Are Binary Options Real?

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Binary options are among the simplest forms of trading that traders can engage in, and they are real. It is a high-risk trading activity, even though it promises high payouts.

Binary options trading is a less complicated type of trading that traders are earning from, although it is a high-risk investment. So, are binary options real, considering how they work? Yes. Binary trading is real, and many top brokers make it accessible to traders in jurisdictions where it is deemed legal.

Traders and investors need to verify and confirm the authenticity of any online passive income opportunities. This is because numerous individuals have lost money due to online scams using similar extra money opportunities available online.

However, to know if binary options trading is real, you may have to learn about its legitimacy and procedures. So what exactly are binary options, and are binary options legit? Read on to find out.

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What are binary options?

Binary options are a method to make money on the financial markets. The key advantages of these instruments lay in the simplicity of work and in the possibility to get high, and most importantly, known-in-advance profits from your transactions. All you have to do is find the right way to determine how the price of a certain asset (currencies, oils, or stocks) will change during a specific time.

But like many trading methods binary options may have some disadvantages. For example, if you fail to correctly determine the changes in the exchange rate of the assets, then you will lose your bet.

Novice traders can try binary options copy trading. With this tool, you will earn your first profit and be able to follow experienced traders.

Is binary option trading legit?

The legitimacy of binary option trading depends on the physical location of the trader. Binary options trading is real and entirely legal in some jurisdictions, while it is banned or illegal in others. Countries that allow binary trading recommend that traders only sign up with regulated brokers, which means it might be illegal to trade with unregulated brokers.

For example, binary trading is legal and regulated in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, and Japan. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and Financial Services Agency (FSA) are among the top entities regulating binary trading in these jurisdictions.

Binary trading is illegal or banned in countries like Canada, India, Israel, Germany, France, Belgium, Greece, and other European economic areas. In some of these countries where binary options are illegal, investors can trade binary options by using brokers from another country.

Traders using offshore brokers to trade in countries where binary option trading is illegal do so at their own risk, as the financial regulators will not do anything for them if they get scammed and lose their investment. Many nations that have outlawed binary options trading did so out of concern for fraud and investor protection.

So, since binary trading is declared a highly risky financial endeavor, where you trade binary options determines if binary options trading is safe. Thus, it is best to sign up with a reputable binary broker.

Again, if you must trade binary options, ensure you understand the industry and the risks. Never trust reviews that suggest binary options are a quick solution to your money issues. Traders should have their share of knowledge of how this trading could impact their financial state.

Can I lose money in binary trading? Are binary options scams?

Yes. You can lose money in binary trading if your predictions are incorrect. Considering the nature of binary trading, the probability of losing money is the same as that of profit.

The nature of this trading activity makes it easy to win and lose. Considering that a binary trader is predicting whether the price of an asset (such as a stock, commodity, currency, etc.) will go up or down within a specific time frame, it is a win-or-lose situation. That means the buyer of a binary option will either receive a payout or lose their entire investment in the trade—there is nothing in between.

The question: “Are binary options scams?” has an unequivocal answer. A trader who does not conduct the required research before trading may fall victim to fraud if they signs up with an unlicensed or phony broker. From this perspective, binary option trading could be a scam.

But to a trader who understands binary trading to some extent and has verified the authenticity of a binary options broker before signing up, binary trading is not a scam. In a nutshell, binary trading, as it is known, is not a scam; it is a trading activity that presents equal opportunity to traders. It is undeniably risky, but if you get to analyze it better, you win.

How does binary option trading work?

Understanding how binary trading works will help traders who are asking this question: “Are binary options real?” So, to make this a lot simpler, let's explain how binary trading works with a real-life example first.

Imagine yourself and a friend under a mango tree that has ripe fruits. In the first 15 minutes, more than nine mangoes fell at different intervals. Given that many more mangoes are ripe on all the branches, both friends expect more mangoes to fall. In the process, you pulled out a stopwatch and told your friend to keep an eye out because two mangoes would fall within two minutes.

