FXCM Review Summary in 10 Points
Founded	1999
Headquarters	London, UK
Regulation	FCA, ASIC, CYSEC, FSCA
Market Instruments	currency pairs, precious metals, commodities, global stock indices, treasury bonds
Demo Account	Available
Leverage	1:30-1:400
EUR/USD Spread	1.3 pips
Trading Platforms	Trading Station, TradingView Pro, MetaTrader 4, ZuluTrade, Capitalise AI
Minimum deposit	$50
Customer Support	24/5 phone, email, and live chat
Promotions	Yes

What is FXCM？

FXCM is a retail forex broker that was founded in 1999. The company is headquartered in London, UK, but has offices and affiliates in a number of other countries, including Australia, Germany, France, Italy, Greece, Hong Kong, Japan, South Africa, and the United States.

The company provides online trading services in forex, contracts for difference (CFDs), and other financial instruments. FXCM offers various trading platforms including the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4), Trading Station, TradingView Pro, ZuluTrade, Capitalise AI. The broker provides customer support in multiple languages and offers educational resources and market analysis tools to help traders make informed trading decisions.

What Type of Broker FXCM is？

FXCM is a retail forex and CFD broker that operates as a No Dealing Desk (NDD) broker. This means that FXCM does not take the opposite side of clients' trades and instead uses Straight Through Processing (STP) to send client orders to liquidity providers in the interbank market. This model is designed to provide traders with faster execution and more transparent pricing. FXCM also offers commission-based pricing, as opposed to spreads, which may appeal to traders who prefer a more transparent fee structure.

Pros & Cons

FXCM is a well-established and reputable forex broker with over two decades of experience in the industry. Its strengths include its comprehensive educational resources, a wide range of trading instruments and platforms, and a global presence. FXCM also offers competitive pricing and flexible account options, making it accessible to traders of all levels.

However, FXCM's weaknesses include limited deposit and withdrawal options, high fees for certain services, and the potential for slippage during periods of high volatility. Some traders have also reported issues with customer support, particularly in non-English speaking regions.

Pros	Cons
• Regulated by FCA and ASIC	• US clients are unaccepted
• Commission-free trading available on Standard accounts	• Limited product offerings beyond forex and CFDs
• Multiple trading platforms to choose from, including MetaTrader 4 and Trading Station	• Limited educational resources compared to some other brokers
• Competitive spreads on forex pairs	• Limited research and analysis tools
• No deposit or withdrawal fees	• Limited customer support availability on weekends
• Low minimum deposit requirement	• Limited payment options

It's worth noting that the pros and cons listed above are not exhaustive and may not necessarily apply to every trader's individual experience with FXCM.

Overall, FXCM can be a good choice for traders who prioritize education and a diverse range of trading options, but it may not be the best fit for those who require a specific deposit or withdrawal method, or who prioritize low fees above all else.

Is FXCM Safe or Scam？

FXCM is a legitimate broker with a long-standing reputation in the industry. The company is regulated by top-tier financial authorities, such as the FCA in the UK, the ASIC in Australia, CYSEC in Cyprus and FSCA in South Africa, which ensures that it operates under strict financial and ethical guidelines. FXCM also has a solid track record of handling client funds in a secure and responsible manner.

However, like any broker, there are potential risks involved in trading, such as market volatility and the possibility of losses. It's important to carefully evaluate the risks and benefits before deciding to trade with any broker.

How are you protected？

FXCM provides negative balance protection and offers its clients access to segregated accounts, providing additional security measures. More details can be found in the table below:

Protection Measure	Detail
Regulation	FCA, ASIC
Segregated Funds	Yes
Investor Protection	Up to £85,000
Negative Balance	Yes
Financial Audit	Yes
Insurance	No

Note: The table only includes a few of the many safety measures that FXCM employs to protect its clients.

Our Conclusion on FXCM Reliability:

FXCM is a well-regulated and reputable broker with a long-standing history in the industry. The company is regulated by top-tier financial authorities and has multiple licenses, demonstrating a commitment to client protection.

