Two regulated forex brokers face off on pricing transparency, platform options, and execution quality. The tension centers on cost structure and tradable instrument breadth.
FXCM and Global Prime are closely matched, but Global Prime offers raw spreads from 0.0 pips while FXCM provides spreads from 0.4 pips.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose FXCM if…
Choose FXCM if you want 24/5 live chat support and a proprietary Trading Station platform.
Choose Global Prime if…
Choose Global Prime if raw spreads from 0.0 pips and transparent execution reports matter.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Global Prime offers tighter spreads from 0.00 pips vs 0.40 pips for FXCM, reducing trading costs.
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 4.2/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.1 / 5 | 4.5 / 5▲ |
Pros
Strong APIs (REST, FIX)
Trading Station + MT4
FCA regulated
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | FXCM | Global Prime |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Fail | 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 | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Fail |
The scores are close: FXCM rates 4.1/5 and Global Prime rates 4.2/5. Global Prime 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.
Global Prime 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.
FXCM has $50, while Global Prime requires at least $200. This makes FXCM more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both FXCM and Global Prime 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.
FXCM lists maximum leverage of 400:1, while Global Prime lists up to 500:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
Global Prime charges $7 per lot on commission-based accounts. Commission details for FXCM are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
FXCM supports ZuluTrade, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, NinjaTrader, while Global Prime supports cTrader, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. FXCM has exclusive access to ZuluTrade and Proprietary Web/Mobile and NinjaTrader. Global Prime has exclusive access to cTrader.
FXCM is best for safety and regulation, with FCA oversight and investor compensation scheme coverage.
Global Prime is best for active traders due to raw spreads and true NDD execution.
Global Prime is better suited for scalpers: raw/ECN spreads available, tighter spreads from 0.00 pips.
FXCM is best for platform choice with Trading Station and MT4/MT5 support.
FXCM is best for beginners with a lower minimum deposit of $50.
FXCM wins for instrument variety with 400 tradable instruments.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.2 / 5 | 4.6 / 5▲ |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.2 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.0 / 5 | 4.1 / 5▲ |
|---|
| Founded | 1999 | 2010 |
|---|
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom | Sydney, Australia |
|---|
| Min Deposit | $50▼ lower | $200 |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0.4 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
|---|
| Commission / lot | N/A | $7/lot |
|---|
| N/A | 0.7 pips |
| Max Leverage | 400:1 | 500:1▲ higher |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | $50/month (after 12 months) | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrill | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPalSkrill |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrill | Bank transferCredit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free for first per month | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA ASIC | ASIC VFSC |
|---|
| Platforms | ZuluTrade Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 NinjaTrader | cTrader MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
| Active bonuses |
|---|
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
Pros
ASIC regulated with published quarterly execution quality reports
Raw spreads from 0.0 pips with $7 round-turn commission
True NDD execution, no internal position matching
MT4 and cTrader available
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
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
Cons
Withdrew from US market in 2017
No raw spread account option
Inactivity fee applies
Cons
$200 minimum deposit
Limited product range, forex and major CFD classes only
No proprietary platform or copy trading
No investor compensation scheme
No 24/5 live chat
No phone support
Support available in limited languages
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4.1 / 5
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