No data
Do you want to know which is the better broker between Charles Schwab and FXCM ?
In the table below, you can compare the features of Charles Schwab , FXCM side by side to determine the best fit for your needs.
Long: -6.42
Short: 2.04
Long: -45.93
Short: 21.43
You can determine the reliability and credibility of a broker by checking four factors:
1.Forex broker introduction。
2.Are the transaction costs and expenses of td-ameritrade, fxcm lower?
3.Which broker is safer?
4.Which broker provides better trading platform?
Based on these four factors, we can compare which is reliable. We have broken down the reasons as follows:
Registered Country/Region | Hong Kong |
Regulation | SFC |
Minimum Deposit | $2,000 (Margin account) |
Maximum Leverage | N/A |
Minimum Spreads | N/A |
Trading Platform | Thinkorswim |
Demo Account | Yes |
Trading Assets | Stocks, ETFs, Bonds |
Payment Methods | FPS transfers, a cheque deposit, telegraphic transfer (international wire), ACAT |
Customer Support | Phone, Email |
TD Ameritrade Hong Kong Limited is a regulated brokerage firm authorized by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong. Holding a license for dealing in futures contracts, TD Ameritrade operates within the legal and regulatory framework of Hong Kong's financial markets. With an address at Room 1211-13, Two Exchange Square, 8 Connaught Place, Central, Hong Kong, the company can be contacted via email at help@tdameritrade.com.hk. The regulatory oversight provided by the SFC ensures that TD Ameritrade Hong Kong adheres to the established standards and practices in the industry.
TD Ameritrade offers a diverse range of market instruments to cater to the investment needs of its users. Investors can trade listed stocks online without any commissions, benefiting from real-time trade analysis and expert insights. The platform enables options trading at a cost of US$0.65 per contract, providing specialized tools and the assistance of U.S.-licensed options trading specialists. Additionally, TD Ameritrade provides access to over 2,000 ETFs across various asset classes and fund companies, along with U.S. Treasury bonds, corporate bonds, offshore mutual funds, American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), and foreign ordinaries.
TD Ameritrade provides various account types, including Individual, Joint, Trust, Corporate, and U.S. Retirement accounts. These accounts cater to different investment preferences and goals. The Individual Account is suitable for individuals who want to manage their portfolios independently, while the Joint Account is designed for opening accounts with another person. Trust Accounts are available for establishing trusts for investment purposes, and Corporate Accounts cater to companies and organizations. U.S. Retirement Accounts are specifically tailored for those interested in opening retirement accounts in the United States. TD Ameritrade also offers Demo accounts for users to test the platform's features and functionalities.
TD Ameritrade Hong Kong Limited, as a regulated brokerage firm operating within the legal and regulatory framework of Hong Kong's financial markets, offers a range of advantages and disadvantages for investors. On the positive side, the company holds a license from Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), providing a sense of trust and assurance. They provide a diverse selection of market instruments, including stocks, options, ETFs, bonds, offshore mutual funds, ADRs, and foreign ordinaries. TD Ameritrade also offers various account types, multiple trading platforms with robust tools, and educational resources to enhance investors' knowledge. Moreover, clients have access to various funding methods for account deposits. However, there are also limitations. TD Ameritrade primarily operates within Hong Kong's market framework, which may restrict its services for investors outside Hong Kong. Additionally, their focus on futures contracts may not appeal to investors seeking broader investment options. The availability of trading platforms and customer support channels is relatively limited compared to other brokerage firms.
Pros | Cons |
Regulated brokerage firm with license from Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) | Limited to operating within Hong Kong's market framework |
Wide range of market instruments available, including stocks, options, ETFs, bonds, offshore mutual funds, ADRs, and foreign ordinaries | Limited availability of other investment options |
Offers multiple account types (individual, joint, trust, corporate, U.S. retirement, and demo accounts) | Limited accessibility for non-Hong Kong residents or investors |
Provides multiple trading platforms (web trading, StreetSmart Edge®, Schwab Mobile) and robust trading tools | Limited trading platforms compared to some other brokerage firms |
Offers educational resources (workshops, webinars, market commentary, investing education) | Limited to dealing in futures contracts |
Various funding methods available for account deposits | Customer support limited to phone, email, and online channels |
On 28 February 2022, TD Ameritrade Hong Kong will close and will no longer maintain accounts.
