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 are online brokers founded in 1999. FXCM is publicly traded, while Spreadex is privately held, and neither company is a bank.
Regulation and trust: FXCM holds 4 Tier-1 licenses and 2 Tier-2 licenses, compared to Spreadex with 1 Tier-1 license and no Tier-2 licenses. On ForexBrokers.com’s 99-point Trust Score, FXCM scores 95 (highly trusted), while Spreadex scores 70 (average risk). For context, ForexBrokers.com rates 90–99 as highly trusted, 80–89 trusted, 70–79 average risk, 60–69 high risk, and under 59 not trusted.
| 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 |
FXCM’s commissions and fees are a bit above average for forex trading, but its pricing can improve for active traders. On standard accounts, EUR/USD spreads averaged 0.78 pips across its EU, U.K., and Australia entities in May 2024, while its St. Vincent and the Grenadines entity averaged 1.38 pips. On commission-based accounts, the average spread was 0.28 pips before commissions, which works out to a higher all-in cost once fees are included. FXCM also offers an Active Trader Rebate Program in some regions, which can lower costs for high-volume traders, although the best discounts are not available everywhere. FXCM is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars for commissions and fees and is ranked #17 out of 36 brokers by ForexBrokers.com.
Spreadex keeps its pricing simple, with EUR/USD spreads averaging 0.81 pips in January 2024 and a minimum spread of 0.6 pips available 60% of the time during the month. While that is fairly competitive, it is still slightly higher than FXCM’s main standard-account average in the data provided. Spreadex is rated 4 out of 5 stars for commissions and fees and is ranked #26 out of 36 brokers by ForexBrokers.com.
Overall, FXCM has the edge on pricing for many traders, especially those who can qualify for active trader discounts or use commission-based accounts. Spreadex is still a solid choice for straightforward spread pricing, but its average EUR/USD cost is a touch higher in the figures provided. If lower trading costs are the main goal, FXCM is the stronger pick on commissions and fees.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Spreadex
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | Starts from $50 | $0 |
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account | 0.9 | 0.81 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.8 | N/A |
| Non-wire bank transfer | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
FXCM and Spreadex both let traders access forex as CFDs or spot contracts, and both also offer cryptocurrency CFDs. Neither broker provides direct access to exchange-traded shares on U.S. or international stock exchanges, and neither lets clients buy actual cryptocurrency. Where they differ is in the size of their markets: FXCM offers 440 tradeable symbols and 46 forex pairs, while Spreadex gives access to a much larger selection with 10,000 tradeable symbols and 52 forex pairs.
For extra features, FXCM supports copy trading, while Spreadex does not. In ForexBrokers.com’s Range of Investments category, Spreadex comes out ahead with a 5-star rating and a #13 ranking out of 36 brokers, compared with FXCM’s 4.5-star rating and #21 ranking. For traders who want the broader overall choice, Spreadex has the edge, while FXCM still offers a solid range with the added benefit of copy trading.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Spreadex
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 440 | 10000 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 46 | 52 |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | No | No |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | No | No |
| Copy Trading | Yes | No |
| 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.
FXCM and Spreadex both give traders a free demo account, a web-based platform, a proprietary platform, and the ability to trade directly from charts. Both also support basic chart trading tools, but FXCM stands out for offering a Windows desktop platform, copy trading, and MetaTrader 4, while Spreadex does not offer these options. Neither broker supports MetaTrader 5.
When it comes to platform quality, FXCM has the edge with a 5-star rating for Trading Platforms and Tools and a #4 ranking out of 36 brokers from ForexBrokers.com. Spreadex earns a 4-star rating and ranks #35 out of 36. For traders who want more platform choice and social trading features, FXCM is the stronger pick, while Spreadex may suit those who mainly want a simple web-based setup.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Spreadex
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | No |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Copy Trading | Yes | No |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | No |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 115 | 58 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
FXCM and Spreadex both make it easy to trade on the go with iPhone and Android apps, and each offers stock or forex price alerts plus the ability to draw trendlines on charts. FXCM stands out for chart tools, offering 59 technical studies in its mobile app, while Spreadex does not list a technical study count for mobile charting. FXCM also automatically saves chart drawings, which can be helpful if you switch between devices or return to a chart later.