However, FXCM has faced regulatory penalties in the past and the company's reputation was negatively impacted. Overall, while FXCM has had some past issues, the broker has taken steps to address them and appears to be a reliable choice for traders.

Market Instruments

FXCM offers investors a diverse range of tradable instruments, including currency pairs, precious metals, commodities, global stock indices, treasury bonds, as well as a forex basket, a stock basket, CNH, and other popular products.

Account Types

There are two types of accounts: Regular Accounts and Premier Accounts. Regular accounts have a minimum deposit of $50 and allow investors to trade up to 39 popular currency pairs and the entire CFD range.

The Premier Account is designed for high-volume investors and requires, firstly, an FXCM account or a new account, a total USD notional trading volume of $10 million per natural month. The account offers investors a range of benefits: exclusive support, premium services, and tailor-made trading solutions.

Leverage

FXCM offers different leverage levels based on the jurisdiction of the client and the type of trading account. In general, FXCM offers leverage up to 1:400 for forex trading, and up to 1:200 for CFD trading on certain instruments. It's important to note that high leverage increases the potential for both profits and losses, so traders should use it with caution and have a good risk management strategy in place.

It's also worth noting that different regulatory bodies have different restrictions on leverage. For example, in the United States, the maximum leverage for forex trading is limited to 1:50, while in Europe, it's limited to 1:30 for retail clients. Traders should always check the specific leverage restrictions for their jurisdiction and account type before trading.

Spreads & Commissions

The spreads are 1.3 pips for EUR/USD, 2.3 pips for EUR/GBP, and 1.8 pips for AUD/USD. The Premier account offers investors a cashback offers. If a client trades EUR/USD pair and reaches $300 million in notional volume for the month (for the fifth step), then the cashback amount is $25/million, for a total cashback amount of $7,500. The cashback for equity index CFD products ranges from $1 to $3 per million USD.

Below is a comparison table about spreads and commissions charged by different brokers:

Broker	EUR/USD Spread	Commission
FXCM	1.3 pips	$25/1M traded
IG	0.6 pips	No
Oanda	0.9 pips	No
Pepperstone	0.0 pips	AUD $3.5 / side / 100k traded
XM	0.6 pips	No
Plus500	0.6 pips	No

Note: Spreads can vary depending on market conditions and volatility.

Promotions

FXCM provides rebates through three channels: Rebate Program, Friends and Family, Accounts Promotions. Account promotions, particularly, gives traders most benefits. To benefit from these promotions, traders simply need to open an account and register for the promotion by filling out the designated form. Upon account activation, making a deposit within 24 hours qualifies traders for the highest bonus of 5%, while those depositing within one month of activation can enjoy a 2-3% bonus. The bonus amount is then credited to the trader's account within 14 business days of the deposit, enabling them to boost their trading capital right from the start.

Trading Platforms

FXCM offers a comprehensive platform suite designed ffor various trading needs:

Trading Station: Proprietary advanced platform

TradingView Pro: Powerful charting and analysis

MetaTrader 4: Industry-standard user-friendly platform

ZuluTrade: Social trading, copy successful strategies

Capitalise AI: AI-powered automated trading and portfolio management

Overall, FXCM's trading platforms offer a range of advanced features and tools that can appeal to traders of all levels and styles.

Broker	Trading Platform
FXCM	Trading Station, TradingView Pro, MetaTrader 4, ZuluTrade, Capitalise AI
IG	IG Trading, MetaTrader4
Oanda	Oanda Trade, MetaTrader4, Oanda Web Trading
Pepperstone	MetaTrader4, MetaTrader5, cTrader, Pepperstone Webtrader
XM	MetaTrader4, MetaTrader5
Plus500	Plus500 WebTrader, Plus500 Windows Trader

Deposits & Withdrawals

FXCM welcomes several payment methods, including online banking payments, bank transfers, and other payments. The minimum single deposit for CUP is $100, and the minimum deposit for a credit card or wire transfer is $50. Besides, traders can withdraw funds once a month for free.

Minimum deposit requirement

The minimum deposit requirement for FXCM varies depending on the account type and the region of the client. For example, in the UK and some other regions, the minimum deposit for a Standard account is £300 or equivalent in another currency, while for the Mini account, it is £50 or equivalent.

