Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of FXCM vs FXPrimus, 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 FXPrimus both serve as reputable choices for online brokerage, though they differ in their regulatory strengths and market presence. Founded in 1999, FXCM has established itself as a widely trusted broker, demonstrated by its impressive Trust Score of 95 out of 99 from ForexBrokers.com. This high score is supported by FXCM's holding of four Tier-1 licenses and two Tier-2 licenses, underscoring its commitment to adhering to top regulatory standards. Moreover, FXCM is publicly traded, allowing for greater transparency and oversight, which enhances investor confidence.
In contrast, FXPrimus, launched in 2009, has built a solid reputation, although its Trust Score stands at an average risk level of 71 out of 99. While it holds only one Tier-1 license and lacks any Tier-2 licenses, FXPrimus continues to compete in the online brokerage arena by focusing on customer service and trading conditions. However, it is not publicly traded, which may influence investor perceptions of transparency. Both FXCM and FXPrimus are not banks, which means they specialize exclusively in offering brokerage services without conducting banking operations.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
FXPrimus
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1999 | 2009 |
| 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 | 1 |
When comparing FXCM and FXPrimus, both brokers receive a four-star rating for their commissions and fees, but FXCM holds a slight edge in terms of ranking, positioned at #24 out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com, whereas FXPrimus is ranked at #42. FXCM's forex trading costs are known to be slightly above the industry's norm. For standard accounts, spreads on popular currency pairs like the EUR/USD averaged 0.78 pips for their EU, UK, and Australia clients in May 2024. However, its St. Vincent and the Grenadines entity offered a spread of 1.38 pips, which exceeds typical market rates. On the flip side, FXCM's commission-based accounts can achieve lower spreads, averaging 0.28 pips excluding commissions. Importantly, FXCM offers active trader discounts that can reduce costs significantly depending on trading volume, though favorability may vary by region.
FXCM's Active Trader Rebate Program, although not available in the UK or EU, provides five tiers of rebates based on trading volume. For those trading $10 million or more monthly, rebates range from $5 to $25 per million traded. This can effectively lower the commission-based spreads from 0.74 pips when accounting for a 0.50 pips commission per round turn. In contrast, FXPrimus lacks detailed spread data, making it harder to directly compare its offerings with FXCM. Yet, it earns the same star rating, indicating it maintains competitive fee structures in other respects.
Traders looking for potentially greater savings may find FXCM's active trader program appealing, though the benefits vary depending on the account holder's FXCM Group entity. For instance, in the UK, traders with at least a $25,000 balance and $50 million monthly volume can enjoy reduced commissions, lowering effective spreads to 0.78 pips. In summary, while both FXCM and FXPrimus provide solid options, those focused on minimizing trading costs may navigate the choice by considering specific account attributes and the availability of rebate programs in their respective regions.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
FXPrimus
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | Starts from $50 | $100 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.78 | N/A |
| 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 | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When comparing FXCM and FXPrimus, both platforms provide opportunities for trading forex as either CFDs or spot contracts. FXCM offers a wider variety of tradeable symbols, with 440 options, compared to FXPrimus's 140. However, both brokers have a similar offering of forex pairs, with FXCM providing 43 pairs, just slightly more than FXPrimus's 42 pairs.
Neither FXCM nor FXPrimus offers clients the ability to buy exchange-traded securities on U.S. or international exchanges, nor can investors purchase actual cryptocurrencies, only derivatives. Both brokers support copy trading, allowing investors to replicate the trading decisions of experienced traders. FXCM and FXPrimus both earn a 3.5-star rating for their range of investments, with FXCM ranking 47th and FXPrimus ranking 59th out of 63 brokers, according to ForexBrokers.com.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
FXPrimus
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 440 | 140 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 43 | 42 |
| 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 FXPrimus offer an impressive range of features that cater to traders of all levels. Both brokers provide free virtual demo accounts, allowing users to practice and hone their skills without financial risk. Each also offers a proprietary platform, a Windows-based desktop download option, and a web-based platform through a browser. MetaTrader 4 is a common offering between the two, providing a familiar environment for seasoned traders; however, only FXPrimus supports MetaTrader 5 for more advanced trading needs. While both brokers support copy trading, FXCM stands out by offering ZuluTrade, whereas FXPrimus does not. Neither broker provides DupliTrade, but both allow for direct trading from stock charts, adding convenience for users who prefer streamlined operations.
