IQ Option is a highly popular trading platform with a presence in over thirty countries. It boasts 7 millionregistered users, though not all of them may be active traders; many might have registered just to explore their demo account.
It’s regulated by CySEC in Cyprus and is also registered with other governmental organizations, including the British FCA, CNMV in Spain, the Italian Consob, and Regafi in France.
Hi there! I want to let you know that I have thoroughly tested IQ Option using my personal account to create this IQ Option review. Also, I hold the EFPA (European Financial Advisor #37363) certification. I’m eager to impart my expertise, insights, and comprehensive research regarding this reputable trading platform.
Josep GarciaFinancial Advisor
Naturally, before deciding to start trading with IQ Option, you’ll likely have many questions about their commissions, functionality, and the range of assets available for trading. Let me share all my findings in this IQ Review.
IQ Option Review Verdict
IQ Option enables trading with derivative products (CFDs) and offers over 250+ different assets, including stocks, ETFs, commodities, crypto, and forex – a selection that may not seem extensive. For finance professionals, the platform also facilitates options trading. It features a well-designed, modern interface, and the spreads are reasonable. Their platform is well-designed and looks modern, and the spreads are reasonable.
If you’re a novice trader, IQ Option might not be ideal as it requires operating with leverage and doesn’t allow purchasing real assets (like stocks or ETFs) – only derivative products are available. Alternatives such as Trading 212, XTB, or eToro could be more suitable.
Clearly, IQ Option is best suited for those focused on derivatives trading. A notable feature is the ability for financially savvy individuals to trade both options and CFDs. However, platforms like Plus500, XTB, and eToro provide a broader range of options.
IQ Option Pros & Cons
Pros
Well-Designed
The IQ Option platform, modern and user-friendly, offers practical graph analysis, though somewhat limited. More details follow.
Spreads
Generally, IQ Option’s spreads seem reasonable compared to competitors, though hard to judge.
Fast support
IQ Option’s support was always prompt when contacted. Support in languages other than English may be slower.
Regulation
IQ Option is based in Cyprus, and thus is subject to European financial regulation. Additionally, IQ Option is registered with European entities like Spain’s CNMV, France’s Regafi, and Italy’s Consob. It is also registered with the British FCA.
Trade Options
With a professional account, you can operate with options, a feature not commonly allowed by other brokers.
Cons
Slow web app
In my experience, their web app, although well-designed, is a bit slow. If you install the app in your computer it should be faster.
Few assets
Unfortunately, IQ Option does not offer the widest variety of assets for you to trade with. At the moment this review was written, it only has a total of 260 in stock, ETFs, Forex, commodities and cryptocurrency CFDs. There are other brokers that offer more variety.
Inactivity fee
If you don’t use IQ Option for three months you will be charged a monthly inactivity fee of $10.
IQ Option in Detail
Criteria
Comment
Country and Regulation ?
4.5
IQ Option is regulated by CySEC (in Cyprus) and registered with various governmental organizations, including the CNMV (Spain), CONSOB (Italy), FCA (United Kingdom), CNB (Czech Republic), AFM (Netherlands), and Regafi (France). IQ Option accepts clients from residents of European countries, as well as the United Kingdom. Not available in several countries, including the United States, Japan, Israel, Australia, Russia, among others.
Deposit Fees ?
5
You can fund your IQ Option account through bank transfer (3-5 days), credit/debit card, or e-wallets like PayPal, Neteller, Skrill. European users have a minimum deposit of € 20, with no deposit fees. IQ Option supports multiple currencies (Euro, USD, Sterling Pounds) for accounts. The first deposit sets your account’s currency, which cannot be changed later.
Demo Account ?
Access IQ Option’s demo account with a $10,000 virtual balance to understand its functionality. The demo account appears to have no time limit, allowing for unlimited use.
Stocks
With IQ Option, direct investment in actual stocks isn’t possible; the platform offers only CFDs based on selected stocks.
ETFs & Mutual Funds
IQ Option does not offer direct investment in ETFs or funds. Instead, exposure to these assets is only available through derivative products like CFDs based on ETFs.
Bonds
Sadly no, IQ Option won’t let you invest in bonds either.
Derivatives
IQ Option primarily offers CFDs, including stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, Forex, and commodities, not many of them. However, other platforms may provide more variety. Professional accounts at IQ Option, granted to verified finance experts, provide access to options (48 available), albeit limited in quantity.
Forex
Investing in currency pairs is possible using CFDs, or through options with a professional account. However, direct Forex investment is not available.
