Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of FXCM vs Vantage, 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 Vantage are both prominent online brokers, but their regulatory standings and trust ratings showcase some differences. FXCM, established in 1999, holds a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 95, making it highly trusted by industry standards. It is publicly traded, adding an additional layer of transparency. FXCM holds four Tier-1 licenses, reflecting its strong regulatory position, and an additional two Tier-2 licenses, seen as trusted. Though not a bank, FXCM’s long-standing presence and regulatory credentials enhance its appeal to traders.
Founded in 2009, Vantage distinguishes itself with a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 90, placing it within the highly trusted category, albeit slightly lower than FXCM. Not publicly traded, Vantage still maintains strong regulatory oversight with two Tier-1 licenses and one Tier-2 license. Like FXCM, it does not operate as a bank. Despite its newer market presence compared to FXCM, Vantage's solid licenses and trust score affirm its reliability and suitability for traders seeking a secure online trading experience.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1999 | 2009 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 4 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 3 |
When comparing FXCM and Vantage based on commissions and fees, both brokers present distinct options for traders. FXCM, which is rated 4 out of 5 stars in this category, offers slightly higher-than-average pricing for forex trading. It provides a standard account with average spreads of 0.78 pips for its EU, U.K., and Australia offerings on the EUR/USD pair as of May 2024. However, for its commission-based accounts, FXCM boasts lower spreads of 0.28 pips, yet the effective cost, including commission, goes up to 0.74 pips. Its Active Trader Rebate Program provides tier-based rebates but is only available outside the U.K. and EU.
Vantage scores a bit higher with 4.5 stars, landing it the #19 spot out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, compared to FXCM's #24 ranking. The trading costs at Vantage depend largely on the type of account and entity regulating your account. The Standard STP account features spreads of 1.30 pips on the EUR/USD for March 2023, whereas the RAW ECN account offers tighter spreads of 0.15 pips, with a $6 round-turn commission bringing the total to 0.75 pips. Its best-priced option, the PRO ECN account, requires a status of wholesale client or a $10,000 minimum deposit under its Cayman Islands entity and presents a competitive $4 round-turn commission.
Active trader programs also vary between the two brokers. FXCM's rebate program can offer reductions down to an effective spread of 0.78 pips, contingent on trading volume and account entity. Meanwhile, Vantage’s active trader rebates are only available on the Standard account, despite it having the highest spreads, with rebates ranging between $2 to $8 per standard lot. Ultimately, Vantage offers a slight edge over FXCM in terms of rankings and star ratings, appealing more to traders who qualify for their more competitive account options.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | Starts from $50 | $50 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.78 | 1.30 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.78 | 0.75 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| 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.
FXCM and Vantage are both prominent players in the online trading realm but cater differently to investors looking for a wide range of investment options. Both brokers provide forex trading as either CFDs or spot contracts, offering traders flexible options to engage in currency markets. FXCM provides access to 440 tradable symbols, including 43 forex pairs, while Vantage surpasses this with 1000 symbols and 61 forex pairs. This broader selection can be particularly appealing to those looking to diversify within the forex market.
Neither FXCM nor Vantage allows investing in exchange-traded securities on U.S. or international exchanges, meaning direct stock purchases like Apple or Vodafone shares are not available through these platforms. Both brokers do offer copy trading, making them accessible for traders interested in mirroring the strategies of experienced investors. Cryptocurrency enthusiasts can engage with derivative products through both FXCM and Vantage, though direct purchase of cryptocurrencies is not supported. In terms of investment range ratings, both platforms are rated 3.5 out of five stars, with FXCM ranked at #47 and Vantage at #50 out of 62 brokers reviewed by ForexBrokers.com. This slight disparity highlights nuanced differences in their offerings that investors may wish to consider.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 440 | 1000 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 43 | 61 |
| 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.
FXCM and Vantage both offer a wide range of trading platforms and tools, making them popular among traders. Both brokers provide simulated trading with free demo accounts, which is a valuable feature for beginners wishing to practice without financial risk. Additionally, each offers a proprietary platform, web-based as well as Windows-based desktop platforms. They also support MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and provide the option for copy trading. However, Vantage has an edge in compatibility by offering MetaTrader 5 (MT5) and DupliTrade, while FXCM supports ZuluTrade, which Vantage does not. When it comes to charting, FXCM provides 10 drawing tools compared to Vantage's 15, while both allow trading directly from stock charts. Yet, FXCM offers greater watch list customization with 13 fields, surpassing Vantage's 7.
