AvaTrade vs FXCM Comparison: Which Is Better for Traders?
We test brokers on real accounts using our own methodology, evaluating the quality of order execution, trading conditions, platforms and customer support.
Who is better - AvaTrade or FXCM?
Our pick: AvaTrade
Based on multiple factors - spreads and fees, available assets and instruments, execution quality, platform usability, support level, and educational resources - AvaTrade looks preferable to FXCM.
AvaTrade scored 4.7/5 and ranks 1 in our all Forex brokers list, whereas FXCM has 4.3/5 and ranks 28.
This is not financial advice. See the full comparison below.
Who is AvaTrade suitable for?
AvaTrade is suitable for traders who value various instruments, copy trading services, and a user-friendly mobile version of trading platforms.
Who is FXCM suitable for?
FXCM is suitable for traders of all levels. Beginners will find educational materials and helpful analytics, while experienced traders will appreciate various instruments and flexible platforms.
Comparison Table of AvaTrade and FXCM
| Broker | AvaTrade | FXCM |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2005 | 1999 |
| Regulated in Countries | Ireland, British Virgin Islands, Australia, South Africa, Japan, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Canada | United Kingdom, Australia, Cyprus, South Africa, Canada, Israel, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
| Minimum Deposit |
|
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| Spread | from 0.6 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:400 | 1:1000 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
|
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| Trading Platforms |
|
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| Review | AvaTrade Review | FXCM Review |
AvaTrade Review
AvaTrade is ideal for traders looking for various trading tools and a high level of investment protection. Beginners will be comfortable with the intuitive interface of the AvaTradeGO mobile platform, while experienced traders will appreciate the depth of MetaTrader's customization and analytical tools. However, traders who need access to STP or ECN accounts should pay attention to other brokerage companies.
Pros and Cons of AvaTrade
Pros
- A wide selection of financial assets.
- Innovative trading platforms.
- Highly rated educational resources.
Cons
- Limited trading account options.
- Account inactivity fee.
AvaTrade is in the top 10 of the following ratings:
FXCM Review
FXCM represents a comprehensive solution that will benefit traders of all levels — from beginners to professionals. Beginners will appreciate the accessible educational materials and analytics, while experienced traders can use various instruments and flexible platform settings.
However, it's essential to consider drawbacks such as fees for account inactivity and the limited variety of trading accounts. These factors may be particularly significant for traders who do not plan to trade actively or are looking for more options for customization.
The broker offers a good balance between high-quality services and reasonable rates, making it an attractive choice for a broad spectrum of traders.
Pros and Cons of FXCM
Pros
- Diverse methods for deposit and withdrawal.
- Wide range of markets and products for trading.
- A broad spectrum of trading platforms.
- Extensive and quality materials for making informed decisions.
- Quick and efficient help in solving emerging issues.
Cons
- Insufficient variety of trading accounts.
- Inactivity fees and commissions for bank transfer withdrawals.
- Protracted account opening and verification process.
FXCM is in the top 10 of the following ratings:
Reliability
| Broker | AvaTrade | FXCM |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2005 | 1999 |
| Regulated in Countries | Ireland, British Virgin Islands, Australia, South Africa, Japan, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Canada | United Kingdom, Australia, Cyprus, South Africa, Canada, Israel, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
| Regulators |
AvaTrade
AvaTrade is regulated in various countries by several leading financial regulators, providing high reliability.
FXCM
FXCM is a well-regulated broker with numerous licenses from various global organizations.
Account Opening
| Broker | AvaTrade | FXCM |
|---|---|---|
| Account Opening | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimum Deposit |
|
|
AvaTrade
The broker offers clients from different countries a straightforward, convenient, and quick account opening process.
FXCM
The account opening process at FXCM is logically organized and efficient, providing clear steps for traders. The structured system and quick verification make this process convenient and straightforward.
Pros
- Clear and structured registration form.
Cons
- Verification waiting time can take up to 3 days.
Account Types
| Broker | AvaTrade | FXCM |
|---|---|---|
| Account Types | 3.5/5 | 4/5 |
| Trading Accounts |
|
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| Minimum Deposit |
|
|
| Spread | from 0.6 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:400 | 1:1000 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
|
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Demo Account | ||
| Swap-free Account |
AvaTrade
AvaTrade has a decent trading account, but the absence of some critical options may not satisfy all trader needs.
Pros
- A free demo account is available.
- An Islamic account option is provided.
- The ability to copy trades.
Cons
- Lack of market execution of orders.
- No cent accounts.
- No fixed spread accounts.
FXCM
FXCM offers two types of accounts: Mini for beginners and Standard for experienced traders. Although the choice is not vast, both accounts are well adapted for their target audiences.
Pros
- Mini account available - akin to a cent account.
- Option for copy trading through ZuluTrade.
- Demo and Islamic accounts available.
Cons
- Limited selection of account types.
- No account with fixed spreads.
Commissions
| Broker | AvaTrade | FXCM |
|---|---|---|
| Commissions | 4.5/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Spread | from 0.6 points | from 0 points |
| Average Spread (EURUSD) | 0.9 | 1.2 |
| Commission per Lot |
AvaTrade
AvaTrade offers relatively low commissions with its competitive spreads and no charges for deposits/withdrawals.
Pros
- Low spreads.
- No deposit/withdrawal fees.
Cons
- Inactivity fee.
FXCM
Commissions at FXCM are average. The broker offers favorable conditions for long-term trading thanks to competitive spreads and swaps. However, there is an inactivity fee and a fee for fund withdrawal.
Pros
- Competitive spreads and swaps.
- Rebate program for active traders.
Cons
- Inactivity fee.
- Fee for withdrawals via bank transfer.
