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Exness Broker Review — South Africa

Item: Exness
Rating: 4.4
Author: TradeFX

4.4

/ 5

1500

matches to this broker

Score out of 2,500: This reflects how many South African traders would likely match with this broker, based on an algorithm that compares the broker’s offering to the typical needs of South African traders.

26 January, 2026
Accepts South African Traders - Yes

Nicole Henn

Allen Henn

Reviewed by

Minimum deposit

ZAR 200

USD 10

Platforms

MT4, Web Trading, MT5, Proprietary Trading Platform, Mobile App Trading

Regulation

FSCA (South Africa), FSA (Seychelles), FSC (British Virgin Islands), FSC (Mauritius), CySEC (Cyprus), FCA (UK), CMA (Kenya), CBCS (Curaçao and Sint Maarten), JSC (Jordan)

Tradable Markets

Forex, Commodities, Indices, Shares / Equities, Crypto, Precious Metals, Energy Markets

TradeFX Rating

4.4

/ 5

TFX Overall Score

The TradeFX score is calculated using our independent methodology, based on multiple broker criteria including regulation, fees, platform features, and trader experience.

We review and update our data regularly to keep comparisons current.

Exness scores well on TradeFX for South African traders thanks to broad platform access (MT4/MT5 + Exness Terminal), a strong CFD market mix, and a pricing setup that can suit both casual and active traders depending on the account you choose.

It holds up well on the day-to-day basics — quick onboarding, solid mobile/web access, and generally smooth order placement. Just note your experience can depend on account type and entity setup, so confirm your exact account terms in your portal.

SA Focused

Exness is a practical pick for South African traders who want a clean, no-fuss setup: you get familiar platforms (MT4/MT5) plus Exness’ own web terminal, a wide CFD range to trade, and account options that let you dial in the balance between tighter spreads and simpler fees. It’s also beginner-friendly in the sense that onboarding is quick and the apps are easy to navigate, while still giving experienced traders the tools they expect.

The main “rules of the road” point is that your protections and trading conditions can differ depending on which Exness legal entity you’re onboarded under and which account type you open. Before you fund, check the legal entity name and key terms in your personal area/portal, and make sure the regulator, leverage, and client protections match what you’re expecting for your situation.

On the practical side, Exness tends to work smoothly for SA clients when it comes to deposits and withdrawals, and ZAR funding can make the admin lighter if you want to avoid extra conversion steps. As always, confirm the exact payment methods, processing times, and any fees directly in your portal, since availability can vary by method and entity.

How we rated Exness

TradeFX evaluates brokers using an independent, criteria-based methodology designed to reflect what matters most to real traders. Our TradeFX score is calculated across multiple factors, including broker regulation and trust signals, total trading costs (spreads, commissions, swaps and non-trading fees), platform and tool quality, product offering, deposit/withdrawal experience, customer support responsiveness, and the overall trading experience across web and mobile.

We review and update our broker data regularly to keep our comparisons current and consistent. While we aim to provide objective, data-driven insights, trading and investing involve risk — so we always recommend that you do your own independent due diligence and verify key details directly with the broker and relevant official regulatory sources before making any financial decisions.

Learn more about our methodology and editorial policies.

A quick look at Exness

Exness is a well-known global broker with a familiar, platform-first setup — especially if you’ve traded on MT4 or MT5 before. You can stick with what you know, or use Exness’ own web terminal for a cleaner “log in and trade” experience without installing anything.

On the markets side, it covers the staples most South African CFD traders actually use: major and minor forex pairs, key indices, metals like gold, energy, and a selection of shares and crypto. In other words, it’s set up so you can keep your core watchlist in one place instead of juggling multiple apps and providers.

Where Exness tends to feel polished is in the day-to-day workflow: account creation is quick, the client area is easy to navigate, and the mobile experience is strong for checking positions, managing risk, and placing trades on the move. Support and help resources are also straightforward, which helps when you’re dealing with the usual admin stuff — verification, funding methods, or platform settings.

