13 mins read
The right broker can make or break a trading journey. Yet, one look at the forex industry shows that there are countless brokers to choose from. Taking the time to research carefully and choose a broker that aligns with personal needs is a vital piece of the puzzle.
I’ve researched and reviewed many brokers over the course of my trading career, and it’s clear that they all have their pros and cons. It’s easy to assume that the big hitters in the broker world will always be the best option, but every trader has different preferences and goals. There is no best fit for all traders collectively, but there will always be one out there for every individual.
One broker that caught my eye over the last few months was TastyFX, the new name for IG Group in the US. While this broker is still part of the IG family, it provides a range of excellent features for beginner and advanced traders alike.
To find out whether this broker is a quality option or not, I conducted an in-depth TastyFX review. I explored the pros and cons, standout features, pricing, and read many community reviews. All of this led me to my final conclusion. To understand where I I wound up, continue reading:
TL;DR
- TastyFX is a highly regulated forex broker, part of the IG Group.
- Offers competitive spreads from 0.8 pips on major pairs.
- Provides a range of platforms including proprietary, MT4, and TradingView.
- Focuses solely on forex trading with 82 currency pairs available.
- Fast execution speeds make it suitable for day traders and scalpers.
- Limited asset classes compared to some competitors (no stocks or crypto).
- Strong customer support and user-friendly interface.
- Volume-based cashback rebates available for active traders.
Criteria Breakdown: How We Evaluated TastyFX
To help me fully assess TastyFX and create an IG Group review, I created a set of criteria. This included regulation, trading platforms and tools, markets, fees, spreads, customer support, educational resources, account types, ease of use, and deposit and withdrawal options. I then rated each area out of five collectively.
This enabled me to develop a fully-rounded overview of TastyFX as a broker, and understand its value and features in more detail.
TastyFX
What TastyFX is Best Known For
IG US recently changed its name to TastyFX. The aim was to create a more bespoke and aligned service for US clients in particular, but the broker remains part of the larger IG Group. Overall, this gives excellent peace of mind because the group has strong regulation and reliability.
TastyFX is a broker with a sole focus on forex, and it offers 82 currency pairs. As a result, it is an excellent option for US forex traders, regardless of ability level. Many platforms are available, including MetaTrader 4, and execution speeds are fast. Many forex traders find TastyFX an attractive choice because of its tight spreads and cost effective environment. Moreover, this broker has excellent customer support and a mobile app for on-the-go trading.
TastyFX is part of the larger IG Group and is a reputable forex broker. Source: TastyFX
Features That Make TastyFX Stand Out
To create a comprehensive TastyFX review, I looked carefully at this broker’s main features and how they stand out from the rest. After all, there are many forex brokers on the market. While MetaTrader 4 is available, amongst other choices, the proprietary platform is excellent quality and has many features. Not only is it very easy to use and intuitive, but it has tools such as charting, watch lists, and real-time market news. Also, TradingView is available, along with ProRealTime integration. Overall, this creates a flexible trading situation and gives the ability to choose according to personal needs and preferences.
While TastyFX may focus solely on forex pairs, it does it very well indeed. With less assets to choose from, it’s easy to learn new skills and develop within forex itself. Additionally, this broker has excellent customer support and fast execution speeds.
Pros
Every broker has its pros and cons. To create this TastyFX review, I focused on the advantages first.
Highly Regulated and Trustworthy
As part of the wider IG Group, TastyFX has excellent regulatory oversight. This broker is registered with RFED (Retail Foreign Exchange Dealer) and CFTC (Commodity Futures Trading Commission). Additionally, it is a member of the National Futures Association (NFA). The sister companies within the IG Group are also highly regulated, with SIC, MAS, and the FCA to name just a few.
TastyFX has an excellent reputation within the forex trading world, which gives peace of mind from the start. This level of regulation means that the broker must follow robust guidelines to ensure transparency and a fair trading environment.
Competitive Spreads on Major Pairs
With a strong focus on forex, TastyFX offers competitive spreads on all major forex pairs. Spreads start at 0.8 pips with no commissions, and margin rates as low as 2%. Additionally leverage is up to 50:1.
