AvaTrade Review 2023 - Pros & Cons of AvaTrade

Last Updated April 17th 2023
20 Min Read

In the world of finance, trust is everything. That's why finding a reliable platform for trading stocks, forex, and cryptocurrency is essential. AvaTrade is a platform celebrated in many countries for its safety and trustworthiness. AvaTrade has proven itself to be a leading exchange and brokerage firm, fully licensed and regulated under several jurisdictions.

With AvaTrade’s wide range of tradable assets that range from ETFs, commodities, and forex, to cryptocurrencies, there is every reason why this broker is gaining in popularity amongst traders of all levels of experience. 

Read our full AvaTrade review to learn more about this leading broker’s core features, including the markets they cover, trading fees, and signup procedures. 

AvaTrade Review: Pros & Cons

To give you a picture of why AvaTrade is one of the top stock brokers, here is an overview of its pros and cons:

Pros

  • ✅ Straightforward signup process
  • ✅ Zero fees on deposits and withdrawals
  • ✅ Lots of trading tools availed for free
  • ✅ Social trading features for beginner traders
  • ✅ Low minimum deposit
  • ✅ Multiple deposit and withdrawal methods accepted

Cons

  • ❌ AvaTrade has high fees for inactivity

 

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Is AvaTrade A Good Trading Platform? In-Depth Analysis Of AvaTrade

AvaTrade stands out amongst financial asset brokers with its goal of being the best-regulated forex broker with the best trading experience. 

But is AvaTrade really dependable, and is it good for beginner traders?

From their website, AvaTrade says investors can use the platform to trade in forex, stock indices, commodities, and even cryptocurrencies. Another of AvaTrade’s key selling points is that it has 0% commissions on CFDs and some of the market's tightest forex spreads. 

  • AvaTrade offers traders the platform for crypto trading
  • AvaTrade allows social trading for crypto and other financial instruments

Avatrade trading platform

To help you better understand AvaTrade, we have used this review to take an in-depth look at AvaTrade's core features. 

By the time you are done reading through this article, you should have a good idea of the assets you can buy and sell on AvaTrade, how to leverage its social trading feature, deal with your safety concerns, and also take you through the process of signing up for an AvaTrade account. 

Who Is AvaTrade?

In the fast-paced world of trading, having multiple platforms to access the market is key. This is where AvaTrade offers trading solutions for web, desktop, and mobile devices. 

Founded in 2006, the company has made a name for itself in the trading world, with operations in 11 countries across the globe. AvaTrade's diverse asset classes offer traders numerous options, including cryptocurrencies, forex options, and CFDs. 

With all these resources at traders' fingertips, it's no wonder that AvaTrade has developed such a loyal following in the trading world.

For those looking to dip their toes into the world of trading, AvaTrade offers an enticing starting point. With a minimum deposit of just $100, even small traders with limited funds can get their feet wet in the markets. 

This accessibility is essential for those who may be new to trading and are still learning the ropes. AvaTrade's low threshold means that investors can start with just a small amount of capital and gradually build up their experience and confidence. 

On AvaTrade, you can trade ETFs, buy a fraction of a share, and use leverage to increase your earnings. With a deposit of $100, you can spread the money across several ETFs and diversify your earnings. 

The best part is that AvaTrade gives traders access to more than 3000 stocks for a truly diversified portfolio. Other financial instruments you can trade on AvaTrade include metals, Oil, and forex.

AvaTrade has also become one of the most popular brokers for its social trading feature, AvaSocial. If you're looking to step into the world of copy trading, AvaSocial is an app you need to check out. This app brings a revolutionary way to copy the trades of the traders you admire. 

The best part is that you can research their trades and portfolios before deciding to follow them. With a comprehensive dashboard and plenty of data, you can access success rates, performance history, balance, and other vital statistics to help you make an informed decision. 

AvaTrade is a forex and CFD broker extensively regulated across different world regions. The Central Bank of Ireland oversees its operations in the EU, while the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) ensures that AvaTrade complies with the standards in Australia. 

