Written by ForexBrokers.com
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.
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.
AvaTrade and FXCM are both widely recognized online brokers, each offering a reliable trading environment. Founded in 2006 and 1999 respectively, both companies have established their presence in the financial world, although only FXCM is publicly traded. Both brokers hold four Tier-1 licenses, reflecting a high level of trust from regulatory authorities. AvaTrade boasts an impressive Trust Score of 94, indicating a very high level of reliability. Meanwhile, FXCM slightly edges out with a Trust Score of 95, suggesting an equally trustworthy profile. Both brokers have been evaluated according to strict criteria by ForexBrokers.com, which rates brokers based on their regulatory standing and overall trustworthiness.
In addition to their Tier-1 licenses, AvaTrade holds three Tier-2 licenses, while FXCM holds two. These licenses contribute to their solid reputations in the trading community. Despite these regulatory credentials, neither AvaTrade nor FXCM is a bank, meaning they focus solely on brokerage services. Their long-standing presence and adherence to regulations make them strong choices for traders looking for secured and dependable trading platforms.
| Feature |
AvaTrade
|
FXCM
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2006 | 1999 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | Yes |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 4 | 4 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 3 | 2 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 1 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 0 |
AvaTrade is known for its competitive forex trading fees, earning a commendable 4.5-star rating in the commissions and fees category, and ranks #12 out of 62 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. Their spreads for standard accounts are just under one pip, which is close to the industry average. However, if you qualify as a professional trader, you can enjoy even more competitive spreads at 0.6 pips, making it a worthwhile option comparable to brokers like FP Markets.
In comparison, FXCM also performs well with a 4-star rating and a #24 ranking in the same category. While FXCM’s standard account spreads can be slightly higher than the industry average, averaging 0.78 pips in the EU, U.K., and Australia (and 1.38 in St. Vincent and the Grenadines), their commission-based accounts can offer average spreads as low as 0.28 pips – though when taking commissions into account, the effective spread increases to around 0.74 pips. Active traders can benefit from an Active Trader Rebate Program, though these discounts do depend on the trade volume and the specific FXCM entity that holds your account.
Overall, both AvaTrade and FXCM present viable options for traders, with AvaTrade appealing more to those seeking straightforward fee structures and consistency in spreads. Meanwhile, FXCM’s commission-based structure and rebate program might be attractive to high-volume traders who can navigate its tiered discount system effectively.
| Feature |
AvaTrade
|
FXCM
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | Starts from $50 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.93 | 0.78 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.61 | 0.78 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | Yes |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
AvaTrade and FXCM both offer forex trading through CFDs and spot contracts. However, when it comes to the variety of tradeable symbols, AvaTrade stands out with 1,260 options compared to FXCM's 440. In the forex pairs department, AvaTrade again has the edge, with 53 available pairs versus FXCM's 43. Both platforms do not provide exchange-traded securities on U.S. or international exchanges, meaning direct purchases of stocks like Apple or Vodafone are not possible.
In terms of alternative investment options, both AvaTrade and FXCM offer copy trading features and the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives, although neither allows for the purchase of actual cryptocurrency assets. AvaTrade generally achieves a higher rating for its range of investments, securing a 4-star rating and a #32 rank on ForexBrokers.com, whereas FXCM holds a 3.5-star rating and ranks #47. This comparison suggests AvaTrade may offer a more extensive selection for investors seeking diverse trading opportunities.
| Feature |
AvaTrade
|
FXCM
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1260 | 440 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 53 | 43 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | 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.
AvaTrade and FXCM offer a similar range of features for trading platforms and tools, catering to a variety of trader preferences. Both brokers provide free virtual demo accounts and have their own proprietary platforms, along with options for Windows-based desktop downloads and web-based trading. Copy trading is supported by both, with AvaTrade offering DupliTrade and ZuluTrade, while FXCM partners with ZuluTrade only. MetaTrader 4 is available from both brokers, but AvaTrade stands out by also offering MetaTrader 5, which FXCM does not include in its offerings.
When it comes to technical charting tools, AvaTrade provides more drawing tools with a count of 13 compared to FXCM's 10, although specific numbers for technical indicators are not provided. Both platforms allow trading directly from stock charts. FXCM offers a wider array of watch list columns with 13 fields, compared to AvaTrade's 7. Based on ForexBrokers.com rankings, FXCM leads with a higher rating of 5 stars for their platforms and tools, standing at 6th place out of 62 brokers, while AvaTrade is rated 4.5 stars and positioned at 13th place in the same category.
| Feature |
AvaTrade
|
FXCM
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | No |
| DupliTrade | Yes | No |
| ZuluTrade | Yes | Yes |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 80 | 115 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 13 | 10 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 13 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When it comes to mobile trading apps, both AvaTrade and FXCM provide strong options for iPhone and Android users. Both platforms allow traders to set stock or forex price alerts and offer seamless watchlist syncing between the app and online accounts. This means any changes you make are reflected across both platforms, giving users flexibility and convenience. AvaTrade offers a more extensive set of technical studies with 73 options, compared to FXCM's 59. Both apps enable users to draw trendlines and view multiple time frames on charts, which are crucial features for technical analysis.
