you need to know about Vantage Markets, including their fees, trading platforms, and execution speed.

Is Vantage Markets a Good Broker for UK Traders?

Let’s get into it —Vantage Markets has earned its place as a strong choice for UK traders, particularly those who value low spreads, fast execution, and powerful platforms like MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and TradingView. While it might not boast the sheer number of instruments that brokers like IG or City Index do, I found it to be well-rounded, especially if you’re into forex or commodities.

I found their Raw account particularly good for active traders, while the Standard account is perfect for beginners who want commission-free trading.

Let’s dig deeper into how Vantage performed in key areas.

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Overall Rating – 4.5 / 5 stars

Is Vantage Good for CFD Trading?

Vantage Markets ticks most of the boxes for CFD traders. It offers competitive pricing, excellent platform variety, and regulation by trusted authorities like the FCA and ASIC. While it could expand its range of tradable assets (only at 100+ at time of writing – December 2024) and add proprietary tools for advanced traders, it’s still one of the best brokers I’ve tested this year.

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What Can You Trade on Vantage?

Trading Markets – 4 / 5 stars

Vantage Markets gives you access to over 1,000 tradable instruments, which may not rival the sheer variety of larger brokers like IG but provides enough for most traders. Its focus is on key markets like Forex, indices, and commodities, with some cryptocurrency options for professional traders.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s available:

• Forex: You get access to over 40 currency pairs, including popular majors like EUR/USD and GBP/USD. The spreads on the Raw account are some of the best I’ve seen—starting from 0.0 pips—making it ideal for scalping or high-frequency trading.
• Commodities: Key commodities like gold, silver, oil, and coffee are all available. If you’re a commodities trader, you’ll appreciate the competitive pricing here.
• Indices: Vantage lets you trade global indices like the FTSE 100, S&P 500, and NASDAQ 100. I found the spreads here to be great for day trading.
• Crypto CFDs: While still a niche market, Vantage offers CFDs on popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, which is a plus for traders looking for crypto exposure.

My Experience

I mainly traded forex, where Vantage really shines. There are over 40 currency pairs, including majors like EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and USD/JPY, with spreads that start as low as 0.0 pips on the Raw account. Even during periods of higher volatility, I found the spreads stayed competitive..

Indices like the FTSE 100 and S&P 500 were a highlight. Spreads on these were consistently low, starting from just 0.4 points, and the execution felt seamless. Commodities, including gold, silver, and crude oil, rounded out the offerings nicely although we tested those for the review, they didn’t;t provide anything really different and the spreads were a bit wider.

Verdict

Vantage’s selection is solid, especially if you focus on Forex or commodities. If you need access to individual stocks or a broader variety of ETFs, though, you might find the options a bit limited.

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What Are the Fees on Vantage?

Fees – 4 / 5 stars

The fees on Vantage vary by account – Vantage Markets operates two primary account types for the average UK trader – Standard and Raw, each tailored to different trader needs:

• Raw Accounts: Spreads start from 0.0 pips on major forex pairs, with a £5 per lot round-turn commission. This account is ideal for scalpers and high-frequency traders.
• Standard Accounts: Spread-only model with no commission; spreads start from 1.0 pips on major pairs, suitable for casual or intermediate traders.

When it comes to pricing, Vantage does a great job with their Raw Spread accounts. These accounts give you some of the lowest spreads in the industry, starting from 0.0 pips on major Forex pairs. There’s a £5 per lot round-turn commission, which is pretty standard for brokers offering similar pricing models.

If you prefer commission-free trading, the Standard account might be more your style. The spreads start at 1 pip, which is a bit wider but still competitive for beginner and casual traders.

Other Fees:

• Inactivity Fee: Vantage charges a small fee if your account is inactive for 12 months, but this is common across most brokers.
• Overnight Swap Rates: These apply to trades held overnight, so keep that in mind if you’re planning to hold positions long-term.

My Experience

On the Raw account, spreads were incredibly tight—0.0 pips on major forex pairs like EUR/USD. There’s a £5 per lot round-turn commission, which is competitive. For my trading volume, this setup worked out cheaper than commission-free accounts with wider spreads.

The Standard account, aimed at beginners, offers a spread-only model with no commissions. Spreads here start at 1.0 pip on major pairs. While this account is simpler to use, I found the Raw account more cost-effective for active trading.

One downside was the inactivity fee, which kicks in after 12 months without trading. It’s standard in the industry but worth noting if you’re planning a break from trading.

Verdict

The Raw accounts stand out for their tight spreads and low commissions. The Standard account, while simpler, isn’t quite as competitive. Overall, I’d say Vantage is one of the better brokers for low-cost trading, especially if you’re active.

