Capital.Com Broker Review: Is it legit or a scam?

Capital.Com Overview & Company Background

Capital.com, founded in 2016 in Cyprus by entrepreneur Viktor Prokopenya, is a fast-growing global online broker headquartered in London, UK. It boasts over 740,000 clients worldwide who have traded more than $1.2 trillion in volume. The broker is best known for its proprietary, award-winning trading platform – recognized as Best Overall Trading Platform 2024 – and its mobile-first approach. Capital.com has earned multiple industry accolades for ease-of-use and innovation (e.g. Online Money Awards 2024, Investors’ Chronicle 2022), reflecting its market position as a user-friendly CFD provider.

Pros & Cons Analysis

Is Capital.Com Regulated and Safe?

Capital.com has a strong regulatory framework spanning Tier-1, Tier-2, and Tier-3 jurisdictions. It is authorized by the UK FCA and ASIC (both Tier-1 regulators, implying the highest standards of capital requirements and client protection). It also holds CySEC (EU, Tier-2) and UAE Securities & Commodities Authority licenses, plus a Bahamas license (Tier-3). This multi-jurisdiction oversight means client funds are held in segregated accounts at top banks and subjected to external audits. Tier-1 regulation (FCA/ASIC) brings deposit insurance and dispute resolution mechanisms (e.g. UK FSCS protection), while CySEC affords up to €20k cover under its Investor Compensation Fund. On balance, Capital.com’s regulatory footprint implies a high degree of trust and protection for traders.

• ASIC (Australia) – License No. 513393
• FCA (UK) – License No. 793714
• CySEC (Cyprus) – License No. 319/17
• SCA (UAE) – License No. 20200000176
• SCB (Bahamas) – License No. SIA-F245
• Client Fund Protection: Capital.com holds client funds in segregated accounts separate from company funds. This ring-fencing ensures traders’ money is prioritized in the unlikely event of insolvency. The broker also uses regulated top-tier banks for custody, and adheres to strict standards (ISO 27001, PCI DSS) to protect assets.
• Compensation Schemes: UK retail clients benefit from the UK’s Financial Services Compensation Scheme (up to £85,000). EU retail clients have access to Cyprus’ Investor Compensation Fund (up to €20,000). (Clients under Bahamas/UAE regulation have local oversight but limited formal compensation coverage.)
• Negative Balance Protection: Capital.com offers negative balance protection for retail clients – you cannot lose more money than you deposited. In extreme market moves, the broker automatically tops up any account that dips below zero, so traders are never in debt beyond their initial deposit.
• Data Security & Encryption: The platform uses industry-standard encryption and security protocols. It is ISO 27001 and PCI DSS certified, meaning client data and transactions are encrypted and securely handled. Additional protections include two-factor authentication and real-time fraud monitoring. These measures keep personal data and funds safe from cyber threats.

Trading Conditions & Costs

✅ Instruments: Capital.com offers CFDs on Forex, Commodities, Indices, Stocks, ETFs and Cryptocurrencies. Over 3,000 markets are available – from popular FX pairs and gold/oil to major stock indices and crypto (Bitcoin, Ethereum). The broker frequently adds new assets (e.g. 1,000+ new markets in 2020), giving traders a very broad selection. This range allows diversification across asset classes within one account.

✅ Spreads: Variable spreads only (no fixed spreads). The spread (difference between buy/sell price) is the broker’s execution fee. For liquid markets, EUR/USD spreads often start around 0.5–1.0 pip, and index/commodity spreads begin from fractional points. However, spreads widen in low liquidity or volatile periods. Traders can view current spreads on the platform or website. (Capital.com does not offer separate fixed- or raw-spread accounts.)

✅ Commission: $0 (no commission). Capital.com charges no per-trade commission on standard accounts. All trading costs are embedded in the spread. For example, opening a EUR/USD trade simply pays the small spread; there is no additional commission. Overnight funding adjustments apply for leveraged positions held overnight (as per CFD norm), but again, no separate commission fees are charged on entry/exit of trades.

