Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of FXCM vs Axi, 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, established in 1999, and Axi, founded in 2007, are two online brokerage firms that cater to traders worldwide. An essential factor when choosing a broker is their Trust Score, a metric provided by ForexBrokers.com that ranges from 90-99 for highly trusted brokers to below 59 for those not recommended. FXCM boasts an impressive Trust Score of 95, positioning it as a highly trusted broker. In contrast, Axi's Trust Score of 82 places it in the 'trusted' category. Both brokers are not banks, but FXCM is unique as it is publicly traded, adding an extra layer of transparency to its operations.
Another crucial aspect is regulatory compliance. FXCM holds four Tier-1 licenses, indicating a high level of trust, while Axi holds two Tier-1 licenses. Further, FXCM also has two Tier-2 licenses, compared to Axi's one, highlighting FXCM's broader regulatory approval. For traders evaluating these brokers based on regulatory confidence and public transparency, FXCM offers a more established and widely trusted option compared to Axi.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1999 | 2007 |
| 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 | 1 |
When comparing commissions and fees, both FXCM and Axi earn 4 out of 5 stars, but FXCM ranks higher (#25 of 63) than Axi (#44 of 63) in ForexBrokers.com’s Commissions and Fees category.
FXCM’s forex pricing sits slightly above the industry average. In May 2024, EUR/USD spreads averaged 0.78 pips for its EU, U.K., and Australia entities, and 1.38 pips at its St. Vincent and the Grenadines entity. Its commission-based accounts averaged 0.28 pips in raw spread, with an estimated all-in cost near 0.74 pips after commissions. FXCM also offers a five-tier Active Trader Rebate Program (not available in the U.K. or EU) that pays $5 to $25 per million traded; requirements vary by entity. For example, in the U.K., a $25,000 balance and at least $50 million in monthly volume can reduce commissions to $2.50 per side ($5 round turn). As with most brokers, spreads can widen during rollover or in volatile markets.
Axi’s detailed average spread data was not available, making direct, like-for-like cost comparisons harder. Even so, Axi holds a 4 out of 5 stars rating for commissions and fees and ranks #44 of 63 brokers in this category. Prospective traders should check Axi’s live spreads and commission details to assess all-in costs.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | Starts from $50 | $0 |
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account | 0.9 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.8 | N/A |
| Non-wire bank transfer | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
FXCM and Axi both let you trade forex either as CFDs or spot, but their product lists differ. FXCM offers 440 tradeable symbols, giving it a broader overall menu, while Axi lists 175. When you narrow it to currencies, Axi leads with 65 forex pairs compared with FXCM’s 46. That makes FXCM better for those who want more total markets, and Axi a stronger pick if you want more currency pair choices.
Neither broker provides access to exchange-traded shares in the U.S. or abroad, and neither lets you buy actual crypto; both do support cryptocurrency CFDs and offer copy trading. Independent scores from ForexBrokers.com rate each broker 3.5 out of 5 for Range of Investments, with FXCM ranked 48th out of 63 brokers and Axi ranked 57th. In short, the two are evenly matched overall, with FXCM edging ahead on breadth of symbols and Axi on forex pair count.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 440 | 175 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 46 | 65 |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | No | No |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | No | No |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Underlying) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (CFDs) | 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.
Comparing FXCM vs Axi for trading platforms and tools, both brokers offer a free virtual demo account for paper trading, plus web-based and Windows desktop platforms. Each supports MetaTrader 4 (MT4), copy trading, and the ability to place orders directly from charts. Neither broker offers MetaTrader 5 (MT5).
The big difference is that FXCM also provides a proprietary platform built in-house, while Axi relies on third-party options like MT4. This edge is reflected in independent reviews: FXCM earns 5 stars for Trading Platforms and Tools and is ranked #6 by ForexBrokers.com, whereas Axi is rated 3.5 stars and ranked #64. If you want more platform choice and higher-rated tools, FXCM stands out; if you’re set on MT4 alone, Axi remains a straightforward option. Both are easy to try with their free demo accounts.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | No |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 115 | 30 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
FXCM and Axi both offer mobile trading apps for iPhone and Android, with forex or stock price alerts built in. Each app lets you draw trendlines on charts, making it easier to plan entries and exits on the go.
