Which forex broker has the best API?

Most forex brokers that offer automated trading provide some form of API connectivity. We've evaluated trading APIs from the best forex brokers in the industry, and determined which of those offerings stand out as exceptional. Read about our top picks for the best forex brokers for trading APIs: Winner: FXCM FXCM is our top choice for API trading. Four APIs are available, including REST, JAVA, FIX, and its ForexConnect proprietary software development kit (SDK). FXCM’s ForexConnect provides access to a rich variety of trading API features, such as forex robots and automated trading systems, integrated trading data and pricing histories, and the ability to connect to custom trading platforms. ForexConnect supports a wide range of popular programming languages, such as Python, Java, C#, Visual Basic, and C++. FXCM also offers a plethora of public resources to aid your coding projects, including dedicated Python packages that can be installed from the command line using Python, as well as open-source code for its public APIs on its GitHub page . Read our full-length review of FXCM . Runner Up: OANDA OANDA is another excellent choice for API trading, due to its robust documentation and the resources available in its developer portal. Three APIs are available: FIX, MT4, and the versatile v20 REST API. OANDA’s v20 REST API grants access to a range of commonly sought-after trading API features, such as account management, historical pricing data and real-time trading rates, and the ability to place, modify, and close orders. You can read the full list of supported functions and features on OANDA’s developer page . Like FXCM, OANDA has plenty of resources on its GitHub page , with public open-source code repositories to complement its API offering. Check out our full-length review of OANDA . Podium Finisher: Interactive Brokers Interactive Brokers offers a comprehensive API offering. Trader Workstation (TWS) is Interactive Brokers’ proprietary, open-source API, and traders can connect to Interactive Brokers’ trading system via FIX API. Interactive Brokers’ TWS API delivers a powerful assortment of API features and functions. Traders can place orders, view positions, monitor portfolios, and automate trading strategies. TWS provides the ability to connect custom applications or platforms, and it supports a range of programming languages, such as Python, C#, C++, and Java. Learn more about Interactive Brokers' API offerings on the IBKR Trading APIs site , and read our full-length review of Interactive Brokers .

An Application Programming Interface (API) is a kind of coding (or set of codes) that is used to enable connections – or, transactions – between software applications, databases, operating systems, and servers. One side of the transaction (usually known as the client) will send a request to access the data or features of an API-connected application or database. This request is received by the second party’s API (usually known as the server), which then either allows or denies the request based on a predefined set of rules (these are known as the API specifications).

What is a Trading API?

When trading forex, CFDs, and other financial instruments, trading APIs allow a user’s front-end system to connect to the broker’s back-end system through an encrypted communication channel. Practically speaking, this means that traders who utilize APIs are not committed to using the application or platform supplied by their broker. Instead, traders have the option to use third-party software or their own custom platform or app while remaining connected to their forex broker’s trading ecosystem. Unlike a read-only API – which doesn’t permit trading or account operations – a trading API provides full access, allowing you to trade your brokerage account programmatically. Trading APIs provide the ability to send and cancel orders, retrieve live prices and historical data, and access account details such as balances and current market prices. APIs can even link traders’ automated trading algorithms to their forex broker’s platform (check out our guide to high-frequency trading to read more about the best algo trading software and automated HFT algorithms). terminalNote: Some API connections can be as rudimentary as a few lines of code or an excel spreadsheet, while others may be a fully-fledged trading platform.

What forex brokers have APIs?

Nearly all forex brokers that offer automated trading provide API connectivity, and even brokers that do not offer algorithmic trading may provide an API for public access. We've put together a list of the best forex brokers that provide free public API access: FXCM - FXCM’s ForexConnect API is a favorite of ours, due to its rich variety of supported functions. Also available at FXCM are industry-standard REST and FIX APIs, as well as the Java API (a wrapper SDK for FIX API). OANDA - OANDA’s API offering includes its v20 REST API, as well as standard FIX API support and API connection to MetaTrader 4 (MT4). Read more about OANDA’s API solutions on OANDA’s developer site . Interactive Brokers - Interactive Brokers’ Trader Workstation (TWS) is the broker’s proprietary, open-source API, which allows for connectivity to IBKR’s trading systems via FIX API. Read more about TWS on IBKR’s Trading APIs site . Saxo - Saxo’s REST OpenAPI powers nearly every end-user platform provided by the broker, and allows traders to build portfolio analysis tools, native applications, and use third-party apps. Learn more at Saxo’s OpenAPI Developer Portal . IG - Available via its IG Labs site , IG's standard REST API and Streaming API provide access to the IG ecosystem - all you need is an IG account to get started. FOREX.com - FOREX.com’s REST API allows traders to execute trades, manage accounts, gather historical data for technical analysis, and code using popular programming languages like C++ and Python. Learn more at FOREX.com’s API Trading page . TD Ameritrade - TD Ameritrade supports a variety of API methods and functions, such as standard CRUD operations and an XML-based API. Learn more at TD Ameritrade’s Developer site . reportNote: Some forex brokers reserve their APIs for institutional clients, and some may require that you meet a certain balance threshold or trading volume requirement in order to be eligible for API access.

How do I connect a forex API to a broker?

Read your forex broker’s API documentation (or, API specifications) to understand the specific API connection requirements. It’s also important to read up on the available software development kits (SDKs) and on any supported programming languages. Next, you’ll need to make sure you have a demo or live account registered with your forex broker – you’ll need this to connect programmatically. Request API access. Once registered, you'll receive your API key (make sure to keep this safe) – this will allow you to securely connect and access the API. Once you’ve successfully connected to the API, you’ll likely need to debug and/or troubleshoot your code (or the third-party program you are connecting). After handling any necessary troubleshooting, you can start using basic commands, such as accessing account balances and viewing live market data. Then, move on to more complex operations such as order and trade management. keyDon't lose your (API) keys Connecting with a third-party program will require that you enter your API keys. API keys are passwords that let you access your account, much like the username and password required to log into your forex broker’s software. Make sure to keep your API keys as secure and protected as you would any password(s) for your brokerage account.

Best Forex Brokers with Trading APIs of 2024

Written by Steven Hatzakis
Edited by John Bringans
Fact-checked by Blain Reinkensmeyer

March 29, 2024

ForexBrokers.com has been reviewing online forex brokers for over six years, and our reviews are the most cited in the industry. Each year, we collect thousands of data points and publish tens of thousands of words of research. Here's how we test.

The versatility and utility of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) in our interconnected world have made them increasingly common in a wide variety of contexts. Trading APIs unlock the ability for institutions or retail traders to connect their own custom trading platforms (or their preferred third-party software) to their forex broker trading accounts.

In our guide to forex trading APIs, we’ll explain what APIs are, how they work, and clarify how (and why) they are used in forex trading. We’ll detail the benefits (and drawbacks) that come with using APIs for forex trading, and we’ll also help you pick the best forex broker for API trading.

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 74% 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.