Saxo Review – Is It the Right Broker for Serious Traders in 2025?
Adam Woodhead
Co-Founder
Adam is a passionate investor who created The Investors Centre (TIC) to combine his professional skills with his love for investment. His goal is to offer a platform filled with valuable resources, practical advice, and effective strategies for anyone looking to make their mark in the investment world.
“Investment is about more than just numbers; it’s about strategy, research, and the willingness to adapt. At TIC, we’re here to provide the tools and knowledge you need to succeed on your investment journey.”
Dom Farnell
Co-Founder
Dom is an experienced retail investor, learning his craft in what he likes to call the “hard way”. Through many of these lesson’s he has crafted himself a sound investment strategy that has enabled him to make investing into a business not just a hobby. He wanted to create The Investors Centre to be able to use these lessons and help other people establish them selves in the world of investing.
“Financial clarity and integrity are the cornerstones of everything we do. We’re here to ensure that your investment journey is built on a solid financial understanding and a sound strategic foundation.”
I’ve used Saxo for a mix of forex, equity, and ETF trades over the past few years, and what’s always stood out to me is how polished and institutional everything feels—from the trading tools to the market access. This isn’t a platform built for dabblers or meme stock hunters; it’s tailored for high-net-worth individuals, experienced traders, and investors who want full control and global exposure.
In this review, I’ll walk you through my experience with Saxo: what you can trade, how the platforms perform, what it really costs to use, and whether it’s worth your time (and capital).
Quick Answer:
Saxo is a premium broker best suited for experienced, well-funded traders seeking global market access, advanced tools, and professional platforms. While it’s not ideal for beginners or casual investors, it delivers exceptional execution, regulation, and service for those who demand a high-end trading experience.
Featured Platform – Saxo
Saxo stands out as a premium trading platform for sophisticated investors seeking access to a deep range of global markets—including crypto assets via ETPs and crypto FX pairs. While Saxo does not support direct crypto ownership or traditional crypto CFDs, it enables UK investors to gain regulated exposure to digital assets through professionally managed instruments. Backed by institutional-grade research, advanced trading tools, and competitive pricing tiers, Saxo is a go-to choice for experienced investors looking to incorporate crypto into a diversified, multi-asset portfolio.
- Minimum Deposit: £500 (Classic account tier)
- Regulated access to crypto via ETPs and crypto FX pairs
- FCA regulated with strong emphasis on security and compliance
- Advanced trading tools, market research, and portfolio analytics
- Best suited for active and professional investors seeking broad market access
64% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
What Is Saxo and Who Should Use It?
Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, Saxo has grown into a serious player in the global trading space. It’s heavily regulated by the FCA in the UK, FINMA in Switzerland, DFSA in Denmark, and several other regulatory bodies. With Saxo, you’re not just dealing with another trading app; this is a full-service investment bank with tech at its core.
From my own experience, Saxo delivers on that institutional-level promise. The platforms are powerful, the market access is vast, and it feels like every feature is built for someone who takes trading seriously. But here’s the thing—it’s not designed for everyone.
Is Saxo suitable for beginners?
If you’re new to investing, hoping for commission-free trades or a gamified interface like you’d find on other platforms, Saxo probably isn’t the right fit. There’s a definite learning curve. When I first started using it, I had to spend some time exploring the layout, understanding the tools, and setting up my dashboard the way I liked it. There’s little hand-holding but that is by design.
Does Saxo have any demo accounts?
Saxo offers a free 20-day demo account, providing users with a simulated USD 100,000 to practice trading. This demo account grants access to both SaxoTraderGO and SaxoTraderPRO platforms, allowing users to familiarise themselves with the platform’s features and tools. It’s an excellent way to explore Saxo’s offerings before committing to a live account.
Who is Saxo Best Suited For?
In my view, it’s ideal for active traders, professional investors, and high-net-worth individuals who want personalised service and access to global markets. If you’re managing significant capital or trading regularly, Saxo’s depth, execution quality, and customisation options are hard to beat. But if you’re just starting out with £100 and looking for a quick win, there are better platforms to get your feet wet.
What Can You Trade on Saxo?
One of the biggest reasons I keep a Saxo account open is the sheer scope of what you can trade. I’m not exaggerating—Saxo gives you access to over 60,000 instruments across more than 50 global exchanges. Whether I’m looking to trade US tech stocks, German government bonds, or Australian wheat futures, I can find it all in one place. That level of market access is a dream for anyone who likes to diversify or take advantage of global trends.
