IC Markets
FP Markets VPS: Free Hosting for EAs, Volume Rules and Set-up
FP Markets offers VPS hosting with Liquidity Connect in Equinix's New York and London data centres. It covers the fee if you trade more than 5 lots a month on Standard or 10 on Raw (MT4/MT5), or sponsors new traders who deposit US$1,000. Here is how to qualify, apply and connect.
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FP Markets partners with Liquidity Connect to offer a virtual private server for running Expert Advisors and other automated strategies around the clock. Its VPS page says the servers sit in the Equinix New York and London data centres, close to FP Markets' own trading servers, to keep latency low. The VPS works with MT4, MT5 and cTrader, and FP Markets covers the subscription fee for clients who meet monthly volume targets.
It also offers to sponsor a VPS for newer traders who make a minimum deposit.
| Provider | Liquidity Connect |
|---|---|
| Location | Equinix New York and London |
| Free on MT4/MT5 | Over 5 lots/month (Standard) or 10 (Raw) |
| Free on cTrader | Over 20 lots/month (Standard) or 40 (Raw) |
| New traders | Sponsored with a US$1,000 deposit |
| How to apply | Live chat or [email protected] |
Who gets it free
| Platform | Standard account | Raw account |
|---|---|---|
| MT4 / MT5 | Over 5 lots a month | Over 10 lots a month |
| cTrader | Over 20 lots a month | Over 40 lots a month |
The volume counts forex and metals. FP Markets' older FAQ wording gives 10 and 20 lots; its VPS page, quoted above, is the more detailed source, so confirm the current figure with support when you apply.
New to VPS
If you're just starting with forex or CFDs, FP Markets says it can sponsor a VPS plan when you deposit at least US$1,000 or equivalent, and covers the fee from then on if you meet the monthly volume.
How to apply
- Contact FP Markets' 24/7 Customer Support by live chat or email [email protected].
- Confirm your account and that you meet the volume or deposit condition.
- Receive your VPS IP address, port and credentials.
- Ask support for help installing EAs or third-party tools if needed.
Connecting from Windows
- Open the Start menu, go to Windows Accessories and choose Remote Desktop Connection.
- Enter the VPS IP address and port number.
- Click Connect, enter your credentials and click OK.
- On the certificate warning, tick 'Don't ask me again' and click Yes.
Mac users can install Microsoft's Remote Desktop app and connect with the same details. FP Markets says you can also monitor the VPS through its mobile platform.
Why use a VPS
- EAs keep running 24/5 when your computer is off.
- Protection from home power cuts and internet drops.
- Lower latency, since the server sits near FP Markets' trading servers.
- Reduced home electricity use.
EA rules to respect
FP Markets limits accounts to 5,000 actions in 24 hours, counting opening and closing trades, pending orders and modifications. If an EA exceeds it, the account is set to read-only and FP Markets emails you; you'll need to adjust the EA and contact support. Test an EA on a demo first. Our FP Markets demo guide explains how.
Keeping your platform updated
FP Markets recommends installing platform updates as soon as they're available, for new features, security patches and bug fixes. Log in to the VPS regularly to check that your EAs are running and your terminal is connected.
Is the FP Markets VPS worth it?
For anyone running EAs and trading a few lots a month, yes: the volume bar is low, especially on Standard MT4 or MT5. Compare with the free VPS at Exness and IC Markets.
VPS vs running at home
| FP Markets VPS | Home computer | |
|---|---|---|
| Uptime | 24/5 in a data centre | Depends on power and internet |
| Latency | Close to FP Markets' servers | Depends on your location |
| Cost | Free if you meet the volume | Your hardware and electricity |
| Set-up help | FP Markets support | Yourself |
Two ways to connect
FP Markets lists two ways in: Windows Remote Desktop Connection, which gives full access to set up EAs and install MT4 tools, and its mobile platform for monitoring on the go. Use the full desktop session for changes and the mobile view for quick checks.
What runs on the VPS
- MT4, MT5 and cTrader terminals.
- All Expert Advisors, according to FP Markets.
- Third-party tools, with FP Markets' help to install them.
- Trading 24/5, even with your own computer off.
Running EAs safely on a VPS
A VPS keeps an EA running when you're asleep, which also means mistakes run while you're asleep. Before moving an EA to the VPS, test it on a demo, cap its position size and number of trades, and make sure it places stops. FP Markets' limit of 5,000 actions a day matters most for EAs that modify orders frequently.
Log in to the VPS at least once a day to check the terminal is connected and the EA is active, shown by the smiley face on the chart in MT4. After any platform update, check that your EA and indicators are still attached.
FP Markets says it will help you set up the VPS, install Expert Advisors or third-party tools, and troubleshoot problems, so you don't need technical experience to start.
FP Markets' 5-lot bar on Standard accounts is one of the easier free-VPS thresholds we've seen. The bigger risk isn't cost, it's the 5,000-actions limit, so check how busy your EA really is.
Viktor ran a scalping EA on an FP Markets Raw MT5 account, trading about 25 lots a month. He asked support for the free VPS, received his credentials the same day and moved the EA across. Viktor also set the EA's maximum orders so it stays well under 5,000 actions a day.
Frequently asked
Does FP Markets offer a free VPS?
Yes, if you trade over 5 lots a month on Standard or 10 on Raw (MT4/MT5), or over 20 and 40 on cTrader. New traders depositing US$1,000 can be sponsored.
Where are FP Markets' VPS servers?
In Equinix's New York and London data centres, through Liquidity Connect.
How do I get an FP Markets VPS?
Contact Customer Support by live chat or email [email protected].
Which platforms work on the FP Markets VPS?
MT4, MT5 and cTrader.
How do I connect to my FP Markets VPS?
Use Windows Remote Desktop Connection, or Microsoft Remote Desktop on a Mac, with the IP, port and credentials FP Markets gives you.
Is there a limit on EA activity at FP Markets?
Yes: 5,000 actions in 24 hours. Exceeding it sets the account to read-only until you contact support.
Does FP Markets help install EAs on the VPS?
Yes. FP Markets says it will help install EAs and third-party tools and troubleshoot issues.
Is the FP Markets VPS available on cTrader?
Yes. The VPS supports MT4, MT5 and cTrader, with higher volume thresholds for cTrader.
Is the FP Markets VPS running at weekends?
FP Markets describes 24/5 trading operations, matching market hours; its support team is available 24/7.
How do I know my EA is running on the VPS?
In MT4, a smiley face in the chart's top-right corner shows the EA is attached and AutoTrading is on.
Do pending orders count towards the VPS volume?
FP Markets measures monthly trading volume in lots of forex and metals; ask support how your volume is counted.
Can FP Markets support help with VPS problems?
Yes. FP Markets says it helps install EAs and troubleshoot issues.
Can new traders get a free VPS at FP Markets?
Yes. FP Markets says it can sponsor a VPS plan for new traders who deposit at least US$1,000 or equivalent.
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