Rakuten Securities Review: Are They Legit & Safe, or a Scam?

As I explored the aspects of Rakuten Securities for new customers, I was pleasantly surprised by their welcoming approach. Rakuten Securities doesn’t just open its doors to new traders; it greets them with a variety of incentives that can make the initial foray into trading more appealing. From my experience, this is a strong point in any Rakuten Securities review, as it demonstrates the broker’s commitment to attracting and supporting newcomers.

Firstly, Rakuten Securities offers a no-deposit bonus, which is a fantastic way for new traders to get a feel for the platform without the immediate need to invest their own funds. This bonus is typically credited to your account upon completion of the registration process, providing a small but meaningful boost to start your trading experience.

Additionally, Rakuten Securities often runs promotions with reduced trading fees for a limited period. This can significantly lower the cost barrier for new traders who are still learning the ropes. The exact details of these offers can vary, so it’s worth checking the latest information on their website or contacting customer service for up-to-date promotions.

In terms of the offers that Rakuten Securities puts on the table, these introductory offers place Rakuten Securities in a competitive position given that it is on par with what we’ve seen, for instance, in my eToro review – especially for those just starting out in the trading world.

To take advantage of these offers, new customers generally need to sign up, verify their account, and sometimes complete a specific number of trades. The process is straightforward, and the customer support team is available to guide you through any questions you might have. Overall, Rakuten Securities seems to be a good choice for new traders looking to dip their toes into financial markets.

As I navigated through the Rakuten Securities trading platform, I found the overall usability to be exceptional. The interface is sleek and modern, with a layout that is intuitive even for those who might be new to online trading. I appreciated the straightforward design that allowed me to move from one function to another seamlessly, without any perplexity that can often come with complex trading platforms.

For newcomers, the availability of a demo account is a valuable feature that I believe improves the learning experience significantly. It provides an opportunity to get acquainted with the platform’s features without the risk of real money, which is a testament to Rakuten Securities’ commitment to user education and safety. This feature, coupled with the educational resources available, makes the platform accommodating for users of varying experience levels.

I experienced the in-house MARKETSPEED® II platform and found it to be well-suited for those who prefer a proprietary trading experience. The platform’s design facilitates quick access to market data and trading tools, which is crucial for making timely decisions in the fast-paced world of trading. Moreover, the web platform’s compatibility with popular browsers and its optimal viewing resolution ensures that traders have a consistent and reliable experience across different devices.

When we compare the usability of Rakuten Securities with what we’ve seen in my Capital.com review – which is a great platform in terms of usability – I notice that Rakuten Securities does well given its user-centric approach.

As I tested the mobile trading experience provided by Rakuten Securities, I found their iSPEED.my app to be an impressive extension of their trading platform – much like I concluded when I did my VT Markets review. The functionality of the app is robust, offering traders the ability to engage with the markets anytime and anywhere, which is essential in today’s fast-paced trading environment.

Navigating through the app, I experienced an intuitive interface that mirrors the sleek design of their web platform. The app provides comprehensive trading services, market depth, and investment ideas, which I found particularly useful for making informed trading decisions on the go. The integration of Rakuten Trade accounts onto the mobile platform allows for a seamless transition between web and mobile trading, ensuring that I could manage my trades effectively without being tied to my desk.

One unique feature that stood out to me was the points conversion option, which adds an element of reward to the trading experience. While the app is well-equipped with trading tools, I noticed that the availability of certain advanced features might be somewhat limited compared to the full web platform. However, for most traders, the app offers sufficient functionality for effective mobile trading.

The iSPEED.my app supports trading in various markets, including Malaysia, Hong Kong, and the U.S., and does so with low brokerage fees. This is a testament to Rakuten Securities’ commitment to providing cost-efficient trading solutions. The app’s rating on Google Play suggests that users find it to be a reliable and convenient tool for trading, although, like any app, there is always room for improvement based on user feedback. Overall, the iSPEED.my app is a strong offering that supports the needs of traders who require flexibility without compromising on quality.

As I explored the integration of bank accounts with the Rakuten Securities trading platform, I was impressed with the streamlined process of linking bank accounts, which boosts the overall trading experience. The ability to connect various types of bank accounts, including checking and savings accounts through secure bank transfers, is a feature I found to be quite accommodating for traders.