✅ Leverage: Up to 1:200 on major FX, commodities, and indices. Retail clients in most regions can choose leverage up to 200:1 on these markets (ESMA rules mean EU/UK residents see lower caps). Leverage on shares and crypto is much lower (often 1:2 to 1:10, depending on region). Note this is lower than some offshore brokers (500:1), but it reflects Capital.com’s conservative risk management and regulatory compliance. Traders should check the specific leverage offered for each instrument in their account settings.

Capital.Com Trading Platforms & Tools

• ✔ Web Platform: Capital.com’s flagship web interface is modern and user-friendly. It features clean charts (powered by TradingView) with advanced tools – over 75 built-in indicators (MACD, RSI, Bollinger Bands, etc.) and multiple chart types. The platform supports unlimited customizable watchlists and on-chart trading. A live newsfeed (Newsquawk/Reuters) and market sentiment gauges are built in, and clients can chat directly with support from the platform. Its design prioritizes ease of navigation, enabling traders to switch quickly between chart analysis, order placement, and account view.
• ✔ Mobile App (iOS/Android): The Capital.com mobile app mirrors the web platform’s features for on-the-go trading. It offers intuitive navigation and one-tap order entry. Key features include real-time price alerts (push notifications when your target price is hit) and “Smart Feed” – an in-app news/analysis stream to keep you updated. Users can monitor positions, adjust stop losses, and access educational content from their smartphone. All app data syncs with the web platform, ensuring seamless use across devices.
• ✔ MetaTrader 4 (MT4): For traders preferring MT4, Capital.com provides an MT4 bridge account. MT4 users get access to the same liquidity and markets, plus MT4’s familiar charting and algorithmic trading capabilities. (Expert Advisors and custom indicators can be used on MT4 with Capital.com.) MT4 trades still adhere to Capital.com’s pricing and client protection. The broker’s support team can assist with linking your Capital.com account to MT4 and setting up market/execution settings.
• ✔ TradingView Integration: Capital.com integrates directly with TradingView for an enriched trading experience. Clients can execute trades straight from TradingView charts using their Capital.com account. This gives access to TradingView’s extensive community and library of chart scripts (50+ drawing tools, financial data, and social features). Traders benefit from TradingView’s advanced analytics (financial ratios, fundamental data) while capital.com handles order execution and account management.

Platform Features:

• Advanced Charting & Analysis: Both web and app offer powerful technical analysis. Users can apply 100+ indicators and drawing tools, set multiple timeframes, and use features like Fibonacci retracements. The proprietary platform also allows unlimited watchlists and one-click price alerts. Combined with TradingView’s chart library, this supports rigorous technical trading.
• SmartFeed & AI Insights: Capital.com’s “SmartFeed” is a unique AI-driven tool that curates news and educational content based on your portfolio. It flags relevant articles and suggests learning resources tailored to your trading behavior. This is proprietary to Capital.com and sets it apart from generic research tools.
• Order Types & Risk Management: The platforms support full risk controls: market, limit, stop-loss, take-profit, and guaranteed stop-loss orders (for a fee). All accounts have negative balance protection. Capital.com also introduced the ability to open multiple sub-accounts in different base currencies (USD, EUR, GBP etc.), helping traders manage currency risk and avoid conversion fees.
• Liquidity & Execution: Capital.com uses straight-through processing (STP) to global liquidity providers, ensuring fast order execution with minimal slippage. Traders can access market depth for many instruments directly on the platform. Additionally, the broker offers a commission-free share dealing (stock investing) option in certain regions (the “Capital.com Invest” account), enabling long-term share purchases alongside CFD trading (fees for share dealing may apply separately).

Research Tools:

• News & Economic Calendar: The trading interfaces include a live news feed (powered by Reuters and Newsquawk) with top market headlines and economic releases. An integrated economic calendar highlights upcoming events (earnings, macro data) so traders can plan around volatility. These are platform-native features, meaning users don’t need external news sources.
• Trader Sentiment & Analytics: The platform shows trader sentiment data (percentage of clients long vs short) on most instruments, giving insight into crowd positioning. Combined with TradingView’s built-in chart analysis tools (third-party), traders can form both technical and contrarian strategies.
• AI & SmartFeed: As noted, the SmartFeed (platform-native) uses AI to analyze a user’s trading history and suggests relevant news and tutorials. This tailored approach to analysis (rather than generic feeds) helps traders spot biases and opportunities based on their own activity.
• Third-Party Integrations: In addition to TradingView, Capital.com offers API access for automated trading and data retrieval (for quantitative users). The platform also integrates social trading features via TradingView’s community. For education and analysis outside the platform, the Capital.com Investmate app and website provide free trading courses, webinars and video guides (these are proprietary resources, not part of the trading app itself).

