9 Best MT4 Forex brokers

BREAKING DOWN THE FEATURES OF THE BEST MT4 TRADING PLATFORM

Your trading experience directly depends on the platform you are using. Most Metatrader 4 brokers offer multiple platform choices to their traders. However, just because a reputable broker uses a specific platform is not a guarantee that it is suitable for your trading needs. Below are some of the factors worth considering.

Availability

Are you planning to use a mobile device or PC? What is the operating system of the device you are using? Are you trading in an MT4 trading platform or using MT4 online? A suitable trading platform allows you to use what you have without incurring extra costs. Most of them are downloadable software that you install on your PC or apps for mobile devices. If you have neither, then you should consider a platform that is available over the web. A stable high-speed internet connection is necessary for internet-based platforms, and most of them are.

The Accuracy of Forex Quotes

The last thing you will want during your trading period is not to be able to monitor changes in the market in a real-time. An MT4 broker plays a crucial role in delivering these quotes. You need to see the changes as soon as they happen. Such a possibility will save you from costly re-quotes. It also enables you to observe your investment as keenly as an eagle watches over its nest.

Management of Orders

A robust Forex broker MT4 platform will make it possible for you to enter all the types of orders that you wish to make, including taking profits and stopping losses among others. Another important feature to consider in this section is the “One Cancels the Other,” OCO feature. It helps in avoiding executing two orders for the same trade.

Freedom to Manage Your Accounts

An ideal trading platform in Forex allows you to keep track of and control some of the critical features of your trading. In collaboration with the MT4 best brokers, you should have all functions that help you keep track of your account balance and monitor the changes in your portfolio on a real-time basis.

Charting and Indicators

The two are some of the most common tools for technical analysis that you will find handy when trading with Metatrader 4 Forex brokers. The levels of sophistication of these tools vary from one platform to another depending on the level of experience of the targeted niche of users. The charts should be able to update in real-time irrespective of the user's level of skills. Some platforms also provide support features that allow traders to trade directly using the information on the charts.

Fundamental Analysis

The functionality provides access to live news feeds from trusted financial news sources such as Associated Press, and Reuters, among others. Traders on platforms have these tools can know when the next significant economic news is due and plan for it. Your MT4 broker can facilitate the integration of these news feeds into the platform, ensuring that traders have access to timely information that can impact the markets.

Security of Personal Information

The heightened levels of cybercrime call for caution when using a platform that operates on the internet. Inquire with your broker to implement the best broker MT4 security measures to safeguard financial information, login credentials, and other personal details. A suitable platform uses secure internet encryption protocols. A backup is also essential in case a hacker takes over the system and data is lost.

Trading Strategy Options

The latest trading trend is the automated trading strategy. It enables traders to program their trading plans such that it triggers automatic transaction execution. It is advisable to go for an MT4 trading platform that allows this feature, even if you are a beginner. You will undoubtedly need it in the future.

Downtime Records

MT4 online downtime is an annoying period when you can perform no transaction on the platform. It becomes a problem when it occurs during the trading hours. You can check a platform’s downtime by checking its uptime records. It should be as close to 100% as possible. Using a Virtual Private Server, VPS also helps during downtimes on your side of the system.

After pointing out the feature that matters when selecting an MT4 trading platform, we turn to the reasons why MT4 is the most popular choice among Forex brokers.

THE BENEFITS OF USING AN MT4 TRADING PLATFORM

The latest trading trend is the automated trading strategy. It enables traders to program their trading plans such that it triggers automatic transaction execution. It is advisable to go for an MT4 trading platform that allows this feature, even if you are a beginner. You will undoubtedly need it in the future.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS TO CONSIDER

Low PC performance requirement

MetaTrader 4 is not one of those performance-intensive programs that take your PC’s memory. Its low computer resource requirement enables faster response to a trading request and real-time market analysis.

Vast choice of trading instruments

MT4 trading platform supports a wide variety of trading instruments such as equities, securities, and commodities. It also allows trading in nearly all types of currencies.

Trader customizations

You can fully customize your MT4 account to suit your needs as well as your taste and preferences. If you have some skills in MQL4 programming, then you can develop your own EA and technical indicators. It also enjoys sizeable online community forums where you can find open-source codes and help with programming issues.

HOW TO SELECT THE RIGHT MT4 FOREX BROKER

The above benefits of the MT4 trading platform have made it a favorite among Forex trade brokers. Nearly all the Forex brokers have MT4 as one of the trading platforms. So how do you select the best broker in such a sea of options? Below are some of the essential factors to consider when hunting for a broker that uses an MT4 platform.

Types of Brokers for Metatrader 4

The first place to start your search is by narrowing it down to a specific kind of brokers with MT4.

