Trading Instruments
Platforms & Tools
Fees
Security & Fairness
Deposit & Withdrawal
Customer Service
Broker Overview
Headway keeps things nimble: MT4, MT5, and a lightweight web terminal with clean charts and quick tickets. The layout stays tidy on phone and desktop, so placing and managing trades feels immediate.
Spreads on liquid FX pairs are competitive, execution is responsive during active sessions, and funding is straightforward with clear guidance in the cashier.
If you want familiar MetaTrader tools, flexible account profiles, and a smooth mobile workflow, Headway is a strong day-to-day choice.
My top takeaways for Headway in 2025:
- Platforms you already know. Headway supports MT4 and MT5 alongside its mobile app, keeping execution quick and the workflow familiar on web, desktop, and phone.
- Low entry, flexible accounts. Cent/Standard/Pro-style accounts, low minimum deposits, and raw-spread options help match fees to your strategy.
- Wide market coverage. Trade forex, metals & energies, indices, stocks, and crypto from a single broker environment.
- High leverage (conditions apply). Global entities can offer very high or “unlimited” leverage, while protections and limits vary by region and regulator.
- Straightforward funding. Multiple local methods, no broker deposit fees (provider/network fees may apply), and fast withdrawals during processing hours.
- Helpful tools & learning. Built-in calculators, platform guides, and copy-style features support beginners and experienced traders alike.
- Trade-offs. Research depth is lighter than research-first brokers, and some features/instruments depend on your country and serving entity.
Our editorial team opens and funds real trading accounts, then measures platforms, pricing, and execution in live markets. Every data point in our reviews is gathered first-hand—not copied from marketing pages.
We independently verify regulation and entity protections with public registers (FCA, CySEC, FSCA and others) and track 100+ variables across fees, spreads, platforms, funding, education, and support. Findings are peer-reviewed before ratings go live.
We’re reader-supported: if you use a partner link, we may earn a commission at no extra cost. This never affects our scores or recommendations. Learn more in how we test.
Our Headway review is based on live-account testing across pricing, spreads, execution speed, and platform usability on MT4 and MT5 (web/desktop/mobile). We independently check regulation, leverage policies, deposits/withdrawals, and instrument availability for your country—the table above summarizes those key facts. Next, the Pros & Cons section distills strengths and trade-offs at a glance to help you decide if Headway fits your strategy.
Headway pros & cons
- Supports MT4 and MT5 across web/desktop/mobile with a straightforward, familiar workflow.
- Multiple account types (e.g., Cent/Micro, Standard, Raw-spread) to match strategies; competitive spreads with transparent fees.
- Broad market coverage including forex, indices, commodities and crypto (availability varies by region).
- Fast onboarding and funding; typically no deposit fees and quick withdrawals during processing hours.
- Higher leverage options for global clients where permitted; stricter limits under EU/UK-style rules.
- No proprietary platform; experience centers on MT4/MT5 and web terminals.
- Research/news depth can be lighter than research-focused multi-asset brokers.
- Features, leverage and promotions vary by entity/region; some tools may be restricted locally.
- High leverage magnifies risk and is not suitable for all traders.
- Advanced education content is more limited; beginners are better served than experts.
*Availability, fees, and leverage depend on your account entity and country. Always consider whether you can afford the high risk of loss.*
Regulation & Security
Headway is authorised and regulated in South Africa by the FSCA (JAROCEL PTY LTD, Licence 52108). Product availability and leverage may vary by jurisdiction.
Headway operates under JAROCEL PTY LTD, supervised by South Africa’s Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) under licence number 52108. You can verify the company and licence details on Headway’s website and via the regulator’s register. FSCA oversight covers conduct standards, disclosures, and complaints handling.
For account security, Headway applies verification (KYC/AML) and uses secure connections (TLS/SSL) across its portals. The broker supports risk controls such as Negative Balance Protection and advises enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) for added login security. Regulated brokers also separate client money from company operating funds via segregated client accounts—a key safeguard to reduce counterparty risk.
Availability of products, leverage limits, and investor protections can differ by region. Headway does not onboard residents of jurisdictions restricted by local law or FATF sanctions. Always confirm which legal entity will hold your account and the protections that apply in your country before you deposit.
- Segregated client money at third-party banks
- KYC/AML checks and withdrawal verification
- NBP in place; regional rules and limits may apply
Trading Platforms
Headway gives you the choice of MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 across desktop, mobile, and the web terminal.
MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) are fully supported at Headway, delivering fast charting, one-click trading, Expert Advisors (algos), multiple order types, and market depth on MT5. Account types (Cent, Standard, Pro) let you align pricing and execution with your strategy while keeping your familiar MT4/MT5 workflow.
The MetaTrader Web terminal runs in your browser—no installation—so you can place and manage trades from any device with a modern browser. You still get watchlists, common chart types and timeframes, and a solid indicator set for day-to-day decisions.
Headway Copy Trade lets you mirror strategy providers with flexible allocations and basic risk controls, and the mobile apps (iOS/Android) make it easy to monitor positions, place orders, and manage your account on the go.