FXCM offers technical traders a slight edge with more advanced features, including 13 columns for watch lists compared to FXPrimus’s 7, and supports trading from charts. FXCM also provides 10 drawing tools for chart analysis, whereas FXPrimus offers a slightly higher number of 15. These comprehensive features are reflected in FXCM’s five-star rating for Trading Platforms and Tools, ranking it 6th out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com, indicating a strong reputation. In contrast, FXPrimus earns a respectable four-star rating, ranked 49th in the same category. Whether traders prioritize accessibility with demo accounts or advanced functionality with platform diversity, both brokers present compelling options, though FXCM’s higher rating and ranking might attract those seeking top-tier trading technology.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
FXPrimus
|
|---|---|---|
| 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.
When choosing between FXCM and FXPrimus for a mobile trading experience, both brokers provide iPhone and Android apps equipped with key trading features. Both platforms offer stock and forex price alerts and allow traders to draw trendlines and view different time frames on charts. However, FXCM takes a slight lead with its ability to sync watchlists across its mobile app and the client's online account, a feature not available with FXPrimus.
FXCM further differentiates itself by offering 59 technical studies for charting, almost double the 30 available on FXPrimus, providing users with more in-depth analysis capabilities. Additionally, FXCM's app has received a higher user rating of 4.5 stars compared to FXPrimus's 4 stars. In terms of industry rankings by ForexBrokers.com, FXCM is positioned at #16 out of 63 brokers for mobile trading apps, significantly ahead of FXPrimus, which is ranked at #48. This information suggests that while both platforms offer essential features, FXCM provides a more comprehensive and well-received mobile trading experience.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
FXPrimus
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 choosing between FXCM and FXPrimus for market research capabilities, it's clear that FXCM stands out with several advantages. Both brokers offer daily market commentary and provide an economic calendar for keeping track of global economic events. However, FXCM delivers an extra layer of detailed insights by offering forex news sourced from top-tier institutions like Bloomberg and Reuters—an edge FXPrimus does not share. Moreover, FXCM enhances trading decisions with tools from Trading Central, such as Technical Analytics, and provides sentiment-based trading tools that show position ratios across currency pairs. Additionally, traders can benefit from market research by TipRanks, further rounding out FXCM's suite of research offerings.
In contrast, FXPrimus lacks many of the advanced tools that FXCM offers, such as access to high-quality forex news and specialized research tools from companies like Trading Central and TipRanks. Both platforms do not integrate tools like Autochartist or Acuity Trading's Signal Centre, yet FXCM's comprehensive coverage garners a research rating of 4.5 stars compared to FXPrimus's 3 stars. According to ForexBrokers.com, FXCM is ranked 11th out of 63 brokers in the Research category, while FXPrimus is considerably lower at 58th. For traders seeking in-depth market analysis and top-notch research tools, FXCM is the preferable choice.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
FXPrimus
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No |
| 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 offerings for beginners from FXCM and FXPrimus, both brokers provide at least ten resources like articles, videos, and archived webinars focusing on forex or CFDs. They also host regular webinars each month and maintain a searchable archive of past sessions, ensuring beginners have ample opportunity to learn at their own pace.
However, FXCM stands out with a more comprehensive suite for newcomers, offering over ten beginner-friendly videos to help novices understand trading fundamentals. While FXCM also provides advanced educational videos and an investor dictionary with over 50 key investing terms, these resources are not available through FXPrimus. Consequently, FXCM receives a higher education rating of 4.5 stars and ranks #14 out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com, compared to FXPrimus's 3 stars and #51 ranking, showcasing FXCM's stronger commitment to supporting beginner traders.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
FXPrimus
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | 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 FXPrimus. FXCM finished with an overall rank of #15, while FXPrimus finished with an overall rank of #53.
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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FXPrimus
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 71 |
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Both FXCM and FXPrimus do not provide the option to purchase actual delivered cryptocurrency, offering instead the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
FXCM offers a diverse range of deposit and withdrawal options including ACH, SEPA, PayPal, Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, while FXPrimus supports Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, but lacks ACH, SEPA, and PayPal 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 | FXPrimus | |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 71 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | FXCM Review |
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| Regulation | FXCM | FXPrimus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 95 | 71 | |
| Year Founded | 1999 | 2009 | |
| 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 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | FXCM | FXPrimus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | No | |
| 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 | FXPrimus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | FXPrimus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 440 | 140 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 43 | 42 | |
| 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 | FXPrimus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.78 | N/A | |
| 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 | FXPrimus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | Starts from $50 | $100 | |
| 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 | No |
| Trading Platforms | FXCM | FXPrimus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | Yes | No |
| Trading Tools | FXCM | FXPrimus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | FXPrimus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | FXPrimus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No | |
| TipRanks | Yes | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | FXCM | FXPrimus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
| Major Forex Pairs | FXCM | FXPrimus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Overall | FXCM | FXPrimus | |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 71 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | FXCM Review |
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