Best Binary Options Brokers

Binary options trading is a relatively new investment method where you can profit by predicting the price movements of a range of dynamic stocks, commodities, indices, and currency pairs. The main reason why binary options trading has become popular so quickly is because you only have to select Yes or No when placing a trade. This dual choice gives binary options trading its name, and is also the reason why most binary trades are called ‘Call or Put’ trades.

Traders do not have to buy the actual asset. You simply have to decide whether the asset price will rise or fall within a specific time period. Binary trading services help individual traders and financial institutions participate in the field of binary options. These brokers provide a range of convenient features, advice and tips, special offers, and reliable customer support to help traders invest successfully. Our financial experts analyzed all the leading binary options brokers in the industry to find out which ones are the best. Below we provide the details of our test and we list the most promising and reliable binary trading services we found on the market.

To review the services of binary options brokers we carefully studied information available on review websites, business sites, and other reliable online sources. We analyzed all the leading binary options brokers and the services they offer. We also examined the information and details available on the official websites of these brokers. Plus, our experts contacted the brokers to get information on particular aspects of their services.

We used the following criteria to evaluate each binary options broker:

• Trading platform
• Account options
• Available assets
• Customer service quality
• Offered bonuses and rewards
• Unique features
• Trade types
• Payout ratios
• Reliability

People living in a European Member state are allowed to trade freely with any binary options broker based in another Member State. A number of regulatory authorities and bodies license and regulate binary options products and brokers in Europe. Trading with a broker that has a license from a European country means your investment is safeguarded by a number of security requirements and protocols. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is the UK regulatory body for all financial products and services. The Banque de France (BDF) regulates all finance companies and their products in France. The Commissione Nazionale per le Società e la Borsa (CONSOB) does the same job in Italy. The Comisión Nacional Del Mercado de Valores (CNMV) is the regulatory body in Spain. The Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht (BaFin) ensures Germany has strict regulations for financial products and services.

Banc de Binary: Banc de Binary is a good choice for newbie traders in the EU as this broker offers extensive trading programs to guide you on how use its trading platforms. US and Israeli residents are barred from using Banc de Binary’s services. The advantages of Banc de Binary are it offers an intuitive and easy-to-use trading platform and there are no fees for deposits and withdrawals. Banc de Binary is a reliable broker as it is licensed by CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission). This broker is also regulated by the countries’ respective financial regulators for its operations in Germany, Italy, Spain, France and the UK. Banc de Binary was established in 2009 and has more than 250,000 customers.

IQ Option: IQ Option is a reliable broker as it is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). This broker offers returns as high as 92%. Plus, its trading platform is versatile as its supports mobile trading with Android and iOS apps.

24option: 24option is a popular broker that uses an innovative trading platform created by Tech Financials. It offers returns as high as 89% for winning trades. 24option is also a reliable broker as it is licensed and regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC).

There is no clear legal landscape for binary options trading in the US. There are two bodies that regulate online financial trading in the US. They are National Futures Association (NFA) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Both bodies have not shown interest in licensing and regulating binary options brokers in the US. So, US customers have to depend on offshore-based brokers for binary options trading. To avoid becoming victims of fraud, US customers are advised to investigate the broker thoroughly before investing their hard-earned money in trading with them. Make sure the broker offers advantages such as easy deposit and withdrawal methods for US customers, trading in US dollars, and multi-platform access that includes both desktop and mobile trading options.

Porter Finance: Porter Finance is a reliable broker run by experienced professionals. Its trading platform is easy to use and versatile. Plus, Porter Finance employs personal account managers to ensure customers get full attention and support. This broker’s website offers useful information to help you trade profitably. Porter Finance offers a wide range of trading tools. The maximum payout is 85% and the maximum bonus is 100%. Porter Finance is a recommended broker for US traders.

Tradorax: Tradorax is a good choice for US clients. It uses the proven TechFinancials trading platform which is popular among many other brokers too. You can expect returns as high as 85%. Plus, this broker offers welcome bonus ranging from 50% to 200%.

Finpari: Finpari uses the latest version of the proven and reliable SpotOption trading platform. This broker offers average payouts as high as 83%. Plus, it gives 100% bonus as well as first three risk-free trades.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) supervises and regulates all financial service companies including binary options brokers based in the UK. As the UK is part of the European Union, you are free to use the services of any binary options broker that has a license in any other European country. You can also trade with any broker licensed outside the UK and Europe. However, we recommend you try the services of the three brokers listed below as they have the reputation of providing a secure and safe trading environment.