Dealing Desk Brokers

The common type is the market-making brokers. They function as counter-parties to every transaction. They buy orders from traders who are selling, hold them, and until they find a buyer willing to pay for the prices they have set. They are also known as dealing desk brokers. You will not be able to access the actual market prices with these brokers, and there is always a conflict of interest. They are a good option if you plan to trade in small amounts. They also come in handy during volatile market scenarios.

Non-Dealing Desk Brokers

The other MT4 broker types are the Non-dealing desk ones. They provide a trader with direct access to the liquidity provider and other traders. Straight Through Processing (STP) and Electronic Communication Network, ECN is the type of broker in this category. They may have overlapping features, but they are different in principle. A significant difference is that STPs do not have a Depth of Market Functionality. MT4 ECN is available for ECN Forex brokers.

COMPLIANCE WITH RELEVANT REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS

MT4 Forex brokers are subject to regulation. The name of these regulatory bodies and their needs vary from country to country. In the US for example, two agencies regulate the operations of Forex brokers namely: the National Futures Association, NFA, and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. A legitimate Forex dealer will have CFTC registration and be a member of the NFA.

Dealing with duly regulated MT4 Forex brokers ensures security for your deposit. If the broker collapses, you stand to be compensated by the regulating economy. In some countries such as the UK, the government protects the amount a trader invests with any of the licensed brokers.

ACCOUNT REQUIREMENTS

The above two factors will eliminate most of the MT4 Forex brokers leaving you with legitimate ones only. You can now focus on the intricacies that make them different from each other. The first place to look is the different account offerings and requirements. They include:

Minimum account size: Some MT4 Forex brokers require deposits as low as $50. STP and ECN brokers, however, are for high rollers and experts. The minimum deposit for these brokers ranges between $10,000 and $50,000 even if they operate on the ECN MT4 platform.

Leverage: It is an attractive feature because it enhances your chances of winning big and increases your purchasing power. A leverage of 100:1, for example, gives a trader with a $1000 investment the purchasing power of $100,000. However, it is essential to use these cautiously as the same factor also multiplies the losses.

The mode of compensation: MT4 Forex brokers get their cut in two ways, charging commission or widening the spread. ECN brokers charge a commission on each transaction since they are not participants but only facilitators. Market makers, on the other hand, make money on the spreads. None of the options is outrightly better than the other. The Commission-based brokers charge highly while market makers always price the spread to protect their bottom line, not that of the traders.

ADDITIONAL ACCOUNT REQUIREMENTS TO LOOK FOR

COMMODITY AND CURRENCY

Even though the MT4 platform allows for several choices of trading instruments as well as currencies, the interest of traders vary. One may choose to deal with a specific pair of commodities while another prefers currencies. In the end, the broker you settle for should be offering your instruments of interest.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Though the last on this list, it is the most important. You need to be sure that you can get help promptly when you need it. A worthy MT4 Forex broker will employ real people to handle its customers. You can get a glimpse into the dealer’s customer service by calling them and asking questions on features such as the account requirement details and trade volume.

HOW TO SET UP A BROKER ON METATRADER 4

Follow these steps to add Forex brokers with MT4:

1. Download and install MT4: Visit the broker's website and download the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform. Follow the installation instructions provided, and ensure that you download the version compatible with your operating system.

2. Open a new account: Launch the MT4 platform and click on the "File" menu. Select "Open an Account" to access the account registration form. Fill in the required information, including the MT4-broker name or the server name, and select the account type (existing trade account or new real account).

3. Login to your account: Once your account is successfully registered, go to the "File" menu and select "Login to Trade Account." Enter your account login credentials, including the account number and password provided by the broker during the account registration process.

4. Connect to the broker's server: After entering your account details, click on the drop-down menu next to the "Server" field and select the server provided by your broker. The server name is typically provided in the account confirmation email or on the broker's website. Click "Login" to establish a connection with the broker's server.

5. Customize settings: Upon successfully logging in, you can customize various settings in the MT4 platform to suit your preferences. This includes adjusting chart display settings, setting up notifications, adding technical indicators, and configuring trade execution preferences. Explore the platform's options and tools to personalize your trading environment.

6. Deposit funds and start trading: To begin trading, deposit funds into your MT4 account. Depending on the broker, you can choose from various deposit methods, such as bank transfers, credit/debit cards, or electronic payment systems. Visit the broker's website to initiate the deposit process.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MT4 AND MT5

MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) are widely recognized as the leading trading platforms in the world, designed by MetaQuotes Software Corp. While it may seem that MT5 is an improved version of MT4, various technical aspects separate the two platforms, including the programming language, available technical indicators, and graphical analysis tools.

Understanding the differences between MT4 and MT5 is crucial in determining which brokers with MT4 or MT5 best suits your needs. Consult our comprehensive MT4 vs. MT5 comparison guide.

