Best Forex Trading Apps in Canada 2024

Thadeus Geodfrey is an experienced and celebrated writer and self-taught trader specialising in cryptocurrencies and forex. Market analysis, identifying fraudulent brokers, and security are his cup of tea. At BrokerRaters Thadeus develops educational materials and user-guides, offer market insights, ensures our content conforms to the best standards. Join Thadeus to succeed in your trading endeavours.

checked icon Fact checked
Advertising Disclosure

We may receive compensation from our partners for placement of their products or services, which helps to maintain our site. We may also receive compensation if you click on certain links posted on our site. While compensation arrangements may affect the order, position or placement of product information, it doesn’t influence our assessment of those products.

As the work-from-home hype sweeps the globe, millions of are turning to forex trading to earn a living or as a secondary source of income. Canada enjoys a bustling community of forex traders, with top earners raking in thousands to tens of thousands of Canadian dollars. But to succeed in forex trading, you first have to find a good forex trading app. 

The only problem is that a quick search for a forex trading app on the Play Store or App Store will expose you to hundreds of forex trading apps at your disposal. Choosing a single one from the myriad of apps is an uphill battle, but that’s where we come in. Today, we’ll help you separate the wheat from the chaff and find the best forex trading app Canada has to offer. 

List  of the Best Forex Trading Forex Trading Apps

  • OANDA – Overall Best Forex Trading App Canada
  • XTB – Best Forex App for Low-Cost Trading in Canada
  • Forex.com – Best App for Advanced Forex Traders in Canada
  • AvaTrade – Best Forex Trading App for Beginners in Canada
  • Saxo – Best Forex Trading App for Potential Investors in Canada
In This Guide

Canadian Forex Trading Apps: Comparison Table

There are literally thousands of forex trading apps available for your consideration. The developers might try to woo you with low fees, bonuses, and other incentives. However, there’s much more to forex trading apps than bonuses and competitive fees. The ultra-low fees and spreads might come at the cost of mediocre customer support or subpar security measures.

Our team of experts took a holistic approach to determining the best forex trading apps in Canada. This involved testing the apps and examining their fees, licenses, customer support, and foundational software, among other factors. We also examined user reviews from Yelp, Trustpilot, and Reddit to determine the integrity of this information.

After rummaging through the tons of reviews and testing these apps, we whittled down a huge list of the best forex trading apps Canada to only 5 exceptional ones. The table below compares our top picks and shows why they made it to the list of Canada’s best forex trading apps.  

Best Forex Trading App Canada LicenseSupport ServiceSoftware PaymentDemo Account
OANDAIIROC, FCA, FTC, MAS, JFSA, ASIC24/5OANDA Mobile, OANDA Web, TradingView, MT4Credit/debit cards, Skrill, Neteller, Bank wire transferYes
XTBIIROC, FCA, BaFIN, FSCM, CySEC, CNMV, KNF24/5xStation 5, xStation Mobile Credit/debit cards, Paypal, Skrill, Bank wire transferYes
Forex.comCIRO, CFTC, NFA, CySEC, FCA, FSA, CIMA, MAS, ASIC24/5WebTrader, Mobile App, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, TradingViewSkrill, Neteller, Credit/debit cards, Bank wire transfer, e-wallets, PaypalYes
AvaTradeIIROC, FSA, ASIC, MiFID, CySEC, BVI, FCSA, ADGM, ISA, FFA24/5AVAOptions, AVASocial, AVATrade App, MT4, MT5, ZuluTrade, DupliTrade Bank wire transfer, Credit/debit cards, Paypal, Skrill, Neteller, Perfect Money, Yes
SaxoIIROC, FSA, ASIC, JFSA, FINMA, MAS, FCA, SFC24/5SaxoInvestor, SaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO Bank wire transfer, Credit/debit cards Yes

Apps Short Overview

Any seasoned forex trader knows that the above criteria only give a glimpse of what these forex trading apps have to offer. We’ll have to dig deeper into the apps’ finer points to get a complete picture. Two crucial factors reign supreme regarding an app’s profitability and overall trading experience, namely the fees and tradable assets.

