Swissquote UAE review: Is it the right investment platform for Emiratis & Expats?

In this Swissquote UAE review, we take a look at what Swissquote offers for UAE Emiratis and expats. We will discuss its pros and cons, demo account, features, fees, and commissions so you can decide if it's the right investment platform for you.

We personally recommend Swissquote for those who don’t bother paying a premium for security and are serious about investing their money globally.

On the downside, remember that there’s a $1,000 minimum deposit to get started with this broker; Swissquote is not a discount broker: fees are higher than average; and there are no local UAE stocks: you cannot trade on DFM or ADX via Swissquote.

Let’s look at a short overview of the platform and then move on to its features and functionalities.

Swissquote UAE: Overview

Founded in 1996 in Switzerland, Swissquote has grown into one of Europe’s most prominent online banks and brokers. Today, it serves more than 700,000 clients worldwide and manages over $90 billion in client assets.

What sets Swissquote apart from many international brokers available in the region is its local presence in Dubai. Since 2012, it has operated in the UAE through Swissquote MEA Ltd, a company licensed by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). 

Swissquote helps Emiratis open a Swiss-based multi-currency bank account in their own name. You can hold and manage up to 27 currencies, including AED, USD, EUR, and GBP, and access a Swissquote Debit Mastercard that supports 13 currencies with no foreign transaction fees; useful for expats or frequent travellers who want to spend or transfer in multiple currencies without the hidden markups many banks impose.

On the investment side, Swissquote gives UAE clients access to over 3 million products across 60+ global exchanges. You can invest directly in U.S. and international stocks, ETFs, funds, and bonds, or trade forex and CFDs via MetaTrader 4/5. For those exploring digital assets, Swissquote also offers direct cryptocurrency trading and staking.

This means you can hold money in multiple currencies (including AED) like a bank, earn a bit of interest on cash, and at the same time invest worldwide in stocks, ETFs, funds, bonds, forex, and even crypto - all under one roof.

Keep in mind that Swissquote has a $1,000 minimum deposit for trading accounts, but no minimum is required for general banking/saving/e-banking accounts.

Is Swissquote the right choice for Emiratis and expats in the UAE? Let’s break down its pros, cons, features, and what type of user will benefit most from this platform.

Highlights

In a hurry? Below is a quick rundown of Swissquote’s key features and terms for UAE traders:

Pros and Cons

Swissquote has a star rating of 3.7 on Trustpilot, which, to be honest, is just average.

Let’s look at what users actually like and dislike about Swissquote.

Pros

• Multi-currency bank account: hold AED, USD, EUR, GBP, and 20+ other currencies in one account.
• Swiss banking security: client assets are held in Switzerland, with the safety and privacy of a Swiss bank (deposit protection up to CHF 100,000). Reputable, regulated by top-tier authorities (DFSA in Dubai and FINMA in Switzerland).
• Wide range of investments: Access 60+ global stock exchanges and over 3 million financial instruments, including stocks, ETFs (including UCITS ETFs for expats), mutual funds, bonds, forex, commodities, derivatives, and cryptocurrencies.
• No inactivity or maintenance fees: No fee if you stop trading for a while, and no annual account maintenance charge for the banking side.
• Interest on cash: Interest paid on idle cash balances in major currencies.
• Multi-Currency Mastercard: Option to get a Swissquote debit card that lets you spend in 13 currencies (including AED) with zero foreign transaction fees on those currencies - great for travelers and international online shopping.
• Local support: Local support hours via the Dubai office.

