Why is cTrader Unavailable For The United States?

cTrader is not available to retail traders in the United States. This article explains why, and what your options are as a US-based EdgeFlo user.

If you have heard of cTrader and wondered why it is not an option in EdgeFlo, the short answer is that cTrader is blocked for US retail traders at the platform level. This is not an EdgeFlo decision - it is a restriction set by Spotware Systems, the company that builds and licenses cTrader, and it applies to every broker that uses their platform.

Why is cTrader not available in the US?

Spotware Systems, cTrader's developer, made the decision around 2016 to stop allowing their platform to be used by US retail traders. The decision was driven by the regulatory environment in the United States. Retail forex trading for US residents is subject to strict rules enforced by the CFTC and NFA, and most international forex brokers that use cTrader are not registered to serve US clients under those rules.

Rather than individually screen each broker's compliance, Spotware implemented a blanket restriction at the platform level. The result is that no broker using cTrader can legally provide access to US retail traders, regardless of which broker you are using or where they are based.

Note: This restriction applies to retail traders. Institutional traders and certain professional categories may have different arrangements, but for the purposes of EdgeFlo and the brokers we support, cTrader is not an option for US users.

What about brokers that offer cTrader?

Even if a broker advertises cTrader as one of their platforms, US traders will not be able to access it. Some brokers offer multiple platforms — for example, cTrader for non-US users and MetaTrader or TradeLocker for US users. If you are in the US and your broker offers cTrader, you will need to use whichever alternative platform they have available.

This is also why EdgeFlo does not support cTrader connections. Even if we built the integration, it would not work for the overwhelming majority of EdgeFlo's US user base.

What should US traders use instead?

EdgeFlo supports TradeLocker, which works fully for US traders and connects directly to EdgeFlo via a fast, reliable API. TradeLocker Hub includes nine brokers that accept US traders, all of which you can connect to EdgeFlo today.

If you are new to EdgeFlo and looking for a broker to start with, check out the TradeLocker broker comparison guide in the Help Center. It breaks down each supported broker by deposit method, demo account details, and other key factors so you can pick the right fit.

Tip: All nine TradeLocker Hub brokers supported by EdgeFlo offer a free demo account. You can connect a demo account to EdgeFlo at no cost and start tracking your practice trades right away.

What if I am not based in the US?

If you are outside the United States, cTrader access depends on whether your broker supports it and whether you are in a supported region. However, EdgeFlo does not currently offer a cTrader integration regardless of location. If you are a non-US user looking to connect EdgeFlo to your broker, please contact EdgeFlo support and let us know. We track these requests and use them to prioritize future integrations.

FAQ

Is this going to change? Will cTrader ever be available for US traders?

This is Spotware's decision, not EdgeFlo's. There is no publicly announced change to their policy for US retail traders. If that changes in the future, EdgeFlo will evaluate adding cTrader support. For now, TradeLocker is the recommended path for US users.

My broker uses cTrader. Can I still use EdgeFlo?

Yes, as long as your broker also supports a platform that EdgeFlo integrates with. If your broker only offers cTrader, you will need to open an account with one of the TradeLocker Hub brokers that EdgeFlo currently supports. Contact EdgeFlo support and we can help you find the best fit.

Can I use a VPN to access cTrader as a US trader?

Using a VPN to circumvent platform restrictions likely violates your broker's terms of service and may create legal and regulatory complications. EdgeFlo does not support or recommend this approach. TradeLocker is a fully legitimate, available option for US traders.

Does EdgeFlo plan to add cTrader support for non-US users?

Not at this time. EdgeFlo is focused on TradeLocker support for now. If this is important to you, contact EdgeFlo support and leave your feedback — it helps us prioritize.