"Bonus" covers very different products in forex. Two offers that both say "100% bonus" can behave in opposite ways the moment your account goes into a loss. Knowing the type tells you more than the headline amount.
No deposit bonus
A small amount — typically $5 to $100 — credited after registration and verification, without any deposit. It lets you place live trades with real execution. Profits are usually withdrawable after a volume target, with a cap. See how to withdraw a no deposit bonus.
Deposit (welcome) bonus
A percentage of your deposit added on top, such as 20%, 50% or 100%, often up to a maximum. Its real value depends on whether it is a credit bonus or a tradable bonus.
Credit bonus (non-tradable)
The bonus is shown in a separate "credit" field. It increases your equity and free margin so you can hold positions longer, but it does not absorb losses the way cash does in every case, and it is removed when you withdraw. Typical behaviour:
- If your own balance is lost, the credit is removed too, and the account is closed out.
- Withdrawing any amount can cancel the credit proportionally.
Tradable bonus
The bonus can absorb losses: if your own money is used up, you can keep trading with the bonus. It is more generous than a credit bonus but usually carries a higher volume requirement.
Withdrawable bonus
Becomes real cash after you complete the volume requirement, often released in steps (for example $2 per standard lot traded). This is the most transparent type because you know exactly what each lot earns.
Rescue or protection bonus
Credit added to help an account avoid a stop out during a drawdown, or a partial refund of losses. Read the terms closely: protection bonuses often apply once per account and only within a set period.
Cashback and rebates
A fixed amount returned per lot you trade — for example $1–$5 per standard lot — paid regardless of whether the trade wins or loses. For active traders this is often the most valuable "bonus" because it directly lowers trading costs and normally has no withdrawal restriction. Compare it with your spread cost using the pip value calculator.
Loyalty programmes
Points earned per lot that can be exchanged for cash, credit or prizes. Value varies widely; work out the cash value per lot to compare programmes fairly.
Trading contests
Competitions where traders are ranked by return over a period. Demo contests use virtual money and are risk-free; live contests use your own deposit. Prizes range from small cash amounts to large rewards. See the contests we list.
Refer-a-friend bonuses
Paid when someone you invite opens and funds an account. Conditions usually include a minimum deposit and trading volume by the new client.
Which bonus types are worth it?
| Bonus type | Best for | Main catch |
|---|---|---|
| No deposit | Testing a broker risk-free | Profit cap and volume target |
| Credit deposit bonus | Extra margin buffer | Removed on withdrawal |
| Tradable deposit bonus | Small accounts wanting more room | High volume requirement |
| Cashback / rebate | Active traders | Only valuable if you trade often |
| Demo contest | Beginners | Prizes are competitive |
Regulation and bonuses
Regulators in the UK (FCA), EU (under ESMA rules) and Australia (ASIC) restrict or ban bonuses for retail clients, which is why most bonus offers come from a broker's offshore entity. That doesn't make the offer fraudulent, but it does mean weaker client protection — so check which entity your account will be opened with. Our guide on verifying broker regulation shows how.