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About Zecco Forex

Account Information

Trading Platforms

Forex Market

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About Zecco Forex

Zecco Forex, Inc. ("Zecco Forex") acts as an introducing broker to GAIN Capital Group, LLC ("GAIN Capital"). Your account is held and maintained at GAIN Capital who serves as the clearing agent and counterparty to your trades. GAIN Capital is a registered Futures Commission Merchant (FCM) and a member of the National Futures Association (NFA #0339826).

What are your commissions and fees?

Zecco Forex does not charge commissions. Prices quoted are inclusive of our normal dealing spreads, which are derived from Interbank dealing spreads on all major currencies, including US Dollar, British Pound (Sterling), Japanese Yen, Euro, Swiss Franc, Canadian Dollar, and Australian Dollar. Zecco Forex is compensated for its services through the bid/ask spread.

What are your trading hours?

The Trading Desk is available 24 hours daily from 5:00pm EST Sundays through 5:00pm EST on Fridays, including most U.S. Holidays.

Can I trade with Zecco Forex if I am not using my main computer?

You may trade with Zecco Forex from any computer with an Internet connection. Simply go to www.zeccoforex.com and login to your account. If you are traveling or do not have access to a computer with an Internet connection, you may execute trades over the phone. Click here for phone trading instructions.

What other services does Zecco Forex offer?

The dealing software provides each client with a wide range of trading tools, including technical analysis and charting, real-time news feeds, real-time profit and loss analysis, and full back office capabilities. Market professionals will also provide daily forex commentary. Finally, account statements are sent at the beginning of each month, and list all transactions for the previous month by currency and value date, a summary of all current open positions, and account balance as calculated at the close of business on the last business day of the month.

What are Zecco Forex's margin requirements

The initial margin requirement for a standard account is US $2,500 on our minimum trade size of US $100,000.

The initial margin requirement for a mini account is US $250 on our minimum trade size of US $10,000.

Trades will only be executed if the customer has sufficient funds in his or her account.

Can I place orders over the phone?

You may trade with Zecco Forex from any computer with an Internet connection. Simply go the www.zeccoforex.com and login to your account. If you are traveling or do not have access to a computer with an Internet connection, you may execute trades over the phone.

Can I place a trade via e-mail

No. We do not accept trades via email. You may place a trade online or by calling 866 567 0295 (Toll Free) or +1 626 529 7078 (International).

Can I hold positions over the weekend and major holidays?

Yes, you may hold positions over the weekend and major holidays, but make sure you review your margin balance to cover any negative move against your open positions. It's not uncommon for currencies to "gap" - trade at prices considerably away from previous levels - when they re-open for trading after a holiday or weekend. This may negatively impact your excess margin.

We suggest you keep a cash "cushion" in your account of at least 1% against your open positions; to help protect against automatic liquidations of your positions to meet margin requirements. For example, if open positions equaled $400,000 then, margin balance should equal at least $4,000 (400,000 x .01).

Account Information

What's the difference between a practice and live trading account?

There is no capital at risk when trading in a practice account. A Zecco Forex practice account features real-time quotes and charts, along with all the trading tools and information you'll have access to as a Zecco Forex customer, including single and contingent order types, a real-time newsfeed, up to the minute market commentary, daily and weekly research, and more.

How much money do I need to open an account?

The minimum deposit to open a standard account with Zecco Forex is US$2,500. Zecco Forex's minimum transaction size for a standard account is US$100,000 (or the equivalent), with a minimum margin deposit of $2,500 (up to 100:1 leverage).

The minimum deposit to open a mini account with Zecco Forex is US$250. Zecco Forex's minimum transaction size for a mini account is US$10,000 (or the equivalent), with a minimum margin deposit of $250 (up to 100:1 leverage).

Increasing leverage increases risk.

How do I open an account with Zecco Forex?

Open an account is easy. Simply complete the following three steps.

  1. Complete Application

    You can apply online or download the necessary forms from our website.

