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10,0%
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7,0%
Top 10
5,0%
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1,0%
Top 40
0,5%
Top 100
0,2%
Top 100+
0,05%
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Lightyear Review 2024
Trading platform:
- Lightyear’s proprietary platform
Regulation:
- Estonian Financial Supervision Authority
Trading platform:
- Lightyear’s proprietary platform
Leverage:
- No
Trading features:
- Trading through this broker’s proprietary mobile app
- Huge choice of assets
- Low trading costs
- Multi-currency account
- Several passive income options.
Summary of Lightyear Trading Company
Lightyear is a broker with higher-than-average risk and the TU Overall Score of 4.39 out of 10. Having reviewed trading opportunities offered by the company and reviews posted by Lightyear clients on our website, Traders Union expert Anton Kharitonov recommends users to consider a more reliable broker with better conditions, as, according to reviews, many clients of this broker are not satisfied with the company’s work. Lightyear ranks 75 among 79 companies featured in the TU Ranking, which is based on the evaluation of 100+ criteria and a test on how to open an account.
Lightyear offers comfortable working conditions, a large pool of assets, and low costs. There are no restrictions for traders, and the app is intuitive and includes all the basic features, including simple investment. There are promotions and special programs that provide for making passive income. The account is multi-currency. Deposit and withdrawal methods are bank accounts, bank cards, and online transfers. There are no withdrawal fees if the funds are withdrawn to bank accounts. The company is officially registered and regulated.
Lightyear is a stockbroker that offers trading more than 3,000 stocks and ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds). It has its own mobile app, which can be downloaded on its website free of charge. There are no requirements for the minimum deposit. To start trading, only registration and verification of personal data are required. Traders work without any restrictions. The main costs are the fee for trading stocks and the conversion fee. There are no deposit and withdrawal fees when using bank transfers. Trading ETFs implies no fees. Also, this broker provides W-8BEN tax forms free of charge. W-8BEN is an IRS code whereby “W” = withheld funds; 8 = the relevant IRS Code section; and “BEN” = the beneficial owner who receives the income from an investment. Lightyear also offers fixed-rate investment plans with scheduled payments as a passive income option with no penalty for deposit withdrawal. Account currencies are USD, EUR, and GBP. Lightyear holds two regular promotions, such as Double Your Deposit and Refer a Friend, as well as a partnership program. There is basic training, charts, and newsfeeds.
| 💰 Account currency: | USD, EUR, GBP, and some local currencies |
|---|---|
| 🚀 Minimum deposit: | No |
| ⚖️ Leverage: | No |
| 💱 Spread: | No |
| 🔧 Instruments: | 3,000+ stocks and ETFs |
| 💹 Margin Call / Stop Out: | No |
👍 Advantages of trading with Lightyear:
- Simple and transparent working conditions with all fees known in advance;
- The asset pool has many U.S. and EU stocks, including UK, and ETFs;
- Fees for trading stocks are below market average and there are no fees for trading ETFs;
- A multi-currency account with several major deposit and withdrawal methods is available;
- The mobile app has newsfeeds, a registry of experts, charts, and tips for novice traders;
- No minimum deposit is required;
- Several passive income options are available, namely investments, a referral program, and partnerships.
👎 Disadvantages of Lightyear:
- Technical support is available only by email;
- This broker doesn’t provide its services to residents of the UK, Germany, Greece, Estonia, and some other countries;
- There is no comprehensive training, detailed analytics, or special tools.
Evaluation of the most influential parameters of Lightyear
Geographic Distribution of Lightyear Traders
Popularity in
25.7%
US
19.1%
GB
5.7%
HU
5.7%
AU
5.6%
IN
32.2%
Others
User Satisfaction i
4 comments
Total score:
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Expert Review of Lightyear
Lightyear Europe AS is registered in Estonia and is regulated by the Estonian Financial Supervision Authority (Finantsinspektsioon), one of the most well-known European regulators. It provides access to the stock exchange and offers a pool of over 3,000 stocks plus ETFs. Stocks are divided into EU, UK, and U.S. Each group has its own trading conditions.
There are fees for each trade. Trading U.S. stocks costs 0.1% of the asset price or more, the maximum fee is $1. UK stocks are traded with a £1 fee per order, and EU stocks are traded with a €1 fee per order. There are no additional fees, and as such, Lightyear really has very low trading costs. There is also a conversion fee: currency exchanges are made at the market price plus 0.35% of the amount. Yet, traders initially receive a multi-currency account where they can hold USD, EUR, and GBP.
To deposit and withdraw funds, bank cards, bank accounts, and electronic payment systems are available. Fees are not charged for withdrawals to bank accounts, while withdrawals by other channels may be paid. Lightyear provides many free options that have to be paid with other stockbrokers. For example, there is no fee for trading ETFs and W-8BEN tax forms is also free.
