Independent broker researchIssue 020Vol. IV
020Vol. IVMay 22, 2026
— independent broker research —
Broker reviewLast reviewed · 14 April 2026

Rakuten review

Rakuten Securities, a leading online broker in Japan, offers diverse trading instruments and advanced platforms, ensuring secure and innovative solutions for global investors.

ByKenji TakahashiEdited by InvestorTrip Editorial teamLast reviewed April 14, 2026
About the broker

Overview

History & Foundation

Rakuten Securities is part of the Rakuten group and started in 1999. Today, it's one of the biggest names and leading online trading brokerages all over Japan, offering complete services in forex, stocks, commodities, and indices.

Mission and Vision

The company's mission is to serve and bring an array of trading solutions that are more accessible to all investors. It also aims to be a global leader in financial services through the use of technology and a customer-centric approach.

Worldwide Reach

With effectiveness coming from its Japan headquarters, it serves several million users spread across various regions in Asia and the Pacific. It provides local contact and support for a wide variety of languages.

Founded
1999
Quick scan

Strengths and watchouts

Strengths
  • Low payout threshold.
  • Paid in cash, not in points or gift cards.
  • Thousands of popular merchants.
  • Robust affiliate program for referring users.
  • Earn cashback on in-store purchases, too.
Watchouts
  • Offers may not track correctly.
  • Occasional in-app technical errors.
  • In-app browser can be slow at times.
  • Must activate in-store offers one by one.
Tier-1 register checks

Safety and regulation

It is regulated by the strict standards of the FSA in Japan and provides security to clients on a platform for financial trading. Funds must be credited to their liable banks after receipt and are kept entirely separate from any potential insolvency of the company. Investors fall within those categories covered by compensation schemes laid down by Japanese law.

Regulators on file
  • ASiC
Risk warning

Between 70% and 85% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with most regulated providers — the exact figure for any specific broker is published on that broker's own website. Consider whether you understand how these instruments work and whether you can afford the high risk of losing your money.

What you can trade

Markets available

  • Forex
  • ETFs
  • Stocks
  • CFDs
Min deposit and structure

Account types

AccountMin depositCommissionLeverage
Cash Upfront$01:1 to 1:30
Contra$01:1 to 1:30
RakuMargin$01:1 to 1:30
What you pay

Fees and costs

Spreads come with trade, but the starting point is 0.5 pips from forex pairs with the Standard Account. Following trade in indices and derivatives, there are minute commissions depending on the market and volume of transactions. A trader will be charged overnight, and this fee shall be determined depending on how much the client is going to trade. Islamic accounts are not offered at the moment. Lapses of dormant accounts for a considerable period are subject to a fee if failed to renew the terms in time at the broker's place.

Methodology

How we reviewed this broker

Each broker review documents the broker's claimed regulators, cross-references them against the public registers (FCA, CySEC, ASIC, FSCA, BCC and others), and notes any divergence. Where a regulator has issued a public advisory, the URL is cited inline so a reader can verify it directly. Tradable instruments, account types, and fees are sourced from the broker's published disclosures or documented as unavailable. The full scoring methodology is public.

Read the full methodology →
From readers

Frequently asked questions

Is The Broker Regulated?
Rakuten Securities is regulated and licensed according to the strict rules of the Japan Financial Services Agency (FSA), thus ensuring that all financial standards are observed within its boundaries.
Which platforms can I use for trading?
At Rakuten Securities, traders could use MetaTrader 4, a platform provided by the proprietary dealer, and apps for iOS and Android users.
How Much Is Needed to Open An Account?
The account type is first determined by the nature of the client and ultimately ends in a minimum deposit, with $100 for Class A accounts, but in general, it should be capped at the start of $100.
What Types of Accounts Does the Broker Offer?
Rakuten Securities offers accounts as per customer needs, including Standard, Premium, Corporate, and Demo accounts.
What Are the Charges and Commissions?
The charges will be in the form of spreads, commissions on stock trade, swap rates held overnight, and inactive trading costs for dormant accounts.
What's the Maximum Leverage Given?
Retail traders can leverage up to 1:30 as regulation permits. On the other hand, the accessible level of maximum leverage may be high for professional clients.
Are demo accounts offered to clients?
Yes, by developing demo accounts for them with 'play-cash' or money for practicing and fine-tuning successful investment strategies.
How Do I Contact Customer Service?
Via live chat, email, and telephone during business hours; customer service is multilingual.

Reviewed by the InvestorTrip Editorial team · Last updated 14 April 2026

Broker data documented from public sources: regulator registers (FCA, CySEC, ASIC, FSCA, BCC and others), the broker's own website, and IOSCO I-SCAN warnings where applicable. Information can change — verify current terms directly with the broker before depositing.