IQ Option: IQ Option requires a very low minimum deposit of just $10. The minimum investment amount is just $1. IQ Option offers advantages such as a user-friendly interface, excellent returns, wide variety of options, and handsome deposit bonus. Plus, it is a reliable broker as it is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). IQ Option offers interactive learning tools and a stand-alone demo account for the benefit of customers.

Banc de Binary: Banc De Binary offers a simple trading platform with a range of attractive trading instruments to help traders make profitable trades. Newbie traders can get personal training from their account manager, and trade with a minimum amount of just $1. Experienced traders can make use of trades that expire in nine months.

24option: 24option is a good choice for both high and low volume traders. This broker stands out as it provides useful trading and strategy guides and videos for all levels of traders. Plus, 24option offers handsome bonuses and fast withdrawals as well as excellent support.

Scams occur in all businesses. The skyrocketing global popularity of binary options trading means it has become the target of brokers and hackers who operate fly-by-night services to make a fast buck on the sly. So, it is a good idea to do your research and enter the binary options market slowly and cautiously. Binary options trading began only a few years ago and it is difficult to control and monitor their operations. About 95% of binary options brokers are not regulated by any financial institution.

This means the majority of brokers do not have the backing of a government financial institution to provide traders the assurance their money is safe. Therefore, consider the following points and features to select a reliable and efficient binary options broker:

Is It a Regulated Broker?

Double-check the credentials of the binary brokers you are interested in. This is a time-consuming task but you have to be sure you can trust the broker. Select a broker who is monitored by the regulations of an institution. This ensures the broker is above board and trustworthy. Usually brokers are regulated by institutions in the country they operate in. In the US, brokers are regulated by Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). In the UK, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulates binary options trading. Other EU countries have their own respective regulatory bodies (CySec, BaFin, etc.), that have the power to try your binary options broker if you suffer a scam.

Try out the demo to learn about the features and practice trading

A demo account, or simulator, can help you to practice trading binary options in a real time environment without risking much money. A few brokers offer a free demo account, while others ask for a small deposit to start using the account. Simply register for an account using your phone number.  When customer support contacts you, ask for the demo account and start learning about the features of the particular broker. The following brokers offer a demo account that you can utilize to practice trading at a low cost or for free: CTOption, MarketsWorld, OptionsClick, and OptionBit.

What Trading Platform is Offered?

The broker should offer a trading platform that has a simple user interface. Time is important in trading and each second is vital especially if you have selected the 60-seconds option or your option is near the expiry time. Make sure the software is easy to navigate and straightforward to use. Experienced traders and those who wish to keep track of constant market updates should select a broker that provides a mobile trading app.

What are the Investment Options?

The trader should offer a range of investment options. Apart from the usual Put/Call (Up/Down) option, the broker should also offer Boundary, Option Builder, Touch/No Touch and 60-Seconds options. Except for currency pairs, the broker should enable you to trade stocks, commodities, and indices. Select a broker that offers a platform with graphs that have good history time frames that go back beyond yesterday. This will boost your decision-making and increase the chances of successful trading.

What are the Payment and Withdrawal Options?

The broker should offer convenient payment and withdrawal options. Read the “Terms and Conditions” of the broker to know all the details. Select a broker that accepts the largest range of payment and withdrawal methods. The most widely used payment methods are bank transfer, credit/debit card, Moneybookers (Skrill), and Western Union.

When You Lose, Do You Lose Everything?

In binary options trading, you are fully aware of the amount you can win or lose before investing. However, newbies can make wrong investment choices. If you are an inexperienced trader, select a broker that provides a “payout” for losing trades. This means, if you suffer a losing trade, you can get back about 10-15% of the invested money.

You can also select a broker that offers risk-free trades. This is a novel concept where the broker gives 5 to 10 risk-free trades if you deposit the minimum required amount to trade ($200-$250).

Is the Customer Support Prompt and Efficient?

Make sure the broker offers good quality customer support with clear communication. Check out the customer support languages and foreign trading currencies offered. Does the broker offer 24-hour customer service and multiple channels to contact agents? Do they provide loyalty bonuses? Read at least some user reviews of leading binary options brokers on our site. Are traders satisfied with a broker’s services? Do agents respond promptly and thoroughly to questions? Good quality customer support is one of the most important criteria to select a reliable binary options broker.

OptioNet: OptioNet uses the Tech Financials trading platform. Its London operations are governed under the regulations of the UK’s Financial Services Authority (FSA). Payout ratios range between 85% to 89% depending on the trading account. OptioNet offers a welcome bonus of up to $5000.