Cryptos
Purchasing cryptocurrencies directly through IQ Option is not an option. However, the platform does allow trading in cryptocurrency derivatives, such as CFDs, with options like Ethereum, Dash, and Bitcoin among the ten available. For direct crypto purchases, consider exploring eToro.
Other Products
Not really, nothing else you’ll be able to invest in when using IQ Option.
Types of Orders ?
4
Operate using market orders, take profit, and stop loss (percentage-based). Dynamic stop loss adjusts with favorable asset price movements. Note: Order execution prices are not guaranteed, especially in high volatility periods.
Leverage ?
Increased leverage is available for professional account holders in Europe. IQ Option provides higher leverage for users outside Europe. You can adjust the leverage level, but it cannot be completely removed. For instance, investing $100 in stocks might effectively be $150. Higher prices yield more profit, but a fall increases potential losses.
Trading Fees ?
IQ Option does not impose direct trading fees (for selling or buying assets). However, they do apply a spread between the buying and selling prices, which benefits IQ Option. The size of this spread varies based on the asset being traded.
Overnight Fees ?
Keeping open positions after market closure incurs a financing fee, typically between 0.01% and 0.6%, potentially rising to 1.7% of your position’s value.
Inactivity Fees ?
If your account is inactive for over 90 days, you will face an inactivity fee of $10 a month.
Other Fees
Trading cryptocurrency CFDs incurs a 2.9% fee on the traded amount. No currency exchange fees apply if deposits are made in the account’s currency (Euro, Pounds, or US Dollars). Withdrawals are free, except when done via bank transfer.
Available Platforms
4
IQ Option can be accessed via any modern browser, offering an intuitive interface. It’s worth noting that its performance can be a bit sluggish. For a speedier experience, consider installing their desktop app, compatible with both Mac and PC. IQ Option has apps for Android and iPhone, although they may not receive top ratings compared to other brokers’. Some users reported high mobile data usage as well.
Charting ?
4
IQ Option offers four chart types: line, candlestick, bar, and Heikin-Ashi. Time periods for candlestick charts range from 5 seconds to 1 month. Price alerts and trade level indicators can be set directly on charts. Analysis tools like MACD, Bollinger, and Moving Averages are available, along with drawing options. However, comparing charts with external indicators, like the S&P 500 price, is not possible.
Research ?
4
IQ Option provides a newsfeed access with a free account. However, its layout is not well-designed and is narrow, making reading challenging. News can also be accessed outside the trading platform. An economic calendar is available with IQ Option, similar to other platforms. Yet, its design integration with the trading platform could be improved.
IQ Option offers numerous tutorials and videos on basic trading concepts. These materials are fairly basic, needing more detailed explanations, but are well-produced.
Alerts
3.5
The platform allows you to set price alerts, such as receiving notifications when the price hits a specific level or when a position is nearing closure. Additionally, enabling push notifications is possible. However, these features could benefit from being more comprehensive or user-friendly.
Support ?
4
IQ Option provides chat, email, and phone support. In my experience, they offer prompt and courteous assistance, though sometimes with a short wait.
Overall Rating ?
3.8
IQ Option offers a trading platform for CFDs (and options if you have a professional account) that is very intuitive and well-designed. The chart-analysing system is especially useful. Unfortunately, you will not be able to trade with as many assets as other platforms.
Is IQ Option Safe?
IQ Option employs SSL connections to encrypt data exchanges with browsers and apps. It also supports secure payment systems like PayPal and Skrill.
Additionally, IQ Option offers 2-step authentication for enhanced security, requiring phone confirmation for broker access.
The platform enables monitoring of open sessions and history, helping identify unauthorized access to your IQ Option account.
IQ Option Fees & Commissions
Like many trading platforms, IQ Option charges no fees for account opening, depositing, or withdrawing funds, except for bank transfers.
IQ Option imposes a monthly inactivity fee of $10 if you’re inactive for 90 days.
The platform also charges a financing fee of 0.01% to 0.6% for holding leveraged positions after market close, which may reach up to 1.7% in unspecified cases.
IQ Option applies a spread on opening or closing positions, the margin between the buying and selling prices of securities, financing market makers.
