What We Tested
- Account type: Innovative Liquidity Connector ($1,500 starting balance for test)
- Platform: cTrader Desktop
- Trading period: 3 months, 65 trades executed
- Pairs tested: EURUSD, Crypto CFDs
- Withdrawal tests: 2 successful (Skrill, Bank Wire)
- Support tests: 3 inquiries via live chat
Testing focused on verifying the raw spreads and commission structure, which requires a substantial initial deposit.
Regulation & Safety
TradeView is regulated by CIMA, a regulatory body considered less stringent than Tier-1 authorities:
- CIMA (Cayman Islands) – Tier-3 regulation. Offers basic oversight but limits client fund protection.
Spreads & Execution
| Pair/Asset | ILC Raw Avg Spread | Commission (ILC) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD | 0.2 pips | $7.00/lot RT | Average ECN commission |
| GBP/USD | 0.4 pips | $7.00/lot RT | Average ECN commission |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | 15 pips | $7.00/lot RT | Competitive raw pricing |
ILC (Innovative Liquidity Connector) account offers raw spreads with commission ($7 RT).
Execution Model and Quality
- Execution Model: ECN/STP (No Dealing Desk)
- Commission Cost: $7.00 RT per lot (Average/High)
- Speed: Acceptable speed, suitable for day trading.
Execution is clean and reliable, consistent with an NDD model. However, the overall cost of trading is uncompetitive due to the high commission rate.
High Minimum Deposit ($1,000)
TradeView imposes a high entry barrier that is no longer competitive in the retail ECN market:
- Barrier to Entry: $1,000 minimum deposit discourages beginners and small accounts.
- Lack of Value: Tier-1 regulated ECN brokers often offer lower commission and faster execution with a $200 minimum deposit (e.g., IC Markets).
The $1,000 minimum deposit does not unlock premium execution or lower fees, making it an unnecessary hurdle for most traders.
Account Types & Fees
Innovative Liquidity Connector (ECN)
- Min deposit: $1,000
- Spreads: From 0.0 pips (avg 0.2 pips)
- Commission: $7.00/lot RT
- Best for: Experienced traders requiring high minimums.
Other Fees
- Deposit fees: $0 (all methods)
- Withdrawal fees: $0 (all methods, generally).
- Inactivity fee: None
- Swap rates: Standard overnight financing applies; Islamic accounts available.
Deposits & Withdrawals (Tested)
Funding supports common methods and is generally fee-free:
| Method | Amount | Processing Time | Fees | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Card/Debit Card | $500 | 1 business day | $0 | Broker covers fees. |
| Bank Wire | $1,000 | 3-5 business days | $0 | External fees may apply. |
| Skrill/Neteller | $200 | Same day (4 hours) | $0 | Fastest methods tested. |
Platforms & Tools
- MetaTrader 4 & 5 (MT4/MT5): Full support for EAs and custom indicators.
- cTrader: Professional ECN platform with depth of market.
Our Take: Platform support is excellent (MT4/MT5/cTrader), catering well to ECN traders.
Customer Support (Tested)
TradeView offers multilingual 24/5 support:
- Live Chat: 24/5, responsiveness is average.
- Quality: Customer service is functional but often relies on generic compliance answers.
Support is adequate but does not justify the high entry barrier.
PROS
- MT4/MT5/cTrader platform variety.
- Clean ECN execution and low raw spreads.
- Zero deposit/withdrawal fees.
CONS
- High minimum deposit ($1,000).
- Primary regulation is Tier-3 (CIMA) — weak oversight.
- Commission on ILC Account ($7.00 RT) is average, not industry low.
- Lack of competitive advantage over Tier-1 regulated brokers.
Who Should Use TradeView?
- Great fit: Traders who must use a CIMA regulated entity due to geographic restrictions.
- Not ideal: Anyone prioritizing Tier-1 safety (FCA/ASIC), or any trader with under $1,000 capital. Use IC Markets or Pepperstone instead.
Final Verdict
TradeView offers reliable ECN execution and good platform variety (MT4/MT5/cTrader). However, its value proposition is severely undermined by two factors: the high $1,000 minimum deposit and the weak Tier-3 CIMA regulation.
The $7.00 RT commission is average and fails to compete with low-cost leaders. For this price, traders should expect Tier-1 regulation.
The high barrier to entry combined with weak oversight places TradeView in the 'Below Average' category.