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.
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.
Trade245 scores well on TradeFX for South African traders thanks to MT4/MT5 access, a solid CFD mix across the main “staples” (forex, indices, metals, energy), and a low-barrier account setup that’s quick to get going.
It holds up well on the day-to-day basics — simple onboarding, a straightforward client portal for funding and account admin, and clear account-type options (including swap-free and zero-spread styles).
SA Focused
Trade245 works well for South African traders who want a straightforward MetaTrader setup without overcomplicating things. You get MT4/MT5 access, a low barrier to get started, and a practical CFD market mix that covers the staples most SA traders follow day to day.
The big SA “rules of the road” win here is that Trade245’s regulatory footprint is South Africa-based, which makes the entity side simpler than brokers that route SA clients offshore by default. Still, it’s worth confirming the exact legal entity and your client agreement details in the portal so you’re clear on the terms your account runs under.
From a practicality angle, Trade245 supports ZAR funding and keeps the client-portal admin fairly clean for verification and withdrawals. If you want the smoothest experience, do KYC early and keep your funding details consistent from the start.
How we rated Trade245
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 Trade245
Trade245 is a South Africa-focused broker with a familiar, platform-first setup built around MT4 and MT5. If you’ve traded on MetaTrader before, the workflow will feel instantly comfortable — and if you’re newer, it’s still a clean “get set up and trade” experience without too much friction.
On the markets side, it keeps things practical: you’re mainly trading CFDs across the staples most SA traders follow day to day. That means forex pairs, major indices, metals like gold, and energy markets — the kind of mix that lets you keep your core watchlist in one place rather than hopping between providers.
Where Trade245 tends to feel convenient is the admin side: the client portal is straightforward for verification, deposits/withdrawals, and managing account options. It also offers multiple account styles (including swap-free and zero-spread variants), so you can start simple and adjust later as your trading routine gets more defined.
Overall, Trade245 suits South African traders who want a simple, familiar MT4/MT5 setup, a sensible CFD market range, and an easy way to get going with a lower barrier to entry. It’s a good fit if you value practicality and want the basics to work smoothly day to day.
Standout features for South African traders
FSCA-regulated, South Africa-first setup
MT4/MT5 access (desktop, web & mobile)
Low minimum deposit to start small
ZAR funding for simpler deposits/withdrawals
Trade245 summed up
Accepts South African Clients
Yes
Has Local Office
Yes
Trading Platforms
MT4, MT5, Mobile App Trading
Mobile Trading
Yes
Tradable Markets
Forex, Commodities, Indices, Precious Metals, Energy Markets
Account Types
Zero Spread, Islamic (Swap-Free), Standard, Copy Trading, Cent, Micro
Demo Account
Yes
Account Base Currencies
USD, ZAR
Maximum Leverage SA
1:500
Minimum Deposit
ZAR 95
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
No
Stop-Out Level (%)
30 %
Promotions
Deposit Bonus, Trading Credits
Regulatory Bodies
FSCA (South Africa), ODP (South Africa)
Trading Forex using CFDs is highly speculative and carries a high level of risk. It may not be suitable for all investors, and you may sustain a loss of some or all of your invested capital. Do not trade with funds you cannot afford to lose, and understand the risks of trading on margin.
Video review: Watch Trade245 in action
How to open an account with Trade245 — Step by Step
Step 1: Start the application
Go to Trade245’s website and click Register. Choose whether you’re registering as an Individual or a Company (business account), then proceed with Demo (practice) or Real (live trading).
Step 2: Enter your personal (or company) details
For an Individual, fill in the basics (name, email, phone number, date of birth) and select South Africa as your country of residence where applicable. For a Company, enter the business details and make sure the authorised person’s details match the documents you’ll upload later.
Step 3: Choose your platform
Pick your trading platform: MT4 or MT5. 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, Zero Spread, Micro/Cent, or Swap-Free/Islamic. 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 the client portal.
Step 6: Create your login and secure your account
Create your client portal 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)
(If Company) any required business documents requested in the portal (e.g., registration/incorporation details and authorised signatory info)
Step 9: Fund your account
Choose your deposit method in the client 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
Download/open MT4 or MT5, 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
Trade245 operates through a small set of South Africa-based regulated entities. For South African traders, the most important detail is the legal entity shown in your portal/client agreement, since that determines the terms your account runs under and who your CFD counterparty is. Below is a quick breakdown of Trade245’s regulatory footprint and the key entity notes to watch for.
Regulator
Entity (Legal Name)
Licence / Ref
Region
Notes
FSCA (South Africa)
Red Pine Capital (Pty) Ltd
FSP 46044
South Africa
Trade245 (Pty) Ltd and Trade245 Global (Pty) Ltd are listed as juristic representatives of Red Pine Capital.