The Israel Securities Authority maintains its regulatory oversight in Israel, while the Middle East is covered by the Financial Regulatory Services Authority, which extends its services to AvaTrade. 

Finally, the broker is regulated by the Financial Services Agency in Japan, which monitors its operations in that country. The vast network of regulatory bodies that supervise AvaTrade reflects the broker's dedication to maintaining the highest standards in its services and assuring its clients that they are working with a reliable and trustworthy broker.

Another reason AvaTrade has become one of the most popular brokers is because it has two segments of assets – those purely for trading and those for long-term investing. 

To help you get started, here is a look at the assets you can trade or invest in when using AvaTrade.

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AvaTrade Range Of Tradable Assets

AvaTrade is known for its depth when it comes to tradable assets. By tradable assets, we mean assets that you can profit from their short-term price fluctuations. 

CFDs are among the most common tradable assets you can find on eToro. When trading a CFD, you are not owning the underlying asset but speculating using its representation – a mirror of the asset’s real-time price movements. 

To make things easier for you, let’s look at some of the CFDs that you can trade on AvaTrade. 

Forex

The forex market never sleeps, and neither does AvaTrade. As one of the most widely traded assets in the financial markets, forex is available for trading 24 hours a day, 5 days a week. 

Whether you're an early riser or a night owl, you can take advantage of the forex market's constantly changing exchange rates and profit potential.

 AvaTrade offers access to more than 44 forex pairs, making it easy to diversify your portfolio and find the perfect trading opportunities for you. 

Here are some of the forex pairs that you can trade on AvaTrade. 

  • Forex Majors: EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/CHF, and USD/JPY
  • Forex Minors: AUD/CAD, EUR/GBP, CHF/JPY
  • Exotic Forex Pairs: USD/TRY, USD/CZK, USD/SEK

Avatrade review, forex trading

Further Reading:

Cryptocurrencies

AvaTrade has many cryptocurrencies to invest in, and you can be spoilt for choice. From their website, AvaTrade has 17 cryptocurrencies available for trading, and one crypto index comprises 10 popular cryptocurrencies. 

When trading cryptocurrencies on AvaTrade, you can choose to go long or short by using leverage. This means that AvaTrade enables you to profit from crypto price movements regardless of the direction. 

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Indices

When investing, finding a balance between risk and reward is important. This is where indices come into play. 

By lumping multiple stocks into a single financial instrument, indices offer investors the opportunity to diversify their portfolios without choosing individual stocks. Not only does this help mitigate risk, but it also allows for potential returns to be spread across multiple companies. 

AvaTrade is one of the top forex brokers that allow traders to invest in indices. Since you can go long and short on indices, traders can make the most of stock market movements regardless of the direction. 

Below are some of the top indices that you can find on AvaTrade. 

  • US Tech100 Index – Also known as the NASDAQ, this index represents America’s 100 largest companies outside of the finance industry. Among the top names that make up this index are Alphabet and Microsoft. 
  • Dow Jones Index tracks the 30 largest corporations in the US. Among the corporations that make up this list are Walmart and Disney. 
  • FTSE 100 Index –  This index tracks the top 100 largest publicly traded companies in the London Stock Exchange. Among the key players in this index are Admiral Group PLC, and Land Securities Group.
  • S&P 500 – This index tracks the top 500 largest publicly listed corporations in the US. This index is made up of the likes of pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson and tech giants like Amazon. 

While you can always invest in stocks directly, investing through any of the above stock indices is safer. That’s because you get to diversify your portfolio, significantly taking away the risk.

Besides, it is cheaper since buying individual stocks would incur a commission for every purchase. 

Stocks And ETFs

You can trade stocks and ETFs on AvaTrade through CFDs, regardless of your location. This means you also have the leeway to go long or short on the many indices AvaTrade offers, the same way you would trade forex or cryptocurrencies. 

Avatrade review, trading stocks

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Commodities

AvaTrade is one of the best when it comes to the trading of commodities. Among the commodities you can trade on AvaTrade include gold, silver, and Oil. 

AvaTrade also lets traders speculate on agricultural commodities such as coffee and cotton. 