TD Ameritrade Hong Kong Limited is regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong. The company holds a license for dealing in futures contracts, with license number BJO462. The regulatory oversight provided by the SFC ensures that TD Ameritrade Hong Kong operates within the established legal and regulatory framework of Hong Kong's financial markets. The license was issued on October 17, 2017, and there is no specified expiry date mentioned. The address of TD Ameritrade Hong Kong Limited is Room 1211-13, Two Exchange Square, 8 Connaught Place, Central, Hong Kong. The company can be contacted via email at help@tdameritrade.com.hk. Further information about TD Ameritrade Hong Kong Limited can be found on their website at www.tdameritrade.com.hk.
TD Ameritrade clients can trade a wide variety of assets on the web platform as well as the mobile apps. This includes exchanged-traded funds (ETFs), stocks, options, futures, and cryptocurrency.
Stocks: TD Ameritrade allows users to trade listed stocks online with no commissions. They provide tools and research informed by Schwab experts to simplify stock selection. Users can benefit from real-time trade analysis provided by Schwab professionals.
Options: TD Ameritrade enables online options trading with a cost of just US$0.65 per contract and no base commission. They offer platforms and tools specifically designed for options traders, aiding in navigating the market. U.S.-licensed options trading specialists are also available to provide support.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs): TD Ameritrade provides access to over 2,000 ETFs across various asset classes and fund companies. Users can utilize the Schwab Personalized Portfolio Builder tool to easily create a diversified ETF portfolio. Additionally, European-domiciled UCITS ETFs are available for residents of the European Economic Area (EEA).
Bonds: TD Ameritrade offers access to a wide range of investments, including U.S. Treasury bonds and corporate bonds. Their Schwab BondSource® tool allows users to screen through 36,000+ bonds. Pricing is straightforward and easy to understand, ensuring users know what they are paying for.
Offshore mutual funds: TD Ameritrade provides a broad selection of funds that have been carefully screened by Schwab experts. Users can access premium independent research and analysis from Morningstar®. The platform also offers an advanced online screener tool that allows users to compare up to five funds simultaneously.
American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) and foreign ordinaries: TD Ameritrade offers trading of ADRs and foreign ordinaries, providing users with insights into the benefits, risks, and considerations associated with these international stock types. Advanced platforms and tools are available for trading stocks in local markets.
Pros | Cons |
Diverse range of market instruments | Limited mention of fees and costs |
No-commission online trading for listed stocks | Lack of emphasis on specific stock selection criteria |
Availability of European-domiciled UCITS ETFs for EEA residents | Limited information on options trading support |
Low-cost options trading with U.S.-licensed specialists | No mention of the options trading platform's features |
Access to over 2,000 ETFs across various asset classes | Limited information on the Schwab Personalized Portfolio Builder tool |
Individual Account:
TD Ameritrade offers an Individual Account option for clients who wish to trade and invest on their own. This account type is suitable for individuals who want to manage their own portfolios and make independent investment decisions. The Individual Account does not have any specific minimum deposit requirements, although to open an Individual or Joint account, a minimum of US$25,000 is needed. Within the Individual Account category, there are two subtypes: Margin account and Cash account. The Margin account requires an initial deposit of at least 2000 USD, whereas the Cash account has no minimum deposit requirement.
Joint Account:
For clients who want to open an account with another person, TD Ameritrade offers a Joint Account option. The online application process is available for joint accounts with two account holders. However, if there are more than two account holders, it is necessary to contact TD Ameritrade to initiate the account-opening process.
Trust Account:
TD Ameritrade provides a Trust Account option for clients who want to establish a trust for investment purposes. Opening a Trust Account requires a minimum deposit of US$100,000. The online application process is available for trusts with two or fewer individual trustees and/or beneficiaries. If the trust has more than two individual trustees, a company trustee, or if the beneficiaries are greater than two and include a company or undisclosed parties, it is recommended to contact TD Ameritrade for further information.
Corporate Account:
TD Ameritrade offers a Corporate Account option for companies and organizations. To learn more about opening a Charles Schwab International corporate account, it is necessary to contact TD Ameritrade directly.
