Why are my forex broker bonus funds locked from withdrawal?
How this answer was verified
- Cross-checked against broker-published fact sheets, regulator licensing databases, and ESMA product intervention notices.
- Reviewed by the FX-Brokers EU editorial desks (Markets, Platforms, Regulation). Desk structure disclosed at /about/editorial-desks.
- Refreshed quarterly. The most recent verification date is shown above. Read our methodology.
Related
Why is my forex broker withdrawal blocked or delayed?
The most common blocks: (1) KYC documents not fully verified, (2) trying to withdraw to a payment method other than the deposit source, (3) open positions consuming margin, (4) unmet bonus turnover requirements, (5) AML review on amounts above EUR 10,000. EU-regulated brokers must complete withdrawals within 24 hours of all checks passing.
EU-regulated vs offshore forex broker — which should I use?
EU-regulated brokers (CySEC, BaFin, FCA) offer ICF/FSCS compensation up to EUR 20,000-85,000, mandatory negative balance protection, and 30:1 max leverage. Offshore brokers (FSC Belize, IFSC, VFSC) offer higher leverage (500:1+) and looser margin rules but no compensation scheme and weaker investor protection. EU is safer; offshore is for high-risk-tolerance traders only.
How do I tell if a forex broker is a scam?
Check the regulator number on the broker site against the official register (FCA, CySEC, BaFin, ASIC). Scams typically: offer 1:1000+ leverage to EU clients, promise unrealistic fixed-rate profits, refuse withdrawals, use cold-call tactics, or operate from offshore-only jurisdictions (SVG, Vanuatu) with no tier-1 oversight. If in doubt, do not deposit.