Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of FXCM vs Spreadex, 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 Spreadex both entered the online brokerage scene in 1999, offering a range of trading services to customers. While neither operates as a bank, FXCM distinguishes itself as a publicly traded company, providing an added layer of transparency to investors. Spreadex, in contrast, remains privately held. When it comes to regulation, FXCM boasts a solid regulatory foundation with four Tier-1 licenses and two Tier-2 licenses, contributing to its impressive Trust Score of 95 from ForexBrokers.com. This score places FXCM in the highly trusted category, indicating a strong level of confidence from both regulators and users alike.
Spreadex, meanwhile, holds a single Tier-1 license and does not have any Tier-2 licenses, which translates into a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 71. This score suggests an average risk for potential investors. Both brokers started their operations in the same year, but their regulatory landscapes and trust ratings vary significantly, making FXCM a more attractive option for those prioritizing comprehensive regulatory oversight and trust.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Spreadex
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1999 | 1999 |
| 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 | 0 |
When comparing FXCM and Spreadex in terms of commissions and fees, both brokers offer competitive pricing, though they have distinct strengths. FXCM is noted for slightly higher-than-average forex trading fees, with average spreads of 0.78 pips on the EUR/USD for its EU, U.K., and Australia offerings in May 2024. Meanwhile, their St. Vincent and the Grenadines entity presents a higher spread of 1.38 pips. However, FXCM's commission-based accounts offer an attractive average spread of 0.28 pips, excluding commissions. Active traders can benefit from FXCM's rebate program, bringing effective spreads down to 0.78 pips with the right tier and trading volume. FXCM scores 4 out of 5 stars for commissions and fees and ranks 24th among 62 brokers, according to ForexBrokers.com.
Spreadex, on the other hand, offers straightforward pricing with average spreads of 0.81 pips for the EUR/USD as of January 2024. This broker managed to achieve a minimum spread of 0.6 pips 60% of the time during the same period, illustrating its potential for cost-effective trading. Spreadex also earns 4 out of 5 stars for its commissions and fees, though it is ranked slightly lower than FXCM at 30th place out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com.
Both FXCM and Spreadex provide valuable options for forex traders, with FXCM catering well to high-volume traders through its rebate program and Spreadex offering consistent low spreads. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on your trading volume and preference for potential rebate savings versus straightforward, consistent spreads.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Spreadex
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | Starts from $50 | $0 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.78 | 0.81 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.78 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
FXCM and Spreadex both enable forex trading as either CFDs or spot contracts, catering to investors looking for diverse currency options. While FXCM offers 440 tradeable symbols, Spreadex vastly surpasses this with an impressive 10,000. When it comes to forex pairs, FXCM provides access to 43 pairs, whereas Spreadex offers a slightly broader selection with 52 pairs available. Neither broker allows clients to buy exchange-traded securities from U.S. or international exchanges, keeping the focus on derivative products rather than actual stock purchases.
For those interested in cryptocurrency, both FXCM and Spreadex offer trading through derivatives but not the option to buy actual cryptocurrencies. An advantage with FXCM is the availability of copy trading, which Spreadex does not offer. In terms of rating for the range of investments, FXCM garners 3.5 stars and ranks #47 out of 62 brokers, while Spreadex shines with a 5-star rating and a #13 ranking. Such metrics suggest Spreadex provides a more varied and comprehensive trading platform compared to FXCM, particularly for those looking to explore a wide array of tradeable assets.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Spreadex
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 440 | 10000 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 43 | 52 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No |
| 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 considering trading platforms and tools, FXCM and Spreadex each bring unique features to the table. FXCM offers a free virtual demo account, which is ideal for beginners to get started with simulated trading. Meanwhile, Spreadex lacks this feature. Both brokers provide proprietary platforms, with FXCM additionally offering a Windows-based desktop platform and MetaTrader 4 (MT4), which Spreadex does not. Web-based platforms are available for both brokers, but FXCM also supports copy trading through ZuluTrade while Spreadex does not offer this option.