Fees denote how much the apps will charge you for maintaining the account and executing trades. On the other hand, tradable assets are the array of financial instruments you have at your disposal to execute trades and make a profit or loss, depending on how you play your cards. The tables below give a quick rundown of the apps’ fees and assets to guide your choice.

Fees

Best Forex Trading App CanadaMinimum deposit requirementsCommissions/spreadDeposits/withdrawalsInactivity fee
OANDA$0From 0.6 pips$20 withdrawal fee$10 monthly
XTB$0From 0.1 pips2% deposit fee Skrill1% deposit fee Neteller$10 monthly
Forex.com$100From 0.0  pips$25 withdrawal fees for US banks and $40 for international banks   $15 per month
AvaTrade$100From 0.6 pipsFree $50 every 3 months
Saxo$0From 0.6 pips$10 withdrawal fee for Swissquotes$0

Assets

Best Forex Trading App CanadaStocksForexCryptoCommoditiesIndicesETFsOptions
OANDAYesYesYesYesYesNoNo
XTBYesYesYesYesYesYesNo
Forex.comYesYesYesYesYesYesNo 
AvaTradeYesYesYesYes YesYesYes
SaxoYesYesYesYesNoYesYes

Our Expert Opinion about Forex Trading Apps in Canada

The Canadian Forex trading space is ever-expanding, and brokers and app developers are eager to cash in on the buzz. Unfortunately, most are only interested in making money, prioritizing profits over security and reliability. 

However, this doesn’t mean that all forex trading apps in Canada are substandard. Far from that, a handful of apps rise above the rest for their dedication to quality service and unmatched credibility. We’ve done our due diligence, including conducting rigorous, hands-on tests, and conclusively established that the below forex trading apps easily take the cake.

It’s worth noting that all our takes come from first-hand experience with the said apps. We are completely unbiased and have no affiliation whatsoever with the apps mentioned. Our team strives to be as candid and transparent as possible to give you honest insights that will advance your forex trading career.

1. OANDA – Best Overall Forex Trading App Canada

It’s hard to go wrong with OANDA, regardless of whether you’re a beginner or an experienced forex trader. The US-based platform enjoys a massive user base in Canada and the rest of the world for all the right reasons.

For starters, the app has a simple and intuitive interface for easy navigation and effortless trading. The straightforward layout means users can easily find the tools and information they need to place their trades. What’s more, OANDA enjoys a stellar reputation in terms of market research and stays up-to-date with the latest economic news, data releases, and financial trends.

The trading fees are also reasonably low compared to other apps. OANDA is also highly regulated and one of Canada’s most secure forex trading platforms. Plus, opening an account with the app is a breeze, and it doesn’t charge a minimum deposit fee.

OANDA

✔Offers a negative balance protection
✔Customizable trading platform

trustpilor logo
943 User Reviews
google
6,200 User Reviews
apple
20,000 User Reviews
financeraters logo
Our Rating
Total Rating:
27,143 User Reviews
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets

Pros

  • Simple and intuitive user interface
  • No minimum deposit requirement
  • Robust educational resources
  • Solid regulatory compliance
  • Supports advanced trading tools
  • Allows traders to invest in no-commission shares

Cons

  • Higher-than-average spreads
  • $10 monthly account inactivity fee

OANDA broker has a clear fee structure with no hidden charges. This makes it easier for you to know how much you will be paying once you make a commitment. Some of the fees to incur at OANDA include the following:

Trading and Non-Trading Charges Details
Account Opening $0
Management Fee $0
Minimum Deposit Requirement From $0, depending on your jurisdiction
Commission From 0% on US-listed shares
Spreads From 0.6 points
Deposits and Withdrawals Free deposits. Withdrawal fees apply based on the payment method used
Inactivity $10 after 12 months
Overnight Funding Varies based on global market conditions
Currency Conversion Fee Calculated by applying a 0.5% mark-up or mark-down

From our analysis, we discovered over 8,000 trading instruments at OANDA. The assets are spread across various classes, including forex, shares, commodities, cryptos, indices, ETFs, and more. Note that some asset availability is limited to specific regions. For instance, while the broker mostly focuses on CFD trading and spread betting, real stock investing is offered to clients within the EU. You can invest in real shares from Germany, France, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

The best element about trading at OANDA is an opportunity to apply leverage in CFD and spread betting trades. Retail traders are given favorable limits up to 30:1. In contrast, professionals get 200:1. This makes it easier for you to manage larger positions with a small capital, thus increasing your chances of earning good returns.

