AvaTrade

AvaTrade Spread Betting Review: UK 2024

When I first heard about AvaTrade, I had heard about its reputation for being both beginner-friendly and powerful enough for experienced traders. With over 15 years in the game and millions of registered users, AvaTrade has built a solid name for itself globally. But does it live up to the hype? After spending time exploring its platform, features, and overall trading experience, here’s our breakdown of AvaTrade—its strengths, weaknesses, and everything in between.

Overall Rating – 4.8 / 5 stars

In Summary: AvaTrade has a lot going for it, especially when it comes to its comprehensive platform offerings, beginner-friendly features, and strong regulatory framework. The broker provides access to MetaTrader 4 and 5, along with its proprietary AvaTradeGO app, which I found surprisingly user-friendly and packed with useful tools. AvaTrade also offers competitive spreads, strong customer support, and impressive educational resources, making it a great option for both new and experienced traders.

Pros

Cons

1. Trading Markets – 4.5 / 5 stars

AvaTrade offers a solid range of trading instruments with over 1,250+ (14 pages of items on spread betting instruments alone…), covering all the basics you’d expect along with a few extras. It’s worth noting their strong range in specific categories. They provide access to over 50 forex pairs, 650+ stocks, 45 indices, and 60 ETFs.

Here’s what’s available:

• Forex: Over 50 currency pairs, covering majors, minors, and exotics. This variety is great if you’re into forex trading and like the option to trade less common pairs.
• Indices: AvaTrade lets you trade indices from all major markets, including the S&P 500, NASDAQ, FTSE 100, and DAX 30. I personally love having access to these indices because they allow you to speculate on the broader economy.
• Stocks: AvaTrade offers CFDs on a wide selection of global & US stocks, letting you trade top companies without the need for traditional share ownership.
• Commodities: For those who enjoy trading commodities, you’ll find the likes of gold, silver, oil, and other popular options.
• Cryptocurrencies: AvaTrade has one of the more robust crypto offerings I’ve seen for professional traders among brokers, with several popular coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple available.

Verdict: In my experience, AvaTrade’s diverse asset range provides a lot of flexibility, especially for those who want to spread bet across different markets. This makes it a versatile choice whether you’re looking to trade forex or speculate on the price of commodities and cryptocurrencies.

2. Fees – 4 / 5 stars

When it comes to fees, AvaTrade keeps things pretty straightforward. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

• Spreads: Spreads start from around 0.9 pips on major forex pairs, which is competitive though not the tightest on the market. However, for the average trader, this is still reasonable.
• Commission: AvaTrade operates on a zero-commission model for most assets, which I found refreshing. This means the main cost is the spread, without additional commission fees eating into your profits.
• Inactivity Fee: One downside to be aware of is the inactivity fee. After 3 months of inactivity, a £50 fee is charged, increasing to £100 after a year. While this is fairly standard, it’s a bit higher than some other brokers, so be mindful of keeping your account active if you’re not trading regularly.
• No Deposit Fees: Depositing funds into your AvaTrade account doesn’t incur any fees, which is always a nice touch.

Verdict: In general, AvaTrade’s fee structure is competitive for a retail-friendly broker. I didn’t encounter any hidden fees, which makes it a good choice if you want transparency with your trading costs. For high-volume traders, however, it may be worth comparing spreads to other brokers to see if there’s a better deal.

3. Trading Platforms – 5 / 5 stars

OK this is where AvaTrade really shined, it has a massive range of platforms (although no cTrader) which frankly most others can’t even compete with, including a proprietary mobile app AvaTradeGO, which is super smooth and is constantly updated. It’s like AvaTrade are secretly a tech company that has been working on this platform for years.

Whilst you won’t get TradingView off the bat (I didn’t try to!) or cTrader, you won’t be disappointed by the actual trading experience, as along with their educational materials, this is something that AvaTrade seems to have spent a lot of time & money investing in.

Here’s a look at each one:

• MetaTrader 4 (MT4): The classic choice for forex traders, MT4 offers extensive tools, customizable indicators, and support for automated trading. I’ve used MT4 extensively, and it’s always reliable.
• MetaTrader 5 (MT5): MT5 builds on MT4 with additional timeframes, indicators, and order types. It’s ideal for those looking for a bit more depth in their analysis.
• AvaTradeGO: AvaTrade’s proprietary mobile app is a real highlight to be honest. I found the interface clean and intuitive, with features like one-tap trading, price alerts, and market trends that are incredibly user-friendly. If you’re trading on the go, AvaTradeGO is not a bad way to do it!
• AvaSocial: AvaSocial is AvaTrade’s dedicated social trading app, which allows users to follow, copy, and interact with experienced traders. This app is especially beneficial for beginners who want to learn trading by observing the strategies of more experienced traders. AvaSocial connects to MT4 accounts, enabling direct integration of strategies, which enhances the copy-trading experience.
• AvaOptions: An interesting one here as I haven’t seen a good options provider in a while given the UK’s somewhat stringent rules on options trading for retail traders, however, you can trade ‘European style options’ under Ava Options and have access to around 42 FX pairs and gold and silver so that’s pretty good, definitely worth trying.
• WebTrader: For those who prefer browser-based trading, AvaTrade’s WebTrader provides a seamless experience with real-time trading and charting tools.

Having access to both MT4 and MT5, along with their proprietary AvaTradeGO app, gives you the flexibility to choose the platform that best suits your trading style.

Verdict: Personally, I enjoy using AvaTradeGO for quick trades on my mobile, but having MT5 as an option on my desktop is a great backup. Would like to see TradingView integration as most brokers are offering that these days, but the platform they offer more than makes up for it.