U.S. Retirement Account:
For clients interested in opening a retirement account in the United States, TD Ameritrade provides the U.S. Retirement Account option. To obtain more information about opening a U.S. retirement account with TD Ameritrade, it is advised to contact them directly. The U.S. Retirement Account includes Individual and Joint Account options.
TD Ameritrade also offers the option of Demo accounts, which allow both beginners and experienced traders to test the functionalities and features of the trading platform.
Pros | Cons |
Diverse range of account options | Account opening requirements may be restrictive |
Individual account allows independent investing | Limited online application process for joint accounts |
Trust account option for investment trusts | Trust account minimum deposit requirement |
Corporate account option for companies | Limited information available on corporate accounts |
U.S. Retirement account for retirement planning | Limited information on opening a U.S. retirement account |
Demo accounts for testing platform functionalities | Lack of specific details on account benefits |
Demo accounts are available for both beginners and professionals to test trading platform's functionalities and features in a 100% risk-free trading environment.
To open an account with TD Ameritrade, follow these steps:
Visit the TD Ameritrade website and click on the “Open Your Account” button.
Select your country or region of residence from the provided list. This will connect you to the appropriate page for your location.
Begin the online application process, which typically takes around 15 minutes to complete.
Prepare the necessary documents for the application. These may include:
Tax ID Number or Social Security Number: Provide your tax identification number or social security number, depending on your country's requirements.
Passport or government ID: Have a valid passport or government-issued identification document ready for verification purposes.
Recent utility bill or proof of residency: Gather a recent utility bill (such as gas, electric, water, or cable) or any other document that serves as proof of your residency.
Employer's name and mailing address: If applicable, provide the name and mailing address of your employer.
Ensure you have access to a printer and scanner. You will need these to print, sign, and upload any required documents during the application process.
Select the Account Types.
Review the terms and conditions, disclosures, and any other relevant documents carefully before submitting your application.
After submitting your application, wait for confirmation and further instructions from TD Ameritrade regarding the status of your account.
To open an Individual/Joint account, a minimum deposit of US$25,000 is required. Detailed information about fees and commissions can be found in the Charles Schwab Pricing Guide for Individual Investors.
For stocks and ETFs, the commission per trade for online trades is US$0, while broker-assisted trades incur a fee of US$25. Non-U.S. ETFs are not available for online trades and are subject to a transaction fee of US$50 for broker-assisted trades.
Regarding offshore mutual funds, there is no transaction fee for broker-assisted trades. However, a short-term redemption fee of US$49.95 may apply.
Options trading entails a commission per executed trade of US$0 plus US$0.65 per contract for online trades, while broker-assisted trades are subject to online pricing plus a fee of US$25.
In terms of fixed income, the transaction fee per trade for new issues is included in the offering price for both online and broker-assisted trades. For Treasuries, including Auction and Secondary, such as Treasury Bonds, Treasury Bills, Treasury Notes, and TIPS, the transaction fee is US$0 for online trades and US$25 for broker-assisted trades. Corporate Bonds, Municipal Bonds, Government Agencies, Zero-Coupon Treasuries (including STRIPS), incur a fee of US$1 per bond with a minimum of US$10 and a maximum of US$250 for online trades. Broker-assisted trades in this category are subject to online pricing plus a fee of US$25. Specialty products like Commercial Paper, Foreign Bonds, Asset-Backed Securities, Mortgage-Backed Securities, Collateralized Mortgage Obligations, and Unit Investment Trusts require contacting TD Ameritrade for specific information. For Preferred listed stocks and REITs, there is no commission for online trades, while broker-assisted trades incur a fee of US$25.
Pros | Cons |
No commission for online stock and ETF trades | Minimum deposit of US$25,000 for Individual/Joint accounts |
No commission for online Preferred listed stocks and REIT trades | US$25 fee for broker-assisted stock trades |
No transaction fee for offshore mutual fund broker-assisted trades | Short-term redemption fee of US$49.95 may apply for offshore mutual funds |
US$0 commission for options trades | US$25 fee for broker-assisted options trades |
No transaction fee for online Treasury trades | US$25 fee for broker-assisted Treasury trades |
US$1 per bond fee for online fixed income trades | US$25 fee for broker-assisted fixed income trades |
US$25 fee for broker-assisted Preferred listed stocks and REIT trades |
TD Ameritrade Hong Kong Limited requires a minimum deposit of US$25,000 to open a brokerage account(Individual or Joint account).
