This ForexStart review explores the broker’s regulatory background, account setup, trading platform, and funding options. Known for its ultra-low deposit barrier, ForexStart appeals to beginner traders but lacks regulatory oversight and institutional-grade tools.

Regulation and Safety

ForexStart is an unregulated offshore broker operated by ForexStart Ltd. It does not hold a license from any recognized financial authority. As a result, client protections such as fund segregation, investor compensation schemes, and oversight audits are not guaranteed. Users should exercise caution due to the absence of external regulatory safeguards.

Execution Model and Trading Platforms

ForexStart operates as a market maker (MM) with fixed spread pricing and instant order execution. It uses MetaTrader 4 as its primary platform, accessible via desktop, mobile, and web. There is no proprietary trading platform, FIX API, or VPS hosting available, making it unsuitable for algorithmic or institutional traders.

Markets and Instruments

ForexStart offers a limited range of tradable assets, including:

• Forex (major and minor currency pairs)
• Gold and silver
• Crude oil and natural gas
• Stock indices
• Cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum – limited)

The total number of instruments is under 50, which may restrict trading strategies based on diversification.

Accounts, Spreads and Leverage

ForexStart offers the following account types:

• Standard: Fixed spreads from 2 pips, no commissions
• Mini: Designed for beginners, supports micro-lots
• Demo: Risk-free simulated trading environment
• Islamic: Swap-free available on request

Maximum leverage is 1:1000. The minimum deposit requirement is just $1, with a stop-out level typically set at 20% depending on account type.

Funding and Base Currencies

ForexStart supports a limited set of deposit and withdrawal methods:

• Credit/debit cards
• Bank wire transfers
• WebMoney, QIWI, Yandex.Money
• Bitcoin (BTC)

Base currencies include USD, EUR, and BTC. Deposit processing is often instant, while withdrawals may take up to 3 business days.

Client Protections and Features

Due to its offshore status, ForexStart offers minimal protective features. The following apply:

• No regulatory oversight or compensation scheme
• Negative balance protection not guaranteed
• Basic SSL encryption on the client portal
• No biometric login or two-factor authentication

Institutional and Retail Offering

ForexStart caters exclusively to retail traders. It does not offer any institutional-grade services such as:

• FIX API connectivity
• VPS hosting
• White-label solutions
• Prime brokerage

Retail traders benefit mainly from low entry barriers and simple execution, but lack advanced tools and support.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Minimum deposit of just $1
• High leverage up to 1:1000
• MetaTrader 4 support
• Simple fixed spread model
• Demo and mini accounts available

Cons

• Unregulated broker with no legal protections
• Very limited range of instruments
• No VPS, FIX API, or professional tools
• Low transparency in pricing and execution
• No investor compensation scheme

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ForexStart a regulated broker?

No, ForexStart is not regulated by any financial authority and operates offshore without investor protection frameworks.

What is the minimum deposit at ForexStart?

The minimum deposit is just $1, making it highly accessible for beginner traders.

Does ForexStart offer MetaTrader 5?

No, ForexStart only supports MetaTrader 4 for all live and demo accounts.

Can I trade cryptocurrencies on ForexStart?

Yes, limited cryptocurrency trading is available, including Bitcoin and Ethereum pairs.

Are Islamic accounts offered by ForexStart?

Yes, ForexStart provides swap-free Islamic accounts upon request.