Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of FXCM vs Trade Nation, 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.
Founded in 1999, FXCM is a well-established player in the online brokerage industry. With a strong public presence as a publicly traded company, FXCM holds 4 highly trusted Tier-1 licenses and 2 trusted Tier-2 licenses. This regulatory foundation delivers a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 95, marking it as a highly trusted broker for traders seeking security and reliability.
On the other hand, Trade Nation, founded in 2014, offers a more recent entry into the market. Although it is not publicly traded, Trade Nation holds 2 Tier-1 licenses and 1 Tier-2 license. These credentials contribute to a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 85, categorizing it as a trusted choice for traders looking for dependable trading solutions. Neither FXCM nor Trade Nation operates as a bank, focusing instead on providing dedicated trading services.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Trade Nation
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1999 | 2014 |
| 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 | 2 |
FXCM, rated 4 out of 5 stars for commissions and fees, has a slightly higher-than-average pricing structure for forex trading. The broker offers various spreads with their standard account showing an average spread of 0.78 pips on EUR/USD for its EU, U.K., and Australia markets, slightly higher in St. Vincent and the Grenadines at 1.38 pips. However, their commission-based accounts provide more competitive spreads at an average of 0.28 pips, not including commissions. With its Active Trader Rebate Program, FXCM can further reduce costs significantly based on trading volume, although this program is not available in the U.K. or EU. Despite offering discounts, FXCM's effective spreads remain around 0.74 pips after including commission costs, leading ForexBrokers.com to rank it at #24 out of 63 brokers in this category.
Trade Nation, on the other hand, stands out for its fixed-spread pricing model and receives a higher 5-star rating for commissions and fees. With a fixed spread of 0.6 pips for the EUR/USD pair, Trade Nation aims to maintain transparent and consistent pricing across its platform. Although there is a brief daily period during which spreads can widen to 1.4 pips, the average spread remains approximately 1 pip when all data is considered. Trade Nation offers three primary account types, including commission-based and commission-free options on MetaTrader, and its proprietary TN Trader account, which generally provides the lowest spreads. Ranked #7 by ForexBrokers.com, Trade Nation is praised for its competitive pricing structure.
In summary, while FXCM provides solid options for forex trading with active-trader discounts, Trade Nation's transparent fixed-spread model and more straightforward fee structure give it an edge in the commission and fees category. Offering clear pricing and competitive rates, Trade Nation outranks FXCM, providing both beginner and experienced traders with a more economically advantageous trading environment.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Trade Nation
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | Starts from $50 | $0 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.78 | 0.6 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.78 | 0.6 |
| 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.
FXCM and Trade Nation both offer forex trading through CFDs or spot contracts, providing opportunities for traders to engage in currency markets. FXCM presents 440 tradeable symbols and 43 forex pairs, while Trade Nation offers a broader selection with 1000 tradeable symbols and 46 forex pairs. However, neither broker provides access to trade actual securities on U.S. or international exchanges, which means clients can't buy individual stocks like Apple or Vodafone directly.
Both brokers facilitate copy trading and the trading of cryptocurrency derivatives, although they do not support the purchase of actual cryptocurrencies. FXCM and Trade Nation are each rated 3.5 stars out of 5 for their range of investment offerings. In rankings by ForexBrokers.com, Trade Nation stands at #38, indicating a slightly more favorable perception compared to FXCM's position at #47 out of 63 brokers. This suggests Trade Nation might cater more extensively to those seeking a wider array of trading options.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Trade Nation
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 440 | 1000 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 43 | 46 |
| 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 comparing FXCM and Trade Nation in terms of their trading platforms and tools, both brokers offer paper trading through virtual demo accounts, allowing traders to practice before committing real funds. Each company provides a proprietary platform alongside the widely-used MetaTrader 4 (MT4), addressing various trader preferences. Both brokers also support Windows-based desktop platforms and web-based browser platforms. However, a significant difference is observed in copy trading abilities; FXCM supports ZuluTrade, unlike Trade Nation. FXCM's offering of 10 drawing tools might sound limited compared to Trade Nation's richer selection of 39, but FXCM allows traders to execute trades directly from stock charts, while Trade Nation does not. Additionally, FXCM's watch lists feature includes 13 columns, just a notch below Trade Nation's 14.