Whether two mangoes will fall before two minutes elapse is a probability, and if you made this prediction without considering factors like wind or birds, it might equally be right or wrong. If you and your friend decided to wager some money and your friend happened to disagree with you, the odds of both of you succeeding or failing are 50/50.

Here, you are the trader, and your friend is the broker since the mango, after all, is in their garden. Assume that one mango fell after 50 minutes and the second mango fell at precisely 1 minute, 56 seconds after a bird perched on one of the branches. In theory, your prediction was accurate because two mangoes fell before the two-minute mark. You won!

This is exactly what happens when a trader makes predictions about the potential movement of assets like gold, stocks, markets, etc. In binary trading, a trader predicts whether the value of certain assets will rise or fall over a specific period. A trader will win and receive a commission on his investment if the prediction is correct. The trader will lose all the money put up to lock in your prediction if the value does not change as predicted. This suggests that binary options trading is more similar to sports betting than some people liken it to Forex or stock investing. Binary options are merely wagers on financial assets.

What you should know before trading binary options

From the points stated in previous sections of this article, binary options trading is real. But before you open a trade, it's crucial to remember a few facts.

  • Success in binary options trading requires a trader to duly read and understand financial markets, assets, and factors that can influence price movements. You risk making inaccurate predictions if you fail to integrate a trading strategy or lack the necessary information and analysis

  • Binary options trading is extremely speculative and risky. Although the profit potential is alluring, there is also a significant chance that you could lose all of your money

  • There are scam binary brokers that can be identified among unregulated brokers. Binary options trading is real and legit when you choose a reputable and regulated broker. Trading with a reliable binary broker will ensure fair trading conditions. Even if you lose, you know you lost because your prediction was actually wrong and not tweaked in favor of the broker

  • Your prediction must be correct within the time limit for a binary option's expiration. If your prediction is accurate, you typically get a handsome payout. If your prediction is incorrect, you forfeit the amount you bet on the trade

  • Broker commissions and fees could lower the amount you receive after a successful binary trade. These fees may reduce your net gains

  • Trading without a clear strategy or plan can lead to rash choices and losses. Putting a strategy and a plan in place to manage risks is essential

Can I trade Forex with binary options?

Yes. Traders can predict the price movement of Forex pairs with binary options. Forex currency pairs are some of the most commonly used assets to trade with binary options.

According to statistics, currency trading accounts for a sizable chunk of the trading volume generated by binary options traders. The majority of new traders begin their careers by trading the most well-liked currency pairs, specifically EUR/USD, USD/JPY, USD/CHF, GBP/USD, AUD/USD, and USD/CAD.

Trading currency pairs with a basic knowledge of technical and fundamental analysis aids traders in identifying signals. This enables them to forecast the price inclination of a particular currency pair. For example, trading the EUR/USD binary option may become simpler if you keep up with all the most recent changes to the financial systems of the Eurozone and the United States.

Even though many traders favor technical analysis, fundamental factors significantly affect certain currency pairs. Hence, traders should pay close attention to the following:

  • Manufacturing and Services Purchasing Managers Index

  • Inflation Reports

  • Central Banks' Interest Rate Decisions

  • Housing Data

  • Unemployment Data

  • GDP Numbers

  • Consumer Confidence Reports

Other assets to trade with binary options

Aside from currency pairs, you can predict the movement of various types of assets, and this can vary based on the binary options broker you choose. However, typical asset classes that can frequently be predicted in binary options include:

If you have chosen to trade stocks, pay attention to all corporate news that may impact the share price and significant monetary and political developments. If you trade commodities, find out about significant economic data, supply and demand statistics, and news about geopolitical events. While trading indices, stay abreast of any important developments on the domestic and global economic and geopolitical scene.

Note:

Using an unregulated broker carries risk since some brokers are scams and will momentarily block trades for certain currency pairs if they believe recent news will impact the price of those pairs. So, ensure that you choose a reputable and regulated binary options broker to trade these assets.