Here is a breakdown of the assets offered at OANDA for informed decisions:

Asset Class Number Offered
Forex 70+ currency pairs
Shares 2200+
Indices 14+
Commodities 14+
Cryptocurrencies 30+
ETFs 40+
Bonds 6+

Disclaimer: CFD assets are complex, and carry the risk of losing money due to leverage. While many traders have earned good returns from the activity, more than 76% of retail clients lose their money. Therefore, consider whether you understand how CFD trading works and if you can afford to manage the risk of losing your money before venturing into such assets.

2. XTB – Best Forex App for Low-Cost Trading in Canada

Forex trading isn’t always profitable; minimizing costs is crucial to maximizing potential returns. If you’re looking to cut costs with your trading, then XTB is just what the doctor ordered. Like others on our list, XTB doesn’t have a minimum deposit requirement. The platform’s zero commission on standard accounts means beginners can perfect their skills as they slowly climb the ranks, minus the high trading costs that eat into their profits.

XTB builds its fees into its speed, which is relatively low compared to platforms like OANDA. It also doesn’t charge a deposit fee and charges a maximum 2% withdrawal fee for debit/credit card and electronic transfer. 

Furthermore, XTB doesn’t charge a withdrawal fee for withdrawals above $50. It also allows users to earn up to 5.2% interest on uninvested cash balances. This means users can get money while they wait for the perfect investment opportunity. However, these interest rates are subject to change and only apply to cash balances in USD, GBP, and EUR. 

XTB

✔User-friendly interface
✔Expert customer support services

trustpilor logo
1,338 User Reviews
google
65,000 User Reviews
apple
8,200 User Reviews
financeraters logo
Our Rating
Total Rating:
74,538 User Reviews
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets

Pros

  • No minimum deposit requirement
  • Large collection of trading instruments
  • Easy-to-use, novice-friendly interface
  • Free demo account
  • Extensive educational content

Cons

  • Dormant accounts are subject to inactivity fees
  • Doesn’t support third-party trading platforms like MT4 and MT5

We love XTB because it is one of the most affordable brokers out here. How so? For starters, there are no XTB minimum deposit requirements. Moreover, the broker’s users don’t have to pay additional fees while funding their accounts or cashing out. Most importantly, XTB doesn’t require traders to cover account opening, maintenance, or inactivity fees. In the table below, we’ve highlighted the fees, commissions, and costs you should take note of before committing to XTB.

Fees and Charges Amount
Account opening and maintenance $0
Minimum deposit $0
Deposit fee $0
Withdrawal fee $0 for withdrawals above $50; $30 for withdrawals below $50
Investing commission From 0%
Spreads From 0.3 pips
Currency conversion fee 0.5%
Inactivity fee $0

XTB users have unlimited access to 5,800+ financial products, ranging from forex pairs to commodities. You will be hard-pressed to find a broker with a more impressive asset portfolio than XTB. Let’s run through some of the assets we encountered while exploring and evaluating the XTB online trading platform:

  • Shares: Over 2,900 stocks are available on the XTB online trading platform, including popular products like Tesla, Amazon, and Intel Corp. You can start investing in them with capital as low as $10.
  • ETFs: As an XTB client, you can diversify your portfolio by investing in different ETFs, such as Dell Technologies, FACC AG, and PayPal Holdings PLC. The best part is such products have zero commission and a $10 minimum order requirement, which is pretty low.
  • Forex: Over 71 popular forex pairs are accessible to XTB users, from EUR/GBP and AUDCHF to NZD/USD, USD/CAD, and GBP/ZAR.
  • Indices: Presently, this broker offers 30+ indices, including popular instruments like AUS200, FRA, and US100. You can trade these products and magnify potential returns with flexible leverage.
  • Commodities: XTB offers you the opportunity to trade CFDs over 25 commodities, from cocoa and coffee to oil, gold, and gas.