  2. Verify Personal Information

    U.S. Residents: You are not required to submit additional information at this time.


    Non U.S. Residents: Please submit two (2) forms of identification, including one (1) photo ID (i.e. passport or any other government issued document evidencing nationality or residence and bearing a photograph), AND one (1) proof of address as represented on this application (i.e. utility bill, drivers license, bank statement, etc). Required of all authorized signers of this account.


    Non US Residents must also complete a W-8BEN Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding Form.


    New account paperwork may be faxed, emailed or mailed.


    Fax: +1 626 529 7070

    Email: customerservice@zeccoforex.com

    Mail:
    Gain Capital
    Attn: Zecco Forex New Accounts
    550 Hills Drive
    Bedminster, NJ 07921
    USA

  3. Fund Your Account

    Once your account is open, there are four convenient ways to fund your new trading account:

    • Credit and Debit Card
    • eCheck (ACH payment)-US bank accounts only
    • Wire Transfer
    • Personal or Business Check

What is the best way to send new account paperwork?

The fastest method to send new account paperwork is by fax or email. New documents should be faxed to Zecco Forex or e-mailed to customerservice@zeccoforex.com. Lower quality or old fax machines are often difficult to read. If you do not have access to a high quality fax machine, scanning and then e-mailing the image is often times a simple solution. If you do not have access to either a fax machine or a scanner, documents can always be sent through the mail to:

Gain Capital
Attn: Zecco Forex New Accounts
550 Hills Drive
Bedminster, NJ 07921

How do I know if my account has been opened?

Once your account is opened, you will receive an email with your username and instructions for accessing your account. Please note that username's are only assigned after your account paperwork has been approved.

How do I fund my account?

There are four easy ways to fund your account

  • Credit and Debit Card
  • eCheck (ACH payment)-US bank accounts only
  • Wire Transfer - The fastest and easiest way to fund your account. US Dollar, Euro, Canadian Dollar, Japanese Yen, Swiss Franc, Australian Dollar and British Pound (Sterling) are accepted. All non-US dollar deposits are converted into US dollars at competitive rates, and your account is funded with US dollars.
  • Personal or Business Check

For more information on funding your account, click here.

How do I fund my account by personal or business check?

To fund your Zecco Forex account, GAIN Capital accepts paper checks drawn on US dollar accounts only. Funds sent via personal or business check take 5-10 business days (from date of receipt) to clear and be credited to client's trading account, according to our banking partner's posted schedule. This can vary depending on the bank and state of issue.

Please make all checks payable to Gain Capital

Mail To:
Zecco Forex
550 Hills Drive
Bedminster, NJ 07921

How do I fund my account by eCheck (ACH Payment)?

To fund your Zecco Forex account, GAIN Capital accepts eCheck (ACH Payments) from US bank accounts only. Funds sent via eCheck take 2–5 business days to clear and be credited to the client's trading account. Click here to log into MyAccount, our secure client area to make an eCheck deposit to your Zecco Forex account.

When will my funds be posted to my account?

The time it takes for a deposit to post to your account will depend on the method in which it is sent:

  • Credit Card - within 24 hours of receipt
  • eCheck (ACH Payment) - 2 to 5 business days
  • Personal Checks - 5 to 7 business days
  • Wire - 1 to 2 business days of receipt

What happens to my open positions at the end of the trading day?

Unless specific settlement instructions are provided, your positions will automatically roll forward to the next day's value date at the end of each business day, 5:00 pm EST. All rolls will be done at competitive rollover rates, and depending on the currency pairs involved, trades will be executed where the trader will either earn or pay away points, depending on the interest rate differential between the two currencies and the margin employed on the trade.

For details see the Dealing Handbook.

How do I withdraw money from my account?

Self directed clients, please login to MyAccount.

If your account is being managed by a third party, or you are unable to access MyAccount, click here to request a withdrawal.

