Futu broker Accounts

futu Account Types & Opening Guide 2025: Complete Comparison and Registration Steps

futu Account Types Explained

Futu offers various account types tailored to meet the needs of different traders, from beginners to advanced and institutional investors. Below is a detailed overview of the available account types.

1. Standard Account

• Minimum Deposit Requirement: HKD 1,500 (approximately USD 192)
• Spread/Commission Structure: Competitive spreads; commission-free trading on stocks.
• Leverage Options: Up to 1:10 for stocks.
• Key Features: Access to a wide range of investment products including stocks, ETFs, options, and IPOs.
• Target User Profile: Suitable for beginner to intermediate traders.
• Trading Instruments Available: Stocks, ETFs, IPOs, options, warrants.

2. Professional Account

• Minimum Deposit Requirement: HKD 1,500 (approximately USD 192)
• Spread/Commission Structure: Lower spreads compared to Standard accounts; commissions apply for certain trades.
• Leverage Options: Up to 1:20 for professional traders.
• Key Features: Enhanced trading tools and analytics; access to advanced market data.
• Target User Profile: Designed for experienced traders and professionals.
• Trading Instruments Available: Stocks, options, ETFs, futures.

3. Institutional Account

• Minimum Deposit Requirement: Varies based on agreement.
• Spread/Commission Structure: Customizable based on trading volume and agreements.
• Leverage Options: Up to 1:100 depending on the asset class.
• Key Features: Tailored services for institutional clients, including multiple account management.
• Target User Profile: Institutional investors and asset managers.
• Trading Instruments Available: Stocks, options, futures, bonds, and more.

4. Demo Account

• Minimum Deposit Requirement: Not applicable (virtual funds).
• Spread/Commission Structure: Simulated trading conditions.
• Leverage Options: Same as live accounts.
• Key Features: Practice trading without financial risk; access to all trading tools.
• Target User Profile: Ideal for beginners and those testing strategies.
• Trading Instruments Available: Same as live accounts.

Account Type Comparison Table

Recommended Account Types by Trader Level

• Beginner: Standard Account
• Intermediate: Professional Account
• Advanced: Institutional Account
• Testing Strategies: Demo Account

Detailed futu Account Features

Comparison of Features Across Different Account Types

Advantages of Each Account Type

• Standard Account:

• Easy to open with low minimum deposit.

• No commissions on stock trades.

• Suitable for beginners.

• Professional Account:

• Lower trading costs with tighter spreads.

• Access to advanced trading tools.

• Higher leverage options for experienced traders.

• Institutional Account:

• Customizable trading solutions.

• Access to a wide range of financial instruments.

• Dedicated support for institutional clients.

• Demo Account:

• Risk-free environment to practice trading.

• Full access to trading tools and features.

• Ideal for testing strategies before live trading.

Disadvantages of Each Account Type

• Standard Account:

• Limited leverage compared to professional accounts.

• Not suitable for high-frequency trading.

• Professional Account:

• Requires more trading experience.

• May incur commissions on certain trades.

• Institutional Account:

• Higher minimum deposits may be required.

• Complex setup process.

• Demo Account:

• No real financial gains.

• May not fully replicate live trading conditions.

futu Account Registration Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

• Age Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old.
• Geographic Restrictions: Available primarily for clients in Hong Kong and select international markets.
• Prohibited Countries: Services not offered to residents of the United States.

Identity Verification Documents Needed

• Primary Documents: Government-issued ID (passport or national ID card).
• Proof of Residence: Utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement dated within the last three months.
• Additional Documentation for Professional Accounts: Business registration documents, if applicable.

KYC/AML Compliance Procedures

• Futu adheres to strict Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations, requiring all clients to verify their identity and residence.

Verification Time Frames

• Account verification typically takes 1-3 business days, depending on the completeness of submitted documents.

Step-by-Step futu Account Opening Guide

Detailed Registration Process

1. Visit Website and Click Registration: Navigate to the Futu website or download the Futu Niuniu App.
2. Personal Information Entry: Fill in personal details including name, email, and phone number.
3. Choose Account Type: Select the desired account type (Standard, Professional, etc.).
4. Set Trading Preferences: Indicate trading preferences and risk tolerance.
5. Document Upload: Upload required identification and proof of residence documents.
6. Account Verification: Wait for the account to be verified by Futus compliance team.
7. Fund Your Account: Deposit funds to start trading.
8. Start Trading: Access the trading platform and begin trading.

Desktop vs Mobile Registration Differences

• The registration process is similar on both platforms, but the mobile app may offer a more streamlined experience.

Common Registration Issues and Solutions

• Issue: Document rejection due to poor quality.
• Solution: Ensure documents are clear and legible before uploading.
• Issue: Delays in verification.
• Solution: Check that all required documents are submitted correctly.

Average Account Approval Time

• Typically, account approval takes between 1 to 3 business days.

How to Upgrade/Downgrade Account Types

• Users can request changes to their account type through the customer support section of the Futu platform.

futu Demo Account Guide

Demo Account Features and Benefits

• The demo account allows users to practice trading with virtual funds, providing access to all trading tools and features without financial risk.

How to Open a Demo Account

• Users can open a demo account directly from the Futu platform by selecting the demo option during the registration process.

Demo Account Limitations

• The demo account is limited to virtual funds and does not provide real financial gains.

Virtual Balance Amount

• The demo account typically starts with a virtual balance of HKD 100,000 (or equivalent).

Demo vs Live Account Differences

• The demo account simulates trading conditions but does not reflect real market emotions or financial consequences.

Duration/Expiry of Demo Accounts

• Demo accounts may remain active for an extended period, but users should check the specific terms on the Futu platform.

futu Islamic Account Details

Swap-Free/Islamic Account Availability

• Futu offers Islamic accounts that are swap-free, catering to traders who require compliance with Islamic finance principles.

Eligibility Requirements

• Clients must indicate their need for an Islamic account during the registration process.

Differences from Standard Accounts

• Islamic accounts do not incur swap fees, making them suitable for long-term positions.

How to Apply for Islamic Account

• Clients can apply for an Islamic account by selecting this option during the account registration process.

Restrictions or Special Conditions

• Islamic accounts may have specific trading conditions that differ from standard accounts, which should be reviewed before application.

FAQs – futu Account Types & Opening

1. What account types does futu offer？

• Futu offers Standard, Professional, Institutional, and Demo accounts.

1. What is the minimum deposit for each account type？

• The minimum deposit is HKD 1,500 for Standard and Professional accounts; Institutional accounts vary, and Demo accounts have no deposit requirement.

1. How long does futu account verification take？

• Account verification typically takes 1-3 business days.

1. Does futu offer demo accounts？

• Yes, Futu offers demo accounts for practice trading.

1. Can I have multiple account types with futu？

• Yes, clients can hold multiple account types.

1. Does futu offer Islamic/swap-free accounts？

• Yes, Futu provides Islamic accounts that are swap-free.

1. What documents do I need to open a futu account？

• Required documents include a government-issued ID and proof of residence.

1. Can I change my account type after registration？

• Yes, clients can request to upgrade or downgrade their account type through customer support.