XM offers a wide range of trading instruments, quality customer service and an in-dept educational platform.
The Ultimate Guide to Finding The Best Forex Broker
Last Updated:Choosing the right forex broker can be daunting because several factors must be considered before reaching a decision. At Forexbrokers.net, we do the research and test several brokers to provide you with comprehensive reviews of the forex brokers available today.
An ideal forex broker should be regulated, reputable, and offer the best possible trading conditions suited for your trading needs. For instance, if you’re a scalper or day trader, you may favor brokers with low spreads and speedy trade execution. We have tested and researched the best forex brokers to help you make informed decisions, regardless of your style. Based on our evaluations, we’ve selected winners for each category in our best forex brokers list below:
Top Forex Brokers for 2024
XM Best broker overall
XTB Best CFD forex broker
PrimeBit Best forex brokers for beginners
Pepperstone Best forex broker for professionals
Eightcap Best customer suppоrt
Selecting the Best Online Forex Broker for You
Before choosing a broker, go through your options and consider the minimum deposit, leverage, tradable assets, and trading platform each broker offers.
| Broker Rating | Min Deposit | Leverage | Platform | Licensed | Assets | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
US
XM
1
|
$5
|
1000:1 |
MT4
MT5
|
FCA CySEC ASIC
|
|
Open an Account XM Review |
|
US
XTB
2
|
$250
|
30:1 – 500:1 |
MT4
|
FCA KNF CySEC CNMV IFSC DFSA
|
|
Open an Account XTB Review |
|
US
Pepperstone
3
|
$200
|
400:1 |
MT4
MT5
TradingView
|
FCA DFSA ASIC
|
|
Open an Account Pepperstone Review |
|
US
Eightcap
4
|
$100
|
500:1 |
MT4
MT5
|
ASIC
|
|
Open an Account Eightcap Review |
|
US
PrimeBit
5
|
$0
|
1:200 |
MT5
|
None
|
|
Open an Account PrimeBit Review |
US
AvaTrade
6
|
$100
|
400:1 |
MT4
MT5
|
ASIC CBI FSCA FSA FFAJ
|
|
Open an Account AvaTrade Review |
US
Forex.com
7
|
$100
|
1:50 |
FCA FSA CFTC IIROC CIMA
|
|
Open an Account Coming Soon | |
US
eToro
8
|
$200
|
1:30 |
eToro Trading app
Web platform
|
FCA CySEC ASIC MiFID
|
|
Open an Account eToro Review |
| Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment, and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more. | ||||||
US
FBS
9
|
$1
|
1:3000 |
CySEC MiFID
|
|
Open an Account Coming Soon | |
US
FXTM
10
|
$5
|
1:30 |
MT4
MT5
|
FCA CySEC FSCA FSA AMF
|
|
Open an Account FXTM Review |
*18+ T&Cs apply to each offer. Click "Open an Account" for more information.
Have we missed someone out? If you want us to review a broker you don’t see on that list,
Why ForexBrokers.net
ForexBrokers.net was born with the idea of bringing traders closer to the best online forex brokers available today. We are a team of experts in assessing financial market intermediaries and have experience in doing so.
Moreover, we love what we do.
ForexBrokers.net is more than just a broker-comparison website. We are transparent in the methodology we use to assess brokers, as well as in what we believe matters for traders and investors.
We all know that picking the right broker is difficult because brokerage houses offer a plethora of services at different costs. We focus on what matters to you, such as promotions, account types, fees, withdrawals, and more.
Trading and investing go beyond simply buying or selling an asset. Above all, it is about risk management and optimizing trading costs. Here is where ForexBrokers.net steps in, helping you avoid risk and save money, as well as time.
More importantly, we help you navigate the various trading conditions offered by brokerage houses, with the ultimate aim of helping you avoid scams.
We believe we are well equipped to offer guidance on finding the best forex in a world with numerous brokerage houses. Here, you’ll find which online brokers to trust, which ones to avoid, what matters when deciding on a specific broker, and how to avoid costly mistakes.
