Key TakeawaysCompany Details & HistoryTrading PlatformsFlowBank ProMetaTrader 4MetaTrader 5Assets & MarketsSpreads & FeesClassicPlatinumFlowBank LeverageMobile App ReviewPayment MethodsHow To Deposit To A Live Trading AccountAccount TypesHow To Open An AccountDemo AccountDeals & PromotionsRegulation & LicensingAdditional FeaturesEducationTrading HoursCustomer ServiceSecurity & SafetyFlowBank VerdictAccepted CountriesCompare FlowBankFlowBank Comparison TableCompare Trading InstrumentsFlowBank vs Other BrokersFAQIs FlowBank Safe?Is FlowBank A Good Or Bad Broker?Does FlowBank Offer High Leverage?Is There A Minimum Deposit Requirement To Open A FlowBank Trading Account?What Trading Platforms Does FlowBank Offer?
FlowBank is a Swiss-regulated bank that offers retail trading and investing on 50,000+ instruments spanning CFDs, forex, stocks, ETFs, funds, and cryptos. Spreads start from 0.0 pips and the broker offers the MT4 and MT5 apps. But is FlowBank a good broker?
This expert review unpacks funding options, minimum deposits, trading fees, demo accounts, and more. Read on for our opinion and verdict on FlowBank.
Key Takeaways
FlowBank is an excellent fit for active Swiss traders looking to build a diverse portfolio with a wide range of instruments and ultra-low fees, including zero commissions on Swiss stocks.
The 20+ accepted currencies, $0 minimum deposit, and 4 trading platforms also mean that the broker is accessible to global traders.
Company Details & History
FlowBank is a Swiss bank that offers online trading services. Headquartered in Geneva, with an additional office address in Zurich, the brokerage is regulated by the Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) and boasts the lowest fees in Switzerland.
Owner and CEO Charles Henri Sabet founded the firm, originally Synthesis, in 1991 and a banking license was secured in 1999. In 2004, the company was restructured to focus on online trading services for retail investors. This company was then sold to SaxoBank in 2007, and the FlowBank brand as it’s now known was established in 2020.
In 2021, CoinShares invested over $11 million in FlowBank, holding a 9.02% share of the broker’s capital.
Trading Platforms
FlowBank offers four trading platforms, providing more options than many competitors. This includes a proprietary mobile app and desktop terminal, plus access to the industry-renowned MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5.
The platforms are designed for day traders of all experience levels, though FlowBank Pro features sophisticated tools and functionality that are more suitable for advanced investors.
Access to instruments varies between platforms. Investors using the MT4 and MT5 terminals cannot trade stocks, ETFs, bonds, options, or futures.
FlowBank Pro
Trade all 50,000 instruments across seven asset classes in one interface.
View 14 timeframes; one minute to one month
Access single trade tickets via the basket trader tool
Create and review themed stock lists to identify trends and opportunities
Access 35 in-built technical indicators such as Bollinger Bands and Moving Averages
All standard order types such as limit orders and stop orders, plus alternative orders including Time Weighted Average Price (TWAP)
How To Place A Trade On FlowBank Pro
Download the FlowBank Pro platform or open the web terminal
Login with your registered user credentials
Click on the ‘Order’ icon from the top menu
Select the instrument to trade and drag it to the order module page (located by default on the right-hand-side)
Select the order type and duration (day, GTC, IOC, or FOK)
Click ‘Buy’ or ‘Sell’
How To Use The Basket Trader Module
Drag the instruments of choice into the Basket Trader module
Specify the number of instruments to include in the ‘basket’ order
Select the ‘side’ for each instrument (buy or sell)
Add a basket multiplier price (if desired) in the bottom left icon
Select ‘Buy’ or ‘Sell’
Popular themes include travel & leisure, sports & athletics, and energy transition.
MetaTrader 4
Trade 4500+ instruments with leverage up to 1:200.
Access 30 in-built technical indicators
Use Expert Advisors to execute trading strategies
View nine timeframes; one minute to one month
Use 24 analytical objects including Fibonacci and Elliot Wave
Access four pending order types; Buy Limit, Buy Stop, Sell Limit and Sell Stop
MetaTrader 5
Trade 4500+ instruments with leverage up to 1:200.