While both apps allow users to create a watchlist with real-time quotes and boast a 4.5-star rating, there are subtle differences. AVA's mobile app doesn’t automatically save chart drawings, whereas FXCM's does, potentially offering a slight edge in user experience for FXCM. According to ForexBrokers.com, AvaTrade is ranked slightly higher at #13, with FXCM at #16 out of 62 brokers for mobile trading apps. These rankings and features highlight both apps as excellent choices, but traders might prefer one over the other based on specific needs like technical studies and chart drawing features.
| Feature |
AvaTrade
|
FXCM
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 73 | 59 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | No | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When exploring market research offerings between online brokers, AvaTrade and FXCM stand out with both providing comprehensive forex news sourced from renowned outlets such as Bloomberg and Reuters. Although neither broker offers tools from Autochartist, they each provide access to advanced technical analysis features through Trading Central. Sentiment-based trading insights are also available at both AvaTrade and FXCM, reflecting traders' long and short positions. Furthermore, both platforms equip users with economic calendars that detail global economic events, crucial for informed trading decisions.
Differences emerge in other aspects, particularly FXCM's provision of daily market commentary and research from TipRanks, which AvaTrade does not offer. As a result, FXCM receives a slightly higher research rating of 4.5 stars compared to AvaTrade's 4 stars. This distinction is further supported by FXCM’s superior ranking of #11 in the research category per ForexBrokers.com, compared to AvaTrade's ranking of #34. These elements make FXCM a stronger contender for those prioritizing market insights and research tools in their trading strategy.
| Feature |
AvaTrade
|
FXCM
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | No | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | Yes |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | Yes |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
AvaTrade and FXCM both excel in offering a comprehensive suite of educational resources for beginners interested in forex and CFDs trading. Each platform provides over ten educational pieces, ranging from articles and videos to archived webinars. For those who prefer interactive learning, both AvaTrade and FXCM host online webinars on a monthly basis. Recordings from past webinars are also available in searchable archives, making it easy for users to catch up on any missed content. Beginner traders can also benefit from at least ten educational videos tailored specifically for novices, offered by both brokers.
In addition to beginner resources, AvaTrade and FXCM cater to seasoned traders with at least ten advanced educational videos. Both brokers have an investor dictionary that defines over 50 trading terms, assisting users in navigating the often complex language of finance. While AvaTrade is ranked #2 in the Education category by ForexBrokers.com out of 62 brokers and holds a 4-star rating, FXCM has a slightly higher educational rating of 4.5 stars and is ranked #14. Whether you're new to trading or more experienced, both brokers provide valuable educational content to support your trading journey.
| Feature |
AvaTrade
|
FXCM
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 62 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
|
FXCM
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 94 | 95 |
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AvaTrade and FXCM do not offer the ability to buy actual cryptocurrency, but both provide options for purchasing cryptocurrency derivatives.
While both AvaTrade and FXCM provide versatile deposit and withdrawal options like PayPal, Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, only FXCM supports ACH and SEPA transfers, setting it apart in facilitating diverse funding methods.
Please 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.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | AvaTrade | FXCM | |
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| Trust Score | 94 | 95 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | AvaTrade Review | FXCM Review |
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| Regulation | AvaTrade | FXCM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 94 | 95 | |
| Year Founded | 2006 | 1999 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | Yes | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 4 | 4 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 3 | 2 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 1 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 0 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | AvaTrade | FXCM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | No | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | AvaTrade | FXCM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | AvaTrade | FXCM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1260 | 440 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 53 | 43 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | 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 | 0.93 | 0.78 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.61 | 0.78 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | AvaTrade | FXCM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | Starts from $50 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | Yes |
| Trading Platforms | AvaTrade | FXCM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | No | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | Yes | No | |
| ZuluTrade | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Tools | AvaTrade | FXCM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 13 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 80 | 115 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 13 | 10 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | AvaTrade | FXCM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 73 | 59 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | No | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | AvaTrade | FXCM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | No | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | Yes | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | AvaTrade | FXCM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | AvaTrade | FXCM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/JPY | Yes | Yes | |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CAD | Yes | Yes | |
| NZD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| AUD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| Review | AvaTrade Review | FXCM Review |
| Overall | AvaTrade | FXCM | |
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| Trust Score | 94 | 95 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | AvaTrade Review | FXCM Review |
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