MetaTrader 4 remains the most widely used forex trading platform in the world, despite being over 20 years old. Its simplicity, massive EA library, and stability keep millions of traders loyal. But as MetaQuotes pushes the industry toward MT5, some brokers have started dropping MT4 support — and with it, MT4-specific bonuses.
If you want to trade with a bonus on MT4, your options are narrowing. We surveyed every major bonus broker to confirm which still support MT4 for bonus accounts in 2026.
MT4 and Bonuses — The 2026 Situation
MetaQuotes stopped issuing new MT4 server licenses in 2024. This means no new brokers can offer MT4 going forward. Existing brokers with MT4 licenses can continue offering it, but the writing is on the wall — MT4's days are numbered, even if the timeline stretches years.
For bonus traders, this means:
- Established brokers like XM, Tickmill, and FBS still offer MT4 bonuses
- Newer brokers (launched 2024-2026) typically only support MT5
- Some brokers offer bonuses only on MT5 accounts, not MT4
- Your existing MT4 EAs and indicators will still work at brokers that support MT4
Why Traders Still Want MT4
Understanding why MT4 loyalty persists helps explain the demand for MT4-specific bonuses:
- EA library: Thousands of Expert Advisors and custom indicators built for MT4. Many have no MT5 equivalent. Traders with profitable EAs do not want to rebuild them.
- Simplicity: MT4's interface is cleaner and less cluttered than MT5. For forex-only trading, MT4 has everything you need without the extras.
- Resource efficiency: MT4 runs well on older computers and lower-spec VPS servers. MT5 requires more RAM and CPU, which increases hosting costs for EA traders.
- Hedging: MT4 natively supports hedging (simultaneous buy and sell on the same pair). MT5 added this later but some implementations differ.
- Familiarity: Many traders have used MT4 for 5-10+ years. Switching platforms has a learning curve and disrupts established workflows.
Brokers Still Offering MT4 Bonuses in 2026
| Broker | Bonus Type | Amount | MT4 | MT5 | EA Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XM | No Deposit | $30 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| XM | Deposit (50%) | Up to $250 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tickmill | Welcome | $30 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| FBS | No Deposit | $140 | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| FBS | Deposit (100%) | Up to $10,000 | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| RoboForex | Welcome | $30 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HFM | Deposit (100%) | Up to $5,000 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| IronFX | Deposit (100%) | Unlimited | Yes | No | Limited |
XM — Best MT4 Bonus in 2026
XM continues to fully support MT4 across all account types, including bonus accounts. Both the $30 no deposit bonus and the 50% deposit bonus are available on MT4 Standard and Micro accounts.
For MT4-specific traders, XM is the clear top pick because:
- Full MT4 functionality with no restrictions
- All EAs and custom indicators work normally
- 1:1000 leverage available (region-dependent)
- Same spreads on MT4 and MT5
- XM has committed to maintaining MT4 support for the foreseeable future
Trade on MT4 with $30 free. Full EA support, no time limit, micro lots from 0.01.
Tickmill MT4 Bonus
Tickmill's $30 welcome bonus is available on MT4 through the Welcome Account. Tickmill is known for excellent execution quality on MT4, with low latency and minimal slippage. The FCA regulation adds confidence for traders concerned about broker reliability.
The downside: the 5 standard lot requirement within 60 days is harder than XM's terms, and the $100 profit withdrawal cap is lower. But if you value Tickmill's execution quality, it is a viable MT4 bonus option.
FBS MT4 Bonus
FBS supports MT4 for both its $140 no deposit bonus and 100% deposit bonus. However, EA trading is restricted on bonus accounts — certain automated strategies are prohibited. If you plan to use EAs with your bonus, FBS may not be the right choice.
RoboForex MT4 Bonus
RoboForex offers MT4 alongside cTrader, giving you platform diversity. The welcome bonus is available on MT4 accounts with full EA support. RoboForex also offers a VPS service that works well with MT4 EAs — useful if you plan to run automated strategies 24/7 with your bonus funds.
MT4 vs MT5 for Bonus Trading
If you do not have existing MT4 EAs or a strong platform preference, should you choose MT4 or MT5 for bonus trading? Here is an honest comparison:
| Feature | MT4 | MT5 |
|---|---|---|
| Timeframes | 9 | 21 |
| Order Types | 4 | 6 |
| Indicators Built-in | 30 | 38 |
| Depth of Market | No | Yes |
| Economic Calendar | No (plugin) | Built-in |
| Custom EA Library | Massive | Growing |
| Resource Usage | Low | Moderate |
| Hedging | Native | Supported |
| Future Support | Declining | Increasing |
For bonus trading specifically, the platform differences are minimal. A $30 bonus account does not benefit from depth of market or advanced order types. Choose based on your existing setup and preferences.
EA Trading With Bonus Funds on MT4
Running an Expert Advisor with bonus funds is a popular strategy. The idea is simple: let an automated system meet the lot requirements while you do nothing. But there are important caveats:
- Scalping EAs: Many work well for meeting lot requirements quickly. Ensure the broker allows scalping on bonus accounts (XM does).
- Grid/Martingale EAs: Risky on small bonus accounts. A single drawdown can wipe the $30 balance.
- News trading EAs: Some brokers prohibit news trading on bonus accounts. Verify before deploying.
- Position sizing: Set your EA to use 0.01 lots on a $30 account. Larger positions risk blowing the account before meeting requirements.
Our Picks — Best MT4 Bonuses 2026
- XM $30 No Deposit: Best overall MT4 bonus. Full EA support, easiest terms, no time limit.
- Tickmill $30 Welcome: Best execution quality on MT4. FCA regulation. Harder terms but reputable.
- RoboForex $30 Welcome: Best if you want both MT4 and cTrader. Full EA support.
For traders ready to move beyond bonuses, Exness offers MT4 with 0.0 pip spreads and instant withdrawals — the best MT4 trading conditions available, no bonus needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MT4 still available in 2026?
Yes, MT4 remains available and widely used in 2026, though MetaQuotes has been pushing brokers toward MT5 adoption. Most major brokers including XM, Tickmill, and FBS still offer MT4 accounts. However, some newer brokers only support MT5.
Why do some traders prefer MT4 over MT5?
MT4 has a larger library of custom indicators and Expert Advisors, a simpler interface, lower resource requirements, and many traders have years of experience with it. MT5 offers more features but many traders find MT4 sufficient for forex trading.
Can I use my MT4 Expert Advisors with a bonus account?
Most brokers allow EA trading on MT4 bonus accounts, including XM and Tickmill. However, some bonuses prohibit certain EA strategies like arbitrage or high-frequency scalping. Check each broker's specific bonus terms regarding automated trading.
Will MT4 be discontinued?
MetaQuotes stopped issuing new MT4 licenses to brokers in 2024, but existing licenses remain valid. MT4 will continue to function for the foreseeable future. However, new features and updates are only being developed for MT5.
Trading forex and CFDs involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should not invest money that you cannot afford to lose. BonusForex100 contains affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.