A special advantage is this broker’s investment programs. Traders can simply provide their funds to this broker and receive interest, which is 4.25% per annum for deposits in USD, 2.5% for deposits in EUR, and 3.75% for deposits in GBP. Special conditions apply to some regions. For example, residents of Hungary can deposit Hungarian forints into their accounts and receive 10.25% per annum. Payments are accrued every day, the deposit is not frozen and can be withdrawn at any time. This broker also offers a standard referral program with a fixed $10 reward for both the inviter and the invitee. There is also a partnership program.
There is no comprehensive training, but the app has a glossary and tips. Analytics includes only newsfeeds and expert opinions. Trading tools are standard charts of several types. There are no advanced features or additional options for technical and fundamental analyses. Also, traders should remember that there are some regional restrictions. Another disadvantage is that technical support is only available by email, which is not very prompt. In general, this broker can be recommended for review.
Dynamics of Lightyear’s popularity among
Traders Union’s traders, according to 2023 data
Investment Programs, Available Markets, and Products of the Broker
Many brokers offer passive income options, such as cryptocurrency staking, copy trading services, or joint accounts such as PAMM and MAM. Lightyear offers easier ways to earn money. These are investment, referral, and partnership programs. Moreover, if traders buy dividend-paying securities, they receive payments automatically as scheduled.
Investment program
Traders can invest part of the unused funds from their accounts into the platform at any time. Investments are made in USD, EUR, GBP, and some regional currencies. Traders are only required to transfer their funds to the investment category and enjoy everyday interest and monthly payments. The annual rate for deposits in USD is 4.25%, 2.50% for deposits in EUR, and 3.75% for deposits in GBP. There are no additional conditions or penalties for early full or partial withdrawal of funds from the investment category.
Referral program
Each trader can receive a personal link, which can only be shared in private messages with family, friends, and colleagues. If users follow the link and register, they become referees of its owner. Both the link’s owner and the referee receive $10 to their respective account as soon as referees execute their first trades. A user can receive no more than 5 reward payments per month. The total number of referrals is not limited.
Important!
If you are a large investor and plan on investments over $10,000, contact us at vip-invest@tradersunion.com or by the feedback form on our website. Our professional team will take you through all the intricacies of the deal and all the steps from signing up to withdrawal of profits.
Partnership program
It is similar to the referral program, and these can be used together. Traders need to register with FinanceAds and select the Lightyear program. Then they receive ready-made marketing mechanisms and promotional materials to attract new clients. Payments for invited users depend on many factors. Traders can learn more about the conditions on the FinanceAds website. All information on invited users is displayed in the dashboard, and partners are provided with private managers.
Trading Conditions for Lightyear Users
To register with this broker, traders have to download the mobile app, install it on their smartphones, and get verified. After that, they can deposit amounts at their discretion. This broker does not limit its clients in any way, thus they can trade any assets from the available pool and use any strategies and methods. Trading leverage is not provided. A disadvantage of the company is its technical support, which is available only by email. Accordingly, responses can take several hours.
1:1
Leverage
| 💻 Trading platform: | Lightyear’s proprietary platform |
|---|---|
| 📊 Accounts: | Standard |
| 💰 Account currency: | USD, EUR, GBP, and some local currencies |
| 💵 Replenishment / Withdrawal: | Bank accounts, bank cards, and electronic payment systems |
| 🚀 Minimum deposit: | No |
| ⚖️ Leverage: | No |
| 💼 PAMM-accounts: | No |
| 📈️ Min Order: | No |
| 💱 Spread: | No |
| 🔧 Instruments: | 3,000+ stocks and ETFs |
| 💹 Margin Call / Stop Out: | No |
| 🏛 Liquidity provider: | No |
| 📱 Mobile trading: | Yes |
| ➕ Affiliate program: | Yes |
| 📋 Orders execution: | Market execution |
| ⭐ Trading features: |
Trading through this broker’s proprietary mobile app; Huge choice of assets; Low trading costs; Multi-currency account; Several passive income options. |
| 🎁 Contests and bonuses: | Yes |
Lightyear Commissions & Fees
Information
The fee policy of most brokerage companies is to make money on trading and withdrawal fees. Lightyear’s trading fees are known in advance and never change. If traders trade U.S. stocks, they pay 0.1% of the trade amount but not more than $1. Trading EU stocks costs €1 per trade, and trading UK stocks costs £1 per trade. This broker doesn’t charge any fees for trading ETFs. Also, there is a 0.35% conversion fee. The exchange is made at the market price.