Furthermore, we believe in transparency. Our methodology of evaluating a forex broker leaves no room for error. After researching and testing each broker on our website, we ended up with criteria to best differentiate them. Our methodology is based on 11 different criteria.
Finally, our five-level trading academy offers state-of-the-art educational materials for all types of traders.
Who We Are
We are a team of dedicated experts and experienced authors who have come together to build a place where traders can pick the broker that best suits their style. Every trader has a unique trading style, so not all brokers are suitable for it.
Therefore, choosing the right broker is key to success when trading financial markets. We believe that providing accurate information about brokerage houses and using a reliable methodology to compare and rank them is the perfect way to serve traders.
How to Sign Up with a Forex Trading Broker
The stiff competition that exists among forex brokers resulted in a fight to attract customers. As such, brokerage houses strive to offer the best possible trading conditions and to make the process of signing up a new customer extremely easy.
Simplicity is key here. Otherwise, a potential customer might not have the patience to sign up if the process is complex and takes a lot of time.
The signing-up process might differ from broker to broker, but all brokers typically request the following information from a potential new customer: name and address, email and phone number, date of birth, country of citizenship, and ID.
In addition, the broker will ask for the customer's employment status and what type of account the customer wants. Most brokers offer multiple account types. The new customer might also specify the account’s currency and tax ID.
Once all the above is filled, the broker will ask some financial questions in order to quantify the new customer’s trading experience and objectives. This is also the moment when most brokers will ask about the customer’s annual income and/or net worth.
Proof of address is often required, too.
Finally, upon verification, the broker sends the details of the new account via email: credentials to log in to the trading platform, as well as a link to download it and any other information that might be useful to the new customer.
Brokers must comply with the local law enacted by regulators, and thus, they need all this information from their customers before signing them up.
In short, the signing-up process is usually very simple and user-friendly and should not take long.
Are Forex Brokers Safe? Understanding Regulatory Bodies
Unfortunately, not all forex brokers are safe for traders. Some run the business to earn money as soon and as much as possible, without having customers’ interests at heart.
Some other ones choose to trade directly against their own customers. The idea behind this strategy is that the broker has more knowledge about the market, more resources, and a better infrastructure, and thus, has more chances than the regular trader to make a profit.
Therefore, some ethical issues exist. But also, some brokers present a real risk for traders because traders do not have certainty that their funds are safe.
Forex Brokers - Why is regulation important?
After all, a safe broker is best defined as one where customers do not have a problem withdrawing their funds, at any one moment they wish to do so.
As such, a safe broker equals the safety of funds.
Here is where regulatory bodies intervene. A broker MUST be regulated by a financial authority.
Many brokerage houses are regulated by multiple regulatory bodies because they have operations in multiple jurisdictions. Each regulator has specific conditions that the broker must comply with in order for the regulator to grant a license to operate in that particular jurisdiction.
But why is regulation so important? Why should traders avoid unregulated brokers?
There are many reasons for it.
- First, regulation does not come cheap. On the contrary, a regulated broker already spent a lot of time and funds to comply with the financial authority conditions for operating in that jurisdiction. Therefore, a regulated broker signals the desire to do things right and to follow the law, which makes it a safe broker in the customers’ eyes.
- Second, a regulated broker means that the financial authority stands ready to intervene should something happen with the broker’s business. Brokerage houses operate a profit-and-loss business, and, in some cases, they can go bust.
For example, when the Swiss National Bank eliminated the EUR/CHF 1.20 exchange rate floor in 2015, several brokers went bankrupt. However, it did not mean that customers lost their funds because the regulatory bodies intervened, and traders received their funds back.
- Third, regulation often comes with the express condition that brokers keep their customers’ funds in segregated accounts. Effectively, it means that the broker cannot touch the customer’s deposits and will place them at segregated banks. Therefore, the customers’ funds and the funds the broker needs to run the business are two different things.
Put it simply, regulatory bodies are here to help. A regulated broker inspires trust, and trust is what customers placing funds with the broker are interested in.
