Looking for the best forex brokers depends on traders’ preferences. Every trader has different choices regarding trading platforms, trading pairs, spot market trading, per-point trading, ease of use requirements, etc.
To know more about the FX brokers we qualified, refer to our reviews of the top Forex brokers in the complete list below. Remember that only FX brokers with FCA regulatory licenses accept traders from the UK.
Best Online Forex Brokers (2025)
Rank | FX Broker | Rating | Visit | Min. Deposit | Regulation | Review |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | FxPro | VISIT BROKER | $100 | FCA, CySEC, FSCA | READ REVIEW | |
2 | Admiral Markets | VISIT BROKER | $100 | FCA, ASIC, CySEC, AFSL | READ REVIEW | |
3 | HYCM Capital Markets | VISIT BROKER | $100 | FCA, CySEC, DFSA, CIMA, FSC | READ REVIEW | |
4 | Vantage Markets | VISIT BROKER | $200 | FCA, ASIC, VFSC | READ REVIEW | |
5 | OctaFX | VISIT BROKER | $25 | CySEC | READ REVIEW | |
6 | XM | VISIT BROKER | $5 | CySEC, FSC | READ REVIEW | |
7 | IQ Option | VISIT BROKER | $10 | CySEC | READ REVIEW | |
8 | AvaTrade | VISIT BROKER | $100 | CySEC, FSCA, B.V.I, ASIC, FFAJ, FRSA, ADGM | READ REVIEW | |
9 | Plus500 | VISIT BROKER | $100 | FCA, CySEC, ASIC, FSA, FMA, MAS, FSAS, DFSA | READ REVIEW | |
10 | IC Markets | VISIT BROKER | $200 | ASIC, FSA, AFCA, FSCS | READ REVIEW | |
11 | Libertex | VISIT BROKER | $20 | CySEC | READ REVIEW |
So, for trading Forex online, look at the critical factors to compare the world’s best Forex brokers. In-depth broker reviews and individual reviews of specific trading companies can also be found below.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing Forex Brokers
Affordable Trading Costs – Look for all the elements that can lower the trading cost to the minimum, e.g., commissions, nightlong charges, inactivity, spreads, withdrawal fees, etc.
Brokers that use high-frequency trading will exponentially increase trading costs. Thus, comparing and noting all the elements draining your balance is essential.
Suitable Trading Platform—You are responsible for Choosing the right trading platform. Many trading platform alternatives offer a simple cut-down interface, multiple built-in features, widgets, tools, and a customizable view.
Many trading platforms offer demo accounts, helping you discover the right platform. You can pick the one that suits your requirements. Find out more about the online forex trading platforms on this site.
Mobile Trading Availability – Brands have made trading convenient for traders. Most trading companies enable trading on mobile phones, tablets, and laptops.
The traders can download the iOS and Android mobile phone applications within seconds. Before installing, check whether the apps are available in full version with all the critical features. To find out more about forex trading apps, read this.
Customer Support—One of the most critical factors to look for is the broker’s customer service. The trading platform must offer multilingual customer service. Also, check the site’s contact options like email, live chat, and telephone support. Do not forget to check their working hours.
Trading Pairs List – Well, it is essential to determine if the broker is catering to the trading pairs you wish to trade. However, all brokers offer major trading pairs. But if you want to exchange different currency pairs like the Swedish Krone and Thai Bahts, cross-check the list of assets and tradable currencies.
Broker Regulation—Some people do not consider this, but confirming the regulation of brokers is necessary—the European regulating authorities include the CA, SEC, and ASIC.
Regulation policies affect leverage options while trading. Besides regulatory bodies, verify whether the brokers you choose are regulated and under which of the regulating authorities.
Commissions and Spreads – Although the spreads do not entirely cover the trading costs, they have a unique value compared to brokers.
The main reason is the link between each trader and more than one broker. For example, if you are trading four different currency pairs, you will need more than one broker. One broker can never have the tightest spread for all four currency pairs.
