- Spread:
- 1.4 - 1.8
- Deposit:
- No minimum deposit
Broker Alarab ReviewAccounts, costs and regulation
HFM Review
Review Summary
Overview of HFM
HFM offers Cent, Premium, Pro and Zero accounts for forex and CFDs, with MT4 and MT5 access where available. Cent uses smaller contract sizes and focuses on forex and gold, while the other accounts differ in spreads, commission and funding requirements. This range matters when comparing small-scale trading with active strategies.
For traders researching HFM Zero vs Pro, a spread from zero should be assessed alongside commission and the instruments covered. A Cent account also needs its own position-size calculation; a low deposit does not determine a safe trade size. Review funding, withdrawals and swap-free conditions, then confirm the entity, leverage and client protection available in your country.
Key Strength
Wide account range from Cent to Premium and Zero
Key Consideration
Leverage, protection and account conditions vary by regulatory entity
Who Is It Best For?
- Beginner traders
- Cent account users
- Scalpers
- Expert Advisor users
Who May It Not Suit?
- Traders seeking fixed spreads
- Long-term investors
- Traders wanting one simple account
- Clients who do not compare regulatory entities
Broker Alarab’s view on HFM
HFM provides a range of account structures, from Cent and Premium accounts to Pro and Zero options, allowing traders to compare different deposit, spread and commission models.
It supports MT4, MT5 and Islamic-account options, but leverage, payment availability, withdrawal conditions and regulatory protection can vary significantly according to the client’s country and assigned entity.
Rating Breakdown
Each category is rated out of 5.How HFM performs across safety, trading costs, platforms, deposits and withdrawals, and customer support, with each category rated out of 5.
Safety & Regulation4.45 / 5
Fees & Spreads4.3 / 5
Trading Platforms4.35 / 5
Deposits & Withdrawals4.25 / 5
Customer Support4.1 / 5
Main Advantages
5Multiple account types including Premium, Zero and Cent for different trader profiles
MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and the HFM mobile app are supported
HFM Copy Trading allows users to follow selected trading strategies
Leverage can reach 1:2000 for eligible clients under selected entities
Swap-free Islamic trading is available on qualifying accounts and instruments
Main Disadvantages
3Trading conditions and leverage limits vary by region and legal entity
Copy trading may include performance fees on profitable strategies
Some advanced account types require a higher deposit
Account Types at HFM
Compare the accounts and tap an account name for more details.Compare the available account conditions and open an account page to review its full details.
- Accounts
- 4
- Lowest Deposit
- No minimum deposit
- Spread:
- 1.4 - 1.8
- Deposit:
- No minimum deposit
- Spread:
- 0.6 - 1.0
- Deposit:
- $100
- Spread:
- 0.0 - 0.3
- Deposit:
- $25
Review the account conditions, availability, and trading costs before registering.
Open an Account with HFMLicenses & Safety at HFM
HFM operates through a multi-entity structure that includes HF Markets (UK) Limited, authorised by the UK FCA under licence number 801701, and HF Markets (Europe) Ltd, regulated by CySEC under licence number 183/12. The group also has entities supervised by the DFSA in Dubai, the FSCA in South Africa and the FSA in Seychelles, allowing it to serve clients in different regions. The entity accepting an HFM account depends on the client’s country of residence and the available services. As a result, leverage, products, negative-balance protection and complaint procedures may vary, and the group’s multiple licences do not automatically give international clients the protection available under the FCA or CySEC entities. Before selecting an HFM account, traders should review the legal company name and licence number in the client agreement and identify the regulator responsible for complaints. This assessment is more important than the number of licences alone, especially when comparing account flexibility and trading conditions with the actual level of regulatory protection.