In terms of charting tools, FXCM provides 10 drawing tools and facilitates trading directly from stock charts, similar to Spreadex. However, Spreadex offers one more drawing tool option than FXCM. FXCM clearly stands out with more watchlist customization through 13 columns compared to Spreadex's 8 columns. Rated 5 stars for trading platforms and tools, FXCM is ranked 6th among 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, while Spreadex holds a 4-star rating and is ranked 46th overall. These distinctions make FXCM a preferred choice for those seeking a more diverse range of trading tools.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Spreadex
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | No |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | No |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | No |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | No |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | Yes | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 115 | 55 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 10 | 11 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 13 | 8 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Both FXCM and Spreadex offer advanced mobile trading apps for iPhone and Android users, with essential features for stock and forex trading. For traders seeking alerts, both platforms provide stock or forex price notifications, enhancing the functionality of their mobile offerings. However, FXCM stands ahead when it comes to synchronizing watchlists across devices, a feature not supported by Spreadex, thereby offering more seamless trading experience between their app and online platform.
FXCM shines with an impressive array of 59 technical studies available for charting, a feature where Spreadex lacks available data. Trendline drawing and multiple time frame views are accessible on both apps. However, FXCM's app further stands out as chart drawings auto-save, which isn't the case with Spreadex. Both allow the creation of watchlists with real-time quotes, though FXCM's app edges out with a 4.5-star rating against Spreadex's 4 stars. In the competitive landscape of mobile trading, FXCM ranks 16th among 62 brokers, while Spreadex is 49th, highlighting FXCM's superior position in mobile trading app features and user satisfaction.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Spreadex
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 59 | N/A |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When comparing FXCM and Spreadex for market research offerings, both online brokers provide daily market commentary and access to top-tier forex news from sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. They also include sentiment-based trading tools that show ratios of long or short positions across currency pairs, and both offer economic calendars with global news events. However, FXCM holds an edge with its Technical Analytics from Trading Central and research from TipRanks, resources that Spreadex does not provide. Despite this, neither broker offers tools from Autochartist or Acuity Trading.
FXCM's broader range of research resources is reflected in its higher research rating of 4.5 stars compared to Spreadex's 4 stars. This variance is further highlighted by their rankings from ForexBrokers.com, where FXCM is placed at #11 out of 62 brokers, while Spreadex ranks #31. These distinctions demonstrate that FXCM may cater more comprehensively to those seeking diverse market analysis tools and insights.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Spreadex
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | Yes | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
Both FXCM and Spreadex provide educational resources for beginner traders looking to learn about forex and CFDs. Each offers at least ten educational pieces, including articles, videos, and archived webinars, making them suitable for newcomers looking to get acquainted with the basics of trading. However, FXCM stands out with its monthly online educational webinars, offering regular live learning opportunities—a feature not available with Spreadex. Additionally, FXCM provides a searchable archive of these webinars, allowing learners to revisit valuable sessions at their convenience, which Spreadex lacks.
When it comes to beginner trading videos, both brokers offer comprehensive content, meeting the requirement of at least ten videos targeted specifically at new traders. FXCM goes a step further by also offering advanced educational videos for experienced traders, a resource not mirrored by Spreadex. Both platforms feature an investor dictionary with over fifty investing terms, aiding in the understanding of trading jargon. FXCM’s educational offerings have earned it a rating of 4.5 stars and a 14th place ranking in education by ForexBrokers.com, while Spreadex is slightly behind with a 4-star rating and a 45th place ranking, reflecting the more extensive educational support FXCM provides.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Spreadex
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| 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 Spreadex. FXCM finished with an overall rank of #15, while Spreadex finished with an overall rank of #39.
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
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Spreadex
|
|---|---|---|
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| Trust Score | 95 | 71 |
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While both FXCM and Spreadex do not offer the ability to buy actual (delivered) cryptocurrencies, they both provide the option to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
In comparing online brokers FXCM and Spreadex, FXCM offers a wider variety of options for depositing and withdrawing account funds, including ACH, SEPA, PayPal, and Skrill, in addition to Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, whereas Spreadex supports only Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, lacking ACH, SEPA, PayPal, and Skrill options.
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 | Spreadex | |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 71 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | FXCM Review | Spreadex Review |
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| Regulation | FXCM | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 95 | 71 | |
| Year Founded | 1999 | 1999 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 4 | 1 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | FXCM | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | No |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | FXCM | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 440 | 10000 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 43 | 52 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No | |
| 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 | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.78 | 0.81 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.78 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | FXCM | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | Starts from $50 | $0 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | FXCM | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | No | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | No | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | No | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | Yes | No |
| Trading Tools | FXCM | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | No | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 13 | 8 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 115 | 55 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 10 | 11 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | FXCM | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | N/A | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | FXCM | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No | |
| TipRanks | Yes | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | FXCM | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | FXCM | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Spreadex Review |
| Overall | FXCM | Spreadex | |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 71 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | FXCM Review | Spreadex Review |
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