If you funded your account with US Dollars:

There is no fee for withdrawal requests via check. Withdrawal requests via wire transfer will incur a $25 fee for wires within the United States, and $40 fee for international wires (including Canada).

If you funded your Zecco Forex account with a non-USD deposit, your US dollar account balance will be converted back to the currency you initially deposited, and your funds will be wired back to the originating bank account. A fee of US$40 will be assessed.

Withdrawal requests are processed within two (2) business days of receipt.

What is considered a 3rd party?

When depositing or withdrawing to/from your Zecco Forex account, GAIN Capital will not accept third party requests. The name(s) on the trading account must be an exact match with the name(s) on the account of the other financial institution.

Trading Platforms

How many versions of Zecco Forex's trading platform are available?

Zecco Forex clients have access to a Java based and a Windows based version of the dealing platform. All of the platforms offer you a secure and robust environment in which to trade and manage your account.

Zecco Forex's Windows and Java based platform requires a one time installation and provides tick by tick position management. The browser based trading platform may be accessed anytime and from anywhere with internet access, no download or installation is required.

The platforms track all trading activity, P&L and margin analysis and feature integrated charting tool, news and analysis one single screen.

For more information on our trading platforms, click here.

How do I clear the cache for Internet Explorer?

  1. Exit out of the browser by closing all open Internet Explorer windows.
  2. Click on "Start", then click on "Settings" (Windows 98/2000), then "Control Panel."
  3. Click "Internet Options."
  4. In the general tab section, click on "Delete Files" then "OK."
  5. Then click "OK" to close the settings box.

How do I manage my currency pair subscriptions?

To manage your rate subscriptions, login to your trading platform and click on MyAccount. Once in MyAccount, click on Tools > Update Currency Pairs. Here, you can customize ForexTrader to view only the pairs you're most interested in trading. Simply enable or disable streaming rates for any available currency pair. Your settings will be saved for future logins.

ForexTrader Desktop

What operating systems are supported by the ForexTrader platform?

Windows XP SP2 (Home and Professional) or Vista

What are the system requirements for accessing ForexTrader?

  • Windows XP SP2 (Home or Professional) or Vista
  • Processing Speed: 1GHz or higher
  • Monitor Resolution set at 1024 x 768 or higher
  • 512 MB of RAM
  • Hard Drive: 100MB of free space
  • Internet Explorer v6.x or higher, Firefox v1.x or higher
  • .NET 2.0 Framework

Internet Connection: Broadband

How do I download the software required for the ForexTrader platform?

Downloading the ForexTrader can be completed in three easy steps.

  1. Step 1:

    Click here to review and accept the Software License Agreement.

  2. Step 2:

    Click the "Install" button.

  3. Step 3:

    Click "Run."

The application will automatically launch once it's installed. Simply enter your User ID and Password to login.

ForexTrader Web

What operating systems are supported by the ForexTrader Web platform?

Windows: 95OSR2, 98, ME, NT, 2000, and XP are all supported.

Macintosh: OS X (10.1 or higher)

What are the system requirements for accessing ForexTrader Web?


Windows:

  • Internet Explorer v5.x or higher, Firefox v1.x
  • Java Runtime Environment v1.4.2_08 or higher
  • Processing speed of 1Ghz or higher
  • Monitor resolution set at 1024x768 or higher
  • Windows 98/2000/XP
  • 256MB of RAM


Macintosh:

  • Safari
  • Processing speed of PowerPC G4 500 Mhz or higher
  • Monitor resolution set at 1024x768 or higher
  • OS X (10.1 or greater)
  • 256MB of RAM

Internet Connection: 56Kbps or higher



How do I clear my JAR cache?

  1. Click on the Start Button
  2. Click on Settings (Windows 98/2000 Only)
  3. Click on Control Panel
  4. Click on the Java Plugin Icon
  5. Click on the "Cache" tab, then click on "Clear Cache."
  6. Hit "OK", then close out the window and the control panel.

