Overview
FXCM (Forex Capital Markets) was founded in 1999 and is one of the most established brokers in the forex trading industry. Headquartered in New York, FXCM has built a solid reputation for providing online trading solutions in currencies, stocks, commodities, and indices. Over the years, it has grown into a global brand with a focus on transparency, innovative technology, and excellent customer service.
- Founded
- 1999
Strengths and watchouts
- FXCM has established a very extensive physical presence with offices in countries all around the world
- FXCM have extremely trusted regulation in place by a number of the top bodies in the industry
- FXCM has won more than 25 awards over their years in business
- FXCM has a good range of account type choices available to suit most traders
- There are quite limited options for base currencies
- FXCM payment methods could be expanded upon to provide more choice to traders
- The education section could be expanded to cater a little more beyond just new traders
- Their US ban does not do the broker any favors
Watchouts are not yet documented for this broker. Review fees, regulation and account terms before opening an account.
Safety and regulation
FXCM is a regulated broker in multiple regions, including the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Australia by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). The broker is also regulated by the National Futures Association (NFA) in the United States. These licenses ensure that FXCM adheres to strict regulatory standards, providing a safe environment for traders. Client funds are held in segregated accounts to prevent misuse by the broker, ensuring that clients' capital is protected in the event of company insolvency. FXCM also provides insurance coverage for clients’ funds, adding an extra layer of protection.
- FCA
- ASIC
- FSCA
Between 70% and 85% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with most regulated providers — the exact figure for any specific broker is published on that broker's own website. Consider whether you understand how these instruments work and whether you can afford the high risk of losing your money.
Markets available
- Forex
- Commodities
- Stocks
- Indices
- Metals
- Energy
- CFDs
Account types
| Account | Min deposit | Commission | Leverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Not verified | 1.3 | 1:1 to 1:30 |
| Active Trader | Not verified | 1.3 | 1:1 to 1:30 |
| Spread Betting | Not verified | 1.3 | 1:1 |
| Professional | Not verified | 3.0 | 1:1 to 1:200 |
Fees and costs
FXCM offers competitive spreads, starting from as low as 0.1 pips on major currency pairs for Active Trader accounts. Standard accounts have slightly higher spreads but do not charge commissions, making them ideal for less frequent traders. Swap rates apply to positions held overnight. These rates are calculated based on the interest rate differential between two currencies and can vary depending on the instrument and market conditions. FXCM charges an inactivity fee after 12 months of no trading activity. Traders should ensure that they maintain regular trading activity to avoid any additional charges.
How we reviewed this broker
Each broker review documents the broker's claimed regulators, cross-references them against the public registers (FCA, CySEC, ASIC, FSCA, BCC and others), and notes any divergence. Where a regulator has issued a public advisory, the URL is cited inline so a reader can verify it directly. Tradable instruments, account types, and fees are sourced from the broker's published disclosures or documented as unavailable. The full scoring methodology is public.
Read the full methodology →Focused research pages
- RegulationFXCM regulation and safety checks
- Account openingFXCM minimum deposit and account-opening checks
- Minimum depositFXCM minimum deposit and funding threshold checks
- Company backgroundFXCM company background and entity checks
- RatingFXCM rating context and methodology checks
- SafetyFXCM safety, funds protection and entity checks
- Pros and consFXCM pros, cons and trade-off checks
- FeesFXCM fees, minimum deposit and cost checks
- MarketsFXCM markets and product availability checks
- Public reputationFXCM public reviews and reputation checks
Frequently asked questions
Is the broker regulated?
Yes, FXCM is regulated by top-tier financial authorities such as the FCA in the UK, ASIC in Australia, and the NFA in the US.
What trading platforms are available?
FXCM offers MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), and its proprietary Trading Station platform.
What is the minimum deposit required to open an account?
The minimum deposit for a Standard Account is typically $50, though the amount can vary depending on the account type and region.
What types of accounts does the broker offer?
FXCM offers Standard Accounts, Active Trader Accounts, and Professional Accounts.
What fees and commissions are charged?
FXCM charges competitive spreads starting from 0.1 pips for Active Trader accounts. Standard accounts do not have commissions but feature slightly wider spreads.
What is the maximum leverage available?
FXCM offers leverage of up to 400:1, depending on the account type and regulatory jurisdiction.
Are demo accounts available?
Yes, FXCM offers demo accounts where you can practice trading with virtual funds.
How can I contact customer support?
FXCM provides 24/5 customer support via phone, email, and live chat. You can contact their support team for any queries or assistance with your account.
Where this broker is ranked
Related comparisons
- Compare with FOREX.comFOREX.com vs FXCMFOREX.com and FXCM are often researched together by traders comparing established forex broker brands. This comparison uses only current InvestorTrip broker rows and points readers to the verification work that brand searches cannot replace.
- Compare with Trade NationTrade Nation vs FXCMTrade Nation and FXCM are natural comparison candidates for readers researching established forex and CFD broker brands. This page uses InvestorTrip's current rows to frame the decision and keeps the final choice tied to entity-level verification.