Brokers With USD Accounts
Brokers with USD accounts are a popular choice among investors in the United States, but also within other major trading hubs. There are multiple advantages of selecting the US Dollar as an account base currency. This page will cover these benefits plus the history of the currency, how to compare brokers with USD accounts and more.
How USD Accounts Work
A USD trading account means you deposit, hold and trade in US Dollars. All account management and trading activity take place in the selected currency. This is known as an account base currency.
As the USD is the world’s leading currency, it is not difficult to find a broker that supports US Dollar trading accounts. Importantly, you can select an account denomination currency during your profile setup. It is also worth noting you may need to open a new account if you want to change the base currency.
Brokers With USD Accounts
There are many advantages of trading with a USD account, particularly for residents of the United States. This does not mean that global investors cannot open an account in USD, however, currency conversion fees may apply. Some brokers with USD accounts also allow you to register with two currencies within the platform, for example, the US Dollar and the Canadian Dollar. In addition, local currency deposit and withdrawal options are often linked, with no fees charged.
Finally, the best brokers with online USD trading accounts are regulated by top-tier authorities, such as the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In addition, broker-dealers in the country are overseen by The National Futures Association (NFA), helping to promote a safer trading environment.
Checking Brokers Offer USD Accounts
Most global brokers offer trading accounts in USD. And while it may not be clear at first glance, a bit of research on the broker’s website can usually get you an answer. Most brands provide details of account denominations on their registration page. Alternatively, you can check the payments page for accepted currencies by deposit method. If information is still unavailable, it could be worth contacting the broker’s customer service team or visiting their FAQ page.
The US Dollar
The US Dollar became the official currency of the United States of America in 1972. The monetary policy of the country is directed by the Federal Reserve System, which acts as the central bank. Significantly, the USD became the world’s primary reserve currency following the Bretton Woods Agreement after the Second War, and it retains that status today. Instead of pegging to Gold reserves, countries began accumulating supplies of US Dollars. Today, the currency is the most widely used in international transactions.
Importantly, the USD operates as a free-floating currency. This means exchange rates work on a fluctuating system, with limited intervention from governments. Any volatility in price can have significant implications on global markets, as well as within the US. Domestic and international events that have seen a major swing in the value of the currency include; the 9/11 terror attacks, Donald Trump’s election win and the 2008 financial crisis.
The USD is also used as the official currency in some other territories and countries including Ecuador, the Turks and Caicos Islands, plus the British Virgin Islands. In 2022, The Federal Reserve estimated that $2.2 trillion was circulating in global currency markets.
Benefits of Brokers With USD Trading Accounts
- Accessibility – US swing traders can use a broker with a USD account to access global markets and assets
- No currency conversion fees – For residents of the US, brokers offering a USD account are an obvious choice. Not only for convenience but also to avoid sometimes costly conversion fees
- Transaction speeds – Local USD transactions via bank wire transfers can be fast, with payments often clearing within one working day. Of course, brokers may also have their own processing times. Note, fees for local deposits can be much cheaper than international wire transfers
- Existing payment methods – As a globally recognized currency, USD accounts work seamlessly with major deposit solutions such as credit and debit cards, plus bank wire transfers. You may already have registered for a supported deposit method so you could fund a trading account and start trading right away
Comparing Brokers With USD Accounts
If you are interested in opening a USD trading account but cannot decide between brokers, consider these factors:
- Assets – Online brokers offer various trading assets. This can include trading on a major US exchange, such as the Dow Jones, soft commodities like gold, or digital currencies like Bitcoin
- Customer service – Having access to a reliable and responsive customer service team should be a key consideration. Those that provide 24/7 support via several methods will rank highly. It could also be worth checking review sites like ours to gauge service levels
- Platform & tools – Does the broker offer proprietary software, tools and analysis features? The best brands offer industry-standard terminals such as MT4 and MT5, plus an option to trade on bespoke platforms. Additional features such as online tutorials, educational content and video demos are also helpful
- Fees – Charges can vary significantly between brokers. As your swing trading strategy may involve opening and closing positions every few days, commission fees and overnight charges can chip away at profits. Additionally, look out for deposit and withdrawal charges, plus account inactivity penalties
- Regulation – The best brokers with USD trading accounts are regulated and authorized by top-tier financial bodies. Many of these broker-dealers are registered with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The National Futures Association (NFA) also safeguards the integrity of securities markets. Check whether your trading broker is a member via the official website. Regulated brokers are considered the safest option and provide capital protection and safeguarding initiatives for retail traders.
Bottom Line on Brokers With USD Accounts
Brokers with USD trading accounts are ideal for swing traders in the United States, as well global clients. As the world’s reserve currency, it is not difficult to find a broker offering a profile with this monetary base. Many of the biggest brokers with USD accounts are also licensed by the US Securities and Exchange Commission, assuring a level of transparency and customer protection.
FAQ
What Is A Broker With A USD Account?
Brokers with a USD account offer live trading terminals with the US Dollar as the profile base currency. This means all account management, including trades and payments, are executed in USD.
Can I Register With A Broker For A USD Trading Account?
Most aspiring retail investors can open an account with the US Dollar as the base currency. Of course, conversion fees may apply if your bank balance, for example, is maintained in Euros. Also check eligibility terms before opening a live account.
Which Brokers Offer A USD Account?
How Will I Know If A Broker Offers A USD Account?
You should be able to find this information on the broker’s website. Often this is published within the account specifics or can be selected during registration. If you cannot find this information, contact the broker’s customer support team.
Who Is The Best Broker With A USD Account?
There is no ‘best’ broker with a USD trading account. We recommend comparing fees, regulatory status, mobile platforms, educational support, plus market access, to find the right provider for your needs.