Good range of CFDs
Crypto CFDs available
Sign-up with SmartSTP Sign-up with SmartSTP

SmartSTP review 2024

Investing options: 4.1

Platforms & usability: 3.9

Products, markets, & assets: 4

Safety & reliability: 3.8

Deposits & withdrawals: 3.8

Research & analysis tools: 4.1

Fees & costs: 4.2

Education & learning resources: 4

SmartSTP review Summary

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Updated: Aug 23, 2024
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16 min read
SmartSTP is a CFD brokerage with an innovative trading platform. Use this SmartSTP review to help decide if it’s the right broker for you.

Our opinion of SmartSTP

Like many CFD brokers, SmartSTP offers easy access to a range of markets through its proprietary trading platform. You can trade CFDs for assets including stocks, forex, commodities, crypto, and more. The platform is very easy to use making it an excellent choice for beginners. 

This SmartSTP review investigates the company’s services along with its reliability, fees, and support functions. We’ve tested SmartSTP’s proprietary trading platform and you can use the information in this review to determine whether it’s the right fit for your investment needs.

SmartSTP highlights

Features SmartSTP summary
No. of tradable assets 190
Min. Deposit $250
ID verification required Yes
Free demo account Yes
Supported assets Stocks, Cryptocurrencies, Commodities, Currencies, Indices
Mobile trading app No
Web trading platform Yes
Regulatory bodies FSC
View more > SmartSTP >

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Good range of CFDs
Crypto CFDs available
Tight spreads with no trading fees
Up to 1:2000 leverage available

Cons:

Can I open an account with SmartSTP?

Investing options
4.1

What can I do with SmartSTP?

SmartSTP is a CFD brokerage which means you can trade a selection of markets without owning the underlying asset itself. CFD trading is popular among retail traders as fees are generally lower and you can access leverage. 

The features available on SmartSTP are fairly limited compared to similar brokers such as Plus500 or eToro. If you’re looking for a simple platform to buy and sell the biggest markets, then you’ll find SmartSTP’s offerings ample enough.  

What accounts does SmartSTP offer?

SmartSTP is focused only on CFD trading and while it does let you trade certain cryptocurrencies, there is no option to store or hold your coins in a wallet. Here’s a look at the main accounts on SmartSTP. 

Account type SmartSTP accounts eToro accounts Plus500 accounts
Trading platform Yes Yes Yes
Crypto staking No Yes No
Crypto wallet No Yes No
Money management Yes Yes Yes
Spread betting broker No No No
View more > SmartSTP > eToro > Plus500 >

In addition to the above, SmartSTP has four account tiers, silver, gold, platinum, and Islamic. Each has its benefits, such as higher swap discounts depending on the class of account. The Islamic account also adheres to Shariah principles which means Islamic traders can make sure they can trade in a way that aligns with their religious beliefs.

Account tier Qualifying balance
Silver $250
Gold $250
Platinum $250
Islamic $250
View more > SmartSTP >

Products, markets & assets
4

What products and assets can you trade on SmartSTP?

The SmartSTP trading platform gives you access to nearly 200 tradable assets. This is less than similar platforms but you can trade many of the biggest markets across forex, stocks, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. Below is a summary of SmartSTP’s trading options. 

Product SmartSTP assets eToro assets Plus500 assets
Stocks 100+
Currencies 40+
Cryptocurrencies 24+
Indices 15+
Commodities 30+
View more > SmartSTP > eToro > Plus500 >

What leverage trading options are there?

All CFD products on SmartSTP can be used with leverage, although the exact amount of leverage on offer will depend on various factors. Below is a summary of the maximum leverage available for the different financial instruments. 

Product SmartSTP maximum leverage eToro maximum leverage Plus500 maximum leverage
Stocks 1:2000
Currencies 1:2000
Cryptocurrencies 1:10
Indices 1:2000
Commodities 1:2000
View more > SmartSTP > eToro > Plus500 >

What are the spreads?

Spreads on SmartSTP are variable and can change throughout the trading day. Spreads are also tighter on more liquid markets such as the biggest forex pairs like EUR/USD. For crypto, spreads can be much wider. 