Cons

• Higher fees & commissions: Swissquote is not a discount broker. Stock and ETF trades cost 0.1% per trade (minimum $9), which is higher than many competitors. There’s also a 0.15% annual custody fee on your assets (minimum $15 per quarter). Currency conversion inside the account costs about 0.95%, which is steep - so you’ll want to deposit/hold money in the same currency you plan to invest in to avoid this fee.
• No local UAE stocks: You cannot trade on DFM or ADX via Swissquote. It’s focused on international markets. UAE investors who want local stocks will need a different platform for that.
• Complex fee structure: The pricing varies by which Swissquote entity you use (Switzerland vs Luxembourg vs Dubai entity) and by product. This can be confusing. For UAE clients, fees are generally on the higher side (e.g. wire withdrawals from Swissquote incur a fee, around AED 55 for AED transfers). Also, forex/CFD trading spreads are not the tightest (around 1.7 pips on EUR/USD for standard accounts).
• Platform can be overwhelming: While feature-rich, Swissquote’s trading platform and range of products can overwhelm newcomers. There are many options and settings, and some research tools (like certain reports) require extra fees or higher-tier accounts. It feels very “professional,” which is great for experienced investors but may be confusing for absolute beginners.

Swissquote UAE fees and commissions

Swissquote operates on a transparent but premium pricing model.

UAE clients pay clear per-trade commissions, a custody fee, and certain service charges, while deposits and most withdrawals remain free. Here’s a table that lists all the fees and commissions for Emiratis and expats.

• Trading commissions (Stocks/ETFs): 0.10% of trade value, with a minimum of $9 per trade (or equivalent in other currency). Example: buying $5,000 of Apple stock would cost $9 (since 0.1% of 5000 is $5, but the minimum is $9). Buying $20,000 of stock would cost $20. This is higher than brokers like Interactive Brokers or some local platforms, but in line with a full-service Swiss platform.
• Funds and bonds: Commission for bonds is similar (0.1%, min $25). Mutual funds often have no commission from Swissquote’s side (they earn from the fund provider), but check if any entry/exit fees apply per fund.
• Forex/CFD trading costs: No direct commission (they make money on the spread). As mentioned, typical spread for EUR/USD is ~1.7 pips on a standard account. This is a bit high; heavy FX traders might opt for an advanced account or another broker, but for occasional currency trades it’s fine. There’s also a financing fee if you hold CFD positions overnight (standard for any broker).
• Crypto trading fees: ~0.5% per transaction. For example, buying $1,000 of Bitcoin would incur about $5 fee. There’s also a small fee when you withdraw crypto out of Swissquote (if you ever want to send it to a personal wallet).
• Custody fee: Swissquote charges a custody fee of 0.15% per year on your holdings (calculated quarterly). There is a minimum of $15 per quarter. So if you have $10,000 invested, 0.15% yearly is $15 - they’d charge $3.75 per quarter. If you have $100,000 invested, 0.15% is $150/year ($37.5 per quarter). This fee is basically for safekeeping your securities in a Swiss bank. Not all brokers charge custody fees (many incorporate it into other fees or have none), so factor this in, especially if you have a large portfolio - on $500k it’d be $750/year.
• Account funding: Deposits by bank transfer are free from Swissquote’s side (your local bank might charge you though). Withdrawals have a fee: e.g., withdrawing money in AED to a UAE bank costs around AED 55. Withdrawing USD/EUR might cost around $10-$15 (some of that is correspondent bank fees). There’s no percentage fee on withdrawals, just fixed fees. Tip: You can also fund your account via credit card, but Swissquote charges ~2% for card deposits - so better to stick to bank transfers.
• Currency conversion: As mentioned under the multi-currency account, converting currency within Swissquote costs 0.95%. If you plan to trade in a different currency than you deposit, you will incur this. For example, depositing AED and then trading U.S. stocks (USD) - you’d either convert AED to USD inside Swissquote (0.95% fee), or you could deposit USD directly. Many UAE users deposit USD or EUR from their local bank (letting the bank or an exchange house do the conversion to perhaps save on that fee).
• Inactivity fee: None for active accounts. Swissquote only charges a fee if your account is completely dormant for over 3 years (and even then it’s 0.1% per quarter with €50 min). So, no worries about monthly inactivity charges.
• Other service fees: If you use the Bright debit card, that subscription is ~CHF 6.90/month. The Light (virtual) card is free. If you request special paperwork like a detailed tax statement, Swissquote Switzerland may charge (e.g. CHF 100 for a tax report). But most everyday things (account statements, basic reports) are free.

Bottom line on costs: Swissquote is transparent but on the high side cost-wise.