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What are the Trading Platforms on Vantage?

Trading Platforms – 4.5 / 5 stars

The platforms Vantage supports—MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and TradingView—are among the best in the industry. I spent a lot of time testing them, and they deliver everything you’d expect, from powerful charting tools to advanced automation options.

• MetaTrader 4 (MT4): MT4 remains a favorite for Forex traders, offering plenty of customizable indicators and compatibility with Expert Advisors (EAs) for algorithmic trading. It’s a classic for a reason.
• MetaTrader 5 (MT5): MT5 builds on MT4 with additional features, including more timeframes, more charting tools, and an expanded range of tradable assets. It’s great for traders who need a bit more flexibility.
• TradingView: I was really impressed with Vantage’s TradingView integration. It’s perfect for traders who love technical analysis, with tons of custom indicators and an active social trading community. You can even trade directly from the charts, which is a nice touch.
• Vantage App: Vantage has an app. It’s available on iOS and Android and while this isn’t something to sing and dance about in terms of the functionality – especially compared with some other brokers like AvaTrade – it is a really positive step for trading on-the-go and a nice to have addition.

One thing Vantage lacks is a proprietary desktop platform. While this isn’t a dealbreaker for me, traders who prefer an all-in-one, broker-built experience might find this a limitation.

VPS Access
For algorithmic traders, Vantage offers free VPS access to qualifying accounts. This is a big deal if you’re running automated strategies that require low latency, as the VPS ensures your trades execute with minimal delay.

My Experience

I’m a big fan of MT4 and MT5, and Vantage’s integration with both platforms was a huge plus. Setting up Expert Advisors (EAs) for automated trading was simple, and the execution speeds were spot on. I tested a few EAs, and there was virtually no lag or slippage.

TradingView integration was another standout feature. It’s perfect for traders who rely on advanced charting tools and technical analysis. I loved being able to trade directly from TradingView’s charts, and the social features—like shared strategies— it adds an extra layer of engagement.

Verdict

Between MT4, MT5, and TradingView, Vantage offers everything you need to trade efficiently. While the lack of a proprietary desktop platform might bother some, the VPS service and advanced tools more than make up for it.

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Does Vantage have Good Execution Speed?

Execution Speed – 4.5 / 5 stars

During my tests, Vantage Markets performed exceptionally well on execution speed. Orders were executed almost instantly, thanks to their no-dealing-desk (NDD) model and low-latency infrastructure.

For traders who need the best performance, Vantage also offers free VPS access for high-volume accounts. I tested this with a few of my Expert Advisors (EAs) and was happy to see near-zero slippage and fast order execution, even during peak market hours.

My Experience

On the Raw account, my orders were executed almost instantly. Whether I was trading forex or indices, I noticed minimal slippage—even during high-volatility periods.

For algorithmic trading, Vantage’s free VPS service (available for high-volume traders) was a big advantage. I tested it with a few Expert Advisors, and the low-latency environment ensured smooth operation.

Verdict

Vantage’s execution is top-notch. The combination of fast trade speeds, low latency, and reliable VPS access makes it a great choice for anyone relying on precision and efficiency.

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Is it Easy to Withdraw & Deposit in Vantage?

Deposit & Withdrawal – 4.5 / 5 stars

Depositing and withdrawing funds with Vantage is straightforward and fee-free, which is always a plus. They support a wide range of payment methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets like PayPal and Skrill.

• Deposits: Instant processing for most methods.
• Withdrawals: Took about 1–3 business days during my tests, which is pretty standard.
• Fees: Vantage doesn’t charge any fees for deposits or withdrawals, though third-party payment providers might.

My Experience

Deposits were quick and hassle-free, with options including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets like PayPal. I opted for a bank transfer, which was processed within 24 hours. Withdrawals took slightly longer—around 48 hours—but everything went smoothly.

There are no deposit or withdrawal fees on Vantage’s end, but keep in mind that your bank or payment provider might charge fees for international transfers.

Verdict: Vantage makes depositing and withdrawing funds hassle-free. The variety of methods and lack of fees make it a standout broker in this area.

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Is Vantage a Legit / Regulated Broker in the UK?

Regulation and Security – 4.5 / 5 stars

Yep, Vantage Markets is regulated by both FCA (UK) and ASIC (Australia), two of the most respected financial regulators globally. This means your funds are kept in segregated accounts, and the broker adheres to strict operational standards. They have also won numerous awards for CFD trading from respected news outlets and financial media organisations – whilst this isn’t a regulatory element, it does prove their trustworthiness in the eyes of the finance community. Here’s some of the features of being FCA regulated:

• Negative Balance Protection: You won’t lose more than the funds in your account, which is essential for leveraged trading.
• FSCS Coverage: UK traders are protected up to £85,000 under the Financial Services Compensation Schemein case the broker becomes insolvent.