Product SmartSTP spreads eToro spreads Plus500 spreads
Stocks 0.16
Currencies 0.01 pips
Cryptocurrencies 0.5%
Indices 0.01 pips
Commodities 0.01 pips
View all tradable assets > SmartSTP > eToro > Plus500 >

SmartSTP trade sizes and limits

There are no limits on the size of trade you can put on with SmartSTP although the minimum required is set as the smallest contract available. This essentially means the smallest trade you can use with SmartSTP is 0.01 lots. 

Product SmartSTP minimum trade eToro minimum trade Plus500 minimum trade
Stocks 0.01 lots
Currencies 0.01 lots
Cryptocurrencies 0.01 lots
Indices 0.01 lots
Commodities 0.01 lots
View more > SmartSTP > eToro > Plus500 >

Stocks

Which stocks are available on SmartSTP?

The selection of stocks available on SmartSTP is smaller than most similar CFD trading platforms. There is however a decent selection of the biggest stocks from US markets like Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon. 

Country No. of stocks on SmartSTP
United States 100+
View more > SmartSTP >

What are the fees for buying and selling stocks?

There are no direct fees for buying and selling stock CFDs. You will be charged a spread which varies depending on the stock you’re trading. For example, for Amazon, the spread can be as low as 0.24, while for Google it can be even lower at 0.16.

Crypto

What cryptocurrency pairs can be traded on SmartSTP?

Crypto can be traded 24/7 on SmartSTP and there is a good choice of coins available. While you won’t find the same number of tokens as a dedicated crypto exchange, you still can trade the biggest coins like BTC, ETH, XRP, and more. Below are a few of the cryptocurrencies you can trade on SmartSTP. 

Cryptocurrency Cryptocurrency Cryptocurrency
Bitcoin (BTC) Ethereum (ETH) XRP (XRP)
Bitcoin Cash (BCH) Dogecoin (DOGE) Litecoin (LTC)
Polkadot (DOT) Solana (SOL) TRON (TRX)
BNB (BNB)
View more > SmartSTP >

What are the fees for buying and selling cryptocurrencies?

You only need to pay a spread when buying and selling cryptocurrencies on SmartSTP. Spreads are variable and different for each crypto pair. There are no additional fees or commissions you need to worry about. 

Does SmartSTP offer staking and rewards?

No, SmartSTP is solely a CFD trading platform which means it does not offer additional crypto services such as staking and rewards. It’s best to use a crypto exchange like Binance or Coinbase if you want additional crypto features. 

Forex

What forex pairs can be traded on SmartSTP?

You can trade the majors, minors, and a few exotics on SmartSTP. It’s best known for its forex trading markets, so here is where you can find the biggest selection of assets on the platform. Below are some of the forex pairs available on SmartSTP. 

Currency pair Currency pair Currency pair
GBP/USD EUR/USD USD/JPY
USD/CAD USD/CHF AUD/USD
NZD/USD AUD/JPY GBP/JPY
EUR/JPY AUD/NZD GBP/AUD
GBP/CAD
View more > SmartSTP >

What are the minimum spreads for trading forex?

Spreads can be as low as 0.01 pips, although this is usually reserved for the biggest pairs like EUR/USD or USD/JPY. For other markets and crosses, spreads can be much higher. There are also no additional fees or commissions to pay when trading forex. 

Commodities

What commodities can be traded on SmartSTP?

The commodities section on the SmartSTP trading platform is not as comprehensive as other brokers, but you can still trade the biggest markets like gold, silver and oil. Commodities on SmartSTP are split into metals and everything else. Here’s a closer look at what assets you can trade. 

Commodity Commodity Commodity
Gold Silver Platinum
Palladium Crude oil Brent oil
Natural gas Wheat Corn
Soybeans
View more > SmartSTP >

What are the minimum spreads for trading commodities?

Spreads for trading commodities can be as low as 0.01 pips, although this is usually reserved for the likes of gold and oil. If you trade a commodity market with less volume, then spreads can be considerably higher. 