Also, TD Ameritrade has a minimum deposit requirement of US$100,000 for its Trust Account.
TD Ameritrade offers a comprehensive trading platform that provides users with access to the U.S. market.
One of their platforms is web trading, accessible through International.Schwab.com. This platform allows users to trade easily from anywhere with an internet connection. The website provides a user-friendly interface for accessing the U.S. market. Additionally,
StreetSmart Edge®.
One of the primary trading platforms provided by TD Ameritrade is StreetSmart Edge®. This platform is designed to cater to the needs of traders, offering powerful features and functionalities. It can be accessed either through downloadable software or online via the cloud.
Schwab Mobile.
In addition to the desktop platform, TD Ameritrade also offers mobile trading through Schwab Mobile. This mobile app enables users to stay connected to their U.S. investments on the go. It is available for Android™, iPhone®, iPad®, and Apple Watch™, allowing traders to access their accounts and make informed decisions wherever they are.
TD Ameritrade's trading platform is equipped with robust trading tools that help users translate insights into action. These tools are designed to assist traders in analyzing market trends and making informed trading decisions. The platform's features provide users with the necessary tools and resources to navigate the complexities of the U.S. market.
Pros | Cons |
Comprehensive trading platform | Minimum deposit requirement of US$25,000 for individual/joint accounts and US$100,000 for trust accounts |
Web trading accessible | Limited availability of trading platforms compared to some competitors |
Schwab Mobile app for on-the-go trading | Possible fees and commissions associated with trading activities |
StreetSmart Edge® platform with powerful features | Limited customization options for trading platform layout and settings |
Robust trading tools for market analysis and informed decision-making |
TD Ameritrade offers a range of educational resources to help investors deepen their understanding of U.S. investing. These resources include workshops, webinars, U.S. market commentary, investing education, and daily updates.
The workshops and webinars provided by TD Ameritrade are designed specifically for international investors, catering to individuals at all levels of experience. These sessions offer the opportunity to learn directly from seasoned investment experts at TD Ameritrade. Whether attending an in-person workshop or participating in a live webinar, investors can benefit from the expertise shared during these educational events.
U.S. Market Commentary
To enhance U.S. investing intelligence, TD Ameritrade offers market commentary that provides insights into the U.S. and global markets. Through the Schwab Market Perspective, investors can gain valuable information to stay informed about the daily fluctuations of the stock market. This helps investors make informed decisions regarding U.S. investment opportunities.
Investing Education
TD Ameritrade's investing education aims to help investors apply their skills to U.S. markets. They provide resources that cover various aspects of investing, such as identifying favorable trends, conducting technical and fundamental analysis, and applying investment strategies. These educational materials can assist investors in making informed investment decisions in the U.S. market.
Additionally, TD Ameritrade offers daily updates, including the closing market update, which provides a summary of market movements and key events impacting the U.S. stock market. These updates help investors stay up-to-date with the latest developments and trends in the market, enabling them to make more informed investment decisions.
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
Wide range of educational resources available in many different formats | Some resources can be outdated or inaccurate |
Workshops and webinars designed specifically for international investors | Not all resources are available in all languages |
Market commentary provides insights into the U.S. and global markets | Market commentary can be biased or subjective |
Investing education covers various aspects of investing | Some educational materials can be complex or difficult to understand |
Daily updates help investors stay up-to-date with the latest market developments | Daily updates can be overwhelming or too frequent |
TD Ameritrade provides a range of funding options for clients to deposit funds into their accounts. These options include FPS transfers, cheque deposits, telegraphic transfers (international wire), and account transfers from another broker (ACAT). It is important to note that all deposits must be made in U.S dollars.
In addition to these methods, TD Ameritrade accepts various payment options for clients to fund their accounts. These include Mastercard, Visa, Metro, Skrill, Neteller, AstroPay, eBay.bg, GiroPay, Neosurf, Euteller, SOFORT, ToditoCash, and others.
TD Ameritrade provides customer support through various channels to assist clients with their inquiries and concerns. To reach customer service by phone, clients can call +1-415-667-7870 if they are outside the United States, or 1-877-853-1802 if they are within the U.S. The customer service hours are from 5:30 p.m. on Sunday to 1:00 a.m. on Saturday, following the U.S. Eastern Standard Time (EST).
