Startrader

Startrader (STARTRADER) is an international broker that has been operating since 2005 and in recent years became known among Iranian traders through its Persian-language website and support. The most important news about this broker is that Startrader has stopped serving Iranians. In this overview, we review Startrader's licenses, accounts, payment methods and risks based on Teagle's data.

What kind of broker is Startrader?

Startrader started operating in 2005 as Startrader Broker LTD in the UK, and later Peter Karsten, the broker's CEO, moved the headquarters to Dubai; that is why the broker's country is listed on Teagle as the United Arab Emirates. Startrader offers forex currency pairs, stocks, commodities and indices for trading, and according to its FAQ, more than 50 currency pairs can be traded. To build brand credibility, the broker has also turned to sponsoring sports events, which we covered in the article Startrader's Sponsorships in Sports .

Startrader's licenses and credibility

The broker's profile mentions oversight by six bodies, but the list of licenses Teagle has reviewed gives a more accurate picture:

• ASIC Australia (ACN 156005668, AFSL 421210), active;
• CMA Kenya (No. 20200000241), active;
• FSA Seychelles (No. 8427362), active;
• FSC (No. GB24203371), active;
• FCA UK (No. 821704) is on the list, but its status is not specified in Teagle's data.

So four active licenses are recorded, among which ASIC is a top-tier license, while the Seychelles and FSC licenses are offshore and weaker in terms of investor protection. The broker's profile also states that client funds are covered by Lloyd's insurance up to one million dollars. To learn what level of protection each regulator offers, read the broker regulation tiers guide.

Does Startrader serve Iranians?

No. According to the Farvardin 1405 update and as announced by the broker itself, Startrader has stopped serving Iranians. Iranian users who already had accounts had until April 30, 2026 (10 Ordibehesht 1405) to settle the status of their accounts and funds. If you still have funds with this broker, follow up on them with support, and for a new account go to a broker that officially continues to accept Iranians.

Startrader trading accounts

Teagle's accounts table shows three main account types for Startrader, all with floating spreads, maximum leverage of 1:500, a 100% margin call level and a 50% stop-out:

• Standard account: minimum deposit of $20, no commission and spreads from 1.3 pips.
• ECN account: minimum deposit of $20, commission of $6 per lot and very low spreads.
• Prime ECN account: minimum deposit of $10,000, commission of $4 per lot and spreads from zero.

All accounts have an Islamic (swap-free) version, have no requotes, and the minimum order size is 0.01 lot. If the difference between commission and standard accounts isn't clear to you, the article ECN accounts and how they compare to other accounts will help.

Startrader platforms and services

Trading at Startrader is done on MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 (Windows, Mac, Android and iOS versions), WebTrader and the proprietary Startrader app. Additional services include rebates, cashback, education, copy trading, PAMM, a virtual private server (VPS), an economic calendar and the ability to use expert advisors; if you are thinking about trading by copying others, first see copy trading guide and its risks . The broker's services also mention a bonus, and according to the FAQ, a first deposit of at least $100 receives a 50% credit up to $500; this credit cannot be withdrawn, and only the profit made from it is withdrawable.

Deposits and withdrawals at Startrader

According to Teagle's payments table, deposits and withdrawals are made via international bank transfer, Visa and Mastercard cards, and e-wallets such as SticPay and Bitwallet. Deposits and withdrawals are free with all these methods, and the minimum withdrawal is 30 units of the account currency. Card and e-wallet deposits are instant, while bank wire deposits take 3 to 5 business days; withdrawals take 1 to 5 business days depending on the method. The Rial and crypto methods previously offered to Iranians are effectively irrelevant now that services have stopped.

Startrader's score and risk on Teagle

Startrader's final score on Teagle is 3.27 out of 5, derived from the average of five sources: WikiFX 4.28, Teagle users 4, Teagle expert 3.7, Trustpilot 2.9 and Forex Peace Army 1.48. The large gap between these sources shows that experiences have not been consistent. The Teagle Eye risk index for this broker is 18 out of 100, in the "low risk" category, which comes mostly from its four active licenses and 21 years of history. See its position in the low-risk broker rankings , but keep in mind that this index does not measure whether the broker serves Iran.

Pros and cons of Startrader

• Pro: active ASIC license alongside several other licenses and over 20 years of history
• Pro: ECN account with a low minimum deposit and Islamic accounts across all account types
• Pro: fee-free deposits and withdrawals and support for MT4, MT5 and a proprietary app
• Con: stopped serving Iranians
• Con: according to Teagle's expert, inconsistent Persian support, unclear transparency and reliance on intermediaries
• Con: unclear status of the FCA license in Teagle's data

Who is Startrader suitable for?

According to Teagle's expert assessment, Startrader is better suited to experienced, independent and cost-sensitive traders, especially those who focus on indices and commodities or use algorithmic systems. It is not a suitable option for Iranian traders and beginners under current conditions. If you are looking for an alternative, weigh it in the Startrader vs VT Markets comparison against a rival with a similar audience.

Conclusion

Startrader has an acceptable track record in terms of licensing and trading infrastructure, but its official halt of services to Iranians takes it off the list of practical options for Iranian users. If you have an old account, follow up on your funds; and when choosing your next broker, start with a small amount of capital, make a test withdrawal and follow the latest warnings on the investment risk warning page .