Access 38 in-built technical indicators
View 21 timeframes; one minute to one month
Inform trading setups with an integrated economic calendar
Use automated trading features with the MQL5 programming language
MetaTrader 5
Assets & Markets
FlowBank offers an impressive list of 50,000 trading instruments:
ETFs – Invest in exchange-traded products across equities, fixed-income, and commodities
CFDs – Trade 4500+ contracts for difference (CFDs) across commodities, stock indices, bonds, and more
Forex – Speculate on the price of 50+ major, minor, and exotic currency pairs including EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and USD/JPY
Stocks – Trade 13,000 stocks and ETFs with commission-free opportunities on Swiss company shares. This includes access to fractional shares
Funds – Trade 2000+ funds including mutual funds, index funds, and money market funds. There are leveraged opportunities across a range of sectors, regions, and markets
Cryptocurrencies – With no wallet requirement, day traders can purchase and sell crypto-asset products like Bitcoin quickly and easily. This includes spot investments, crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs), close-ended funds, ETFs, ETNs, and crypto certificates
FlowBank excels in its range of trading instruments, providing greater portfolio diversification opportunities than many online brokers. The range of crypto investments is particularly strong.
Spreads & Fees
When we used FlowBank, we were impressed with the low trading and investing fees, with ultra-tight spreads and low to zero commissions.
Fees vary by user status (Classic or Platinum) and instrument. There is no minimum deposit requirement for Classic members, however, to benefit from improved pricing conditions, Platinum members must invest 100,000 CHF.
Classic
Bonds – Commission from 0.20% (minimum 50 CHF)
ETFs – Commission from 0.15% (minimum 6.50 CHF)
Futures And Options – Contracts can be opened from $3 or equivalent currency + the relevant exchange commission
Stocks – Commission-free trading on Swiss stocks. Other stocks can be traded with commissions from 0.15% (minimum $6.50)
CFDs – CFDs offer tight spreads and commission-free trading (except stocks). Users can trade forex CFDs with spreads from 0 pips, metals from 0.2 pips, cryptos from 0.3 pips, and indices from 0.8 pips. Stock CFDs will incur a 2-cent commission per share (or 0.10%)
While using FlowBank Classic, we were offered minimum spreads of 1.1 pips on the EUR/USD currency pair and 1.18 pips on the EUR/GBP.
Platinum
ETFs – Commission from 0.10% (minimum 6.50 CHF)
Bonds – Commission from 0.20% (minimum 50 CHF)
Futures And Options – Contracts can be opened from $1.50 or equivalent currency + the relevant exchange commission
Stocks – Commission-free trading on Swiss stocks. Other stocks can be traded with commissions from 0.10% (minimum $6.50)
CFDs – CFDs offer tight spreads and commission-free trading (except stocks). Trade forex CFDs with spreads from 0 pips, metals from 0.2 pips, cryptos from 0.3 pips, and indices from 0.8 pips. Stock CFDs will incur a 2-cent commission fee per share (or 0.09%)
While using FlowBank Platinum, we were offered minimum spreads of 0.5 pips on the EUR/USD currency pair and 0.7 pips on the EUR/GBP currency pair.
There are no account maintenance charges or inactivity fees for dormant profiles. Additionally, day traders can be reassured of a maximum of CHF 50 custody fees per quarter.
FlowBank Leverage
FlowBank offers leverage up to 1:200. This is much more than brokers with regulatory oversight from ESMA regions capping at 1:30.
Leverage varies by instrument. When we used FlowBank, we were offered the maximum leverage ratio when trading major currency pairs and indices including the S&P 500, FTSE 100, and DAX 40. Crypto investments were offered at 1:10.
Mobile App Review
A major advantage of the broker is the proprietary FlowBank mobile app. It is available to download to iOS and Android (APK) devices from the relevant App store. Users can access all the tools and features available on the Pro desktop terminal.
The mobile platform is easy to use for beginners and provides all the advanced features needed for experienced traders. Day traders can monitor and track open positions, place new trades, use real-time graphs/charts, create watchlists, or view financial news and research notes with the click of a button. The app has an impressive 4.5/5 rating on the Google Play Store.
FlowBank App
Both MetaTrader platforms are also available to download as mobile-compatible applications. The fully customizable app interfaces allow users to add indicators, read live market news, view custom charts, and analyze price quotes. Day traders can also set up alerts and notifications.
Payment Methods
The FlowBank team accepts deposits via bank wire transfer or credit card.
FlowBank supports more than 20 currencies including USD, EUR, GBP, ZAR, AED, and HKD. A foreign exchange rate conversion fee of 0.5% applies if trading in a currency other than the account denomination.