Hence, get multiple accounts to get the most out of trading and avail the best spreads while often minimizing the slippage ‘hiding’ of wider spreads.
Payment Option— The wide range of payment options adds to the comparison factors. Some traders may prefer online payment options like PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, etc. Others prefer debiting and withdrawing from debit and credit cards.
Forex brokers have also started accepting deposits in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
So, what are your preferences, and which FX broker fits them?
Traders Securit—User data security is an essential element most brands consider. However, some regulatory demands separate clients ‘ and companies’ funds.
So, when considering security, read the brand licensing thoroughly. Do not choose an unregulated foreign exchange trading operator.
Demo Trading Accounts -To avoid risks, most brokers allow costless demo accounts for trading. With these, you can check the platform’s work, run a backtest, and learn about its features.
Hence, do not hurry to select the right broker and create as many demo accounts as you want. Having multiple accounts is not wrong; it is a recommendation.
Types of Accounts – Many accounts are based on costs, reduced spreads, access to Level II data, settlements, different leverages, etc. The wide range includes cash, PAMM, margin, Bronze, Silver, Gold, VIP level accounts, etc.
Therefore, determine your requirements and see if the platform meets them. Remember that brokers and regulators do not treat professional and retail Forex accounts pretty.
Forex leverage—Leverage is vital for forex traders operating in Europe. The higher the leverage, the greater the potential profits and losses.
Usually, the brokers under the European regulation authorities cap the forex leverage of assets at 1:30. However, the power of assets like Oil, Gold, and stocks are capped separately.
However, Australian brokers allow traders to have leverage of 1:500, which significantly increases deposits and margins. Australian brands also enable traders from all over the world to trade. Now, tradespeople must trade within regulatory protection or without it.
Features and Tools—Different trading platforms include various tools, such as charts, futures pricing, and bespoke trading robots.s Nowadays, most traders prefer brokers that offer level 2 data.
For the best trading experience, you must choose a broker with all the required features.
Background Information—Some people new to forex trading will need guides and tutorials to understand the brand. Brokers offer informative guides in PDF files, e-books, webinars, courses, professional advisors, etc.
Before registering, you must get complete information using these guides. Note that the brands’ focus will be to encourage you to trade frequently in some way or the other!
MetaTrader: MT4 or MT— ome traders must use powerful software packages like MetaTrader 4 or 5. However, most brokers allow automated FX trading using related software. Make sure to do so before relying on these brokers.
Promotion—Previously, the brand offered many bonuses and promotions, such as free trades, cashback, deposit matches, and deposit bonuses. However, since the regulations imposed restrictions, brokers have provided almost no advertisements.
Please do not base your forex trading choice on their promotions; only a few brands in the directory offer bonuses. However, read the site’s terms and conditions to avoid over-trading.
Speed of Execution – Usually, the speed rate of execution for trades is comparatively slower on mobile apps than on desktop. However, the brand or application is not responsible for this but does test before making an account.
Scams and Frauds – Well, the reviews on our site have filtered out all the possible cons. However, if you want to choose a broker other than these, look out for the following checks to avoid fraud:
- If you receive cold calls and messages through various mediums, watch out! Reputable brands will never annoy clients for no reason.
- Observe if the company claims profits that sound too good to be true. Think for a minute that they would advertise and make cold calls if they earned these unrealistic profits.
- They might also ask you to trade using their automated trades to save time and increase the benefits. Do not fall into the trap, and never give anyone else access to your money.
In case of doubts, do not give the trading platform a chance.
Considering all the comparison factors, you can easily select the best forex broker to trade with. First, choose the ones with convincing reviews. Then, create a demo account and finalize the best forex broker.
Although we have listed the best brokers based on our knowledge and ratings, only you can rate your favorite brand five stars!
FxPro
FxPro was launched in 2006 as an online forex brokerage service. Since then, the platform has evolved into a platform that offers a client-centric approach.
