The goals that an investor has when they decide to trade in foreign currency will determine the type of forex account that they open. Most investors choose between three different accounts; a forex mini account, a managed forex account or a full forex account.
Forex mini account
A forex mini account is one which is typically opened by investors who want to participate in the foreign exchange market more actively but do not yet have the knowledge, experience or the money to do so. Mini accounts are generally opened for a fraction of the standard price, making them more affordable for someone who might be leery of investing so much money in a full account, especially when their lack of currency investment experience could set them up for losses early on. Trading can be conducted on a much smaller scale with a mini account, enabling the new forex investor to take smaller positions on currencies. They can also be used to experiment with different trading strategies until the investor finds one that suits them. Additionally, forex mini accounts give investors the same access to various forex tools, including trading platforms, charts, and more.
Managed forex account
A managed forex account is one in which the forex trader hires a money manager to oversee their account. They may opt for this type of account because they do not have the time each day to commit to supervising an account that would be trading on such a liquid and fast-paced market as foreign exchange. Investors may also choose a managed account simply because they want their money to be handled by a trained professional with a proven track record of successful currency investments. This does not mean that the investor does not retain control of their account. On the contrary, they will dictate to the money manager the terms by which their investments should be made. The money manager will then make no decision outside of the investor’s guidelines, pursuing the same investments that the investor themselves would make. Many money managers are available for hire who specialise in certain currency investments and strategies, allowing the investor to tailor their managed account even further to their liking.
Full forex account
The full forex account, or standard forex account, is the most basic and common type of forex account that one could have. The investor is in control of their money and each investment is initiated by the investor themselves. They can take advice from various sources when necessary, but unlike a managed forex account, a full account will not be manipulated by anyone but the account holder. Also, a full forex account requires the standard starting investment, which contrasts with a mini account that allows users to start small. A full forex account is what those with a mini account are working up to, and it is the account that most currency investors open when they are transitioning out of a managed account, where they invest part-time and in to full-time forex investing.