Credit/debit card payments are processed within ten minutes. Bank wire transfers can take up to three working days. Swift/BIC code and IBAN details are available on the broker’s website.
There is no minimum deposit requirement for the Classic account. Platinum users must deposit at least 100,000 CHF.
How To Deposit To A Live Trading Account
Log in to the FlowBank client portal
Select the ‘Transfer’ icon
Click on the ‘Add Money’ icon
Choose either a bank wire transfer or credit card
Enter the relevant payment details such as account number or card number
Click ‘Deposit’
The broker offers three withdrawal methods; domestic transfers, international payments, and subaccount transfers. Domestic payments are ideal for Swiss residents withdrawing CHF to a bank account in Switzerland. These typically offer quicker fund processing times vs international transfers.
Account Types
There are just two account types; Classic and Platinum. As mentioned in the fees section above, the Platinum profile offers improved trading conditions, though minimum account funding of 100,000 CHF is required.
Personal performance reports and portfolio analysis summaries can be accessed via the client portal. Click on the ‘Account’ tab followed by ‘Report Center’ to access download options. This includes annual trading reports, assets under management (AUM), and portfolio summaries such as dividends, stock ownership, and shareholder details. This information can be used for tax statement completion.
How To Open An Account
It is relatively quick to open a new FlowBank account. Click on the ‘Visit’ button at the top of the review, then the ‘Open Account’ icon within the menu and complete the required fields.
Day traders will need proof of identity such as a passport and proof of residency dated within the last six months. This can be actioned via document upload or a video onboarding option.
Once approved, all account features can be accessed within 10 minutes.
Demo Account
FlowBank offers demo trading accounts on the MetaTrader platforms, similar vs Interactive Brokers and Swissquote. Users can practice investing with virtual funds and leverage. Put the tools and features of the online terminals to the test in a risk-free trade environment. On the downside, the FlowBank Pro platform is not available in the demo trading environment.
New users will need to register for a profile to access a paper trading account. Click on ‘Open An Account’ and register with personal details, including name, email, and phone number. Click ‘Get Started’ and create a password.
Deals & Promotions
Day traders can benefit from several promo incentives. This includes a free stock upon sign-up (worth up to 500 CHF) and a referral scheme.
The refer a friend promotion offers a 100 CHF reward when a new account is opened and a deposit of at least 1000 CHF is made using the referral link. Active day traders can also claim a 3 CHF rebate for every 1 million CHF traded on the MetaTrader terminals. Previous deals have also included live trading games and competitions.
As with all bonus rewards, always review the terms and conditions before signing up to avoid unrealistic turnover and revenue requirements.
Regulation & Licensing
FlowBank is regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA). The central authority controls financial institutions within Switzerland. The regulator is renowned for strict rules and all brokers within the country must also hold bank licenses.
With this comes membership to esissuisse, a Swiss deposit insurance scheme. It is compulsory for all banks in Switzerland to be members, providing customers with up to 100,000 CHF compensation in the case of business insolvency.
But while the Swiss regulatory oversight is a good sign that the broker is trustworthy, it’s worth pointing out that the firm does not hold a license with the FCA, CySEC, or ASIC like many competitors.
Additional Features
FlowBank offers various resources and educational materials to enhance the trading experience. This includes daily market research, newsletters, and courses.
The broker has a useful ‘Flow TV’ YouTube channel with daily insights and market reviews.
Education
The broker has a comprehensive online Learning Center with a range of articles, integrated videos, and insights suitable for beginners. Information includes supply and demand trading strategies for beginners, cryptocurrency overviews, and how to trade foreign exchange. Day traders can subscribe to the latest publications with a registered email address.
The education academy also offers several ‘how to’ video guides for the FlowBank platform and associated tools. Popular themes include how to open/close an account, understanding margin calls, the process of downloading financial statements, and an introduction to using technical analysis indicators.
Keep an eye on the broker’s website for upcoming events and webinars.
Technical analysis forecasts are also published via Technical Speak Easy with daily reports of forex, indices, and commodities trading opportunities.
Trading Hours
FlowBank trading hours vary by instrument. Currency pairs, for example, can be traded from 11 PM Sunday to 11 PM Friday. CFDs on Swiss equities are available to invest between 9 AM and 5:20 PM (CET). Cryptocurrency can be invested 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
A full trading hours list is available on the broker’s pricing specification document.
Customer Service
FlowBank offers 24/6 customer support, which is in line with most of the industry.