Capital.Com Account Types & Minimum Deposit

Capital.com offers several account types for different needs:

¹ Applies to cards/e-wallets; bank transfer wire min is $50 (or equivalent). All CFDs trade commission-free (clients pay the spread only).

Each account type uses the same core platform, with spreads and fees as shown above. (The 1X account only allows long positions with no margin, Spread Betting accounts are for UK/IRE clients, and Swap-Free accounts remove overnight swaps for eligible Islamic clients.)

Special Features

• Demo Account: Capital.com provides a free demo account pre-loaded with virtual funds. Traders can practice on the live platform with simulated prices, testing strategies without risking real money. Switching between demo and live accounts is seamless. (Demo accounts are fee-free with no time limit, making it ideal for learning the platform or trying new ideas.)
• Islamic (Swap-Free) Accounts: For clients who cannot pay swaps due to religious reasons, Capital.com offers swap-free accounts upon request. These are available in select countries (mostly MENA region). Eligible clients can convert their account to swap-free (ensuring no overnight financing is charged). This incurs an alternative admin fee structure but complies with Islamic finance rules.
• VIP/Premium Accounts: Capital.com can provide dedicated relationship managers and tailored services to high-volume or VIP clients. While not publicly advertised, the broker’s partnership program indicates that premium clients receive personal support and possibly custom pricing. This premium tier typically requires higher equity and is arranged on a case-by-case basis through account management.
• Managed Accounts: Professional traders and money managers can trade on behalf of investors via Capital.com. The broker supports third-party solutions (e.g. PAMM/MAM or other copy-trading platforms) for clients who want discretionary management. In practice, investors allocate funds to a designated account managed by a chosen trader, leveraging Capital.com’s infrastructure for execution and reporting.

Deposits & Withdrawals

Deposit Methods

• Credit/Debit Card: (Visa/Mastercard) – Instant funding with no fees. Minimum deposit is $20 (or currency equivalent).
• Bank Transfer: (Wire) – Traditional bank transfer, typically same-day to 1–2 business days. No deposit fee. Note: wires require a higher minimum (approximately $50 or 50 EUR due to bank fees).
• Apple Pay / Google Pay: Instant mobile wallet deposits (via the app). No fees and minimum $20. Availability varies by country; these methods are instant like cards.
• Lean (UAE Bank Transfer): Fast bank-to-bank transfer (UAE only). Funding is instant and free. Minimum 150 AED ($40), making it useful for UAE clients.

Withdrawal Methods

• Bank Transfer: Funds return to your bank account. Capital.com processes withdrawal requests within 24 hours (91% are sent within 5 minutes); banks may take 1–5 business days to credit your account. No Capital.com fee. Min withdrawal typically $50 (or 190 AED).
• Credit/Debit Card: Withdrawals return to the original card (refund). Also processed within 24 hours internally. No fee; card issuer may take up to 3-5 days to post. Minimum ~$20 (varies by currency).
• Apple Pay / Google Pay: (If used for funding) withdrawals use the same wallet network. Processed similarly to cards: internal processing <24h, arrival in linked account usually within 1–2 business days.
• Lean (UAE Transfer): UAE clients can withdraw directly to their local bank via Lean. Withdrawal is instant after processing by Capital.com (24h turnaround).

Processing Details

• Processing Time: All withdrawal requests are handled within 24 hours – in fact, 91% of withdrawals are initiated within 5 minutes of request. Bank/card network time adds 1–5 business days for funds to reach your account.
• Deposit Fees: None. Capital.com does not charge for deposits.
• Withdrawal Fees: None. There are no withdrawal fees on any method.
• Min/Max Limits: The minimum deposit is $20 (all methods except wire). The minimum withdrawal is ~$50 (card/bank) or currency equivalent. There are no published maximum limits – these are subject to account tier and regulatory guidelines (very high limits for most clients).

