Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of FXCM vs Trading 212, 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, founded in 1999 and listed on a stock exchange, presents itself as a highly trusted choice among online brokers. It boasts a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 95 out of 99, supported by its possession of four Tier-1 licenses and two Tier-2 licenses. Despite not being a bank, FXCM's regulatory standing and public trading status contribute to its perception as a secure and reliable platform for online trading.
In contrast, Trading 212, established in 2004, is not publicly traded but still secures a trustworthy spot in the market with a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 80 out of 99. Although it holds one less Tier-1 license compared to FXCM, with three in total, Trading 212 lacks Tier-2 licenses. Like its counterpart, Trading 212 is not a bank, yet it remains a trusted name due to its solid regulatory framework and market presence.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Trading 212
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1999 | 2004 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 4 | 3 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
When comparing the commissions and fees between FXCM and Trading 212, traders should consider FXCM's higher-than-average pricing for forex trading. The standard account spreads at FXCM for May 2024 recorded an average of 0.78 pips on the EUR/USD for its EU, U.K., and Australia offerings, while the spreads for St. Vincent and the Grenadines reached 1.38 pips. Commission-based accounts, excluding commission fees, offered average spreads of 0.28 pips during the same period. However, FXCM provides an Active Trader Rebate Program that offers substantial discounts depending on trading volume; these are particularly beneficial, reducing the effective spread to approximately 0.74 pips after taking commissions into account. FXCM receives a four-star rating for its commissions and fees and ranks 25th out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com.
On the other hand, Trading 212 markets itself as a zero-commission broker, yet traders will incur spread costs when dealing with CFDs and forex. In April 2025, Trading 212 advertised an average spread of 2.7 pips on the EUR/USD pair, which is considerably higher than the industry average, ranking less favorably against competitive brokers. While providing its average spread data is a commendable step towards better pricing transparency, the higher spreads diminish its appeal, especially for cost-sensitive traders. Similar to FXCM, Trading 212 also garners a four-star rating for its commissions and fees. However, its ranking at 49th out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com indicates room for improvement when it comes to competitive pricing in the forex and CFD markets.
In summary, FXCM may offer more attractive pricing structures for active traders through its volume-based rebate program, while Trading 212's zero-commission promise is offset by high spreads. Although both brokers share a four-star rating for commissions and fees, FXCM ranks significantly higher, suggesting it may be the preferable choice for traders focused on minimizing trading costs.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Trading 212
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | Starts from $50 | €1 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.78 | 2.7 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.78 | 2.7 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | Yes |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
FXCM and Trading 212 both provide opportunities for forex trading through Contracts for Difference (CFDs) and spot contracts, but they differ significantly in their range of offerings. FXCM offers a selection of 440 tradeable symbols, including 46 forex pairs. In comparison, Trading 212 significantly broadens the trading horizon with 7,868 tradeable symbols, including 146 forex pairs. This distinct difference offers investors a more diverse array of options within Trading 212's platform. Furthermore, Trading 212 uniquely provides access to exchange-traded securities on both U.S. and international exchanges, making it possible for clients to invest in well-known companies like Apple and Vodafone directly. FXCM, on the other hand, does not offer this feature but does support copy trading, which Trading 212 does not.
Both brokers cater to cryptocurrency traders through derivatives rather than actual cryptocurrency purchases. However, when it comes to overall range of investments, Trading 212 takes the lead with a 5-star rating, ranked 15th out of 63 brokers in the ForexBrokers.com review. FXCM, rated at 3.5 stars, holds the 47th place in the same category. This positions Trading 212 as a more versatile platform for traders seeking a comprehensive investment experience compared to FXCM's more streamlined approach.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Trading 212
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 440 | 7868 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 46 | 146 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No |
| 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 Trading 212 for their trading platforms and tools, both brokers offer a range of features that cater to different trader needs. FXCM stands out with its proprietary platform available for Windows desktop download and a web-based platform. It supports MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and offers unique tools like ZuluTrade for copy trading. FXCM accounts include a virtual demo option for simulated trading, providing an excellent opportunity for beginners to practice. On the charting front, FXCM provides 10 drawing tools, and its watch lists are highly customizable with up to 13 available columns, contributing to its perfect five-star rating for Trading Platforms and Tools.
