Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. GCI Financial is authorized for trading in financial and commodity-based derivatives and other securities, including foreign exchange.

We believe that low cost of trading, safety of funds, excellence of trading software, mobile trading access, quality of execution, and breadth of product offerings are the primary features that set us apart from our peers. GCI has the widest range of products (currencies as well as S&P500, Dow Jones, Shares, and Commodities) offered at zero commissions, and with lower margin requirements than the exchanges or other brokers. In addition, client confidentiality and a tax-free jurisdiction are unique GCI benefits. Please see the GCI Advantages page for more details.

Stock market indices, individual stocks, currencies, and all major commodities like crude oil. A complete list is located on the specifications page.

All trading with GCI is commission free (zero commissions). There can be a small cost of carry for holding positions overnight, as described on our interest page.

The same way that banks have made money dealing in foreign exchange for decades without commissions - GCI is a primary market maker and seeks to capture a portion of the bid/ask spread (the difference between the buy and sell price). The same costs of trading apply to traditional futures trading, but there are more parties involved: the futures exchange and floor brokers profit from the bid/ask spread, while the FCM keeps the commission and shares it with any Introducing brokers. GCI does not use an exchange and therefore does not need the extra fees to be profitable.

GCI prides itself on a very low rate of trade disputes and complaints. Any trade disputes that are market price and time sensitive should immediately be brought to our attention. Click on the Live Chat button on this page, or visit our contact page for other ways to contact us.

Click here and follow the instructions. Demo accounts are good for at least 30 days.

Click here and follow the instructions.

Please visit our Education and Resources page.

USD 500 or equivalent for Standard Forex Accounts.

$25 per lot for ActTrader and $250 per lot for MetaTrader (400:1 leverage). Please see the specifications page for lot sizes and other details.

A "Contract for Difference". It is an efficient means to enjoy the economic results of trading in shares and indices, without actually buying or selling on the exchange. This often translates into lower transaction costs and greater efficiency. Further information is located on the CFD Trading page.

Currencies, Bonds, S&P500, and many others are traded 24 hours a day. For details on all products, please see our Specifications page.

GCI Financial maintains a rigorous policy of holding client funds in separate bank accounts from firm operating capital. These funds are never commingled and GCI ensures that client liabilities are fully funded. In addition, GCI Financial boasts a balance sheet with net capital in excess of most minimum regulatory requirements. Please see our Fund Security page for more details.

Via bank wire transfer, credit card, Skrill, or check. Please see our Depositing Funds page for details.

Via a request on our Withdrawal page. Withdrawal requests are processed within two business days of receiving this form, although usually the same day. You can receive funds in any major currency via bank wire transfer. Please see our Withdraw Funds page for more details.

ActTrader Software: Trailing stops on ActTrader are active and provide instant risk protection as soon as they are placed on the platform. The stop price will be shifted/updated at the predefined distance from current market price as long as the market moves in the direction of the trade. If the market moves against the position, the trailing stop will stay at its level and act as a normal stop-loss. 

MetaTrader 4 Software: Trailing stops on MetaTrader 4 are not active at the time they are placed on the platform. Trailing stops get activated once the positions run in profits by the predefined distance set for the trailing stop and start providing protection. The stop will be shifted/updated at the predefined distance from current market price as long as the market moves in the direction of the trade. If the market moves against the position the trailing stop will stay at its level and act as a common stop-loss. 

Warning! In order to have protection since the start of a trade the trader has to place a trailing-stop and a stop loss order on MetaTrader 4. Once the trailing stop gets activated the stop loss is not longer necessary and can be removed. Please note also, that trailing stops on MetaTrader 4 are only updated if the trader is logged in. After logging out active trailing stops become common stop loss order.

The MetaTrader 4 user guide is available here.

The ActTrader user guide is available here.