Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of FXCM vs BDSwiss, 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.
FXCM and BDSwiss are both online brokers with distinct profiles and levels of trust. Established in 1999, FXCM is publicly traded, which often brings more scrutiny and transparency to its operations. It holds an impressive ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 95, placing it in the highly trusted category. FXCM has 4 Tier-1 licenses and 2 Tier-2 licenses, showcasing a strong regulatory standing in the industry.
In contrast, BDSwiss was founded in 2012 and is not publicly traded. This broker has a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 73, indicating an average risk level. BDSwiss holds one Tier-1 license and does not have any Tier-2 licenses. While both brokers are not banks, their regulatory statuses and trust scores underscore differences in perceived reliability and oversight.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
BDSwiss
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1999 | 2012 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 4 | 1 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 2 |
When comparing FXCM and BDSwiss for commissions and fees, both brokers offer competitive pricing structures, although they differ slightly in cost effectiveness. FXCM’s forex trading prices are slightly above the industry average, with standard account spreads averaging 0.78 pips on the EUR/USD for its EU, U.K., and Australia offerings in May 2024. However, its St. Vincent and the Grenadines entity has higher spreads averaging 1.38 pips. For commission-based accounts, FXCM offers an average spread of 0.28 pips, excluding commissions, which can be effectively reduced to approximately 0.74 pips when factoring in commission costs. Notably, FXCM provides an Active Trader Rebate Program, though it's not available in the U.K. or EU, which rewards traders with significant volume discounts based on a five-tier system.
On the other hand, BDSwiss is known for good order execution but slightly higher spreads compared to industry leaders. Its Classic account sees EUR/USD spreads at 1.5 pips, which is relatively high. The Raw account offers more competitive pricing with spreads starting at 0.3 pips plus a $5 commission per side, resulting in an effective spread of 1.3 pips. The VIP account offers a relatively better spread of 1.2 pips. This pricing makes BDSwiss a viable option, albeit with slightly less favorable conditions compared to some top-tier competitors.
Both brokers receive a four-star rating for commissions and fees. However, in a ranking by ForexBrokers.com, FXCM is placed at #24 out of 62 brokers, showing a slightly better evaluation compared to BDSwiss, which is ranked at #29. This slight edge may make FXCM a more appealing choice for traders focused on minimizing fees, especially those who can benefit from its volume-based rebate system.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
BDSwiss
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | Starts from $50 | $10-$5000 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.78 | 1.6 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.78 | 1.3 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | Yes |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When comparing FXCM and BDSwiss in terms of their available range of investments, both brokers offer access to forex trading as CFDs along with the option for copy trading. FXCM provides a selection of 440 tradeable symbols and 43 forex pairs, while BDSwiss offers a broader range with 1081 tradeable symbols and 53 forex pairs. However, neither broker allows clients to purchase actual stocks from U.S. or international exchanges, nor do they enable the acquisition of actual cryptocurrencies, instead offering derivatives for crypto trading.
BDSwiss edges ahead of FXCM in the Range of Investments category, earning a 4-star rating compared to FXCM's 3.5-star rating. Additionally, in the ForexBrokers.com rankings for Range of Investments, BDSwiss is positioned at #34 out of 62 brokers, whereas FXCM is ranked at #47. These distinctions highlight BDSwiss's broader selection, particularly in terms of the number of available trading symbols and forex pairs, offering clients more options when considering their trading strategies and portfolio diversification.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
BDSwiss
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 440 | 1081 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 43 | 53 |
| 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.
When it comes to trading platforms and tools, both FXCM and BDSwiss offer a wide range of features that cater to traders of all levels. Both brokers provide free virtual demo accounts for simulated trading, and each has developed proprietary platforms alongside offering Windows-based desktop downloads and web-based trading options. They both support copy trading and integrate with MetaTrader 4 (MT4). However, a key difference is that BDSwiss also offers MetaTrader 5 (MT5), while FXCM does not. FXCM distinguishes itself with the inclusion of ZuluTrade, a popular social trading platform, which BDSwiss lacks.
When analyzing charting capabilities, FXCM offers a more comprehensive set of tools with 10 drawing tools and the ability to trade directly from a stock chart. BDSwiss outperforms FXCM with 15 drawing tools, although both yield stellar functionality for chart trading. For crafting watch lists, FXCM provides more customization with 13 columns compared to BDSwiss's 7. In terms of overall ratings and industry rankings, FXCM scores a perfect 5 stars and ranks #6 in Trading Platforms and Tools, whereas BDSwiss earns 4 stars, ranking #24 according to a ForexBrokers.com assessment of 62 brokers.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
BDSwiss
|
|---|---|---|
| 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) | No | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | Yes | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 115 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 10 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 13 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Both FXCM and BDSwiss offer mobile trading apps for iPhone and Android users, making them accessible for traders on the go. They each provide important features like stock or forex price alerts, the ability to draw trendlines, and support for viewing different time frames on charts. However, FXCM stands out with its watchlist symbol syncing, allowing any changes made on the mobile app to seamlessly update on the client's online account, while BDSwiss lacks this integration. FXCM also excels in charting with 59 technical studies, compared to only 30 offered by BDSwiss, giving traders more tools to analyze market trends.
