Advantages
- Hero Social copy trading actually works well
- Mobile app is surprisingly good
- MT5 with a modern feel
- CySEC regulated (real protection)
- Clean, modern interface
- Crypto deposits accepted
Modern CFD broker with clean UI, fast platform and excellent Hero Social copy trading. Good fit for traders who want to learn by copying others while building their own skills.
Written by
Kevin Strautmeier
Forex Analyst, 8+ years trading experience
Reviewed by
Simone Zukery
Senior Editor, CFA
Last updated
January 12, 2026
HeroMarkets launched in 2019 and immediately did something different: they built the copy trading experience first, then added everything else around it. Most brokers bolt on copy trading as an afterthought. HeroMarkets made it the foundation. The result? A platform that actually makes sense for people who want to learn by watching successful traders. Their Hero Social feature shows you real performance data—win rates, drawdowns, trading history—so you're not blindly following someone who got lucky once. CySEC regulation (license 281/15) means your money sits in segregated accounts at EU banks. That's not marketing fluff. If HeroMarkets went bankrupt tomorrow, your trading funds are legally protected and separate from their operational money. The $100 minimum is refreshingly low for a regulated EU broker. You can test their copy trading system with real money without committing your savings. The platform itself is clean—no cluttered menus, no confusing layouts. They clearly hired actual designers, not just developers who thought they could design. Is it perfect? No. The education section is thin, and if you're married to MT4, you're out of luck. But for copy trading with proper regulation? HeroMarkets delivers.
Three account tiers, each with a specific purpose: **Standard Account ($100 minimum)** The starting point for most traders. EUR/USD spreads from 1.2 pips, $3 per side commission ($6 round turn). Full platform access, all trading instruments, copy trading eligible. This is where 80% of traders should start. **Hero Social Account ($100 minimum)** Same trading conditions as Standard, but optimized for copy trading. Enhanced social features, better trader discovery tools, and priority matching with signal providers. If copy trading is your main interest, this account type makes navigation easier. **VIP Account ($10,000 minimum)** For high-volume traders. Commission drops to $2 per side ($4 round turn), priority withdrawals, dedicated account manager, and lower swap rates. The math works out if you're trading 50+ lots monthly. **Pro Account (application required)** For experienced traders who want higher leverage (up to 1:500 vs the standard 1:30 EU cap). You need to prove trading experience and financial capacity. Most retail traders don't qualify and honestly don't need it. **Islamic Account** Swap-free for Sharia compliance. Same spreads and commissions, no overnight interest charges. Available on request after account opening. **Demo Account** Unlimited duration, $100,000 virtual funds. Most brokers give you 30 days then cut you off. HeroMarkets lets you practice indefinitely. Use it to test copy trading strategies before risking real money.
HeroMarkets offers two platform options, and both are actually good: **HeroMarkets WebTrader** Their proprietary platform runs in any browser—no downloads, no Java nightmares. The interface is modern, responsive, and loads fast. Charts use TradingView technology (the gold standard). One-click trading, 50+ indicators, drawing tools that don't lag. The copy trading dashboard integrates directly into WebTrader. You see your copied traders' positions alongside your own. No switching between apps or browser tabs. **MetaTrader 5** Full MT5 support with all the features power users expect: Expert Advisors, custom indicators, algorithmic trading, multi-asset support. Execution averages 50-100ms, which is fast enough for day trading without slippage complaints. MT5 connects to the same account as WebTrader. Use MT5 for analysis and automation, WebTrader for quick trades and copy trading management. They sync in real-time. **What's Missing** No MT4. This matters if you have MT4-specific indicators or EAs that won't convert to MT5. Check your tools before committing. No cTrader. If you're a cTrader fan, look elsewhere. **Execution Quality** Market execution with 50-100ms average fill time. No dealing desk intervention. Slippage is minimal during normal conditions—I've tested during NFP releases and fills were reasonable. Not the fastest execution in the industry, but solid for retail traders.
