IQ Option is currently one of the largest and fastest growing binary options and Forex (FX) brokers. Find out why here. A review of the v4.0 platform, its layout and how to get the most out of your trading account.
- How to use the platform
- Advantages of mobile apps
- Payment Information
- Robot features
- Additional functions to use
Headquartered in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, IQ Option Ltd. serves clients outside the EU.
Founded in 2013, IQ Option is relatively new to the field, but has grown rapidly. This growth is due in part to offering a minimum deposit, enabling many traders to trade and providing a seamless and enjoyable trading platform. In their words, “ultimate trading experience”. Strong affiliate partnerships fueled growth at a record pace.
CFDs, Forex and Bitcoin
The company has expanded beyond pure binary since its inception. They now offer traditional forex trading and CFDs. They led the way for cryptocurrencies by providing direct transactional access to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others.
In addition to these new trading options, risk management features have been added. Tools such as Loss Loss and Take Profit have been added so that forex and CFD traders have all the advanced features they would expect from a leveraged product.
IQ Option is not a scam. The brand is constantly growing and innovating, and traders are provided with a demo account (practice account) immediately upon registration, with no need to register.
- Demo account – yes. Anyone can use it with a demo login. Required time limit and balance cannot be reset frequently.
- Minimum deposit – $10
- Minimum trade – $1 (max trader variable)
- Signal service – yes, provided within the trading platform.
- Bonus info – none.
- Mobile App – Yes. IQ offers a great mobile trading app. These are described in more detail below.
Trading platform
Updated v4.0 platform review
IQ Option recently launched the highly anticipated v4.0 platform for all traders. It is a visually stunning platform and sets the standard for binary options brokers.
It retains its existing strengths and is a fully configurable platform. Traders can arrange their trading windows however they like (focus on just one or manage the entire range) whatever works best for the trader. Our screenshot shows one ‘main’ window, with three different assets underneath. All can be traded simultaneously.
The price graph constitutes a major part of the trading platform. However, in the lower left corner of the trading area there is a navigation button that takes you to other areas of the website (which can be collapsed if not needed) and along with these there is a powerful technical analysis feature.
A new technical analysis tool has been made available and is available in the small menu at the bottom left of the price graph.
- Plot type
- This option allows traders to modify the graph in their preferred format. In addition to basic area graphs, there are traditional candlestick, line, and bar charts. Each can be customized in terms of color and shape.
- time interval
- This is an area with added flexibility. It is amazing how many brokers overlook the fact that traders are trying to expand or contract the time range of the price graph they are viewing. IQ has added the flexibility for traders to dive into price charts and precisely map any trend.
- Graphic tools
- The natural process for making charts extensible is to allow traders to make their own interpretations of the charts. Traders can use graphical tools to add trends or support and resistance lines. The tools are at the trader’s disposal. This is important for traders who want to get their timing right, but is not always available on other trading platforms.
- Indicators (Technical Analysis)
- Binary options are great for technical analysis and IQ has provided 9 technical analysis techniques that can be overlaid on price graphs. Traders can watch the price move below the MACD or overlay the Bollinger Bands when the MACD moves. Again, each tool is configurable, so the moving averages can be modified to suit the trader. Have you ever wanted to modify the ‘smoothing’ ratio of a stochastic oscillator? With IQ Option you can! Seriously, these tools are just as powerful as any advanced CFD or Forex broker and IQ has really raised the bar within binary options.
More configurable
IQ has added more configurability to the platform, allowing traders to set their own color scheme and hide or show menus based on their preferences. This also applies to the trading window where IQ has provided various preset layouts to make trading multiple assets much easier.
The due and amount fields were also redesigned, with a “+” and a “-“, the expiry time was pushed back, or the carryover and trade amount was higher clicked or very easy A button is added to allow you to lower – no need to enter a number.
IQ Option also tries and adds new features to give traders more flexibility. The position top-up facility means that traders can add funds to a trade to open a trade if it is close to a stop loss. This provides a new choice in terms of risk management or trading strategy.
Chart
There are tools to modify the chart’s time range and chart type (e.g. bar chart or candlestick, etc.). The technical analysis feature is a huge help – traders can add MACD, Bollinger Bands or any of the other 8 analysis tools available. These are instantly added to the chart and traders can refine their trades as needed. Traders can use the drawing button to add freehand graphics to their charts, so they can add trend lines or resistance and support levels.