Different Types of FX Brokers
Several types of forex trading brokers exist. Different trading conditions apply depending on the type. As such, traders must be very careful when picking a broker to trade with because transaction costs vary depending on the type of broker.
Also, some brokers act as hybrid houses, meaning that they can operate different brokerage businesses under the same umbrella. For instance, different trading types may run different technologies.
Out of the various types of forex brokers, four are worth mentioning:
- ECN
- STP
- NDD
- Market makers
ECN (DMA)
ECN stands for Electronic Communications Network. Such a broker matches buy and sell orders automatically and has plenty of advantages.
One is that spreads in the forex market (i.e., the difference between bid and ask prices) are tighter than in other cases. Thus, tighter spreads mean lower transaction costs, something that all traders are looking for.
Another is given by the other acronym – DMA. It stands for Direct Market Access, which means improved liquidity. Liquidity is important for traders looking for similar conditions throughout the trading week.
Some disadvantages exist, too. The most important one is that ECN brokers is a dealing desk, meaning requotes happen. For traders entering the market using pending orders (e.g., buy-stop, sell-limit, buy-limit, sell-stop), requotes do affect the entry price and, therefore, have an impact on the profitability of any trading strategy.
Because it matches transactions between clients by routing their orders to the market, ECN or DMA brokers cannot be market makers (i.e., trade against their clients).
One may summarize the advantages of an ECN broker as flexibility, speed of execution, flat commission rate, and tight spreads.
STP
STP stands for Straight-Through Processing, which means that this type of broker routes the trades to the market electronically. Because of that, both ECN and STP brokers are also called NDD brokers or Non-Dealing Desk brokers.
So, if ECN and STP brokers are somewhat similar, what differentiates them still?
Put simply, STP brokers offer more favorable pricing than ECN ones. However, it comes at the cost of inconsistent processing time for the orders received. Also, order routing transparency is reduced.
NDD
An NDD broker is a Non-Dealing Desk broker. Only two types of NDD brokers exist – ECN and STP.
Market Makers
Market makers are the opposite of NDD brokers. It means that these are dealing desk brokers.
A dealing desk broker or a market maker does not route its customers’ orders to the market. Instead, it keeps them in the house, taking the opposite market direction to the one taken by its customers.
Effectively, these brokers make the market for retail traders. While trading with a market maker may raise some ethical concerns, there are some advantages to using such a broker. For example, a market maker usually offers fixed spreads and low commissions on trades.
What Is Forex Trading?
Forex is short from foreign exchange. This is the biggest market in the world, with a volume of over $7.5 billion daily. Forex market players range from retail traders to institutional investors.
The forex market is made up of currency pairs that move 24/5. It means that the only times the currency market closes are over the weekend, on Christmas and New Year. Effectively, a currency pair reflects the value of one currency in terms of another, and the value is reflected in its exchange rate.
Moreover, the forex market fluctuates dramatically during the trading day and week, its exchange rates being influenced by factors such as economic releases, central banks’ decisions, or geopolitical events.
In this market, brokers act as intermediaries. Most of them route traders’ orders to the market (NDD brokers), and some keep the orders in-house (DD brokers).
- Orders are sent via a trading platform offered by the broker. Upon opening a trading account with the brokerage house, traders get credentials to log in to the platform, which they use for technical analysis and sending orders to buy or sell a currency pair.
- One should keep in mind that in the forex market, traders do not buy or sell a currency but a currency pair. This small detail is very important because a trader’s job is not only to know if a currency will appreciate or depreciate but also against which other currency it will do so.
Brokers charge a fee or commission for routing orders to the market. It is our job to highlight which brokers have the highest or lowest commissions, what other fees might be incurred, and so on.
Long trade
When buying a currency pair, traders hope that the exchange rate will rise. If it does, traders can mark a profit by closing the position at a higher level. The profit is the difference between the exit and entry price. In this case, it is said that traders went long.
Short trade
Traders can also sell short currency pairs. If they believe that the exchange rate will decline, they can sell the pair, and make a profit if the price does fall. The profit is the difference between the entry and the exit price. In the case the market does the opposite, the trader marks a loss when closes the position.