4. Execution Speed – 4.5 / 5 stars

In my experience, AvaTrade’s execution speed is solid. Trades are executed almost instantaneously, with minimal slippage even during high-volatility times. This is crucial for scalpers and high-frequency traders who rely on fast execution to capture small market moves. AvaTrade also uses Direct Market Access (DMA) for certain trades, ensuring that you’re getting the best possible price.

Verdict: Nothing to complain about here, solid execution times when tested by our team.

5. Deposit & Withdrawal – 4.5 / 5 stars

Making deposits and withdrawing from AvaTrade was pretty straightforward. Here’s what I found:

• Payment Methods: AvaTrade supports a variety of payment methods, including credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller.
• Speed: Withdrawals are typically processed within 1–2 business days. My own experience was smooth enough – I didn’t have any issues but would appreciate a bit more speed.
• Fees: There are no deposit fees, which is great, but be mindful of bank charges if you’re using wire transfers.

I just deposited with my Visa debit card, which was super simple…but I found the withdrawal speed to be fairly average not ‘same-day’ or ‘1-day’ processing so it’s not the fastest around, so if you’re looking for ultra-quick withdrawals, keep this in mind.

Verdict: Solid options for deposits and withdrawal speeds are not bad.

6. Regulation and Safety – 4 / 5 stars

AvaTrade is regulated by several top-tier financial authorities, including the Central Bank of Ireland, ASIC in Australia, and FSCA in South Africa, among others. This multi-jurisdictional regulation gives me confidence in the broker’s credibility and commitment to client safety. However…

While AvaTrade is regulated by multiple authorities, including the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) and ASIC, it’s important to note that it isn’t directly regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and isn’t covered by the FSCS (Financial Services Compensation Scheme). For UK clients, AvaTrade operates under its CBI license from Ireland, which still offers a high level of oversight but does not provide the FSCS protection available from UK-regulated brokers​.

Verdict: No FCA license might put off UK traders, and provide a barrier to entry for some UK traders looking for that piece of mind.

7. Onboarding – 4.5 / 5 stars

Signing up with AvaTrade was smooth and hassle-free. Here’s how it works:

• Minimum Deposit: £100, which is accessible for most new traders.
• Account Verification: The process took me about 10 minutes, and I was verified within a day. You’ll need to provide standard documents, such as proof of ID and address, but it’s nothing out of the ordinary.
• Account Types: AvaTrade keeps it simple with one main account type for retail traders. However, they also offer a Professional Account with higher leverage options for those who qualify.

Verdict: Overall, AvaTrade’s onboarding process is straightforward, with a quick verification process. The lack of complex account types makes it beginner-friendly, and the minimum deposit is affordable, making it accessible to new traders.

8. Education – 5 / 5 stars

AvaTrade’s educational resources are probably the best I’ve ever seen, frankly. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced trader, there’s something here for everyone. Here’s what’s available:

• Trading Webinars: Weekly webinars covering everything from market analysis to trading psychology.
• Educational Videos: A comprehensive library of videos that breaks down trading concepts into easy-to-understand lessons.
• Economic Calendar: Keep track of major economic events that could impact your trades.
• Trading Guides: Detailed guides that cover various aspects of trading, from the basics to advanced strategies.

Also… video content! Finally a broker that has decent & comprehensive videos for beginners learning to trade. This is huge in the world of spread betting and I massively appreciate the time and effort they put in here. I found the trading guides & videos to be particularly helpful, as they’re well-organized and provide actionable insights.

Verdict: Even if you don’t end up using AvaTrade, just visit their educational content whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced trader, there are things to learn.

9. Customer Support – 4.5 / 5 stars

I reached out to AvaTrade’s customer support via live chat and found the team to be helpful and knowledgeable although i did have to get past a bot at first! They offer support 24/5, with email and phone options available as well. The support was quick to respond (1 day) and addressed my questions effectively, which is exactly what you need when trading.

Verdict: My suggestion would be to ditch or improve the bot as the first customer service touchpoint as they have an excellent team who provide dedicated support and are frankly quite brilliant.

FAQs

1. Can You Spread Bet Through AvaTrade?
Yes, AvaTrade offers spread betting for UK clients, allowing you to trade forex, indices, commodities, and more with tax-free profits.

2. What Platforms Does AvaTrade Offer?
AvaTrade supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, AvaTradeGO, and WebTrader, providing multiple ways to trade.

3. Does AvaTrade Offer Islamic Accounts?
Yes, Islamic accounts are available for clients who need swap-free trading in compliance with Sharia law.

4. Is AvaTrade Regulated?
Absolutely. AvaTrade is regulated in multiple jurisdictions, including the Central Bank of Ireland and ASIC, making it a safe choice for traders globally.

5. Does AvaTrade allow copy trading?

Yes AvaTrade has the AvaSocial app which allows users to socialise and copy trade. It’s especially useful for beginners looking to learn spread betting.

Is AvaTrade a Good Broker?

After diving into AvaTrade’s offerings, I can confidently say it’s a solid choice for both beginners and advanced traders. The platform variety, strong regulatory framework, and educational resources make it an accessible and secure option.

While the spreads might not be the tightest around; the strong support for beginner traders through their educational materials, their platform offerings (which are excellent) and the general trading experience more than make up for it and you can tell that they are a really dedicated broker when it comes to spread betting.

In short, if you’re looking for a reliable, user-friendly broker with plenty of options to grow as a trader, AvaTrade is definitely worth considering.

Author Profile

James Warwick

Director of SpreadBet & Experienced Trader at Spread Bet | Website

James is a former FTSE100 AI Director and trader with 10+ years trading his own capital. He is the Managing Director of SpreadBet.AI and currently trades his own capital through both CFD trading & spread betting as well as working with one of the leading prop firms in the world.