ForexBrokers.com is committed to the highest ethical standards and reviews services independently. Learn How We Make Money

AvaTrade vs FXCM 2025

ForexBrokers.com

Written by ForexBrokers.com

February 05, 2025

In this head to head comparison of AvaTrade vs FXCM, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.

AvaTrade
4.5/5 Stars Overall
  • Minimum Deposit: $100
  • Trust Score: 94
  • Tradeable Symbols (Total): 1260
FXCM
4.5/5 Stars Overall
  • Minimum Deposit: Starts from $50
  • Trust Score: 95
  • Tradeable Symbols (Total): 440

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 51% and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Regulation

AvaTrade and FXCM are both well-established online brokers, with AvaTrade founded in 2006 and FXCM in 1999. While AvaTrade is a private company, FXCM is publicly traded. Neither operates as a bank, but both maintain a significant presence in the financial trading world. When it comes to regulation, AvaTrade holds four highly trusted Tier-1 licenses and three trusted Tier-2 licenses. On the other hand, FXCM has four highly trusted Tier-1 licenses and two trusted Tier-2 licenses. This shows that both platforms are well-regulated, ensuring a safe and secure trading environment for their users.

In terms of trustworthiness, AvaTrade and FXCM both receive high marks from ForexBrokers.com, with AvaTrade scoring a solid 94 and FXCM slightly ahead at 95. These scores place both brokers in the 'highly trusted' category, meaning they provide reliable services for their clients. Overall, despite differences in their licensing numbers and corporate structures, both AvaTrade and FXCM offer credible and safe online trading platforms backed by strong regulations.

Feature AvaTrade logoAvaTrade
FXCM logoFXCM
Year Founded info 2006 1999
Publicly Traded (Listed) info Yes
Bank info
Tier-1 Licenses info 4 4
Tier-2 Licenses info 3 2
Tier-3 Licenses info 1 0
Tier-4 Licenses info 1 0

Fees

When comparing the commissions and fees of AvaTrade and FXCM, AvaTrade presents spreads that are close to the industry average, slightly under one pip at 0.9 pips as of mid-2024. These spreads are somewhat higher compared to entry-level accounts offered by CMC Markets and Tickmill. However, for professional traders who qualify for AvaTrade's Professional account, the savings are notable, with spreads narrowing to a competitive 0.6 pips, putting them on par with FP Markets. AvaTrade's fees earn it a commendable 4.5-star rating, and it ranks 12th out of 63 brokers in the Commissions and Fees category by ForexBrokers.com.

On the other hand, FXCM's pricing for forex trading appears slightly above the industry average. Its standard account spreads were recorded at an average of 0.78 pips for markets in the EU, U.K., and Australia in May 2024, while for accounts under its St. Vincent and the Grenadines entity, the spreads averaged a higher 1.38 pips. FXCM offers more attractive rates on its commission-based accounts, with average spreads of 0.28 pips excluding commissions, and active trader discounts can significantly reduce costs based on trading volume and country-specific programs. Nonetheless, FXCM's commission pricing translates to a 0.74 pips effective spread, accounting for the commission-equivalent. The broker receives a 4-star rating and is positioned 25th among 63 brokers in the Commissions and Fees category by ForexBrokers.com.

In conclusion, both AvaTrade and FXCM offer competitive trading conditions with distinct advantages. AvaTrade edges ahead with a slightly better rating due to its professional account benefits and a strong position among its peers, ranked 12th by ForexBrokers.com. FXCM, though slightly trailing in the rankings, provides interesting discount strategies for active traders, making trades potentially economical under the right conditions. With both brokers, traders can achieve favorable cost structures tailored to their trading volumes and status.

Feature AvaTrade logoAvaTrade
FXCM logoFXCM
Minimum Deposit info $100 Starts from $50
Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard info 0.93 info 0.78 info
All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active info 0.61 info 0.78 info
Active Trader or VIP Discounts info Yes Yes
ACH or SEPA Transfers info Yes
PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes Yes
Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes Yes
Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) info Yes Yes
Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes Yes

Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.

Featured Offers


Range of investments

AvaTrade and FXCM are both online brokers that cater to traders interested in forex and CFD trading. AvaTrade offers a significant advantage with a broader range of tradeable symbols, providing access to 1,260 compared to FXCM's 440. Both platforms support forex trading as CFDs or spot contracts, although AvaTrade slightly edges out in forex pairs with 53, whereas FXCM offers 46. This difference in variety extends the range of opportunities for those using AvaTrade, but both platforms provide comprehensive services, including the ability to engage in copy trading and access to cryptocurrency derivatives.