A good trading incentive is the cashback offer. High volume traders can cash back rebates on up to 15% of the specific spread, within a tiered system. Tier 1 starts at 5% cash back, tier 2 offers 8%, tier three goes to 10%, before reaching the final 15% at tier 4.
With consistently tight spreads and no commissions, TastyFX is a competitively priced forex broker.
Fast Execution Speeds
Another standout feature of TastyFX is its fast execution speeds. The average is 18ms and TastyFX’s website states that they execute 100% of trades within one second.
Fast execution is vital to ensure potentially profitable trading opportunities are not missed. Compared to other similar brokers, TastyFX certainly has lightning-fast speeds and this is a major highlight of their features.
Powerful Platform Suite
I mentioned TastyFX’s proprietary platform and this consists of many tools that create a full and extremely useful suite. There is a full overview of all market prices, margin rates, and spreads, along with alerts when a market meets predefined criteria. It’s possible to analyze performance across different periods of time, along with news, alerts, and signals.
I found this platform to be easy to use, stable, and intuitive. The design was clean and it was very easy to navigate. It’s also possible to trade directly from charts, and the platform is highly customizable. I would recommend this platform for both beginner and advanced traders as it is very easy to understand quite quickly.
TastyFX also offers MetaTrader 4 and its associated features, along with ProRealTime, which offers over 100 indicators and customizable algorithms. This creates flexibility and allows traders to choose a platform that suits their trading goal and preferences.
Easy to Use
Overall, TastyFX’s platforms, including their proprietary choice, are extremely easy to use and don’t require much navigation. Features are intuitive, and even the advanced tools are relatively simple to understand. This is ideal for beginner traders who may find some other brokers’ platforms too complex at first.
TastyFX’s proprietary platform is high quality and full of features. Source: TastyFX
Cons
While TastyFX certainly has many advantages, there are some areas where it may fall short. To create a well-rounded TastyFX review, here are the main areas that could be improved.
Limited Asset Classes
TastyFX is a forex broker and that means it is impossible to diversify portfolios with different asset classes. Some traders may find this limiting, however for those simply interested in forex, there are many currency pairs to choose from.
Ultimately, choosing one area to excel in is better than focusing on too many areas without quality. Personally, I feel this describes TastyFX very well as it is a strong forex choice.
Withdrawal Fees for Wire Transfers
TastyFX offers a range of options for withdrawals, including credit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. However, there are withdrawal fees associated with wire transfers. This is currently $15 per withdrawal. While this isn’t a considerable amount, it still erodes away at profits, and larger withdrawals will obviously incur significant charges.
Traders who use this broker may prefer to switch their withdrawal method to avoid these charges.
Educational Resources Not Fully Developed
To date, TastyFX doesn’t have access to the full IG Academy, and as a result, their range of educational resources is lacking. There are some webinars, articles, and guides available but these only scratch the surface. Until the academy option becomes available, this is a disadvantage of using TastyFX and affects beginner traders the most.
Limited Account Types
While TastyFX’s standard account is very good quality, it’s the only one available apart from the demo account. However, this account does have everything a forex trader could possibly need. The downside is that it lacks specialization for certain preferences, which may be something some traders find concerning.
The demo account is a great option for beginner traders who want to practice live trading without risking real money.
TastyFX offers fast execution speeds and low spreads. Source: TastyFx
Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations
Overall, TastyFX receives positive feedback from users. Many enjoy the tight spreads and fast execution speeds, along with the fast withdrawals. Customer support also receives many positive mentions. However, some users express concerns about the lack of educational resources, and the sole focus on forex.
“It’s been a great experience! Their integration with TradingView makes charting and executing trades seamless, which is perfect for day traders like me. The platform is user-friendly, and the spreads are very competitive, especially with no commission fees. Customer service has always been responsive whenever I’ve had questions. Overall, it’s reliable and transparent—a great broker for both beginners and experienced traders!” – DonaldPinero via TradingView
“Best Broker I’ve had so far. Never once have I had slippage in price or with my trades. Never have I had them mess with my trade entries or lots in my trades. Low spreads on EUR/USD are very nice as well.” – JustinAngelaRadtke via TradingView
“Haven’t had any issues for the last 4 years. Been with them since they were IG US.” – vJDiZZ via TradingView
Industry experts recommend TastyFX for beginner and advanced forex traders. They highlight the strong regulation and reputation as part of the wider IG Group.
