Updated on March 18, 2024
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In our comprehensive review process, we meticulously evaluate forex brokers against a set of rigorous criteria designed to measure their overall performance, reliability, and value to traders. This method includes an in-depth analysis of regulatory licenses, trading platforms, fees, spreads, customer service, and educational resources. Our goal is to provide traders with a detailed and unbiased assessment that aids in making informed decisions. Our rankings are derived from comparing Headway against over 1000 brokers, ensuring a broad and competitive evaluation landscape.
Headway stands as a prominent Forex trading entity, offering its clientele access to a diversified portfolio of trading instruments which encompasses Forex, Metals, Cryptocurrencies, Energies, Stocks, and Indices. Strategically headquartered in South Africa, Headway operates under the stringent oversight of the FSCA authority, solidifying its standing within the African market. The broker is lauded for its competitive trading conditions and the provision of the advanced MetaTrader platforms, optimizing trade execution efficiency.
Pros
Offers competitive trading conditions and low minimum deposit requirements
Provides access to the renowned MT4 and MT5 trading platforms
Cons
Possesses only a single regulatory license from the FSCA, lacking broader regulatory oversight
Headway Review Summary
Headway, with its South African roots, is regulated by the FSCA, offering cutting-edge MT4 and MT5 platforms. The broker facilitates trading across various instruments, including Forex and Cryptocurrencies, boasting a competitive EUR/USD spread of 0.4 pips. Despite not offering a demo account, the minimum deposit requirement is attractively set at $1. Headway supports multiple base currencies and provides educational resources alongside 24/7 customer support.
Overall Headway Ranking
Headway emerges as a compelling choice for traders, courtesy of its competitive fees and robust trading conditions. The broker's prowess in offering advanced trading platforms like MT4 and MT5 positions it as a viable option for engaging with a plethora of financial instruments. Garnering an overall ranking of 4.0 out of 5.0, Headway stands tall in our comparison against over 1000 brokers, reflecting its formidable presence in the industry.
Headway is not a scam. It is a regulated entity, authorized by South Africa's FSCA, indicating a commendable level of trustworthiness and adherence to industry norms.
Leverage is a double-edged sword, offering the potential for significant profit while also posing the risk of equally substantial losses. Understanding its mechanics and implications is crucial. Headway, in compliance with FSCA regulations, offers traders from South Africa the opportunity to utilize leverage up to 1:30 for major currency pairs. While the broker's website hints at the availability of potentially unlimited leverage, traders are advised to approach leverage with caution, fully aware of the risks involved.
Account Types
Based on our exhaustive analysis, the broker offers three distinct types of accounts tailored to meet the diverse requirements of traders. These include the Cent, Standard, and Pro accounts. In addition, for traders observing Islamic financial principles, the broker provides options for swap-free trading.
Opening a Headway Trading Account
Registering for an account with the broker is streamlined and user-friendly. To initiate the process, simply navigate to and select the "Open Account" option on the website. You will then be prompted to input essential personal information such as your name, email, and phone number. Following this, verification of your data is required through the submission of documentation proving your residence and identity. An electronic quiz assessing your trading experience must also be completed. Upon activation and verification of your account, you can proceed with depositing funds.
Headway offers a range of popular trading instruments, including Forex, Metals, Cryptocurrencies, Energies, Stocks, and Indices, enabling traders to diversify their investment portfolios. This broad selection caters to various trading preferences and strategies.
In terms of product diversity, Headway has earned a Markets Range Score of 8 out of 10, reflecting a wide and varied selection of trading products available to its clients.
Regarding Headway's cost structure, our evaluation of the broker’s fee schedule reveals that it offers competitive rates for trading services. Notably, Headway does not charge fees for deposits and withdrawals. However, traders may encounter additional charges during their trading activities. Therefore, it is crucial for traders to thoroughly review Headway’s fee structure and terms and conditions. This ensures a full understanding of all potential fees and how they might affect trading operations.
When compared to over 500 other brokers, Headway's fees receive an average rating, with an overall score of 8 out of 10 based on our comprehensive testing.
Headway Cost
Our thorough review of the broker's fee structure reveals that Headway offers competitive fees for its trading services. Notably, the broker does not charge for deposits and withdrawals, although additional fees may be incurred during trading. It is imperative to examine the broker's fee schedule and terms and conditions closely to fully understand the fees involved and their potential impact on your trading.
