AvaTrade is one of the oldest forex brokers, operating since 2006 with regulation in 9 jurisdictions including the Central Bank of Ireland, ASIC (Australia), FSA (Japan), and FSCA (South Africa). Their bonus availability varies dramatically by region — some traders get generous welcome bonuses while others get nothing.
This guide explains exactly which bonuses AvaTrade offers in each region, why the availability differs, and whether the bonuses are competitive compared to XM and other alternatives.
AvaTrade Bonus Overview
AvaTrade does not have a single global bonus program. Instead, they operate different promotions through different regulatory entities:
| Entity | Region | Bonus Available |
| AvaTrade EU (CBI) | Europe | No — ESMA ban on retail bonuses |
| AvaTrade AU (ASIC) | Australia | No — ASIC restrictions |
| AvaTrade JP (FSA) | Japan | No — FSA restrictions |
| Ava Global (BVI) | Rest of world | Yes — up to $10,000 deposit bonus |
| AvaTrade ZA (FSCA) | South Africa | Limited promotions available |
Bonuses by Region
If you are in Asia, Africa, Middle East, or Latin America: You likely fall under Ava Global (BVI entity), which offers deposit bonuses. The standard promotion is a tiered deposit bonus:
- Deposit $100-$499: Receive 20% bonus (up to $99)
- Deposit $500-$999: Receive 30% bonus (up to $299)
- Deposit $1,000-$4,999: Receive 40% bonus (up to $1,999)
- Deposit $5,000+: Receive up to 50% bonus (up to $10,000)
These tiers incentivize larger deposits. The bonus is credited as non-withdrawable trading credit, similar to XM's deposit bonus structure.
If you are in Europe, Australia, or Japan: No bonuses are available. These jurisdictions have implemented regulations that either ban or severely restrict broker bonuses for retail traders. AvaTrade complies fully with local regulations and does not offer workarounds.
If you are in South Africa: AvaTrade ZA occasionally runs limited-time promotions, usually around holidays or special events. These are not permanent offers and vary in structure. Check the AvaTrade ZA website for current promotions.
EU and Regulated Markets — Why No Bonus?
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) implemented a ban on broker bonuses for retail clients in 2018. The reasoning: studies showed that bonuses encouraged excessive risk-taking and attracted unsophisticated traders who did not understand the terms. Similar restrictions were adopted by ASIC (2021), FCA (2019), and FSA Japan (already restricted).
This means if you are a European, Australian, or Japanese resident, you cannot access forex bonuses from any regulated broker — not just AvaTrade. Some traders attempt to register with offshore entities to access bonuses, but this comes with reduced regulatory protection.
General Bonus Terms
For traders who qualify for AvaTrade bonuses (BVI entity):
- Wagering requirement: Typically 10,000 units per $1 of bonus (varies by promotion)
- Time limit: Usually 6 months to meet requirements
- Withdrawal impact: Withdrawing funds reduces or removes the bonus (proportional system)
- Available platforms: MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, WebTrader
- Minimum deposit: $100 for the first bonus tier
How to Claim
- Visit AvaTrade's website — confirm you are registered under an entity that offers bonuses
- Open a new account or log into your existing account
- Navigate to the Promotions section in your dashboard
- Opt into the deposit bonus before making your deposit
- Make your deposit — the bonus is credited within 24 hours
If you do not see a Promotions section in your dashboard, your regulatory entity does not offer bonuses. Do not contact support requesting a bonus if you are under a regulated entity — the restriction is legal, not discretionary.
AvaTrade vs XM vs Exness
| Factor | AvaTrade (BVI) | XM | Exness |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Deposit Bonus | None | $30 | None |
| Deposit Bonus | 20-50% tiered | 50% + 20% | None |
| Max Bonus | $10,000 | $5,000 | $0 |
| Regulation Quality | CBI, ASIC, FSA | CySEC, ASIC | FCA, CySEC |
| Spreads | 0.9 pips EUR/USD | 1.6 pips | 0.6 pips |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions | MT4, MT5 | MT4, MT5 |
AvaTrade's maximum bonus amount ($10,000) is the highest among these three, but it requires a very large deposit. For most traders with deposits under $1,000, XM's 50% bonus is simpler and more accessible. For no deposit bonus seekers, only XM offers free capital.
AvaTrade requires a deposit. XM gives you $30 free — no deposit needed, no risk.
Our Verdict
AvaTrade is an excellent broker with top-tier regulation, but their bonus program is only available to a subset of clients through their offshore entity. If you qualify, the tiered deposit bonus is competitive — especially for larger deposits over $5,000. For smaller deposits or no-deposit trading, XM's $30 bonus is more practical. For the lowest trading costs without any bonus complications, Exness delivers the best pure trading value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AvaTrade offer a welcome bonus in 2026?
It depends on your region. Traders under Ava Global (BVI entity) in Asia, Africa, Middle East, and Latin America can access deposit bonuses up to $10,000. European, Australian, and Japanese traders cannot access bonuses due to regulatory restrictions.
How do I check if AvaTrade bonuses are available in my country?
Register at AvaTrade and check your client dashboard for a Promotions section. If you see bonus offers listed, you are eligible. If there is no Promotions section, your regulatory entity does not permit bonuses.
What is the AvaTrade bonus wagering requirement?
AvaTrade typically requires trading 10,000 units per $1 of bonus received. For a $500 bonus, that means trading 5,000,000 units (50 standard lots). Requirements may vary by promotion — check the specific terms in your dashboard.
Is AvaTrade better than XM?
AvaTrade has stronger regulation (Central Bank of Ireland, ASIC, FSA Japan) but offers no no-deposit bonus. XM offers the $30 no deposit bonus and 50% deposit bonus with simpler terms. For pure trading, Exness offers the tightest spreads. The best choice depends on your priorities.
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.