Clients can also contact TD Ameritrade's customer support via email by writing to the provided email address. For mailing purposes, applications, deposits, and other materials can be sent to the following address:
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
Attn: International Operations
1945 Northwestern Drive
El Paso, TX 79912-1108, USA
Additionally, TD Ameritrade offers phone-based services. Clients can use Schwab by Phone™ by calling 1-800-435-4000 to reach an investment professional or utilize automated phone services. TeleBroker® provides access to automated touch-tone services, and it can be reached at 1-800-2SCHWAB (1-800-272-4922). For specific services in different languages, clients can contact the respective numbers provided, such as 1-800-662-6068 for 中文 (Chinese) services and 1-800-786-5174 for servicios en español (Spanish services). International clients can call 1-415-667-8400 for services in English, 中文, or español.
To access customer support online, clients can visit the official TD Ameritrade website at schwab.com, chinese.schwab.com, or international.schwab.com. For those using web-enabled phones, they can find Schwab on their phone's web menu. Additionally, PDA users can consult schwab.com/wireless on their desktop for further assistance.
In conclusion, TD Ameritrade Hong Kong Limited is a regulated brokerage firm authorized by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong. It offers a diverse range of market instruments, including stocks, options, ETFs, bonds, offshore mutual funds, and ADRs/foreign ordinaries. The company provides various account types, such as Individual, Joint, Trust, Corporate, and U.S. Retirement Accounts, with different minimum deposit requirements. TD Ameritrade offers multiple trading platforms, including web trading, StreetSmart Edge®, and Schwab Mobile, to provide access to the U.S. market. They also offer educational resources, workshops, webinars, and market commentary to help investors enhance their understanding of U.S. investing. Payment methods include FPS transfers, cheque deposits, telegraphic transfers, and account transfers. Customer support is available through phone, email, and online channels.
Q: Is TD Ameritrade regulated?
A: Yes, TD Ameritrade is regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong.
Q: What market instruments does TD Ameritrade offer?
A: TD Ameritrade offers a diverse range of market instruments including stocks, options, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), bonds, offshore mutual funds, American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), and foreign ordinaries.
Q: What are the minimum deposit requirements for TD Ameritrade?
A: TD Ameritrade requires a minimum deposit of US$25,000 for Individual and Joint accounts, and US$100,000 for Trust accounts.
Q: What trading platforms does TD Ameritrade provide?
A: TD Ameritrade offers web trading, StreetSmart Edge®, and Schwab Mobile as its primary trading platforms.
Q: What educational resources are available at TD Ameritrade?
A: TD Ameritrade offers workshops, webinars, U.S. market commentary, investing education, and daily updates to help investors enhance their understanding of U.S. investing.
Q: What are the payment methods accepted by TD Ameritrade?
A: TD Ameritrade accepts FPS transfers, cheque deposits, telegraphic transfers, and account transfers from another broker. It also accepts payment options such as Mastercard, Visa, and various other methods.
Q: How can I contact TD Ameritrade's customer support?
A: You can contact TD Ameritrade's customer support via phone, email, or by mailing your inquiries to their designated address. They also offer phone-based services and online customer support through their official website.
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 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 |
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.
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 | Most other | |
Minimum Deposit | $50 | $100 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. |
To compare transaction costs across different brokers, our experts analyze the transaction-specific fees (such as spreads) and non-trading fees (such as inactivity fees and payment costs).
To get a comprehensive understanding of how cheap or expensive td-ameritrade and fxcm are, we first considered common fees for standard accounts. On td-ameritrade, the average spread for the EUR/USD currency pair is -- pips, while on fxcm the spread is --.
To determine the safety of our top brokers, our experts will consider many factors. This includes which licenses the broker holds and the credibility of these licenses. We also consider the history of brokers, because long-term brokers are usually more reliable and trustworthy than new brokers.
td-ameritrade is regulated by SFC. fxcm is regulated by ASIC,FCA,CYSEC,FSCA.
When our experts review brokers, they will open their own accounts and trade through the broker's trading platform. This enables them to comprehensively evaluate the quality, ease of use, and function of the platform.
td-ameritrade provides trading platform including -- and trading variety including --. fxcm provides trading platform including -- and trading variety including --.