FXCM vs AvaTrade
Head-to-head comparison of fees, platforms, regulation, and trading conditions to help you choose the right EU broker in 2026.
Last updated: 29 May 2026
Tier-1 regulated only. We only list brokers regulated by FCA, CySEC, BaFin, ASIC, or equivalent tier-1 regulators.
CFD risk warning: CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. A high percentage of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs.
Quick Verdict
AvaTrade scores higher overall at 8.7/10 vs 8.1/10.
Score Comparison
Trading Conditions
| Condition | FXCM | AvaTrade |
|---|---|---|
| Min Deposit | £50 | €100 |
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.2 pips (Active Trader), 1.3 pips (Standard) | 0.9 pips typical |
| Commission | £2.00 per lot per side (Active Trader), None (Standard) | None (spread-only) |
| Leverage (Retail) | Up to 1:30 | Up to 1:30 |
| Leverage (Pro) | 400:1 | 400:1 |
| Swap-Free | No | Yes |
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
Platform Comparison
FXCM Platforms
- Trading Station
- MetaTrader 4
- TradingView
- ZuluTrade
Standard, Active Trader
AvaTrade Platforms
- MetaTrader 4
- MetaTrader 5
- AvaTradeGO
- WebTrader
- AvaOptions
- AvaSocial
Retail, Professional, Islamic, Options
Regulation & Safety
FXCM Regulation
ICF up to EUR 20,000 (CySEC entity)
AvaTrade Regulation
Irish Investor Compensation Scheme up to EUR 20,000 / ICF up to EUR 20,000 (CySEC)
Overall Verdict
AvaTrade takes the overall win with a score of 8.7 vs 8.1, winning 6 out of 7 individual categories compared to FXCM's 1.
In terms of costs, AvaTrade also leads on fees. On the regulatory front, AvaTrade and offers stronger regulatory protection.
Choose AvaTrade if you prioritise its strengths in the categories where it leads. Choose FXCM if you value the specific areas where it scores higher, such as execution.
CFD Risk Warning
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. A high percentage 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.
This website is for informational purposes only. The content does not constitute investment advice. Trading leveraged products carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Past performance is not indicative of future results. EU retail leverage limits apply (ESMA): up to 30:1 on major FX pairs, 20:1 on minor FX, 20:1 on major indices, 10:1 on commodities, 5:1 on equities, 2:1 on crypto.