How to Trade Forex – a Short Beginners’ Guide
Before trading the Forex market, a trader needs to understand what moves the market. The economic calendar, available for free, is one starting point, as news is released at precise time intervals.
Economic data and geopolitical events, or anything else other than interpreting charts, is called fundamental analysis. When using past price data to forecast future price levels, traders engage in technical analysis. There is a wide range of technical indicators (trend indicators and oscillators), as well as trading theories, that the technical trader uses to forecast future prices.
Therefore, technical and fundamental analyses result in a bullish or bearish bias. A bullish trader expects a currency pair’s exchange rate to rise, and a bearish one will bet on a drop in the exchange rate.
Armed with bias, traders need a setup made of three distinct elements: entry, take-profit, and stop-loss levels.
Price and Quote
Best online brokers present two quotes for each currency pair. More precisely, two prices – the bid and ask prices.
When buying, traders can only use ask prices. If selling, they can only use bid prices. When exiting a long position, the bid price is used, while when exiting a short position, the ask price is used.
The difference between the bid and ask prices is called a spread. Spreads are a trading cost and such, the tighter they are, the better.
Traders can enter a trade at the market, meaning at the current price shown by the broker. Or they can wait for the market to move first and reach a specific level.
In the latter case, traders must instruct the broker when to buy or sell a currency pair. To do so, they place pending orders that the broker will fill automatically when and if the price reaches the desired entry level.
An ideal trading setup has a risk-reward ratio bigger than 1:2. Effectively, it means that for every $1 risked, the trader expects to make 2$. This is part of a sound money management system and traders who embrace it have bigger chances to trade the forex market successfully. To obtain such a ratio, the distance between the take-profit and the entry levels must be twice as big as the one between the entry and the stop-loss level.
If the market rises after a bullish trade, the trader makes a profit. If it drops after a bearish setup, traders make a profit, too. On the other hand, if it doesn’t and reaches the stop-loss level, traders mark a loss.
There is no such thing as only winning trades. A successful trader must embrace losses, and the aim is to have more winners than losers so that the trading account consistently grows over time.
Trading systems
To introduce the trading systems we can say that they are organized methods used to buy and sell stocks. Some systems are manual, where the trader makes all the decisions, while others are automated. The goal is always the same: to make as much money as possible while taking on as little risk as possible. Trading systems usually rely on technical analysis, fundamental analysis, or a mixture of both to help traders make smart decisions. They're super helpful at keeping traders disciplined and consistent.
Forex Trading by Categories
Now that you know the types of forex brokers available, we’ll take a closer look at different categories and show you the uniqueness of each platform, based on different criteria. While many brokers offer similar services, our forex brokers reviews show that some of them are outstanding. This makes them suitable for a specific group of traders, and we’ll show you which forex broker stands out in each category below.
Best Overall Broker - Most Trusted
When it comes to forex trading, the importance of finding a trustworthy broker cannot be overstated. After all, your broker will be handling your money, so you need to ensure that they are reliable and will not disappear with your funds.
There are a few things you can look for when trying to find a trustworthy forex broker. First, ensure that the broker is regulated by a reputable authority such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in the US. These organizations set strict standards that brokers must adhere to. Regulated forex brokers are considered reliable for adhering to established standards.
Top forex brokers typically have user-friendly, regularly updated websites and provide verified contact details for easy communication.
Best CFD Forex Brokers
What is CFD trading? A contract for difference (CFD) is an agreement between 2 parties to exchange the difference in the value of a financial instrument between the time the contract is opened and when it is closed. So, if the market moves in your favor, you will make a profit; if it moves against you, you will incur a loss.
When selecting a CFD broker, consider the regulatory environment in which the broker operates for investment. It is important because of the safety and customer protection that you are entitled to. Compare fees across different brokers; some brokers charge a commission on each trade, while others may charge a flat fee.