How to trade with Capital.Com? Step-by-Step Guide

1. Visit the Website: Go to the official Capital.com site and click Sign Up to create an account.
2. Register: Provide your personal details (name, email, password) and complete the registration form.
3. Verify: Confirm your email address and mobile phone number using the verification links/codes sent by Capital.com.
4. KYC Documents: Upload identification documents (passport or ID) and proof of address for account verification.
5. Fund Your Account: Log in and deposit funds using your preferred method (credit card, bank transfer, etc.), ensuring you meet the minimum deposit.
6. Open Platform: Log in to the Capital.com web platform or mobile app. You may also connect an MT4 account if you use MetaTrader.
7. Select Instrument: From the dashboard, choose a market to trade (e.g. a currency pair, stock CFD, commodity, or crypto).
8. Analyze: Use the built-in charts, indicators and news tools to study the market. Draw trend lines or apply indicators to inform your decision.
9. Place Trade: On the trading interface, enter your position (Buy or Sell), and set optional Stop Loss and Take Profit levels. Click “Open Trade” to execute.
10. Monitor/Close: Watch your open position in the Portfolio. You can manually close the trade any time, or let it close automatically if it hits your stop orders or target profit.

Capital.com’s trading process is straightforward even for beginners. The platform walks you through each step, from opening an account to placing your first trade. Its clean interface and in-app help make it easy to navigate charts and orders. Overall, most users find that Capital.com makes trading accessible: quick account setup, simple funding and intuitive trading tools mean you can start trading in minutes with minimal hassle.

Customer Support

• Live Chat: 24/7 in-platform chat (English and multiple languages on weekdays).
• Email: support@capital.com (global support desk).
• Phone: +44 203 769 7865 (24/7 telephone support in English).
• WhatsApp: Available 24/7 in English (for quick messaging support).
• Social Media: Active on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. for announcements.

Support Hours: Capital.com provides 24/7 support in English, and offers multilingual assistance (10+ languages) on business days. This means traders can reach the team by phone, email or chat any time, with support in French, Spanish, Arabic, etc. from Monday to Friday.

• Multilingual Assistance: The support team is available 24/7 in English and offers additional languages (e.g. Spanish, Arabic, Chinese) during weekdays.
• Dedicated Account Manager: High-volume clients may receive a personal account manager to assist with account needs and strategic advice. (VIP/Premium users are reportedly offered bespoke support as part of the broker’s priority service.)
• Fast Processing & Response: Capital.com prides itself on quick turnaround: 94% of withdrawal requests are processed within 1 hour, reflecting efficient back-office operations. Customers report fast responses on live chat and email as well.
• High Satisfaction: With over 740,000 traders and multiple industry awards, Capital.com enjoys strong user reviews. It holds an ‘excellent’ Trustpilot rating, indicating generally high client satisfaction with customer service and reliability.

Capital.Com Final Verdict

Avoid if: You need a US-regulated broker or fixed spreads. Capital.com does not serve U.S. clients, and all trading costs are via variable spreads (no fixed-spread account). Traders requiring ultra-high leverage (above ~200:1) or specialized instruments unavailable on CFDs should look elsewhere. Also, deposit options may be limited for certain countries, and an inactivity fee applies after 12+ months without trading.

Bottom Line: Capital.com delivers on its promise of a user-friendly, award-winning trading experience. Its strongest points are the clean, powerful platform and broad asset coverage, combined with strict global regulation and transparent pricing. Beginners will appreciate the guided interface and education, while advanced traders benefit from TradingView integration and deep market access. Although not available in the US and lacking fixed spreads, the broker’s overall value – from regulatory safety to no-commission trading – makes it highly recommended for most CFD and CFD-based stock traders looking for a modern, low-cost platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Author

Beatrice Quinn

Beatrice Quinn Kingsley, a finance graduate from the London School of Economics, dove into finance clubs during her studies, honing her skills in portfolio management and risk analysis. With a career spanning prestigious firms like Barclays and HSBC, she's become an authority in asset allocation and investment strategy, known for her insightful reports. Beyond her corporate success, Beatrice is an advocate for financial literacy, actively engaging in workshops, seminars, and writing on topics like personal finance and investing. Recognized in the field, she's a featured voice in publications and a sought-after consultant, combining her financial know-how and communication prowess to empower ...

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