How do I download the software required for the ForexTrader Web platform?

The Java Runtime Environment is the required software for the ForexTrader Web platform.

Downloading Zecco Forex's Java version of the platform is easy and can be completed in three easy steps.

  1. Step 1:

    Download the Java Runtime Environment

  2. Step 2:

    Follow the online instructions - selecting 'Run the program from its current location' - and then selecting 'Next' until the process is finished.

  3. Step 3:

    Once you have successfully installed the Java Runtime Environment, go to http://www.zecco.com/forex/login.html to log into the trading platform. You will be asked to select Demo or Live trading platform. Once you enter your User ID and Password, the Zecco Forex dealing platform will automatically load.

The download bundle includes the Java 2 Runtime Environment with Java Plug-in software. If these components are already installed, Internet Explorer will automatically load the platform necessary to run the platform dealing software. Load time for the platform on a 56k modem is approximately 1 minute.

Once you have installed the plug-in and platform you will not be required to do so again.

If you do not have 'Java 2 Runtime Environment Standard Edition v1.4.2_19' installed, Internet Explorer will prompt you to install it. If Internet Explorer does not automatically prompt you to install these components, you may install the files directly at java.sun.com. Load time is approx. 15 min. on a 56K connection.

How do I log into the ForexTrader Web platform?

In order to log into the ForexTrader Web platform dealing platform, click on the following link: http://www.zecco.com/forex/login.html. For your convenience, you may continue to use your existing User ID and Password on either platform.

I can't see rates in the ForexTrader Web platform?

If you see no rates at the top of the trading platform, you have a firewall that restricts traffic over certain ports.

Personal PC Users: If you have a firewall installed on your computer, it may be restricting traffic necessary for the platform to operate correctly. Firewalls may cause connectivity issues, affect access to the live rates, and charting on the platform. If a firewall is installed, you will need to modify it to allow traffic on the following ports with a TCP protocol:

1000, 1999, 3020

Corporate Users: Most corporate users access the internet through a firewall. This is most likely the reason you cannot see rates. Contact your network administrator if you wish to access our trading software via your corporate network.

Please note, we do not support operation behind a proxy at this time.

Forex Market

What is Foreign Exchange?

The Foreign Exchange market, also referred to as the "Forex" market, is the most traded financial market in the world, with a daily average turnover of approximately US$3.2 trillion. Foreign Exchange is the simultaneous buying of one currency and selling of another. The world's currencies are on a floating exchange rate and are always traded in pairs, for example Euro/Dollar or Dollar/Yen.

Where is the central location of the FX Market?

FX Trading is not centralized on an exchange, as with the stock and futures markets. The FX market is considered an Over the Counter (OTC) or 'Interbank' market, due to the fact that transactions are conducted between two counterparts over the telephone or via an electronic network.

Who are the participants in the FX Market?

The Forex market is called an 'Interbank' market due to the fact that historically it has been dominated by banks, including central banks, commercial banks, and investment banks. However, the percentage of other market participants is rapidly growing, and now includes large multinational corporations, global money managers, registered dealers, international money brokers, futures and options traders, and individual investors.

When is the FX market open for trading?

A true 24-hour market from Sunday 5:00 PM ET to Friday 5:00 PM ET, Forex trading begins each day in Sydney, and moves around the globe as the business day begins in each financial center, first to Tokyo, then London, and New York. Unlike any other financial market, investors can respond to currency fluctuations caused by economic, social and political events at the time they occur - day or night.

What are the most commonly traded currencies in the FX markets?

The most often traded or 'liquid' currencies are those of countries with stable governments, respected central banks, and low inflation. Today, over 85% of all daily transactions involve trading of the major currencies, which include the US Dollar (USD) , Japanese Yen (JPY) , Euro (EUR) , British Pound (GBP), Swiss Franc (CHF) , Canadian Dollar (CAD) and the Australian Dollar (AUD).