Surprisingly, FxPro offers services to retailers and institutions to customers from 170 countries. Also, the broker has approximately 870,000 trading accounts, so FxPro is among the most famous Forex Brokers.
The famous forex broker FxForexegan, which operated only as a forex broker, gradually started offering CFDs. They offer CFDs on six different asset classes, with more than 280 instruments, and they continue to add more tools
Another advantage of FxPro is that its Cryptocurrency speculates the CFDs of well-known cryptos.
Pepperstone
Established in 2010, Pepperstone Group became famous in the Australian brokerage industry after its introduction. The cryptocurrency portal provided by the company is top-notch, with competitive and modern features that focus on commodities, Forex, and indeForextruments. PepperstoneGroup’s full-featured platforms on different devices attract all types of individuals. This platform is also outstanding because of its tight spreads, various account types, and fantastic educational resources.
IQ Option
IQ Option is a financial trading site that opened its doors for traders in Cyprus in 2013. The platform lets people trade in multiple financial instruments, such as stocks, Forex, cryptocuForexies, ETFs, commodities, and binary options.
LTD operates a trading platform the CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission) regulates. IQ Option has become one of the top-class trading platforms for traders worldwide. It has over 48 million registered users and processes over 1 million transactions daily. Traders from more than 213 countries use the platform, including Pakistan, Nigeria, India, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, and the Philippines.
Plus500
Plus500 trading platform, the leading sponsor of Atlético Madrid, was launched in 2008. Plus500 UK Ltd owns the broker’s trading platform and is a subsidiary of Plus500 Ltd.
Plus500 UK Ltd is authorized and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.
Plus500 can be accessed from more than fifty countries. The platform is also authorized and regulated globally by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), the Israel Securities Authority (ISA), and many others.
FXTM
FXTM, or ForexTime, was launched by the famous founder of online broker Alpari, Andrey Dashin, and began offering services in 2012. The firm is a licensed, trusted, and authorized brokerage with a great list of recognitions.
With headquarters in Limassol, Cyprus, FXTM is owned and operated by FT Global Limited. The platforms offer its traders multiple payment methods, PAMM accounts, tradable currency pairs, tight spreads, numerous financial products and derivates, and more.
Also, the minimum deposit required is as low as $10. The company has established itself as a global broking contender in a few years. All thanks to Dashin’s formula of earning success as a broking contender!
Swissquote
Swissquote is a well-known Swiss investment bank that was introduced in 1996 with two chief trading arms. One is a Swiss unit for trading stocks, funds, options, and futures, while the other is a firm for CFDs and Forex based in the UK.
Swissquote Bank Ltd is based in Switzerland under the country’s financial regulator’s regulation, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA).
Swissquote Ltd, which offers CFDs and Forex, is in the UK and is regulated by the UK’s financial authority, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Swissquote Bank Ltd has a banking license, which is why it is considered secure. Moreover, the enterprise is listed on the Swiss stock exchange and provides all the financial details now and then. So, the firm has a long track record that makes it trustworthy.
eToro
eToro, previously known as RetailFX, is a veteran Forex broker founded in Israel in 2007. Surprisingly, the brokerage is a name among pioneers of social trading. In 2017, eToro announced the opening of 8,000,000 accounts on its platform.
The company has been making a name ever since with a record of $162 million in funding. Also, they offer a crypCryptocurrencya trading option, which any Forex broker rarely does.
The cryptocurrency wallet of eToro came out in 2018. In 2019, eToro followed the acquisitions of Firmo (a Dutch blockchainCryptocurrencyDelta (a Belgian cryptocurrency portfolio tracker app developer). It is the largest Forex brokerage and social trading platform, with 11,000,000 daily active users from over 140 countries.
IG Markets
According to the figures and revenue (excluding ForexForex2019, IG is a premier global CFD and spread betting broker. The broker was founded in 1974, and since then, it has been operating outside the UK. More than 178,000 people use IG’s services, from professional clients to retail traders and institutional firms. IG allows its traders to enjoy multiple platforms with more than 17,000 assets in eleven categories.
