A no deposit bonus looks like free money, but the bonus itself is almost never withdrawable. What you can usually withdraw is the profit you make with it — and only after you meet the broker's conditions. This guide walks through the process in the order it actually happens, so you know what to check before you even register.
1. Understand what you are actually being given
Brokers use three main structures for no deposit offers:
- Credit bonus – the amount is added as "credit". It can absorb losses and open trades, but it is removed when you withdraw. Only profits above the credit can leave the account.
- Separate bonus account – a small live account funded by the broker. Profits are transferred to your main account once you hit the target.
- Withdrawable bonus – rare. The bonus itself becomes cash after a trading volume requirement is met.
The bonus page on the broker's site, or the terms PDF, will say which type you are getting. If it doesn't, assume it is a non-withdrawable credit.
2. Read the five terms that decide everything
Before you claim anything, find these numbers in the terms and conditions:
- Trading volume requirement – how many lots you must trade before a withdrawal is allowed (for example "5 standard lots"). This is the single most important figure.
- Maximum withdrawable profit – many offers cap profit at a fixed amount, such as $50 or $100, no matter how much you make.
- Time limit – the bonus or the profit may be cancelled if the conditions are not met within 30, 60 or 90 days.
- Deposit requirement – some "no deposit" offers still require a small real deposit before the first withdrawal. This is common and is not necessarily a scam, but it should be stated up front.
- Restricted instruments and strategies – hedging, scalping, news trading or trading certain symbols may be excluded or may not count toward volume.
If you cannot find these terms in writing, skip the offer. A legitimate broker publishes them.
3. Register and verify your identity first
Every regulated broker must verify clients (KYC). Bonus profits cannot be withdrawn from an unverified account, and many brokers only credit the bonus after verification. Prepare:
- A clear photo or scan of a passport, national ID card or driving licence.
- A proof of address dated within the last three to six months (utility bill or bank statement).
- A selfie or short video check if the broker asks for one.
Use your real details. One bonus is normally allowed per person, household and IP address; duplicate or false accounts are the most common reason bonus profits are cancelled.
4. Trade with the volume target in mind
Suppose a $30 credit bonus requires 3 standard lots before you can withdraw, and profit is capped at $100. With only $30 of margin you cannot open large positions, so you will be trading micro or mini lots and the volume adds up slowly:
- 3 standard lots = 30 mini lots = 300 micro lots.
- At 0.05 lots per trade you need 60 round-trip trades.
That is why most bonus accounts are wiped out before reaching the target — the volume encourages over-trading. Use our position size calculator and keep the risk on each trade small (1–2% of the account). Slow progress is better than a margin call on day two. Check how much margin each trade uses with the margin calculator.
5. Request the withdrawal correctly
Once the volume target is met:
- Close all open positions — some brokers will not process a withdrawal with open trades.
- Check the account shows balance above the bonus credit. Only the excess is withdrawable.
- Withdraw to a payment method in your own name. Third-party withdrawals are refused.
- If a small deposit is required first, deposit through the same method you will withdraw to.
Processing times range from same day (e-wallets) to several working days (bank transfer). Keep screenshots of your balance and the terms as they appeared when you claimed the offer.
Common reasons bonus withdrawals are refused
- Volume target not reached, or trades on excluded symbols didn't count.
- Multiple accounts from the same person, address or device.
- Trades held for less than the minimum time (for example under two minutes).
- Arbitrage or hedging between accounts.
- Documents not matching the account holder.
Red flags that an offer isn't worth your time
- The broker is not regulated, or only by an offshore authority you cannot verify — see our guide on checking a broker's licence.
- Bonus amounts that are huge compared with typical offers (for example $500+ for no deposit).
- Withdrawal conditions that only appear after you register.
- Pressure from an "account manager" to deposit large sums to "unlock" the bonus.
The bottom line
A no deposit bonus is best treated as a way to experience live execution with zero risk to your own money — not as income. If you happen to clear the volume and withdraw a small profit, treat it as a bonus on top of what you learned. Browse the current no deposit bonuses, and read each offer's conditions on its page before you sign up.