Two regulated forex brokers sit side by side in this comparison, yet their cost structures and platform ecosystems pull in different directions.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose if…
Choose BDSwiss if you want a $10 minimum deposit. You can open a Prime ECN account with raw 0.0 pip spreads at $6 per lot.
Choose if…
Choose FXCM if you rely on strong APIs, broad platform mix, and extensive integration across MT4 and the proprietary Trading Station. You gain MT4 plus the Trading Station and access to NinjaTrader and ZuluTrade.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 3.9/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.1 / 5 | 4.1 / 5 |
Pros
$10 minimum deposit (Classic account) - lowest among CySEC-regulated MT4/MT5 brokers
CySEC (199/13) regulation with ICF compensation scheme for EU clients
MT4, MT5, and proprietary WebTrader
Prime ECN account: raw 0.0 pip spreads at $6/lot commission
Client funds held in segregated accounts
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | BDSwiss | 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) | Pass | Pass |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Pass | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | 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 |
The scores are close: BDSwiss rates 3.9/5 and FXCM rates 4.1/5. FXCM 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.
BDSwiss starts from 0 pips, tighter than FXCM's 0.4 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
BDSwiss has $10, while FXCM requires at least $50. This makes BDSwiss more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both BDSwiss 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: BDSwiss requires a lower minimum deposit ($10), lowering the barrier to entry, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
BDSwiss lists maximum leverage of 30:1, 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.
BDSwiss charges $6 per lot on commission-based accounts. Commission details for FXCM are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
BDSwiss supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, while FXCM supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, ZuluTrade, MetaTrader 4, NinjaTrader. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile and MetaTrader 4. BDSwiss has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5. FXCM has exclusive access to ZuluTrade and NinjaTrader.
BDSwiss offers tighter spreads from 0.00 pips vs 0.40 pips for FXCM, reducing trading costs.
Equally matched; both offer strong regulation and client funds segregation.
BDSwiss suits active traders with raw ECN spreads and $6/lot commission.
BDSwiss is better suited for scalpers: raw/ECN spreads available, tighter spreads from 0.00 pips.
FXCM leads on platform choice with NinjaTrader, ZuluTrade, Trading Station, and MT4.
BDSwiss is best for beginners due to a low $10 deposit and clear pricing.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 3.9 / 5 | 4.2 / 5▲ |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 3.8 / 5 | 4.2 / 5▲ |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.0 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
|---|
| Founded | 2012 | 1999 |
|---|
| Headquarters | Limassol, Cyprus | London, United Kingdom |
|---|
| Min Deposit | $10▼ lower | $50 |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0 pips▼ lower | 0.4 pips |
|---|
| Commission / lot | $6/lot | N/A |
|---|
| 0.6 pips | N/A |
| Max Leverage | 30:1 | 400:1▲ higher |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | None | $50/month (after 12 months) |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrill |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardSkrill |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free for first per month |
|---|
| Regulators | CySEC FSA Seychelles FSC | ASIC FCA |
|---|
| Platforms | Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 | Proprietary Web/Mobile ZuluTrade MetaTrader 4 NinjaTrader |
|---|
| Active bonuses |
|---|
Negative balance protection
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
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
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
Classic account spreads (1.5-2.0 pips EUR/USD) wide for active traders
$1,000 minimum on the Prime ECN account
No cTrader or TradingView integration
Research tools are basic
Cons
Withdrew from US market in 2017
No raw spread account option
Inactivity fee applies
Both BDSwiss and FXCM are closely matched overall. The clearest differentiator is that BDSwiss has no inactivity fee, while FXCM charges one.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.9 / 5
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