3. Forex.com – Best App for Advanced Forex Traders in Canada

It’s hard for advanced traders to go wrong with Forex.com. The app is loaded with myriad features to help advanced traders analyze the market and make a serious killing. These features include performance analytics, market commentary, and an integrated Reuters news feed. However, the most useful tool for advanced traders is its advanced charts and graphing with over 80 technical indicators

What’s more, users can choose from multiple chart types with multiple styles and customizable information. They can also plan their next trade with charting and over 50 drawing tools with handy “undo” and “redo” buttons. 

Despite the advanced tools, trading with Forex.com is a breeze. The app allows users to create new orders directly from the charts and drag and drop their positions as they wish. It also has a zoom feature, which allows users to close in on their areas of interest.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Low trading fees
  • Solid regulatory compliance
  • Diverse and extensive technical analysis tools
  • Tight spreads as low as 0.0 pips
  • Quick order execution

Cons

  • Limited funding options
  • Scanty educational resources

4. AvaTrade – Best Forex Trading App for Beginners in Canada

Starting your forex trading journey isn’t the easiest endeavor, but AvaTrade can make the journey a lot smoother. The app has a well-laid-out and intuitive interface, allowing users to easily find currency pairs, trading tools, and technical indicators. Furthermore, the app has a wealth of educational material that beginner traders can leverage to grow their knowledge and sharpen their skills. These materials include ebooks, tutorial videos, and webinars.

AvaTrade also has a free demo account that beginners can use to master the art of forex trading and test different strategies. Unlike other apps, AvaTrade’s demo account doesn’t expire, so beginners can take their time to practice and find their footing before they trade with actual cash. 

The app also supports automated trading via platforms like Duplitrade and Zulutrade. With automated trading, beginners can copy the trades of successful and more experienced traders while learning the ropes. The app also has reliable and dedicated customer support to assist with issues and answer users’ questions.

AvaTrade

✔Regulated by FCA
✔The platform supports algorithmic trading

trustpilor logo
8,869 User Reviews
google
10,200 User Reviews
apple
25 User Reviews
financeraters logo
Our Rating
Total Rating:
19,094 User Reviews
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets

Pros

  • Simple, easy-to-use interface
  • Fast and easy account opening
  • Multiple funding options with free deposit
  • Reliable, round-the-clock customer support
  • Automated trading is supported
  • Large collection of educational and training materials

Cons

  • High inactivity fees
  • Higher spreads than some of its peers
  • Limited trading instruments

Our experts investigated the AvaTrade broker’s fees and charges. We first noticed that the platform has a modest minimum deposit requirement of $100. What’s more, its users pay no additional costs while depositing funds or cashing out. That makes AvaTrade an ideal broker for both cost-conscious and newbie traders who want to test their waters with small capital before going all in.

That said, AvaTrade requires dormant account holders to pay $50 after every 3 consecutive months of inactivity. Moreover, if you let your account remain inactive for over successive months of inactivity, the broker will charge you a $100 administration fee. Not to forget, AvaTrade requires traders who hold positions overnight to cover a premium.

Here’s a breakdown of the fees you should expect to encounter while trading with this service provider:

Fees and Charges Amount
Spreads From 0.9 pips
Administration fee $100
Inactivity fee $50
Overnight premium Yes

The AvaTrade trading platform’s users have access to over 1,250 financial instruments, from forex pairs and indices to commodities, options, ETFs, and more. Below is an overview of some of this service provider’s product offerings:

  • Forex: As an AvaTrade user, you can trade diverse popular currency pairs, like EUR/USD, CAD/JPY, and USD/TRY. You can also boost potential returns with leverage of up to 400:1.
  • Commodities: From crude oil to silver, corn, and platinum, countless commodities are available on the Ava trading platform. They have competitive spreads and juicy leverages for individuals who want to access larger positions with small capital.
  • Cryptocurrencies: With an AvaTrade account, you can trade crypto CFDs like BTC/USD, Ripple, and Bitcoin Gold. These assets have reasonable spreads starting from 0.10% over-market.
  • Stocks: Over 90 stocks are accessible on the AvaTrade platform, including popular products like Groupon, Apple, and Microsoft. You can trade such instruments and enjoy reasonable spreads starting from 0.13%.
  • ETFs: If you want to trade ETFs, AvaTrade has you covered. You’ll find numerous outstanding assets, such as the MSCI EAFE Index Fund, S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN-Series B, and Energy Select Sector SPDR.
  • Indices: After opening an AvaTrade account, you’ll get uncapped access to US500, UK100, CHINA A50. The broker also allows index traders to enhance potential returns with up to 100:1.
  • Options: AvaTrade’s AvaOptions trading platform allows users to trade options. It’s also equipped with 13 strategies, including call spread, put spread, and straddle.