Trading 212, on the other hand, also impressed with its user-friendly proprietary web-based platform and a virtual demo account for practice trading. Unlike FXCM, Trading 212 doesn't support MetaTrader platforms or copy trading features such as ZuluTrade. However, it compensates with more extensive charting options, offering 20 drawing tools. Despite having fewer customizable watch list columns (5), Trading 212 maintains a strong four-star rating. Ranked #20 by ForexBrokers.com in the Trading Platforms and Tools category, Trading 212 provides a solid choice for traders seeking straightforward platform functionality without the advanced features that FXCM offers, which places it at #6 in the same category.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Trading 212
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | No |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | No |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | No |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | Yes | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 115 | 54 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 10 | 20 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 13 | 5 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
FXCM and Trading 212 both provide mobile trading apps for iPhone and Android users, supporting stock and forex traders on the go. Both platforms allow users to receive price alerts and sync watchlists across devices, ensuring seamless transitions between mobile and web experiences. They also offer the ability to draw trendlines and view charts in multiple time frames, with the convenience of auto-saving your work. However, when it comes to technical studies, Trading 212 takes the lead with 104 options compared to FXCM’s 59.
For those who like to keep an eye on real-time market quotes, both apps support creating watchlists. In terms of user ratings, FXCM scores slightly higher with 4.5 stars versus Trading 212’s 4 stars. According to rankings by ForexBrokers.com, FXCM secures the 16th spot among 63 brokers for mobile trading, while Trading 212 follows closely at 17th place. Whether you choose FXCM or Trading 212, you’ll find a capable app to handle your trading on the move.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Trading 212
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 59 | 104 |
| 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 comparing FXCM and Trading 212 in terms of market research offerings, there are several key differences to note. FXCM stands out with its daily market commentary and comprehensive news coverage from top-tier sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. In contrast, Trading 212 offers news from similar prestigious sources but lacks the daily commentary component. FXCM provides advanced technical analysis tools through Trading Central and also integrates sentiment-based trading insights, both of which remain absent in Trading 212's offering. Moreover, FXCM supports market research via TipRanks, while Trading 212 does not, although both brokers share access to an economic calendar showcasing global news events.
From a ratings perspective, FXCM outshines Trading 212, earning a research rating of 4.5 stars compared to Trading 212's 3.5 stars. Reflecting these capabilities, FXCM ranks at #11 out of 63 brokers evaluated by ForexBrokers.com in the Research category, significantly outperforming Trading 212, which holds the #44 spot. This comprehensive market insight makes FXCM a compelling choice for traders seeking deeper research functionalities and market analysis tools.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Trading 212
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | No |
| 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 | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When comparing FXCM and Trading 212 for educational resources aimed at beginners, both online brokers offer more than 10 educational pieces, including articles, videos, and archived webinars, focused on forex and CFDs. This makes them valuable resources for new traders. FXCM stands out by providing monthly online webinars that clients can attend to gain real-time insights, a feature that Trading 212 does not offer. Both brokers, however, maintain searchable archives of past webinars, making it simple for learners to access a wealth of information at their convenience.
FXCM and Trading 212 each offer over 10 educational videos tailored for both beginner and advanced traders. These videos provide detailed explanations to help users at different stages of their trading journey. Additionally, both platforms feature investor dictionaries with definitions of more than 50 investing terms, useful for those looking to build a solid foundation in trading terminology. Despite the similarities, FXCM earns a higher education rating of 4.5 stars compared to Trading 212's 3.5 stars. According to ForexBrokers.com, FXCM ranks 14th out of 63 brokers for education, placing it ahead of Trading 212, which ranks 20th.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Trading 212
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| 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 Trading 212. FXCM finished with an overall rank of #15, while Trading 212 finished with an overall rank of #31.
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
|
Trading 212
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 80 |
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Both FXCM and Trading 212 do not provide the option to purchase actual delivered cryptocurrencies, but they do offer the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
Both FXCM and Trading 212 support ACH, SEPA, PayPal, and bank wire transactions for deposits and withdrawals, with FXCM also offering Skrill, a service not available on Trading 212, while both platforms accept Visa and Mastercard.
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 | Trading 212 | |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 80 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | FXCM Review | Trading 212 Review |
| Broker Screenshots | FXCM | Trading 212 | |
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| Regulation | FXCM | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 95 | 80 | |
| Year Founded | 1999 | 2004 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 4 | 3 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | FXCM | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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) | |||
| 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 | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | FXCM | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | |||
| 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) |
| Investments | FXCM | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 440 | 7868 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 46 | 146 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No | |
| 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 | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.78 | 2.7 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.78 | 2.7 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | FXCM | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | Starts from $50 | €1 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Platforms | FXCM | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | No | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | No | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | No | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | Yes | No |
| Trading Tools | FXCM | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 13 | 5 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 115 | 54 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 10 | 20 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | FXCM | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 104 | |
| 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 | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | No | |
| 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 | Yes |
| Education | FXCM | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | FXCM | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Trading 212 Review |
| Overall | FXCM | Trading 212 | |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 80 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | FXCM Review | Trading 212 Review |
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