When it comes to syncing, FXCM has an edge because watchlists in its mobile app sync with the online account, so changes carry over both ways. Spreadex does not offer that feature. These differences are reflected in third-party ratings as well: FXCM scores 4.5 out of 5 stars for mobile trading apps and ranks #16 out of 36 brokers, while Spreadex scores 4 stars and ranks #34 out of 36.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Spreadex
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Price Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 59 | N/A |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
FXCM and Spreadex both give traders a solid set of market research tools, including daily market commentary, news from major sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, a sentiment tool showing long and short positions, and an economic calendar for upcoming global events. Each broker also provides a strong base for staying on top of the markets, making them both useful choices for traders who want regular updates and easy-to-follow research.
The main differences come down to added tools and overall ratings. FXCM includes Trading Central and TipRanks, while Spreadex offers Autochartist instead. FXCM is rated 4.5 out of 5 for Research and ranks #11 out of 36 brokers at ForexBrokers.com, compared with Spreadex’s 4 out of 5 rating and #28 ranking. In short, FXCM has the edge for research depth, while Spreadex still covers the essentials well.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Spreadex
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | Yes |
| Trading Central | Yes | No |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | Yes | No |
| Acuity Trading | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
For beginners looking for trading education, FXCM has the edge over Spreadex. FXCM offers forex and CFD learning material that clears the minimum benchmark of 10 educational pieces, plus it runs online client webinars at least once a month. It also provides 10 or more beginner videos and 10 or more advanced videos, making it a better fit for traders who want to learn step by step and keep building their skills over time.
Spreadex still gives beginners useful support, including at least 10 beginner educational videos, but it falls short in a few key areas compared with FXCM. It does not offer monthly educational webinars, and it does not meet the minimum for forex or CFD education content or advanced video lessons. That difference shows up in the ratings too: FXCM is rated 4.5 out of 5 for Education and ranks #13 out of 36 brokers, while Spreadex is rated 4 out of 5 and ranks #34 out of 36.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Spreadex
|
|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | No |
| 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 Spreadex. FXCM finished with an overall rank of #10, while Spreadex finished with an overall rank of #33.
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
|
Spreadex
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
|
| Trust Score | 95 | 70 |
| Range of Investments |
|
|
| Trading Fees |
|
|
| Trading Platforms |
|
|
| Research |
|
|
| Mobile Trading |
|
|
| Education |
|
|
FXCM vs Spreadex: these online brokers do not allow buying actual (delivered) cryptocurrencies, but both provide cryptocurrency CFD trading.
FXCM vs Spreadex: FXCM supports ACH/SEPA transfers, PayPal, Skrill, and bank wire deposits and withdrawals, whereas Spreadex supports bank wires but not ACH/SEPA, PayPal, or Skrill; Visa/Mastercard availability is not specified for either broker.
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.
Select Brokers
↓×Compare
0 of 5| Overall Rating | FXCM | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
| |
| Trading Fees |
|
| |
| Range of Investments |
|
| |
| Trading Platforms |
|
| |
| Mobile Trading |
|
| |
| Research |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Trust Score | 95 | 70 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | FXCM Review | Spreadex Review |
| Broker Screenshots | FXCM | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broker Gallery (click to expand) |
|
|
| Regulation | FXCM | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 95 | 70 | |
| 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 (FSA 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 | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | |||
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| UAE (DFSA, FSRA, or CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) |
| Investments | FXCM | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 440 | 10000 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 46 | 52 | |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | No | No | |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | No | No | |
| Copy Trading | Yes | No | |
| 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 | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account | 0.9 | 0.81 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.8 | N/A | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Order execution: Agency | Yes | No | |
| Order execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | FXCM | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | Starts from $50 | $0 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Non-wire bank transfer | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | FXCM | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | No | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Copy Trading | Yes | No | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | No | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | No | |
| cTrader | No | No |
| Trading Tools | FXCM | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 115 | 58 | |
| 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 Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist [DELETED] | |||
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 59 | N/A | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Research - Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | FXCM | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | Yes | |
| Trading Central | Yes | No | |
| TipRanks | Yes | No | |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | FXCM | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Major Forex Pairs | FXCM | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Spreadex Review |
| Overall | FXCM | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
| |
| Trading Fees |
|
| |
| Range of Investments |
|
| |
| Trading Platforms |
|
| |
| Mobile Trading |
|
| |
| Research |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Trust Score | 95 | 70 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | FXCM Review | Spreadex Review |
IG
FOREX.com
CMC Markets
XTB
eToro
AvaTrade
Pepperstone
FP Markets
Tickmill