What Is a Forex Welcome Bonus?
A welcome bonus rewards you for opening and funding a new trading account. It's the broker's hook — useful if the terms are fair, hollow if they're not.
Last updated 28 July 2026 · Reviewed by Tim Morris
What a welcome bonus is
It’s a sign-up reward for new clients, in one of two shapes: a first-deposit match (e.g. 100% on your first deposit) or a small no-deposit credit just for registering and verifying. Either way it’s designed to get you trading.
Welcome bonus vs deposit bonus
They overlap heavily — most welcome bonuses are first-deposit bonuses. The difference is mainly branding. See what a deposit bonus is and browse the best welcome bonuses.
What to check before claiming
The same things that decide any bonus: is it withdrawable or tradable credit, and what turnover unlocks it? Run it through the value calculator before you fund.
Frequently asked questions
› Is a welcome bonus the same as a deposit bonus?
They overlap. A welcome bonus is any reward for opening and funding a new account — often a first-deposit match (which is a deposit bonus), sometimes a small no-deposit credit. "Deposit bonus" specifically means a match on the money you pay in.
› Do welcome bonuses require a deposit?
Usually yes — most are first-deposit matches. A few are no-deposit credits given just for registering and verifying, but those carry tight conditions and small amounts.