How we rate brokers
The BrokaBoy score runs from 0 to 10 and is calculated automatically from the advertised data in our catalogue, using the five published weights below. Brokers cannot pay for a higher score. Advertised figures can be wrong or out of date, so the score is only as accurate as the broker-published data behind it. Trustpilot ratings are shown separately, always labelled as Trustpilot, and are not part of the score.
Scores, rankings and paid placement
The Top rated list, the Starting out list and every best-brokers guide are ordered by BrokaBoy score, with ties broken alphabetically. The spread list is ordered by the advertised minimum spread. Featured partners are paid placements and are labelled Featured; payment changes placement in that section only and never changes a broker's score.
1.Regulation
Based on the highest regulator tier held in our catalogue (tier 5 earns 75% of this component, tier 4 60%, tier 3 45%, tier 2 25%, tier 1 10%), plus 13% for each additional tier 4 or 5 licence, capped at 25%. A broker with no listed regulator scores zero here.
2.Trading cost
From the advertised minimum spread: 0 pips earns full marks, falling in a straight line to zero at 1.5 pips. If the commission note indicates a commission is charged, this component is multiplied by 0.85. Brokers without a numeric advertised spread receive the catalogue median.
3.Platforms
Number of distinct trading platforms after normalising names (MT4 and MetaTrader 4 count once). 4 or more platforms earn full marks.
4.Product range
Distinct instrument groups (60% of this component, full marks at 6) and distinct account types (40%, full marks at 4).
5.Accessibility
Lower listed minimum deposits score higher: $0 = 100%, up to $10 = 90%, up to $50 = 80%, up to $100 = 70%, up to $200 = 55%, up to $500 = 40%, up to $1000 = 25%, above that 10%.
What we can and can't verify
The score uses only fields stored in our catalogue: regulators and their tiers, advertised spread, commission note, platforms, instruments, account types and listed minimum deposit. We do not measure execution quality, support, funding methods or withdrawal speed, and none of these affect the score. Where a broker's figures have not yet been checked against its current terms, the page says so.
Trading conditions, fee notes and account-opening steps shown on this site are illustrative summaries intended to help you compare. Always confirm the current numbers on the broker's own website and in the legal documents for the specific entity you are onboarding with.
Affiliate disclosure
BrokaBoy is free to use. Some outbound links to brokers are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you open an account after clicking through. Check the broker's current terms before signing up.
Commission does not affect scores or editorial rankings. Featured partners are paid placements and are labelled as such. Brokers we earn nothing from remain eligible for editorial lists, and criticisms stay in a review whether or not there is a commercial relationship.
Trading CFDs and leveraged products carries a high risk of losing money rapidly. Nothing on this site is personal financial advice.