On a regulated trading stage, FXCM and Spreadex square off over platforms, costs, and price access. The axis centers on how each firm balances execution, instruments, and trader support.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose if…
Choose FXCM if you want MT4/MT5 access and strong APIs.
Choose if…
Choose Spreadex if you want no minimum deposit and TradingView-powered charting.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 4.0/ 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 | Spreadex |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail | 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: FXCM rates 4.1/5 and Spreadex rates 4/5. FXCM 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 Spreadex's 0.6 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
Spreadex has no minimum deposit, while FXCM requires at least $50. This makes Spreadex more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both FXCM and Spreadex 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: Spreadex has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, 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 Spreadex lists up to 30:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
FXCM supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, ZuluTrade, MetaTrader 4, NinjaTrader, while Spreadex supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. FXCM has exclusive access to ZuluTrade and MetaTrader 4 and NinjaTrader. Spreadex has exclusive access to TradingView.
FXCM offers tighter spreads from 0.40 pips vs 0.60 pips for Spreadex, reducing trading costs.
FXCM benefits from FCA and ASIC regulation plus segregated funds.
FXCM suits active traders with MT4/MT5, REST/FIX APIs, and 400:1 leverage.
FXCM is better suited for scalpers: tighter spreads from 0.40 pips.
FXCM provides MT4/MT5, Trading Station, NinjaTrader, and ZuluTrade.
Spreadex offers 10,000+ markets compared with FXCM's 400.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.2 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.2 / 5▲ | 4.0 / 5 |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.0 / 5 | 4.1 / 5▲ |
|---|
| Founded | 1999 | 1999 |
|---|
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom | St Albans, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom |
|---|
| Min Deposit | $50 | No minimum▼ lower |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0.4 pips▼ lower | 0.6 pips |
|---|
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
|---|
| Max Leverage | 400:1▲ higher | 30:1 |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | $50/month (after 12 months) | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrill | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrill | Bank transferCredit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free for first per month | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | ASIC FCA | FCA |
|---|
| Platforms | Proprietary Web/Mobile ZuluTrade MetaTrader 4 NinjaTrader | Proprietary Web/Mobile TradingView |
|---|
| 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
FCA-regulated (190941) UK spread betting on 10,000+ financial markets
TradingView integration for browser-based charting and order execution
UK capital gains tax-free profits on spread bets under current HMRC rules
Unique dual financial and sports spread betting from one FCA account
No minimum deposit and no commission on spread bets
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
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
Withdrew from US market in 2017
No raw spread account option
Inactivity fee applies
Cons
UK residents only - no international client access
No MT4 or MT5 available
Research tools minimal
Not suitable for traders who need raw ECN execution
No raw spread account option
No MetaTrader support
No 24/5 live chat
Support available in limited languages
FXCM offers MT4/MT5 and 24/5 live chat that Spreadex does not. Both are FCA-regulated with segregated client funds and clear pricing, keeping the comparison closely matched.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4 / 5
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