Author: chaitanyababuvcb

• Understanding Scalping Indicators
• Moving Averages
• Relative Strength Index (RSI)
• Bollinger Bands
• Stochastic Oscillator
• Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD)
• Combining Indicators for Scalping Strategies
• Common Challenges When Using Indicators in Scalping
• The Bottom Line
• FAQ

Scalping is a trading style based on frequent transactions within short timeframes, often lasting only a few seconds or minutes. The objective is to capture small fluctuations in price that occur during active market conditions. To manage such rapid decision-making, traders look for tools that can help them catch minor price changes. Technical indicators are among them. They can provide structured signals for entry and exit points. This article outlines the indicators frequently used in scalping and describes how they are applied in intraday trading.

Understanding Scalping Indicators

As you may know, scalping is a trading strategy where traders aim to take advantage of small price movements by executing numerous trades within short timeframes, often closing trades within a few minutes. This approach requires swift decision-making and precise timing.

Technical indicators may be important tools in this context, as they provide real-time data and insights into market trends, momentum, and volatility. Using these indicators, traders can identify optimal entry and exit points, potentially enhancing their ability to navigate the rapid pace of the market.

Below, we’ll break down five indicators for scalping. You’ll find these scalping indicators in MT4 and MT5, and TradingView. Also, you can get started in seconds with FXOpen’s TickTrader trading platform.

Moving Averages

Moving averages (MAs) are considered by some to be the most popular indicator for scalping, smoothing out price data to help identify trends by calculating the average price over a specific period. In scalping, where quick decisions are crucial, certain types of moving averages can be useful.

Exponential Moving Average (EMA)

Unlike the Simple Moving Average (SMA), which assigns equal weight to all data points, the EMA gives more significance to recent prices, making it more responsive to current market movements. This responsiveness is advantageous for scalpers. For instance, a 9-period EMA reacts swiftly to recent price changes, potentially providing timely signals for entry and exit points.

Hull Moving Average (HMA)

Developed by Alan Hull, the HMA further reduces lag and enhances smoothness compared to traditional moving averages. It achieves this by weighting recent prices more heavily and using a unique calculation method. The HMA’s ability to closely follow price action while minimising lag makes it a valuable indicator for scalpers.

Applying Moving Averages in Scalping

• Crossover Strategy: Scalpers often use two EMAs of different lengths. A common approach involves a fast EMA (e.g., 5-period) and a slow EMA (e.g., 15-period). When the fast EMA crosses above the slow EMA, it may indicate a bullish trend, suggesting an entry point for a buy trade or an exit point for a short trade. Conversely, when the fast EMA crosses below the slow EMA, it may signal a bearish trend, indicating a potential entry for a sell trade or moment to close a long trade.
• Trend Confirmation: The EMA and HMA can be used to confirm trends identified by other indicators. For example, if the moving average is sloping upwards, it may confirm an uptrend, supporting decisions to enter long positions. If it’s sloping downwards, it may confirm a downtrend, supporting decisions to enter short positions.

You can find these scalping indicators in TradingView and FXOpen’s TickTrader trading platform.

Relative Strength Index (RSI)

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is a well-known scalping indicator that measures the speed and change of price movements, oscillating between 0 and 100. Traditionally, an RSI above 70 indicates overbought conditions, while below 30 suggests oversold conditions.

In scalping, traders often adjust the RSI from its typical length of 14 to shorter periods, such as 7 or 9, to capture rapid price swings occurring over minutes. This adjustment makes the RSI more sensitive to recent price changes, providing timely signals for quick trades.

Applying RSI in Scalping

• Overbought/Oversold Levels: When the RSI moves beyond 70 or drops below 30, traders watch for potential reversal points. However, scalpers may focus on the RSI’s movement back into the 30-70 range as an early sign of momentum shifting.
• Divergences: Scalpers also look for divergence between price movement and the RSI. For example, if the price reaches a new high but the RSI does not, it may signal a weakening trend and possible reversal. This divergence may support traders in anticipating quick market shifts.
• Midpoint (50 Level): The 50 level serves as a midpoint, indicating the balance between gains and losses. An RSI crossing above 50 may suggest bullish momentum, while dropping below 50 can indicate bearish momentum. Scalpers use this midpoint to assess the prevailing market trend.

