Why AvaTrade Ranks #2 in 2026
Updated May 2026 | Based on live account testing
We tested 14 brokers with funded accounts. AvaTrade scored 4.6 out of 5, behind only Exness (4.7). This is not a promotional page. Here is exactly what AvaTrade does well, where it falls short, and why it earned the #2 position.
What AvaTrade does better than most brokers
9 regulatory licences across 6 jurisdictions. AvaTrade is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland, ASIC, FSCA, FSA Japan, ADGM Abu Dhabi, FRSA, ISA, KNF, and CySEC. Most brokers hold 2 to 4 licences. AvaTrade holds 9. That means your funds are protected under multiple compensation schemes simultaneously.
AvaProtect: built-in trade insurance. No other major broker offers this. AvaProtect lets you protect a specific trade against losses for a fixed premium. If the trade goes against you within the protection window, you get refunded. It is essentially an options-like risk cap built directly into the platform with one click.
Copy trading via AvaSocial. AvaTrade's copy trading is integrated directly into the platform rather than relying on third-party services. You can follow and automatically copy traders with verified track records. The minimum to start copying is $200.
Multi-platform flexibility. AvaTrade supports MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO (proprietary mobile app), AvaOptions for vanilla options, and WebTrader. Most brokers lock you into MT4/MT5 only. If you want options trading alongside forex, AvaTrade is one of few regulated brokers that offers it.
Where AvaTrade loses to the competition
Spreads are not the tightest. AvaTrade's EUR/USD spread averages 0.9 pips on the standard account. Exness, IC Markets, and FP Markets offer 0.0 pip raw spreads with a $7 per lot commission. For scalpers doing 20+ trades per day, the spread difference adds up. For swing traders, it is less significant.
$50 inactivity fee after 3 months. If you stop trading for 3 months, AvaTrade charges $50 per quarter. Exness and IC Markets charge nothing.
$100 minimum deposit. Not a high bar, but Exness starts at $1 and IC Markets at $200 with tighter spreads. For traders who want to test with very small amounts, Exness is more accessible.
AvaTrade vs Exness: head to head
| Category | AvaTrade | Exness |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 4.6 / 5 | 4.7 / 5 |
| Regulatory Licences | 9 | 7 |
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.9 pips | 0.0 pips + $7 |
| Min. Deposit | $100 | $1 |
| Withdrawal Speed | 1-2 business days | Instant |
| Copy Trading | AvaSocial (built-in) | Third-party only |
| Risk Protection | AvaProtect | None |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, GO, Options | MT4, MT5 |
| Inactivity Fee | $50 / quarter | None |
| Islamic Account | Available | Available |
Who should choose AvaTrade over Exness
- Traders who prioritize regulation and want the broadest regulatory protection (9 licences, 6 jurisdictions)
- Beginners who want copy trading, educational resources, and AvaProtect to limit risk while learning
- Options traders who want vanilla forex options alongside standard spot trading
- Mobile-first traders who want a polished proprietary app (AvaTradeGO)
- Investors copying others via AvaSocial with verified performance data
Open an AvaTrade account in under 5 minutes. Regulated by 9 authorities. $100 minimum deposit.
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