| Account type | Spread (minimum value) | Withdrawal commission |
| Standard | €1/£1/$1 or less | Bank transfers are free |
Withdrawal fees are an important indicator. There are brokers with excellent trading conditions and low trading costs, but they have quite high withdrawal fees, which are usually 1-2% of the amount or can be fixed. Generally, much depends on the withdrawal method. Some companies have limited free withdrawals. At Lightyear, if traders withdraw profits to bank accounts, there are no fees. When withdrawing through any other channel, third-party fees may apply. The comparative table below shows the average fees for Lightyear and two other brokers.
| Broker | Average commission | Level |
| Lightyear | $1 | Low |
| Charles Stanley Direct | $11.5 | High |
| eToro | $1.1 | Medium |
Detailed Review of Lightyear
Lightyear has been on the market for a long time and is regulated by a reputable organization. Its conditions are favorable, fees are affordable, and the app is convenient. The app is secured by modern methods, making it virtually impossible for any fraudster to gain access to the trader’s user account. Lightyear has a strong legal base and transparent taxation. All the above speaks of a client-oriented approach and a strong modern infrastructure. This broker is being constantly improved, adding new assets and options.
Lightyear by the numbers:
3,000+ stocks and ETFs;
Minimum deposit is $0;
Fee for trading U.S. stocks is from 0.1%;
Fee for trading ETFs is $0;
Passive investment profit is up to 4.25% per annum.
Lightyear is one of the leading stockbrokers
Besides trading costs, the first thing traders think of is available assets, as the more there are, the wider traders’ opportunities to apply various trading strategies and methods. Lightyear offers over 3,000 stocks and ETFs without limiting its clients in any way. A variety of assets also provides for more successful diversification of the investment portfolio. This broker’s conceptual advantage is investing in a few touches of the screen with the interest rate higher than with banks, excluding some European digital banks. Referral and partnership programs are not viable for everyone, but 100% passive income through investing will capture the interest of almost any trader.
Useful services offered by Lightyear:
Investment. Each broker's client can invest funds in just a couple of minutes. Deposits are available in all base currencies and interest is paid monthly;
Market analysis. The app has a newsfeed and expert opinions. This is the basis of fundamental analysis. Due to news and current analytics, traders can successfully forecast the movement of stock and ETF prices;
Tips. Lightyear does not offer comprehensive training, but the app has a trader's glossary and tips on the basics of trading. These comments can help novice traders get used to this broker faster and trade more successfully.
Advantages:
1
The company is officially registered as a financial institution, is regulated, and its activities are transparent;
2
There is one trading account with universal conditions and reasonable costs;
3
All major deposit and withdrawal methods are available; withdrawals to bank accounts are free;
4
There are over 3,000 assets in this broker's pool;
5
Any broker’s client can become an investor and receive up to 4.25% per annum absolutely passively.
Guide on how traders can start earning profits
As a rule, if a broker offers several live account types, their conditions are different. Traders have to decide on the best option for them. Lightyear offers only one account type, so there is nothing to choose from. Also, users do not need to choose a trading platform convenient for them, since this broker has its own mobile app, which both experts and users rate highly. New clients need to focus on the app's capabilities. Usually, studying the app takes no more than half an hour. Next, traders make deposits and bids, forming a portfolio of stocks and ETFs. The minimum bid is €1. Creating a diversified portfolio is the basis for a trader’s financial success. You can use any method and strategy, as this broker does not limit its clients in any way.
Account type:
Account Type
Description
Standard
Account currencies are USD, EUR, GBP, and some regional currencies. Fees for trading stocks are €1, £1, or from 0.1% up to $1. Fees for trading ETFs are not charged. The conversion fee is 0.35%. There are no other fees. W-8BEN tax forms are available.
Brokers often offer demo accounts to study a company and test trading strategies. They differ from live accounts in that they use real quotes but virtual funds. This means that traders can’t earn anything, but they don’t lose anything either. Lightyear doesn't offer a demo account. Traders don’t need it, as to start real trading, a deposit of only €1 is sufficient.
Bonuses from Lightyear
Some brokers hold special promotions to attract new clients. These can be different incentive programs, such as a deposit bonus. When traders make a certain deposit, they receive additional funds, which can be 20-100% of the deposited amount or more. However, such bonuses can only conditionally be called profitable. Bonus funds cannot be withdrawn without trading a significant volume. Restrictions often apply to profits made using the bonus. Indeed, such promotions have some advantages at the start, but it’s important to use their potential correctly and not to trade hastily trying to wager bonus funds. Below is a brief description of the bonuses currently offered by this broker.
Double Your Deposit
This promotion is held annually. Its conditions are simple: traders need to fund their accounts with €100 or more. These funds must be held in their accounts for the entire promotion, that is, they cannot be traded, but can be invested. After the specified period, this broker randomly selects a winner, whose €100 becomes €1,000. Thereafter, no restrictions are imposed on these funds.
