Nadex

Nadex is a renowned exchange and binary options provider, based in the US. The company is fully regulated by the CFTC and offers options, call spreads and Knock Out contracts. Nadex also has just a $1 entry or exit fee and a user-friendly platform and proprietary app.

Nadex calls itself the “premier U.S. exchange for binary options” and while bestowing such a title on yourself might be a little much, the company does offer a safe, regulated place to trade binary options, knock-outs and call spreads. Binary options markets are often the breeding grounds for unscrupulous actors, but Nadex is regulated by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and offers U.S. clients security in the often dark world of derivatives. Commissions are fair and the desktop platform is easy to use, but the mobile experience is lacking and Nadex only offers derivatives — no actual stocks, bonds, ETFs or other securities.

Company Details

Before looking at the potential for trading returns, it can help to understand how Nadex has evolved into the leading exchange and binary options provider of its kind.

The exchange was launched in 2004 and was originally known as “HedgeStreet”. The objective at that point was to create an electronic marketplace that facilitated trading in financial derivatives to retail investors. However, by 2007 HedgeStreet closed its doors. UK-based IG Group Holdings Plc. purchased the company and in 2009 HedgeStreet was re-branded the North American Derivatives Exchange (Nadex), with sophisticated new technology and instruments.

Nadex was acquired and became a part of the Crypto.com global brand in 2022, with headquarters located in Chicago, North America. The company is regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and accepts clients from 40+ countries worldwide. Today, the exchange executes over 10,000 hourly, daily and weekly contracts five days a week via mobile and desktop platforms.

Nadex Trading Platform

The Nadex trading software consists of a proprietary trading platform. The terminal can be accessed via desktop devices or via mobile app. Traders benefit from a dynamic and robust suite of charts and tools so you can invest funds in a way that suits you.

We tested the Nadex platform and are confident that investors will find everything they need, from technical indicators to free real-time market data feeds. Other customer reviews also confirm this, with many rating the terminal as user-friendly with full access to historical data, plus all the necessary symbols and tools to interpret price action.

Leverage Review

Nadex does not offer leveraged trading opportunities. Instead, it focuses on facilitating short-term trading strategies using binary options, Knock-outs™, and call spreads. Normally, spot forex traders in the US, for example, can’t get better leverage than 1:50.

Nadex spreads are fully collateralized and don’t involve margin. They are not a leveraged trading product, but more like a short-term option. However, in many cases the cost of a Nadex spread can be lower than trading the underlying market outright. This low cost of can effectively give you a high reward vs risk.

You also have a certain degree of control, since your maximum risk is capped. The best Nadex trading strategies will ensure this risk management element is at the root of their strategy. Plus you can exit early to further limit your losses. Alternatively, you can seize your profits before the spread expires.

Nadex Account Types

Nadex offers just one live account type, though US investors should apply separately for a US Individual Account. Traders can access binary options trading, call spreads, and Knock-out™ contracts within one profile. The minimum deposit requirement is $250.

When we opened a Nadex account, it took just a few minutes and it was a relatively straightforward process. Simply select the ‘open account’ logo on the top right of each webpage and follow the on-screen instructions. You will need to provide the following verification information:

Date of birth

Permanent residential address

Social Security Number or National Identification Number

Note, you may have to upload additional supporting documents before you can start trading. You will also need to fund your account.

When you sign up you will also be given information on how to close your account.

Benefits

There are a number of advantages to choosing Nadex:

Management – Managing market orders and quotes are quick and easy on the Nadex system.

Knock-outs™ – The power of leverage but with capped downside. Micro-lots also make them ultra flexible.

Market makers – Nadex has attracted market makers, who may lead to increased liquidity for more and larger traders.

Customer service – We can report satisfactory response times and with the extensive customer service options available.

Fee structure – When you take Nadex vs IQ Option and Cboe, you realize that Nadex offers a competitive, transparent pricing structure.

Demo account – Opening a free demo account is straightforward and can be an effective way to go about understanding Nadex while gaining valuable trading experience.

Accessibility – Nadex welcomes traders from over 40 countries. This means Nadex is a viable option for UK residents, as well as those from the US, Europe, Asia, Australia and beyond.

Regulation – Nadex is regulated by the US CFTC to ensure traders’ capital is protected in a number of scenarios. Furthermore, Nadex will have to adhere to rules and regulations specifically designed to protect consumers.

Training – Nadex provides tutorials, user guides, PDFs, ebooks, webinars and a number of other useful resources through their Learning Center. This is a fantastic place to go for aspiring traders who need help developing winning strategies. In fact, their webinars, in particular, can impart detailed guidance on short term trading, scalping with 5-minute binaries, as well as details on crafting an effective ATM or hedging strategy. Not to mention that there is a wealth of trading tips and other strategies information available too

Contact & Customer Support

Our experts were pleased with this customer service component of Nadex’s offering. If you have any problems, you can make contact with the brand’s customer service agents via email or live chat. Simply head to the home page and then the ‘Contact Us’ logo for the local telephone number in your location.

Customer support assistants are available via email or phone between 15:00 ET on Sunday to 17:00 ET on Friday. Also, as a result of exchange accounting and other requirements, agents are available 24 hours a day from Sunday at 3 until Friday at 4:30 ET. With this, novice traders who want instant, 24/7 access to customer support may want to look elsewhere. This is a shame because competitors are continuing to increase their customer service offering, with some even facilitating live video chat.

Nadex customer support agents can help you if the website is down and point you towards any legal rules and necessary extensions. They may also be able to explain why an order was cancelled. In addition, trader reviews show agents had a strong technical grasp of the platform and tools.

Note customer service agents cannot advise you on revenue and taxes, including any form of capital gains calculators and reporting.

Safety & Security

With account hacks no longer being uncommon, some traders understandably have security concerns. Fortunately, Nadex has made keeping your capital safe relatively easy. Segregated accounts at top-tier banks keep all client deposits secure. Furthermore, the Nadex group state they utilize intelligent encryption technologies to keep all trading activity and personal information safe.

An even more powerful aspect of risk protection is the capped losses. The most you can lose on a binary options is the amount you paid to enter the trade, since the binary’s value cannot go below zero. Since you can never risk more than you have in your account, your losses cannot exceed deposits