I’ve personally used Saxo for equities, forex, ETFs, and even some commodity exposure via CFDs. The execution is fast, and I love the transparency in order flow. Plus, their professional tools make it easy to screen for assets based on region, sector, or instrument type.
Now, if you’re into crypto like I am, it’s worth knowing Saxo doesn’t offer direct crypto trading. There’s no wallet function, no Bitcoin transfers—but you can get exposure through crypto-linked ETPs (Exchange-Traded Products). I’ve used these when I wanted regulated, market-listed exposure to digital assets without dealing with private keys or exchanges. It’s a safe way to dip into crypto, though not ideal for day traders or DeFi fans.
| Asset Class | Available | Examples | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stocks & ETFs | ✅ | UK, US, EU, APAC | Long-term investors |
| Forex | ✅ | 180+ pairs | Currency and macro traders |
| Bonds | ✅ | Sovereign, Corporate | Yield-focused portfolios |
| Commodities | ✅ | Gold, Oil, Wheat | Hedgers, speculators |
| Options/Futures | ✅ | CME, EUREX | Advanced and institutional |
| Crypto Products | ✅ | ETPs only | Passive crypto exposure |
If you’re serious about trading multiple markets from a single account, Saxo makes that possible—and then some.
How Good Are Saxo Platforms and Tools?
If you’ve ever bounced between clunky trading apps and overly complicated platforms, Saxo feels like a breath of fresh air. I’ve spent a lot of time on both of their main platforms—SaxoTraderGO and SaxoTraderPRO—and I can confidently say they’re some of the most polished tools I’ve ever used.
Let’s start with SaxoTraderGO. This is the web-based platform, and it’s also available as a mobile app. I use it when I’m travelling or just want a quick trade without booting up my full workstation. It’s fast, intuitive, and surprisingly powerful for a browser-based interface. Everything from charting to order execution just flows smoothly, which makes it ideal for everyday use—even if you’re managing a large portfolio.
Now, when I want to go full throttle with analysis, I switch to SaxoTraderPRO. This desktop-only platform is designed for serious traders. It supports multi-screen setups, algorithmic order routing, and depth-of-market views—exactly the kind of tools I need when I’m dealing with high-volume forex trades or futures positions. There’s a learning curve, sure, but if you’ve used MetaTrader or TradingView before, it won’t take long to get comfortable.
What Tools and Features Stand Out?
As for tools, Saxo doesn’t cut corners. You get access to professional-grade charting, with over 40 technical indicators, plus integrated newsfeeds, economic calendars, and sentiment overlays. I particularly appreciate the Autochartist integration—it flags key patterns in real time—and the API access lets me build out custom automations for recurring strategies.
Whether you’re trading from your phone or a six-monitor setup, Saxo’s platforms genuinely deliver. They’re built for performance, and it shows.
How Much Does Saxo Cost to Use?
When I first signed up with Saxo, one of the biggest hurdles wasn’t the platform—it was understanding the pricing. Saxo uses a tiered account system, which means your fees and perks improve based on how much you deposit. I started with a Classic account, but eventually moved up to Platinum when my portfolio grew, and the difference was noticeable. Here’s how it works:
| Account Tier | Minimum Deposit | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | £500 | Basic platform access, standard pricing |
| Classic | £2,000 | Better spreads, access to improved pricing and support |
| Platinum | £50,000 | Tightened spreads, priority service, and exclusive features |
| VIP | £200,000+ | Custom pricing, personal account manager, tailored tools |
In terms of trading costs, Saxo’s forex spreads are competitive. I’ve seen spreads as low as 0.5 pips on major pairs with my Platinum account. Stock commissions vary depending on your tier, usually between £2 and £5 per trade for UK equities. It’s not zero-commission, but you’re paying for quality execution and robust tools.
Do watch out for a couple of extras, though. There’s a currency conversion fee if you’re trading assets in a non-base currency, and an inactivity fee if your account goes dormant. That said, if you’re using the platform regularly (like I do), those won’t be an issue.
Bottom line: Saxo isn’t cheap, but for what you get in tools, support, and trade execution, I’d say it’s worth every penny if you’re serious about trading.
Is Saxo Secure?