However, in some other regions, such as the US, the minimum deposit for a Standard account is $5,000, while for the Mini account, it is $50. It is important to check the minimum deposit requirement for the specific account type and region before opening an account with FXCM.

FXCM minimum deposit vs other brokers

	FXCM	Most other
Minimum Deposit	$50	$100

FXCM Money Withdrawal

To withdraw funds from your FXCM account, you need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Log in to your FXCM account on the FXCM website.

Step 2: Click on the “MyFXCM” menu and select “Withdraw.”

Step 3: Select the account you wish to withdraw from and choose your withdrawal method.

Step 4: Enter the amount you wish to withdraw and provide any additional information that may be required for your chosen withdrawal method.

Step 5: Review and confirm your withdrawal request.

Step 6: Once your withdrawal request has been processed, you will receive an email confirmation with details of the transaction.

It's important to note that the time it takes for your funds to be withdrawn will depend on the withdrawal method you choose and the processing times of your bank or payment provider.

Fees

Apart from spreads and commissions, FXCM also charges overnight fees. Overnight fees, also known as swap fees, are charged for positions that are held overnight.

FXCM does not charge any deposit fees, but there are withdrawal fees depending on the withdrawal method used. For example, bank wire withdrawals are subject to a $40 fee, while credit card withdrawals are subject to a 1.8% fee.

Inactivity fees may also be charged if an account is inactive for a certain period. For example, FXCM charges an inactivity fee of $50 per year if there are no trades or open positions for 12 months.

It is important to review the fee schedule on FXCM's website before opening an account to ensure a full understanding of the fees associated with trading.

See the fee comparison table below:

Broker	Deposit Fee	Withdrawal Fee	Inactivity Fee
FXCM	Free for most methods	Free for most methods	$50/year
IG	Free	Free	$18/month
Oanda	Free	Free	$10/month
Pepperstone	Free	Free for Australian bank transfer, $20 for international wire transfer	$0
XM	Free	Free	$5/month after 90 days of inactivity
Plus500	Free	$10	$10/quarter

Please note that these fees may be subject to change and may vary depending on your location and account type. It's always a good idea to check with the broker directly for the most up-to-date information.

Customer Service

FXCM offers customer support via phone, email, and live chat 24/5 during market hours. They also have a FAQ section on their website to provide answers to common questions. FXCM provides localized support in various languages and countries, and they have a team dedicated to handling account-related inquiries.

In addition, they offer remote assistance through TeamViewer to assist clients with any technical issues they may encounter. Overall, FXCM is known for their responsive and helpful customer support.

Pros	Cons
• 24/5 customer support through phone and chat	• No 24/7 customer support
• Multilingual support	• No local office in some countries
• Comprehensive FAQ section on the website	• No dedicated account manager
• Personalized support for VIP clients	• Some clients report slow response times for inquiries

Note: The above information is based on general feedback from clients and may not be applicable to every individual experience.

Education

FXCM offers a range of educational resources to help traders improve their knowledge and skills. Some of the educational resources available on the FXCM website include:

• Webinars: Live and recorded webinars covering a variety of trading topics, including market analysis, technical analysis, and trading strategies.

• Video library: A collection of videos covering various trading topics, including trading psychology, chart patterns, and trading platforms.

• Trading guides: In-depth guides on various trading topics, including Forex trading, stock trading, and trading psychology.

• Forex news: Daily updates on market news and analysis from FXCM's team of experts.

• Trading signals: Trading signals based on technical analysis and market trends.

Conclusion

In conclusion, FXCM is a well-established and reputable broker that offers a range of trading instruments and account types with competitive spreads and commissions. The broker's trading platforms are user-friendly and offer advanced features for traders of all levels. Additionally, FXCM provides educational resources and excellent customer support, including 24/5 support in multiple languages.

However, FXCM does have some drawbacks, including the lack of negative balance protection and the high inactivity fee. The broker is also not available in all countries, which may limit accessibility for some traders. Overall, FXCM is a reliable and trustworthy broker that can meet the needs of both beginner and experienced traders.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q 1:	Is FXCM regulated？
A 1:	Yes. It is regulated by FCA and ASIC.

Q 2:	Does FXCM offer demo accounts？
A 2:	Yes.

Q 3:	Does FXCM offer industry-standard MT4 & MT5？
A 3:	Yes. It offers MT4 and Trading Station.

Q 4:	What is the minimum deposit for FXCM？
A 4:	The minimum initial deposit to open an account is $50.

Q 5:	Is FXCM a good broker for beginners？
A 5:	Yes. It is a good choice for beginners because it is regulated well and offers various trading instruments with competitive trading conditions on the leading MT4 platform. Also, it offers demo accounts that allow traders to practice trading without risking any real money.

Registered in	Cyprus
Regulated by	CYSEC, ASIC
Year(s) of establishment	15-20 years
Trading instruments	Forex instruments, global indices, energies, metals and cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ripple and Ethereum.
Minimum Initial Deposit	200 AUD
Maximum Leverage	N/A
Minimum spread	0.0 pips onwards
Trading platform	MT4, WebTrader, Mobile App
Deposit and withdrawal method	Bank Wire Transfer, Local Bank Credit/Debit Cards, NetellerSkrill, and more.
Customer Service	Email/ phone number/ address
Fraud Complaints Exposure	Yes

Overview of easyMarkets

easyMarkets is a Cyprus-registered forex broker that is regulated by CYSEC and ASIC. With 15-20 years of establishment, easyMarkets offers a wide range of trading instruments including forex, global indices, energies, metals, and cryptocurrencies. The company provides a user-friendly trading platform, educational resources, and flexible account options to cater to the needs of both beginners and experienced traders. They offer customer support in English, and their headquarters are located in Sydney, Australia.

Regulatory Authority

easyMarkets holds licenses from several regulatory authorities, ensuring a secure and compliant trading environment for its clients. These licenses include:

1. ASIC Regulated Market Making (MM): easyMarkets is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) as a Market Maker (MM). This regulatory oversight ensures that the company adheres to stringent financial and operational standards while providing financial services to traders.

CYSEC Regulated Market Making (MM): Additionally, easyMarkets operates under the regulatory framework of the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CYSEC) as a Market Maker (MM). CYSEC regulation enforces transparency and fair practices in the forex market.

FSA Offshore Regulatory Retail Forex License: easyMarkets holds a license from an offshore regulatory authority, the Financial Services Authority (FSA), which authorizes the provision of retail forex services. This further underscores their commitment to regulatory compliance and trader protection.

FSC Offshore Regulatory Retail Forex License: Another offshore regulatory license in easyMarkets' portfolio is from the Financial Services Commission (FSC). This license allows easyMarkets to offer retail forex services within the framework of offshore regulations.

These licenses collectively demonstrate easyMarkets' dedication to operating within the boundaries of robust regulatory oversight, providing traders with confidence in the safety and integrity of their trading activities.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
- Regulated by CYSEC and ASIC	- Acts as intermediary (Market Maker)
- Offshore regulatory licenses	- Potential conflict of interest
- Diverse trading instruments	- Lack of transparency on spreads
- Flexibility in account choices	- Potential higher spreads
- User-friendly trading platforms	- Limited info on additional costs
- Free guaranteed stop loss, fixed spreads	- Limited account feature details
- Educational resources and webinars	- Some outdated educational content
- Multiple contact options for support	- Limited non-English support

What type of broker is easyMarkets？

easyMarkets is a Market Making (MM) broker, which means that it acts as a counterparty to its clients in trading operations. That is, instead of connecting directly to the market, easyMarkets acts as an intermediary and takes the opposite position to its clients. As such, it can offer faster order execution speed, tighter spreads and greater flexibility in terms of the leverage offered. However, this also means that easyMarkets has a certain conflict of interest with their clients, as their profits come from the difference between the bid and ask price of assets, which could lead to them making decisions that are not necessarily in the best interests of their clients. It is important for traders to be aware of this dynamic when trading with easyMarkets or any other MM broker.

Market Instruments

easyMarkets offers a wide range of trading instruments, including forex instruments, global indices, energies, metals, and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ripple, and Ethereum. This extensive selection allows traders, whether beginners or experienced, to access diverse markets and find opportunities that suit their trading preferences. The advantages include the ability to diversify portfolios, explore popular and emerging markets, and implement flexible trading strategies. However, it's important to note the potential disadvantages, such as market volatility, the need for complex market analysis, regulatory restrictions, increased complexity due to multiple markets, and the requirement for adequate market knowledge. Traders should also be mindful of price fluctuations and the need for efficient execution speed while trading multiple instruments.

Spreads and Commissions

When it comes to spreads, commissions, and other costs, easyMarkets stands out by offering no commissions on all accounts. This simplified cost structure allows traders to focus on their trading strategies without the worry of additional charges. However, one disadvantage is the lack of transparency regarding the specific spreads and SWAP rates, as this information is not detailed on the company's website. While easyMarkets aims to provide competitive pricing, traders may experience potential higher spreads compared to other brokers who provide more visibility on these costs. Additionally, the limited information on additional trading costs may make it challenging for traders to fully assess the overall cost implications of their trades. Nonetheless, the absence of commissions and hidden charges, along with the ease of cost calculation, can be considered advantages for those seeking a straightforward and transparent pricing structure.

Trading Accounts

easyMarkets offers a range of account types to cater to the diverse needs of traders. The availability of a demo account is a significant advantage, as it allows traders to practice and familiarize themselves with the financial markets without risking real money. This feature is especially beneficial for beginners who want to gain experience and test their trading strategies before transitioning to live trading. In addition to the demo account, easyMarkets offers three live account options: Standard, Premium, and VIP. While the Standard account requires a minimum deposit of 200 AUD, it should be noted that the premium and VIP accounts have higher initial deposit requirements of 3000 AUD and 10,000 AUD, respectively. However, one disadvantage is the limited information provided on the specific features and benefits of each account type. Traders may find it helpful to have more detailed insights into the advantages and differences between the account options to make an informed decision based on their trading goals and preferences. Nonetheless, the flexibility of having multiple account choices is advantageous, allowing traders to select the account that aligns best with their individual trading needs.

Trading platform

easyMarkets offers traders a variety of platform options to cater to their trading needs. The easyMarkets web platform, mobile app, and easyMarkets MT4 trading software provide flexibility and convenience. The platforms are user-friendly and packed with features, suitable for both new and experienced traders. Traders can benefit from features like free guaranteed stop loss, fixed spreads, and real-time market dynamics and pricing.

The easyMarkets MT4 platform supports over 80 markets, including currencies, metals, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies, offering one-click CFD trading and customizable trading templates. The platforms are accessible on multiple devices, including iPhone, iPad, Android phones, tablets, and PCs, ensuring traders can stay connected and trade from anywhere. While specific information about platform features may be limited, the overall advantages of easyMarkets' platform options make it a convenient and comprehensive choice for traders.

Trading Platform	easyMarkets Platform (Web & App)	TradingView	MT4 & MT5 Platforms
Features	- Tight fixed spreads- Free guaranteed stop loss and take profit- Zero Slippage- No commissions or hidden fees	- Tight fixed spreads- Access to a vast social network for traders- Advanced charting & analytics- No commissions or hidden fees	- Tight fixed spreads on MT4- Variable spreads starting from 0.5 pips on MT5- Expert Advisors allowed- No commissions or hidden fees

Deposit and Withdrawal: methods and fees

easyMarkets provides various payment methods for deposits and withdrawals, including wire transfers, MasterCard, VISA, Maestro, and popular e-wallet processors like Skrill, Neteller, and PayPal. These options offer convenience and flexibility to traders in managing their funds.

However, the broker's website lacks specific information and clarity on the deposit and withdrawal processes, leading to ambiguity. The speed of withdrawing funds from a forex broker is an essential factor that contributes to the broker's reputation. While easyMarkets supports widely accepted payment methods, the lack of transparency regarding processing times and potential fees associated with certain methods raises concerns. Traders should be cautious and seek additional clarification from the broker to ensure a smooth and efficient deposit and withdrawal experience.

Educational resources in easyMarkets

easyMarkets offers a variety of educational resources to enhance traders' knowledge and skills. These resources include webinars, technical and fundamental analysis insights, knowledge articles, and strategies. The availability of webinars provides traders with interactive learning experiences and the opportunity to gain insights from industry experts. The technical and fundamental analysis materials can assist traders in making informed trading decisions. Additionally, the knowledge articles and strategies cover a wide range of topics to cater to different learning styles. However, some drawbacks of easyMarkets' educational resources include the lack of specificity or depth in some materials and the absence of comprehensive educational courses or programs. It's important for traders to consider the relevance and timeliness of the information, as older educational materials may contain outdated content. While the resources provided by easyMarkets offer valuable insights, there may be limited options for personalization or customization to meet individual learning preferences.

Customer service of easyMarkets

Advantages	Disadvantages
24/5 service availability	Limited language support outside of English
Multiple contact options (phone, email, fax)	Potential delays in response time
Direct phone line for the Dealing Room in Sydney	Limited social media presence
Convenient Sydney-based address for in-person interactions	Lack of specific customer support for non-Sydney locations

easyMarkets provides customer service options to assist traders with their inquiries and concerns. The customer service is available 24/5, allowing traders to reach out for support during trading hours. Multiple contact options are available, including telephone, email, and fax, providing flexibility in communication. The direct phone line for the Dealing Room in Sydney enables direct access to the trading desk for immediate assistance. Additionally, a Sydney-based address is provided, allowing for in-person interactions if needed. However, it should be noted that customer support outside of English may be limited, which may pose challenges for non-English-speaking traders. Response time for inquiries may also vary, potentially resulting in some delays. While easyMarkets has a presence on various social media platforms, the extent of their engagement and support through these channels may be limited. Overall, the customer care dimension of easyMarkets offers convenient and accessible options for traders to seek assistance, with some considerations for language support and response time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, easyMarkets is a reputable forex broker with a strong regulatory framework and a history of 15-20 years in the industry. With its diverse range of trading instruments, including forex, global indices, energies, metals, and cryptocurrencies, traders have access to various markets to suit their trading preferences. The company provides a user-friendly trading platform and offers multiple account options to cater to the needs of different traders. Additionally, easyMarkets offers educational resources, customer support in English, and has a physical presence in Sydney, Australia. While there are certain areas such as transparency around spreads and additional trading costs that could be improved, overall, easyMarkets provides a reliable and accessible trading environment for both novice and experienced traders. With its focus on customer satisfaction, regulatory compliance, and a wide range of trading opportunities, easyMarkets remains a popular choice among traders looking to participate in the global financial markets.

Frequently asked questions about easyMarkets

• Q1: What is the minimum deposit required to open an account with easyMarkets？

• A1: The minimum initial deposit required to open an account with easyMarkets is 200 AUD.

• Q2: What trading platforms are available at easyMarkets？

• A2: easyMarkets offers a range of trading platforms including the easyMarkets web platform, mobile app, and the easyMarkets MT4 trading software.

• Q3: Is easyMarkets regulated？

• A3: Yes, easyMarkets is regulated by CYSEC and ASIC, providing traders with a regulated and secure trading environment.

• Q4: Can I trade cryptocurrencies on easyMarkets？

• A4: Yes, easyMarkets offers the opportunity to trade cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ripple, and Ethereum, along with other trading instruments like forex, global indices, energies, and metals.

• Q5: What are the customer service hours at easyMarkets？

• A5: The customer service at easyMarkets is available 24/5, allowing traders to reach out for assistance during trading hours.

• Q6: Are there educational resources available for traders？

• A6: Yes, easyMarkets provides a variety of educational resources such as webinars, technical analysis, fundamental analysis, articles, and strategies to support traders in their learning and development.

• Q7: What are the available deposit and withdrawal methods？

• A7: easyMarkets offers various deposit and withdrawal methods including bank wire transfer, local bank credit/debit cards, and e-wallet processors such as Skrill, Neteller, and PayPal.