IQ Option Spread Examples
| Assets | Spread |
|---|---|
| Amazon stock CFDs | 0.09% |
| Apple stock CFDs | 0.1% |
| Coca-Cola stock CFDs | 0.212% |
| EURUSD CFDs | 0.026% |
| EURJPY CFDs | 0.083% |
| EURGBP CFDs | 0.104% |
| Bitcoin CFDs | 0.3% |
| Etherum CFDs | 2.037% |
| Litecoin CFDs | 1.528% |
| Gold CFDs | 0.072% |
| Silver CFDs | 0.168% |
| MSCI Emerging CFDs | 0.067% |
| S&P 500 CFDs | 0.023% |
Note: Keep in mind that these spreads were the ones established by IQ Option on 8th January 2021, and shall vary across time.
Assets You Can Trade with IQ Option
With IQ Option, your investment options are limited to derivative products. These derivatives don’t represent the real asset; instead, their value mirrors the price movements of the underlying assets. For example, while you can’t directly invest in Apple stocks, you can invest in a CFD based on Apple’s stock price.
Unless you are a professional (IQ Option) client with extensive financial knowledge, the only security you can use to invest will be Contracts for Difference (CFDs). Professional clients will have access to trading options on FOREX.
With IQ Option you will not be able to invest in investment funds, stock, ETFs and fixed-income assets. If you want to make this type of investment, you can take a look at brokers like DEGIRO.
IQ Option offers investment opportunities in the following CFDs:
- Stock CFDs: You have few stock CFDs to invest in. Some of these are: Tesla, Baidu, Apple, Amazon or Spotify. Leverage is 1:5.
- ETF CFDs: With IQ Option it’s also possible to trade ETF CFDs. They have very few different ones; this doesn’t seem like a lot, right? Leverage is the same as in stock CFDs.
- Forex CFDs: IQ Option offers currency pairs to invest in through CFDs, but not many. Some of these are EUR/USD, AUD/USD, GBP/USD or GBP/JPY. Leverage is 1:30.
- Commodities CFDs: IQ Option has almost no commodities CFDs in its portfolio: gold, crude oil, silver and Brent barrel. These CFDs operate at a 1:20 leverage.
- Cryptocurrency CFDs: IQ Option offers CFDs for cryptos such as Bitcoin, Etherum, Ripple or Litecoin. Leverage for cryptocoin CFDs is 1:2.
Note: Please keep in mind that the aforementioned leverage levels are for retail accounts of European users. Other types of accounts may have a different leverage.
Some traders might find the absence of index CFDs notable, as they are commonly available on other platforms like Plus500, eToro, or XTB.
While IQ Option does provide a variety of products, it’s important to note that other trading platforms, such as Plus500 or XTB, offer a much larger selection, with over 2,000 different assets in their portfolios.
How Does IQ Option Work?
IQ Option provides user-friendly Android and iOS apps for trading. Users can also trade via any modern web browser. Note: The app may be somewhat slow.
To address this, IQ Option offers a faster, installable app for Windows and MAC, outperforming the browser version. External trading platforms like Metatrader 4 or 5 are incompatible with IQ Option; users must use IQ Option’s platform.
One thing I really like about the IQ Option platform is that you can change its appearance however it suits you best. For example, you can choose between various interface colours (such as dark and light, among others).
Upon first deposit, choose a currency (USD, Euros, GBP) for your IQ Option account. This choice is permanent and cannot be changed later.
Opening an Account with IQ Option
IQ Option offers a fast way to open an account. You will be able to use your own e-mail and password, or link it to your Google or Facebook account; this last option is good if you don’t want to remember passwords.
This will give you immediate access to a demo account with a virtual balance of $10,000, so you can practice and see how this trading platform works before you start with real investments.
To open an account with IQ Option, take the following steps:
- Go to www.iqoption.com and click on “Register”
- Confirm your e-mail account via the e-mail they will send you
- Add your personal details (full name, phone number, etc.)
- Confirm your telephone number (you will receive an SMS with a code)
- Upload a proof of identity (such as your passport)
- Send the required documents
- Fill in the form on our trading experience
Types of IQ Option Accounts
With IQ Option it’s possible to have three different types of account, let me tell you about their differences below:
Demo account
As I already mentioned, a couple of times, IQ Option allows users to register and use an account with virtual money (you don’t add funds) to get an idea of how the platform works, and what assets are available. This is certainly of great help when deciding whether IQ Option is for you or not.
Real account
This is the real version of the demo account. With it, you can make real investments (risking your money), and trade assets (CFDs). To access this account, you will have to verify your identity.
Keep in mind that opening a real account doesn’t mean your demo account disappears. You will still have access to both. Be careful not to trade thinking that you are on the demo account whilst actually being on the real account.
