Key to Markets 2025 Review: Everything You Need to Know
Key to Markets is a brokerage that has garnered mixed reviews in the trading community, with some praising its competitive trading conditions and others raising concerns about its customer support and educational resources. Established in 2010 and regulated by the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Financial Services Commission (FSC) in Mauritius, it offers a range of financial instruments on popular trading platforms such as MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5.
Note: It is important to consider that Key to Markets operates through different entities across regions, which may lead to variations in trading conditions and regulatory protections.
Ratings Overview
We rate brokers based on a combination of user feedback, expert analysis, and factual data.
Broker Overview
Founded in 2010, Key to Markets is headquartered in London, UK, and operates under the regulatory oversight of the FCA and FSC. The broker offers access to a wide array of trading instruments, including forex, commodities, indices, and shares, totaling over 180 assets. Clients can trade on the widely recognized MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms, which are known for their robust features and analytical tools.
Detailed Breakdown
Regulated Regions:
Key to Markets is regulated in the UK by the FCA and in Mauritius by the FSC. While the FCA is known for its strict regulations, the FSC is less stringent, which may lead to varying levels of investor protection depending on the entity through which a trader operates.
Deposit/Withdrawal Currencies:
The broker supports multiple currencies for deposits and withdrawals, including USD and EUR. It also accepts various payment methods, such as bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller.
Minimum Deposit:
The minimum deposit required to open an account is $100, making it accessible for novice traders.
Bonuses/Promotions:
Key to Markets currently does not offer any bonuses or promotional incentives for new accounts, which is consistent with its regulatory obligations.
Available Asset Classes:
Traders can access a diverse range of instruments, including over 65 currency pairs, indices, commodities, and CFDs on shares. However, all assets, aside from currency pairs, are available exclusively as CFDs.
Costs (Spreads, Fees, Commissions):
The spreads on the standard account start at 1 pip, while the pro account offers raw spreads with a commission of $8 per traded lot. While there are no inactivity fees, some withdrawal methods incur a 1% fee.
Leverage:
Key to Markets provides leverage up to 1:500 for professional clients, though retail clients are limited to 1:30 due to ESMA regulations.
Allowed Trading Platforms:
The broker supports both MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, providing traders with a choice of platforms that suit their trading styles.
Restricted Regions:
Key to Markets does not accept clients from certain jurisdictions, including the USA, Iran, and North Korea, limiting its global reach.
Available Customer Service Languages:
Customer support is available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Hindi, but the broker lacks a live chat option, which has led to some dissatisfaction among users.
Repeated Ratings Overview
Detailed Analysis
Account Conditions (7.5/10):
The account types offered by Key to Markets include standard and pro accounts, with minimal differences in trading conditions except for spreads and commissions. The low minimum deposit of $100 is appealing to new traders, but the lack of a micro account may deter some.
Tools and Resources (6.0/10):
While the broker provides access to the popular MetaTrader platforms, the educational resources are considered limited. There are webinars and some market analysis available, but many users feel that more comprehensive educational materials would be beneficial.
Customer Service (4.0/10):
Customer support operates only during business hours (9:00 AM to 6:00 PM GMT) on weekdays, which is a significant limitation. The absence of live chat support has been noted as a drawback, leading to slower response times for urgent inquiries.
Trading Experience (7.0/10):
Traders generally report a positive experience with fast execution speeds and competitive spreads. However, the reliance on CFDs for most asset classes can be a disadvantage for those looking for traditional trading methods.
Trustworthiness (8.5/10):
Key to Markets is regulated by reputable authorities, which adds a layer of trust. The broker also implements negative balance protection, ensuring that traders cannot lose more than their deposited funds.
User Experience (6.5/10):
Overall, the user experience is mixed. The platform is user-friendly, but the lack of extensive educational resources and limited customer support hours detract from the overall experience.
In conclusion, Key to Markets is a broker that offers a competitive trading environment with a solid regulatory framework. However, potential clients should weigh the pros and cons carefully, especially regarding customer support and educational resources before making a decision.