5. Saxo – Best Forex Trading App for Potential Investors in Canada

Saxo stands out as the top contender for the best forex trading app for investors. Unlike other platforms, Saxo is backed by an actual bank with over a million clients worldwide. Investors can take advantage of the platform’s advanced trading tool and unlimited market access to grow their investments. 

The app offers a large array of trading instruments, including indices and commodities. Users can invest in major, minor, and exotic currency pairs. They can also invest in stocks, ETFs, bonds, mutual funds, and managed portfolios. Commissions on the said investment products are as low as 0.03% for platinum members and 0.08% for standard ones. Traders can build their investment portfolios and expand their wealth stores. 

Saxo is also popular for its extensive market research, which provides deep insights into global financial markets. Users can conduct comprehensive analyses and get access to economic data to guide their investing. 

Additionally, Saxo offers several technical analysis tools perfect for identifying trends and predicting price movements, making it one of the leading investment apps in Canada. We’re talking about everything from customizable charts to drawing tools. The platform also has advanced risk-management tools like stop-loss and take-profit orders to safeguard users’ investments and minimize losses in volatile markets.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Extensive trading instruments
  • Exceptional market research tools
  • A significant array of investment assets is available
  • Ability to invest in ready, long-term portfolios
  • Provides access to 50 international markets

Cons

  • Doesn’t support MT4, MT5, and other third-party software
  • No algorithmic trading for abroad users

Forex Trading in Canada

Forex Trading in Canada

Canada, like much of the West, allows forex trading with no cap on how much you can trade. Forex trading in Canada has enabled Canadians to eke out an honest living. Anyone above 18 can trade forex and other financial instruments without fear of legal repercussions. Trading is regulated by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO), which ensures fair and transparent forex trading.

Besides, CIRO forex trading apps are also highly regulated by different entities, including the FSA, FICO, and MiFID, among others. This means that forex trading in Canada is governed by an impressive regulatory framework designed to protect traders and maintain market integrity.

With that in mind, it’s worth noting that although lucrative trading is risky and doesn’t guarantee profits. Traders should do their due diligence before executing trades or risk losing their hard-earned cash. Successful traders conduct extensive market research and use various technical tools for their market analysis to increase their chances of making a profit.

What Is a Forex Trading App?

forex trading app

A forex trading app is a mobile or desktop application that allows users to trade forex. The app’s primary role is to act as an intermediary between users and the financial market. Users can speculate currency value and predict price movements to make a profit. These apps show real-time market data using charts and currency quotes so users can make informed decisions about their trades.

Forex trading apps also come with various tools, including technical indicators and news feeds, to help guide users’ decisions. They also have account management features and tools for managing risk. Most forex trading apps also provide access to educational materials like video tutorials, ebooks, and webinars, allowing users to expand their knowledge and refine their forex strategies. 

How Do Forex Trading Apps Work?

How Do Forex Trading Apps Work?

All forex trading apps share the same underlying principle and connect users to the forex market. Below is a brief explanation of how these apps work.

  • Account setup: Users must first create an account with the forex broker behind the app. This involves registering with your details, verifying your identity, and funding the account.
  • Market access: After creating an account, the app will give you real-time information on the foreign exchange market via charts and graphs. The app also provides currency quotes and market data. 
  • Placing trades: Users then elect a currency pair they want to trade and execute trades when the opportunity arises based on their strategy. Users can make different orders like market orders, stop-loss orders, and limit orders.
  • Technical analysis: Forex trading apps have various technical analysis tools to help users assess market conditions and forecast potential price movements. These tools include moving averages, MACD, and RSI.
  • News and alerts: These apps also provide news feeds and economic calendars to keep users on top of the latest events affecting the foreign exchange market. It also lets users set alerts for specific price levels, market conditions, or economic events to stay informed.