Is Forex trading expensive?

Zecco Forex requires a minimum deposit of $250. Zecco Forex allows customers to execute margin trades at up to 100:1 leverage. This means that investors can execute trades of $10,000 with an initial margin requirement of $100. However, it is important to remember that while this type of leverage allows investors to maximize their profit potential, the potential for loss is equally great. A more pragmatic margin trade for someone new to the FX markets would be 20:1 but ultimately depends on the investor's appetite for risk.

What is Margin?

Margin is essentially collateral for a position. It allows traders to take on leveraged positions with a fraction of the equity necessary to fund the trade. In the equity markets, the usual margin allowed is 50% which means an investor has double the buying power. In the forex market leverage ranges from 1% to 4%, giving investors the high leverage needed to trade actively. Of course, increasing leverage increases risk.

What does it mean to have a 'long' or 'short' position?

In trading parlance, a long position is one in which a trader buys a currency at one price and aims to sell it later at a higher price. In this scenario, the trader benefits from a rising market. A short position is one in which the trader sells a currency in anticipation that it will depreciate. In this scenario, the trader benefits from a declining market. However, it is important to remember that every FX position requires a trader to go long in one currency and short the other.

What about terms like "bid/ask", "spread", and "rollover"?

Zecco Forex has an extensive Glossary that provides detailed definitions of all Forex related terms.

What is the difference between an "intraday" and "overnight position"?

Intraday positions are all positions opened anytime during the 24 hour period AFTER the close of normal trading hours at 5:00 PM ET. Overnight positions are positions that are still on at the end of normal trading hours (5:00 PM ET), which are automatically rolled by GAIN Capital at competitive rates (based on the currencies interest rate differentials) to the next day's price.

How are currency prices determined?

Currency prices are affected by a variety of economic and political conditions, most importantly interest rates, inflation and political stability. Moreover, governments sometimes participate in the Forex market to influence the value of their currencies, either by flooding the market with their domestic currency in an attempt to lower the price, or conversely buying in order to raise the price. This is known as Central Bank intervention. Any of these factors, as well as large market orders, can cause high volatility in currency prices. However, the size and volume of the Forex market makes it virtually impossible for any one entity to "drive" the market for any length of time.

How do I manage risk?

The most common risk management tools in forex trading are the limit order and the stop loss order. A limit order places restriction on the maximum price to be paid or the minimum price to be received. A stop loss order ensures a particular position is automatically liquidated at a predetermined price in order to limit potential losses should the market move against a trader's position. Placing contingent orders may not necessarily limit your risk for losses.

What kind of trading strategy should I use?

Currency traders make decisions using both technical factors and economic fundamentals. Technical traders use charts, trend lines, support and resistance levels, and numerous patterns and mathematical analyses to identify trading opportunities, whereas fundamentalists predict price movements by interpreting a wide variety of economic information, including news, government-issued indicators and reports, and even rumor. The most dramatic price movements however, occur when unexpected events happen. The event can range from a Central Bank raising domestic interest rates to the outcome of a political election or even an act of war. Nonetheless, more often it is the expectation of an event that drives the market rather than the event itself.

Free Forex Trading Practice Account
Try currency trading with a free
$50,000 Zecco Forex practice account
First Name:
Last Name:
Country:
Phone:
Email:
Your email address will be your User ID.
Your password will be emailed to you.
Zecco Forex will never share your information with any unaffiliated third party.

More details about online investing and trading stocks with Zecco Trading:


Zecco Trading has reconstructed the mold of options trading and stock trading online, making it easier than ever for you to get smart and act smart with your money. Need to sell stock or buy stock online, interested in penny stocks? At Zecco Trading, get 10 free stock trades every month when you maintain a $25,000 balance or execute 25 trades each month. Otherwise it's just $4.50 per trade. Free Online Stock Trading Details. Where else will you find a discount broker who looks out for your best interest by providing you free online stock trading and a community of investors to share ideas with?