Just above the new analysis options is the Merchant Sentiment bar. It shows how other traders are trading a particular asset. The above option is to minimize or close the current asset trading window.
These charts give experienced traders the opportunity to perfect the best strategies.
Select an asset
To select an asset, traders can select the drop-down arrow at the top of the platform. This will open a new window where traders can select the type of option to use, then select an asset category (e.g. forex or indices) and then select a specific asset ranging from eur/usd to Facebook stocks. Selected price lists are updated to match the selected market.
At the top of the trading area are also ‘tabs’ that allow traders to quickly navigate to previously traded assets or markets. The open locations are also displayed here as new tabs, so switching is very easy.
The price graph shows all relevant trading information. The graph itself shows recent price movements, but overlaid on the graph is a vertical line showing the buy cut-off date (the time the trade must be confirmed) and the expiry time.
Expiration and Transaction Size
To the right of the graph there is a ‘Time’ dropdown menu, which can be used to edit the expiry time. If you make any changes, the buy cut-off date and expiry time will move on the price graph to give you a visual indication of your timing. . The -/+ buttons move the time to the next applicable time slot.
On the right, other key figures of the transaction are shown. The trade amount is just below the expiry time. The minimum transaction amount is $1. You will then see the payout for that particular asset. This checks the percentage returned from successful trades.
Next comes the profit indicator. This shows exactly what numbers are returned when a transaction is made. The original investment amount is included. Finally, there is a trade button in the bottom right corner. They are clearly marked with related phrases as well as arrows indicating the direction of the trade, and if that wasn’t enough, hover your mouse over each button and an arrow will appear on the price graph. The price must move in order for the trade to end in profit.
When the forex of CFD trading opens, the layout will be different. Additional information such as leverage and stop loss will appear when relevant. Traders can also select a ‘Take Profit’ level to close the trade at the desired price.
One Click Transaction
IQ Option’s trading buttons are ‘ one click ‘, maximizing traders’ chances of getting the price they want. There are no confirmation windows or approval delays. When a trade is initiated, it is available in the ‘Open Positions’ window and a line appears on the price graph at the strike price. When the expiry time is reached, a window will appear confirming whether the trade was successful or not and confirming the profit or loss.
A visually exciting and slick trading environment with enough configurability to satisfy almost any trader. During our emphasis, we’ve added quality charts and technical analysis tools to raise the bar for brands and turn an already excellent platform into an industry benchmark.
Risk warning: your capital may be at risk
Classic options
IQ Option has announced a new form of trading called “Classic Options”. These retain some of the fixed risk associated with binaries, but also allow for leveraged gains. So they are similar to traditional investments, but with built-in stop-losses.
Classic options have no short term expiration and can be closed at any time. This is much closer to “traditional” investing. Currently, IQ only offers classic options on US equity assets. They expand over time because they will be popular features.
Traders can choose a strike price. Each level changes the level of profit and risk of that trade. The user then selects the amount of “contract” they want. The cost is related to the strike price and is clearly displayed on call and put buttons.
Open trades can be viewed on the Trade History tab and closed at any time. The current P&L for each trade shows the up-to-date status of the option. Overall, classic options are a great choice for traders who want to use fundamentals rather than technical analysis. As mentioned above, it feels similar to CFDs, but has stop losses built in to manage risk.
Risk Warning: Your capital may be at risk
General Risk Warning: Financial products offered by the Company involve a high degree of risk and you may lose all your funds. You should not invest money you cannot afford to lose.
CFDs are complex instruments and there is a high risk of losing money quickly due to leverage. Retail when trading CFDs Investor 74-89% of accounts lose money.
You need to understand how CFDs work and consider if you can afford to risk losing your money.
Choose a trader
The company continued to add to its list of assets. We have also expanded our selection of expiry times, especially in our binary options list. End of Day, Day of Week, and End of Week are also now available. This is a huge step for brokers who previously offered purely short-term trading.
Binary Options – Basic binary options. Are asset values rising or falling? The expiration time that comes with it has been increased. Traders can now choose from 15 minutes to the end of the day, week or month.
Turbo – Same as traditional binary options, but with shorter expiry times. Turbo options are available at 1-minute levels, typically from 1 minute up to 5 minutes.
Forex – A traditional Forex that offers pay per pip. The forex window offers different leverage levels and competitive spreads. The forex market means weekend trading is now possible.
CFD – IQ Option provides direct access to select markets through contracts for difference. This includes the latest cryptocurrency markets including Bitcoin and Ethereum.