Overall, Exness is strongest when you want a clean, reliable trading setup with broad market coverage and flexible account options that can fit different styles. It suits SA traders who value convenience and speed, but still want the choice between “simple and stable” vs “tighter pricing with a bit more setup.

Standout features for South African traders

MT4/MT5 plus web & mobile trading
Low minimum deposit to get started
Wide CFD market range (forex, indices, metals, energy & more)
ZAR account currency available

Exness summed up

Accepts South African Clients

Yes

Has Local Office

Yes

Trading Platforms

MT4, Web Trading, MT5, Proprietary Trading Platform, Mobile App Trading

Mobile Trading

Yes

Tradable Markets

Forex, Commodities, Indices, Shares / Equities, Crypto, Precious Metals, Energy Markets

Account Types

Standard, Cent, Raw Spread, Pro, Zero Spread, Islamic (Swap-Free), Copy Trading

Demo Account

Yes

Account Base Currencies

USD, ZAR, EUR, GBP, CAD, JPY, AUD, CHF

Maximum Leverage SA

1:2000

Minimum Deposit

ZAR 200

Local Deposits Available

Yes

Local Withdrawals Available

Yes

Same-Day Withdrawals

Yes

Islamic / Swap-Free Accounts

Yes

Automated Trading Allowed

Yes

Negative Balance Protection

Yes

Guaranteed Stop Loss

Stop-Out Level (%)

0 %

Promotions

Regulatory Bodies

FSCA (South Africa), FSA (Seychelles), FSC (British Virgin Islands), FSC (Mauritius), CySEC (Cyprus), FCA (UK), CMA (Kenya), CBCS (Curaçao and Sint Maarten), JSC (Jordan)

CFDs are complex instruments with no capital protection, and leverage can amplify both gains and losses. You may lose money rapidly, and CFD trading is not suitable for everyone. Consider your objectives and risk tolerance carefully and seek independent advice if needed.

Video review:  Watch Exness in action

How to open an account with Exness — Step by Step

Step 1: Start the application

Go to Exness’ website and click Register. Choose Demo if you want to practise first, or Real if you’re ready to deposit.

Step 2: Enter your personal details

Fill in the basics (name, email, phone number, date of birth) and select South Africa as your country of residence where applicable. Use your real details — it makes verification smoother later.

Step 3: Choose your platform

Pick your trading platform: MT4, MT5, or Exness Terminal (web). If you’re unsure, choose the platform you already know.

Step 4: Select your account type

Choose the account that matches your style — typically Standard / Standard Cent, Pro, Raw Spread, or Zero. This choice usually affects spreads, commissions, and minimum deposit requirements.

Step 5: Set your base currency and leverage

Select your base currency (choose ZAR if it’s available and you want simpler deposits/withdrawals in South Africa). Choose your leverage preference if prompted — you can often adjust this later in your Personal Area.

Step 6: Create your login and secure your account

Create your Personal Area login and set a strong password. If two-factor authentication is available, enable it.

Step 7: Complete your profile in the client portal

Finish the profile questions (address, tax info, trading experience). Keep everything consistent with your ID and proof of address to avoid delays.

Step 8: Upload your verification documents (KYC)

Upload:

Proof of identity (South African ID card/book or passport)
Proof of address (recent utility bill or bank statement)

Step 9: Fund your account

Choose your deposit method in the portal and fund your account. If you’re depositing in ZAR, review any conversion details shown before confirming.

Step 10: Log in to the platform and do a quick test run

Open the platform, log in with your trading credentials, and place a small test trade (or use demo) to confirm you’re comfortable with order types, sizing, and basic risk controls.

Broker Trust and Regulation

Exness operates through multiple regulated entities. For South African traders, the most important detail is the legal entity shown in your portal/client agreement, because that determines the protections, leverage rules, and account terms you’ll actually trade under. Below is a quick breakdown of Exness’ regulatory footprint and the key entity notes to watch for.