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AvaTrade CFDs Trading

When trading CFDs, short-selling can be a handy tool for investors. And at AvaTrade, this strategy is easily implemented. You predict the asset's price will drop by placing a sell order. 

But what makes AvaTrade even more attractive to traders is the ability to apply leverage. This allows you to magnify your profits or losses depending on how the asset's price moves. 

Whether you're an experienced investor or just starting out, AvaTrade's short-selling and leveraged trading options are worth considering.

While leverage is an excellent way to magnify gains, it is essential to note that regulatory rules differ between countries on how much leverage you can use. 

For instance, if you are using AvaTrade, there is a cap on how much leverage you can use. Here are some of the limits that the EU has put in place. 

  • Stock indices 1:20
  • Stocks 1:5
  • Crypto 1:2
  • Gold 1:20
  • Other commodities 1:10
  • Forex majors 1:30

For those using AvaTrade outside the EU, you can trade any of the above financial instruments using much higher leverage. 

Important: Leverages significantly increase your risk of loss. If a trade goes against you and you get margin called, the broker can liquidate your trade leading to losses. 

AvaTrade Trading Hours

Avatrade trading hours

Regarding trading hours, AvaTrade is just like any other online broker - they fluctuate depending on the asset's market. However, there is one exception to this rule: cryptocurrencies. 

Unlike other assets, digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum can be traded around the clock every day of the week. This constant availability means traders can seize opportunities and move on their investments anytime.

 And with AvaTrade's user-friendly platform, it's easy to stay on top of market trends and make smart trades whenever inspiration strikes. 

Here is a breakdown of AvaTrade’s trading hours to make your trading journey easier. 

Please note that the times are all in GMT 

  • US Stocks and Indices – 4:30 PM to 9 PM Every Monday to Friday
  • UK Stocks and Indices – 8 AM to 430 PM Every Monday to Friday
  • Commodities – 11 PM Sunday to Friday 9 PM
  • Forex – Sunday 10:05 PM to Friday 9:30 PM

The times listed above indicate when you can make a market execution order. This is an order that gets filled immediately.

However, you can still place an order outside market hours. All you have to do is place a ‘limit order’; if the set price is reached when markets open, it will be automatically executed.

AvaTrade Investable Assets

Up to this point, you have a good idea of what you can trade on AvaTrade. Let’s now look at what you can invest in on AvaTrade i.e., truly buying the asset. 

ETFs

AvaTrade has about a dozen ETFs to choose from and get started in your journey to passive investing. Among the top ETFs on AvaTrade are Market Vectors TR Goldminers, Dow Jones US Home Construction Index Fund, and S&P 500 SPDR. 

By opening a long non-leveraged trade on any of these ETFs, you will be investing long-term and at a low risk. You can add to your investment to grow your portfolio size over time. 

Cryptocurrencies

Besides trading, you can invest in cryptocurrencies and profit from their value appreciation over time. AvaTrade offers traders over a dozen of the most popular cryptocurrencies. They include Bitcoin, Ethereum, NEO, Litecoin, Dash, and Cardano.

While cryptocurrencies are highly volatile, AvaTrade’s social trading feature allows beginner investors to mirror the crypto portfolios of more experienced investors. 

Shares

There are hundreds of shares that you can trade on AvaTrade. You can choose from a variety of stocks that are listed in the US stock markets. 

When you invest in any of the stocks listed on AvaTrade, you can own it and hold on to it as a long-term investment.

AvaTrade Fractional Ownership

While some stocks are valued in the thousands of dollars, with just a deposit of $100 on AvaTrade, you can trade them for as low as $10. That’s because AvaTrade, like other top brokers, allows for fractional trades of shares. 

For instance, if Alphabet Stock is worth $1000 and you only have $100 in your AvaTrade account, you can still invest and tade a fraction of the share. 

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AvaTrade Account Types

Our AvaTrade review shows that this trading platform offers three trading accounts: Standard, Retail, and Professional. 

To help you choose the right one for your needs, here is a detailed explanation of each one of them. 