Is Forex binary trading worth it?

Yes. But this should be for those who are aware of and comfortable with the conditions surrounding binary trading. Although this style of trading is much easier to understand and faster, it is best suited for day traders. Binary trading allows for quick cashouts because it is not designed for long-term strategies.

Binary trading is a top choice if you are looking for a fast-paced trading environment that promises quick, high returns if you predict the right price movement. However, the truth is that if the price does not move in the direction you predicted, you will lose all of your money.

You only need to cultivate the right mindset and approach to profit from binary options trading. However, there are no shortcuts to success; it takes time, effort, and discipline to establish a winning attitude and succeed as a trader.

Because binary option trading involves a high level of risk, it is not recommended for people who cannot handle the discomfort of losing money. If you must invest in binary options, only do so after fully understanding the risks and only with money you can afford to lose.

The trading model is less complex than that of Forex; a trader only has a choice between two potential future price values. Trading binary options on the Forex market is among the popular options chosen by professional traders residing in Jurisdictions where binary trading is legal.

Top 5 binary options brokers for Forex trading

QUOTEX

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Quotex is an online broker offering binary and digital asset trading run by Awesomo LTD, based in Seychelles. It was formed in 2019 and is accessible in different countries worldwide. With easy processes, the platform allows traders to deal with various trading assets, such as cryptocurrency and indices and provides multiple banking options.

You'll receive 24/7 customer care and can use the platform for as low as $10. Your account is also secured with two-step authentication.

QUOTEX provides traders with over 40 trading instruments. Users can trade 23 currency pairs, 14 Indices, cryptocurrency and stock.

Pocket Option

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PocketOption is a binary options trader and Forex broker that has been operating since 2017. The company is regulated by FMRRC. PocketOption offers traders over 100 trading instruments, including currency pairs, commodities, stocks, cryptocurrencies, and CFDs.

Clients of this broker note the high amount of income, the convenience of the trading platform, and the instant withdrawal of funds to e-wallets. A feature of the PocketOption terminal is the presence of a wide variety of boosters that expand trading opportunities, thereby increasing the chance of making a profit.

As of 2023, the size of payments in PocketOption reaches 89% of the bet. Not only independent but also social trading is available. The broker credits a welcome bonus of 50% of the initial deposit, provides various promotional codes and cashback up to 10%. Potential clients can practice trading options or Forex on demo accounts with virtual currency.

Binary.com

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62% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

The Binary broker is a subsidiary of the Regen Markets Group, founded over 20 years ago. Binary is the oldest binary broker in the Forex market and is controlled by five international regulators, including the MFSA and SVG FSA. As of 2023, Binary conducts more than 1 million transactions per day, the company is widely recognized for the fastest speed of all types of transactions. It has two of its trading terminals and also allows traders to trade through MT5.

Binary.com offers a wide range of features, including Forex trading, commodities, crypto trading, and more. What makes Binary.com stand out is that you can get started with a minimum deposit of just $5. This broker also provides an automated trading system that helps you to make profitable trades with minimal effort.

IQcent

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IQcent is the premier online trading platform for retail clients looking to make a mark in the investing world. IQcent offers binary options and Contract for Difference (CFD) trading opportunities across several asset classes, such as Forex, stocks, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. The minimum trade size is just 0.01 USD/EUR, and traders can leverage up to 1:500 with CFDs.

In addition to various financial instruments, IQcent also provides an extensive suite of payment methods with more than 10 supported options. The minimum deposit amount may vary depending on the type of account but goes from as low as $10 to $250 and $1,000. However, traders can't deposit lower than (USD/EUR) 5,000 for direct bank transfers.

IQcent offers an intuitive and useful proprietary web-based trading platform with several in-built indicators essential for making informed trading decisions, including momentum, relative strength, and average range. Depending on your needs and preferences, IQcent offers three types of binary options: turbo options, intraday options, and long-term options.