Regulator	Entity (Legal Name)	Licence / Ref	Region	Notes
FSCA	Exness ZA (PTY) Ltd	FSP 51024	South Africa	SA-facing regulated entity
FSCA	Exness (SC) Ltd	ODP authorised (FSCA)	South Africa	Exness (SC) Ltd is authorised as an Over-The-Counter Derivatives Provider (ODP) by the FSCA
FSA (Seychelles)	Exness (SC) Ltd	SD025	Seychelles	Often used for non-EEA onboarding
CBCS	Exness B.V.	0003LSI	Curaçao & Sint Maarten	Used for selected jurisdictions outside the EEA
FSC (BVI)	Exness (VG) Ltd	2032226 / SIBA/L/20/1133	British Virgin Islands	Investment business licence listed by Exness (selected jurisdictions outside the EEA).
FSC (Mauritius)	Exness (MU) Ltd	GB20025294	Mauritius	Exness notes this entity “does not currently provide any retail services.”
CySEC	Exness (Cy) Ltd	178/12	Cyprus (EU)	Exness states this entity does not offer services to retail clients; mainly relevant for non-retail/B2B.
FCA	Exness (UK) Ltd	FRN 730729	United Kingdom	Exness states this entity does not offer services to retail clients.
CMA	Exness (KE) Limited	162	Kenya	Licensed as a non-dealing online FX broker
JSC	Exness Limited Jordan Ltd	51905	Jordan	Regulated by Jordan Securities Commission

Platforms and Tools

Exness keeps platform access straightforward, with a setup built around MT4/MT5 and its own Exness Terminal. If you’ve used MetaTrader before it’ll feel instantly familiar, and if you’re new, the web-first experience makes it easy to get comfortable quickly.

MT4/MT5 (desktop + mobile)

MT4 is the classic option for simple FX-focused trading, while MT5 gives you a more modern interface and broader instrument support. Both work well for charting, indicators, and day-to-day order management.

Exness Terminal (web trading)

If you don’t want downloads or you trade across devices, Exness Terminal is the “log in and trade” option. It’s clean, fast to access, and handy for monitoring positions and placing trades when you’re away from your main setup.

Mobile trading (Exness app + MT apps)

Exness’ mobile setup is strong for SA traders who want to check positions, manage risk, and handle admin on the go. It’s practical for deposits/withdrawals and quick trade management without feeling clunky.

Automated trading (EAs)

If you trade with Expert Advisors, MetaTrader on Exness supports automated strategies as normal. Just keep an eye on the account type you’re using, since spreads/commissions and execution style can change how an EA performs.

Fees and Spreads

Fees are one of those quiet things that matter over time — especially if you trade often. With Exness, your main costs usually come down to the spread, plus swap/overnight fees if you hold positions longer than a day. In this section, we’re looking at the lowest “as low as” spreads on a Standard account (not Raw/Zero), so it’s a more realistic baseline for most SA traders. If you choose a tighter-spread account type later, you may see commissions instead.

Spreads are best read as “as low as” figures. In liquid market hours they can be tighter, and during volatile periods (news releases, market opens, thin sessions) they can widen — that’s normal across CFD brokers. Your real cost also depends on the instrument and trading conditions at the time, so it’s worth checking the live spread in your platform before placing a trade.

The table below is an indicative minimum baseline for comparison. Treat it as a starting point, then confirm the live pricing you’re seeing on your exact Standard account.

Spreads as low as (indicative minimums)

*Spreads are variable and depend on account type and market conditions.

Instrument	Spreads as low as
EUR/USD	0.8
GBP/USD	1.0
USD/ZAR	116.8
XAU/USD (Gold)	16.0
NAS100	21.6
US30	2.1
BTC/USD	180.0

Tradable Instruments

Exness offers a practical market range for South African traders — the staples most people trade daily, plus optional extras if you want more variety. It’s built for a “one broker, multiple markets” setup, with availability depending on your entity, account type, and platform (MT4 vs MT5 vs Exness Terminal).

What you can trade with Exness (overview)

Market	What it includes	Popular examples
Forex	CFDs on major, minor, and some exotic currency pairs	EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/ZAR
Indices	CFDs on major global stock indices	NAS100, US30, S&P 500
Shares / Equities	Share CFDs (not real share dealing)	Tesla, Apple, NVIDIA (as CFDs)
Commodities	CFD commodities beyond metals/energy (availability varies)	Coffee, Cocoa, Cotton
Precious Metals	CFDs on metals	XAU/USD (Gold), XAG/USD (Silver)
Energies	CFDs on energy markets	Brent, WTI (Oil)
Crypto	Crypto CFDs	BTC/USD, ETH/USD

* Availability varies by entity/region/platform.