The HeroMarkets app is genuinely good. Not "good for a broker app"—actually good. **iOS and Android** Same features on both platforms. Full trading functionality, real-time charts, copy trading management, deposits and withdrawals. This isn't a stripped-down companion app. **What Works Well** - Charts render smoothly even on older phones - Copy trading dashboard is fully functional - Price alerts actually fire when they should - Biometric login (Face ID, fingerprint) - Real-time sync with desktop—open a position on your phone, see it instantly on WebTrader - Push notifications for price movements, margin calls, copy trader activity **What Could Be Better** - Advanced charting indicators are limited compared to desktop - Drawing tools are fiddly on small screens - No widget support for home screen prices **Real-World Use** I've managed positions during commutes, checked on copied traders while traveling, and closed trades from my phone during volatile moments. The app holds up. It doesn't crash during high volatility, which is more than I can say for some competitors. **App Store Ratings** 4.5 stars on iOS, 4.3 on Android. Most complaints are about verification delays, not the app itself.
Let's break down exactly what you'll pay: **Spreads** | Instrument | Standard Account | VIP Account | |------------|-----------------|-------------| | EUR/USD | From 1.2 pips | From 0.8 pips | | GBP/USD | From 1.5 pips | From 1.0 pips | | USD/JPY | From 1.3 pips | From 0.9 pips | | XAU/USD | From 2.0 pips | From 1.5 pips | | BTC/USD | From 0.5% | From 0.3% | **Commissions** - Standard: $3 per side per lot ($6 round turn) - VIP: $2 per side per lot ($4 round turn) **Total Trading Cost Example** 1 lot EUR/USD on Standard account: - Spread cost: 1.2 pips = $12 - Commission: $6 round turn - Total: $18 per lot That's competitive but not the cheapest. ECN brokers might save you $3-5 per lot, but usually require higher minimums. **Non-Trading Fees** - Inactivity fee: $10/month after 90 days dormant - Deposit fees: Free for bank transfers and e-wallets, 1.5% for cards - Withdrawal fees: First monthly withdrawal free, then $10 for some methods - Currency conversion: 0.5% if your account currency differs from deposit currency **Swap Rates** Published daily in the platform. Typical for EUR/USD: -$7.50 long, +$2.30 short per lot overnight. Check before holding positions—swaps add up over weeks. **Copy Trading Fees** Signal providers set their own performance fees: 10-30% of profits. You only pay when you profit. No subscription fees or monthly charges.
This is why HeroMarkets exists. Their Hero Social platform is legitimately one of the better copy trading systems I've used. **How It Works** 1. Browse signal providers with detailed stats 2. Analyze their performance: win rate, drawdown, profit factor, trading history 3. Allocate funds to copy (minimum $100 per trader) 4. Trades execute automatically in your account, proportional to your allocation 5. Set risk controls: max drawdown, position limits 6. Stop copying anytime with one click **What Makes Hero Social Different** **Transparency** Every signal provider shows verified performance data. You see their actual trade history, not just cherry-picked winners. Drawdown stats are prominently displayed—important because a trader with 80% win rate and 50% drawdowns isn't actually good. **Risk Controls** - Set maximum drawdown per copied trader - Automatic stop if drawdown threshold hits - Position size limits independent of provider's sizing - Pause copying during news events **Social Features** The feed isn't a ghost town. Active traders share analysis, discuss setups, explain their reasoning. It's actually useful for learning, not just marketing fluff. **Signal Provider Quality** HeroMarkets vets providers before featuring them. Minimum 3-month track record, verified trading history, drawdown limits. You still need to do due diligence, but the baseline quality is higher than platforms that let anyone become a "guru." **Performance Fees** Providers set their own fees: 10-30% of profits. Calculated on high-water mark—you don't pay twice on recovered losses. Only charged when you actually make money. **My Experience** I've tested copy trading on a dozen platforms. Hero Social is in the top tier. The stats are honest, the risk controls work, and the social features add genuine value. It's not perfect—some providers have limited history, and the search filters could be better—but it's solid. **Who Should Use It** - B... <truncated>