Professional account
If you are a finance professional, or you can prove that you have a certain experience trading with derivative products, IQ Option may allow you to change to a professional profile. The basic difference is that with this account you’ll be able to trade options and have even higher leverage limits.
How Does IQ Option Manage Taxes?
IQ Option will not withhold taxes on the profits you earn from their platform. As a result, you will need to personally oversee and fulfill tax obligations related to your investments.
However, the IQ Option trading platform provides a detailed overview of your transactions and earnings, along with their respective dates. This documentation can be utilized for your tax-related procedures.
It’s important to consider that, depending on your country of residence, you may be required to complete specific forms when holding funds or investments with brokers located outside your country.
Please note that the tax information provided is for general guidance only. I’m not a qualified tax advisor; this is based on personal experience and should be viewed as informational. For specific tax advice, consult a professional accountant or tax expert.
Alternatives to IQ Option
If you find some of the disadvantages mentioned earlier to be deal-breakers, you might want to explore these three alternatives to IQ Option:
Trading 212
Trading 212 is a strong alternative to IQ Option. It stands out as one of the most popular brokerage platforms in Europe, offering investment opportunities in stocks and ETFs—assets that IQ Option does not provide. Trading 212 is known for its user-friendly platform, extensive asset selection, no transaction fee charged for trading ETFs and stocks.
XTB
XTB is a versatile alternative to IQ Option. It distinguishes itself by offering the flexibility to invest in both real assets and derivatives. You can purchase stocks or ETFs on XTB, much like DEGIRO, while also having the option to engage in CFD trading, a feature commonly associated with IQ Option. Additionally, XTB boasts a more extensive asset portfolio, broadening your investment horizons.
eToro
eToro is a widely acclaimed alternative to IQ Option, with a vast user base. This platform allows you to invest in real assets like stocks and ETFs (only fractional). What makes eToro stand out is its innovative feature that allows you to replicate the investment strategies of other successful investors. Furthermore, eToro offers the option to engage in CFD trading without leverage. Another significant advantage is its support for the buying and selling of real cryptocurrencies, a feature that many other brokers do not provide.
IQ Option Review: Parting Thoughts
After our detailed examination of IQ Option, let’s recap some vital aspects:
IQ Option boasts a user-friendly, modern interface, along with reliable Android and iOS (iPhone) apps. Account setup is effortless and can be completed entirely online. In my experience, their customer support was fast and friendly.
However, it’s important to note that IQ Option exclusively offers trading in derivatives, specifically CFDs and options. Some users may find the web platform’s speed somewhat lacking. The primary drawback, however, is the relatively limited range of assets compared to their competitors.
At this point, you should have a clearer understanding of whether IQ Option aligns with your preferences. If you have any remaining questions or concerns about this platform, please feel free to leave a comment, and I’ll be happy to assist you.
83% of small investors incur losses when investing in CFDs with IQ Option. CFDs are complex high-risk products due to the leverage. You risk losing your investment.
IQ Option FAQ
IQ Option is a trading platform boasting approximately 7 million users. It distinguishes itself as an exclusive CFD broker, primarily specializing in the trading of Contracts for Difference (CFDs) for stocks, commodities, Forex, and cryptocurrencies. It’s important to note that when you trade on IQ Option, you’re engaging in derivatives trading, not direct asset ownership. In comparison to competitors like eToro or XTB, IQ Option falls short in terms of the diversity of investment assets it offers. Furthermore, some users have reported that the platform’s performance can be somewhat sluggish when accessed through a web browser on a computer.
IQ Option is registered in Cyprus under the registration number 905 LLC 2021. To be completely transparent, it’s worth noting that there is limited publicly available information regarding the company, its physical offices, and regulatory details. A more comprehensive disclosure on these aspects would be greatly appreciated.
Dmitry Zaretsky serves as the primary founder and owner of the company. However, due to its status as a non-publicly traded entity, gaining insight into the company’s ownership structure can be challenging. It’s regrettable that their website does not provide substantial information about their team and leadership.
IQ Option is unquestionably a reputable online trading platform, established in 2013, offering a diverse selection of tradable assets encompassing binary options, stocks, forex, and cryptocurrencies. It enjoys global popularity, boasting a substantial user base spanning various continents. The platform operates under the regulation of the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) within the European Economic Area and holds licenses in other jurisdictions as well. This robust regulatory framework stands as a crucial assurance of the platform’s legitimacy and the security it provides to traders.