In my experience, the process of linking bank accounts to Rakuten Securities was straightforward. The platform supports direct bank transfers, which I noticed facilitated quick and easy fund deposits. While reviewing the Rakuten Securities’ banking integration, I appreciated the absence of deposit fees. The platform’s support for major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard, along with e-wallets such as Neteller, provided additional flexibility in managing funds.

Security is a primary concern for traders, and Rakuten Securities takes this seriously. I experienced a robust security protocol in place during the bank account linking process, ensuring that my sensitive information remained protected. Transfer times were reasonable, and I found that funds typically became available for trading within a short period after completing the transfer, which is crucial for taking advantage of market opportunities.

One limitation I noticed was the $25 fee on international wire transfers, which could be a consideration for international traders. However, the ability to trade in multiple currencies like USD, EUR, GBP, and AUD helps mitigate this concern to some extent. Overall, the bank account integration feature at Rakuten Securities simplifies the transactions required for trading.

During my Rakuten Securities review, I found that the diversity and sophistication of their offerings were quite impressive. The MARKETSPEED® II platform, Rakuten Securities’ proprietary trading system, is a standout feature that offers a unique and powerful trading experience. It’s designed with the trader in mind, providing a robust set of tools that are accessible without overwhelming the user.

The platform’s functionality was a high point in my Rakuten Securities review. I noticed that it suits both novice and experienced traders with its customizable interface, allowing users to tailor the trading environment to their preferences. The ability to access real-time market data and execute trades swiftly is a testament to its efficiency. This is particularly important, as a delay of even a few seconds can impact the outcome of a trade.

One of the unique features that enhance the trading experience on Rakuten Securities is the integration of social trading and copy trading services. This allows traders to mimic the strategies of more experienced investors, which can be an invaluable learning tool for newcomers. It’s a feature that I found to be quite beneficial.

However, it’s worth noting that while Rakuten Securities offers the widely popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform, it does not provide the newer MetaTrader 5 (MT5). For some traders, this could be seen as a limitation if they prefer the advanced features of MT5. Despite this, the available platforms, including the mobile app iSPEED.my, offer sufficient functionality for most trading activities.

As I explored the regulatory aspects surrounding Rakuten Securities, I was immediately struck by the robust framework that underpins their operations. The brand is regulated by several esteemed financial authorities, including the ASIC, JFSA, SCM, and SFC. This multi-jurisdictional oversight is a clear indicator that Rakuten Securities is committed to adhering to the highest standards of financial conduct, which is a cornerstone of trader confidence.

I found that the regulatory compliance of Rakuten Securities extends to the protection of trader funds through various investor protection schemes. For instance, their Point Investment and Investment Trust Balance Point Program are initiatives that not only incentivize trading but also prioritize the well-being of clients. These programs are a testament to the platform’s dedication to building a secure environment for asset portfolio growth.

The significance of deposit insurance cannot be overstated, and Rakuten Securities understands this well. The provision of compensation measures in case of bankruptcy is a crucial safety net that bolsters trader assurance in the platform’s reliability. Knowing that Rakuten Securities offers negative balance protection for retail investors further solidified my impression that they are a broker that places trader security at the forefront.

In my Rakuten Securities review, I must emphasize the peace of mind that comes from trading with a platform that is not only regulated but also provides deposit insurance. This aspect is particularly important when considering if Rakuten Securities is safe and legit.

As I explored the additional features of Rakuten Securities, I found an array of tools designed to suit the needs of traders. One standout aspect is the advanced charting tools provided on their platforms. These tools are not just sophisticated but user-friendly, offering traders the analytical depth required for precise market analysis. I experienced first-hand how these charting capabilities could be leveraged to spot trends and set up trades more effectively.

Rakuten Securities also offers social trading options, which I noticed is a boon for traders who prefer a more collaborative approach to trading. This feature allows users to follow and copy the trades of experienced investors, making it easier for newcomers to learn strategies and potentially benefit from the success of seasoned traders. In my Rakuten Securities review, I must emphasize how this social aspect of trading can significantly reduce the learning curve for new participants.

Furthermore, the educational resources provided by Rakuten Securities are commendable. From webinars to comprehensive guides, these resources are designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of traders at all levels. I found these educational offerings to be of high quality, covering a range of topics that are crucial for both novice and experienced traders. Whether one is pondering “is Rakuten Securities good or bad?” or simply seeking a reliable trading partner, these features make Rakuten Securities a noteworthy choice in the online brokerage space.