GlobalOption: GlobalOption accepts US clients. It uses an in-house trading platform that is similar to that of EZTrader. GlobalOption offers a payout of 68% to 95% (depending on the asset traded and the type of trades). Traders can get back 15% of their investment amount on losing trades.

EmpireOption: EmpireOption accepts US clients. It uses the SpotOption trading platform and offers a mobile platform for iPhones and Android devices. The average return is 65% to 75% for traditional High/Low binary options. OptionBuilder offers higher payouts at 85%, while the risky One Touch options give the highest payouts at 500%.

TraderXP: TraderXP accepts US clients. It uses the SpotOption trading platform. Payout ratio is between 68% to 75%. This broker uses a wide range of reliable payment and withdrawal methods.

OptionTrade: OptionTrade uses the ProTrader platform, which is modeled after another trading broker called HotForex. Payout ratio is 85%. OptionTrade is fully regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). This broker transacts only with reputed banks and financial institutions.

GTOptions: GTOptions accepts US clients. It uses the reliable SpotOption trading platform. Returns range from 70% to 90% depending on the asset type. One Touch options can yield payouts up to 540%. Bonus of 50% to 100% is offered depending on trading account.

Opteck: Opteck offers an easy-to-use web-based trading platform. Payout ratio is 85% to 100%. Opteck is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). It offers customer support via phone, live chat, and email.

OnlyOption: OnlyOption uses a sophisticated trading platform provided by Markets.com. Payout ratio is up to 85%. One touch options can yield up to 500% of the investment. OnlyOption’s parent company Safecap Investment Ltd is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). This trader offers a welcome bonus of up to 100%.

BNRY: BNRY uses the new generation TradeSmarter trading platform that has sophisticated features. This broker offers a maximum return of 81% for High/Low options. You can get a rebate of up to 10% for losing trades. BNRY is a regulated broker under the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC).

YesOption: YesOption uses the standard Tech Financials trading platform. Average returns for high/low options are 85%. YesOption offers welcome bonuses between 20% to 100% depending on the amount deposited. It provides one on one coaching and a range of training materials.

GrandOption: GrandOption uses the Tech Financials trading platform. Payout ratio is between 75% to 300%. GrandOption is regulated by the Cyprus Securities Exchange Commission (CySEC). The broker provides a range of bonuses and promotional offers.

Tradesmarter: Tradesmarter uses a simple and reliable trading platform that has been emulated by many other brokers. Payout ratio is up to 85% for successful trades and you can get a rebate of 10% for losing trades. Tradesmarter.com is based in Sydney, Australia and its operations are governed by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC).

Alpari: Alpari uses the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) trading platforms. There are also MT4 and MT5 trading apps for Android and iOS devices. Payout percentage is between 81%-85%. Alpari offers attractive bonuses, competitive tight spreads, and reliable trading support.

Banc de Binary: Banc de Binary uses the popular SpotOption trading platform. This platform supports mobile trading with Blackberry, iPhone, and Android devices.  Payouts are between 72% to 81%. Banc de Binary refunds up to 15% for losing trades. This broker is part of the Banc de Binary Group that is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Bloombex: Bloombex accepts US clients. Bloombex uses the intuitive, state-of-the-art SpotOption trading platform. Average returns range between 75% and 85%. Bloombex offers at least 30% bonus for any deposit. You can get a 100% bonus for every investment of $100 to $500.

365Trading: 365Trading uses a trading platform called Pip Invest, which is different from popular platforms used by other brokers. Payout ratio is between 60% to 85%. 365Trading has taken the initiative to register itself under the Cyprus Securities Exchange Commission (CySEC). This broker offers 100% bonus on the first deposit.

BinaryBook: BinaryBook accepts US clients. It uses the latest SpotOption Gen 2 trading platform. Average returns are around 80%. You can earn up to 500% with FX/CFD contracts. BinaryBook offers welcome bonus ranging from 25%-100% depending on the trading account.

Magnum Options: Magnum Options accepts US clients. It uses the popular SpotOption trading platform. Average payout ratio is 85%. Magnum Options offers numerous bonuses as well as rebates for losing trades. All transactions are secured with SSL Technology.

OptionRally: OptionRally uses web-based trading platforms powered by SpotOption. Average return is 78% for winning trades and a refund of 10% is given for losing trades. OptionRally is registered in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and operates under the regulations of the BVI Financial Services Commission (BVIFSC). This broker offers provides up to 100% bonus as well as exclusive offers.