Binarium

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Established in 2012, Binarium is a binary options broker that provides services to international clients. The platform's creators ensured that it was simple to use to allow novice traders a smooth experience.

Binarium head offices are situated in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. It's ideal for beginners who wish to develop their trading careers, starting with binary options that are easier to master than foreign exchange.

The broker also uses European banks to hold the client's funds, meaning they are separate from the broker account.

FAQs

Is binary option trading real or fake?

With a reputable broker, binary options trading is real, but with an unregulated broker, it could be fake. And this is because many scam binary brokers are found among the unregulated brokers.

Can you really make money with binary options?

Yes. Binary traders can make real money with binary options. However, they must endure trading with reputable brokers and integrate top trading strategies.

Do binary options exist?

Yes. Binary options exist, and they are popular among low-skilled traders because they are easy to use and understand. Numerous binary options platforms are available, each with a different payout structure, selection of assets, and minimum deposit requirements.

Are binary options a game of chance?

Considering the nature of binary options trading, you can liken it to a game of chance. Binary options are designed to have a 50/50 chance of success, but you risk 100% for an 80% payout.

Glossary for novice traders

  • 1 Broker

    A broker is a legal entity or individual that performs as an intermediary when making trades in the financial markets. Private investors cannot trade without a broker, since only brokers can execute trades on the exchanges.

  • 2 Trading

    Trading involves the act of buying and selling financial assets like stocks, currencies, or commodities with the intention of profiting from market price fluctuations. Traders employ various strategies, analysis techniques, and risk management practices to make informed decisions and optimize their chances of success in the financial markets.

  • 3 Options trading

    Options trading is a financial derivative strategy that involves the buying and selling of options contracts, which give traders the right (but not the obligation) to buy or sell an underlying asset at a specified price, known as the strike price, before or on a predetermined expiration date. There are two main types of options: call options, which allow the holder to buy the underlying asset, and put options, which allow the holder to sell the underlying asset.

  • 4 Binary options trading

    Binary options trading is a financial trading method where traders speculate on the price movement of various assets, such as stocks, currencies, or commodities, by predicting whether the price will rise or fall within a specified time frame, often as short as a few minutes. Unlike traditional trading, binary options have only two possible outcomes: a fixed payout if the trader's prediction is correct or a loss of the invested amount if the prediction is wrong.

  • 5 Cryptocurrency

    Cryptocurrency is a type of digital or virtual currency that relies on cryptography for security. Unlike traditional currencies issued by governments (fiat currencies), cryptocurrencies operate on decentralized networks, typically based on blockchain technology.

Team that worked on the article

Peter Emmanuel Chijioke
Contributor

Peter Emmanuel Chijioke is a professional personal finance, Forex, crypto, blockchain, NFT, and Web3 writer and a contributor to the Traders Union website. As a computer science graduate with a robust background in programming, machine learning, and blockchain technology, he possesses a comprehensive understanding of software, technologies, cryptocurrency, and Forex trading.

Having skills in blockchain technology and over 7 years of experience in crafting technical articles on trading, software, and personal finance, he brings a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical expertise to the table. His skill set encompasses a diverse range of personal finance technologies and industries, making him a valuable asset to any team or project focused on innovative solutions, personal finance, and investing technologies.

Dr. BJ Johnson
Dr. BJ Johnson
Developmental English Editor

Dr. BJ Johnson is a PhD in English Language and an editor with over 15 years of experience. He earned his degree in English Language in the U.S and the UK. In 2020, Dr. Johnson joined the Traders Union team. Since then, he has created over 100 exclusive articles and edited over 300 articles of other authors.

Mirjan Hipolito
Cryptocurrency and stock expert

Mirjan Hipolito is a journalist and news editor at Traders Union. She is an expert crypto writer with five years of experience in the financial markets. Her specialties are daily market news, price predictions, and Initial Coin Offerings (ICO).