Eightcap vs FOREX.com

Trading costs are rarely a single number. Spreads, commissions, overnight financing, currency conversion charges and inactivity fees can all apply depending on the account type and the instruments you trade. Rather than relying on headline figures, download the current fee schedule or product disclosure from each broker and compare like for like. Pay attention to the account type each quoted spread applies to, because a commission-based account and a spread-only account are priced differently and one may suit your trade frequency better than the other.

Key checks: Compare spreads and commissions for the same instrument, account type and time of day.; Check overnight financing (swap) rates if you hold positions beyond a single session.; Look for non-trading fees such as withdrawal, conversion and inactivity charges.; Confirm the base currencies offered, since conversion costs can add up on funded accounts..

Both brokers may operate through multiple legal entities, and the entity that onboards you determines which regulator oversees your account, what leverage limits apply and what client money protections exist. Do not assume the protections described for one country apply to your account. Locate the specific entity named in your account agreement, then check that entity's registration directly with the relevant regulator. Also read how each firm handles client funds, negative balance situations and complaints before you open an account.

Key checks: Identify which legal entity would hold your account and which regulator supervises it.; Verify the entity's license status on the regulator's own register, not just the broker's site.; Read the client agreement for details on segregation of funds and negative balance policies.; Check leverage limits for your region, as they vary by entity and instrument class..

Feature lists change, so treat any platform or market list as a snapshot that needs confirming. Open each broker's current instrument list and platform pages and match them against what you actually plan to trade. A broker with thousands of markets is not automatically a better fit than one with a narrower list that covers your strategy well. Test order types, charting and mobile access on a demo account where available, and confirm minimum deposits and account tiers in writing before funding.

Key checks: List the specific instruments you trade and confirm both brokers currently offer them.; Check which platforms are supported for your region and account type.; Confirm minimum deposit, account tiers and demo availability directly with each broker.; Review execution and order-type documentation if you use stops, trailing stops or partial fills..