FSCA (South Africa)
Trade245 (Pty) Ltd
Reg. 2020/539887/07
South Africa
Listed as an appointed juristic representative (not the FSP licence holder).
FSCA (South Africa)
Trade245 Global (Pty) Ltd
Reg. 2025/873123/07
South Africa
Also listed as an appointed juristic representative of Red Pine Capital (FSP 46044).
FSCA (South Africa)
RocketX (Pty) Ltd
FSP 52142 (+ ODP status)
South Africa
RocketX is described in the client agreement/risk docs as the authorised ODP and counterparty/principal to OTC derivative transactions (CFDs).
Platforms and Tools
Trade245 keeps platform access straightforward, with a setup built around MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. If you’ve used MetaTrader before, it’ll feel familiar, and if you’re new, it’s easy to get comfortable quickly.
MT4/MT5 (desktop + mobile)
Trade245 supports MT4 across most of its account types, with MT5 available (notably for Copy Trading and certain setups). MT4 is positioned as the core “daily driver” platform, with charting, technical tools, and built-in automation support.
Web trading + mobile access
If you prefer not to install anything, MetaTrader also has web-based versions you can access from a browser, plus mobile apps for trading on the move.
Copy trading (social-style option)
Trade245 includes a Copy Trading account option, running on MT5, for traders who want to follow strategies instead of building everything from scratch.
Education and learning resources
Trade245 has an Education section covering forex basics, glossary-style learning, and beginner-friendly explainers to help you build fundamentals alongside your platform routine.
Fees and Spreads
Fees are one of those quiet things that matter over time — especially if you trade often. With Trade245, your main costs usually come down to spreads, plus swap/overnight fees if you hold positions longer than a day. Trade245 also positions its pricing as “zero commissions”, so the big dial you’re turning is typically the spread structure (and any bonus conditions tied to bonus accounts).
Spreads are best read as “as low as” figures. Trade245 lists most account types with variable spreads from 1 pip, and a Zero Spread account with spreads from 0 pip — then real spreads will naturally move around during volatile periods (news, opens, thin sessions). The table below reflects Trade245’s own account-type baseline.
Account Type
Spreads from
Bonus 100
From 1 pip (variable)
No Bonus
From 1 pip (variable)
Swap Free
From 1 pip (variable)
Zero Spread
From 0 pip (variable)
Bonus 245
From 1 pip (variable)
Bonus Rescue
From 1 pip (variable)
Micro
From 1 pip (variable)
Copy Trading
From 1 pip (variable)
Tradable Instruments
Trade245 offers a practical market range for South African traders — the staples most people trade daily, plus a solid mix of commodities. It’s built for a “one broker, multiple markets” setup, with what you can trade ultimately coming down to what’s listed on your platform and in your client agreement.
What you can trade with Trade245 (overview)
Market
What it includes
Popular examples
Forex
Major FX pairs (CFDs) with floating spreads
EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY
Indices
Global index CFDs (cash-style)
DE30, 100UK, AUS200, DollarIndex
Commodities
Softs + industrial commodities (CFDs)
Coffee, Cocoa, Corn, Copper, Wheat
Precious Metals
Metal CFDs
XAUUSD (Gold), XAGUSD (Silver)
Energies
Energy CFDs
USOil, NaturalGas
Trader Support
Trade245 leans into trader support, which is useful for South African traders — not just for platform questions, but for the day-to-day admin like verification, deposits, and withdrawals. A lot of support is routed through their support hub/live chat, so you can usually get help quickly without turning it into a big email chain.
If you prefer more formal support (or you’re dealing with account/complaints admin), Trade245 also provides direct contact options, including an SA call line and dedicated support email.
Support channels
Live chat (via the chat icon on the website/portal)
Email (support@trade245.com)
Phone / caller assist (+27 (21) 879-2669)
Help centre / FAQs
On the resources side, Trade245 has a dedicated Education section with beginner-friendly explainers and guides, plus a blog where they publish trading-related articles and updates — useful if you’re building your routine and want broker-style learning content alongside the platform basics.
Deposits and Withdrawals
Trade245 keeps funding fairly straightforward for South African traders. Deposits and withdrawals are managed in the client portal, and the cleanest experience usually comes from keeping your details consistent from day one — same personal details, same banking/card info, and a profile that matches your documents. Trade245 supports low starting deposits (including ZAR options), which helps if you want to start small while you learn the platform flow.
On deposits, if you’re funding in ZAR, keep an eye on any currency conversion prompts before you confirm — especially if your trading account is set to a different base currency. On withdrawals, expect the usual same-route approach most brokers follow: withdraw back to the original method first, then use alternatives if the portal allows it. Trade245 also supports crypto funding methods (with network fees depending on the coin/network), so double-check the fee line shown for the method you choose.
