Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of FXCM vs Vantage, 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 Vantage are both prominent online brokers, but their regulatory standings and trust ratings showcase some differences. FXCM, established in 1999, holds a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 95, making it highly trusted by industry standards. It is publicly traded, adding an additional layer of transparency. FXCM holds four Tier-1 licenses, reflecting its strong regulatory position, and an additional two Tier-2 licenses, seen as trusted. Though not a bank, FXCM’s long-standing presence and regulatory credentials enhance its appeal to traders.
Founded in 2009, Vantage distinguishes itself with a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 90, placing it within the highly trusted category, albeit slightly lower than FXCM. Not publicly traded, Vantage still maintains strong regulatory oversight with two Tier-1 licenses and one Tier-2 license. Like FXCM, it does not operate as a bank. Despite its newer market presence compared to FXCM, Vantage's solid licenses and trust score affirm its reliability and suitability for traders seeking a secure online trading experience.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1999 | 2009 |
| 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 | 3 |
For commissions and fees, Vantage edges out FXCM in our ratings: Vantage scores 4.5/5 stars and ranks #12 out of 63 brokers, while FXCM earns 4/5 stars and ranks #17 out of 63. Pricing for both varies by account type, the entity you open under, and market conditions.
On spread-only accounts, FXCM’s Standard account averaged 0.78 pips on EUR/USD in May 2024 across its EU, U.K., and Australia offerings (its St. Vincent and the Grenadines entity averaged 1.38 pips). Vantage lists typical EUR/USD spreads of 1.30 pips for its Standard account (March 2023). As with most brokers, spreads can widen during rollover or volatile markets.
On commission-based pricing, FXCM’s core spread averaged 0.28 pips in May 2024; after adding the commission-equivalent (about 0.50 pips per round turn), the effective cost is roughly 0.74 pips. FXCM’s Active Trader Rebate Program (not available in the U.K. or EU) pays $5–$25 per million; for example, in the U.K. a $25,000 balance with $50 million monthly volume can see $5 round-turn commissions, translating to about 0.78 pips effective on EUR/USD (based on a 0.28-pip core). Vantage’s RAW ECN averages 0.15 pips plus $6 round turn (about 0.75 pips total), while its PRO ECN cuts commission to $4 round turn but has eligibility requirements (e.g., wholesale status in Australia or $10,000 under its Cayman entity). Vantage’s active trader rebates of $2–$8 per lot apply only to the Standard account, which carries the highest spreads. Overall, FXCM tends to offer tighter Standard spreads in supported regions, while Vantage’s PRO ECN can deliver lower commission costs if you qualify.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | Starts from $50 | $50 |
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account | 0.9 | 1.32 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.8 | 0.72 |
| Non-wire bank transfer | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
FXCM and Vantage each support forex trading as CFDs and as spot contracts. When it comes to sheer choice, Vantage lists more overall tradeable symbols (about 1,000) and more forex pairs (61) than FXCM (440 symbols and 46 pairs). Both brokers offer cryptocurrency CFDs but do not let you buy actual crypto. Neither firm provides access to exchange-traded stocks on U.S. or international exchanges.
Copy trading is available at both brokers. For Range of Investments, FXCM and Vantage each earn 3.5 out of 5 stars, though FXCM ranks higher in the category at 21st out of 63 brokers, compared with Vantage at 32nd. If you want a bigger catalog of symbols and currency pairs, Vantage has the edge; if category ranking matters more, FXCM sits higher.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 440 | 1000 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 46 | 61 |
| 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.
FXCM vs Vantage: both brokers check key boxes for everyday traders. Each offers a free demo account for paper trading, a proprietary in-house platform, Windows desktop software, and a web-based platform. Copy trading is available at both, and MetaTrader 4 (MT4) is supported across the board. One key difference is MetaTrader 5 (MT5): Vantage supports MT5, while FXCM does not. Both brokers also let you place trades directly from charts and include watchlists to track markets.