While neither AvaTrade nor FXCM offers exchange-traded securities from U.S. or international exchanges, their features in CFDs and derivatives are notable. With a rating of four stars for its range of investments, AvaTrade surpasses FXCM, which holds a more modest rating of 3.5 stars. According to ForexBrokers.com, AvaTrade is positioned at #32 for range of investments, outpacing FXCM, which is ranked at #47. These ratings highlight AvaTrade's stronger offering in terms of diversity and flexibility in trading options for both experienced and novice traders.

Feature AvaTrade logoAvaTrade
FXCM logoFXCM
Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) info Yes Yes
Tradeable Symbols (Total) info 1260 440
Forex Pairs (Total) info 53 46 info
U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) info
Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) info
Social Trading / Copy Trading info Yes Yes
Cryptocurrency (Physical) info
Cryptocurrency (Derivative) info Yes Yes
Disclaimers Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients).

Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.

Trading platforms and tools

When comparing AvaTrade and FXCM for their trading platforms and tools, both brokers stand out with a variety of features appealing to traders. Each offers free virtual demo accounts, enabling users to practice trading without financial risk. Both brokers provide proprietary platforms and support popular systems like MetaTrader 4, with AvaTrade also including MetaTrader 5. Additionally, both feature web-based and Windows-based desktop trading, enhancing accessibility for users. They also support copy trading and offer connectivity with platforms like ZuluTrade, although AvaTrade uniquely provides access to DupliTrade as well. For direct trading from stock charts, both brokers excel, though AvaTrade offers 13 drawing tools compared to FXCM’s 10, while FXCM provides a richer watch list experience with 13 columns versus AvaTrade's 7.

In terms of ratings and rankings, FXCM edges ahead with a full 5-star rating for its trading platforms and tools, as opposed to AvaTrade's impressive 4.5 stars. FXCM also ranks higher, placing 6th out of 63 brokers as evaluated by ForexBrokers.com, while AvaTrade holds the 13th spot. This recognition reflects FXCM's slightly broader feature set and comprehensive tool offerings. Whether prioritizing user experience or a wider array of technical resources, both brokers present compelling options based on trader preferences and needs.

Feature AvaTrade logoAvaTrade
FXCM logoFXCM
Virtual Trading (Demo) info Yes Yes
Proprietary Platform info Yes Yes
Desktop Platform (Windows) info Yes Yes
Web Platform info Yes Yes
Social Trading / Copy Trading info Yes Yes
MetaTrader 4 (MT4) info Yes Yes
MetaTrader 5 (MT5) info Yes
DupliTrade info Yes
ZuluTrade info Yes Yes info
Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) info 80 115
Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) info 13 10
Charting - Trade From Chart info Yes Yes
Watchlists - Total Fields info 7 13

Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.

Forex trading apps

Both AvaTrade and FXCM offer comprehensive mobile trading apps for iPhone and Android users, providing traders with a versatile on-the-go experience. Each app comes equipped with features such as stock and forex price alerts, watchlist symbol syncing, and the ability to draw trendlines on charts. Users can also customize their viewing experience by choosing multiple time frames, from daily to intraday views. AvaTrade stands out with 73 technical studies available for charting, compared to FXCM's 59. However, FXCM takes the edge with automatic chart drawing saves, a feature AvaTrade lacks.

For those keen on real-time market data, both apps offer the ability to create watchlists with up-to-the-minute quotes. In terms of user ratings, both AvaTrade and FXCM have received a solid 4.5 stars for their mobile trading applications. According to ForexBrokers.com, AvaTrade ranks slightly higher in the Mobile Trading Apps category at #13, while FXCM is close behind at #16. Each offers strong support for traders who rely on mobile platforms for their trading needs, though AvaTrade may appeal to those who require more in-depth chart studies.

Feature AvaTrade logoAvaTrade
FXCM logoFXCM
Android App info Yes Yes
Apple iOS App info Yes Yes
Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields info Yes Yes
Watchlist Syncing info Yes Yes
Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies info 73 59
Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines info Yes Yes
Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames info Yes Yes
Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave info Yes
Mobile Watchlist info Yes Yes

Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.

Market research

When comparing AvaTrade and FXCM for market research offerings, it's clear that both brokers provide valuable tools and resources for traders. AvaTrade is recognized for its provision of forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, as well as offering technical analytics through Trading Central. It also features a sentiment-based trading tool and maintains an economic calendar for global news events. However, specific details on daily market commentary and research tools from Autochartist, TipRanks, and Acuity Trading are less clear. AvaTrade earned 4 stars for its research capabilities and is ranked 34th among 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com.