Segregation of funds
Trade245 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. As always, it’s worth confirming the entity and terms shown in your client agreement so you know exactly which party is responsible for holding and administering funds.
Practical tips
Do KYC early (ID + proof of address) to avoid withdrawal delays later
Keep everything under the same name (trading profile + bank/card/crypto wallet where applicable)
Stick to one route where possible (it keeps withdrawals simpler)
Account Types
Trade245’s account lineup is built around a few clear “styles” — standard spread accounts, bonus-linked accounts, a swap-free option, and a zero-spread option — all running on MT4/MT5 depending on the account. What you choose mainly affects the spread structure and any bonus rules tied to the account.
Demo account (practice first)
Trade245 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. Trade245 also states there’s no limit on how many demo accounts you can open.
How to open a demo (quick steps)
Register/login to your Trade245 client portal
Create a Demo trading account (choose MT4 or MT5 where prompted)
Log into MetaTrader and run a few test trades
Does it expire?
Trade245 doesn’t clearly publish a “demo expiry” rule on the pages above, so treat it as best practice to log in regularly to keep it active.
Tip: Use demo to test spreads during your usual trading hours, your routine, and your risk limits before funding a real account.
Trade245 account options (overview)
Account type
Best for
What to expect
Bonus 100
Traders who want a bonus-linked account
Variable spreads from 1 pip with a 100% bonus structure (read bonus terms before trading).
No Bonus
Clean, simple trading without bonus rules
Variable spreads from 1 pip, bonus excluded.
Swap Free
Traders who want to avoid overnight swap
Variable spreads from 1 pip; Trade245 notes swap-free accounts may be archived after extended inactivity, so stay active.
Zero Spread
More active traders focused on tight spreads
Variable spreads from 0 pip; confirm any commission/conditions in your portal.
Bonus 245
Bonus-focused traders
Variable spreads from 1 pip with a 245% bonus structure (terms matter here).
Bonus Rescue
Traders who want a drawdown-style bonus structure
Variable spreads from 1 pip with bonus terms tied to drawdown rules.
Micro
Smaller sizing / lower exposure trading
Variable spreads from 1 pip, available on MT4 & MT5.
Copy Trading
Following strategies rather than self-trading
Variable spreads from 1 pip, runs on MT5.
Cent
Learning with “smaller-ticket” behaviour
Trade245 describes cent accounts as a way to risk a minimum investment while learning; confirm availability in your portal.
*Trade245 notes that commissions apply on certain account types, priced at $10 per lot — so always confirm your exact account’s pricing inside the client portal before trading.
Trade245’s account lineup is built around a few clear “styles” — standard spread accounts, bonus-linked accounts, a swap-free option, and a zero-spread option — all running on MT4/MT5 depending on the account. What you choose mainly affects the spread structure and any bonus rules tied to the account.
Demo account (practice first)
Trade245 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. Trade245 also states there’s no limit on how many demo accounts you can open.
How to open a demo (quick steps)
Register/login to your Trade245 client portal
Create a Demo trading account (choose MT4 or MT5 where prompted)
Log into MetaTrader and run a few test trades
Does it expire?
Trade245 doesn’t clearly publish a “demo expiry” rule on the pages above, so treat it as best practice to log in regularly to keep it active.
Tip: Use demo to test spreads during your usual trading hours, your routine, and your risk limits before funding a real account.
Trade245 account options (overview)
Account type
Best for
What to expect
Bonus 100
Traders who want a bonus-linked account
Variable spreads from 1 pip with a 100% bonus structure (read bonus terms before trading).
No Bonus
Clean, simple trading without bonus rules
Variable spreads from 1 pip, bonus excluded.
Swap Free
Traders who want to avoid overnight swap
Variable spreads from 1 pip; Trade245 notes swap-free accounts may be archived after extended inactivity, so stay active.
Zero Spread
More active traders focused on tight spreads
Variable spreads from 0 pip; confirm any commission/conditions in your portal.
Bonus 245
Bonus-focused traders
Variable spreads from 1 pip with a 245% bonus structure (terms matter here).
Bonus Rescue
Traders who want a drawdown-style bonus structure
Variable spreads from 1 pip with bonus terms tied to drawdown rules.
Micro
Smaller sizing / lower exposure trading
Variable spreads from 1 pip, available on MT4 & MT5.
Copy Trading
Following strategies rather than self-trading
Variable spreads from 1 pip, runs on MT5.
Cent
Learning with “smaller-ticket” behaviour
Trade245 describes cent accounts as a way to risk a minimum investment while learning; confirm availability in your portal.
*Trade245 notes that commissions apply on certain account types, priced at $10 per lot — so always confirm your exact account’s pricing inside the client portal before trading.