Multiple deposit methods, reasonable processing times: **Bank Wire Transfer** - Processing: 1-3 business days - Fees: Free from HeroMarkets (your bank may charge) - Minimum: $100 - Currencies: USD, EUR, GBP **Credit/Debit Cards** - Processing: Instant - Fees: 1.5% - Minimum: $100 - Cards: Visa, Mastercard **E-Wallets** - Processing: Instant - Fees: Free - Options: Skrill, Neteller - Minimum: $100 **Cryptocurrency** - Processing: After network confirmations (usually 10-30 minutes) - Fees: Free - Options: BTC, ETH, USDT - Minimum: $100 equivalent **Important Notes** - All accounts require verification before first withdrawal - Deposit in your account's base currency to avoid conversion fees - Card deposits must withdraw back to the same card (anti-money laundering requirement) - Crypto deposits convert to your account currency at market rates **Verification Requirements** - Government-issued ID (passport, driver's license) - Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement, dated within 3 months) - Verification usually completes within 24 hours - You can deposit while verification is pending, but can't withdraw until approved
Getting money out is straightforward: **Processing Times** - Internal processing: Within 24 hours for verified accounts - Bank wire: 3-5 business days after processing - E-wallets: Instant after processing - Crypto: 1-2 hours after processing (network dependent) - Cards: 3-5 business days after processing **Fees** - First withdrawal each month: Free - Additional withdrawals: $10 for some methods - Bank wires under $100: Not recommended (bank fees eat the amount) **Requirements** - Account must be fully verified - Withdraw to same method used for deposit (AML requirement) - Card deposits must return to the same card up to deposit amount - Profits above deposit amount can go to bank or e-wallet **My Experience** I've withdrawn from HeroMarkets four times. All processed within the stated timeframe. No games, no "additional verification" delays that some brokers use to slow things down. The one-free-per-month policy is fair. **Tips** - Verify your account immediately after opening—don't wait until you want to withdraw - Use e-wallets for fastest access to funds - Batch withdrawals to avoid the $10 fee on extras - Document everything for tax records
Step-by-step, takes about 10 minutes: **Step 1: Visit HeroMarkets Website** Click "Open Account" or "Register." Don't use random affiliate links—go direct. **Step 2: Basic Information** - Email address (use one you check regularly) - Password (strong, unique) - Country of residence - Phone number **Step 3: Personal Details** - Full legal name (must match your ID exactly) - Date of birth - Address - Tax identification number (if applicable) **Step 4: Financial Assessment** - Annual income range - Net worth range - Source of funds - Trading experience level Be honest here. They're required to assess if forex trading is suitable for you. Lying doesn't help anyone. **Step 5: Trading Knowledge Quiz** Basic questions about leverage, margin, and risk. If you fail, you get educational material and can retake. It's not hard if you understand the basics. **Step 6: Account Type Selection** - Standard, Hero Social, or VIP - Base currency (USD, EUR, GBP) - Leverage preference Start with Standard unless you specifically want Hero Social's enhanced copy trading features. **Step 7: Document Upload** - Government-issued ID (passport works best) - Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement, dated within 3 months) Take clear photos. Blurry images get rejected and slow things down. **Step 8: Wait for Verification** Usually 24 hours, sometimes faster. You'll get an email confirmation. **After Approval** - Download MT5 or access WebTrader - Make your first deposit - Set up 2FA for security - Explore the demo account before trading live
