Is Pocket Option Legit or Safe? Reviews, Risks & Ratings

Snapshot & Key Facts

If you head over to the official Pocket Option website, you’ll see big promises: over 100 tradable assets, an interface anyone can pick up quickly, and low entry costs (with deposits starting around $5). The platform is run by Infinite Trade LLC, registered in Costa Rica, with a license from Mwali in the Comoros Union.

It also offers a mobile app on Google Play so you can trade on the go. But while the flashy features are tempting, the real question is — how does it actually work once you sign up?

Let’s move from the “brochure pitch” to how Pocket Option actually functions day-to-day.

How Pocket Option Works

Getting started is simple: you create an account through their registration page, verify your details, and then pick an asset.

From there, it’s all about predicting whether the price will go up or down in a chosen timeframe. Trades can be as short as 30 seconds or stretch longer, with potential payouts of up to 92% if your prediction is right.

The app and web version both support demo accounts — handy if you’re just testing the waters. But while the mechanics sound straightforward, the real sticking point for traders is safety and oversight.

Before diving in with real money, it’s worth asking: who’s watching over Pocket Option to make sure everything’s fair?

Safety, Regulation & Authorization

According to Pocket Option’s own safety page, they comply with AML/KYC policies, keep funds in separate accounts, and use SSL encryption. Sounds solid, right? The catch is that the license comes from Comoros — a jurisdiction that doesn’t carry the same weight as regulators like the UK’s FCA or Australia’s ASIC.

Independent sites like BrokerChooser flat-out say Pocket Option is not recommended because it lacks top-tier regulation. Similarly, Traders Union places it in the “Tier-3” category, meaning minimal oversight and low investor protection.

And when regulation is weak, the best reality check comes from real users — so let’s peek into what traders are saying online.

Reviews & Feedback

On Trustpilot’s Pocket Option UK page, the broker scores a 1.3/5 from over 160 reviews, with 90% giving it a single star. Complaints include frozen accounts, delayed withdrawals, and poor support. Another domain, m.pocketoption.com, shows the same pattern: traders say depositing is easy, but withdrawing is a battle.

Even Google’s own support forums have threads warning others to be cautious, with users describing their funds being stuck. Broker review platforms echo this, with BrokerChooser reminding that offshore brokers leave you with little recourse if things go wrong.

With that kind of feedback, it’s clear the risks deserve a closer look.

Risks & What To Watch Out For

The most common red flags include:

Weak regulation — licensed only in Comoros, not recognized by major regulators.

Withdrawal issues — multiple reports of denied or delayed requests.

Account blocks — users locked out without explanation.

Opaque pricing — some traders allege trades are “manipulated.”

You can find plenty of these warnings in Trustpilot reviews and Reddit discussions.

So with the risks piling up, the question naturally becomes: is Pocket Option actually legit or edging into scam territory?

Is Pocket Option “Legit” or a Scam?

Here’s the honest answer: Pocket Option is a real platform. It’s been around since 2017, has an app on Google Play, and processes actual trades. Some users do get paid.

But “real” doesn’t mean “safe.” With Tier-3 regulation and a flood of negative user experiences, the line between legit broker and risky operation gets blurry. In short: it’s not a pure scam, but it operates in a way that leaves you exposed.

And if that’s the case, who should absolutely think twice before putting money here?

Who Should Think Twice

If you’re a retail trader in Europe, the UK, or India, binary options are either banned outright or heavily restricted. Regulatory bodies like ESMA and the FCA have made it clear that binary options aren’t safe for the average investor.

That means Pocket Option is not a good fit if you:

• Want deposit insurance or compensation schemes.
• Expect quick dispute resolution.
• Prefer trading under a regulator that audits broker data.

But if Pocket Option isn’t the safest route, what should cautious traders do instead?

Safer Alternatives & Best Practices

Instead of taking a gamble on offshore brokers, consider platforms regulated by Tier-1 bodies like the FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), or CySEC (EU). BrokerChooser’s regulated broker list is a good starting point.

Practical safety tips:

• Stick to demo accounts until you fully understand the risks.
• Only use payment methods that allow chargebacks.
• Never send sensitive documents unless you’re comfortable with their storage.
• Keep trading sizes small; never risk money you can’t afford to lose.

Of course, with all the warnings, readers usually ask the same big questions — so let’s hit them quickly.

FAQ

Is Pocket Option legal where I live?
Depends. In many countries, binary options are banned. Always check your local regulator.

Why do people complain about withdrawals?
Because offshore brokers often delay or complicate payouts.

Is the Pocket Option app legit?
Yes, it’s listed on Google Play, but legitimacy of an app doesn’t equal strong regulation.

 With FAQs answered, let’s wrap up with rating.

Final Word & Personalized Rating

Here’s how Pocket Option stacks up:

Overall Rating: 2/5

Pocket Option is real but risky. It’s easy to start, offers many assets, and looks polished. But the lack of strong regulation and the flood of user complaints make it unsuitable for most traders. If you’re serious about protecting your funds, explore safer brokers regulated by top authorities — your peace of mind will thank you.