On platform quality, FXCM earns 5 stars and ranks #4 out of 63 brokers for Trading Platforms and Tools at ForexBrokers.com, while Vantage holds 4 stars and ranks #20. If MT5 access is important, Vantage is the pick. If you want a higher-rated overall platform experience, FXCM stands out.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 115 | 30 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Comparing FXCM vs Vantage for mobile trading, both brokers offer iPhone and Android apps with price alerts, trendline drawing, and auto-saving for chart annotations. FXCM’s mobile app syncs watchlists with your online account, so changes carry over between devices, while Vantage does not support watchlist syncing. For charting, FXCM includes 59 technical studies, giving more analysis options than Vantage’s 30.
In independent ratings, the FXCM mobile trading app scores 4.5 stars and ranks #16 out of 63 brokers for Mobile Trading Apps at ForexBrokers.com. Vantage earns 4 stars and ranks #24. If you want more technical indicators and synced watchlists, FXCM is the stronger pick; if you just need the essentials on iPhone or Android, Vantage still delivers a solid mobile trading experience.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
FXCM vs Vantage: both brokers deliver strong market research for everyday traders. Each provides daily market commentary, top-tier forex news (from sources like Bloomberg/Reuters/Dow Jones), Trading Central tools, sentiment data, and a clear economic calendar. In independent testing, FXCM earns 4.5/5 stars for Research and ranks #11 out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com, while Vantage scores 4/5 stars and ranks #20.
The key differences come down to third-party tools. Vantage includes Autochartist for pattern recognition and trade ideas, which FXCM doesn’t offer. FXCM counters with TipRanks insights, which Vantage lacks. Neither broker offers Acuity Trading tools. If you value Autochartist, Vantage is appealing; if TipRanks and a slightly higher research rating matter more, FXCM is the better fit.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | Yes |
| Trading Central | Yes | Yes |
| 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 comparing FXCM and Vantage, both brokers deliver plenty of forex and CFD education. Each offers 10+ learning pieces, monthly client webinars, and dedicated beginner video series with at least 10 lessons, plus advanced videos for when you’re ready to level up. FXCM holds a higher Education rating (4.5/5 vs. Vantage’s 4/5) and a better category rank with ForexBrokers.com (#13 of 63 vs. #23 of 63), giving it a slight edge for learners who want the most highly rated pathway.
In practice, you’ll find step‑by‑step beginner content, regular live webinars, and a deep video library at both brokers. FXCM may appeal if you want the higher-ranked education experience, while Vantage remains a solid pick for newcomers seeking similar coverage and plenty of opportunities to learn at their own pace.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | 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 Vantage. FXCM finished with an overall rank of #10, while Vantage finished with an overall rank of #24.
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
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 90 |
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FXCM vs Vantage: Both brokers do not offer buying actual (delivered) cryptocurrencies, but each provides cryptocurrency CFD trading so you can speculate on crypto prices without owning the underlying assets.
Compared with Vantage, FXCM supports ACH/SEPA transfers plus PayPal, Skrill, and bank wire for deposits and withdrawals, while Vantage offers PayPal, Skrill, and bank wire but not ACH/SEPA; 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.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | FXCM | Vantage | |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 90 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | FXCM Review | Vantage Review |
| Broker Screenshots | FXCM | Vantage | |
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| Regulation | FXCM | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 95 | 90 | |
| Year Founded | 1999 | 2009 | |
| 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 | 3 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | FXCM | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| 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 | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | |||
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA, FSRA, or SCA Authorised) | No | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) |
| Investments | FXCM | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 440 | 1000 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 46 | 61 | |
| 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 | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account | 0.9 | 1.32 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.8 | 0.72 | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Order execution: Agency | Yes | Yes | |
| Order execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | FXCM | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | Starts from $50 | $50 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Non-wire bank transfer | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | FXCM | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No |
| Trading Tools | FXCM | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes | |
| Mobile Research - Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | FXCM | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | Yes | |
| Trading Central | Yes | Yes | |
| TipRanks | Yes | No | |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | FXCM | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | FXCM | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Vantage Review |
| Overall | FXCM | Vantage | |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 90 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | FXCM Review | Vantage Review |
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