Choosing the right forex broker can significantly impact your trading success. This comprehensive HF Markets review examines the broker’s regulation, trading conditions, platforms, and overall reliability to help you make an informed decision. With multiple licenses and over a decade in the industry, HF Markets (formerly HotForex) has established itself as a notable player in the online trading space.
Start Trading with HF Markets
Multi-regulated broker with competitive spreads from 0.0 pips
Your capital is at risk.
HF Markets Overview: Company Background and Regulation
Founded in 2010, HF Markets (formerly known as HotForex) has grown into a globally recognized broker serving millions of traders worldwide. The company operates under multiple regulatory licenses, providing a secure trading environment with strong client protection measures.
HF Markets global headquarters
Regulatory Framework and Licenses
HF Markets maintains a robust regulatory framework through multiple jurisdictional licenses, ensuring compliance with international financial standards. This multi-tiered approach to regulation provides traders with enhanced security and peace of mind.
| Regulatory Authority | Region | License Number | Client Protection |
| CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission) | Cyprus/EU | 183/12 | Investor Compensation Fund up to €20,000 |
| FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) | United Kingdom | 801701 | FSCS protection up to £85,000 |
| FSCA (Financial Sector Conduct Authority) | South Africa | 46632 | Segregated client funds |
| DFSA (Dubai Financial Services Authority) | UAE | F004885 | Segregated client funds |
| FSA (Financial Services Authority) | Seychelles | SD015 | Segregated client funds |
This multi-jurisdictional approach to regulation demonstrates HF Markets’ commitment to maintaining high standards of operation and client protection across different regions. All client funds are held in segregated accounts with tier-one banks, separate from the company’s operational funds.
HF Markets Account Types: Finding Your Perfect Match
HF Markets offers a diverse range of account types designed to accommodate different trading styles, experience levels, and capital requirements. Each account type provides unique features and benefits to suit various trading needs.
| Features | Cent Account | Zero Account | Premium Account | Pro Account |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0 | $0 | $100 |
| Base Currencies | USC (US Cents) | USD, EUR | USD, EUR | USD, EUR |
| Spreads (EUR/USD) | From 1.2 pips | From 0.0 pips | From 1.2 pips | From 0.6 pips |
| Commission | None | $6-$8 per lot | None | None |
| Maximum Leverage | Up to 1:2000* | Up to 1:2000* | Up to 1:2000* | Up to 1:2000* |
| Instruments | Forex, Gold | All available | All available | All available |
| Swap-Free Option | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum Trade Size | 0.01 lot | 0.01 lot | 0.01 lot | 0.01 lot |
*Leverage varies by regulatory jurisdiction. EU/UK clients are subject to ESMA regulations limiting retail leverage to 1:30.
Cent Account: Perfect for Beginners
The Cent Account is ideal for novice traders and those looking to test strategies with minimal risk. With no minimum deposit requirement and contract sizes measured in cents rather than standard lots, this account allows for gradual exposure to live market conditions.
Zero Account: For Spread-Sensitive Traders
The Zero Account offers raw spreads starting from 0.0 pips with a commission structure, making it perfect for spread-sensitive strategies like scalping and high-frequency trading. This account provides direct market access with exceptional execution quality.
Premium Account: Balanced Trading Conditions
The Premium Account offers a balance between competitive spreads and no commission fees, suitable for most trading styles. With no minimum deposit requirement, it provides access to all available instruments and markets.
Pro Account: For Experienced Traders
The Pro Account features tighter spreads from 0.6 pips with no commission, designed for experienced traders who prefer a spread-only cost structure. With a minimum deposit of $100, it offers enhanced trading conditions for more serious market participants.
Ready to Start Trading?
Open an account with HF Markets in minutes
Your capital is at risk.
HF Markets Trading Platforms: Tools for Success
HF Markets provides access to industry-standard trading platforms along with proprietary solutions, ensuring traders have the tools they need for effective market analysis and execution.