AvaTrade Standard Account

The AvaTrade standard account is regulated in by all the key regulators that oversee AvaTrade operations across the globe. This means you are safe using this account type regardless of where you are using AvaTrade from. 

Regarding the number of tradable instruments, this account gives traders access to more than 1250m assets ranging from stocks, forex, and commodities.

As for the commissions, the AvaTrade standard account starts at 0.9 pips. They also charge a rollover if you keep a position open overnight. 

The AvaTrade standard account is also available across multiple platforms, including MT4, MT4, Web Trader, AvaSocial, and AvaTradeGo. 

The leverage you can use on the standard account varies depending on the jurisdiction. It ranges from 1:400 to 1:25. You can start trading on the standard account with a deposit of $100.

Avatrade review, AvaTradeGo mobile trading

AvaTrade Retail Account

The AvaTrade retail account is under the regulation of the FCA. With this account, you can access the same variety of assets through the standard account. Similarly, on the retail account, spreads start at 0.9 pips. 

However, there are no commissions on this account. As for the leverage, the standard account has fixed leverage of 1:30. 

The main difference between a retail and a standard account is that the retail account is only available on MT4 and MT5. 

The minimum deposit on the retail account is $100.

AvaTrade Professional Account

The Central Bank of Ireland, FSCA, and ASIC regulate the AvaTrade professional account. With the professional account, traders can access the full range of over 1250 assets available on AvaTrade. 

The main difference between the professional account and the rest is lower trading costs. Spreads start at 0.6 pips compared to 0.9 pips for the rest. However, this account also charges a rollover fee for holding a trade overnight. 

The professional account also allows for highly leveraged trades of up to 1:400 and is available on platforms such as MT4, MT5, AvaTrade WebTrader, AvaSocial, and AvaTradeGo. 

The minimum needed to open an AvaTrade professional account is $100.

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AvaTrade Trading Fees

In this section, we look at the commissions traders pay when trading on AvaTrade. 

Commission Fees

AvaTrade does not charge a commission for trading. Instead, it makes money from the spread, which varies with the asset class. 

Spreads

As a trader, it's important to understand that the spreads on AvaTrade are not set in stone. They fluctuate throughout the day based on market conditions, which is actually a good thing. This means that the platform is dynamic and responsive to the ebb and flow of the markets. When conditions are stable, the spreads will be narrow, but during times of volatility, they widen to reflect the increased risk. 

As with anything in trading, it's all about risk management. Understanding how to navigate the changing spreads will help you make informed decisions that hopefully lead to positive outcomes. 

However, AvaTrade has some baseline spreads that traders can use to predict how much they will pay for a trade. Here are some of them.

  • ForexEUR/USD – 0.9, GBP/USD – 1.5
  • CryptoBitcoin – 0.13%, Ethereum – 0.25%
  • CommoditiesGold – 0.13%, Oil – 0.13%
  • ETFs – 0.13%

Overnight Fees

When trading assets on AvaTrade, it's important to remember that overnight fees may vary depending on what you are trading. The overnight or rollover fee is the interest paid or received for holding a position open overnight. 

This fee is charged because when you keep a position open overnight, you borrow money from the broker effectively. As the price of the asset changes, the fee can fluctuate as well. 

AvaTrade Deposits And Withdrawals

From our analysis of AvaTrade, we have found that it has many options for deposits and withdrawals.

Here are some of the options they accept.

  • Wire transfers
  • Debit/credit cards
  • PayPal
  • Neteller
  • Skrill
  • WebMoney 

Most of the options AvaTrade offers allow instant deposits, meaning you can instantly take advantage of emerging trading opportunities. The only one that takes a little longer is the bank transfer which can take up to 3 days to complete. 

AvaTrade Ease Of Use

Navigating the AvaTrade website is a breeze. It's easy to find what you need, no matter your level of trading experience. 

Even beginners can feel confident taking trade positions thanks to a platform that intentionally avoids unnecessary complexity. Because AvaTrade prides itself on providing a user-friendly experience, you don't have to waste time learning a convoluted system. 

For instance, if you want to trade Bitcoin on AvaTrade, you only need to search for it on the website, and it will appear with the option to buy. 