- Web/desktop/mobile access with a streamlined client area
- Account types & instruments may vary by entity/region
- Supports algos (EAs); ensure settings match your risk limits
Account Types
Headway supports three MT4/MT5 account profiles; availability, leverage, and instruments can vary by country and the licensed entity that serves you.
Create your personal area and open the account types you need (MT4/MT5). Base currencies and payment options vary by region, and free demo accounts are available across all types.
- Cent — Micro-lot sizing (balances shown in cents) for small deposits, EA testing, and smoother position scaling. Typical min. deposit: $1.
- Standard — Commission-free trading with floating spreads (from ~0.3) for classic day-to-day strategies. Typical min. deposit: $10.
- Pro — Spreads from 0.0 pips + commission; built for scalpers, algos, and active traders who value lower trading costs. Typical min. deposit: $100.
- Swap-free / Islamic — Available in eligible regions. Overnight interest is removed in line with policy; admin fees may apply where applicable.
- Open multiple MT4/MT5 accounts within your personal area
- Free demo accounts across all platforms
- Typical minimum deposits: $1 (Cent), $10 (Standard), $100 (Pro)
Trading Instruments
Headway offers multi-asset CFDs across forex, indices, commodities (metals & energies), stocks, and cryptocurrencies — with 470+ symbols available. Availability and leverage depend on your country and the serving entity.
Forex
- Majors, minors, and selected exotics on MT4/MT5 and the web terminal.
- Variable spreads with micro-lot sizing (0.01 lots); hedging and EAs supported.
- Typically higher leverage than other asset classes (entity/region dependent).
Indices
- Global equity indices (U.S., Europe, Asia) as CFDs on MT4/MT5.
- Cash and futures-style symbols depending on contract; leverage limits vary by entity.
Commodities
- Metals (e.g., Gold, Silver) and energies (WTI/Brent, Natural Gas) as CFDs.
- Margin requirements and trading hours set per instrument and entity.
Stocks (Share CFDs)
- Popular U.S. and international shares offered as CFDs on MT5 (e.g., AAPL).
- No ownership of the underlying; corporate actions reflected per instrument specs.
Cryptocurrencies
- Major coins (BTC, ETH) plus an expanded list of altcoins as crypto CFDs.
- Higher volatility and wider spreads than FX — robust risk management is essential.
Fees & Charges
Headway’s pricing depends on your account type (Cent/Standard/Pro), platform (MT4/MT5/web terminal), and the entity that serves your country. Here’s an at-a-glance summary of trading and non-trading costs.
Trading fees
- Spreads: Floating and symbol-dependent. Cent/Standard typically from ~0.3 pips; Pro from 0.0 pips during liquid hours.
- Commissions: Cent/Standard are spread-only; Pro adds a commission of up to $1.5 per side per lot (round-turn up to ~$3/lot) alongside tighter spreads.
- Overnight financing (swaps): Charged on CFD positions held past market close; rates vary by symbol/entity. Swap-free options exist in eligible regions.
- Slippage & adjustments: Dividend/rollover adjustments may apply on index and stock CFDs per instrument specs.
Funding & non-trading fees
- Deposits: Broker-side fees are typically $0; your payment provider may charge (e.g., card/e-wallet/network fees).
- Withdrawals: Usually broker-side $0; third-party/bank/e-wallet or crypto network fees can apply depending on method.
- Currency conversion: Applies when your account currency differs from the instrument or payment method.
- Inactivity: No inactivity/account maintenance fee reported by reputable reviewers; always confirm in your client area for your entity.
How to keep costs low
- Pick the account that fits your style: Pro for raw-style pricing with commission; Standard for spread-only simplicity.
- Trade liquid symbols during active sessions for tighter spreads and better fills.
- Match your account currency to your deposit/withdrawal currency to reduce conversion costs.
- Check swap rates before holding overnight; use swap-free if eligible.
Always verify costs inside MT4/MT5/web terminal and in your client area for your licensed entity before trading.
Deposit & Withdrawal
Headway supports cards, bank transfers, e-wallets (e.g., Skrill/Neteller), and selected cryptocurrencies. Processing times, limits, and any third-party fees depend on your country, method, and the licensed entity that holds your account.
Supported methods (vary by region)
- Bank transfers & cards: local/international wires; Visa/Mastercard where supported (see your Personal Area for the list available to you).
- E-wallets: Skrill and Neteller are available in the Personal Area; deposits are instant, withdrawals typically processed quickly.
- Cryptocurrencies: popular networks (e.g., BTC/ETH/USDT) where available; timing depends on on-chain confirmations.
Processing times & limits
- Deposits: cards/e-wallets are usually instant or near-instant; bank wires ~1–5 business days; crypto after network confirmations.
- Withdrawals: e-wallets are often fastest (minutes to hours); cards ~1–3 business days; bank wires ~2–5 business days; crypto typically minutes to 24 hours.