Deposits & withdrawals
3.8

There are three deposit and withdrawal methods available on SmartSTP. You can add and withdraw funds using a credit/debit card, bank transfer, or SEPA transfer. In the following sections, we’ve provided additional information about each payment method. 

What are the minimum & maximum deposits?

The minimum deposit you must make is $250. There is no maximum amount unless your bank or payment method stipulates otherwise. Here’s a more detailed look:

Payment method Minimum deposit (USD)* Maximum deposit (USD)
Debit/credit card $250 No max
Bank transfer $250 No max
SEPA $250 No max
View more > SmartSTP >

What are the minimum and maximum withdrawals?

There is no minimum withdrawal for credit/debit cards or SEPA transfers. There is a minimum for bank transfers of $50. There is also no max withdrawal limit, which means you can withdraw as much of your profits as you like. 

Payment method Minimum withdrawal Maximum withdrawal
Debit/credit card No min No max
Bank transfer $50 No max
SEPA No min No max
View more > SmartSTP >

What are the deposit and withdrawal options fees, limits, and speeds?

You will not be charged any fees for making a deposit or withdrawal to and from your account by SmartSTP. You may however be charged by your bank so you should check beforehand. Most transactions are processed and completed within 1 – 3 business days.

Payment method Withdrawal fee Withdrawal speed
Debit/credit card $0 1 – 3 business days
Bank transfer $0 1 – 3 business days
SEPA $0 1 – 3 business days
View more > SmartSTP >

Fees & costs
4.2

How do SmartSTP fees work?

SmartSTP is a fee-free trading platform. This means you won’t pay any additional charges when making trades (other than spread). There are also no withdrawal fees, but you may encounter swaps and conversion fees. Below is a quick summary of the main fees for SmartSTP.

Fee SmartSTP fees eToro fees Plus500 fees
Trading fees No Yes, on certain assets No
Inactivity fees No Yes Yes
Rollover/overnight fees Yes, on certain assets Yes, on CFDs Yes
Withdrawal fees No Yes No
Spreads Yes Yes, on certain assets Yes
Conversion fees Yes Yes, for non-USD currencies Yes
View more > SmartSTP > eToro > Plus500 >

What are SmartSTP’s trading fees?

SmartSTP does not charge any additional trading fees besides spreads. This means you won’t have to worry about commissions when buying and selling on the SmartSTP trading platform. Spreads are variable and change change quickly so you should bear that in mind when opening or closing a position. 

Asset SmartSTP fees eToro fees Plus500 fees
Cryptocurrencies No fees 1% From 2%
Commodities No fees From 2 pips From 0.04%
Currencies No fees From 1 pip From 0.8%
Indices No fees From 0.75 pts From 0.7%
Stocks No fees 0% commission From 0.08%
View more > SmartSTP > eToro > Plus500 >

Platforms & usability
3.9

What devices can I use SmartSTP on?

You can use the SmartSTP trading platform on any device you want as it has been optimised for all browsers. There is no dedicated app, but the company is in the process of developing one.

Device Browser/operating system
Web browser Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Safari
Mobile app Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Safari
Tablet Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari
View more > SmartSTP >

SmartSTP mobile app review

SmartSTP does not offer a dedicated mobile trading app. However, the web-based platform is optimised for mobile browsers, allowing traders access to the full range of tools and features while on the go. 

The responsive design ensures the platform scales well to any mobile screen size. You can monitor positions, execute trades, deposit funds, and conduct analyses without needing to download an app.

Web trading platform

The most important question any user has is: How easy is it to use SmartSTP?

Similar to the desktop experience, SmartSTP’s web trader platform also runs using Match-Trader technology for full-fledged functionality through browser access. You can scan markets using pre-defined filters, conduct analysis via charts and studies, and execute complex order types directly through the web trader, complementing the tailored experience for desktop users. 

Desktop trading platform

SmartSTP’s desktop platform utilises Match-Trader technology to provide traders with robust capabilities in an intuitive interface. 

Some of the platform’s key features include real-time streaming quotes, interactive charts with over 60 technical indicators, risk management tools, and advanced order types. The desktop platform aims to cater to active traders seeking efficiency in analyzing opportunities and managing positions across global markets.