Also, clients have access to managed accounts. IG, a part of the FTSE250 (which confirms its fiscal stability), is also an FX Global Code of Conduct component.
Hence, it has built an image as a trustworthy brokerage over time. In our IG review, we were surprised to discover that this broker is among the few that accept traders from the USA. Additionally, the highly competitive offerings on their platform are delightful.
HYCM
HYCM Capital Markets began operating in 1988 with a UK license. The enterprise is part of the well-known Henyep Group, which provided trading services from 1977 throughout Hong Kong.
The respected group operates worldwidee, primarily focuso on Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.HYCM’s significant benefits include low spreads of 0.2 pips, more than 25,000 orders daily, and an average execution time of 12 milliseconds.
Moreover, the traders get hands-on, highly regulated trading environments with over 300 trading assets in five sectorsVintagege Markets
Vantage Markets belongs to the Vantage Group of companies, which began functioning in the Forex market in 2009. The target client of the group is retail traders. The clients get over 180 assets with a maximum leverage of 1:500 from the famous MT4 or MT5 trading platforms.
The lowest deposit requirement is $50. Vantage Markets claims to be among the fairest, regulated, and authorized brokerages by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA), where the traders are offered raw spreads from 0.0 pips. All the accounts are safe with the National Australia Bank.
However, the platform’s research section is not as strong, and the educational area is reviewed as weak. Vantage FX offers MT4 SmartTrader tools to upgrade the MT4 trading platform. Formally, this brokerage makes an excellent first impression.
OctaFX
OctaFX has been catering to traders from more than a hundred countries since 2011. The firm aims to provide a platform for new Forex traders from developing markets.
OctaFX offers over 1.5 million trading accounts that have executed over 288.0 million trades. Exciting bonuses add to its advantages; for instance, it has paid around 3.0 million in incentives. Another enthralling benefit is the absence of a swap rate on overnight leveraged positions. However, they have a weekly rollover cost. Now, whether orders are processed in-house in a simulated environment and actual trading occurs. Although the lack of a financial regulator is a drawback, it explains the absence of swap rates. Moreover, the brokerage has twenty-eight industry awards and has been rated as a TrustPilot. However, clients should not consider these metrics a reliable indicator of a trustworthy brokerage.
XM
XM was launched in 2009 and is under the regulation of the International Financial Services Commission of Belize (IFSC), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC).
Globally, there are more than 1,000+ tradable assets in stocks, commodities, ForexForexices, metals, and energies. The trading platforms MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 are available on the Web, PC, iOS, Mac, and Android.
AvaTrade
AvaTrade is a well-known international forex brokerage that was launched in 2006. It is part of the AVA Group of companies and is a leading pioneer in online brokerages. The review on our site gives information on deposit methods, trading platforms, mobile apps, and MT4 integration.
You can also compare spreads, trading costs, and leverage. So, trading from Bitcoin to vanilla options, check what trading option Avatrade has for you.
There are four regional offices in Australia, Japan, the British Virgin Islands, and Ireland. As the largest and most respected online broker, AvaTrade has clients from different regions, enabling them to trade trading accounts in various currencies.
The company recently announced an important partnership with Manchester City’s English Premier League champion football team. This partnership showcases brand growth and visibility.
ThinkMarkets
ThinkMarkets TF Global Markets (Aust) Pty Ltd, previously known as ThinkForex, is an international FX trading provider and related financial services. The platform came out in 2010 and has been recognized since then. ThinkForex has headquarters in Australia, Melbourne, and London, UK, and is authorized by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
In 2014, ThinkForex grabbed attention for its top-notch research and market analysis and research. Furthermore, the firm was awarded the Best New Contributor at Forex Best Awards, hosted by FXStreet in 2014.
