Forex trading with VPS: how to set up free and paid options

Trading Forex requires precision, speed, and uninterrupted execution. A Virtual Private Server (VPS) ensures your trading bots (Expert Advisors) run 24/7 without relying on your home computer. This guide will walk you through setting up a VPS for Forex trading with real-world examples.

Why do you need a VPS for Forex Trading?

1. Zero downtime – Keeps your trades running even if your PC crashes.
2. Low latency – Hosting near your broker’s server reduces execution delays.
3. Stable connection – No power outages or internet disruptions.
4. Automation-friendly – Perfect for running Expert Advisors (EAs) like Grid Traders, Scalpers, or Trend Followers.

How to set up a VPS for Forex trading

Step 1: Choose a reliable VPS provider

Not all VPS providers are ideal for Forex trading. Look for:
✔ Low latency (near your broker’s server)
✔ High uptime (99.9% or better)
✔ Windows OS support (MetaTrader 4/5 runs best on Windows)

Top VPS providers for Forex trading

You have two main options:

A. Third-party VPS providers

B. Free VPS from Forex brokers

Many brokers offer free VPS services to clients with minimum deposit or trading volume requirements. Examples:

Pro Tip: If your broker offers a free VPS, use it—it’s usually optimized for their servers, reducing latency.

Step 2: Set up your VPS (broker vs third-party VPS setup)

The setup process differs slightly depending on whether you’re using:
1️⃣ A broker-provided VPS (free/paid)
2️⃣ A third-party VPS (AWS, ForexVPS, etc.)

Option 1: Setting up a broker-provided VPS

(Example brokers: XM, Exness, BlackBull Markets)

1. Check eligibility and apply

• Log in to your broker’s client portal.
• Look for “VPS” or “Virtual Private Server” in the services section.
• Check requirements (e.g., minimum deposit, lot volume) and request activation.

2. Receive VPS credentials

• Once approved, the broker will email you:

  • IP Address (e.g., 123.45.67.89)
  • Username (e.g., Administrator)
  • Password (e.g., Abc123!)

3. Connect via remote desktop (RDP)

• Windows: Press Win + R, type mstsc, and hit Enter.
• Enter the IP address from your broker and click Connect.
• Enter the username and password when prompted.

4. Install MetaTrader (MT4/MT5) on the VPS

• Open the web browser on the VPS and download MT4/MT5 from:
  • Your broker’s website (recommended)
  • Or the official MetaQuotes site (https://www.metatrader4.com)
• Install MT4/MT5 and log in with your broker account credentials.

5. Transfer your EA and settings

• Option A: Copy your EA files (*.ex4 or *.mq4) and settings from your local PC to the VPS using:
  • USB drive (if allowed)
  • Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox)
  • FTP upload (for advanced users)
• Option B: Re-download your EA from the MQL5 Market (if purchased).

6. Optimize and run 24/7

• Disable sleep mode in Windows settings.
• Ensure AutoTrading is enabled (Ctrl+E in MT4).
• Test your EA for a few hours to confirm stability.

✅ Done! Your broker’s VPS is now running your EA 24/7.

Option 2: Setting up a third-party VPS (AWS, DigitalOcean, ForexVPS, etc.)

If your broker doesn’t offer a VPS or you need more control, a third-party VPS works great.

Step-by-step setup:

1. Choose a VPS provider

Popular choices:

• Forex-optimized: ForexVPS.net, CheapForexVPS, BeeksFX
• General cloud: AWS (Amazon), DigitalOcean, Vultr, Linode

2. Purchase and configure the VPS

• Select a Windows Server plan (Windows 2016/2019/2022 recommended).
• Minimum specs:
  • 1 CPU Core
  • 1-2GB RAM
  • 20-40GB SSD Storage

• Choose a server location near your broker (e.g., London, New York, Tokyo).

3. Connect via remote desktop (RDP)

• After purchase, you’ll receive:

  • IP Address
  • Username (usually Administrator)
  • Password

• Open Remote Desktop (mstsc) on your PC, enter the IP, and log in.

4. Install MetaTrader (MT4/MT5)

• Download MT4/MT5 from your broker or MetaQuotes.
• Install and log in with your trading account.

5. Transfer your EA and settings

• Use OneDrive, Google Drive, or FTP to upload your EA files.
• Place them in:
  • C:\Users\Administrator\AppData\Roaming\MetaQuotes\Terminal\...\MQL4\Experts

6. Optimize for 24/7 trading

• Disable Windows Updates (to prevent restarts).
• Set Power Plan to “High Performance.”
• Enable Auto Trading (Ctrl+E in MT4).

✅ Done! Your third-party VPS is now running your EA nonstop.

Comparison table: broker vs third-party VPS setup

Top FX and CFD brokers that offer free VPS

If you want low-latency, 24/7 automated trading, some brokers provide free VPS services if you meet certain conditions (minimum deposit or trading volume). Below is a review of top brokers offering free VPS, including Exness, XM, BlackBull Markets, and HF Markets.

Exness: best for scalpers and high-volume traders

🔹 VPS offer: Free (with conditions)
🔹 Server locations: London, New York, Tokyo
🔹 Minimum requirement:

• $500+ deposit OR
• Trade 10+ lots/month

Pros:

✅ No additional fees (free if you meet criteria)
✅ Excellent execution speed (good for scalping)
✅ Supports MT4 and MT5

XM Group – free VPS for all clients (with minimum deposit)

🔹 VPS offer: Free (via third-party provider)
🔹 Server locations: UK, US, Asia
🔹 Minimum requirement:

• $5,000 deposit OR
• Trade 5+ round-turn lots/month

Pros:

✅ Reliable and stable (good uptime)
✅ Works with MT4 and MT5

BlackBull Markets: best for ECN trading

🔹 VPS offer: Free (via BeeksFX)
🔹 Server locations: New York, London, Tokyo
🔹 Minimum requirement:

• $2,000 deposit OR
• Trade 20+ lots/month

Pros:

✅ Ultra-low latency (BeeksFX is top-tier for forex)
✅ No extra cost if you meet requirements
✅ Great for algorithmic trading

HF Markets (HFM) – flexible VPS options

🔹 VPS offer: Free (with conditions)
🔹 Server locations: London, Netherlands
🔹 Minimum requirement:

• $500+ deposit OR
• Trade 15+ lots/month

Pros:

✅ Good for medium-sized accounts
✅ Stable performance
✅ Supports cTrader and MT4/MT5

Related articles:

• Setting up a Forex trading ecosystem with VPS and VPN

• VPN vs VPS: which one does your Forex setup need?

• Forex trading with VPN and VPS: free offers of Top Forex brokers