- Number of licenses
- 5
- Top regulator
- CySEC
- Last verified
- 2026-09-15
- Status
- All active
CySECActiveCyprus183/12
Active
Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission
- Country
- Cyprus
- Legal entity
- HF Markets (Europe) Ltd
DFSAActiveUnited Arab EmiratesF004885
Active
Dubai Financial Services Authority
- Country
- United Arab Emirates
- Legal entity
- HF Markets (DIFC) Limited
FCAActiveUnited Kingdom801701
Active
Financial Conduct Authority
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Legal entity
- HF Markets (UK) Limited
Client Fund Protection
Regulated HFM entities hold eligible client funds in accounts separate from the company’s operating funds. Negative balance protection may also apply under the terms of the relevant account and legal entity, helping prevent eligible clients from remaining liable when exceptional market movements cause the trading-account balance to fall below zero. Some clients registered under FCA or CySEC entities may qualify for statutory compensation schemes, but this protection does not automatically cover every HFM account worldwide. Client-money safeguards, compensation eligibility and complaint procedures may differ between the UK, Cyprus, Dubai, South Africa and Seychelles entities. Traders should confirm their legal company before depositing.
Fees & Trading Costs
A clear overview of HFM’s spreads, commissions, and potential trading costs.
Pricing Summary
- Lowest Spread
- 0.0 - 0.3
- Commission Structure
- 1 commission-based account
Trading Fees Explained
HFM provides multiple pricing structures. Premium uses commission-free spreads around 1.2–1.6 pips, while Pro tightens pricing to 0.6–1.0 pips without commission. Zero offers 0.0–0.3 pip spreads with a $6-per-lot commission in our comparison, while Cent supports smaller trade sizes.
This gives traders flexibility between spread-only and commission pricing, with swaps and final costs varying by account, instrument, regulatory entity and market conditions.
Read more +Show less −
HFM provides multiple pricing structures. Premium uses commission-free spreads around 1.2–1.6 pips, while Pro tightens pricing to 0.6–1.0 pips without commission. Zero offers 0.0–0.3 pip spreads with a $6-per-lot commission in our comparison, while Cent supports smaller trade sizes.
This gives traders flexibility between spread-only and commission pricing, with swaps and final costs varying by account, instrument, regulatory entity and market conditions.
Deposits & Withdrawals
Funding Summary
- Payment Methods
- 5
- Minimum Deposit
- $5
- Funding Score
- 4.25 / 5
- Withdrawal Speed
- Fast for e-wallets, slower for card and bank withdrawals
Deposit & Withdrawal Details
HFM supports deposits and withdrawals through bank transfers, Visa and Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, and selected local payment methods. The exact options displayed inside the myHF account area depend on the client's country, account entity, currency, and the payment providers available in that market.
Electronic deposits are commonly credited faster than bank transfers. Withdrawal timing depends on the selected method and the receiving provider, with electronic wallets generally completing sooner than card or international bank withdrawals. Transaction limits and external fees may also differ by method and jurisdiction.
HFM applies identity-verification and anti-money-laundering controls to financial transactions. Withdrawals may need to follow the original funding route, and the payment method should be registered in the client's name. Completing account verification before requesting a withdrawal can reduce additional reviews and document requests.
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HFM supports deposits and withdrawals through bank transfers, Visa and Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, and selected local payment methods. The exact options displayed inside the myHF account area depend on the client's country, account entity, currency, and the payment providers available in that market.
Electronic deposits are commonly credited faster than bank transfers. Withdrawal timing depends on the selected method and the receiving provider, with electronic wallets generally completing sooner than card or international bank withdrawals. Transaction limits and external fees may also differ by method and jurisdiction.
HFM applies identity-verification and anti-money-laundering controls to financial transactions. Withdrawals may need to follow the original funding route, and the payment method should be registered in the client's name. Completing account verification before requesting a withdrawal can reduce additional reviews and document requests.
Supported Payment Methods
- Bank transfer
- Visa / Mastercard
- Skrill
- Neteller
- Local payment methods
Trading Platforms
A closer look at the trading platforms offered by HFM and the overall platform experience.
Platform Access
- Available Platforms
- MT4
- MT5
- HFM Platform
- WebTrader
- HFM App
- Trading Tools
- 5 tools available
- Best For
- MetaTrader and cross-device access
Trading Platform Experience
HFM offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, WebTrader, and the HFM app, together with browser-based solutions that may include TradingView charting where available. The platform range supports account access, trade execution, and market monitoring across desktop, browser, and mobile devices.