CONCLUSION

You can start your MT4 online trading by using the most widely used platform, the MetaTrader 4. It has sufficient information and community support than most of the new platforms. You will join a community of tens of millions of traders. Only ensure you choose a licensed, reliable, and reputable MT4 Forex broker that suits your trading needs.

In conclusion, the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform stands out as a powerful and versatile trading platform that offers numerous features and opportunities for both novice and experienced traders. When choosing the best brokers for MetaTrader 4, it is important to consider several factors:

- The trustworthiness of the broker should be assessed, including their regulatory status and reputation in the industry.

- The range of tradeable securities offered

- Pricing: Look for brokers with competitive spreads, low commissions, and transparent fee structures to optimize your trading costs.

- Customer service quality should not be overlooked.

- Ensure that your chosen MT4 broker offers comprehensive risk management features, including stop-loss orders and negative balance protection.

- Accurate and reliable FX data is crucial for making informed trading decisions.

- Consider MT4 brokers that offer additional tools, indicators, and automated trading solutions to tailor your trading strategies.

For beginner traders, it is beneficial to choose a broker that provides educational resources, tutorials, and videos specifically tailored to using MT4. This facilitates a smoother learning curve and enables you to grasp the platform's functionalities more efficiently.

FAQs

Is MT4 Good for Forex?

MT4 is the best platform to trade Forex offering a plethora of features that make it a preferred choice among traders. The MT4 trading platform provides an extensive range of industry-standard tools, a user-friendly interface, and advanced charting capabilities, and boasts unique things like automated trading through Expert Advisors. Furthermore, MT4 offers mobile trading apps for iOS and Android devices, ensuring that traders can access their accounts anytime, anywhere

What Is MT4?

MetaTrader 4 (MT4) is a trading platform developed by MetaQuotes in 2005 that can be used for both manual and automated trading to trade on the Foreign exchange market and other CFD instruments. It is the interface between the forex trader and the trading markets. You can compare the best MT4 brokers using our proprietary and customizable comparison table.

How Much Does MT4 Cost?

The MetaTrader 4 is completely free to use. There are no fees or charges for using the platform whether you have a demo or live account. However, there are trading costs associated with Forex trading including commissions, spreads, rollover fees, and in some instances account management fees and or inactivity fees. Find the best broker for MT4 with the lowest spread HERE.

What Is an MT4 Broker?

An MT4 broker is a financial institution or brokerage firm that provides access to the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) trading platform. Ultimately the broker is a financial services company that provides traders access to a platform for buying and selling foreign currencies, the ability to execute different types of trades access real-time market data, utilize technical analysis tools, and implement automated trading strategies using the MT4 platform.

It's important to note that while many forex brokers offer MT4, it's crucial to choose a reputable and regulated broker to ensure a secure trading experience. An example of a Forex broker for Metatrader 4 platform that is regulated in tier-1 jurisdictions is Pepperstone.

Do I Need an MT4 Broker?

You can't place any real trades within the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) or MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms unless you open a live account with a supporting broker.

These platforms rely on the support of brokers to facilitate real trades in the Forex market.

The best Forex brokers for MetaTrader 4 offer clients the opportunity to access both demo accounts and live accounts. Demo accounts within MT4 are invaluable for traders as they provide a risk-free environment for practicing trading strategies using virtual funds. It is through these demo accounts that traders can gain familiarity with the platform's features and functionalities before venturing into live trading.

Are All Brokers in MT4 Legit?

While the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform itself is widely recognized as a legitimate and reputable trading platform, it is important to note that not all brokers using MT4 can be considered legit. The legitimacy of an MT4 broker is not solely based on the platform they use, but rather on the reputation and regulation of the broker itself.

It is crucial to exercise caution and due diligence when selecting a broker, especially in the online trading industry where scams can exist. There may be unregulated or fraudulent brokers claiming to offer MT4 services, and it is essential to be aware of such risks.

To ensure the legitimacy of a broker, it is recommended to thoroughly research and investigate their background. Look for information about their regulation by respected financial institutions and check if they have a solid reputation in the industry. Some of the best MT4 brokers have multiple licenses in tier-1 jurisdictions and positive reviews from their customers.

Is MT4 US Regulated?

MetaTrader 4 (MT4) it's regulated by a varied list of regulatory organizations from across the world from the US to Asia, MT4 is adopted by a majority of brokers which ensures compliance with strict rules that provides a sense of security. In the United States, where forex trading is highly regulated, there are two primary regulatory organizations responsible for overseeing the foreign exchange market and MT4 Forex brokers. These organizations are the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the National Futures Association (NFA).

Can I Use MetaTrader 4 with TD Ameritrade?

TD Ameritrade does not offer copy trading or MetaTrader. At TD Ameritrade, clients can choose between web platforms, ThinkorSwim desktop and web, and multiple mobile trading Apps that are fully customizable, offer an intuitive interface, and advanced trading tools among others. Only MT4 Forex brokers offer access to the MetaTrader platform.