Best Forex Brokers for Beginners
Firstly, you'll want to choose a broker with a platform that's easy to use and navigate. If you're new to trading, a complicated platform can be confusing and overwhelming. Look for a platform with simple charts and clear order entry fields.
Opt for brokers with low minimum deposit requirements, especially suitable for beginners with limited funds. Seek beginner-friendly platforms that provide forex trading education and demo accounts, allowing practice with virtual money to learn and test strategies without risking capital.
Best Forex Brokers for Professionals
Professional forex trading is a type of trading that involves the speculation of currencies to make profits. It is typically done by individuals who have expertise in the field, as well as access to capital and other resources.
There are a number of ways to approach professional forex trading. Some traders may choose to specialize in a particular currency pair, while others may take a more diversified approach. Professional forex traders typically utilize analytical tools and strategies to make informed decisions about their trades.
Best Customer Support Forex Broker
Customer support is important in a forex broker because it provides a way for customers to get help with their account, trading platform, or other questions they may have. In addition, customer support can help resolve problems that may arise during trading.
Select a forex broker with excellent customer support, characterized by a knowledgeable and helpful team available 24/7 to promptly and efficiently address queries. Prioritize brokers offering strong customer service for timely assistance whenever needed. Customer support is an important part of choosing a forex broker.
Best Research and Education Forex Brokers
A good broker will be able to provide you with the resources and knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your trades. They should also be able to keep you up to date on the latest developments in the market so that you can adjust your strategy accordingly.
Engage in thorough research by staying updated on news and economic data that might impact your trading decisions, especially relevant to the currencies you're trading. Choose a broker providing diverse educational resources, such as articles, videos, webinars, to enhance your trading knowledge.
1
Best Forex Brokers for US Traders
US forex brokers are regulated by the National Futures Association (NFA), which is the main regulatory body for the futures and options industry in the United States. The NFA has a set of stringent rules and regulations that all US forex brokers must adhere to. These rules and regulations are designed to protect the investor from fraud and ensure that only legitimate and trustworthy brokers can operate in the United States.
The most important rules that the NFA imposes on US forex brokers are the following:
- All US forex brokers must be registered with the NFA.
- All US forex brokers must maintain segregated accounts for their clients' funds.
- All US forex brokers must have a minimum capital requirement of $20 million.
- All US forex brokers must comply with the NFA's "know your customer" rules.
Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment, and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more.
Best FX Brokers with Copy Trading Software
Copy trading is a type of trading that allows you to copy the trades of other traders. This means you can trade without having to do your own research or make your own decisions. All you need to do is find a trader you want to copy, and then your broker will automatically execute their trades on your behalf.
When choosing a broker for copy trading, there are a few things you need to take into account. Ensure your broker is regulated by a reputable authority like the Financial Conduct Authority FCA or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission CFTC for safety. Check broker compatibility with your desired copy trading platform, considering not all brokers work with all platforms. Prioritize execution speed, which is crucial for timely trade execution in copy trading.
Lastly, assess the spread, the difference between bid and ask prices, as a high spread can impact profitability negatively. Spread influences profitability, so keeping it as low as possible is essential.
1
Best High Leverage Forex Brokers
Leverage refers to the ability to control a large amount of money in the forex market with a relatively small amount of capital. This is done by borrowing money from a broker and using it to trade currency pairs. High leverage is significant because it allows traders to make big profits even with small investments.
High leverage is not suitable for all traders and should only be used by those with a good understanding of the risks involved.
Best Forex Brokers for Bitcoin Trading
Bitcoin trading is the process of buying and selling bitcoins on a cryptocurrency exchange.
Cryptocurrency exchanges are online platforms where you can buy, sell or trade cryptocurrencies for other digital assets or fiat currencies. Bitcoin trading requires a level of understanding of the market and the platform you're using to trade.
When choosing a broker for bitcoin trading, there are a few things to consider:
- The fees charged: Different brokers charge different fees for their services. Be sure to compare the fees some include swaps and commissions.
- The payment methods accepted: Some brokers only accept bank wire transfers, while others also accept credit cards and cryptocurrency deposits. Select a broker that accommodates your preferred payment method.