Headway's fees are deemed average, scoring 3.2 out of 5, based on our comprehensive evaluation and comparison with over 1000 other brokers.
Our trading tests indicate that the broker offers competitive spreads, with the EUR/USD currency pair showcasing an average spread of 0.4 pips in the Forex market. It is important to note that spreads are subject to variation depending on market conditions, volatility, and liquidity. Therefore, for precise information on spreads for specific instruments and account types, it is recommended to consult the broker's website or reach out to customer support.
Headway's spreads are considered average, receiving a rating of 3.2 out of 5 in our comparison to a broad range of brokers. Our findings highlight that the Forex spreads offered by Headway are below the industry norm of 1.2 pips, and the spreads for other instruments are also competitive.
In the course of our comprehensive analysis, this brokerage firm offers traders a diverse array of deposit methods, including Wire Transfers, Credit/Debit cards, and E-wallets. It's important to note, however, that certain payment methods might come with specific requirements or limitations, contingent upon the trader's banking institution or other financial entities involved.
Headway's funding methods received a commendable score of 4 out of 5. The firm stands out for its low fees and the flexibility of choosing from various account-based currencies. Here we delve into the pros and cons of Headway’s funding methods:
Pros
Low minimum deposit requirements
A wide variety of funding methods
Cons
Possible restrictions based on financial institutions
Headway Minimum Deposit
To begin live trading, clients are required to deposit a minimal amount which varies by account type: $1 for a Cent account, $10 for a Standard account, and $100 for a Pro account. This is notably lower than the industry average minimum deposit of $500.
Headway Withdrawals
Our examination found the withdrawal process to be both efficient and swift, with the brokerage typically processing requests within a single day.
To withdraw funds, follow these steps:
1. Log in to your account
2. Navigate to 'Withdraw Funds' in the menu
3. Input the amount to be withdrawn
4. Select your withdrawal method
5. Fill out the electronic request form
6. Confirm the withdrawal details and submit
7. Monitor the status of your withdrawal through the Dashboard
The brokerage grants access to the widely acclaimed MT4 and MT5 platforms, celebrated for their advanced functionalities and intuitive design. These platforms offer an array of features, including a plethora of technical indicators, user-friendly interfaces, and sophisticated charting tools.
Clients also have access to the NOVA investment service, a proprietary platform devised by Headway, equipped with comprehensive tools and resources to bolster traders' investment strategies and enhance their trading experience.
The Headway Platform is ranked favorably with a score of 4.3 out of 5 in comparison to over 1000 other brokers. We attribute this high mark to its provision of the advanced MT4 and MT5 trading platforms.
What is Headway App?
Our review of the Headway app revealed that the broker offers a convenient mobile solution for traders, available on both Android and iOS platforms. This user-friendly app enables traders to stay connected to the markets, manage their accounts, execute trades, and access crucial market data and analysis on the move.
The brokerage provides round-the-clock customer support through live chat, email, and phone lines. The support team includes trading specialists capable of offering technical support, analysis recommendations, general inquiries, and assistance with operational issues.
Headway’s Customer Support has been rated 4 out of 5 based on our assessments. The team is noted for being responsive throughout both the working week and weekends, ensuring effective support.
The broker’s educational offerings encompass tutorials, Forex and company news, blogs, and an AI hub that grants access to market research and top-tier analysis data, supporting traders in refining their investment strategies. However, it falls short in providing seminars and webinars.
Headway Education has been rated 3.95 out of 5, based on our exhaustive research. We suggest that potential clients also consider other brokers that offer a broader range of educational resources, including seminars and webinars.
In summation, Headway emerges as a trustworthy Forex trading brokerage firm, presenting competitive trading solutions, swift execution, and access to the acclaimed MT4 and MT5 trading platforms. Its competitive trading conditions render it a viable choice for both novice and seasoned traders.
Overall, the brokerage was found to provide a conducive trading environment. Nonetheless, we recommend that traders conduct their own due diligence and assess if the broker’s offerings align with their specific trading needs.
Based on our findings and expert financial opinions, Headway is well-suited for:
Traders from South Africa and the wider African Region
Individuals who prefer the MT4 and MT5 trading platforms
Currency trading enthusiasts
Beginners
Advanced traders
Traders looking for NDD execution
Users of proprietary investment services
Those seeking competitive fees
Clients in need of 24/7 customer support
Traders who value highquality trading tools
Enthusiasts of EA/Auto trading