FXCM takes the lead in user satisfaction with a five-star rating for its trading platforms and tools, while Trade Nation follows with four stars. Reflecting their strengths, FXCM is ranked 6th out of 63 brokers in this category by ForexBrokers.com, significantly higher than Trade Nation at 44th place. These insights underline FXCM's edge in providing a more advanced and highly-rated trading experience, especially for users prioritizing ZuluTrade integration and chart-based trading functionality. Meanwhile, Trade Nation may appeal to those who prefer a more extensive array of drawing tools and a slightly more detailed watch list.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Trade Nation
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | No |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | Yes | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 115 | 115 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 10 | 39 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | No |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 13 | 14 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When considering mobile trading apps, both FXCM and Trade Nation offer comprehensive options for iPhone and Android users, making it easy to trade on the go. Each app provides features like price alerts and synchronized watchlists to keep investors informed and connected between platforms. However, when it comes to charting tools, FXCM offers 59 technical studies, while Trade Nation steps it up with 99, giving those who rely on technical analysis a broader selection. Both apps allow users to draw trend lines on charts, view various time frames such as daily or intraday, and auto-save their chart drawings, making analysis straightforward.
In terms of user experience and ratings, FXCM's mobile trading app edges out with a score of 4.5 stars, compared to Trade Nation's 4-star rating. This difference is reflected in their rankings out of 63 brokers, with FXCM positioned at #16 and Trade Nation at #45 according to ForexBrokers.com. Both apps support real-time quote watchlists, ensuring traders have access to up-to-date market information. Overall, while both platforms offer solid mobile trading solutions, FXCM might be a preferred choice for users prioritizing app performance and ratings.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Trade Nation
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 59 | 99 |
| 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 it comes to market research, both FXCM and Trade Nation deliver daily commentary and provide forex news from high-quality sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. However, FXCM stands out with its access to Trading Central tools, offering more in-depth technical analytics. Both brokers provide sentiment-based trading tools, allowing traders to view the ratio of long and short positions across various instruments. While FXCM offers market insights from TipRanks and includes an economic calendar for global events, Trade Nation compensates by offering tools from Acuity Trading, like the Signal Centre.
FXCM receives a superior rating of 4.5 stars and ranks 11th among 63 brokers, showcasing its strong commitment to delivering comprehensive market research tools. In contrast, Trade Nation has a 3.5-star rating and ranks 42nd. Despite both offering daily commentary and top-tier forex news, the differences in technical analysis tools and market research sources might influence traders looking for more robust and varied market insights.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Trade Nation
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | Yes | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | Yes |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When comparing the educational resources for beginners between FXCM and Trade Nation, both brokers provide a solid foundation for new traders by offering more than ten educational pieces focused on forex or CFDs. These may include articles, videos, or webinars. However, FXCM enhances its offerings with online educational webinars available monthly. This interactive platform for learning sets FXCM apart and is further bolstered by a searchable archive of recorded sessions for convenient re-watching, which Trade Nation does not offer. Both brokers cater to beginner and advanced traders with at least ten educational videos for each level, and both maintain an investor dictionary for reference, boasting definitions for over 50 investing terms.
In terms of recognition and ratings, FXCM is awarded 4.5 stars for its educational services, reflecting a robust educational structure. In contrast, Trade Nation's educational services receive a 3.5-star rating. Among a pool of 63 brokers, FXCM holds a respectable #14 ranking according to ForexBrokers.com, highlighting its commendable educational resources. On the other hand, Trade Nation sits at #41, indicating there is room for growth in their educational offerings. The difference in rankings underscores FXCM as a potentially more advantageous option for beginners seeking extensive educational support.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Trade Nation
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| 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 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that FXCM is better than Trade Nation. FXCM finished with an overall rank of #15, while Trade Nation finished with an overall rank of #34.
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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Trade Nation
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 85 |
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Both FXCM and Trade Nation do not provide the option to purchase actual delivered cryptocurrency, but they do offer the ability to buy cryptocurrency derivatives, allowing traders to speculate on price movements without owning the underlying asset.
FXCM stands out as an online broker by offering a wider range of deposit and withdrawal options than Trade Nation, including ACH, SEPA transfers, and PayPal, alongside shared options like Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires.
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 | Trade Nation | |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 85 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | FXCM Review | Trade Nation Review |
| Broker Screenshots | FXCM | Trade Nation | |
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| Regulation | FXCM | Trade Nation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 95 | 85 | |
| Year Founded | 1999 | 2014 | |
| 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 | 2 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | FXCM | Trade Nation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Trade Nation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Trade Nation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 440 | 1000 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 43 | 46 | |
| 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 | Trade Nation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.78 | 0.6 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.78 | 0.6 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | FXCM | Trade Nation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | Starts from $50 | $0 | |
| 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 | Trade Nation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | No | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | Yes | No |
| Trading Tools | FXCM | Trade Nation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 13 | 14 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 115 | 115 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 10 | 39 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | No | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | No |
| Mobile Trading | FXCM | Trade Nation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 59 | 99 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | No |
| Research | FXCM | Trade Nation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No | |
| TipRanks | Yes | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | No |
| Education | FXCM | Trade Nation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | FXCM | Trade Nation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Trade Nation Review |
| Overall | FXCM | Trade Nation | |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 85 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | FXCM Review | Trade Nation Review |
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