Forex.com and FXCM face off on regulation, spreads, and platforms. The tension centers on cost structures and platform ecosystems, inviting closer scrutiny.
Forex.com offers raw spreads while FXCM does not, making cost structure the clearest differentiator. Overall, Forex.com and FXCM remain closely matched on regulation, leverage, and platforms.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
FXCM offers tighter spreads from 0.40 pips vs 1.00 pips for Forex.com, reducing trading costs.
| Editorial score | 4.2/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.3 / 5▲ | 4.1 / 5 |
Pros
One of the few brokers accepting US retail forex clients
Deep research tools including macro analysis
Raw spread account with competitive $7 round-turn commission
MT4, MT5 and proprietary platforms
Regulated by top-tier authorities (FCA, ASIC, CySEC)
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Forex.com | 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 | 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 |
The scores are close: Forex.com rates 4.2/5 and FXCM rates 4.1/5. Forex.com 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 Forex.com's 1 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
FXCM has $50, while Forex.com requires at least $100. This makes FXCM more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both Forex.com 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.
Forex.com lists maximum leverage of 50:1, 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.
Forex.com charges $7 per lot on commission-based accounts. Commission details for FXCM are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
Forex.com supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while FXCM supports ZuluTrade, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, NinjaTrader. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile and MetaTrader 4. Forex.com has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5. FXCM has exclusive access to ZuluTrade and NinjaTrader.
Forex.com wins for safety & regulation because it is regulated by NFA, CFTC, FCA, ASIC, MAS, and IIROC.
FXCM wins for active traders due to higher leverage and robust API access.
Forex.com is better suited for scalpers: raw/ECN spreads available.
FXCM wins for platform choice thanks to NinjaTrader availability.
Equally matched for instrument variety.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.2 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.1 / 5 | 4.2 / 5▲ |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.0 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
|---|
| Founded | 1999 | 1999 |
|---|
| Headquarters | Bedminster, New Jersey, USA | London, United Kingdom |
|---|
| Min Deposit | $100 | $50▼ lower |
|---|
| Spreads From | 1 pips | 0.4 pips▼ lower |
|---|
| Commission / lot | $7/lot | N/A |
|---|
| 1.7 pips | N/A |
| Max Leverage | 50:1▲ higher | 400:1 |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | $15/month (after 12 months)▼ lower | $50/month (after 12 months) |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrill |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit card | Bank transferCredit cardSkrill |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free for first per month |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA ASIC MAS IIROC CFTC NFA | FCA ASIC |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 | ZuluTrade Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 NinjaTrader |
|---|
| Active bonuses |
|---|
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
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
$100 minimum deposit is higher than some peers
US clients restricted to 50:1 leverage on major pairs
Raw account pricing not available in all jurisdictions
Inactivity fee applies
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 4.1 / 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