With Saxo, I’ve always felt confident. It’s one of the most heavily regulated brokers I’ve used, with licences from top-tier authorities like the FCA in the UK, FINMA in Switzerland, and the Danish FSA (DFSA). That kind of global oversight isn’t just a badge of honour—it means they’re held to incredibly strict standards when it comes to client money, risk management, and transparency.
I also dug into their financials and reporting when I signed up. Saxo has a solid track record and consistently publishes transparent, audited statements—a big plus if you’re cautious about where your capital sits.
What Protections Are in Place for Investors?
As a UK-based trader, I like knowing that my funds are protected under the FSCS (Financial Services Compensation Scheme)—up to £85,000 if anything ever went wrong. Saxo also uses segregated client accounts, meaning my money isn’t co-mingled with the company’s own funds.
Security-wise, it ticks every box. I’ve set up two-factor authentication (2FA) on my account, and all data is protected with bank-grade SSL encryption. Behind the scenes, they’ve also got robust internal controls and conduct regular risk assessments, which they disclose publicly.
All in all, I consider Saxo one of the most secure and well-regulated platforms I’ve traded on. If safety and legitimacy are top of your list then you’re in good hands here.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Institutional-grade platforms (SaxoTraderGO and PRO) | High minimum deposits for better account tiers |
| Access to 60,000+ tradable instruments across global markets | No commission-free trading |
| Strong global regulation (FCA, FINMA, DFSA, etc.) | Not ideal for beginners or casual traders |
| Tailored service and support for Platinum and VIP clients | No direct crypto trading (ETPs only, no wallets or transfers) |
What Do Our Experts Think of Saxo?
Having traded across dozens of platforms over the years—and spoken with fellow professionals in the industry—Saxo consistently comes up as a go-to for serious traders. One independent analyst I spoke with put it perfectly:
“If you’re trading serious capital across global markets, Saxo offers one of the most complete platforms around. From execution speed to asset range, it’s built for professionals—not hobbyists.”
I couldn’t agree more. In my experience, Saxo isn’t trying to win over every retail trader. Instead, it’s built a robust, institution-grade ecosystem that serves high-value clients incredibly well. The level of precision, support, and market access on offer isn’t something you find on many platforms, and that’s exactly why experienced investors keep coming back to it.
Final Verdict
At TIC,a we awarded Saxo a respectable 4.6 out of 5 stars. I can confidently say that it’s one of the best platforms out there if you’re an experienced, well-funded trader looking for global reach and serious trading tools. The platform’s speed, precision, and range of instruments are unmatched in the retail space. Whether I’m trading forex, US stocks, or niche ETFs from Asia, Saxo gives me the access and execution I need.
But—and it’s a big but—this isn’t the right broker for everyone. If you’re new to investing, or you’re looking for commission-free trades and a bit of hand-holding, other platforms are probably a better fit.
Saxo is best suited for traders who know what they’re doing, have capital to work with, and value a professional-grade experience. If that sounds like you, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it. Saxo is the real deal—and in 2025, it still sets the benchmark for premium online trading.
Featured Platform
- Premium Trading Platform
- Institutional-Grade Asset Access
- Trusted Global Regulation
64% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
FAQs
Is Saxo good for beginners?
Saxo isn’t ideal for beginners due to its high minimum deposits, advanced tools, and lack of commission-free trading. It’s best suited for experienced, confident investors.
What is the minimum deposit to open a Saxo account?
The minimum deposit starts at £500 for the Essential account. To unlock better pricing and features, you’ll need £2,000 for Classic, £50,000 for Platinum, or £200,000+ for VIP.
Does Saxo offer commission-free trading?
No, Saxo charges commissions on stock trades and spreads on forex. However, the pricing becomes more competitive with higher account tiers.
Can I trade cryptocurrency with Saxo?
Saxo doesn’t offer direct crypto trading, but you can gain exposure through regulated crypto ETPs—ideal for investors who prefer indirect, exchange-listed products.
What platforms does Saxo provide?
Saxo offers two platforms: SaxoTraderGO (web/mobile) and SaxoTraderPRO (desktop), both built for professional-level trading with powerful tools and charting.
References
- Saxo Official Website – Commissions, Charges, and Margin Schedule
- Saxo License Details – Information on Saxo’s regulatory licenses
- FXLeaders – FINMA-Regulated Forex Brokers
- FXNewsGroup – Safra Group’s Acquisition of Saxo Stake
- Wikipedia – Saxo overview page
