How We Review Trading Platforms
Our review methodology is built on a simple principle: evaluate platforms the way experienced traders do. Every broker in our database is scored on the same six dimensions, using objective criteria and real-world testing.
The Six Core Dimensions
1. Regulation and Safety (25%)
We verify every platform's regulatory status with the licensing authority. Platforms operating in regulated jurisdictions — such as the FCA in the United Kingdom, ASIC in Australia, CySEC in Cyprus, FINRA and the SEC in the United States — score higher than offshore or unregulated brokers. We also review each broker's segregated client funds policy, insurance coverage, and any historical regulatory actions.
2. Fees and Commissions (20%)
Total cost of trading is rarely what the marketing page suggests. We calculate the all-in cost of a typical trade including spreads, commissions, overnight financing, currency conversion charges, and withdrawal fees. Inactivity charges, platform fees, and market data subscriptions are also factored into the final score.
3. Platform Technology (20%)
We open real accounts and test execution speed, order types, charting tools, and the stability of the trading interface under load. Both desktop and mobile experiences are tested. Platforms with modern technology, fast execution, and professional-grade analytics score highest.
4. Asset Availability (15%)
Breadth of markets matters. We count tradeable instruments across stocks, forex, crypto, commodities, indices, options, futures, and bonds. Platforms with deep coverage in a single asset class score well within that category; platforms with broad coverage across asset classes earn higher overall scores.
5. Customer Support (10%)
We contact every broker's support team across phone, live chat, and email channels during different time zones. Response speed, depth of answers, and ability to escalate technical issues all factor into the score.
6. User Experience (10%)
Account opening, funding, trading, and withdrawing are tested end-to-end. Frustrating experiences reduce scores; platforms that make the full workflow frictionless score highest.
How Scores Are Calculated
Each dimension is scored from 1 to 10 by our review team, then aggregated using the weights above. The final rating is rounded to one decimal place. Platforms scoring 8.5 or higher are eligible for our editor's choice designation; platforms scoring below 5.0 are flagged for additional risk warnings.
Update Cadence
Every review is refreshed at least once per quarter. Reviews are updated immediately when a platform changes its fee structure, adds or removes products, or experiences a regulatory change. The last update date is shown on every review page.
Editorial Independence
Safe Trade Reviews maintains editorial independence from the platforms we cover. Our scoring methodology is fixed and public. Reviewers cannot receive compensation from any platform for a specific score or positioning. Any commercial relationships are disclosed prominently on the review page.