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AvaTrade MetaTrader Compatibility

When it comes to trading, having a reliable platform is a game-changer. AvaTrade understands this reality and has made it easier for traders to use their favorite trading platforms. 

One of their compatibility highlights is their integration with Metatrader4 and Metatrader5. These are two of the most popular trading platforms in the marketplace today. 

With AvaTrade's compatibility, traders can access a vast library of custom indicators, trading robots, and a wide range of technical analysis tools to help them make informed decisions. 

Without a doubt, AvaTrade's flexibility has increased the potential for traders to take advantage of various opportunities in the ever-evolving financial market.

Avatrade review, metatrader platform

AvaTrade Social Trading – AvaSocial 

AvaSocial is the ideal trading platform for everyone - whether you are a seasoned trader or a beginner looking to start your journey. New to trading? No problem. 

AvaSocial is designed with novice traders in mind and offers an opportunity to gain market exposure while honing your trading skills. Why struggle to learn when you can follow expert traders who have already mastered the art of trading? 

With AvaSocial, you have access to experienced traders who can provide invaluable insight into the markets, helping you cut down on the learning curve considerably. Whether you are looking for new trading ideas or simply looking to improve your trading game, AvaSocial has got you covered.

AvaTrade Copy Trading Feature

With the ability to automatically copy successful traders, AvaSocial eliminates much of the guesswork and uncertainty of trading. And with millions of trades being executed monthly by its community of traders, plenty of successful trades exist to copy. If you're tired of feeling like you're flying blind in the market, try AvaSocial and watch your success rate soar.

To begin copying trades on AvaTrade, download AvaSocial, create your account, and fill in your MT4 details. From there, you can fund with your AvaSocial account for as low as $100 and start copying trades. 

However, before you start copying an account on AvaSocial, there are several factors that you need to put into consideration. Here are some of them.

  • The asset that the person you want to copy trades
  • Their average profits every week or month
  • Their leverage level
  • Number of traders copying from that account

To increase your odds of success and minimize, it is best to copy trades from more than one trader. This guarantees that even if one trader is wrong, the losses you incur can be balanced out by the other trades. 

Can I Create Investment Portfolios With AvaTrade?

Yes. AvaTrade gives you the ability to create investment portfolios. AvaTrade has several learning resources that you can use to build a diversified portfolio that gives you a worthwhile return while keeping risks at manageable levels. 

AvaTrade Regulation

The most crucial factor to consider when looking for a broker is whether its regulated or not. On this front, AvaTrade is in good standing. 

AvaTrade is regulated across multiple jurisdictions, namely: the EU, Australia, Japan, and The Middle East.

Here are some of the bodies that regulate AvaTrade.

AvaTrade EU

In the EU, AvaTrade is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. 

AvaTrade Australia

AvaTrade is regulated by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) in Australia.

AvaTrade Middle East 

AvaTrade is regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority in the Middle East. 

AvaTrade Israel

AvaTrade in Israel is regulated by the Israel Securities Authority.

AvaTrade Japan

In Japan, AvaTrade is regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA). 

Where Does AvaTrade Store Client Funds

AvaTrade stores clients’ funds in segregated accounts separate from the company’s accounts. This ensures that clients can still access their funds even if something happens to AvaTrade. 

Which Countries Accept AvaTrade?

AvaTrade is accepted in more than 150 countries worldwide. This makes it one of the most accessible brokers to retail traders and investors. However, it is important to note that AvaTrade cannot operate in the United States.

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Can I Use Metatrader Platforms With AvaTrader?

Yes, you can use both MT4 and MT5 on AvaTrader. 

AvaTradeGo App Review

The AvaTradeGo App is available on both IOS and Android. The app is easy to use and gives users access to all the charts they need and the ability to execute trades instantly.

Does AvaTrade Offer Leverage On My Trading Positions?

Users of AvaTrade can trade with leverage, but the amount of leverage they can use depends on the region they are trading from. 

Here are some of the leverage levels that you can expect on AvaTrade. 