The ZeccoShare Community is a great complement to Zecco Trading. With ZeccoShare you can learn online about stock trading and get advice on stock trades and options trades from people who invest like you and who have similar risk tolerance. Who says online investing is complex? It doesn't have to be. With ZeccoShare you'll be able to ask questions, contribute investing ideas, share your investment portfolio (but not any dollar amounts), share your stock trades or options trades and your investing performance to help everyone learn to be a better investor.

Read our education section for information on How to Trade Options.

Terms of Service - Privacy Policy


Zecco.com is a financial portal of Zecco Holdings, Inc., which also provides access to Zecco Trading, Inc.'s and Zecco Forex, Inc.'s trading service. Zecco Holdings, inc. is not a securities broker/dealer. All securities and investments are offered to self-directed investors by Zecco Trading, Inc. Member FINRA /SIPC. Foreign exchange trading is offered to self-directed investors by Zecco Forex, Inc. Zecco Forex, Inc. and Zecco Trading, Inc. are affiliated but separate companies. More information is located on the disclosures page.

At Zecco Trading, get 10 free stock trades every month when you maintain a $25,000 balance or execute 25 trades each month. Otherwise it's just $4.50 per trade. Free Online Stock Trading Details. Options trades are $4.50 plus $.50 per contract. Only the first account of any account type is eligible for the Zecco Trading, Free Trading program. Any multiple accounts of the same type with the same registration are not eligible for the free trading program. Free Trading Program is only available through Zecco.com. $0 minimum to open cash and IRA accounts.

* Margin accounts require a $2,000 minimum balance for opening and trading on margin. Margin trading involves risks and is not suitable for all accounts.

Options involve risk and are not suitable for all investors. Please read Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options.

Multiple leg options strategies involve additional risks and multiple commissions, and may result in complex tax treatments. Please read Spread Trading Disclosure.

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses of a mutual fund or ETF carefully before investing. A mutual fund/ETF's prospectus contains this and other information, and should be read carefully before investing.

Forex trading involves significant risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Increasing leverage increases risk. Before deciding to trade forex, you should carefully consider your financial objectives, level of experience and risk appetite. Any opinions, news, research, analyses, prices or other information contained does not constitute investment advice. Read full disclosure.

System response and access times may vary due to market conditions, system performance, and other factors.

The content of Zecco Holdings, Inc.'s, Zecco Trading, Inc.'s, and Zecco Forex, Inc.'s websites, including research, tools and securities symbols, is for educational and informational purposes and should not be intended as a recommendation or solicitation to engage in any particular securities transaction or investment strategy. You alone are responsible for evaluating the benefits and risks associated with the use of our services or products and to decide which securities and strategies better suit your financial situation and goals, risk profile, etc. The projections regarding the probability of investment outcomes are hypothetical and not guaranteed for accuracy or completeness. They do not reflect actual investment outcomes and are not guarantees of future results. Projections and tools' calculations do not take into consideration commissions, margin interest and other costs that will impact investment outcomes. All investments involve risk. Losses may exceed the principal invested. Past performance of a security, market, or financial product does not guarantee future results. Neither Zecco Holdings, Inc., Zecco Trading, Inc., nor Zecco Forex, Inc. offers any tax, legal or financial advice. Content on these websites may be out of date or time-sensitive. Content is subject to change or removal without notice.

No consideration was paid for any testimonials displayed on this website. Your experience may vary, and the testimonials are no guarantee of future performance or success. Zecco Holdings, Inc., Zecco Trading, Inc., Zecco Forex, Inc. and their independent providers are not liable for any errors, incompleteness, or delays, or for any actions taken in reliance upon information contained herein. By accessing our websites, you agree not to redistribute the information found therein.

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© 2006-2009 Zecco Holdings, Inc., Zecco Trading, Inc., Member FINRA /SIPC, Zecco Forex, Inc. All rights reserved.