OptioNow: OptioNow accepts US clients. It uses a 2nd generation SpotOption-powered trading platform. OptioNow offers average returns up to 85%. The riskier One Touch trades pay as high as 450%. OptioNow offers bonuses up to 25% and requires a 30x turnover for you to be able to withdraw the bonus cash.

Optionyard: Optionyard uses a web-based trading platform that is easy to use.  The average payout ratio is 85%. Optionyard offers high bonuses, five asset classes for trading, and a wide range of trading tools.

BigOption: BigOption accepts US clients. It uses the latest version of the SpotOption-powered trading platform. BigOption offers payout ratios of up to 85% for normal trading. It is a reliable broker as it uses transparent procedures, a SSL certified platform, and segregated accounts.

SetOption: SetOption accepts US clients. It uses the SpotOption trading platform. Payout ratios range from 80% to 750%. You can get a refund of up to 10% for losing trades. SetOption is based in Switzerland and its services are governed by the Financial Market Authority of Switzerland (FINMA).

EZTrader: EZTrader uses its own in-house trading platform that is easy to use. Average payout ratio is between 80% to 95%. EZTrader is licensed and regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). It offers bonuses ranging from 30% to 100%.

CTOption: CTOption accepts US clients. It uses a platform supplied by Panda Trading Systems Ltd (Panda TS). Average returns range between 80% to 90% and you can get a rebate of 5% for losing trades. CTOption offers a welcome bonus up to 100%.

IQOption: IQOption has created a trading platform that gives an easy and fun trading experience. The platform supports mobile trading with iOS and Android apps. Returns can go as high as 92%. IQOption is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC).

Stockpair: Stockpair employs a proprietary trading platform that is simple to use.  It supports mobile trading with iOS and Android apps. You can get payouts of around 80% for Up/Down binaries, while Pair options can fetch returns as high as 350%. Stockpair is a EU-regulated broker.

24option: 24option uses an innovative trading platform supplied by Tech Financials. You can get a maximum return of 89% for winning trades, and a rebate of up to 15% for losing trades. 24option is licensed and regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC).

AnyOption: Anyoption employs a web-based in-house trading platform that can be accessed from anywhere. Average returns are up to 80% for winning trades and you get 15% refund for losing trades. Anyoption currently offers a bonus on first deposit.

24bulls: 24bulls uses a trading platform powered by TradeSmarter. It offers returns up to 85%. This broker is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). 24bulls offers up to $2500 free bonus for new traders.

99Binary: 99Binary accepts US clients. It uses the HTML5 trading platform. 99Binary offers returns of up to 86% on Standard & 60-Seconds, and up to 350% on One Touch. This broker complies with online security and anti-money laundering regulations.

BMBoption: BMBoption (Benedict Morris) uses the SpotOption trading platform. Average payouts are up to 88%. BMBoption has applied for a license from the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). It offers a customized cash bonus with its premium plans.

Finpari: Finpari uses the latest version of the SpotOption trading platform. Average payout ratio is 83%. Finpari offers up to 100% bonus plus first three risk-free trades. It provides customer support through phone, live chat, and email.

KeyOption: KeyOption uses the sophisticated yet easy-to-use Keystone trading platform. It offers returns up to 85%. KeyOption has applied for Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) regulation. It offers a welcome bonus up to $5,000.

Nordex: Nordex accepts US clients. It uses SpotOption’s newest trading platform. Average payout ratio is 85%. Nordex offers up to 100% deposit bonus. It provides customer support through phone and tickets.

Sycamore Options: Sycamore Options accepts US clients. It uses a trading platform powered by SpotOption. You can earn up to 75% profit on winning trades, and more than 600% return on One Touch trade. Sycamore Options offers a bonus on request. The amount depends on your account size and individual package.

Tradorax: Tradorax accepts US clients. It uses the TechFinancials trading platform. Average returns are about 85%. Tradorax offers welcome bonus from 50% to 200%. It provides customer support through phone, live chat, and email.

WeOption: WeOption accepts US clients. It uses the TradeSmarter trading platform. Maximum return is 91%. WeOption is a relatively new company that has applied for regulatory licenses from the FCA in England and CySEC in Cyprus.

Winoptions: Winoptions uses the SpotOption trading platform which is advanced, yet easy to use. It offers up to 88% return rate, and up to 550% on the One Touch option. Winoptions operates as a brand of Spot Capital Markets Ltd, which is authorized and regulated by the Cyprus Exchange Commission.

IvoryOption: IvoryOption accepts US clients. It uses the popular SpotOption trading platform. Average payout ratio is 85%. IvoryOption offers up to 100% deposit bonus. It provides customer support through phone, live chat, and email.