FXCM also excels in offering traders essential market insights. Like AvaTrade, FXCM provides top-tier forex news and tools from Trading Central. Moreover, FXCM adds value with its daily market commentary and market research from TipRanks, enhancing traders' research experiences. The broker's commitment to providing an economic calendar aligns with industry standards, although specifics on Autochartist and Acuity Trading tools are not mentioned. With a research rating of 4.5 stars, FXCM outshines AvaTrade, ranking 11th on ForexBrokers.com's list of 63 brokers for research excellence.

Feature AvaTrade logoAvaTrade
FXCM logoFXCM
Daily Market Commentary info Yes
Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) info Yes Yes
Autochartist info
Trading Central (Recognia) info Yes Yes
Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs info Yes Yes
TipRanks info Yes
Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) info
Economic Calendar info Yes Yes

Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.

Beginners and education

When it comes to educational resources for beginners, both AvaTrade and FXCM provide an extensive collection to help new traders get started in forex and CFDs. Each broker offers well over ten educational materials such as articles, videos, and archived webinars focusing on these markets. AvaTrade stands out with a consistent offering of online webinars, a searchable archive of past sessions, and more than ten beginner-friendly educational videos. FXCM matches these offerings and also provides a searchable archive of webinars along with videos tailored to beginner traders. Both brokers have comprehensive investor dictionaries with over 50 terms, which can be a great aid for those just starting.

However, despite these similarities in their educational offerings, there is a slight difference in their ratings. AvaTrade achieves a respectable four-star rating for its educational resources, while FXCM slightly edges ahead with a 4.5-star rating. In terms of rankings on ForexBrokers.com, AvaTrade ranks impressively at #2 out of 63 brokers in the Education category, while FXCM is ranked at #14. This indicates that while both platforms provide valuable educational content, there may be nuanced differences in user satisfaction or resource quality that could influence a beginner's choice.

Feature AvaTrade logoAvaTrade
FXCM logoFXCM
Education (Forex or CFDs) info Yes Yes
Client Webinars info Yes Yes
Client Webinars (Archived) info Yes Yes
Videos - Beginner Trading Videos info Yes Yes
Videos - Advanced Trading Videos info Yes Yes
Investor Dictionary (Glossary) info Yes Yes

Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.

Winner

After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that AvaTrade is better than FXCM. AvaTrade finished with an overall rank of #13, while FXCM finished with an overall rank of #15.

AvaTrade is a trusted global brand best known for offering an extensive selection of trading platforms for forex and CFD traders, as well as exceptional educational content that helped it nab Best in Class honors for Beginners in the ForexBrokers.com 2025 Annual Awards.

Feature AvaTrade logoAvaTrade
FXCM logoFXCM
Overall Rating info 4.5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Trust Score info 94 95
Range of Investments 4/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Commissions & Fees 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Platforms & Tools 4.5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Research 4/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Mobile Trading 4.5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Education 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars

FAQs

Can you trade cryptocurrency with AvaTrade or FXCM?

While both AvaTrade and FXCM provide the option to trade cryptocurrency derivatives, neither platform offers the ability to buy actual, delivered cryptocurrencies.

What funding options does each broker offer?

While both AvaTrade and FXCM provide a variety of deposit and withdrawal options including PayPal, Skrill, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wires, FXCM additionally supports ACH or SEPA transfers, which AvaTrade does not offer.




announcementPlease note:

We review each broker’s overall global offering – a “Yes” checkmark in our Compare Tool does not guarantee the availability of any specific features in your country of residence. To verify the availability of any features within your country of residence, please contact the broker directly.

Select Brokers

×
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxActivTrades
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxACY Securities
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxAdmirals
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxAlpari
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxATFX
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxAvaTrade
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxAxi
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxBDSwiss
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxBlackBull Markets
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxCapital.com
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxCharles Schwab
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxCity Index
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxCMC Markets
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxDooPrime
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxEarn
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxeasyMarkets
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxEightcap
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxeToro
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxExness
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxFineco
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxFOREX.com
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxFP Markets
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxFXCM
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxFXGT.com
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxFXOpen
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxFXPrimus
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxFxPro
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxGBE brokers
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxHFM
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxHYCM (Henyep Capital Markets)
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxIC Markets
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxIFC Markets
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxiFOREX
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxIG
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxInteractive Brokers
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxIronFX
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxIUX
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxLegacyFX
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxLibertex (Forex Club)
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxMarkets.com
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxMarkets4you
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxMoneta Markets
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxMultiBank
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxOANDA
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxOcta
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxPepperstone
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxPlus500
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxQuestrade
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxRoboForex
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxSaxo
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxSpreadex
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxSwissquote
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxThinkMarkets
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxTickmill
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxTMGM
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxTopFX
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxTrade Nation
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxTrading 212
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxVantage
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxVT Markets
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxXM Group
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxXTB
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxXtrade

Compare

0 of 5
Overall Rating AvaTrade FXCM
Overall Rating info 4.5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Commissions & Fees 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Range of Investments 4/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Platforms & Tools 4.5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Mobile Trading 4.5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Research 4/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Education 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Trust Score info 94 95
Winner check_circle
Review AvaTrade Review FXCM Review
Broker Screenshots AvaTrade FXCM
Broker Gallery (click to expand) info
Regulation AvaTrade FXCM
Trust Score info 94 95
Year Founded info 2006 1999
Publicly Traded (Listed) info Yes
Bank info
Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). info Yes info Yes info
Tier-1 Licenses info 4 4
Tier-2 Licenses info 3 2
Tier-3 Licenses info 1 0
Tier-4 Licenses info 1 0
Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) AvaTrade FXCM
Australia (ASIC Authorised) info Yes Yes
Canada (CIRO Authorised) info Yes Yes
Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) info
Japan (SFC Authorised) info Yes
Singapore (MAS Authorised) info
Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) info
United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) info Yes
USA (CFTC Authorized) info
New Zealand (FMA Authorised) info
Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). info Yes info Yes info
Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) AvaTrade FXCM
Kenya (CMA Authorised) info
Israel (ISA Authorised) info Yes Yes
South Africa (FSCA Authorised) info Yes Yes
UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) info Yes
India (SEBI Authorised) info
Jordan (JSC Authorised) info
Investments AvaTrade FXCM
Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) info Yes Yes
Tradeable Symbols (Total) info 1260 440
Forex Pairs (Total) info 53 46 info
U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) info
Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) info
Social Trading / Copy Trading info Yes Yes
Cryptocurrency (Physical) info
Cryptocurrency (Derivative) info Yes Yes
Disclaimers Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients).
Cost AvaTrade FXCM
Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard info 0.93 info 0.78 info
All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active info 0.61 info 0.78 info
Active Trader or VIP Discounts info Yes Yes
Inactivity Fee info Yes Yes
Execution: Agency Broker info Yes
Execution: Market Maker info Yes Yes
Funding AvaTrade FXCM
Minimum Deposit info $100 Starts from $50
PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes Yes
Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes Yes
Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) info Yes Yes
Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes Yes
ACH or SEPA Transfers info Yes
Trading Platforms AvaTrade FXCM
Proprietary Platform info Yes Yes
Desktop Platform (Windows) info Yes Yes
Web Platform info Yes Yes
Social Trading / Copy Trading info Yes Yes
MetaTrader 4 (MT4) info Yes Yes
MetaTrader 5 (MT5) info Yes
cTrader info
DupliTrade info Yes
ZuluTrade info Yes Yes info
Trading Tools AvaTrade FXCM
Virtual Trading (Demo) info Yes Yes
Alerts - Basic Fields info Yes Yes
Watchlists - Total Fields info 7 13
Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) info 80 115
Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) info 13 10
Charting - Trade From Chart info Yes Yes
Charts can be saved info Yes Yes
Mobile Trading AvaTrade FXCM
Android App info Yes Yes
Apple iOS App info Yes Yes
Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields info Yes Yes
Mobile Watchlist info Yes Yes
Watchlist Syncing info Yes Yes
Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies info 73 59
Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines info Yes Yes
Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames info Yes Yes
Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave info Yes
Mobile Economic Calendar info Yes Yes
Research AvaTrade FXCM
Daily Market Commentary info Yes
Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) info Yes Yes
Autochartist info
Trading Central (Recognia) info Yes Yes
TipRanks info Yes
Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs info Yes Yes
Economic Calendar info Yes Yes
Education AvaTrade FXCM
Education (Forex or CFDs) info Yes Yes
Client Webinars info Yes Yes
Client Webinars (Archived) info Yes Yes
Videos - Beginner Trading Videos info Yes Yes
Videos - Advanced Trading Videos info Yes Yes
Investor Dictionary (Glossary) info Yes Yes
Major Forex Pairs AvaTrade FXCM
GBP/USD info Yes Yes
USD/JPY info Yes Yes
EUR/USD info Yes Yes
USD/CHF info Yes Yes
USD/CAD info Yes Yes
NZD/USD info Yes Yes
AUD/USD info Yes Yes
Review AvaTrade Review FXCM Review
Overall AvaTrade FXCM
Overall Rating info 4.5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Commissions & Fees 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Range of Investments 4/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Platforms & Tools 4.5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Mobile Trading 4.5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Research 4/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Education 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Trust Score info 94 95
Winner check_circle
Review AvaTrade Review FXCM Review
arrow_upward

close