Review Methodology
How we test, score, and rank trading platforms. Complete transparency on every data point.
Scoring Overview
Rankly uses a 10-category weighted scoring system to evaluate every trading platform. Each category is scored on a scale of 1.0 to 5.0, then weighted to produce a final Rankly Score out of 5.0. This score determines the platform's overall ranking and comparison position.
We open real accounts with every broker we review. We test deposits, withdrawals, spreads, slippage, platform execution, and customer support. Our testing period lasts a minimum of 4 weeks per broker.
Scoring Categories & Weights
| Category | Weight | What We Test |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation & Legal Protection | 20% | Licence validity, regulator tier, segregated funds, investor compensation schemes, negative balance protection, entity structure |
| Trading Cost | 16% | Spreads on EUR/USD, gold, oil, indices, stock CFDs. Commission per lot. Swap rates. Inactivity fees. Deposit/withdrawal fees. |
| Withdrawal & Funding | 14% | Withdrawal speed, payment method availability, deposit ease, fees, minimums, failed withdrawal rate, user-reported issues |
| Platform & App Quality | 12% | MT4/MT5/cTrader execution quality, mobile app UX, web platform stability, charting tools, order types, slippage frequency |
| Product Range | 10% | Forex pairs, commodities, indices, stock CFDs, crypto CFDs, ETFs, bonds, options. Total instrument count. |
| Local Market Support | 8% | Country availability, local payment methods, local language support, local customer service hours, regional compliance |
| Account Types | 6% | Micro/standard/ECN/Pro options, Islamic accounts, minimum deposit, leverage tiers, account currency options |
| Customer Support | 6% | Response time (live chat, email, phone), quality of answers, 24/7 availability, multilingual support |
| User Reviews & Complaints | 5% | Aggregate user ratings, complaint frequency, resolution rate, Trustpilot score, regulatory warnings, forum sentiment |
| Education & Tools | 3% | Webinars, tutorials, market analysis, economic calendar, trading calculators, demo account quality, blog quality |
Our Testing Process
Account Opening
We open a real trading account (not just a demo) with the broker using standard KYC procedures. We document the time taken, verification requirements, and any issues.
Deposit Testing
We deposit real funds using multiple payment methods (bank transfer, card, e-wallet). We measure processing time, fees, and any deposit failures.
Live Trading Test
We place real trades across forex, commodities, indices, and stock CFDs. We measure execution speed, slippage, spread widening during news, and requotes.
Platform Testing
We test the desktop, web, and mobile platforms across all major features: charting, order management, risk tools, customization, and stability.
Withdrawal Testing
We request withdrawals using multiple methods. We measure processing time, fees, and any rejection reasons. This is the most important test.
Support Testing
We contact support via live chat, email, and phone with real trading questions. We measure response time and answer quality.
Data Compilation
We compile our findings, regulatory data, user reviews, and public complaints into a structured review with the final Rankly Score.
Review Update Frequency
Quarterly Reviews
All broker reviews are reviewed and updated every 3 months for accuracy.
Breaking Updates
Immediate updates when brokers change regulation, fees, or country availability.
Annual Deep Dive
Full re-testing and re-scoring of every broker annually with fresh accounts.