You’re paying for the Swiss banking and broad access. If low cost is your priority and you don’t care about the banking features, there are cheaper brokers out there.

However, many expats are willing to pay a bit more to have their money in Switzerland and avoid some of the hassle or perceived risks of other brokers. It comes down to what you value.

Swissquote: is it a broker or a bank (and what do people use it for)?

Both, and that’s its key selling point.

Swissquote is essentially a Swiss bank that offers online trading.

Many UAE users open a Swissquote account initially for its offshore Swiss banking features: a safe place to park savings in multiple currencies (especially useful for expats who earn in one currency and plan in another), or to off-ramp crypto or investments into a Swiss account. The fact that it’s a Swiss institution gives peace of mind in terms of political and economic stability.

At the same time, Swissquote is widely used as a brokerage platform. Clients can invest in global markets and diverse assets through the same account.

In practice, most people who choose Swissquote are looking for a one-stop solution: they want the security of a Swiss bank account plus the ability to trade and invest internationally. For example, you can hold cash in AED or USD, earn a bit of interest on it, then seamlessly use those funds to buy stocks or ETFs in New York or London, all without leaving the platform.

In summary, Swissquote is used by both:

• Investors/Traders who value a huge range of products and a secure custodian for their portfolio. Many are long-term investors (expats, international professionals) who don’t mind higher fees in exchange for Swiss reliability and an all-in-one account.
• Offshore Banking Clients (especially expats) who use it as a global savings account. They might not trade frequently, but they like having money in a Swiss bank with easy online access, good forex rates, and the ability to invest or convert to different currencies when needed.

Swissquote UAE core features

1. Open a multi-currency Swiss-based bank account

The Swiss bank account in Swissquote lets you hold money in 27 different currencies (including AED, USD, EUR, GBP, CHF, and more) under one account. 

The platform lets you easily convert between currencies with a flat 0.9% forex conversion fee or receive and send international transfers. 

Balances in major currencies even earn interest. For example, up to ~0.2% on USD/AED for modest balances, adding a nice banking perk. 

Swissquote serves as a full bank account abroad: use it to save, exchange currencies, and manage funds globally, which is a big plus for expats who follow the ‘flag theory’ of banking in a stable jurisdiction.

2. Swissquote debit Mastercard

Along with the account, you can also opt for the Swissquote Debit Mastercard that is tailored for multi-currency use. This card links to your Swissquote account and supports 13 currencies under one IBAN with no transaction fees for spending those currencies.

This means that when you travel or shop online, you can pay in USD, EUR, and other currencies directly from your account funds, eliminating the need for currency conversion mark-ups each time. 

The best part? The debit card supports AED.

If you want to apply for the debit card, Swissquote offers two plans: 

• Bright: physical card with a virtual card with perks. Charges ~CHF 6.90 per month 
• Light: Virtual and free card

Both plans allow unlimited free transactions in all supported currencies.

3. Trading and market access

Swissquote’s platform gives UAE investors access to several global markets and instruments. 

Stocks

Apart from the MEA market, Swissquote gives UAE investors direct access to 60+ global stock exchanges, including the U.S., Europe, and Asia. From big names like Apple and Tesla to regional European blue chips, you can buy and hold actual shares, not just derivatives. 

Orders are placed through Swissquote’s proprietary platform or MetaTrader, and commissions start at 0.10% per trade (min. $9). 

EFTs

Swissquote offers thousands of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) across U.S., European, and global markets that benefit you if you’re looking to diversify with passive investing. 

These ETFs cover everything from broad market indices like the S&P 500 or MSCI World to sector-specific or thematic funds, such as clean energy or tech. 

Swissquote supports fractional ETF investing, letting you buy smaller slices of high-value funds. Commissions follow the same 0.10% model, making it cost-effective for building a low-maintenance portfolio. 

Expats in Dubai often prefer Irish-domiciled UCITS ETFs for tax efficiency, and Swissquote knows it. It provides access to these, giving you a compliant, global investment solution.