MetaTrader supports technical indicators, charting, and Expert Advisors, while the HFM app focuses on mobile trading and account management. Supporting services such as Autochartist and Premium Trader Tools are also available to some clients. The setup suits traders who want MetaTrader with flexible cross-device access, although tools and platforms vary by entity and account.
Read more +Show less −
HFM offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, WebTrader, and the HFM app, together with browser-based solutions that may include TradingView charting where available. The platform range supports account access, trade execution, and market monitoring across desktop, browser, and mobile devices.
MetaTrader supports technical indicators, charting, and Expert Advisors, while the HFM app focuses on mobile trading and account management. Supporting services such as Autochartist and Premium Trader Tools are also available to some clients. The setup suits traders who want MetaTrader with flexible cross-device access, although tools and platforms vary by entity and account.
Available Trading Tools
- Technical indicators
- Expert Advisors
- Autochartist
- Premium Trader Tools
- TradingView charts
Download MetaTrader Platforms
Final Verdict
Overall Rating
4.29 / 5
Final Verdict
Very Good
Our verdict on HFM
Overall, HFM is a flexible broker for traders who want to compare several account types, from entry-level options to Pro and Zero pricing, while using MT4 or MT5. This range may suit beginners, active traders and clients seeking Islamic-account availability. The key limitation is that leverage, payment methods, protection and trading conditions can change according to country and legal entity. Traders should confirm the exact account specifications and calculate total costs before opening an account.
Read more +Show less −
Overall, HFM is a flexible broker for traders who want to compare several account types, from entry-level options to Pro and Zero pricing, while using MT4 or MT5. This range may suit beginners, active traders and clients seeking Islamic-account availability. The key limitation is that leverage, payment methods, protection and trading conditions can change according to country and legal entity. Traders should confirm the exact account specifications and calculate total costs before opening an account.
Key Strength
Wide account range from Cent to Premium and Zero
Main Limitation
Leverage, protection and account conditions vary by regulatory entity
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the real difference between HFM Cent, Premium, Pro and Zero accounts?
Cent and Premium use commission-free pricing, while Pro offers lower spread-based pricing for experienced traders. Zero provides spreads from 0.0 pips with a separate commission and is generally better suited to scalpers and active traders.
Is the HFM Zero commission $3 or $6 per lot?
The commission starts at about $3 per side, which is approximately $6 for opening and closing one standard lot. The final charge can vary by instrument and account entity.
Does the HFM Zero account always provide a 0.0-pip spread?
No. A spread from 0.0 pips is a minimum quote, not a permanent spread. Live pricing is variable and can widen during news releases, volatile markets or periods of lower liquidity.
Is the HFM swap-free account completely free from overnight charges?
Eligible accounts can receive swap-free conditions, but administrative charges or special holding rules may apply to certain instruments. Traders should check the policy of the HFM entity serving their country.
Why does HFM leverage vary between countries and regulatory entities?
HFM operates through several regulated companies. Each regulator applies different leverage limits and investor protections, so an international account may offer different conditions from a UK or European account.
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Is HFM suitable for scalping and Expert Advisors?
HFM supports scalping and automated trading with Expert Advisors on MT4 and MT5. The Zero account is normally the most relevant option, although traders must include commissions and possible slippage in their cost calculations.
How do HFM withdrawals work and must funds return to the deposit method?
Withdrawals are subject to account verification and anti-money-laundering rules. Deposited funds may need to be returned through the original source before profits are sent through another approved method.
Is HFM the same broker as HotForex?
Yes. HotForex was rebranded as HFM. The group continues to operate through multiple legal entities, so traders should still verify the company name and regulator shown during registration.
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Risk Warning
The information on this page is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Broker Alarab does not provide trading services or hold client funds. Trading forex, CFDs and other leveraged products involves a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. You may lose part or all of your invested capital. Trading conditions, leverage and investor protection may vary according to the broker, regulatory entity and client jurisdiction.