Deposit and Withdrawal
| Broker | AvaTrade | FXCM |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.2/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Account Funding Methods |
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|
AvaTrade
AvaTrade provides flexible and accessible methods for depositing and withdrawing funds, though processing times can be extended.
Pros
- Multiple methods for deposit and withdrawal.
- No commission on deposits and withdrawals.
- AvaTrade covers up to $100 of the bank transfer fee.
Cons
- Long processing time for bank transfers.
FXCM
FXCM offers a wide range of methods for depositing and withdrawing funds, including cryptocurrencies.
Pros
- Variety of deposit methods.
- Fast processing of withdrawal requests.
- No broker commissions for depositing.
Cons
- Commission for withdrawals via bank transfer.
Markets and Products
| Broker | AvaTrade | FXCM |
|---|---|---|
| Markets and Products | 5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Forex | 53 | 41 |
| Precious Metals | 7 | 3 |
| Energy Carriers | 5 | 7 |
| Soft Commodities | 7 | 4 |
| Indices | 46 | 15 |
| Stocks | 614 | 3512 |
| ETF | 61 | 280 |
| Bonds | 2 | - |
| Cryptocurrency | 20 | 23 |
AvaTrade
AvaTrade offers various financial instruments, including currency pairs, CFDs, stocks, ETFs, bonds, cryptocurrencies, etc.
FXCM
FXCM provides a wide range of trading instruments, making it attractive for various categories of traders. Different markets, from Forex to stocks and cryptocurrencies, are available.
Pros
- Good selection of markets and instruments.
Cons
- Some competitors have even more CFDs.
Trading Platforms
| Broker | AvaTrade | FXCM |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Trading Platforms |
|
|
AvaTrade
AvaTrade provides various trading platforms: MetaTrader 4 and 5, WebTrader, and AvaTradeGO, giving traders flexibility in choosing the right tool for their trading strategies.
FXCM
FXCM offers a wide choice of trading platforms with high functionality, meeting the needs of different traders.
Pros
- Wide choice of platforms for different trading styles.
- Advanced analytical tools in Trading Station.
- Support for algorithmic and social trading through Capitalise AI and ZuluTrade.
Analytics
| Broker | AvaTrade | FXCM |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
AvaTrade
The broker provides good market analysis tools.
Pros
- Collaboration with Trading Central.
- Economic calendar.
- Trader's calculator.
FXCM
FXCM offers comprehensive analytical tools, from trading signals to expert research. These resources not only simplify trading decisions but also help to improve strategy.
Pros
- Wide range of analytical tools.
- Professional signals and market analysis.
- Personalized trading applications.
Cons
- Some tools may require a subscription or active account.
- Lack of analytics localization in different languages.
Education
| Broker | AvaTrade | FXCM |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 4/5 |
AvaTrade
AvaTrade offers quality video tutorials and articles for traders of all levels.
Pros
- Quality materials.
- Educational resources available on the AvaTrade site.
FXCM
The broker offers quality webinars and helpful guides that make the learning process informative and interactive.
Pros
- Webinars with experts for direct interaction.
- Detailed Forex guides.
- Materials suitable for traders of all levels.
Cons
- Lack of video courses.
- No podcasts for audio learning.
Customer Support
| Broker | AvaTrade | FXCM |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Email Support |
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| Hotline Phones |
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| Social Media |
Whatsapp
Facebook
YouTube
Instagram
Twitter
LinkedIn
TelegramAvaTrade
The broker's technical support offers various channels of communication and 24/7 availability.
FXCM
FXCM's technical support is highly rated for its variety of communication channels and quick response. Customer reviews confirm the professionalism and efficiency of the staff.
Pros
- Multiple channels of communication, including WhatsApp and live chat.
- Available 24/5.
- High degree of customer satisfaction.
Cons
- There may be telephone charges for international calls.
Comparisons of AvaTrade and FXCM with other brokers
Conclusion
AvaTrade stands out as the better overall pick, while FXCM trails on aggregate criteria.
AvaTrade scored 4.7/5 and ranks 1 in our rating; FXCM has 4.3/5 and ranks 28.
We explain the reasons above in detail — fees, platforms, reliability, support, and more.
FAQ
Which broker is better: AvaTrade or FXCM?
AvaTrade comes out ahead by overall rank (score 4.7/5, position 1) versus FXCM (score 4.3/5, position 28).
Which broker is better for beginners: AvaTrade or FXCM?
AvaTrade is often a smoother start thanks to simpler onboarding and stronger baseline metrics. Still, your tools and budget should drive the final choice.
Who has lower typical trading costs (spreads/commissions) — AvaTrade or FXCM?
It depends on the instrument and account type. Compare the live conditions in the “Commissions” section on this page — we break down the nuances category by category.
What trading platforms are available with AvaTrade and FXCM?
AvaTrade: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, WebTrader, AvaTradeGO. FXCM: MetaTrader 4, Trading Station, TradingView. See the “Platforms” section for details and selection tips.
What markets can you trade with AvaTrade and FXCM?
AvaTrade: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Soft Commodities, Indices, Stocks, ETF, Bonds, Cryptocurrency. FXCM: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Soft Commodities, Indices, Stocks, ETF, Cryptocurrency. Full lists and differences are in the “Markets” section.
What account types are offered by AvaTrade and FXCM?
AvaTrade: CFD. FXCM: Standard. See “Account Types” for a side-by-side comparison.
What deposit and withdrawal methods are supported by AvaTrade and FXCM?
AvaTrade: Neteller, Skrill, PayPal, Google Pay, Bank Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, JCB. FXCM: Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, Swift, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, UnionPay. Check method-specific fees/settlement times.
Which broker is safer — AvaTrade or FXCM — and how was this assessed?
We consider regulation, corporate transparency, fund protection, and incident history. See the “Reliability” section for our findings.