Key features

Advanced Charting Capabilities

SmartSTP’s web trader platform provides advanced interactive charting tools to conduct technical analysis. You can overlay indicators, draw trendlines, add studies like Bollinger Bands, customise time frames down to the tick chart, and use features like compare and synchronise to analyse multiple instruments. 

Global Market Access

The platform allows access to nearly 200 financial instruments across global markets – including stocks, forex, commodities, and cryptocurrencies that can be traded from a single account. You can diversify exposures across asset classes and geographic regions, taking advantage of opportunities worldwide. 

Market Intelligence 

With SmartSTP’s real-time market data and news feeds, you can stay informed and make decisions. You can stay on track by keeping tabs on live prices, tracking market depth, and accessing breaking financial news directly within the platform. This integrated information keeps you ahead of the curve and allows you to react to market movements in real-time.

Safety & reliability
3.8

Is SmartSTP safe?

Yes, SmartSTP is safe and uses the best encryption for financial operations: firewalls, SSL software, and servers in SAS 70-certified data centres. 

Is SmartSTP regulated?

SmartSTP holds one regulatory licence from the Financial Services Commission in Mauritius (FSC). The FSC has a reputation for overseeing global business and non-bank finance companies including multiple CFD brokerages. One of the benefits of using and FSC regulated broker is the access to larger-than-average leverage. 

Region SmartSTP regulators eToro regulators Plus500 regulators
International FSC
View more > SmartSTP > eToro > Plus500 >

SmartSTP customer support review

Compared to other online CFD brokerages, SmartSTP’s customer support options is lacking. It does however have a good help center which answers many common questions. If you require more help, you can contact its customer support via live chat or email. 

Support type SmartSTP customer support eToro customer support Plus500 customer support
Help Centre/FAQs Yes Yes Yes
Email Yes Yes Yes
Live chat Yes Yes Yes
WhatsApp No Platinum, Platinum+, and Diamond members only Yes
Telephone No No No
View more > SmartSTP > eToro > Plus500 >

What are the risks of using SmartSTP?

  • Using leverage can result in large losses. Leverage is a good tool when used correctly. You can generate big profits using leverage, but you can also suffer substantial losses. Before using leverage to trade financial markets, you should consider all of your options. 
  • SmartSTP is not a well known company. Although SmartSTP is a trusted online trade platform, it is still not as well known as other CFD brokerages. This means it does not have the same number of customers or reviews as other companies. This could be a risk as you won’t know what other people think of the broker. 
  • It is only regulated by one authority. The best online CFD brokers hold multiple licences with tier-1 regulators. SmartSTP has only one licence from the FSC in Mauritius. While this is not necessarily a problem, it can be risky as you won’t be as well protected when compared to other brokers. 

Research & analysis tools
4.1

What trading tools are on offer?

SmartSTP is a relatively new CFD broker but still has a good number of trading tools and features to help make analysing the markets easier. Below we’ve explained a few of the main tools you can access. 

Trading tool SmartSTP tools eToro tools Plus500 tools
Charts Yes Yes Yes
News feeds Yes Yes Yes
Analyst recommendations No Yes Yes
Fundamental analysis Yes No Yes
Financial calendar Yes Yes Yes
MetaTrader integration No No No
View more > SmartSTP > eToro > Plus500 >

Customisable Workspace

SmartSTP allows you to customise your workspace layouts to suit your preferences, with detachable modules for market watchlists, charts, account balances, and active positions. You can enable floating widgets for order entry, notifications, and account analytics. The flexibility to tailor and save layouts makes it easier to manage your workflow.

Order types

In addition to market, limit, and stop order types, SmartSTP supports conditional orders – including stop-limit, OCO, IFD and IFDO orders that trigger based on price, time or exchange conditions. Setting predefined criteria for order execution (like stop-loss for risk management) allows the automation of certain trading decisions.

Web Trader

SmartSTP offers a web-based trading platform that requires no software downloads or installations for quick access. The web trader provides the full suite of charting, screening, trading, and account management tools through any web browser. This facilitates easy market access for traders without consuming device memory and resources. 