How to Choose the Best Forex Trading App in Canada

As mentioned, there are hundreds of forex trading apps for both Android and Apple devices. To select the best one for your needs, consider the following:

Licensing
User-friendly Interface
Supported Devices
Indicators and Charting Tools
Automated Trading Capabilities
Customer Support

Legit and reliable service providers are regulated by reputable bodies like IIROC in Canada, the FCA in the UK, and CySEC in Cyprus. As a Canadian, look for a trading app backed by a multiregulated broker. Also, check if the provider has had any recent issues regarding regulatory compliance.

An intuitive user interface is crucial for forex trading success, especially for novice traders. Look for an app with an organized layout. The app should allow straightforward order placement and should have an intuitive and clean design with basic charting features.

While looking for a suitable app, consider the type of device you use and choose a product that supports it. Although most forex trading apps are compatible with both Android and iOS systems, a few only work with one of these; you can never be too careful.

Indicators and charting tools let you analyze the market comprehensively so that you can make well-informed decisions about your trades. A good forex trading app doesn’t have to have all the indicators and charting tools, but it should have the ones you use most. Ensure the app you have in mind has all the necessary tools before downloading it.

Automated trading means that the app will execute trades on your behalf automatically based on the parameters you set. With automated trading, users can implement predefined trading strategies and reduce the impact of emotional decision-making. This element also allows traders to take advantage of profitable market opportunities 24/7 without having to stay glued to their screens and monitoring the markets constantly.

Reliable customer support is indispensable when choosing a forex trading app. The app you opt for should have various ways to reach out to customer support, including phone, email, and live chat. That way, you can get proper help in case of any issues or questions.

Pros and Cons of Trading With Forex Trading Apps

There are both upsides and downsides to using forex trading apps to trade forex. Below is an overview of the pros and cons of trading with forex trading apps:

Pros:

  • Forex trading apps provide immediate access to the foreign exchange market with real-time quotes so you can trade anywhere and whenever. 
  • The charts, graphs, market data, and news feeds in forex trading apps are updated in real time. so you can make the best decisions on the fly.
  • Different financial institutions regulate the best forex trading apps Canada offers to guarantee the safety of your funds and the privacy of your data.
  • Many apps are designed with user-friendly interfaces, making it easier for both beginners and seasoned traders to execute trades and manage their accounts. 
  • Forex trading apps have tons of features and tools to help traders make successful trades,  including indicators, automated trading, and customizable alerts.
  • These apps contain various educational materials like ebooks, webinars, and videos that novice and intermediate traders can use to refine their trading skills.
  • Most forex trading apps contain integrated payment systems allowing users to top up their accounts directly from their banks or e-wallets.
  • Traders who use forex trading apps get real-time updates on charts, news events, and currency quotes. 

Cons:

  • Although forex trading apps have various tools and features, their functionality is limited compared to PC software.
  • Even the best forex trading apps Canada experience technical issues like glitches, crashes, and connectivity issues once in a while.
  • Having a trading platform at your disposal could always lead to overtrading, which sometimes results in considerable losses. 
  • While most forex trading apps offer robust security features, they are not impenetrable and could gain unathorized access to your trading account and steal your data or cash. 
  • Using a forex trading app means you have to use a smaller screen size compared to PC platforms
  • Constant access to trading apps may result in increased anxiety and stress, which i detrimental to one’s mental health.

Conclusion

The best forex trading apps Canada has are among the best in the world. Regardless of your choice, remember to conduct extensive research and stick to your trading strategy to improve your chances of making a profit. It’s also a good idea to make the most of these apps’ educational resources to sharpen your skills. 

Remember, forex trading is risky, and there’s no guarantee of making money. So trade prudently using the right forex trading app, and you’ll be laughing all the way to the bank. It’s also worth noting that some forex trading apps may not have your desired technical indicators or analysis tools. As such, do your homework to ensure the app you opt for is fully equipped with all the tools you need for your trading.

author image
Thadeus Geodfrey

Thadeus Geodfrey is an experienced and celebrated writer and self-taught trader specialising in cryptocurrencies and forex. Market analysis, identifying fraudulent brokers, and security are his cup of tea. At BrokerRaters Thadeus develops educational materials and user-guides, offer market insights, ensures our content conforms to the best standards. Join Thadeus to succeed in your trading endeavours.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *