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.

Company Name	Santander UK Plc
Regulatory Status	Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) with License No. 106054
License Type	Market Making (MM)
Effective Date	December 1, 2001
License Type	No Sharing
Website	Santander UK Plc
Email Address	customerservices@santander.co.uk
Address	2 Triton Square, Regent's Place, London NW1 3AN, UNITED KINGDOM
Phone Number	448003897000
Products and Services	Current Accounts, Mortgages, Credit Cards, Savings and ISAs, Investments, Insurance, Personal Loans
Customer Support	Telephone (1-877-768-2265), Live Chat, ATM/Branch Locator
Customer Support Hours	Mon - Sat, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST
International Calls	Local number for customers outside the United States: 1-401-824-3400

General Information

Santander UK is a large retail and commercial bank based in the UK and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the major global bank Banco Santander. It is registered in England and Wales, authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority, and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. It manages its affairs autonomously, with its own local management team, responsible solely for its performance. It has its origins in three constituent companies—Abbey National, Alliance & Leicester and Bradford & Bingley—all former mutual building societies. It is one of the leading personal financial services companies in the United Kingdom, and one of the largest providers of mortgages and savings in the United Kingdom.

Regulation

Santander UK Plc is a regulated institution under the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) with License No. 106054. It holds a Market Making (MM) license type and has been regulated since December 1, 2001. The institution operates with the license type of “No Sharing.” You can contact them via email at customerservices@santander.co.uk and find more information on their website: https://www.santander.co.uk/. The regulatory status does not specify an expiry date, and Santander UK Plc is located at 2 Triton Square, Regent's Place, London NW1 3AN, UNITED KINGDOM, with a phone number of 448003897000. Certified documents related to their regulatory status are not provided in the information provided.

Pros and Cons

Santander offers a wide range of financial products and services to cater to diverse customer needs. However, it's essential to consider both the advantages and disadvantages when evaluating their offerings.

Pros:

1. Comprehensive Product Range: Santander provides a diverse selection of banking, investment, insurance, and borrowing options, allowing customers to find suitable solutions for their financial goals.

2. Accessible Customer Support: Customers can easily reach Santander's support through telephone, live chat, or the ATM/Branch Locator. The extended hours of operation and accessibility options accommodate various needs.

3. Regulated Institution: Santander is regulated by the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), providing customers with confidence in their financial stability and adherence to industry standards.

Cons:

1. Monthly Fees: Some of Santander's current accounts come with monthly fees, which may not be ideal for individuals seeking fee-free options.

2. Complexity: With numerous products and services, navigating Santander's offerings can be overwhelming for some customers who may prefer simpler banking solutions.

3. Eligibility Criteria: Eligibility criteria apply to certain products, such as personal loans, which may limit access to individuals who do not meet specific income or credit requirements.

Here is a table summarizing the pros and cons of Santander:

Pros	Cons
Comprehensive range of financial products and services	Some current accounts have monthly fees
Accessible customer support options	Complexity in navigating numerous offerings
Regulated institution, ensuring financial stability	Eligibility criteria may limit access to some products

Market Instruments

The Santander UKs segments include Retail Banking, Corporate & Commercial Banking and Corporate & Investment Banking. The Retail Banking segment offers a range of products and financial services to individuals and small businesses, through a network of branches and automated teller machines (ATMs), as well as through telephony, digital, mobile and intermediary channels. The Corporate & Commercial Banking segment offers a range of products and financial services include loans, bank accounts, deposits, treasury services, trade and asset finance for small medium enterprises (SME) and corporate customers. The Corporate & Investment Banking segment serves corporate clients and financial institutions.

Here's a summary of their products:

1. Current Accounts:

• Santander Edge Up Current Account:

• Earn cashback on selected household bills, supermarket, and travel costs.

• Earn interest on credit balances up to £25,000.

• Requires funding the account with £1,500 each month and setting up 2 active Direct Debits.

• No charges for using the debit card outside the UK.

• £5 monthly fee.

• Santander Edge Current Account:

• Earn cashback on selected household bills at supermarkets and travel spend.

• Access to an optional savings account with exclusive rates.

• Requires funding the account with £500 each month and setting up 2 active Direct Debits.

• No charges for using the debit card outside the UK.

• £3 monthly fee.

• Everyday Current Account:

• Simple and straightforward account with no monthly fee.

• 1|2|3 Student Current Account:

• Free 16-25 railcard for four years.

• Interest-free overdraft of £1,500 for the first 3 years of studies.

• Requires regular deposits of at least £500 every 4 months.

• 1|2|3 Mini Current Account:

• Designed to help children and young people learn money management.

• Offers interest on balances at certain thresholds.

• Choice of contactless debit card or cash card.

• Basic Current Account:

• Suitable for those with poor credit history or newcomers to the UK.

1. Mortgages:

• Services for first-time buyers, home movers, and those looking to remortgage.

• Options for changing lenders, borrowing more money, and managing existing mortgages.

• Later life mortgages for individuals aged 55 or over.

• Partnership with ufurnish.com for home furnishing experiences.

1. Credit Cards:

• Range of credit cards for various needs, including:

• All in One Credit Card

• Long Term Balance Transfer Credit Card

• Everyday No Balance Transfer Fee Credit Card

• Santander World Elite™ Mastercard®

1. Savings and ISAs:

• Savings and ISAs for different goals, including:

• Easy Access Saver

• Regular Saver

• Santander Edge Saver

• Easy Access ISA

• Fixed Rate ISAs

• Fixed Term Bonds

• Junior ISA

• Inheritance ISA

1. Investments:

• Investment options with cashback incentives.

• Investment Hub for online advice and fund selection.

• Investment advice and resources available.

1. Insurance:

• Home insurance, including contents insurance for renters.

• Life insurance, including critical illness cover.

• Health insurance.

• Mortgage life insurance.

• Family and lifestyle insurance.

• Over 50s Life Insurance.

• Car insurance, including electric vehicle insurance.

• Travel insurance.

• Business insurance and landlord insurance.

1. Personal Loan:

• Personal loans with fixed interest rates.

• Loan amounts from £1,000 to £25,000.

• Flexible repayment terms.

• Loan eligibility criteria apply.

Santander provides a comprehensive range of financial products and services to cater to their customers' banking, investment, insurance, and borrowing needs.

Accounts

Six digit account sort codes are used in the range between 09-00-xx to 09-19-xx. Sort codes for accounts formerly held by Alliance & Leicester use the range 09-01-31 to 09-01-36.

Credit Rating

In October 2011, Moody's downgraded the credit rating of twelve financial firms in the United Kingdom, including Santander UK, blaming financial weakness. In June 2012, Moody rated Santander UK as being in a more financially healthy position than its parent company, Banco Santander.

Deposit & Withdrawal

In November 2009, Santander launched the first current account in the United Kingdom without fees (including unauthorised overdrafts) for its current and future mortgage customers. In January 2010, the bank began waiving fees for customers using Santander's automated teller machines in Spain, which traditionally would incur fees for transactions in a foreign currency.

Accepted Countries

Santander's Corporate and Commercial Banking division operates from a number of regional business banking centres across the United Kingdom. Less than 1% of Santander UK's business is held abroad.

Customer Service

Santander has frequently been rated the worst bank for customer service in the United Kingdom, although by July 2011 had sought to improve, notably by returning call centre operations to the United Kingdom from India. Its '123' product range was ranked third best in the United Kingdom in 2013, and in a moneysavingexpert.com poll in February 2014, customers ranked their satisfaction higher than with any of other main high street banks.

Santander's customer support offers several ways to contact them and obtain assistance:

1. Telephone Support:

• Customers can reach a Customer Service Center Advisor at 1-877-768-2265.

• Hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday to Saturday.

• For customers with hearing/speech impairments, there is a dedicated relay service at 7-1-1.

1. International Calls:

• For customers calling from outside the United States, there is a local number: 1-401-824-3400.

1. Live Chat:

• Customers can use the live chat feature on the Santander website to get real-time assistance with their inquiries or problems.

1. ATM/Branch Locator:

• For information on ATM and branch locations as well as their hours of operation, customers can use the ATM/Branch Locator on the Santander website.

Santander's customer support is accessible through various channels, including phone, chat, and online resources, ensuring that customers have multiple options to address their banking needs and inquiries. The telephone support hours are accommodating, and they provide accessibility options for customers with hearing or speech impairments.

Summary

Santander UK Plc is a regulated financial institution under the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) with License No. 106054. They offer a diverse range of financial products and services, including current accounts, mortgages, credit cards, savings and ISAs, investments, insurance, and personal loans. Santander provides accessible customer support through telephone, live chat, and an ATM/Branch Locator, ensuring customers have various ways to seek assistance with their financial needs. Their customer service hours are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday to Saturday. Santander's comprehensive product offerings aim to meet a wide array of customer banking and financial requirements.

FAQs

Q: What types of current accounts does Santander offer？

A: Santander offers various current account options, including the Santander Edge Up, Santander Edge, Everyday Current Account, and specialized accounts for students and children.

Q: How can I contact Santander's customer support？

A: You can reach Santander's customer support by calling 1-877-768-2265 for general inquiries. For international calls, dial 1-401-824-3400. Alternatively, you can use the live chat feature on their website.

Q: Are there fees associated with Santander's current accounts？

A: Some current accounts may have monthly fees, such as £5 for the Santander Edge Up Current Account and £3 for the Santander Edge Current Account. The Everyday Current Account, however, has no monthly fee.

Q: What types of insurance does Santander offer？

A: Santander provides a range of insurance options, including home insurance, life insurance, health insurance, car insurance, and travel insurance, catering to various coverage needs.

Q: Can I apply for a personal loan from Santander？

A: Yes, Santander offers personal loans with fixed interest rates. You can apply for loan amounts ranging from £1,000 to £25,000, with flexible repayment terms. Eligibility criteria apply, and you can typically get a decision within 5 minutes.