In terms of additional features, both platforms support real-time quote watchlists and auto-save for drawings on charts. FXCM is rated 4.5 stars for its mobile trading app, ranking 16th out of 62 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com, while BDSwiss has a slightly lower rating of 4 stars and ranks 23rd. These distinctions highlight FXCM's stronger performance and broader feature set, making it a more appealing option for those seeking a comprehensive trading experience on their mobile devices.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
BDSwiss
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 59 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When comparing FXCM and BDSwiss for their market research offerings, both brokers provide daily market commentary and maintain calendars displaying global economic news events. However, FXCM sets itself apart by delivering forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, a feature not available with BDSwiss. Additionally, FXCM provides market research through TipRanks and offers sentiment-based trading tools that illustrate the trading position ratios across various instruments. Although both brokers incorporate tools from Trading Central, FXCM does not utilize Autochartist tools, whereas BDSwiss does.
In terms of ratings, FXCM garners a higher research rating of 4.5 stars compared to BDSwiss's 4 stars. This advantage is reflected in FXCM's higher ranking at #11 among 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, while BDSwiss holds the 23rd position. Traders who prioritize access to broader market research insights might find FXCM more appealing due to its integration of additional sophisticated tools and premium news sources, whereas BDSwiss provides a solid foundation with its technical analysis tools from Autochartist.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
BDSwiss
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | No | Yes |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | Yes |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No |
| TipRanks | Yes | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When comparing the educational resources available to beginners at FXCM and BDSwiss, both brokers provide a comprehensive selection of over 10 pieces of educational content, including articles, videos, and webinars, all centered on forex or CFDs. Both brokers facilitate the learning journey with regular educational webinars each month, along with an accessible archive of past sessions, ensuring clients can learn at their own pace. They each offer over 10 educational videos designed to equip beginners with essential trading knowledge, while also catering to advanced traders with more in-depth content. Additionally, both FXCM and BDSwiss help demystify trading terminology with investor dictionaries that explain over 50 investing terms.
FXCM earns a slight edge with its educational offerings, boasting a rating of 4.5 stars compared to BDSwiss's 4-star rating for education. In the wider context of the industry, FXCM ranks 14th in the Education category out of 62 brokers evaluated by ForexBrokers.com, while BDSwiss stands at 19th place. This distinction underscores FXCM's commitment to providing high-quality educational resources, making it a slightly more favorable option for beginners looking to deepen their understanding of trading.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
BDSwiss
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 FXCM is better than BDSwiss. FXCM finished with an overall rank of #15, while BDSwiss finished with an overall rank of #36.
For traders who appreciate advanced trading tools and quality market research, FXCM is a winner, especially for algorithmic trading. Its range of tradeable markets is fairly narrow, however, and the pricing at FXCM is just average.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
BDSwiss
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 73 |
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Both FXCM and BDSwiss do not provide the option to purchase actual cryptocurrencies, but they do offer the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
When comparing online brokers FXCM and BDSwiss, both offer ACH or SEPA transfers, Skrill, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wires for depositing or withdrawing account funds, but FXCM surpasses BDSwiss by also providing PayPal as a payment option.
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 | FXCM | BDSwiss | |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | FXCM Review | BDSwiss Review |
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| Regulation | FXCM | BDSwiss | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 95 | 73 | |
| Year Founded | 1999 | 2012 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 4 | 1 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 2 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | FXCM | BDSwiss | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | No | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | 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) | FXCM | BDSwiss | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | No | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | FXCM | BDSwiss | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 440 | 1081 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 43 | 53 | |
| 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 | FXCM | BDSwiss | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.78 | 1.6 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.78 | 1.3 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | No |
| Funding | FXCM | BDSwiss | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | Starts from $50 | $10-$5000 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Platforms | FXCM | BDSwiss | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | Yes | No |
| Trading Tools | FXCM | BDSwiss | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 13 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 115 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 10 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | FXCM | BDSwiss | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 59 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | FXCM | BDSwiss | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | No | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | Yes | |
| TipRanks | Yes | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | FXCM | BDSwiss | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | FXCM | BDSwiss | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | FXCM Review | BDSwiss Review |
| Overall | FXCM | BDSwiss | |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | FXCM Review | BDSwiss Review |
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