FXCM pulls ahead on features that matter to active traders: it syncs watchlists with your online account, autosaves chart drawings, and includes 59 technical studies versus Axi’s 30. Axi does not sync watchlists or autosave drawings. These differences show up in independent ratings—FXCM earns 4.5 out of 5 stars and ranks #16 out of 63 brokers for Mobile Trading Apps at ForexBrokers.com, while Axi scores 3.5 stars and ranks #60. If you want deeper charting and seamless watchlists, FXCM is the stronger pick; if you only need the basics, Axi covers the essentials.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Price Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 59 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
FXCM vs Axi: When it comes to market research, FXCM offers more built-in insights. FXCM provides daily market commentary, top-tier forex news (from sources like Bloomberg, Reuters, or Dow Jones), Trading Central tools, a sentiment indicator, TipRanks research, and an economic calendar. Axi also delivers quality forex news, a sentiment tool, and an economic calendar, and it stands out with Autochartist for pattern and signal scanning. However, Axi does not provide daily commentary and does not offer Trading Central; TipRanks and Acuity Trading tools are not clearly listed on Axi’s side.
Independent ratings from ForexBrokers.com back up the gap: FXCM earns 4.5 out of 5 stars for Research and ranks #11 out of 63 brokers, while Axi scores 3 out of 5 stars and ranks #56. In short, choose FXCM if you want daily commentary plus Trading Central and TipRanks; pick Axi if Autochartist scanning is your priority alongside essential news, sentiment, and calendar tools.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | No |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | Yes |
| Trading Central | Yes | No |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | Yes | |
| Acuity Trading | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
FXCM and Axi both make it easy for new forex and CFD traders to start learning. Each broker runs educational client webinars at least once a month and offers a library of beginner-focused videos (10+), giving newcomers clear, step-by-step guidance.
FXCM goes further with 10+ advanced video lessons for when you’re ready to level up, while Axi does not offer that deeper video track. That gap is reflected in third-party results: FXCM earns 4.5/5 stars for Education and ranks 14th out of 63 brokers at ForexBrokers.com, compared with Axi’s 3/5 stars and a 27th-place ranking. If you want a learning path that grows with you, FXCM is the stronger option; if you just need starter videos and monthly webinars, Axi still fits the bill.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that FXCM is better than Axi. FXCM finished with an overall rank of #15, while Axi finished with an overall rank of #49.
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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Axi
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| Trust Score | 95 | 82 |
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In the FXCM vs Axi comparison, neither broker allows buying actual (delivered) cryptocurrency, but both offer cryptocurrency CFD trading.
In the FXCM vs Axi comparison, FXCM supports ACH/SEPA transfers, PayPal, Skrill, and bank wires for deposits and withdrawals, while Axi does not support ACH/SEPA and has no disclosed details on PayPal, Skrill, Visa/Mastercard, or bank wire 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 | Axi | |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 82 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | FXCM Review |
| Broker Screenshots | FXCM | Axi | |
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| Broker Gallery (click to expand) |
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| Regulation | FXCM | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 95 | 82 | |
| Year Founded | 1999 | 2007 | |
| 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 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | FXCM | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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) | |||
| 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 | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | |||
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| UAE (DFSA, FSRA, or SCA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) |
| Investments | FXCM | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 440 | 175 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 46 | 65 | |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | No | No | |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | No | No | |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Underlying) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (CFDs) | 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 | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account | 0.9 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.8 | N/A | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Order execution: Agency | Yes | Yes | |
| Order execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | FXCM | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | Starts from $50 | $0 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | ||
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | ||
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | ||
| Non-wire bank transfer | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | FXCM | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | No | |
| cTrader | No | No |
| Trading Tools | FXCM | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 115 | 30 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | FXCM | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist [DELETED] | |||
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 59 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Research - Economic Calendar | Yes | No |
| Research | FXCM | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | No | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | Yes | |
| Trading Central | Yes | No | |
| TipRanks | Yes | ||
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | FXCM | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Major Forex Pairs | FXCM | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD [DELETED] | |||
| USD/JPY [DELETED] | |||
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF [DELETED] | |||
| USD/CAD [DELETED] | |||
| NZD/USD [DELETED] | |||
| AUD/USD [DELETED] | |||
| Review | FXCM Review |
| Overall | FXCM | Axi | |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 82 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | FXCM Review |
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