From a South African perspective, Trade245 stands out for its familiar MetaTrader setup (MT4/MT5), low barrier to entry, and a practical CFD range across the staples most SA traders follow — forex, indices, metals, energy, and a solid list of commodities. It also helps that the broker’s structure is South Africa-based from a regulation and onboarding point of view, which keeps the “who am I trading with?” question simpler than brokers that route you offshore by default.
It suits South African traders who want a simple, reliable setup with clear account-type options — including swap-free and a zero-spread style — and a client portal that’s geared toward the day-to-day admin (verification, funding, withdrawals). If you want a broker that feels practical for SA day-to-day trading and you’re happy to choose your account type carefully (especially around bonus-linked accounts and pricing rules), Trade245 fits that role well.
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.
Trading CFDs is high risk. You can lose money rapidly due to leverage. Only trade if you understand the risks and can afford losses.
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.
Trading CFDs is high risk. Leverage can magnify losses, and you may lose your deposit. Only trade with money you can afford to lose.
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.
Trading CFDs and options involves high risk and you can lose your capital. Leverage can amplify losses. Only trade if you understand the risks.
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.
Trading leveraged products involves significant risk and can lead to the loss of your invested capital. Only trade if you understand the risks.
If you’re trading from South Africa, who regulates Trade245 and what does that mean for your account?
In South Africa, Trade245 runs on a local FSCA-linked structure: Red Pine Capital (Pty) Ltd (FSP 46044) is the authorised FSP, while you trade CFDs where RocketX (Pty) Ltd (FSP 52142) is the ODP and the counterparty/principal to your CFD trades. In plain terms: your portal/client agreement should show which entity you’re contracting with, and that’s the one that matters for your account terms.
What is the minimum deposit for South African traders at Trade245?
If you’re depositing from South Africa via the portal/dashboard, the minimum is $5 or R95. Practically, that’s enough to open and test the flow, but you’ll want to size sensibly so you’re not forced into over-leveraging just to place trades.
How much does Trade245 recommend South African traders start with?
For South African traders, they recommend $100 (or equivalent) as a more comfortable starting deposit. It’s not a requirement, but it usually gives you more breathing room for margin and risk management compared to trying to trade with the absolute minimum.
If you’re trading from South Africa, what is Trade245’s stop-out level?
For South African accounts, the stop-out level is 30% (margin level). Once your margin level hits 30%, one or more positions can be closed automatically, so don’t run your account “tight” if you’re trading volatile moves or holding through news.
Does Trade245 offer negative balance protection in South Africa?
Yes — for South African traders, negative balance protection means you’re not liable for a negative balance, and the system is meant to reset a negative balance back to zero automatically. If it doesn’t reset, you’d raise it with support to correct it.
Does Trade245 charge commission in South Africa or is it spread-only?
Commission can apply on certain account types: $10 per lot is the figure you should work with when you’re comparing all-in costs. So even if an account advertises tighter spreads, make sure you factor that commission into your real cost per trade.
Can you deposit using crypto on Trade245 in South Africa?
Yes — South African traders can deposit via crypto, and you’ll need to follow the portal prompts and meet the minimum of 60 USD for crypto deposits. You also carry the relevant network fees (e.g., BTC deposit fee 0.00025, ETH deposit fee 0.005, USDT deposit fee 15, and so on).
If you’re withdrawing from South Africa, can you withdraw using crypto on Trade245?
At the moment, crypto withdrawals are Bitcoin-only, with a minimum of 60 USD, and you’ll carry the BTC network fee (withdrawal fee listed as 0.0005). If you use crypto funding, keep your withdrawal route consistent to avoid admin friction.
How long do deposits and withdrawals take with Trade245 in South Africa?
For South African traders, deposits made through the client dashboard/portal are described as instant (if something doesn’t reflect, you contact support). Withdrawals for approved profiles are processed regularly and can reflect within a few hours if you bank with FNB, while other banks can take up to 24 hours; elsewhere the FAQ also mentions “within 24 hours.”
If you’re signing up from South Africa, what documents do you need to verify a personal account?
For South African individuals, you’ll need a copy of your passport/ID (front and back if it’s an ID card) plus a bank statement that verifies the address you used on signup. The more your profile details match your documents, the fewer verification delays you’ll see.
For South African businesses, what documents do you need for a corporate account at Trade245?
If you’re registering from South Africa as a company, you’ll need company registration documents, directors’ ID copies, and a bank confirmation letter. In practice, it’s best to make sure the “authorised person” completing signup matches the signatory details in the company paperwork.
Can you trade crypto CFDs on Trade245 in South Africa or is crypto only for funding?
For South African traders, Trade245 clearly supports crypto deposits and Bitcoin withdrawals, but their published Trading Conditions list focuses on currencies (FX), indices, commodities, and metals (crypto instruments aren’t shown there). The clean way to confirm is to check your MT4/MT5 instrument list after login — if it’s not in-platform, treat crypto as a funding method rather than a tradable market on Trade245.
