In this head-to-head, FBS and FXCM compete on regulation, pricing, and platforms. The axis of tension centers on perceived safety versus cost efficiency.
FXCM is FCA/ASIC regulated while FBS is not, but the pair remains closely matched overall.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose FBS if…
Choose FBS if you want no inactivity fee and access to raw spreads across Cent, Zero Spread, and ECN accounts, plus broad instrument coverage. That combination appeals to cost-conscious traders seeking tighter quoted costs in a wider market scope.
Choose FXCM if…
Choose FBS if you want no inactivity fee and access to raw spreads across Cent, Zero Spread, and ECN accounts, plus broad instrument coverage. That combination appeals to cost-conscious traders seeking tighter quoted costs in a wider market scope.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
FBS offers tighter spreads from 0.00 pips vs 0.40 pips for FXCM, reducing trading costs.
| Editorial score | 3.9/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 3.5 / 5 | 4.1 / 5▲ |
Pros
Very low $1 minimum deposit on Cent accounts
MT4 and MT5 on all account types
Multiple account types including Cent, Zero Spread, and ECN
Widely available across Southeast Asia, MENA, and Africa
Client funds held in segregated accounts
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | FBS | FXCM |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Fail | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS) | Fail | 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 | Fail | Pass |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Fail | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
The scores are close: FBS 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.
FBS 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.
FBS has $1, while FXCM requires at least $50. This makes FBS more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
FXCM holds top-tier regulation (FCA, ASIC), providing stronger investor protections. FBS may be regulated but does not hold top-tier status in our data. Verify regulatory status on each regulator's public register before depositing funds.
For beginners, two factors stand out: FBS requires a lower minimum deposit ($1), lowering the barrier to entry, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
FBS lists maximum leverage of 3000:1, 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.
FBS charges $20 per lot on commission-based accounts. Commission details for FXCM are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
FBS supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while FXCM supports ZuluTrade, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, NinjaTrader. Both provide MetaTrader 4. FBS has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5. FXCM has exclusive access to ZuluTrade and Proprietary Web/Mobile and NinjaTrader.
FXCM wins for safety and regulation due to FCA/ASIC oversight and investor protection.
FXCM wins for active traders, offering advanced charting and robust APIs.
FBS is better suited for scalpers: raw/ECN spreads available, tighter spreads from 0.00 pips.
FXCM wins for platform choice with MT4, NinjaTrader, and proprietary Trading Station.
FBS leads instrument variety with about 550 tradable instruments.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.0 / 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 | 2009 | 1999 |
|---|
| Headquarters | Belize City, Belize | London, United Kingdom |
|---|
| Min Deposit | $1▼ lower | $50 |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0 pips▼ lower | 0.4 pips |
|---|
| Commission / lot | $20/lot | N/A |
|---|
| 2 pips | N/A |
| Max Leverage | 3,000:1 | 400:1▲ higher |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | None | $50/month (after 12 months) |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPayPerfect Money | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrill |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPayPerfect Money | Bank transferCredit cardSkrill |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free for first per month |
|---|
| Regulators | FSCA CySEC IFSC | FCA ASIC |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 | ZuluTrade Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 NinjaTrader |
|---|
| Active bonuses |
|---|
Negative balance protection
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
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
Primary entity uses IFSC Belize, offshore, limited investor protection
Bonus turnover requirements are onerous
Very high leverage (3000:1) is a significant risk factor for retail clients
No top-tier regulatory licence
No investor compensation scheme
No proprietary platform
Limited charting capabilities
Cons
Withdrew from US market in 2017
No raw spread account option
Inactivity fee applies
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.9 / 5
Personalised recommendation
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