Trader Support

Exness leans into trader support, which is useful for South African traders — not just for platform questions, but for the day-to-day admin that can trip you up, like verification, funding methods, and withdrawals. The big win is that most answers are easy to find, and you can usually sort issues without a long back-and-forth.

Support is also handy when you’re comparing account types (Standard vs Raw/Zero/Pro) or double-checking what’s available on your specific entity and platform. If something looks different from what you expected, the quickest fix is often confirming the exact terms shown in your Personal Area.

Support channels

Live chat
Email
Help centre / FAQs

On the resources side, Exness keeps things practical: platform guides, account and trading FAQs, and explainers that cover common questions like margin, leverage, swap, and execution. It’s not an “education academy” vibe as much as it is “get the answer fast and get back to trading.”

Deposits and Withdrawals

Exness keeps funding fairly straightforward for South African traders. Deposits and withdrawals are handled in your Personal Area, and the smoothest experience usually comes from keeping your details consistent from day one — the same name, the same contact info, and banking/card details that match your profile.

If you fund in ZAR, watch for any currency conversion prompts before you confirm a deposit, especially if your trading account is set to USD or another base currency. On withdrawals, most brokers follow the same-route principle (withdraw back to the method you used to deposit first), which helps keep the process compliant and avoids back-and-forth admin when you’re trying to cash out.

Segregation of funds
Exness states that client funds are held in segregated accounts, meaning client money is kept separate from the broker’s operating funds as a standard safety measure. In practice, the exact handling and protections can still depend on the legal entity you’re registered under, so it’s worth checking your client agreement in the portal.

Practical tips

Do your KYC early (ID + proof of address) to avoid withdrawal delays later
Keep everything under the same name (trading profile + bank/card account)
Stick to one funding route where possible (it keeps withdrawals simpler)

Account Types

Exness offers a solid spread of account types, so you can keep things simple on a Standard-style setup or move into tighter pricing models if you trade more actively. The main difference between accounts is usually how you pay (spread-only vs spread + commission), plus the typical “fit” for your trading style.

Demo account (practice first)

Exness offers a demo account for South African traders, and it’s worth using. It lets you practise the platform flow with virtual funds so you can test sizing, orders, and risk management before going live.

How to open a demo (quick steps)

Create/login to your Exness Personal Area
Choose Open Demo Account and select MT4/MT5 (or the platform option shown)
Set your virtual balance and start trading

Does it expire?

Demo rules can vary by platform/account setup, so don’t treat it as “forever”. The safe approach is to log in regularly and keep it active.

Tip: Use demo to test your routine — spreads during your usual trading hours, order types you use most, and the risk limits you’re comfortable with.

Exness account options (overview)

Account type	Best for	What to expect
Standard	Most SA beginners and casual traders	Spread-only pricing and a straightforward setup for day-to-day trading.
Standard Cent	Practising with smaller position sizing	Trades in cent lots so you can test execution and risk with smaller exposure.
Pro	Active traders who want a cleaner spread model	Generally tighter spreads than Standard with a more “trader-first” feel (conditions vary).
Raw Spread	High-frequency and cost-sensitive trading	Very tight spreads with a commission, aimed at lower all-in cost on liquid markets.
Zero	Traders who want ultra-tight pricing on selected instruments	“Zero spread” style pricing on certain markets for large parts of the day, usually with commission.
Copy Trading	“Follow a strategy” style investing	Copy other traders’ strategies via app/Investment area
Islamic (Swap-Free)	Traders who want to avoid overnight swap	Swap-free status is available (eligibility and instruments may vary by account/entity).

