In this comparison, FP Markets and XM clash on regulation, pricing, and platform access. The axis centers on cost clarity versus platform breadth.
FP Markets edges XM with an editorial score of 4.5/5 to 4.3/5, making FP Markets the higher-rated choice.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose FP Markets if…
Choose FP Markets if you want raw spreads from 0 pips and access to about 10,000 instruments.
Choose XM if…
Choose XM if you prefer a $5 minimum deposit.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
FP Markets offers tighter spreads from 0.00 pips vs 0.60 pips for XM, reducing trading costs.
| Editorial score | 4.5/ 5 | 4.3/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.6 / 5▲ | 4.3 / 5 |
Pros
True ECN pricing from 0.0 pips + $6 round-turn commission
Supports MT4, MT5, and cTrader, all three major platforms
IRESS platform for direct-access share CFD trading
Strong ASIC and CySEC regulation
Client funds held in segregated accounts
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | FP Markets | XM |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail | 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 |
The scores are close: FP Markets rates 4.5/5 and XM rates 4.3/5. FP Markets 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.
FP Markets starts from 0 pips, tighter than XM's 0.6 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
XM has $5, while FP Markets requires at least $100. This makes XM more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both FP Markets and XM 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: XM requires a lower minimum deposit ($5), lowering the barrier to entry, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
FP Markets lists maximum leverage of 500:1, while XM lists up to 1000:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
FP Markets charges $6 per lot on commission-based accounts. Commission details for XM are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
FP Markets supports cTrader, IRESS, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4, while XM supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. FP Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and IRESS and TradingView.
XM is better for safety and regulation due to multiple authorities including CySEC and ASIC.
FP Markets wins for active traders with raw spreads and broad instrument access.
FP Markets is better suited for scalpers: raw/ECN spreads available, tighter spreads from 0.00 pips.
FP Markets offers MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, and IRESS for platform variety.
FP Markets provides around 10,000 instruments, far more than XM.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.5 / 5▲ | 4.3 / 5 |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.4 / 5▲ | 4.2 / 5 |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.3 / 5 | 4.4 / 5▲ |
|---|
| Founded | 2005 | 2009 |
|---|
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia | Limassol, Cyprus |
|---|
| Min Deposit | $100 | $5▼ lower |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0 pips▼ lower | 0.6 pips |
|---|
| Commission / lot | $6/lot | N/A |
|---|
| 0.6 pips | N/A |
| Max Leverage | 500:1▲ higher | 1,000:1 |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | None | $5/month (after 90 days) |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerPOLiPayPal | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerPOLi | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free for most methods |
|---|
| Regulators | ASIC CySEC | ASIC CySEC ASF FSC KNF |
|---|
| Platforms | cTrader IRESS MetaTrader 5 TradingView MetaTrader 4 | MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
| Active bonuses |
|---|
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
Pros
USD 5 minimum deposit
Strong bonus program
Multilingual support
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
Cons
IRESS platform has a monthly fee for lower-volume traders
Customer support primarily oriented toward Australian trading hours
Not available to US residents
No proprietary platform
Cons
Spreads not as tight as ECN-style brokers
Not available to US clients
No raw spread account option
Inactivity fee applies
No proprietary platform
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4.3 / 5
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