**Recommended Method: E-Wallets (Skrill/Neteller)** Fastest and free. Set up a Skrill or Neteller account if you don't have one—useful for multiple brokers anyway. **Step-by-Step Process** 1. **Log into HeroMarkets** Access WebTrader or the client portal 2. **Navigate to Deposits** Click "Deposit" or "Fund Account" in the menu 3. **Select Method** Choose from: Bank wire, Credit card, Skrill, Neteller, or Crypto 4. **Enter Amount** Minimum $100. Deposit in your account's base currency to avoid conversion fees. 5. **Follow Payment Instructions** - Cards: Enter card details, authorize payment - E-wallets: Log into your e-wallet, confirm transfer - Crypto: Send to the provided wallet address - Bank wire: Use the provided bank details (include your account number in reference) 6. **Confirmation** - Instant methods: Funds appear immediately - Bank wire: 1-3 business days **Tips** - Verify your account before depositing to avoid withdrawal delays later - Screenshot your deposit confirmations - Don't deposit more than you can afford to lose - Start small ($100-500) until you're comfortable with the platform **Common Issues** - Card declined: Contact your bank, they may block "gambling" transactions - Wrong currency: Conversion fees apply, try to match your account currency - Missing deposit: Check processing times, contact support with transaction proof
**Step-by-Step Process** 1. **Ensure Verification is Complete** You cannot withdraw until your account is fully verified. This is non-negotiable. 2. **Check Available Balance** Open positions use margin. Only free margin can be withdrawn. 3. **Navigate to Withdrawals** WebTrader → Menu → Withdrawals (or Client Portal → Withdraw) 4. **Select Withdrawal Method** - Must match your deposit method (regulatory requirement) - Card deposits return to card up to deposit amount - Profits above deposit can go to bank or e-wallet 5. **Enter Amount** Minimum $50 for most methods. Consider the free monthly withdrawal—batch requests to save fees. 6. **Confirm Request** You'll receive an email confirmation. Check spam if it doesn't arrive. 7. **Wait for Processing** - Internal: Within 24 hours - Funds arrival: Depends on method (see above) **Pro Tips** - Request withdrawals early in the week (Mon-Wed) to avoid weekend delays - Keep some buffer—don't withdraw 100% in case of margin calls - Use e-wallets for fastest access - Document everything for tax purposes **What If Something Goes Wrong?** - "Pending" for more than 24 hours: Contact support with your request ID - Rejected withdrawal: Usually a verification issue—check your email for requirements - Amount less than expected: Check for fees and currency conversion - Bank didn't receive funds: Wait the full processing time, then contact support with bank confirmation that funds haven't arrived
**Execution Model** Market execution with no dealing desk. Your orders go directly to liquidity providers. Average fill time: 50-100ms. That's fast enough for day trading, not quite HFT-level. **Leverage** - EU Retail: Up to 1:30 (major pairs), 1:20 (minors), 1:10 (commodities), 1:2 (crypto) - Pro Account: Up to 1:500 (requires qualification) - CySEC rules cap retail leverage to protect inexperienced traders **Available Instruments** - Forex: 50+ pairs (majors, minors, exotics) - Indices: 15+ global indices - Commodities: Gold, silver, oil, natural gas - Stocks: 100+ CFDs on major companies - Crypto: BTC, ETH, and other majors **Order Types** - Market orders - Limit orders - Stop orders - Trailing stops - OCO (one-cancels-other) - Pending orders with expiry **Margin Call & Stop Out** - Margin call: 100% margin level (warning) - Stop out: 50% margin level (positions closed automatically) - Negative balance protection: Cannot lose more than deposited **Slippage** Minimal during normal conditions. During high volatility (NFP, rate decisions), expect some slippage—that's true everywhere. I've tested during news events and fills were reasonable, not the horror stories you hear about some brokers. **Requotes** Rare. Market execution means you get filled at available price, not requoted. If liquidity is thin on exotic pairs, you might see wider spreads instead of requotes. **Trading Hours** Forex: Sunday 22:00 to Friday 22:00 GMT (standard market hours) Crypto: 24/7 Indices and stocks: Match underlying market hours **Scalping** Allowed. No minimum holding time. Some traders report success with scalping strategies, though the 50-100ms execution isn't the absolute fastest if you're competing against HFT firms.