Exness vs. Top Competitors

	Exness	XM READ REVIEW	Trade Nation READ REVIEW	Deriv READ REVIEW
Accepts South African Clients	✓Yes	✓Yes	✓Yes	✓Yes
Trading Instrument	CFDs	CFDs, Spot Trading	CFDs, Spread Betting	CFDs, Options
Tradable Markets	Forex, Commodities, Indices, Shares / Equities, Crypto, Precious Metals, Energy Markets	Forex, Commodities, Indices, Shares / Equities, Precious Metals, Energy Markets, Crypto	Indices, Forex, Commodities, Shares / Equities, Energy Markets, Precious Metals, Bonds, Crypto, ETFs	Forex, Commodities, Indices, Shares / Equities, ETFs, Crypto, Volatility Indices, Precious Metals, Energy Markets
Trading Platform	MT4, Web Trading, MT5, Proprietary Trading Platform, Mobile App Trading	MT4, MT5, Mobile App Trading, Proprietary Trading Platform, Web Trading	Proprietary Trading Platform, MT4, TradingView, Mobile App Trading, Web Trading	MT5, Proprietary Trading Platform, Mobile App Trading, Web Trading, cTrader
Promotions	No	Yes — Deposit Bonus, Trading Credits, Cashback / Rebates	No	Yes — Cashback / Rebates
Account Base Currencies	USD, ZAR, EUR, GBP, CAD, JPY, AUD, CHF	USD, JPY, CHF, AUD, ZAR, GBP, EUR, CAD	ZAR, GBP, AUD, USD, EUR	USD, EUR, GBP
Maximum Leverage SA	1:2000	1:1000	1:500	1:1000
Minimum Deposit	R200	R100	R1,000	R100
Has Demo Account	✓Yes	✓Yes	✓Yes	✓Yes
Same-Day Withdrawals	✓Yes	×No	×No	✓Yes
Negative Balance Protection	✓Yes	✓Yes	✓Yes	✓Yes
	SIGN UP	SIGN UP	SIGN UP	SIGN UP

From a South African Perspective

From a South African perspective, Exness stands out for its familiar platform setup (MT4/MT5), easy-to-use client portal, and a solid range of CFDs that covers the markets most SA traders actually use — forex, major indices, metals, and more. It’s the kind of broker that feels “plug in and go”, without needing a complicated learning curve to get started.

It suits traders who want a simple, reliable setup with the flexibility to choose an account type that matches their style — whether you prefer a straightforward Standard account or want tighter pricing models as you get more active. The day-to-day experience is generally smooth too, with support resources that help with the usual admin like verification and funding.

If you want a broker that feels established and practical for SA day-to-day trading — platform-first, broad market coverage, and easy account management — Exness fits that role well.

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Exness Broker Review — South Africa

Nicole Henn

In this review

Minimum deposit

Platforms

Regulation

Tradable Markets

TradeFX Rating

SA Focused

A quick look at Exness

Standout features for South African traders

MT4/MT5 plus web & mobile trading

Low minimum deposit to get started

Wide CFD market range (forex, indices, metals, energy & more)

ZAR account currency available

Exness summed up

Video review: Watch Exness in action

How to open an account with Exness — Step by Step

Step 1: Start the application

Step 2: Enter your personal details

Step 3: Choose your platform

Step 4: Select your account type

Step 5: Set your base currency and leverage

Step 6: Create your login and secure your account

Step 7: Complete your profile in the client portal

Step 8: Upload your verification documents (KYC)

Step 9: Fund your account

Step 10: Log in to the platform and do a quick test run

Broker Trust and Regulation

Platforms and Tools

MT4/MT5 (desktop + mobile)

Exness Terminal (web trading)

Mobile trading (Exness app + MT apps)

Automated trading (EAs)

Fees and Spreads

Spreads as low as (indicative minimums)

Tradable Instruments

What you can trade with Exness (overview)

Trader Support

Support channels

Deposits and Withdrawals

Practical tips

Account Types

Demo account (practice first)

How to open a demo (quick steps)

Does it expire?

Exness account options (overview)

Exness vs. Top Competitors

From a South African Perspective

Other broker reviews to check out

People also ask

Articles to get started

Learn more. Earn more.

Video review:  Watch Exness in action