eToro Review
4.9
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 76% 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.
eToro is a user-friendly forex broker perfect for novice traders. With an intuitive platform and social trading features, it offers a simple and collaborative trading experience.
eToro's platform is visually appealing and easy to navigate, making trade execution and portfolio monitoring effortless for beginners.
Through social trading, users can learn from experienced traders and replicate successful trades, fostering a supportive learning environment.
eToro provides a diverse range of tradable assets, including currencies, commodities, stocks, and cryptocurrencies, allowing traders to explore various markets.
While eToro's research tools are basic compared to some competitors, its simplicity and social trading features make it an attractive choice for beginners.
Note: eToro has a fee structure that includes spreads and overnight fees, in addition to commission-free trading.
In summary, eToro is a beginner-friendly forex broker with a straightforward platform and social trading capabilities, ideal for traders new to the market.
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Big on social trading feature
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0% commission fee on stocks
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3000,+ assets
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Copy experienced traders
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Easy to use platform and app
Overview
Year founded
Minimum deposit
Withdrawal fee amount
Available Offerings
Platforms available
2007
50$
5$
Stock, ETF, Forex, CFD, Crypto
Mobile, Web
Account Opening
Opening an account on eToro is an effortlessly swift process, and the minimum deposit requirement is comparably affordable for the majority of countries. eToro provides users with two straightforward types of accounts: a live account for real trading and a demo account where you can explore the platform using virtual funds as a test run. The process of opening an account is smooth and entirely digital, ensuring a hassle-free experience. The speed of the process is impressive, as we successfully opened an account within a single day. To begin, you simply need to register using your email, Facebook, or Google account. Once completed, you gain immediate access to the trading platform, enabling you to start trading with a $100,000 demo account. If you decide to take it a step further and fund your account with real money, you will need to verify your identity and residency by uploading the necessary documents. For identity verification, you are required to provide a copy of your passport or personal ID as proof. In order to verify your residency, a copy of a utility bill or bank statement will serve as the required documentation.
Safety
eToro is subject to regulation by esteemed financial authorities such as the FCA, ASIC, and CySEC, ensuring high standards of compliance. However, it is important to note that eToro is not publicly listed on any stock exchange and does not have a banking institution as its parent company. eToro adheres to regulatory oversight from prominent institutions including the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) of the United Kingdom, and the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC). eToro operates through three distinct legal entities, catering to customers based on their country of residence. This differentiation is significant as the specific entity you are associated with determines the level of investor protection you receive. Citizens of the United Kingdom have the option to open an account with eToro (UK) Limited, ensuring their protection under the FCA. In the event of eToro's insolvency, clients associated with eToro UK can expect compensation up to a maximum amount of £85,000, guaranteed by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). Australian clients are served by eToro AUS Capital Pty Ltd, ABN 66 612 791 803 AFSL 491139, regulated by ASIC, the Australian financial authority. However, ASIC does not mandate a specific amount for investor protection. For other investors, their live trading accounts are established with eToro (Europe) Limited, regulated by CySEC, the Cypriot watchdog. The maximum investment protection coverage at eToro Europe is set at €20,000, as determined by the Cypriot Investors Compensation Fund. All clients who register with the aforementioned three entities are eligible for eToro's private insurance, which offers coverage up to £/$/€ 1,000,000 for cash, securities, and CFDs. This insurance is provided by Lloyd's and comes into effect in the event of eToro's insolvency. It's worth noting that this additional layer of protection is a valuable inclusion, as not all brokers offer such coverage beyond regulatory requirements. However, it is important to acknowledge that eToro reserves the right to withdraw this insurance at any given time. Cryptocurrencies do not fall under the umbrella of investor protection. eToro offers negative balance protection for CFD trading, specifically for retail clients from the European Union and Australia. However, it's important to note that professional clients do not have the benefit of negative balance protection. For further information, please refer to eToro's Regulation and License page for detailed insights. Established in 2007, eToro is headquartered in Israel.
Risk Disclaimer
Trading securities carries a significant level of risk. When it comes to margin-based foreign exchange trading, off-exchange derivatives, and cryptocurrencies, there is substantial exposure to various risks. These risks include, but are not limited to, leverage, creditworthiness, limited regulatory protection, and market volatility. They can have a significant impact on the price or liquidity of a currency or related instrument. It is important to note that the methods, techniques, or indicators provided in these products may not necessarily yield profits, and there is a possibility of incurring losses. For more information on the risks associated with forex trading, please refer to further resources.
Summary
How does eToro operate? eToro offers commission-free stock trading with a smooth and efficient account opening process. It boasts a range of innovative features, such as social trading and the ability to copy other successful traders. Moreover, eToro provides a wide selection of cryptocurrencies for trading.
However, there are certain limitations to be aware of. eToro charges a $5 withdrawal fee, and it only supports USD accounts, which means that if your funding currency is not USD, you may incur high conversion costs for deposits and withdrawals. Contacting customer support can be challenging, and their educational materials could be improved.
It is essential to note that CFDs (Contracts for Difference) are intricate financial instruments that carry a high risk of rapid capital loss due to leverage. As per this provider, 77% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. It is crucial to consider whether you comprehend the workings of CFDs and whether you can afford the significant risk of losing your funds.