Bollinger Bands

Bollinger Bands are a technical analysis tool comprising three lines: a simple moving average (SMA) in the middle, with upper and lower bands set at a specified number of standard deviations from the SMA. These bands expand and contract based on market volatility, providing a visual representation of price fluctuations.

In scalping, traders often adjust Bollinger Bands to shorter timeframes, such as 1-minute or 5-minute charts, to capture quick price movements. A common approach involves setting the SMA period to 7-10 and the standard deviation to 1.5-2, potentially enhancing sensitivity to short-term market changes.

Applying Bollinger Bands in Scalping:

• Bollinger Squeeze: When the bands contract, indicating low volatility, it often precedes significant price movements. Scalpers watch for a breakout above or below the SMA. When the price breaks above the SMA, it may signal that the price will rise, and vice versa.
• Reversal: Price breaching the upper band may suggest overbought conditions, while below the lower band may indicate oversold conditions. Scalpers use these signals to anticipate potential price reversals.

Stochastic Oscillator

The Stochastic Oscillator is a momentum indicator that compares an asset’s closing price to its price range over a specific period, typically 14. It includes the %K line, the current closing price relative to the range, and the %D line, a moving average of %K. The scale runs from 0 to 100, where readings over 80 suggest overbought levels, and those under 20 point to oversold levels.

In scalping, traders may adjust the Stochastic Oscillator to shorter settings, such as 5,3,3, to increase sensitivity to rapid price movements. This adjustment may help in capturing short-term market fluctuations.

Typically there are three different types of travel loyalty credit cards you can apply for:

• cards you get just for the sign-up bonus
• cards you get primarily for the strong on-going earnings rate
• cards you get but don’t use because they come with generous perks

Head for Points tends to focus on the first two types. I thought it was worth a look at the four loyalty cards which offer decent on-going perks even if you don’t use them.

This list expanded last year with the launch of the Hilton Honors Plus debit card which we reviewed here. The card gives you Hilton Honors Gold status for as long as you hold it.

For clarity, our list does NOT include perks which require you to hit a spending target each year to receive them such as the British Airways American Express 2-4-1 Companion Voucher or the Barclaycard Avios Mastercard upgrade voucher.

All of the perks discussed below are yours simply because you took out the card.

The place to turn for full details of all airline and hotel loyalty credit cards is, of course, our ‘Top Credit Card Offers‘ page, which summarises all of the cards and deals currently available.

Looking through the list, these are the four cards you might want to get but keep in your desk drawer gathering dust:

The Platinum Card from American Express

The Platinum Card from American Express

Bonus: 50,000 points

Read our full review

Representative 688.5% APR variable based on an assumed £1,200 credit limit and £650 annual fee. Interest rate on purchases 29.4% APR variable.

The Platinum Card from American Express is the most complex and most debatable card here.

Because you can get a very generous 50,000 Membership Rewards points sign-up bonus (converts into 50,000 Avios or 50,000 Virgin Points amongst other things) it may be worth giving the card a try to see if it works for you.

There are a lot of long-term benefits that can have real value:

• 2 Priority Pass cards, each getting you and a guest into 1,550 airport lounges for free.  If you give your second card to your partner, you have a family of four covered.  London lounges include the Aspire lounge in Heathrow T5, the Plaza Premium lounge in Heathrow Terminal 5 and the Club Aspire and No1 lounges in Heathrow T3, as well as a number of Gatwick options.
• Eurostar lounge access (cardholder only, no guests, although your supplementary Platinum cardholder can get in with their card)
• Lounge access with Delta in the US
• Access to Amex’s upmarket ‘Centurion’ lounge network at selected US airports, Hong Kong and London Heathrow Terminal 3
• Marriott Bonvoy (Sheraton, Le Meridien, Aloft, St Regis etc) hotels Gold status
• Hilton Honors (Conrad, DoubleTree, Waldorf Astoria, Hampton etc) Gold status
• MeliaRewards (Melia, INNSiDE, Tryp, ME) Gold status
• Radisson Rewards (Radisson, Park Plaza, Park Inn) Premium status
• Travel insurance, subject to enrolment, which is comprehensive although read the small print if you have pre-existing conditions
• Comprehensive car hire insurance
• Discounts and/or added benefits in luxury hotels via the Fine Hotels & Resorts programme
• £200 per year to spend in 150+ UK restaurants (no minimum spend required, credited at £100 per half year)
• £200 per year to spend in 1,800+ restaurants outside the UK (no minimum spend required, credited at £100 per half year)

…. plus some other bits and pieces, including car hire status. T&C apply to all benefits.

