FlowBank Review 2023: All You Need To Know!

Founded in 2020, FlowBank is revolutionizing the Swiss banking industry by providing a comprehensive, user-friendly platform for investing, trading, and financial activities. With one of the widest ranges of instruments available in the market, FlowBank can help you invest safely and make informed financial decisions.

In addition to reliable banking services, FlowBank offers a highly sophisticated platform for trading and investing. Headquartered in Geneva, FlowBank offers stable banking solutions and secure and top-level trading platforms.

Regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA), FlowBank provides a secure and reputable platform for trading and investing in Forex CFDs, Equity CFDs, Commodity CFDs, Metal CFDs, and Index CFDs. Clients can also access a vast range of non-CFD instruments such as Stocks & ETFs, Funds, Futures and Bonds.

For those who want to explore the world of trading and investments, FlowBank offers an extensive range of features. This multi-asset broker provides a variety of trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), the FlowBank app and FlowBank Pro.

The minimum deposit is 0 CHF for the Classic account, while a 100,000 CHF initial deposit is required for the Platinum account.

FlowBank safety information

FlowBank's safety measures are extensive. The broker is regulated and supervised by FINMA, the regulatory body of Switzerland, which ensures that all of its customers' funds are held in segregated accounts and are only used for trading purposes.

The firm is also a member of esisuisse, an organization for Swiss banks that provides depositor protection of up to CHF 100,000 for every client.

Segregated accounts help to protect clients and their funds from the risk of insolvency if a broker becomes insolvent. Furthermore, FlowBank uses advanced encryption technology to ensure that all data and personal information is secure.

Moreover, the broker secures the platform by implementing KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) policies. KYC helps to identify customers, while AML verifies the source of funds and prevents fraud.

Fees details

FlowBank does not charge any deposit or withdrawal fees.

FlowBank offers competitive trading fees and no deposit or withdrawal fees. However, banks may charge a fee for international payments. Moreover, FlowBank also applies custody fees. The custodian fees are the charges that are applied to keep your portfolio safe and secure.

The custodian fees are calculated based on the value of the customer's portfolio and charged quarterly at a rate of 0.10%, with a minimum of 10 CHF and a maximum of 50 CHF per quarter. The custody fees are capped at CHF 50 per quarter. In addition, no inactivity or maintenance fees are applied to FlowBank accounts.

The multi-asset broker charges commission in spreads starting from 0.5 pips for Forex, Indices, and Metals. If you need to convert your currency, the commission fee for major pairs is 0.5%. Moreover, there are no hidden fees which is a benefit when trading with FlowBank. They also reimburses transfer fees up to 750 CHF/USD if you need to transfer money from another bank.

Spreads fee details

FlowBank offers competitive spreads on the majority of its products. The spread is the difference between the buy and sell price, and it varies depending on the asset class. For example, the spread for major forex pairs starts at 0.5 pips, and the spreads on other instruments are also very competitive.

Spreads offered by this multi-asset bank are floating, meaning they are constantly changing by the market conditions. Floating spreads are ideal for traders who like to take advantage of ever-changing market conditions.

The broker is transparent about the spreads they charge on trading various instruments, so you can always check their fees page to get the latest information.

Swap fees details

Market traders need to pay swap fees for overnight or weekend positions. The swap rate is the interest that traders need to pay or receive when holding an open position past a specific time.

FlowBank offers competitive swap rates on all major currency pairs, meaning traders can hold positions over the weekend without incurring additional costs. The swap fee is variable, depending on the currency pair, and can be viewed on their website.

You can find more details on pricing & fees here.

Deposit and withdrawal methods

The firm offers multiple deposit and withdrawal methods, including credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets. All deposits are free; however, additional fees may depend on the method used. If you use international wire transfers, then the bank may charge you a fee.

However, the platform does not charge any handling fee for deposits. Depending on the method used, deposits are instant or can take up to 3-5 business days in the case of international wire.

The withdrawal process at FlowBank is quick and straightforward. All withdrawals are free, but similarly to deposit methods, if you use an international wire transfer, then your bank may charge a fee. Withdrawals can take 3-5 days, depending on the method used, and are usually processed within the same day.