Rated by ForexBrokers.com, FXCM stands out with a 5-star rating for its trading platforms and tools, as opposed to Vantage's 4-star rating. This distinction is further reflected in their rankings, with FXCM placed at an impressive 6th out of 62 brokers, whereas Vantage holds the 21st position. These ratings underscore FXCM’s strength in delivering user-friendly and efficient trading solutions. Both brokers provide substantial platforms and tools, but FXCM’s higher rating and ranking illustrate a more refined offering in their trading services. As you consider both options, these differences might help guide your choice based on the specific tools and platforms that meet your trading needs.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes |
| 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.
FXCM and Vantage both provide mobile trading apps for iPhone and Android devices, catering to traders who value mobility. When it comes to essential features like stock or forex price alerts, both brokers deliver, ensuring timely updates for traders on the move. However, FXCM pulls ahead with its ability to sync watchlist symbols between the mobile app and the client’s online account, allowing seamless management of your preferred stocks or forex pairs. Vantage, on the other hand, does not offer this syncing ability, which might be a downside for users looking for unified management of watchlists across platforms.
Charting capabilities are another area where FXCM shows a distinct advantage, offering 59 technical studies compared to Vantage's 30. Both brokers allow users to draw trendlines on charts and view multiple time frames, with auto-saving features ensuring that your analysis is preserved. Creating watchlists with real-time quotes is a breeze with both, though FXCM’s mobile trading app is rated slightly higher at 4.5 stars compared to Vantage's 4 stars. On the ForexBrokers.com ranking for Mobile Trading Apps, FXCM stands at #16 out of 62 brokers, while Vantage is ranked at #27, suggesting a stronger overall mobile trading experience with FXCM.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| 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.
For those comparing FXCM and Vantage to meet their market research needs, both brokers deliver commendable options. Each platform provides daily market commentary, keeping traders updated with timely insights. Users also benefit from receiving forex news from reputable sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. Both brokers incorporate Trading Central's tools for technical and fundamental analysis, along with sentiment-based trading tools that highlight long and short position ratios. Furthermore, they offer economic calendars that track significant global news events, essential for informed trading decisions.
However, there are notable differences between the two. While Vantage integrates tools from Autochartist, FXCM does not. Conversely, FXCM offers market research from TipRanks, whereas Vantage does not. Although both brokers exhibit strong research capabilities, FXCM is rated slightly higher with a 4.5-star rating compared to Vantage's 4 stars and ranks 11th in the research category by ForexBrokers.com, contrasting with Vantage's 21st place. These distinctions make FXCM a slightly more comprehensive choice for those emphasizing research depth and variety.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | Yes |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | Yes |
| 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.
When it comes to educating beginners in forex and CFDs trading, both FXCM and Vantage offer extensive resources, making them excellent choices for novice investors eager to learn. Each provides a variety of educational materials, including articles, videos, and archived webinars that cover essential trading concepts. With both brokers hosting regular online educational webinars and maintaining searchable archives of these sessions, newcomers can easily access and revisit valuable learning content at their convenience.
For those just starting their trading journey, both FXCM and Vantage offer at least ten beginner-focused educational videos, helping to simplify complex topics. Additionally, they both cater to more advanced traders with in-depth educational content and provide an investor dictionary featuring over fifty definitions to decode trading jargon. However, while both brokers excel in educational offerings, FXCM edges slightly ahead with a higher education rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, compared to Vantage's 4 stars. This difference reflects in their rankings on ForexBrokers.com, where FXCM is rated 14th among 62 brokers in the Education category, while Vantage is ranked 24th.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 Vantage. FXCM finished with an overall rank of #15, while Vantage finished with an overall rank of #26.
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
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 90 |
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FXCM and Vantage both provide the option to trade cryptocurrency derivatives, but neither broker offers the ability to purchase actual delivered cryptocurrency.
FXCM and Vantage both support PayPal, Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires for account deposits and withdrawals, but only FXCM additionally offers ACH and SEPA transfers, whereas Vantage does not.
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 | Vantage | |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 90 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | FXCM Review | Vantage Review |
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| Regulation | FXCM | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 95 | 90 | |
| Year Founded | 1999 | 2009 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 4 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 3 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | FXCM | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| 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 | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | No | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | FXCM | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 440 | 1000 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 43 | 61 | |
| 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 | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.78 | 1.30 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.78 | 0.75 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | FXCM | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | Starts from $50 | $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 | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | FXCM | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes | |
| ZuluTrade | Yes | No |
| Trading Tools | FXCM | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | Yes | |
| TipRanks | Yes | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | FXCM | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Vantage Review |
| Overall | FXCM | Vantage | |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 90 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | FXCM Review | Vantage Review |
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