MetaTrader 4 (MT4)
The industry-standard platform known for its reliability and extensive features:
- Advanced charting with 30+ built-in indicators
- Support for Expert Advisors (EAs)
- One-click trading functionality
- Available on desktop, web, and mobile
- 9 timeframes for comprehensive analysis
MetaTrader 5 (MT5)
The next-generation platform with enhanced capabilities:
- 21 timeframes for detailed market analysis
- Economic calendar integration
- Advanced pending order types
- Enhanced backtesting capabilities
- Access to more markets and instruments
HFM Mobile App
Proprietary mobile solution for trading on the go:
- User-friendly interface designed for mobile
- Real-time quotes and notifications
- Account management features
- Available for iOS and Android devices
- Secure login and transaction processes
HFCopy: Social Trading Solution
HF Markets also offers HFCopy, a proprietary copy trading platform that allows traders to follow and automatically replicate the strategies of successful traders. This social trading solution is perfect for those looking to leverage the expertise of others while learning the markets.
For Strategy Providers:
- Earn performance fees from followers
- Build a track record and reputation
- Attract followers to your strategies
- Showcase your trading expertise
For Followers:
- Copy successful traders automatically
- Customize risk parameters
- Learn from experienced traders
- Diversify across multiple strategies
Experience HF Markets Trading Platforms
Try all platforms with a free demo account
Practice with virtual funds with no risk.
Trading Instruments: Diverse Market Access
HF Markets provides access to over 1,000 trading instruments across multiple asset classes, allowing traders to diversify their portfolios and capitalize on opportunities across global markets.
| Asset Class | Number of Instruments | Spreads From | Maximum Leverage* |
| Forex | 50+ currency pairs | 0.0 pips (EUR/USD) | Up to 1:2000 |
| Metals | 4 (Gold, Silver, etc.) | 1.5 pips (Gold) | Up to 1:500 |
| Indices | 11+ global indices | 0.5 points | Up to 1:200 |
| Stocks | 1,000+ global shares | 0.1% | Up to 1:20 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 19 crypto pairs | 1.8% (BTC/USD) | Up to 1:50 |
| Commodities | 5+ (Oil, Natural Gas, etc.) | 0.03 (Oil) | Up to 1:100 |
| ETFs | 34 ETFs | 0.1% | Up to 1:5 |
| Bonds | 3 government bonds | 0.05 | Up to 1:50 |
*Leverage varies by regulatory jurisdiction and account type. EU/UK clients are subject to ESMA regulations limiting retail leverage.
Popular Trading Instruments
While HF Markets offers a comprehensive range of trading instruments, certain markets are particularly popular among their client base:
Forex
Major, minor, and exotic currency pairs with competitive spreads and deep liquidity. Popular pairs include EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and USD/JPY.
Metals
Trade gold (XAU/USD) and silver (XAG/USD) with tight spreads and extended trading hours, capitalizing on safe-haven movements.
Cryptocurrencies
Access major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple as CFDs with leverage, without needing a crypto wallet.
HF Markets Fees, Spreads, and Commissions
Understanding the cost structure is crucial when selecting a forex broker. HF Markets offers a transparent fee structure with competitive spreads and commissions that vary by account type.
Spread Structure
HF Markets offers both spread-only and spread-plus-commission pricing models, allowing traders to choose the structure that best suits their trading style:
| Account Type | EUR/USD Spread | Commission | Cost Structure |
| Cent Account | From 1.2 pips | None | Spread-only |
| Zero Account | From 0.0 pips | $6-$8 per lot (round turn) | Raw spread + Commission |
| Premium Account | From 1.2 pips | None | Spread-only |
| Pro Account | From 0.6 pips | None | Spread-only |
Non-Trading Fees
HF Markets maintains a competitive edge by minimizing non-trading fees:
Deposit and Withdrawal Fees
- No deposit fees from HF Markets
- No withdrawal fees from HF Markets
- Third-party payment processor fees may apply
- Currency conversion fees may apply
Account Maintenance Fees
- No inactivity fees
- No account maintenance fees
- No monthly or annual charges
- No data subscription fees
Swap Rates and Overnight Financing
For positions held overnight, HF Markets applies swap rates based on the interest rate differential between the currencies in the pair. Swap-free (Islamic) accounts are available for traders who follow Islamic principles, allowing them to avoid interest-based charges.