A lot of people, including myself, have The Platinum Card for the benefits but – because of the weak 1 point per £1 earning rate – do not use it much.

Our full review of The Platinum Card is here.

You can apply here.

HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard

HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard

Bonus: 40,000 points

Read our full review

Representative 100.2% APR variable based on an assumed £1,200 credit limit and £290 annual fee. Interest rate on purchases 29.9% APR variable.

The HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard is only available to HSBC Premier current account holders, and a substantial financial commitment to HSBC is required to receive one. 

You receive free airport lounge access at 1,400 airports worldwide via the Priority Pass programme.  Guests are charged at £24, although if you regularly travel with the same adult it would be cheaper to pay £60 for a supplementary credit card. There is no way of getting children into a lounge with you without paying the £24.  It is a cheaper way of getting lounge access than buying your own Priority Pass card.

If you get the standard free version of the HSBC Premier Mastercard, you also get a Priority Pass card but are charged £24 per lounge visit, no freebies.

You get comprehensive travel insurance, although this is technically a benefit of the free HSBC Premier current account. You would still receive this if you joined HSBC Premier but decided not to take out a credit card.

The card has a chunky £290 annual fee BUT you receive a sign-up bonus of 40,000 HSBC points (currently 60,000 points due to a promotion). These convert to 20,000 Avios or 11 other airline and hotel programmes.

Our full review of the HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard is here. You can apply here.

Consider the Lloyds Bank World Elite Mastercard too ….

Whilst it is not a ‘travel rewards’ card, and so not included in this article, you may also want to look at the Lloyds Bank World Elite Mastercard (apply here).

This costs £15 per month and includes Priority Pass airport lounge access. It is the cheapest option in the UK for someone who purely wants unlimited airport lounge access.

Unlike American Express, HSBC and Lloyds allow you to use selected airport restaurants with your Priority Pass. This HfP article looks at the UK airport restaurants which will give you an £18 credit.

Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card

Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card

Bonus: 20,000 points

Read our full review

Representative 52.9% APR variable based on an assumed £1,200 credit limit and £95 annual fee. Interest rate on purchases 29.4% APR variable.

The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card comes with 15 free elite night credits per year.

15 night credits means that you will immediately qualify for free Silver Elite status in Marriott Bonvoy.  This has few real benefits, except for a 10% bonus on base points earned from Marriott hotel stays, so it is debatable whether it is worth the £95 annual card fee on its own.

However, it also puts you 15 nights nearer the very valuable Platinum Elite status which usually requires 50 nights. Platinum Elite comes with guaranteed lounge access, breakfast benefits and a guaranteed 4pm check-out.

I have this card myself and find that I can manage 35 Marriott nights each year on top to requalify for Platinum Elite. The 15 free elite nights even count towards lifetime status with Marriott Bonvoy.

You will also receive 20,000 Marriott Bonvoy points as a sign-up bonus (T&C apply) if you qualify and meet the spending target.

Our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card is here.

You can apply here.

If you’re looking for a credit card these are the ones you need.

Credit cards can be good, and they can be bad. It all depends on why you want one and how you use it.

In this guide I’ll take you through each of the main purposes for credit cards and my picks of the best ones available, though as I’ll explain, sometimes you might be better off with a different option (it’ll all become clear).

So whether you need to reduce the cost of existing debt, spread out the cost of a new purchase, earn cashback or rewards, build your credit rating or get some extra consumer protection, these are the top credit cards for 2025.

In this article

1The best credit card for you

2Best credit card welcome bonuses

3Best 0% purchase credit card

4Best 0% balance transfer credit cards

5Best 0% money transfer credit cards

6Best credit building credit cards

7Best travel credit card

8Best ongoing reward & cashback credit cards

Some articles on the site contain affiliate links, which provide a small commission to help fund our work. However, they won’t affect the price you pay or our editorial independence. Read more here.

The best credit card for you

The cards listed here are the best of the bunch – but only in an ideal world.

There are some essential rules when applying for and using credit cards, and they could mean there are better options for your needs. This includes checking your eligibility before applying across a range of cards, ideally on a comparison site. Check the rules out here.