Instead of a withdrawal fee, the multi-asset online bank charges a custody fee, which is charged quarterly. It starts from 0.10% with a minimum of 10 CHF and a maximum of 50 CHF per quarter, depending on the value of your portfolio.

As FlowBank has implemented KYC, clients need to verify their identity before using FlowBank. This is done for security reasons, to ensure that the platform remains secure and protected from fraud. It's a one-time process that takes only a few minutes.

Overall, clients have multiple deposit and withdrawal methods, and FlowBank does not charge any fees for deposits or withdrawals.

Available tradable markets

FlowBank offers a wide range of tradable products, including Forex CFDs, Equity CFDs, Commodity CFDs, Metal CFDs, and Index CFDs. All these products are available to trade on their platform. The leverage available for trading is up to 1:200, which is high in the industry.

The online banking firm also offers multiple trading platforms, including its proprietary web trader and mobile app. Let's look at all tradable markets available at this broker:

CFDs on forex

FlowBank offers clients over 50 major, minor, and exotic currency pairs to trade on their platform. The spreads are wide and vary depending on the currency pair. The EUR/USD spread starts from 0.5 pips which is very competitive in the industry. Traders can access major currency pairs like EUR/USD, USD/JPY, GBP/USD, and more.

In addition to major currency pairs, traders can trade minor pairs like USD/CHF and NZD/USD and exotic pairs like EUR/NOK and USD/RUB. The leverage available for CFDs on forex is up to 1:200. Traders have access to MT4, MT5, Web trader, and mobile app to trade on their platform.

With a leverage of up to 1:200, traders can get more buying power with a smaller deposit. However, it is important to remember that leverage also means higher risk, and therefore traders should always use leverage with caution.

CFDs on equity

Equity trading is ideal for investors who are looking for long-term investments. FlowBank offers CFDs on over 100 stocks from major exchanges worldwide, including NYSE, NASDAQ, LSE, and more. The spreads vary depending on the stock.

The leverage available for CFDs on equity is up to 1:20, which gives traders more buying power with a smaller deposit. Some highly-traded stocks at FlowBank include Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, and Facebook.

Users can also trade on Switzerland's BX Swiss and SIX Swiss. The platform offers access to more than 50 stocks from this stock exchange.

CFDs on commodities

Commodity trading is among the most popular type of trading. FlowBank offers CFDs on over 10 popular commodities like oil, gold, silver, and more. The leverage available for CFDs on commodities is up to 1:100, higher than other instruments.

Oil is the most popular commodity traded at FlowBank, and the spread starts from 0.04, which is very competitive in the industry. In addition, traders can access oil futures and options for more advanced trading strategies.

Commodity trading allows traders to capitalize on price movements without owning the underlying asset. This way, traders can take advantage of positive and negative price movements.

CFDs on metals

CFDs on metals are ideal for traders looking to diversify their portfolios. FlowBank offers CFDs on gold, and silver. The spreads are competitive and start from as low as 0.3 on spot metals.

The leverage available for CFDs on metals is up to 1:200, which is higher than other instruments. With tight spreads and competitive commissions, FlowBank is the ideal broker for metals trading.

CFDs on indices

Traders have access to a broad indices market, including popular indices like S&P 500, FTSE 100, DAX 30, and more. The spreads depend on the index and start from 0.5 pips. Indices trading is ideal for traders who are looking to diversify their portfolios by investing in a basket of stocks.

The leverage available for CFDs on indices is around 1:200, which gives traders access to maximize their trade positions. Moreover, the indices market is highly volatile, allowing traders to capitalize on short-term price movements.

Leverage details

FlowBank offers up to 1:200 leverage for all instruments, which is quite competitive in the industry. The higher leverage allows traders to open larger positions with a smaller deposit. However, it's important to note that leverage can increase profits and losses depending on the market movement. Therefore, it's always important to use leverage with caution.

For example, if you trade forex with a leverage of 1:400 with $850 as your deposit, you can open a position worth up to $340,000. If the trade goes in your favor, you can make a larger profit. On the other side, if the trade goes against you by just 0.01%, then you stand to lose your entire deposit.

Therefore, always use leverage cautiously and never invest more than you can afford to lose. Find more information about leverage here.

Negative Balance Protection (NBP)

FlowBank offers negative balance protection (NBP) to prevent traders from incurring losses that exceed their deposits. This feature ensures that traders will only lose the amount in their accounts. NBP is an important feature, and it's essential for traders who are using high leverage.

With negative balance protection, your account will be automatically locked if it reaches a negative balance. This prevents you from losing more money than what's in your account and will help you manage your risk effectively.

Non-CFD/investment products

FlowBank also offers a range of Non-CFD/investment products. These include stocks, funds, crypto-assets, futures, and bonds. Traders can take advantage of fractional shares and ETFs to diversify their portfolios alongside crypto-assets such as crypto ETFs, ETPs & ETNs. Moreover, users can access a wide range of funds, futures, and bonds to enhance their trading.

Non-CFD products are ideal for investors looking to build a long-term portfolio and benefit from compound interest. With FlowBank, you can find the perfect asset to suit your trading strategy.

Available trading platforms

MetaTrader 4

The MetaTrader 4 platform is the most popular trading platform in the industry. FlowBank offers this platform based on advanced technology, allowing traders to take advantage of the latest trading features. With this platform, traders have access to charting tools, technical indicators, and other features that can help them to analyze the market and make informed trading decisions.

Traders can also use Expert Advisors (EAs) to automate their trading strategies. This platform also supports mobile trading so that you can access the market from anywhere in the world. MT4 is an ideal trading platform for traders of all levels.

MetaTrader 5

FlowBank also offers the MetaTrader 5 platform for traders who are looking for advanced trading features. This platform has more advanced features compared to MT4, and it supports automated trading strategies with Expert Advisors (EAs).

With MT5, you have access to more chart types, timeframes, technical indicators, and other features that can help you to analyze the markets. The platform also offers one-click trading so that you can make fast and accurate trades.

Using MT5, you can also access different markets like stocks, indices, and commodities. The platform is available for desktop and mobile devices so that you can access the market from anywhere in the world.

FlowBank app

FlowBank also offers an easy-to-use mobile app for trading on the go. The app allows you to access your account, view real-time quotes and prices, place orders and track your trades. You can also access real-time charting tools, technical indicators, and other features on the app.

The app is available for Android and iOS devices, and it's designed with a user-friendly interface so you can manage your investments on the go. With 50,000+ financial products across asset classes, you can access a wide range of investment opportunities with the FlowBank app.

Clients can also buy a fraction of shares and benefit from the low fees that FlowBank offers. With the safety of a swiss bank, you can protect your investments and enjoy the convenience of a mobile app to manage your finances. You can convert your money in seconds with no hidden fees and access real-time market information to make informed decisions.

FlowBank Pro

FlowBank Pro is a premium service for serious traders who want access to advanced trading tools. With this service, you get access to high-performance trading platforms, advanced charting tools, and market analysis to develop your trading strategies.

You also have access to institutional-level order types that can help you to execute complex trading strategies with ease. The Pro account also has the lowest fees in Switzerland, and traders can take advantage of the low commissions to increase their profits.

In addition, FlowBank Pro provides access to tools where users can test and develop their strategies so that they can make informed trades. The Pro account also offers 24/6 Swiss-based support in multiple languages to assist traders in any way they need.

FlowBank also has a safety-first policy that guarantees that clients' funds are protected and secure at all times. Moreover, the platform is regulated and licensed by FINMA, so you can trust that your funds are safe.

Available trading accounts

The broker offers two trading accounts:

Classic account:

The Classic account offers access to different markets, such as stocks, ETFs, funds, futures, and options at low commissions. With no minimum deposit and zero commission for Swiss stocks, the Classic account is ideal for beginners who want to start trading with a small amount.

The Classic account also has low commissions for U.S. stocks & other stocks, as low as 0.15%, ETFs and funds at 0.15%, and futures/options from 3 USD/EUR. CHF + exchange commission. Bonds commission is also as low as 0.20%, and CFDs index spreads start from 0.8 pips, while CFD stocks commissions start from 2 ¢ per share.

Platinum account

With the Platinum account, you get access to more competitive fees and a wide range of products. The minimum initial funding for this account is 100,000 CHF/EUR/USD, and you get access to Swiss stocks at 0% commission, U.S. stocks & other stocks at 0.10%, ETFs and funds at 0.10%, futures/options from 1.50 USD/EUR/CHF/GBP + exchange commission, bonds commission as low as 0.20%, CFDs index spreads from 0.8 pips.

CFD stocks commissions start from 2 ¢ per share, and CFD metals spread from 0.2 pips on spot gold. The Platinum account also includes access to advanced trading tools, institutional order types, and 24/6 Swiss-based support in multiple languages.

The platinum account is ideal for traders looking for more competitive commissions and tighter spreads. It also offers access to advanced trading tools and market insights that can help you make informed decisions in the markets.

How to open an account?

Follow the below steps to open a live trading account:

• Go to the website and click on "Open an account".
• Enter the mandatory details, including name, email, date of birth, and country of residence.
• Select your trading account type and leverage.
• Choose your deposit method and currency.
• Enter your investment amount and click on 'Open Account.'

Contact details

If you need assistance, you can contact FlowBank’s customer support via email (support@flowbank.com), live chat or telephone (+41 (0) 22 888 66 00). The support team is available 24/6 in multiple languages, so you can get the help you need easily.

Resources and trading tools

Technical analysis

FlowBank offers a wide range of technical analysis tools that can help traders identify trends and make better trading decisions. These tools include charting, trend lines, Fibonacci retracements, and more. The platform also has a TradingView integration which provides access to advanced charting tools.

Market insights

FlowBank provides real-time news and market insights from top financial institutions to help traders stay informed. Market insights help traders identify opportunities and make quick decisions in the markets.

Video tutorials

FlowBank offers video tutorials and webinars for traders to learn about different trading strategies. The tutorial videos are broken down into modules, covering topics such as fundamentals, technical analysis, and risk management.

Economic calendar

FlowBank provides an economic calendar with real-time updates on critical global events so that traders can stay current. The calendar also includes news and analysis from top financial institutions, which can help traders find trading opportunities.

FlowTV

FlowTV is a live-streaming channel that provides access to the latest news, analysis, and commentary on markets. FlowTV helps traders stay informed and make better decisions.

FlowBank Review in a nutshell

FlowBank is a Swiss online bank that offers brokerage services and access to global markets with competitive fees. Traders have access to Swiss stocks, U.S. stocks & other stocks, ETFs and funds, and futures/options. The platform has advanced trading tools, real-time news and market insights, video tutorials, and an economic calendar. Overall, FlowBank is a good choice for traders looking for competitive fees and a wide range of products.

FAQs

What is the minimum deposit?

The minimum deposit is $0 for Classic account and CHF 100,000 for Platinum account.

What is the maximum leverage offered by them?

The maximum leverage offered is up to 1:200.

Does it offer a demo account?

No, the FlowBank app does not provide a demo account.

How do I open an account with this broker?

You can open an account by filling out the online registration form on the broker's website.

What platform does the broker support?

The broker supports MT4, MT5, and Flowbank App.

What are the spreads at this broker?

The spreads start from 0.5 pips.

What is the minimum trade size?

The minimum trade size is 0.01 lots.

How to contact their customer support?

You can contact customer support by live chat, email, and call.

Is this broker regulated?

Yes, it is regulated by FINMA.

What are the deposit methods at this multi-asset broker?

The deposit methods at FlowBank include wire transfers, credit/debit cards, wallets, and more.

What are the withdrawal methods available with this broker?

The withdrawal methods are similar to the deposit methods, including wire transfers, credit/debit cards, wallets, and many more.

Do they offer educational content?

Yes, they offer various educational resources, including FlowTV, learning guides, technical analysis and more.

Can US residents open accounts at this broker?

No, US residents cannot open accounts with this broker.

How can I change my password?

You can change your password by logging into your account and going to the "Profile" section. Then, click on the "Change Password" button.

What account types do they offer?

The broker offers two accounts — Classic and Platinum.