Experience Competitive Trading Costs
Trade with spreads from 0.0 pips and no hidden fees
Your capital is at risk.
Customer Support: Assistance When You Need It
HF Markets provides comprehensive customer support through multiple channels, ensuring traders can get assistance whenever needed. Their multilingual support team is available 24/5 to address queries and resolve issues promptly.
Support Channels
Traders can reach HF Markets’ customer support through various channels:
Live Chat
Instant assistance through the website’s live chat feature, available 24/5. Connect with a support representative in seconds for quick resolution of queries.
Email Support
Send detailed inquiries to support@hfm.com for comprehensive assistance. Typical response time is within 24 hours, often much faster.
Phone Support
Direct telephone support available through international and local numbers. Speak directly with a support representative for immediate assistance.
Multilingual Support
HF Markets offers customer support in over 27 languages, making it accessible to traders from diverse regions. This multilingual approach ensures clear communication and effective problem resolution regardless of the trader’s native language.
Support Quality
Based on our testing and user feedback, HF Markets’ customer support demonstrates:
- Quick response times (typically under 1 minute for live chat)
- Knowledgeable representatives with technical expertise
- Professional and courteous service
- Effective problem resolution
- Comprehensive assistance across trading and account issues
Security and Funds Protection
HF Markets implements robust security measures to protect client data and funds, maintaining high standards of safety and regulatory compliance.
Client Fund Security
HF Markets employs several measures to ensure the safety of client funds:
- Segregated Accounts: Client funds are held in segregated accounts with tier-one banks, separate from the company’s operational funds
- Negative Balance Protection: Ensures traders cannot lose more than their deposited amount, even during extreme market volatility
- Investor Compensation Schemes: Clients trading with regulated entities may be eligible for compensation schemes (e.g., ICF in Cyprus up to €20,000)
- Regular Audits: Financial operations undergo regular audits to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements
- Transparent Reporting: Clear reporting of financial activities to regulatory authorities
Data Security
To protect client information and trading activities, HF Markets implements:
- SSL encryption for all website and platform connections
- Two-factor authentication (2FA) for account access
- Advanced firewall protection for servers
- Regular security audits and updates
- Strict data protection policies compliant with international standards
Trade with Confidence
Your funds are protected with a regulated broker
Your capital is at risk.
User Experience and Educational Resources
HF Markets provides a comprehensive trading experience supported by extensive educational resources and trading tools designed to help traders at all levels improve their skills and market understanding.
Educational Resources
HF Markets offers a wealth of educational materials to support trader development:
Trading Academy
- Comprehensive trading courses
- Video tutorials and guides
- E-books and educational PDFs
- Trading glossary and terminology
Webinars and Seminars
- Live trading webinars
- Strategy sessions with experts
- Market analysis workshops
- Platform tutorials
Market Analysis
- Daily market reviews
- Technical analysis reports
- Economic calendar
- Trading signals and ideas
Trading Tools
To enhance the trading experience, HF Markets provides several specialized tools:
- Economic Calendar: Stay informed about important economic events and their potential market impact
- Trading Calculators: Calculate margin, profit/loss, pip value, and more
- VPS Hosting: Virtual Private Server for uninterrupted automated trading
- Trading Central: Professional technical analysis and trading signals
- Autochartist: Automated pattern recognition tool for identifying trading opportunities
Demo Account
HF Markets offers a free demo account with virtual funds up to $100,000, allowing traders to practice strategies and familiarize themselves with the platforms without risking real capital. The demo account provides access to live market conditions, all available instruments, and full platform functionality.
Start Your Trading Journey
Practice risk-free with a demo account
No risk, no obligation.
HF Markets Review: Pros and Cons
Based on our comprehensive analysis, here’s a balanced overview of HF Markets’ strengths and limitations to help you make an informed decision.
