Why Forex Bonuses Are Banned (EU, UK, Australia, US)
If you’re in the EU, UK, Australia or US, regulated brokers won’t offer you a bonus. Here’s why — and what it means for who can actually claim one.
Last updated 28 July 2026 · Reviewed by Tim Morris
The regulator bans
After studies showed heavy retail losses, ESMA (EU) and the FCA (UK) prohibited trading incentives such as deposit bonuses for retail clients, judging that they encourage over-trading. ASIC (Australia) introduced a similar ban, and US brokers do not offer bonuses either.
What it means in practice
Big brokers run multiple legal entities. Their EU/UK/AU arms (CySEC, FCA, ASIC) offer no bonuses, while their offshore entities (Belize, Seychelles, St. Vincent, BVI and others) offer them to clients in eligible countries — which is why this site focuses on emerging markets. See the regulatory reality where you live in our country guides.
Why it’s a red flag elsewhere
If a broker offers a bonus to you as an EU/UK/AU/US retail client, it’s either ignoring the rules or isn’t properly regulated there — a sign to walk away. Learn the other warning signs in bonus scams & traps, and how we vet brokers in our review methodology.
Frequently asked questions
› Why are forex bonuses banned in the EU and UK?
Regulators ESMA (EU) and the FCA (UK) banned trading incentives for retail clients because bonuses were found to encourage over-trading and bigger losses. Australia’s ASIC followed, and US brokers do not offer them.
› Can I get a forex bonus if I live in the EU, UK, Australia or US?
Not as a retail client of a regulated broker there — those entities don’t offer bonuses. If a site offers you one anyway, treat it as a red flag of a non-compliant operator.