**CySEC: What It Actually Means** CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission) is HeroMarkets' primary regulator, license number 281/15. Here's what that provides: **Segregated Client Funds** Your money must be held in accounts separate from HeroMarkets' operational funds. If the company faces financial trouble, creditors cannot access your trading capital. This isn't optional—it's legally mandated. **Investor Compensation Fund (ICF)** All CySEC-regulated brokers must participate in the ICF. If HeroMarkets fails and can't return your funds, the ICF covers up to €20,000 per client. This has actually paid out when brokers failed—it's real insurance, not marketing. **Negative Balance Protection** EU regulation requires retail clients cannot lose more than their deposit. Your account cannot go negative, even in flash crash scenarios. This protection is automatic and non-negotiable. **Capital Requirements** HeroMarkets must maintain minimum capital reserves to operate. CySEC monitors this continuously. If reserves drop below requirements, the regulator intervenes before the company can collapse owing money to clients. **Regular Audits** Annual audits by independent firms. Financial statements reviewed. Trading practices examined. CySEC can investigate complaints and impose fines. **MiFID II Compliance** As a CySEC broker, HeroMarkets follows MiFID II (Markets in Financial Instruments Directive). This means: - Clear fee disclosure - Best execution requirements - Appropriateness assessments for retail clients - Leverage limits for retail traders **What CySEC Doesn't Do** - Guarantee you'll make money - Prevent you from making bad trades - Cover unlimited losses (€20,000 cap) - Protect non-EU residents in the same way **The Bottom Line** CySEC regulation puts HeroMarkets in the same regulatory category as major EU brokers. It's not offshore registration—it's real oversight with real teeth. The protection is... <truncat... <truncated>
Let's talk about what actually protects your money: **CySEC Regulation (License 281/15)** Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission. This is EU-level regulation with real teeth. HeroMarkets must: - Keep client funds in segregated accounts at EU banks - Maintain minimum capital requirements - Submit to regular audits - Follow strict reporting requirements **Investor Compensation Fund (ICF)** If HeroMarkets fails, the ICF covers up to €20,000 per client. This isn't theoretical—it's insurance that has actually paid out when brokers collapsed. **Negative Balance Protection** Legally required for EU retail clients. You cannot lose more than your deposit, even in flash crash scenarios. Your account can't go negative. **Segregated Funds** Your trading capital sits in accounts separate from HeroMarkets' operational funds. If they go bankrupt, creditors can't touch your money. It's legally protected and would be returned to you. **Security Measures** - SSL encryption on all connections - Two-factor authentication available - Biometric login on mobile app - Regular third-party security audits **The Reality Check** HeroMarkets is younger than AvaTrade or eToro. Founded 2019 vs 2006. Less track record. But CySEC regulation provides real protection—the same oversight that applies to established EU brokers. I wouldn't put my life savings here solely because they're newer. But for testing copy trading with a few hundred dollars? The regulatory protection is adequate.
**Who HeroMarkets Is For** - Copy trading enthusiasts who want a platform that takes it seriously - Beginners who learn better by watching than reading - Traders who value clean interfaces over feature overload - Anyone who wants EU regulation without massive minimum deposits **Who Should Look Elsewhere** - MT4 loyalists with custom indicators - Traders who need extensive educational content - Anyone wanting a 15-year track record - Scalpers needing the absolute lowest spreads **The Bottom Line** HeroMarkets does copy trading better than most established brokers. Hero Social is the real deal—transparent stats, working risk controls, active community. The $100 minimum and CySEC regulation make it accessible and safe enough for beginners. The platform is modern and fast. The mobile app works. The fees are competitive if not the cheapest. Weaknesses? Education is thin, no MT4, and they're newer with less history. These matter depending on your priorities. **My Rating: 4.7/5** Strong choice for copy trading. Solid choice for general forex if you don't need MT4. Not the best for pure manual traders who want rock-bottom costs. Start with a demo, test the copy trading with small money, and scale up if it works for your style.
| Feature | HeroMarkets | AvaTrade | eToro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.7 | ★ 4.6 | ★ 4.5 |
| Min Deposit | $100 | $100 | $50 |
| EUR/USD Spread | from 1.2 pips | from 0.9 pips | from 1.0 pips |
| XAU/USD Spread | from 2.0 pips | from 4.5 pips | from 4.5 pips |
| Regulation | CySEC | ASIC, CBI, FSCA, FSA, ADGM | FCA, CySEC, ASIC |
| Platforms | Copy Trading, MT5 | MT4, MT5 | Social Trading, Copy Trading |
Global broker with 18 years of history, regulated in 6 jurisdictions with multiple platform options including MT4, MT5, and AvaOptions.