Advantages
- Multi-regulated by reputable financial authorities (CySEC, FCA, FSCA, DFSA)
- Competitive spreads starting from 0.0 pips on Zero Account
- No minimum deposit requirement for most account types
- Negative balance protection for all retail clients
- Access to over 1,000 trading instruments across multiple asset classes
- Comprehensive educational resources and market analysis
- Multiple platform options including MT4, MT5, and proprietary solutions
- Swap-free trading available on all account types
- 24/5 multilingual customer support
- Copy trading functionality through HFCopy
Limitations
- Not available to traders from the United States and certain other countries
- Limited cryptocurrency offerings compared to specialized crypto exchanges
- Higher spreads on Cent and Premium accounts compared to competitors
- Commission charges on Zero Account may impact profitability for some strategies
- Leverage restrictions for EU/UK clients due to ESMA regulations
- Occasional platform connectivity issues reported by some users
- Limited base currencies for certain account types
- Some advanced features only available on specific account types
Conclusion: Is HF Markets Right for You?
Our HF Markets review reveals a well-established, multi-regulated broker offering a comprehensive trading environment suitable for traders at various experience levels. With competitive spreads, diverse account types, and robust educational resources, HF Markets provides the tools needed for successful trading.
For Beginner Traders
HF Markets is particularly well-suited for beginners thanks to its Cent Account option, extensive educational resources, and copy trading functionality. The zero minimum deposit requirement also makes it accessible for those starting with limited capital.
For Experienced Traders
Professional traders will appreciate the Zero and Pro accounts with tight spreads, advanced platform features, and access to a wide range of markets. The VPS service and API trading options cater to algorithmic traders and those employing sophisticated strategies.
For Scalpers and Day Traders
With raw spreads from 0.0 pips on the Zero Account and fast execution, HF Markets provides favorable conditions for scalping and day trading strategies. The broker explicitly allows these trading styles, unlike some competitors who restrict such approaches.
Overall, HF Markets stands out as a solid choice for traders seeking a regulated broker with competitive conditions and comprehensive support. While it has some limitations, its strengths make it worthy of consideration for your trading journey.
Ready to Trade with HF Markets?
Join millions of traders worldwide
Your capital is at risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HF Markets safe and regulated?
Yes, HF Markets is regulated by multiple tier-one financial authorities including CySEC (Cyprus), FCA (UK), FSCA (South Africa), and DFSA (UAE). This multi-jurisdictional regulation ensures high standards of operational conduct and client protection. The broker also implements segregated client funds, negative balance protection, and secure encryption for all transactions.
What is the minimum deposit for HF Markets?
Most HF Markets account types (Cent, Zero, Premium) have no minimum deposit requirement, allowing traders to start with any amount they’re comfortable with. The Pro Account has a minimum deposit of 0. This flexible approach makes HF Markets accessible to traders with varying capital availability.
Does HF Markets offer negative balance protection?
Yes, HF Markets provides negative balance protection for all retail clients. This means traders cannot lose more than their deposited funds, even during extreme market volatility. This protection is particularly important during major market events that can cause significant price gaps and volatility.
What trading platforms does HF Markets offer?
HF Markets provides access to MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), and a proprietary HFM Mobile App. All platforms are available on desktop, web, and mobile devices. The broker also offers HFCopy, a social trading platform that allows traders to follow and copy successful strategies.
What are the spreads like at HF Markets?
HF Markets offers competitive spreads that vary by account type. The Zero Account provides raw spreads from 0.0 pips with a commission, while the Pro Account offers spreads from 0.6 pips with no commission. The Cent and Premium accounts have spreads starting from 1.2 pips with no commission. Actual spreads may widen during volatile market conditions or low liquidity periods.
Does HF Markets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts?
Yes, HF Markets offers swap-free trading options on all account types, making them suitable for traders who follow Islamic principles. These accounts eliminate overnight interest charges (swaps) while maintaining the same trading conditions as standard accounts. This feature is available upon request and verification.
How can I contact HF Markets customer support?
HF Markets provides 24/5 customer support through multiple channels including live chat on their website, email (support@hfm.com), and international phone lines (+44 203 097 5796). Support is available in over 27 languages, ensuring effective communication regardless of your location or native language.
What payment methods does HF Markets accept?
HF Markets supports various payment methods including credit/debit cards, bank wire transfers, and electronic payment systems such as Skrill, Neteller, and Perfect Money. The broker also accepts cryptocurrency payments through select providers. Most deposits are processed instantly, while withdrawal times vary by method.