  • Forex EUR/USD – 0.9, GBP/USD – 1.5
  • Crypto Bitcoin – 0.13%, Ethereum – 0.25%
  • Commodities Gold – 0.13%, Oil – 0.13%
  • ETFs – 0.13%

AvaTrade Educational Content

AvaTrade gives users access to lots of educational content that they can use to improve their skills and make better investment decisions. Among the educational features they touch on include trading strategies and how to use leverage. 

What Financial Instruments Can I Trade On AvaTrade?

Here are the main instruments that you can buy and sell on AvaTrade.

Cryptocurrencies

Cryptocurrencies are growing in importance as an asset class, and you can find them on AvaTrade. 

When you buy cryptocurrencies on AvaTrade, you can use leverage to increase the potential for higher returns.

Commodities

You can trade commodities CFDs on AvaTrade.

Currencies

On AvaTrade, you can gain access to the multi-trillion-dollar forex market.

ETFs

AvaTrade gives you access to some of the best ETFs you can trade on leverage. 

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Is AvaTrade Suitable For Professional Traders?

As a professional trader, you know the importance of accessing a highly regulated broker with secure trading platforms. AvaTrade is the perfect solution to meet all your trading needs. 

Their state-of-the-art platforms provide the necessary tools to stay ahead of the game, while their tight spreads and competitive fees ensure you are maximizing your profits. 

In addition, AvaTrade offers high-leverage options so you can trade confidently and with larger positions. With a range of trading instruments, including cryptocurrencies, you have the power to trade anytime, anywhere. Experience trading like never before with AvaTrade.

How To Start Trading With AvaTrade

Up to this point, you have a good idea of why to use AvaTrade. Let’s now go through the process of getting started with AvaTrade. 

Open An Account With AvaTrade

Visit the AvaTrade website and click “Register Now.” You will be asked to provide an email and password to get started. 

open account with Avatrade

Verify Your Account

Once you signup, AvaTrade will ask you for the identity documents to verify your account. 

Deposit Money

Once your account is verified, you must deposit a minimum of $100 and start trading. 

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How Do I Withdraw From AvaTrade?

Just click on Withdrawal now, and click withdraw funds. 

Does AvaTrade Offer A Demo Account?

You can open a demo account and practice with up to $100k.

AvaTrade Review – Conclusion

Our full review found that AvaTrade to be one of the best for low-fee trading of stocks, crypto, and forex.  AvaTrade also has a social trading feature that helps beginner traders get started with trading financial assets.

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FAQs AvaTrade Review

Is AvaTrade Trustworthy?

AvaTrade is a regulated broker, so you can count on them.

Is AvaTrade Really Free?

While it does not charge a commission, AvaTrade charges a spread fee.

Does AvaTrade Offer Analysis Tools?

Yes. AvaTrade offers lots of tools that investors can use to make investment decisions. They include articles and videos that touch on how to trade.

Can You Make Money On AvaTrade?

Yes, you can make money on AvaTrade. However, it is essential to note that most traders fail. AvaTrade offers lots of resources to help on this front. It also has a copy trader feature that allows beginner traders to copy the trades of experienced traders.

What Type Of Broker Is AvaTrade?

AvaTrade is an ECN broker that sends orders directly to the market.

Is AvaTrade Good For Beginners?

If you're new to trading and looking for a user-friendly platform, AvaTrade might be the ticket. Unlike many other trading platforms, this one is explicitly geared toward beginners. There's no complicated jargon to navigate, and the platform is simple to understand. It's also web-based so you can access it from anywhere with an internet connection, and the mobile app is just as intuitive. Plus, with an array of user-friendly tools and features, you'll be up and running quickly. Don't let the prospect of trading overwhelm you - AvaTrade makes it easy.

Is AvaTrade Legitimate?

Yes, AvaTrade is regulated and legitimate. Top bodies from Japan regulate it, from the EU to Australia.

Does AvaTrade Accept US Customers?

No, AvaTrade does not accept US customers.

What Is The Minimum Deposit On The AvaTrade Trading Platform?

The minimum deposit on AvaTrade is $100.