Contact details:
Telephone – +4122886600
Email – support@flowbank.com
Live Chat – Available on the broker’s webpage
Online Contact Form – On the broker’s website
An adequate online Help Center can be found on the FlowBank website with access to self-help support.
The broker is also present on social media sites including Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Stay up to date with news from the founder and view peer traders’ questions and answers via online forums.
Security & Safety
As an online bank, FlowBank integrates some of the highest security controls. Investors can be assured of a secure trading environment. The mobile app enables two-factor authentication and banking notifications of transaction attempts, failed login attempts, and completed wire transfers.
Having said that, the broker does not offer negative balance protection.
FlowBank Verdict
FlowBank has established itself as a safe and secure financial institution and trading broker. Licensed by FINMA with a membership to esissuisse, clients can trade and invest with strong regulatory oversight. The vast number of trading instruments, high leverage, and access to educational resources make it a good option for both beginners and experienced traders.
Accepted Countries
FlowBank accepts traders from Australia, Thailand, United Kingdom, South Africa, Singapore, Hong Kong, India, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Italy, Denmark, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Qatar and most other countries.
Traders can not use FlowBank from United States, Canada, Belgium.
Compare FlowBank
Compare FlowBank with similar brokers that accept traders from your location. Among available brokers these are the most similar to FlowBank:
Swissquote – Swissquote is an FCA-regulated forex CFD broker offering 400+ trading products.
VT Markets – VT Markets is a multi-asset broker with ultra-fast trade executions, spreads from 0.0 pips, 24/5 support, and user-friendly trading platforms.
ActivTrades – ActivTrades offers online trading on the MT4, MT5 and ActivTrader platforms. Over 93.60% of orders are executed at the requested price.
Trade.com – Trade.com offers thousands of tradable assets via CFD and DMA on MT4, MT5 and a proprietary WebTrader. Access floating spreads, third-party analysis tools and copy trading services.
FlowBank Comparison Table
| 4 | – | 4 | 4 | – |
| Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Crypto | Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Crypto | Forex, Stocks, Commodities | Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Crypto | Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Crypto |
| Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| $0 | $1000 | $200 | $10 | $100 |
| 0.01 Lots | 0.01 lots | 0.01 lots | 0.01 lots | 0.01 lots |
| FINMA | FCA, FINMA, DFSA, SFC | ASIC, FSCA, SVGFSA | FCA, SCB | FCA, CySEC, FSC, FSCA, FINRA |
| Free Welcome Stock Up To 500 CHF | – | 50% Welcome Bonus | Cashback on trades | – |
| Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| MT4, MT5 | MT4, MT5 | MT4, MT5 | MT4, MT5 | MT4, MT5 |
| 1:200 | 1:30 | 1:500 | 1:400 | 1:30 EU, 1:300 Global |
| 2 | 5 | 10 | 9 | 12 |
| – | FlowBank vs Swissquote | FlowBank vs VT Markets | FlowBank vs ActivTrades | FlowBank vs Trade.com |
| FlowBank Review |
Swissquote Review |
VT Markets Review |
ActivTrades Review |
Trade.com Review |
Compare Trading Instruments
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| No | No | No | No | Yes |
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| No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
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FAQ
Is FlowBank Safe?
FlowBank offers a relatively safe and secure trading environment. The broker is regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) and is a member of esissuisse with 100,000 CHF compensation available to retail investors in the case of insolvency and complaints.
Is FlowBank A Good Or Bad Broker?
FlowBank is a solid online broker. With over 50,000 instruments, 4 trading platforms and apps, plus low fees, it’s a good pick for retail traders and investors. The regulatory oversight from FINMA also makes it a particularly strong option for traders based in Switzerland.
Does FlowBank Offer High Leverage?
Retail investors can access leverage up to 1:200 when trading with FlowBank. This is relatively high vs other regulated brokers, which often limit leverage to 1:30.
Is There A Minimum Deposit Requirement To Open A FlowBank Trading Account?
There is no minimum deposit requirement for a FlowBank trading account. However, to open a Platinum profile and benefit from improved fees, a 100,000 CHF deposit is required.
What Trading Platforms Does FlowBank Offer?
FlowBank offers four trading platforms; FlowBank Pro, FlowBank App, MetaTrader 4, and MetaTrader 5. The terminals can be downloaded to desktop devices, opened as web platforms, or installed on mobile devices. All applications provide technical and fundamental analysis functionality with instant and pending orders.