Two brokers target US and global traders, trading cost structures against platform focus. The tension pits broad regulation and raw spreads against an options-centric, commission-driven model.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose if…
Choose Forex.com if you want 24/5 live chat support and MT4/MT5 access.
Choose if…
Choose tastytrade if you prioritize low options commissions and an options-focused platform.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 4.2/ 5 | 4.3/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.3 / 5 | 4.5 / 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 | tastytrade |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Fail |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS) | Pass | Pass |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Pass | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Fail | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Fail |
| Proprietary platform | Pass | Pass |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Fail |
The scores are close: Forex.com rates 4.2/5 and tastytrade rates 4.3/5. tastytrade 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.
Forex.com starts from 1 pips. Current spread data is not available for tastytrade. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date pricing.
tastytrade has no minimum deposit, while Forex.com requires at least $100. This makes tastytrade more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both Forex.com and tastytrade 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: tastytrade has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and Forex.com provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Forex.com lists maximum leverage of 50:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
tastytrade charges $1 per lot, lower than Forex.com's $7 per lot. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day.
Forex.com supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, while tastytrade supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. Forex.com has exclusive access to MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5.
Forex.com offers spreads from 1.00 pips.
Forex.com earns safety and regulation with broader coverage.
tastytrade suits active traders with broader instrument access.
Forex.com is better suited for scalpers: raw/ECN spreads available.
Forex.com provides MT4/MT5 plus a proprietary Web/Mobile.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.2 / 5 | 4.8 / 5▲ |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.1 / 5 | 4.7 / 5▲ |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.0 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
|---|
| Founded | 1999 | 2017 |
|---|
| Headquarters | Bedminster, New Jersey, USA | Chicago, Illinois, United States |
|---|
| Min Deposit | $100 | No minimum▼ lower |
|---|
| Spreads From | 1 pips | N/A |
|---|
| Commission / lot | $7/lot | $1/lot▼ lower |
|---|
| 1.7 pips | N/A |
| Max Leverage | 50:1 | N/A |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | $15/month (after 12 months) | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card | Bank transferWire transferACH |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit card | Bank transferWire transferACH |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | ASIC CFTC FCA MAS IIROC NFA | CFTC NFA |
|---|
| Platforms | Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 | Proprietary Web/Mobile |
|---|
| 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
Options commissions capped at $10/leg, major cost advantage for traders who size up
$0 to open options trades; $1/contract to close
Platform built natively for options: IVR, Greeks, curve tool, and multi-leg management all first-class
Futures and futures options on the same account as equity derivatives
No PFOF on options, exchange-routed for best execution
Part of IG Group (LSE-listed), institutional governance and financial stability
Regulated by top-tier authorities (FCA, ASIC, CySEC)
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Investor compensation scheme coverage
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
Mobile trading app available
Proprietary trading platform available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
Phone support available
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
US-only, no international accounts
Options-first interface has a steep learning curve for equity-focused traders
No live chat support, phone and email only
Minimal fundamental research tools; no stock screener or analyst reports
Mobile app less appropriate for entering complex multi-leg strategies than the desktop platform
No negative balance protection
No raw spread account option
No MetaTrader support
Support available in limited languages
Forex.com and tastytrade are closely matched overall; Forex.com offers broader regulation and raw spreads with MT4/MT5, while tastytrade specializes in US options pricing and a platform built for options trading.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4.2 / 5
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