Investment Education Online
Information
Some brokers offer educational materials and training programs, which are limited to FAQs, articles, and advice. Sometimes these are webinars. Full-fledged courses are rare, which is logical, because if traders register with a broker, it means they know at least the basics of trading. However, everyone starts somewhere. Lightyear understands this very well and offers an integrated trader glossary and tips in its app, plus there is a Help center on its website.
Information available with Lightyear
Information not available on the Lightyear website
FAQs on this broker’s conditions
Theory of fundamental and technical analyses
FAQs on this broker’s mobile app
Money management and the psychology of trading
Traders glossary and tips
Trading strategies and methods
If novice traders register with this broker, they can quickly get used to the application and gain basic knowledge about trading. However, to improve their theoretical background, they will have to use third-party resources.
Security (Protection for Investors)
Information
Every broker must be officially registered, otherwise, it is a scam. In addition to registration, regulation by a competent authority is important. Regulation ensures transparency of a broker’s activity and acts as a guarantee of protection in case of the violation of traders’ rights. Lightyear Europe AS, which owns the Lightyear brand, is registered in Estonia and operates under the control of the Estonian Financial Supervision Authority. Thus, traders can have no doubt about this broker’s reliability, as well as the security of their funds and data.
👍 Advantages
- Lightyear is officially registered
- This broker’s activities are controlled by a European regulator
👎 Disadvantages
- Local financial control authorities can’t provide legal support to traders in all regions
Withdrawal of profits from Lightyear
If traders execute successful trades, they make profits in the chosen currency;
Traders can withdraw profits from their accounts at any time;
Withdrawals are made in this broker’s mobile app;
To withdraw profits, specify the amount and withdrawal method, and, if necessary, convert the funds;
Current withdrawal methods are bank accounts, bank cards, and online payment systems;
Withdrawals to bank accounts are free, while fees may apply when using other methods;
The number of withdrawals per month is not limited, and funds are received promptly.
Customer Support Service
Information
Traders always have many questions due to inattention, lack of competence, or many other reasons. Sometimes unusual trading situations occur or there is a real problem that threatens the loss of funds. In such cases, traders may immediately contact technical support, and if they receive timely and qualified assistance, they are completely satisfied. If support responds slowly or is unable to help, the broker’s client may become disappointed and go to a competitor. Lightyear’s technical support is far from convenient as compared to other brokers. Communication is only available by email. In most cases, responses take up to several hours.
👍 Advantages
- Non-clients of this broker can contact technical support
- Overall, traders rate its support team highly
👎 Disadvantages
- Only one communication channel is available
Whether you are this broker’s client or just intend to become one, in any unclear situation you may contact its support team. Its task is to provide you with comfortable trading conditions. The current communication channel is email.
This broker has its official profiles on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Instagram. There you can also contact managers to get help. Subscribe to this broker to stay up to date on its latest news.
Contacts
| Foundation date | 2020 |
| Registration address | Volta 1, Tallinn 10412, Estonia |
| Regulation |
Estonian Financial Supervision Authority |
| Official site | https://lightyear.com/ |
| Contacts |
Email:
press@golightyear.com,
support@lightyear.com,
|
Review of the Personal Cabinet of Lightyear
To start working with Lightyear, download and install its mobile application. Also, it’s necessary to register and get verified in the app. Then make a deposit, and you can start trading. TU experts have prepared the below step-by-step guide on the registration process and described the main features of this broker’s user account.
1
Go to this broker's official website, click the “Get started” or “Sign Up” button, and scan the QR code to download the app.
2
Download the app to your smartphone and install it. Then launch the app.
3
Follow the onscreen instructions to register and get verified. Provide proof of your information.
4
Make a deposit using the appropriate option. You can use any of the available deposit methods. Wait for the receipt of funds and open your first trade.
Features of the user account allow you to:
-
Make deposits and withdrawals;
-
Open and close trades, as well as track stock and ETF positions on standard charts;
-
View news and current analytics for more successful forecasts of price movements;
-
Track trading statistics and receive various types of summary reports;
-
Invest in this broker’s passive income program;
-
Participate in referral programs, send invitations to users, and track rewards;
-
Change security settings of the user account, edit personal details.
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FAQs
Do reviews by traders influence the Lightyear rating?
Any review can raise or lower the rating of any broker in the general list of brokers. To read reviews about Lightyear you need to go to the broker's profile.
How to leave a review about Lightyear on the Traders Union website?
To leave a review about Lightyear, register on the Traders Union website or you can also leave a review through Facebook.
Is it possible to leave a comment about Lightyear on a non-Traders Union client?
Anyone can leave feedback about Lightyear on multiple participating clients; however, Traders Union clients also receive additional payments later for working with any broker listed at the Forex market.
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