Why I’ve not listed interest rates

You’ll notice I don’t mention interest rates at all below. And the big reason is I don’t want you to get a credit card if you are going to get charged interest.

That means clearing the balance in full every month, or in the case of 0% interest cards, clearing the balance before that special offer ends.

If you think that you will have to pay interest some or most months then very simply you need to look for the lowest rate you can and ignore things like cashback.

Best credit card welcome bonuses

If you’re eligible then the most you’ll make from a credit card is via a welcome bonus. Often you’ll only get it once, unless you go without a card from the same provider for a couple of years, though there are a handful that allow you to get more than one.

Winner: American Express Cashback credit card

Welcome offer	5% back for the first three months (up to £125)
Card fee	£25 (can get this back via referral links or occasional offers)
Ongoing cashback	0.75% per £1, then 1.25% after £10,000 spend (resets each year)

You’ll earn 5% on the first £2,500 you spend in the first three months, and then reverts to the underlying 0.75% once you reach that total or the start of the fourth month.

Since this card doesn’t have a minumum spend to trigger the bonus, the Amex Cashback credit card is the most risk free option. So if you spend less that £2,500 you’ll still earn, though I’d suggest you try to time your application with a period of high spending.

The downside is the bonus and ongoing cashback isn’t paid for 12 months. Be sure to go via a referral link to cancel out the first year’s fee.

Choosing this card (or the Nectar Amex) also means you’re eligible for another welcome bonus from the Platinum card, though I’d only consider this when it is boosted. More here.

Check your eligibility for Amex credit cards

Runner Up: Boosted offers

Throughout the year some credit cards have boosted welcome offers, and they’re worth looking at when these happen as they can offer some huge bonuses.

Some of the one to look out for are, with the points available from recent offers as examples:

• American Express Platinum – up to 80,000 Amex Reward points with £10,000 spend in six months (details of any deals here)
• American Express British Airways Premium Plus – Up to 50,000 Avios points with £5,000 spend in three months (details of any deals here)

All credit card deals

The latest Amex offers

Check out this article with details of boosted referral bonuses and other extra offers with your American Express card.

Best 0% purchase credit card

Assuming that you will clear the balance by the end of the 0% period, the most important factors here are how long you need 0% for, and if you can get bonus cashback or freebies if accepted.

This is the type of card you’ll need if you plan to Stooze rather than earn cashback.

Winner: M&S Purchase Plus

0% length	Up to 25 months
Other benefits	Check Quidco and TopCashback before applying for cashback
	Earn points at M&S when spending

This is the joint longest 0% card right now, though you might not get the full 25 months. It takes my top spot as there’s the chance to also earn around £35 back from cashback sites when you go via them.

Check eligibility at M&S

Runner up: Check eligibility

Cards come and go, with the length of time at 0% varying, so there’s no point me listing each of these here. What will be most important is your eligibility. Watch out for those “up to” offers as you might not get the full length.

Sadly there are no 0% purchase cards listed on cashback sites right now, but it’s always worth checking once you know your chance of acceptance and before applying.

The best credit card deals

Check out my list of the best credit card offers and promotions

Best 0% balance transfer credit cards

If you have existing credit card debts then a balance transfer credit card allows you to move that money over to a new card where no interest is added for a set time. With some you also pay a transfer fee. Here’s more on how they work and the pitfalls to avoid.

Sometimes longest isn’t best, and going for a fee-free card could be much cheaper.

Winner: Barclaycard 14 month Balance Transfer card

0% length	Up to 14 months
Transfer fee	0%

This isn’t the longest 0% card right now, but if you can clear your debt in 14 months it’s my winner as there’s no transfer fee.

Sadly there’s no cashback on offer from cashback sites for this card, though there’s £20 available from Quidco for the Tesco Low Balance Transfer card, which has a 0.75% transfer fee for a guaranteed 15 months. However, you’ll wipe out the cashback if you transfer more than £2,750.

Check eligibility at Barclaycard

Runner up: Barclaycard Platinum 36 month Balance Transfer card

0% length	Up to 36 months
Transfer fee	3.45%
Other benefits	Check Quidco before applying for cashback

If you really need as long as you can then this card from Barclaycard is right at the top, though you might be able to get ones not too much shorter with lower fees.

Again, it beats other options as there’s £15 in cashback available from Quidco.