A head-to-head comparison of FXTM and Skilling across regulation, trading costs, platforms, and editorial scoring.
CySEC and FCA-regulated broker with broad emerging-market reach, strong copy trading via MyFXBook integration, and a low $10 minimum deposit that makes it accessible to first-time traders.
Modern Swedish-founded broker with CySEC and FCA regulation, a visually polished proprietary platform, and cTrader for advanced traders - well-positioned for EU retail clients seeking a contemporary alternative to legacy MetaTrader brokers.
FXTM edges ahead with a score of 4.2/5 vs Skilling'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.
Skilling offers tighter spreads from 0.7 pips vs 1.5 pips for FXTM, reducing trading costs.
Both brokers show an equally strong safety profile across regulation, fund protection, and client safeguards.
Skilling offers more exclusive platform options: cTrader, Skilling Trader, a proprietary platform.
FXTM edges out Skilling 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 | 4.2 / 5 | 4.3 / 5▲ |
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 3.9 / 5 | 4.2 / 5▲ |
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.0 / 5 | 4.3 / 5▲ |
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.3 / 5▲ | 4.1 / 5 |
| Founded | 2011 | 2016 |
| Headquarters | Limassol, Cyprus | Valletta, Malta |
| Min deposit | $10 | $100 |
| Spreads from | 1.5 pips | 0.7 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Max leverage | 1000:1 | 500:1 |
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
| Regulators | FCA FSCA CySEC FSC | FCA FSCA CySEC |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 | MetaTrader 4 cTrader Skilling Trader |
| Active bonuses | ||
| Visit broker | Visit FXTM | Visit Skilling |
Pros
Low $10 minimum deposit on Micro accounts
Strong copy trading via FXTM Invest platform
Extensive education - webinars, video courses, and market analysis
Multilingual support in 20+ languages
Regulated by top-tier authorities (FCA, ASIC, CySEC)
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
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Pros
Clean modern Skilling Trader platform - excellent UX for new-to-intermediate traders
cTrader available with raw spreads from 0.0 pips
CySEC and FCA regulation with EU and UK investor protections
Growing Latin American presence with local-language support
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
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
Multilingual customer support
Cons
Standard account spreads are not ECN-competitive
Platform choice limited to MT4 and MT5
Mauritius FSC entity offers less investor protection than FCA/CySEC
No proprietary platform
Limited charting capabilities
Cons
$100 minimum deposit on standard accounts
Newer broker - less track record than IG or Pepperstone
Product range narrower than multi-asset brokers
No phone support
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | FXTM | Skilling |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Pass |
| Proprietary platform | Fail | Pass |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Fail | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
Based on our independent editorial scoring, FXTM ranks higher with a score of 4.2/5 vs 4.1/5 for Skilling. The best choice still depends on your individual trading needs; FXTM and Skilling may each suit different trader profiles.
Skilling offers tighter spreads starting from 0.7 pips, compared to FXTM's spreads from 1.5 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, particularly valuable for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
FXTM has a lower minimum deposit of $10, while Skilling requires at least $100. This makes FXTM more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both FXTM and Skilling 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: FXTM has a lower minimum deposit ($10), lowering the barrier to entry; both brokers offer negative balance protection. Also weigh up educational resources and customer support quality before deciding.
FXTM offers maximum leverage of 1000:1, while Skilling offers up to 500:1. Available leverage varies by account type, instrument, and jurisdiction. Higher leverage amplifies both potential profits and losses. Always use appropriate risk management.
FXTM supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and Skilling offers MetaTrader 4, cTrader, Skilling Trader; both support MetaTrader 4; FXTM exclusively offers MetaTrader 5; Skilling exclusively offers cTrader, Skilling Trader.
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