Education & learning resources
4

What educational resources are on offer?

SmartSTP has a good choice of learning material for new traders to study. There are many guides explaining how the platform works and lots of information about the markets in general with some trading strategies.

Educational resource SmartSTP resources eToro resources Plus500 resources
Demo/virtual account Yes Yes Yes
Video tutorials/webinars No Yes Yes
Walkthrough guides Yes Yes Yes
Copy trading No Yes No
Trading academy No Yes Yes
View more > SmartSTP > eToro > Plus500 >

Trading guides

SmartSTP offers an in-built trading guide section featuring beginner to advanced courses to speed up your education. The structured content covers core concepts like technical/fundamental analysis, risk management, and global regulation. There are more resources including glossaries explaining key terminology, a financial calendar of upcoming market events, and regularly updated commentary from analysts.

Demo account

SmartSTP also enables paper/simulated trading for virtual practice. The simulator mirrors real-time markets and account circumstances to provide an environment for you to hone your skills via risk-free execution and get accustomed to the platform before placing live trades.

Market exploration

The platform itself serves as an educational tool with features catered to discovering and analysing trading opportunities across global markets. Extensive screening/scanning criteria, risk management metrics integrated across asset classes, and historical pattern analyses assist traders in exploring possibilities aligned with their interests and goals.

Our verdict

We tested SmartSTP for several months and found the broker offers a satisfactory service that’s in line with similar online brokerages. SmartSTP is a young company that has only been in operation since 2022. If you’re looking for an established trading platform, then you’ll find better alternatives elsewhere. 

While SmartSTP offers many of the same services and features as other CFD companies, its trading platform is where it stands out. Most brokers tend to offer MetaTrader 4 or 5 but SmartSTP traders can use Match Trader which provides a wide range of features, including real-time market data, advanced charting tools, and order execution capabilities.

Overall SmartSTP appears to be a solid CFD company that offers a good selection of markets with competitively low spreads and no trading fees. The inclusion of crypto CFDs is a welcome addition for traders looking to speculate on digital assets alongside traditional markets like stocks, forex, and commodities. 

Who is SmartSTP suitable for?

SmartSTP is suitable for all types of investors or traders. Its online trading platform has features that cater to both novice and experienced traders. It has a good educational section where you can learn while practising on its demo account. Experienced traders can make use of hundreds of technical indicators to strengthen their trading systems. 

Is SmartSTP good for beginners?

Yes, SmartSTP is an excellent platform for beginners. It uses the Match Trader platform which is very beginner friendly with lots of features and tools designed for newbies. The educational content on offer is also very useful for beginners wanting to learn more about the markets and improve their trading. 

Our methodology

Helping people make better financial decisions is at the heart of our mission at Invezz. 

We test each broker to provide clear, accessible guidance on the service it offers and how it compares to the 63+ other trading platforms we review. Testing is carried out by our panel of industry experts, analysts, and active traders who sign up to the platform, conduct research, and score the service.

To supplement our practical testing and experience, we research the service to gather any further relevant information and provide context to help you decide whether the broker is right for your investing needs. We read online customer reviews, app reviews on the Play Store and App Store, and conduct user surveys to get feedback from real people about what works, and what doesn’t.

The trading platform is awarded a final score based on 130+ data points across 8 ranking categories: cost, reliability, user experience, deposit & withdrawals, investing options, range of products/markets, research & analysis tools, and the availability of educational & learning resources.

We work closely with the individual brand to ensure all factual information displayed here is accurate. All data is then fact-checked by an independent reviewer. You can learn more about our expert panel and how we test, rate, and review platforms in our review process

FAQs

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Does SmartSTP offer bonuses?


Sources & references

Our editors fact-check all content to ensure compliance with our strict editorial policy. The information in this article is supported by the following reliable sources.

Risk disclaimer
Prash Raval
Financial Writer
Prash is a financial writer for Invezz covering FX, the stock market and investing. For over a decade he has traded spot FX full time while... read more.