IQ Option adds assets as the user demands. Lately, Nintendo stock has taken a lot of interest due to the release of Pokemon Go. The broker quickly added Nintendo to its property listing. This reflects our desire to provide products that our customers demand. IQ’s list of assets is now very comprehensive.
cryptocurrency
IQ has led the way in providing crypto trading to retail traders. We offer a wide range of cryptocurrencies trading, including the most traded assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum. These assets can be traded as CFDs or using traditional Forex models.
Non-EU traders can also use Crypto Multipliers to trade cryptocurrencies in a different way. This is effectively the same as using leverage, which quickly accelerates your gains and losses. For example, a Bitcoin x 100 market has the base price multiplied by 100, which increases volatility and increases the chance of a profit or loss. This market has been so popular that IQ Option has added similar products to other major cryptos with multipliers ranging from x20 to x50 up to x100.
IQ Option mobile app
New iOS version
Apple recently announced changes to the binary marketplace in the Apple Store. IQ Option has already responded and developed a new application for iOS that fits the new rules. Compatible with iOS 9.0 and higher, the app is based on the IQ offering.
Forex and CFD trading is available, and the company will add cryptocurrency asset trading as soon as it goes public on the full site. The speed with which IQ has been able to respond to Apple’s changes has been impressive. They have always been at the forefront of mobile trading development. These new products will remain unique within the Apple store until other brands catch up to the new rules.
Android app
The mobile app maintains the simplicity of the trading area on the website and the segmented secondary charts that make trading binaries actionable. The layout is very clear and can be tailored to the individual trader’s needs.
In addition to trading facilities, it has the ability to maintain your account details, including the ability to request withdrawals from the mobile app. The team developed the mobile offering in-house and the attention to detail is evident.
While some trading apps appear to be purchased ‘off-the-shelf’ to tick the boxes, this broker has taken the time and effort to get their mobile apps right. The recent update also took into account feedback from traders using the mobile app and seems to be another step.
Download the app for iPhone or Android
Payout
The price of this broker is a clear strength. The most traded assets pay out around 85%, with some assets reaching 91%. ( The amount will be credited to your account in case of successful investment). Payout will vary based on expiry time and asset selected.
Forex and CFD payments depend on the performance of the underlying asset. IQ offers many risk management tools including stop loss and custom leverage amount.
Withdrawal and deposit options
You can deposit by credit card (all major cards are accepted), wire transfer and online transaction services such as Skrill and Neteller. The minimum deposit is just $10 – the initial deposit dictates the trader’s move into the account to enter. Deposits via Paypal are not available and will result in an error.
A deposit of $2000 moves traders to the VIP account type. This provides a number of enhanced benefits, such as increased revenue in certain markets, account manager access, VIP training materials, and more.
Withdrawals are subject to IQ Option’s specific verification process, including proof of identity. To avoid disputes, we recommend that you clarify these requirements before making a withdrawal. You can do all checks well before asking for money. Unconfirmed is the biggest cause of delay.
Withdrawals can be made with the same payment methods as deposits (credit and debit cards, wire transfer). Customers will be charged a 2% withdrawal fee from the 2nd withdrawal per month. Same day processing is also possible.
Other features of IQ Option
The brand offers a variety of other features and benefits to its customers.
- Technical Analysis Icon – The trading area has several technical analysis tools integrated in the user options. It includes a trend line tool, as well as moving averages and Bollinger Bands indicators.
- Various educational resources – a collection of educational training videos and, in some cases, one-on-one support.
- Tournaments – Prove yourself among the best traders and earn extra rewards for performing in tournaments. The company runs a number of regular tournaments that traders can purchase to increase their profits.
- Bitcoin – IQ Option allows traders to directly invest in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies through modern CFD type options.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does the platform require a software download?
The company offers both online deals and software downloads (mac or PC). So traders have a choice. Downloaded software offers a slight speed advantage, but online trading platforms also work very well. There is also a mobile app for mobile device trading that requires a download.
Do you have good liquidity?
IQ Option has grown rapidly over the past two years. They now boast over 11m accounts and offer 3m trades per day. It gives them a huge amount of risk management and guarantees that the trading platform offers a lot of volume and liquidity.
how do they make money
The company makes money by balancing trader sentiment (buyers and sellers) and taking the other party’s risk for each transaction. If there is a significant imbalance in your trade, IQ Option reduces your exposure by offsetting your risk with the market maker. We explore how brokers make money deeper on our broker page.