- Minimums: typical account deposit floors are $1 (Cent), $10 (Standard), $100 (Pro); payment-method minimums may differ (e.g., some e-wallets from ~$5).
- Limits: depend on your verification (KYC) tier and local rules; larger transfers may require additional checks.
Fees & good practice
- Broker-side fees: Headway states it doesn’t charge deposit/withdrawal fees; third-party or network fees can apply. Some independent reviews note possible card withdrawal charges—always check your cashier.
- Same-method policy: withdraw your original deposit back to the same method used to fund; profits can then be withdrawn via other available methods.
- Enable 2FA and match your account currency to your funding method to reduce conversion costs.
Availability and limits are set by your Headway entity and local regulations; verify details in your account before funding.
Customer Support
Headway provides fast help via 24/7 live chat and email, plus a searchable Help Center for quick answers. Channel availability, languages, and escalation routes can vary by region and the Headway entity that serves you.
Support channels
- Live chat: the fastest way to reach an agent from the website/Personal Area; WhatsApp/Telegram are also available in supported regions.
- Email/ticketing: best for KYC docs and case follow-ups (care@hw.site via the Help Center/contact form).
- In-platform help: basic tips/links from MT4/MT5/Web to relevant guides.
- Help Center / Tutorials: step-by-step articles, funding FAQs, and platform walkthroughs for self-service answers.
Note: Prioritisation can depend on your verification status and queue volume in your region.
Hours & languages
- Availability: 24/7 via live chat and email; social messengers are monitored continuously.
- Languages: English plus Arabic, French, Japanese, Portuguese, Malay, and more (varies by queue and timezone).
- Local considerations: public holidays/time zones can affect response times for non-chat channels.
What to include for faster resolution
- Your registered email and the entity shown in your profile (e.g., FSCA South Africa, licence 52108).
- Platform & version (MT4 / MT5 / Web) and your device/browser details.
- Relevant order IDs, timestamps, and screenshots/screencasts of any error.
- Funding cases: include the payment method, last four digits (if card), and reference/tx hash (for crypto).
Educational Resources
Headway keeps education practical and easy to find: beginner-friendly courses, platform tips, and concise explainers you can skim fast.
- Tutorials & courses: step-by-step guides (e.g., MT4/MT5 basics) plus a Forex for Beginners course covering risk and order types.
- Help Center: searchable answers for account, funding, and platform how-tos.
- Copytrade guides: clear walkthroughs on using Headway Copytrade and reading strategy stats.
- Free demo: practice on MT4/MT5/web before risking real funds—ideal for testing strategies.
Comparison with Competitors
Compared to other brokers, Headway stands out.
Headway focuses on the industry standards—MT4 and MT5—and adds integrated Copytrade. That keeps the workflow familiar on desktop and mobile while giving you social-trading tools many rivals gate behind separate apps. Some peers either push only MetaTrader or just a proprietary app; Headway keeps choice simple without locking you into one tool.
Pricing is competitive: Cent/Standard are spread-only (floating from ~0.3), while Pro targets near-zero spreads with a commission (up to $1.5 per side per lot). Minimum deposits are low—$1 (Cent), $10 (Standard), $100 (Pro)—which helps new traders test live conditions before scaling up. Headline spreads may vary across brokers, but the overall cost profile here remains strong given the account flexibility and low entry points (availability depends on entity/region).
Where Headway differentiates is the combination of very low minimums, Copytrade, and a broad multi-asset lineup (stocks, indices, metals/energies, crypto, FX)—now 470+ instruments and growing. On the flip side, Headway deliberately focuses on MetaTrader rather than building a deep proprietary platform suite; if you prefer broker-built platforms with in-house research terminals, you may find larger multi-asset houses a better fit. For familiar platforms, flexible pricing, and lots of symbols, Headway competes very well.
Final Verdict
Headway delivers a familiar, flexible setup around MT4/MT5 (plus the web terminal) and integrated Copytrade. Three account types—Cent, Standard, and Pro—let you tailor costs and execution to your strategy, and the multi-asset lineup spans forex, indices, metals/energies, stocks, and crypto (470+ symbols, availability depends on entity). Funding is straightforward, education and help articles are easy to follow, and protections depend on the licensed entity that serves your country.
Mini FAQ
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Headway operates under FSCA oversight in South Africa (JAROCEL PTY LTD, licence 52108). Client funds are held in segregated accounts, 2FA is available, and Negative Balance Protection is applied. Your exact protections depend on your country and the licensed entity serving you.
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Headway supports MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 on desktop/mobile, plus the browser-based web terminal. Copytrade is also available.
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Yes. You can practice on MT4/MT5/web with virtual funds before trading real money.
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Typical minimum deposits: $1 (Cent), $10 (Standard), $100 (Pro). E-wallet withdrawals are often the fastest (minutes to hours), cards/banks ~1–5 business days, and crypto depends on network confirmations.
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Yes. Headway Copytrade lets you follow strategy providers with flexible allocations. Availability depends on your region/entity.
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Yes—both MT4 and MT5 are supported, plus a web terminal option.