AvaTradevs
FXCMForex Broker Comparison
AvaTrade and FXCM square off in a head to head on regulation, costs, and platforms. The matchup highlights how trust, pricing models, and toolsets shape choice.
Our Verdict
AvaTrade winsby 0.3 pts
AvaTrade edges FXCM on the overall editorial score, driven by higher Trust & Regulation and Customer Support ratings.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1AvaTrade lists 1250 instruments vs FXCM's 400.
- 2FXCM offers a compensation scheme; AvaTrade does not.
- 3AvaTrade is licensed by 5 authorities vs FXCM's 2.
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 0.40 pips vs 0.90 pips for AvaTrade, reducing trading costs.
Best for safety & regulation
Recommended
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 |
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)
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
The scores are close: AvaTrade rates 4.4/5 and FXCM rates 4.1/5. AvaTrade has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
FXCM starts from 0.4 pips, tighter than AvaTrade's 0.9 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
FXCM has $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. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, two factors stand out: FXCM requires a lower minimum deposit ($50), lowering the barrier to entry, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
AvaTrade lists maximum leverage of 400:1, while FXCM lists up to 400:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
AvaTrade supports ZuluTrade, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while FXCM supports ZuluTrade, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, NinjaTrader. Both provide ZuluTrade and Proprietary Web/Mobile and MetaTrader 4. AvaTrade has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5. FXCM has exclusive access to NinjaTrader.