Verdict: With regulation from both the FCA and ASIC, Vantage Markets is a highly secure and reliable broker. It’s a great choice if safety is a priority for you.

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Is it Easy to Get Started with Vantage?

Onboarding – 4.5 / 5 stars

Getting started with Vantage is quick and easy. I set up an account in under 10 minutes, thanks to their fully digital registration process. After submitting the required documents, my account was verified within 24 hours, and I was ready to trade.

Account Types:
Vantage offers three main account types:

1. Standard Account: Commission-free trading, with spreads starting at 1 pip, ideal for beginners.
2. Raw Spread Account: Tight spreads from 0.0 pips with a £5 round-turn commission, perfect for active traders.
3. Pro Account: Tailored for high-volume professionals, offering the lowest spreads and commissions.

Demo Accounts:
Vantage also provides a free demo account with virtual funds. This is an excellent feature for beginners to practice trading or for experienced traders to test new strategies in a risk-free environment.

Minimum Deposit:
The minimum deposit is £100, making it accessible for most traders.

My Experience

I began by filling out a simple online application form, providing basic personal and financial information. The entire process took me less than 10 minutes. The broker then asked for standard verification documents (a photo ID and proof of address). Once I submitted these, my account was verified within 24 hours.

I appreciated the clear guidance provided throughout the onboarding process. The platform even sends reminders if you miss a step, ensuring you don’t get stuck halfway through. Once verified, I was able to fund my account and start trading immediately.

Verdict

The onboarding process with Vantage Markets is seamless, fast, and beginner-friendly. Whether you’re an experienced trader or just starting, the platform makes it easy to get started.

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Is Vantage Good for Beginner Traders?

Education – 4.5 / 5 stars

Vantage has a wide range of educational material for beginner traders in the UK including:

• Vantage Academy: Video tutorials, webinars, and trading guides to help you improve your skills.
• Daily Market Analysis: Regular updates on market trends and economic events.
• SmartTrader Tools: Add-ons for MT4 and MT5 that enhance risk management and order execution.

My Experience

The education section on the Vantage website includes video tutorials, webinars, and market analysis. The beginner tutorials were particularly useful for newer traders, covering everything from basic forex concepts to more advanced trading strategies. I also attended a couple of webinars, which were well-organised and pretty decent when it came to market trend analysis.

For traders who like to stay informed, the daily market analysis and news updates were a nice touch. I often used these to supplement my own research, and they helped me stay on top of economic events that could impact my trades.

However, the educational resources didn’t feel as comprehensive as what’s available from brokers like IG or City Index. There’s room for Vantage to expand their offering, especially for advanced traders looking for in-depth material.

Verdict

Vantage’s educational tools are solid but could be more robust. For beginners, the content is accessible and helpful, while intermediate traders might find the market analysis useful. Advanced traders, however, might need to look elsewhere for deeper insights.

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FAQs

1. Is Vantage Markets good for algorithmic trading?
Yes, Vantage supports MT4 and MT5, both of which are popular among algorithmic traders because of their EA’s (Expert Advisors). Additionally, it offers free VPS access for high-volume traders, ensuring low-latency execution for automated strategies.

2. What account types does Vantage offer?
Vantage provides three account options:

• Standard Account for beginners and casual traders.
• Raw Spread Account for low-cost trading with tight spreads.
• Pro Account for professional, high-volume traders.

3. Is Vantage Markets regulated?
Yes, Vantage Markets is regulated by the FCA (UK) and ASIC (Australia). These authorities enforce strict operational standards, ensuring a safe trading environment.

4. Are there withdrawal fees?
No, Vantage does not charge any deposit or withdrawal fees. However, you should check with your bank or payment provider, as they may impose charges for international transfers.

5. Can beginners use Vantage Markets?
Definitely. The broker offers a free demo account, excellent educational resources, and straightforward account options that are perfect for new traders.

6. Does Vantage offer negative balance protection?
Yes, retail clients are protected from losing more than their account balance, which is a crucial safeguard when trading with leverage.

7. What is the minimum deposit to start trading with Vantage?
The minimum deposit required is just £100, making it accessible to most traders.

8. Can I use TradingView with Vantage?
Yes, Vantage integrates seamlessly with TradingView, allowing you to trade directly from the platform’s advanced charts.

9. Does Vantage support cryptocurrency trading?
Yes, but cryptocurrency CFDs are only available for professional traders due to UK regulations.

10. How fast are withdrawals processed?
Withdrawals are typically processed within 1–3 business days. In my experience, the process was smooth and hassle-free.