Pricing
TastyFX charges no commissions and has a spread-based pricing structure. Spreads start at 0.8 pips on major pairs.
TastyFX has a spread-based pricing model and no commissions. Source: TastyFX
Alternatives to TastyFX
During my TastyFX review, it became clear that this broker is a strong contender with many features. However, these brokers also deserve a notable mention.
Forex.com US
FOREX.com is a highly regulated, reliable forex broker with a strong focus on trader education. It has tight spreads and low trading costs, along with a large range of forex pairs. Read more in our FOREX.com review.
OANDA US
OANDA US was founded in 1996, so it has a long history in the industry that highlights its reliability. This broker offers forex, CFDs, and cryptocurrencies, although digital currencies are restricted in some regions. The MarketPulse hub is an excellent feature for staying up-to-date with market news. Our OANDA review provides more details.
IC Markets
Founded in 2007, IC Markets is a strong broker with excellent regulatory oversight. It has a large range of trading platforms and instruments available, with tight spreads and low commissions. Read our IC Markets review for more information.
Pepperstone
My final notable mention is Pepperstone, a popular broker with excellent regulatory oversight for peace of mind. This broker offers several platforms, including MetaTrader 4 & 5, several account types, and a range of tradable instruments. There is also a strong focus on trader education. Our Pepperstone review gives more details.
FAQ
Is TastyFX regulated?
TastyFX has strong regulatory oversight, including CFTC and NFA. It is also part of the reputable IG Group, which has a strong reputation and its own robust regulation. Such regulation means the broker must adhere to strict guidelines, ensuring a secure and transparent trading environment.
What trading platforms does TastyFX offer?
TastyFX offers MetaTrader 4, TradingView, and ProRealTime. Additionally, the proprietary platform is extremely high quality and full of tools to make trading easier and more successful. Additionally, this platform is easy to use and is also available in a mobile version for on-the-go trading.
However, MetaTrader 4 is a favored choice for many traders. You can read more in our MetaTrader 4 review.
How do TastyFX’s spreads compare to other brokers?
TastyFX offers tight spreads, starting from 0.8 pips on major forex pairs with no commissions. While this isn’t the lowest spread available in the forex industry, it’s certainly competitive and tight.
There are also volume-based rebates for active traders, which offer a percentage of spreads in cash back rewards.
Can I trade stocks or cryptocurrencies with TastyFX?
TastyFX has a strong focus on forex only, however it does have a wide range, with 82 currency pairs, and they deal with forex very well indeed. Traders who are interested in Bitcoin prices and want to diversify their portfolios with stocks and cryptocurrencies will need to explore other brokers.
How’s the customer support at TastyFX?
The good news is that TastyFX has excellent customer support and receives positive praise from users in this regard. Support is available 25/7 through email, phone, and live chat. The only downside is the lack of support during the weekend, but this is the case with many other brokers too.
Final Thoughts: Is TastyFX Worth Your Time?
Throughout my TastyFX review, I have explored the broker’s pros and cons, features, pricing, and customer reviews. From those findings, I believe TastyFX is an excellent choice of forex broker and it suits both beginner and advanced traders. It is also part of the wider IG Group, which gives peace of mind from the start.
This broker offers tight spreads, fast executions, and competitive pricing. High-volume traders can also work toward cash back rebates, which is another big incentive. In effect, it offers a one-stop-shop for everything forex-related, and the proprietary platform in particular is excellent quality. The only major downside is the lack of other tradable assets, which some traders may find problematic. However, for those who simply want to focus on forex in the best way possible, TastyFX is a solid choice.
Ultimately, choosing the best broker for your personal needs is a vital part of the trading puzzle. It’s important to take the time to identify your personal preferences and goals, and then explore different options. At Top Broker, we have a range of broker reviews, and our forex broker comparison tool is a great place to start. We also offer educational resources to improve your forex trading skills, including a forex basics guide.
Even advanced traders need to stay up-to-date with new developments in the forex world. With a consistent commitment to development and careful decision-making, your trading will be far more successful.
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