Opening an HFM account involves a few steps in a set order, and a missing document can hold up your first deposit. Many beginners are unsure what to prepare.
The short version: register in your myHF area, choose an account type, upload two documents, and deposit once they are approved. HFM's help centre states documents are checked within 48 hours (checked 20 October 2026).
After reading, you will know the steps, the documents to prepare and the account minimums to compare before you register.
HFM account opening: the short answer
- Register online, choose an account type and submit verification documents. You can deposit after approval.
- At least two documents are required: proof of identification and proof of address.
- The verification department checks documents within 48 hours.
- The minimum initial deposit depends on the account type: USD 0 for four of the six accounts.
- A demo account is also available for practice with virtual funds.
HFM's official site states that leveraged products such as forex and derivatives carry a high degree of risk to your capital and may not suit all investors. Read the Risk Disclosure before you open an account.
How to open an HFM account: 5 registration steps
HFM's help centre describes the flow in one sentence: open a live account, select your account type, complete the quick online registration and submit documents. The steps below follow the flow on this site's HFM page, where you choose the live account after the documents. The help centre mentions account type earlier, so the order on screen can differ.
- 01Register and create your myHF area
Enter your country of residence and email address. The official FAQ states that a myHF area opens as soon as you register.
- 02Enter your profile details
Type your name, date of birth and address exactly as they appear on your documents. HFM asks that the name on your ID matches the name on your proof of address.
- 03Upload your verification documents
Upload an ID and a proof of address in myHF. Details are in the next section.
- 04Choose your live account
Select the account type, platform (MT4 or MT5), account currency and leverage. The options shown depend on your country.
- 05Deposit and log in
Deposit from your own name once approved. Then log in to the platform with the details emailed to you.
HFM verification documents: what to prepare
For live accounts, HFM's official FAQ states it needs at least two documents to accept you as an individual client (checked 20 October 2026).
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Proof of identification | A current (not expired) coloured scan of your passport, in PDF or JPG format. Without a valid passport, a photo ID such as a National ID card or driving licence. |
| Proof of address | A bank statement or utility bill, not older than 6 months. Your name and physical address must be clearly displayed. |
| Name match | The name on the ID must match the name on the proof of address. |
| How to submit | Upload in your myHF area, or scan and email to backoffice@hfm.com. |
| Review time | Checked by the verifications department within 48 hours. |
HFM states that any deposits are credited to the account only after your documents are approved and your myHF area is fully activated. Upload documents right after registering.
HFM account types and minimum deposit before you register
You choose the account type during registration, and the minimum initial deposit depends on that choice. HFM's trading accounts page lists six accounts.
| Account | Minimum deposit | Spread from | Max leverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium | USD 0 | 1.4 pips | 1:2000 |
| Cent | USD 0 | 1.4 pips | 1:2000 |
| Pro | USD 100 | 0.6 pips | 1:2000 |
| Zero | USD 0 | 0 pips on Forex | 1:2000 |
| KATANA | USD 500 | 0.3 pips | Unlimited |
| Top-Up Bonus | USD 0 | 1.4 pips | 1:1000 |
※ Spreads are variable. Leverage may be adjusted; see the terms. Minimums are also shown in EUR and JPY on the official page.
- Accounts open on MT4, MT5, HFM WebTrader and mobile trading, according to the official page.
- Account currencies vary: Cent uses JPY or USC, and the others offer USD, EUR or JPY.
- The minimum trade size is 0.01 lot on every account.
- The page notes a limit on how many trading accounts one client can open.
HFM registration: entity and availability to check first
HFM is a brand name used by a group of companies. The entity and licence that apply to you are shown at registration, so confirm them on that screen.
- Read the entity name, registration number and licence shown on the registration screen.
- Check that your country is served. HFM states it does not offer services to residents of certain jurisdictions.
- Read the Risk Disclosure, Customer Agreement and Terms of Business before submitting.
- Note that fund-handling details are set out in the terms that apply to your entity.
HFM's regulatory page lists the group's entities and regulators. Use it to compare against what your registration screen shows.
HFM verification problems and first-deposit checks
- Is the ID current and not expired?
- Is the proof of address within 6 months and does it show your name and address?
- Does the name match on both documents?
- Is the whole image visible, with all four corners readable?
- Is the deposit coming from an account in your own name?
- Have 48 hours passed? If so, contact HFM support.
Per the help centre FAQs, support is available through live support on hfm.com/int/ or by email. The FAQ states 24/7 live support.
Try a demo account first, then open a live account
HFM offers a demo account on HFM MT4, MT5 and the HFM App with unlimited virtual funds. A myHF area opens for demo registrations as well.
- Demo: virtual funds only, no verification documents are described for it.
- Live: account type, documents, approval, then deposit.
- Joint and corporate accounts are also offered, according to the FAQ.
To compare account terms and see offers listed on this site, open the HFM broker page below.
Frequently asked questions
Q. How do I open an HFM account?
A. Choose Open a Live Account, select your account type, complete the online registration and submit your verification documents. Once approved, you can deposit and begin trading. A myHF area opens as soon as you register.
Q. What documents do I need for HFM verification?
A. At least two: proof of identification (a current passport, or a photo ID such as a National ID card or driving licence) and proof of address (a bank statement or utility bill under 6 months old). The names on both must match.
Q. How long does HFM account verification take?
A. HFM states its verifications department checks documents within 48 hours. Deposits are credited only after the documents are approved and your myHF area is fully activated.
Q. What is the minimum deposit to open an HFM account?
A. It depends on the account type. The official page lists USD 0 for Premium, Cent, Zero and Top-Up Bonus, USD 100 for Pro and USD 500 for KATANA.
Q. Can I open an HFM demo account without a deposit?
A. Yes. HFM offers demo accounts with unlimited virtual funds on MT4, MT5 and the HFM App. The official FAQ does not describe a deposit requirement for a demo account.
Q. Is HFM available in my country?
A. HFM states it does not offer services to residents of certain jurisdictions. The entity that applies to you is shown at registration, so check availability there.
Sources and conditions
FX Textbook is an independent information site, not a broker or provider of personal investment advice. Forex and CFDs involve risk. You may lose some or all of your invested capital. No trading result is guaranteed.
NEXT STEP
Know the steps? Compare HFM's account terms before you register.
Our HFM page lists account types, platforms and offers in one place. Check the entity shown at registration before you submit documents.
Brokers covered in this column
Account types, trading conditions and current offers are on each broker page.