- The platform offered: own proprietary trading platforms or third-party platforms like MetaTrader 4 or cTrader. Choose that suits your needs.
- The level of security: Make sure the broker you choose has a secure wallet system in place.
Make your choice by asset types
Since brokers offer different assets, the quality of services they offer can vary depending on the type of asset you're trading.
XM.COM - For the Traders
Top 3 Brokers with EUR/USD
XM
- Low withdrawal fees
AvaTrade
- Highly regulated by three tier-1 institutions
OANDA
- Been in business since 1996
XM.COM - For the Traders
XM offers a wide range of trading instruments, quality customer service and an in-dept educational platform.
Top 3 Brokers with EUR/USD
XM
- Low withdrawal fees
OANDA
- Been in business since 1996
AvaTrade
- Highly regulated by three tier-1 institutions
OANDA | fxTrade Mobile: Placing a trade
OANDA's easy to use mobile platform allows you to trade on the go from everywhere around the world. You also have the opportunity to constantly improve your trading skills with Oanda's Classroom where you get access to premium webinars and various educational resources.
Top 3 Brokers with EUR/USD
OANDA
- Been in business since 1996
XM
- Low withdrawal fees
AvaTrade
- Highly regulated by three tier-1 institutions
XM.COM - For the Traders
XM offers a wide range of trading instruments, quality customer service and an in-dept educational platform.
Top 3 Brokers with EUR/USD
XM
- Low withdrawal fees
XM
- Low withdrawal fees
AvaTrade
- Highly regulated by three tier-1 institutions
AvaTradeGO | How to Start Trading?
AvaTrade offers secure and intuitive platforms, comprehensive technical and fundamental market analysis of market and much more.
Top 3 Brokers with EUR/USD
AvaTrade
- Highly regulated by three tier-1 institutions
XM
- Low withdrawal fees
OANDA
- Been in business since 1996
Forex Trading Academy
If you want to learn more about the financial markets, then our Forex Trading Academy has got you covered. We provide comprehensive education regardless of your level of experience.
FAQ
How Long Does It Take to Learn Forex?
This is a difficult question to answer as it depends on your level of experience and knowledge. If you are new to the world of forex trading, it may take some time to learn the ropes.
However, if you have some experience in other financial markets, you may be able to pick up forex trading more quickly. Ultimately, it will take as long as it takes for you to feel comfortable with the market and your trading strategies.
Which Forex Broker Is the Best?
Again, this is a difficult question to answer definitively. There are many reputable forex brokers out there, and it really depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Some things you may want to consider when choosing a broker include the size of their spreads, the quality of their customer service, and the fees they charge.
Is Forex a Gamble?
No, forex trading is not a gamble. While there is always some element of risk involved in any financial transaction, forex trading can be very lucrative and rewarding if done correctly.
Is Forex Trading a Career?
Yes, forex trading can be a career. Many people around the world make a living by buying and selling currencies on the forex market.
However, it is essential to note that success in forex trading requires hard work, dedication, and discipline.
Can I Learn Forex by Myself?
Yes, you can learn forex by yourself. There are several resources available online and in books that can teach you about the basics of forex trading.
However, it is always advisable to consult a professional before making any significant decisions in the market.
Can a Forex Broker Steal Your Money?
No, a forex broker cannot steal your money as long as it is regulated. However, it is essential to be aware of the risks involved in any financial transaction and to choose a reputable and trustworthy broker.
Does Forex Trading Get Taxed?
In most cases, yes, forex trading is subject to taxation. However, there may be exceptions depending on your country of residence and the regulations.
It is always advisable to consult with a tax professional before making any decisions about your taxes.
How Do Brokers Make Money?
Brokers make money by charging fees for their services, such as commissions or spreads. They may also make money from interest on margin accounts or by selling products and services to their clients.
How Much Do I Need to Start Forex Trading?
This depends on a number of factors, such as the broker you choose and the type of account you open. Most brokers require a minimum deposit to open an account, and some may also charge additional fees for certain services.