Funds

Swissquote also provides access to a wide range of mutual funds, which are actively managed investment products suited for investors who prefer a professional manager handling stock or bond selection. 

UAE investors can use these funds to complement their ETF or stock portfolios, especially if they want exposure to niche strategies or fund managers with long track records. 

Funds are accessible directly through the Swissquote platform and come with no commission, though fund-level management fees apply. 

Bonds

With Swissquote, you get access to government and corporate bonds from around the world. You can buy bonds denominated in multiple currencies, making it easy to hedge against AED or USD exposure. 

Bonds, being one of the safest investments, can serve as the defensive side of your portfolio. Regarding the pricing structure, it is 0.10% per trade with a minimum fee. 

Options & Futures

Swissquote lets active UAE investors access listed derivatives across major stock exchanges, enabling strategies like hedging, leverage, or income generation. 

Commissions are competitive, starting at USD 1.50 per contract; quite reasonable compared to other international brokers. 

Futures markets cover commodities, indices, and interest rates, while options allow more flexible strategies on equities and ETFs. 

Cryptocurrencies

Swissquote was one of the first Swiss banks to launch crypto trading back in 2017; thus, it has high credibility. You can trade major coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin directly from your account, as well as access crypto-asset products, wallets, and staking services. 

The platform keeps crypto within its secure infrastructure, meaning you don’t have to rely on offshore exchanges. 

Fees are around 0.5% per trade, higher than pure crypto exchanges, but balanced by the security and trust of a Swiss bank.

Invest

Swissquote’s Invest platform has curated solutions for users who prefer a guided approach. Through Swissquote Invest, UAE users can access thematic portfolios, structured products, and other tailored strategies designed by the bank’s experts. 

This is particularly useful for busy professionals or new investors who want to align with broad investment themes like clean tech or healthcare, without managing every trade themselves. 

Unlike pure DIY platforms, Swissquote Invest adds a wealth management flavor, backed by Swiss banking expertise. 

CFDs

Swissquote also provides Contracts for Difference (CFDs) on forex, indices, and commodities for UAE clients who want leveraged trading. With spreads starting from around 1.1 pips on EUR/USD, traders can use leverage up to 1:30 under DFSA rules. 

Interest on uninvested cash

One great thing about Swissquote is that it gives you interest rates on your uninvested cash balance:

How secure and compliant is Swissquote in the UAE?

Swissquote is considered a tier-one, or "top-tier" broker.

Swissquote's security is built on a foundation of dual regulation from two highly respected authorities:

• DFSA (Dubai Financial Services Authority): Locally, Swissquote MEA Ltd is licensed and supervised by the DFSA. This ensures that the broker's operations within the DIFC comply with UAE laws, including rules on client handling, marketing transparency, and operational conduct. 
• FINMA (Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority): As a subsidiary of a Swiss bank, the entire group operates under the watchful eye of FINMA, one of the world's strictest and most reputable financial regulators. This top-tier regulation from its home country adds a significant level of trust and confidence, as the parent company must adhere to stringent Swiss banking laws regarding capital adequacy and risk management.  

Apart from regulatory authorities, Swissquote also has some security features that make it secure:

• Swiss Deposit Protection: Cash held in your Swissquote account is protected up to CHF 100,000 (about AED 400k) by the Swiss depositor protection scheme (esisuisse). This is similar to FDIC insurance in the US or the UK FSCS - if Swissquote were to go bankrupt (which is highly unlikely given its profitability and oversight), your cash up to that amount is insured and would be paid back to you by the Swiss scheme. For investments (stocks, bonds, etc.), you are the beneficial owner of those assets; they are kept segregated from Swissquote’s own assets. So, even if Swissquote had issues, your securities should remain yours (or be transferable to another broker). Additionally, EU clients of Swissquote’s Luxembourg entity have EU investor protection (up to €20,000 for investments), but as a UAE client you’re likely going through the Swiss entity for banking and have the Swiss protections.
• Reputation and track record: Swissquote has been around for nearly three decades and has around 500,000+ clients worldwide with billions in client assets. It’s not a fly-by-night operation. They have not had scandals of note; the biggest fine they got was a small one from a stock exchange for a reporting delay, nothing that affected clients. Being Swiss, they also benefit from Switzerland’s strong tradition of banking privacy and stability. This doesn’t mean they hide your account or anything (UAE residents must still report taxes as required etc.), but it means the institution itself is in a very stable jurisdiction.
• Security features: Swissquote uses two-factor authentication for login, high encryption standards, and allows you to whitelist withdrawal accounts. They also have negative balance protection for trading, meaning you can’t lose more money than you put in (important if you use leverage on forex or CFDs - your account will stop out before going deeply negative in normal conditions).
• Local support: Having a regulated entity in Dubai (in DIFC) means if you ever had a dispute or issue, you have a local regulatory body (DFSA) to appeal to, and local offices to contact. This local presence often gives additional peace of mind versus using an overseas-only broker.
• Publicly-listed company: Swissquote Group Holding Ltd is a publicly listed company, traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the symbol SQN. The company has been publicly listed since May 2000, which means it is required to adhere to high standards of transparency regarding its financial information. It's not a startup - it's an established company.

But always remember, of course, that investment risk is separate; your investments can go up or down with the markets. But when it comes to broker risk, Swissquote’s setup significantly mitigates it.

Swissquote offers a very secure environment for your funds: arguably one of the most secure setups among brokers available in the UAE, given the dual Swiss/UAE oversight and the company’s size and history (banking license, listed in stock market, etc).

Demo account walkthrough

Swissquote offers a CFXD web demo, allowing you to practice trading forex and CFDs. Here’s a quick walkthrough of its functionalities.

Our top picks: A curated watchlist of popular or highlighted instruments. Use it to quickly browse and open tickets without building a list from scratch.

Quick trade: A compact ticket to buy or sell the selected instrument right from the list or chart. Set size and basic SL/TP, then execute fast.

Advanced filter: Powerful search to narrow instruments by asset class, symbol, spread, and other criteria. These filters help you surface only the markets you care about.

Use Add Instrument to pull up FX pairs, indices, commodities, metals, and select CFDs. 

The demo mirrors tradable Forex and CFDs and gives you up to $100,000 virtual funds to practice.

Click ‘T’ next to any instrument to open a trade window.

This will open a new window where you can enter details like:

• Take profit
• Stop loss
• Limits
• OCO

The right side of the demo account shows a multi-panel chart grid with toolbars for timeframes, indicators, drawings, and layouts. CFXD uses TradingView-powered charts; you can save layouts, pop indicators, and switch intervals quickly. 

Autochartist helps you to scan markets for emerging patterns, volatility ranges, and probability stats, then send a trade to the ticket.

The bottom panel tracks open positions, working orders, fills, and a journal of actions. 

Is Swissquote UAE worth it?

Swissquote is for UAE investors who want a single, secure place to bank and invest globally. You get Swiss bank custody, a DFSA-licensed presence in Dubai, and a true multi-currency account. 

It's a premium, all-in-one banking and investment platform.

It’s especially well-suited for internationally-minded investors and expats in the UAE who value security and global access over rock-bottom fees.

Think of it as paying a bit of a premium (like shopping at a high-end department store) to get a wide selection and peace of mind. If that aligns with your needs, Swissquote is worth it. On the other hand, if you just want the absolute cheapest way to buy an index fund, you might lean towards other brokers.

Here are some trade-offs:

• There is a $1,000 minimum to start
• Stock and EFT trades are charged at 0.10% with a $9 minimum
• Securities incur a 0.15% yearly custody fee
• Currency conversion adds close to 1% when you switch between AED, USD, and EUR.

If you plan to build a serious, diversified portfolio and you want the comfort of Swiss banking plus local oversight, Swissquote is worth it. If you only dabble with small amounts or need UAE market stocks, look elsewhere.

We hope this review gave you a clear picture of Swissquote’s offerings for UAE residents. Remember to compare with other brokers to ensure you find the best fit for your situation.

Happy investing and feel free to reach out to us in case you have any questions or feedback!