AvaTrade vs FXCM Forex Broker Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of AvaTrade and FXCM across regulation, trading costs, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Heavily regulated across 6+ jurisdictions with a unique AvaOptions platform for vanilla options trading and strong educational content.
VS
Veteran FCA-regulated broker with strong API support, MT4, and the proprietary Trading Station platform.
Our Verdict
AvaTrade winsby 0.3 pts
AvaTrade edges ahead with a score of 4.4/5 vs FXCM's 4.1/5. A narrow margin, so review the breakdown below to see where each broker has a clear advantage.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Best for low cost trading
Recommended
FXCM offers tighter spreads from 0.4 pips vs 0.9 pips for AvaTrade, reducing trading costs.
Best for safety & regulation
Recommended
FXCM has a stronger safety profile: top-tier regulation, compensation scheme, segregated funds, negative balance protection.
Best for platform choice
It's a tie
Both equally suited
Both brokers offer an equivalent platform selection with similar exclusive and proprietary options.
Best for beginners
Recommended
AvaTrade edges out FXCM with a higher editorial score (4.4/5 vs 4.1/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new traders.
AvaTrade vs FXCM: Side-by-Side Forex Broker Comparison
Score
= highlighted score shows which broker leads in that category| Editorial score | 4.4/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.4 / 5▲ | 4.1 / 5 |
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.4 / 5▲ | 4.2 / 5 |
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.3 / 5▲ | 4.2 / 5 |
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.4 / 5▲ | 4.0 / 5 |
| Founded | 2006 | 1999 |
| Headquarters | Dublin, Ireland | London, United Kingdom |
| Min deposit | $100 | $50 |
| Spreads from | 0.9 pips | 0.4 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Max leverage | 400:1 | 400:1 |
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free for first per month |
| Regulators | FSCA ASIC ADGM CBI MFSA | FCA ASIC |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile | MetaTrader 4 Proprietary Web/Mobile NinjaTrader |
| Active bonuses | ||
| Visit broker | Visit AvaTrade | Visit FXCM |
AvaTrade vs FXCM Forex Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
Heavily regulated across 6+ jurisdictions
AvaOptions platform for vanilla options trading
Strong educational content and structured courses
Multiple platforms including MT4, MT5 and proprietary AvaTradeGo
Regulated by top-tier authorities (FCA, ASIC, CySEC)
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
No deposit fees
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Pros
Strong APIs (REST, FIX)
Trading Station + MT4
FCA regulated
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
No deposit fees
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Proprietary trading platform available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Cons
Inactivity fee of $50 after 3 months of no trading
Not available to US residents
Spread-only model means no raw ECN pricing
No investor compensation scheme
Cons
Withdrew from US market in 2017
No raw spread account option
Inactivity fee applies
AvaTrade vs FXCM: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
0
AvaTrade
criteria wins
1
FXCM
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | AvaTrade | FXCM |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS) | Fail | Pass |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Fail | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Fail | Fail |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Pass |
| Proprietary platform | Pass | Pass |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
AvaTrade vs FXCM: Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our independent editorial scoring, AvaTrade ranks higher with a score of 4.4/5 vs 4.1/5 for FXCM. The best choice still depends on your individual trading needs; AvaTrade and FXCM may each suit different trader profiles.
FXCM offers tighter spreads starting from 0.4 pips, compared to AvaTrade's spreads from 0.9 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, particularly valuable for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
FXCM has a lower minimum deposit of $50, while AvaTrade requires at least $100. This makes FXCM more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both AvaTrade and FXCM hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Both are considered safe. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners: FXCM has a lower minimum deposit ($50), lowering the barrier to entry; both brokers offer negative balance protection. Also weigh up educational resources and customer support quality before deciding.
AvaTrade offers maximum leverage of 400:1, while FXCM offers up to 400:1. Available leverage varies by account type, instrument, and jurisdiction. Higher leverage amplifies both potential profits and losses. Always use appropriate risk management.
AvaTrade supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile and FXCM offers MetaTrader 4, Proprietary Web/Mobile, NinjaTrader; both support MetaTrader 4, Proprietary Web/Mobile; AvaTrade exclusively offers MetaTrader 5; FXCM exclusively offers NinjaTrader.
Ready to get started?
Open an account directly with the broker that suits you best.
Score 4.1 / 5
More Broker Comparisons
More AvaTrade comparisons
More FXCM comparisons
Personalised recommendation
Not sure which broker is right for you?
Answer 6 quick questions and we'll match you with the brokers that best fit your trading style, experience level, and country.
Find my broker