A head-to-head comparison of Forex.com and HFM across regulation, trading costs, platforms, and editorial scoring.
One of very few brokers accepting US retail forex clients, with deep research tools and competitive raw spreads for professional accounts.
Forex.com edges ahead with a score of 4.2/5 vs HFM's 4.1/5. A narrow margin, so review the breakdown below to see where each broker has a clear advantage.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
HFM offers tighter spreads from 0 pips vs 1 pips for Forex.com, reducing trading costs.
Both brokers show an equally strong safety profile across regulation, fund protection, and client safeguards.
HFM has a cost edge: tighter spreads from 0 pips, lower commission ($6/lot).
Forex.com offers more exclusive platform options: Proprietary Web/Mobile, a proprietary platform.
Forex.com edges out HFM with a higher editorial score (4.2/5 vs 4.1/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new traders.
| Editorial score | 4.2/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.3 / 5▲ | 4.1 / 5 |
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.2 / 5▲ | 4.1 / 5 |
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.1 / 5▲ | 4.0 / 5 |
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.0 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
| Founded | 1999 | 2010 |
| Headquarters | Bedminster, New Jersey, USA | Limassol, Cyprus |
| Min deposit | $100 | No minimum |
| Spreads from | 1 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission / lot | $7/lot | $6/lot |
| Max leverage | 50:1 | 2000:1 |
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
| Regulators | FCA ASIC CFTC MAS NFA IIROC | FCA FSCA CySEC DFSA |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 |
| Active bonuses | ||
| Visit broker | Visit Forex.com | Visit HFM |
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)
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
No minimum deposit required to open an account
Copy trading via HFcopy platform
FCA, CySEC, and FSCA regulation
High leverage up to 2000:1 on offshore entity
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
Raw spread account available
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
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
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
2000:1 leverage is extremely risky for inexperienced traders
No cTrader support
Zero account commission of $6/lot is above some ECN peers
No proprietary platform
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Forex.com | HFM |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Fail | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Pass |
| Proprietary platform | Pass | Fail |
| 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 |
Based on our independent editorial scoring, Forex.com ranks higher with a score of 4.2/5 vs 4.1/5 for HFM. The best choice still depends on your individual trading needs; Forex.com and HFM may each suit different trader profiles.
HFM offers tighter spreads starting from 0 pips, compared to Forex.com's spreads from 1 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, particularly valuable for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
HFM has a lower minimum deposit of no minimum required, while Forex.com requires at least $100. This makes HFM more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both Forex.com and HFM 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: HFM has a lower minimum deposit (no minimum), lowering the barrier to entry; both brokers offer negative balance protection. Also weigh up educational resources and customer support quality before deciding.
Forex.com offers maximum leverage of 50:1, while HFM offers up to 2000:1. Available leverage varies by account type, instrument, and jurisdiction. Higher leverage amplifies both potential profits and losses. Always use appropriate risk management.
HFM charges $6 per lot, lower than Forex.com's $7 per lot. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day.
Forex.com supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile and HFM offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5; both support MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5; Forex.com exclusively offers Proprietary Web/Mobile.
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