In short
- EU retail CFD clients can't be offered bonuses or trading incentives.
- Tools, research and education are still allowed.
- Bonus offers usually come from non-EU entities.
Why bonuses were banned
Regulators found that bonuses encouraged retail clients to deposit and trade more than they otherwise would, and that bonus conditions often made withdrawals difficult. The ban on incentives became part of the EU's retail CFD protections alongside leverage limits.
What's still allowed
- Market research and trading tools
- Educational content and webinars
- Demo accounts
- Lower pricing on raw-spread accounts
Red flags
- "100% deposit bonus" offered to you as an EU retail client
- Trading volume requirements before you can withdraw
- Leverage above 1:30 bundled with a bonus
Frequently asked questions
Are forex bonuses banned in the EU?
Monetary and non-monetary incentives to trade CFDs are banned for retail clients of EU-regulated firms.
What can EU brokers still offer?
Information and research tools, education and demo accounts are allowed.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Most retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.