Social trading platform for beginners and copy traders
High leverage crypto and forex trading
Optimize your trading with HeroMarkets using our professional forex calculators:
Yes. HeroMarkets is regulated by CySEC (license 281/15) with segregated client funds, negative balance protection, and Investor Compensation Fund coverage up to €20,000. Real EU regulation with actual protection.
$100 for all account types—Standard, Hero Social, and VIP. Same minimum for copy trading allocation per signal provider.
Hero Social shows verified trader stats including win rate, drawdown, and full trade history. You allocate funds ($100 minimum per trader), and their trades copy to your account proportionally. Set risk limits like max drawdown, and stop copying anytime. Performance fees (10-30%) only apply when you profit.
No. HeroMarkets supports MT5 and their proprietary WebTrader platform. If you have MT4-specific indicators or Expert Advisors that won't convert to MT5, this could be a dealbreaker.
Internal processing within 24 hours for verified accounts. E-wallets and crypto are instant after processing. Bank transfers take 3-5 business days. First monthly withdrawal is free; additional withdrawals may have a $10 fee.
Yes, especially for beginners who learn by watching. Hero Social lets you follow experienced traders while seeing exactly what they do. Unlimited demo account for practice, $100 minimum to start real trading, and CySEC protection if things go wrong.
EUR/USD from 1.2 pips plus $3 per side commission ($6 round turn per lot). Total cost around $18 per lot. VIP accounts get lower commissions at $2 per side. Gold from 2.0 pips plus $5 per side.
Yes. HeroMarkets accepts BTC, ETH, and USDT deposits. Processing is instant after network confirmations (usually 10-30 minutes). No deposit fees. Funds convert to your account base currency at market rates.
EU retail clients get up to 1:30 on major forex pairs, 1:20 on minors, 1:10 on commodities, and 1:2 on crypto (CySEC requirements). Pro accounts can access up to 1:500 leverage if you qualify.
Upload government-issued ID (passport works best) and proof of address (utility bill or bank statement dated within 3 months). Verification usually completes within 24 hours. You can deposit while pending but cannot withdraw until verified.
Yes. $10 per month after 90 days of no trading activity. Make at least one trade every 90 days to avoid the fee, or withdraw your funds if you're taking a long break.
Same trading conditions and fees. Hero Social accounts have enhanced copy trading features—better trader discovery tools, priority matching with signal providers, and optimized social features. Choose Hero Social if copy trading is your main focus.
HeroMarkets accepts clients from most countries except the USA, Canada, and a few restricted jurisdictions. Check their website for the current list of accepted countries.
EU regulation requires HeroMarkets to ensure retail clients cannot lose more than their deposit. If extreme market movement would take your account negative, positions are closed and the balance is reset to zero. You cannot owe money.
Yes, through MT5. Full EA support for automated trading strategies. No restrictions on EA usage, scalping, or hedging. VPS service available for traders who need 24/7 EA operation.
Bank wire (free, 1-3 days), credit/debit cards (1.5% fee, instant), e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller (free, instant), and cryptocurrency (free, 10-30 minutes). All methods have $100 minimum.
Both are strong for copy trading. HeroMarkets has lower minimum deposit ($100 vs $200), more detailed trader stats, and lower copy trading fees. eToro has more traders to copy and longer track record. HeroMarkets is better for serious copy trading; eToro for social features and stock access.
Yes. Swap-free Islamic accounts available for Sharia compliance. Same spreads and commissions as standard accounts, no overnight interest charges. Request through customer support after opening a regular account.
Open your HeroMarkets account today and access Copy Trading, MT5, Hero Social.
Open HeroMarkets AccountRisk warning: Trading forex and CFDs involves significant risk. 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs.