FXCM
England
Established: 1999
General overview
FXCM started in 1999. It’s a well-known Forex and CFD broker based in London, one of the world’s biggest financial centers, and a popular pick for traders who want a trusted London broker.
The broker is fully licensed and tightly regulated by top authorities, including the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). This means strong protection for client funds and high security that meets strict industry standards.
FXCM gives access to a wide range of markets and modern platforms—MetaTrader 4 (MT4), NinjaTrader, and its own easy-to-use Trading Station—so traders can run many Forex and CFD strategies smoothly.
With very low spreads, fast trade execution, and flexible account options, FXCM is a reliable and beginner-friendly broker that also suits experienced traders. It’s often ranked among the top FCA- and ASIC-regulated brokers in global online trading.
Pros
- Well-Regulated: FXCM is regulated by top-tier authorities, including the FCA (UK) and ASIC (Australia), providing a strong level of trust and security.
- Comprehensive Educational Resources: FXCM offers extensive educational materials, including webinars, articles, and guides, catering to traders of all experience levels.
- Customer Support: 24/5 multilingual customer support is available through phone, live chat, and email.
Cons
- Higher Minimum Deposit: The minimum deposit of $300 may be considered high for beginner traders compared to some brokers that offer lower entry requirements.
- No Micro Account: FXCM doesn’t offer micro accounts, which could be less appealing to novice traders or those looking to start with smaller investments.
- Restricted Bonus and Promotions: FXCM does not often offer promotional bonuses or incentives, unlike some other brokers.
- Complex Fee Structure: While FXCM offers low spreads, its fee structure for different accounts and services can be somewhat complex for beginners to understand.
Regulations: FCA, ASIC, FSCA, ACPR, BaFin, CONSOB
FXCM places a high emphasis on trust and safety, demonstrated by its regulatory oversight. The broker is regulated by top-tier authorities, including the FCA in the UK, ASIC in Australia, and the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa. These regulators ensure that FXCM operates transparently and adheres to strict guidelines, safeguarding clients' funds. FXCM also offers negative balance protection for retail clients, adding an extra layer of security. Despite past challenges, FXCM has rebuilt its reputation as a reliable broker, now providing a secure environment for traders worldwide.
Is FXCM Regulated?
Yes, FXCM is regulated by multiple top-tier authorities, which enhances its credibility and reliability as a broker. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa are responsible for overseeing FXCM's operations. These regulatory bodies enforce stringent security standards, ensuring that FXCM operates with high levels of integrity and transparency. This regulatory framework helps make FXCM a safe and trustworthy choice for traders worldwide, offering them peace of mind when trading forex, CFDs, and other financial instruments through FXCM's platform.
Is FXCM Safe?
FXCM is considered a safe broker due to its regulation by the FCA, ASIC, and FSCA. The broker offers negative balance protection for retail clients and operates with a high level of transparency. While FXCM faced financial issues in the past, its acquisition by Leucadia National Corporation has solidified its position as a trustworthy broker with a focus on providing a secure trading environment.
Trading Station | MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | TradingView Pro | Capitalise AI
Visit PlatformsFXCM offers several trading platforms to make trading easier for everyone. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced trader, FXCM has a platform for you.
FXCM Trading Station
Trading Station is FXCM’s own platform. It is available on desktop, web, and mobile.
Key Features:
- Easy-to-use charts with many indicators
- Tools for automatic trading and testing strategies
- Shows market volume and trader sentiment
- Market Depth for active traders
Trading Station is good for both beginners and advanced traders.
FXCM MetaTrader 4 (MT4)
MetaTrader 4 is a very popular trading platform. FXCM allows you to use MT4 on desktop and mobile.
Key Features:
- Automated trading with Expert Advisors (EAs)
- Detailed charts and technical analysis
- Custom indicators and scripts
MT4 is great if you want to use automated trading strategies.
FXCM TradingView Pro
TradingView Pro works with FXCM and is mainly for charting and analysis.
Key Features:
- Advanced charts and tools
- Social trading and community insights
- Trade directly from the charts
TradingView Pro is perfect for traders who like analyzing the market visually.
FXCM Capitalise AI
Capitalise AI lets you create automated trading strategies without coding.
Key Features:
- Use plain English to set rules for trading
- Works with FXCM execution platform
- Customize your trading strategies
This platform is good if you want to automate trades easily.
Other Third-Party Platforms
FXCM supports additional platforms for advanced traders who want professional or automated trading tools.
QuantConnect: A platform for algorithmic trading where you can design and test trading strategies using code.
MotiveWave: Offers advanced charting and technical analysis with tools for strategy development and trading automation.
AgenaTrader: Designed for automated and manual trading, it provides strategy building, testing, and advanced market analytics.
Sierra Chart: A professional platform for charting, analysis, and trading, supporting custom indicators and trading systems.
SeerTrading: Helps traders create custom trading strategies and predictive models for automated or manual execution.
NeuroShell Trader: Focuses on AI and neural network-based trading strategies, allowing traders to use machine learning to forecast market movements.
Instruments: Currencies, Crypto, Indices, Metals, Energies, Softs
FXCM offers access to a wide array of financial instruments, catering to the diverse needs of traders. This comprehensive range includes forex pairs, indices, commodities, stocks, and cryptocurrencies. Such variety enables traders to diversify their portfolios and capitalize on different market opportunities. Specifically, FXCM provides the ability to trade over 40 forex pairs, encompassing major, minor, and exotic currencies. Additionally, traders have access to popular indices such as the NASDAQ and S&P 500, along with essential commodities like gold and oil. Cryptocurrencies are also available through CFDs, allowing traders to engage with the volatile crypto market. This extensive selection makes FXCM a versatile platform suitable for traders looking to explore various financial markets.
FXCM Forex
FXCM offers a diverse selection of forex pairs, encompassing major, minor, and exotic currencies, catering to traders of all levels. This broad assortment ensures that traders have ample opportunities to engage with different currency markets according to their trading strategies and risk preferences. Additionally, FXCM's competitive tight spreads and rapid execution enhance the trading experience by minimizing costs and delay, crucial factors for success in the fast-paced forex market. Whether traders are just beginning their journey in the forex world or are seasoned professionals, FXCM provides an optimal trading environment that supports efficient and effective trading activities. This environment is designed to meet the needs of all forex traders, ensuring they can act quickly and confidently in response to market movements. For a more in-depth look at the accounts available for forex trading, check the FXCM account types page.
FXCM Indices
FXCM provides traders with the opportunity to access a diverse selection of global indices, including prominent ones like the S&P 500, NASDAQ, and FTSE 100. These indices are available for trading as Contracts for Difference (CFDs), which offers traders the flexibility to speculate on the price movements of these indices without the need to own the underlying assets. This trading format is particularly advantageous for those looking to capitalize on both upward and downward market trends efficiently. By providing access to a range of global indices through CFDs, FXCM enables traders to diversify their investment strategies and take advantage of the dynamic movements in global markets.
FXCM Commodities
FXCM offers a robust selection of commodities for trading, including popular options such as gold, silver, crude oil, and natural gas. These commodities are available as Contracts for Difference (CFDs), allowing traders to speculate on their price movements without owning the physical commodities. This method of trading is particularly advantageous as it enables traders to potentially profit from both rising and falling market prices. Furthermore, trading commodities as CFDs with FXCM allows for greater flexibility and easier access to global commodity markets. This setup is ideal for traders looking to diversify their portfolios and tap into the volatility and opportunities presented by the commodity markets.
FXCM Stocks
FXCM provides a comprehensive array of stock CFDs from major global exchanges, enabling traders to speculate on the price movements of leading companies without the necessity of owning the underlying shares. This approach allows traders to potentially benefit from both upward and downward market trends, enhancing their investment flexibility. Offering stock CFDs from well-known exchanges around the world makes FXCM a particularly attractive option for traders looking to diversify their portfolios. This variety caters to traders with different investment preferences and strategies, broadening their opportunities to engage with international stock markets through a single trading platform.
FXCM Cryptocurrencies
FXCM provides a selection of cryptocurrency CFDs, including popular options like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. This offering allows traders to engage in the dynamic cryptocurrency markets by speculating on price movements through the use of CFDs. The flexibility of CFD trading is a significant advantage, as it enables traders to potentially profit from both rising and falling market trends without the need to own the actual cryptocurrencies. This method of trading is particularly appealing for those looking to explore the volatile crypto markets while managing risk and exposure more effectively. FXCM’s cryptocurrency CFDs present a versatile option for traders aiming to capitalize on the rapid price fluctuations characteristic of digital assets.
Standard Account
Best for: Casual or beginner traders.
Minimum Deposit: Approximately $50 USD.
Features:
- Access to over 100 assets, including forex, commodities, indices, stocks, and cryptocurrencies.
- Floating spreads starting from 1.3 pips on forex.
- No additional commissions.
- Compatible with Trading Station and MetaTrader 4 platforms.
Active Trader Account
Best for: High-volume or professional traders.
Minimum Deposit: Varies; higher than the standard account.
Features:
- Discounted spreads based on trading volume.
- Access to Market Depth for better liquidity insights.
- Free VPS hosting for automated trading.
- Integration with platforms like ZuluTrade and TradingView.
- Dedicated support and custom solutions.
- Supports algorithmic trading and Capitalise AI.
- Available in multiple base currencies, including USD, EUR, GBP, and more.
Spread Betting Account (UK Only)
Best for: UK residents seeking tax-efficient trading.
Features:
- Tax-free profits under UK law.
- No stamp duty or capital gains tax.
- Access to a wide range of markets.
- Utilizes the same platforms as other account types.
Spread Betting Account (UK Only)
Best for: UK residents seeking tax-efficient trading.
Features:
- Tax-free profits under UK law.
- No stamp duty or capital gains tax.
- Access to a wide range of markets.
- Utilizes the same platforms as other account types.
Islamic Account
Best for: Muslim traders adhering to Sharia law.
Features:
- No swap or rollover interest.
- Complies with Islamic finance principles.
- Available on both Standard and Active Trader accounts.
Note: The availability of certain account types may vary based on your country of residence. For instance, the Spread Betting Account is only available to UK residents. Additionally, specific features like higher leverage or VPS hosting may require meeting certain criteria or additional fees.
FXCM Deposit Options and Fees
Traders at FXCM have the flexibility to fund their accounts using various methods such as credit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller. Importantly, FXCM does not charge any fees for deposits, which can reduce overall trading costs. However, it's crucial to note that while FXCM does not impose deposit fees, third-party fees may be applicable depending on the payment provider selected by the trader. These external fees vary by provider and location. Deposit processing at FXCM is typically efficient, with most transactions being processed swiftly, thus enabling traders to begin trading almost immediately after funding their accounts.
FXCM Withdrawal Options and Fees
FXCM provides a variety of withdrawal options to accommodate traders' needs, including bank transfers and e-wallets such as Skrill and Neteller. Most withdrawal methods at FXCM are free of charges, which is advantageous for traders looking to minimize their transaction costs. However, it is important to consider that while FXCM does not charge for most withdrawals, there may be third-party fees associated with certain methods depending on the financial institution or e-wallet service used. The speed of withdrawal processing can vary, with e-wallets generally offering the quickest access to funds, allowing traders to receive their money in a timely manner. This efficiency in processing withdrawals enhances the trading experience by providing faster access to capital.
Skrill
UnionPay
GooglePay
Poli
FXCM offers competitive trading fees, particularly beneficial for high-volume traders. The brokerage's fee structure is designed to cater to various trading styles and preferences. Standard accounts at FXCM feature commission-free trading, which can be especially appealing to casual traders. On the other hand, the Active Trader account provides tighter spreads coupled with a low commission fee, making it an excellent option for those who trade more frequently and in larger volumes. Furthermore, FXCM enhances its value proposition by not charging fees for deposits and for most withdrawal methods. This approach to pricing makes FXCM a very attractive option for traders who are particularly sensitive to costs and fees associated with trading. For more details, visit the FXCM fees page.
FXCM Trading Fees
FXCM offers low trading fees, particularly advantageous for Active Trader account holders. These accounts benefit from exceptionally tight spreads, starting as low as 0.2 pips, along with a reasonable commission of $4 per lot round turn. This pricing structure is ideal for professional traders who frequently engage in large volume trades and require minimal spreads to optimize their trading strategies. Conversely, Standard account holders enjoy the perk of commission-free trading, albeit with slightly wider spreads. This setup is well-suited for more casual traders who may not trade as frequently or in large volumes. Overall, FXCM's fee structure is competitive within the industry, meeting the needs of both professional and casual traders by offering cost-effective trading solutions that align with industry standards.
FXCM Spreads
FXCM offers tight spreads on major currency pairs, which is particularly advantageous for those using Active Trader accounts. These accounts enjoy spreads starting as low as 0.2 pips, catering to professional and high-volume traders who require narrow spreads to maximize their trading efficiency. For those using Standard accounts, spreads are slightly wider, beginning at around 1.3 pips for major pairs such as EUR/USD. This arrangement makes FXCM a suitable choice for retail traders who might not trade as frequently or with as much volume. The combination of competitive spreads and fast execution establishes FXCM as an ideal broker for a diverse range of traders, accommodating the needs of both high-volume professionals and casual retail clients effectively.
FXCM Non-Trading Fees
FXCM is known for its minimal non-trading fees, enhancing its appeal among traders. The broker does not impose charges for deposits and most withdrawal methods, which can significantly reduce the overall trading costs for clients. This fee structure is especially beneficial for traders who frequently move funds in and out of their trading accounts. However, it's important for traders to be mindful that while FXCM may not charge for these services, third-party providers such as banks or electronic payment systems might impose their own fees, especially for international transactions. This can vary depending on the provider and the geographic location, so traders should consider these potential additional costs when planning their financial strategies. For a full breakdown of fees and costs, see the FXCM account opening details.
FXCM adopts a conservative approach towards bonuses and promotions, primarily due to the stringent regulatory restrictions that govern financial services in various jurisdictions. This cautious strategy ensures compliance with laws and regulations across the regions it operates, thereby maintaining high standards of transparency and trust. Despite this focus, FXCM occasionally introduces promotional campaigns that include deposit bonuses or cashback offers, which are designed to attract new customers and reward existing ones. These promotions, however, are not a constant feature and can vary significantly based on the trader's geographic location and the specific regulatory environment, ensuring that all offerings are appropriate and lawful.
The broker places a strong emphasis on maintaining transparent trading conditions and delivering high-quality service, prioritizing these elements over the use of aggressive promotional tactics. This approach reflects FXCM's commitment to building long-term relationships with its clients based on trust and reliability, rather than short-term gains through frequent promotions. By choosing to focus on the quality of its offerings and customer satisfaction, FXCM ensures that its clients can trade with confidence, knowing they are supported by a broker who values integrity and sustainable trading conditions over merely boosting short-term registrations or transactions.
FXCM is committed to providing an extensive range of educational resources designed to enhance the trading knowledge and skills of its clients. The broker offers a comprehensive selection of articles, video tutorials, webinars, and market insights, covering a variety of trading topics including technical analysis, risk management, and market strategies. These materials cater to traders at all levels of expertise, from novices to experienced professionals, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their trading proficiency. While the current educational offerings are informative and broadly accessible, there is potential for FXCM to further enhance its educational hub. Adding more interactive resources such as quizzes, in-depth courses, and practical trading simulations could provide a more engaging and thorough learning experience for users. This would not only help traders to test their knowledge but also ensure they can apply what they've learned effectively in their trading activities.
FXCM does not allow traders from certain countries to open accounts. FXCM banned countries include the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, European Union, Hong Kong, Australia, Israel, and Japan. This is because local laws and regulations in these countries do not allow FXCM to offer its services. Some countries also have bans or strict rules on forex and CFD trading, so FXCM cannot operate there.
Excluded Countries
United States
FXCM offers reliable customer support, available 24 hours a day, 5 days a week. Traders can reach the support team via multiple channels, including live chat, phone, and email. FXCM’s customer service is known for being responsive and helpful, assisting traders with account-related inquiries, platform guidance, and technical support. Additionally, the broker provides a comprehensive FAQ section on its website, offering solutions to common issues. For more details about FXCM's customer support, visit the FXCM customer support page.
Broker Name: FXCM
Broker Type: STP, ECN
Country: England
Operating since year: 1999
Regulations: FCA, ASIC, FSCA, ACPR, BaFin, CONSOB
Phone: 0800 145 6477
Email: [email protected]
Address: 20 Gresham Street, 4th Floor, London EC2V 7JE, United Kingdom
Broker status: Active
Yes, FXCM is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa.
FXCM provides MetaTrader 4 (MT4), Trading Station, and NinjaTrader, along with mobile trading apps for traders who prefer flexibility and mobility.
The minimum deposit at FXCM varies depending on the account type, with the Standard account typically requiring a minimum deposit of $50. For more information, visit the FXCM minimum deposit page.
FXCM does not charge fees for most deposit and withdrawal methods, although third-party fees from payment providers may apply. For more details, refer to the FXCM withdrawals page.
FXCM offers leverage of up to 1:400 for forex trading, depending on the account type and the trader’s location.
Yes, FXCM supports social trading through platforms like ZuluTrade, enabling traders to copy the strategies of more experienced traders.
FXCM offers a wide range of instruments, including forex pairs, indices, commodities, stocks, and cryptocurrencies.
FXCM provides several account types, including the Standard account for beginner traders and the Active Trader account for high-volume professionals. For more details, visit the FXCM account types page.
No, FXCM does not accept clients from the United States due to regulatory restrictions.
FXCM offers a variety of educational resources, including webinars, tutorials, articles, and market analysis, to help traders improve their skills and knowledge.
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