Admiral Markets UK
Admiral Markets, an excellent regulated Forex and CFD brokerage, has operated since 2001. Admiral Markets Group AS (Its joint owner) is headquartered in Estonia and has multiple other branches.
The group focuses on retail traders, providing research and educational guides for newbies. Admiral Markets clients have received a fantastic upgrade to the MT4 and MT5 trading platforms.
Additionally, they can make proper cross-asset diversifications via more than 4,000 assets available on the site. The spreads they offer are 0.1 pips in the Zero MT4 account. According to recent statistics, around 82% of Admiral’s clients operate at a loss. Since its formation, the firm has increased its assets and services. Moreover, it continues to grow globally, implementing its business plan while gradually increasing its market share.
XTB
XTB was launched in 2002 with headquarters in Warsaw, Poland. The group has various entities in various jurisdictions.
Also, the XTB Group is regulated and authorized by the International Financial Services Commission in Belize, the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission, the UK Financial Financial Conduct Authority, the Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores in Spain, and the Komisja Nadzoru Finansowego in Poland.
There are two trading accounts: Standard, Pro in XTB UK, and Islamic interpretation, which have a maximum leverage of 1:500 only for those opened with XTB International based in Belize). Clients get more than 1500 CFD tradable instruments.
Forex Trading Regulation Authorities
Your trading relies significantly on the forex regulatory authorities, inside or outside Europe. ESMA (The European Securities and Markets Authority) applies strict guidelines for the forex regulators and owns jurisdiction over all regulators within the EEA. Some of the regulatory authorities include:
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
- Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySec)
- Swiss Financial Markets Supervisory Authority (FiNMA)
- Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht (BaFin)ESMA specifies varying caps or leverage limits on different financial assets. For example, Trex leverage inside Europe is capped at 1:3; outside Europe, it can reach up to 1:500.
European traders can be exempt from the regulatory protections by applying for Professional status. With this, the brokers offer higher leverage levels that benefit the traders.
The significant regulators outside Europe are:
- SEC: (Securities and Exchange Commission) (US)
- ASIC: (Australian Securities and Investments Commission)
- CFTC: (Commodity Futures Trading Commission) (US)
- CSA: (Canadian Securities Administration)
The abovementioned regulators regulate forex brokers in India, Qatar, Hong Kong, etc. Some brands are held worldwide, e.g., one among these is regulated in five continents. Among these, some organizations offer issuing licenses while others have a register of legal firms.
It is to say again that the one that offers the highest leverage to European traders is an ASIC forex broker.
Which Currency Pairs to Trade?
The traders should trade significant and minor currency pairs to make scalping possible and find trades with lower spreads.
Pairs other than these are illiquid with higher spreads. Remember that the chances of losing extensive with exotic pairs are as much as earning big.
You can check ForexForex’s live rates here.
How is FX Trading Done?
In Forex trading, you buy and sell different currencies simultaneously. Hence, the exchange rate in your forex trading account is the buying rate between the two currencies.
To explain, the number of US dollars one British pound you will buy depends on the rate of GBP/USD. If the value of the US dollar is likely to increase compared to the pound, you will want to buy US dollars with the pound. Likewise, if the rates keep growing, you will sell US dollars to earn a profit. The same is the case for Yen, Euros, etc.
Types of Forex Contracts
Below are the types of Forex contracts:
- Spot Forex is a traditional contract requiring immediate settlement and delivery.
- Currency swapping – Here, two traders exchange currencies, i.e., loans and loan payments in other currencies.
- Futures Forex – In this, a date is decided for the settlement and delivery. However, the price of exchange is determined beforehand.
- Options Forex – Here, the trader can exchange the currencies on a specific date at a special rate.
FAQ:
Does the UK regulate Forex Trading?
Forex trading is a common practice in the United Kingdom (UK). Brokers in the UK have to be authorized by the financial regulatory body, the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority), to accept traders in UK Forex and CFDs as customers. You can visit FCA’s official website for more details: FCA.org.uk.
How do I withdraw money from my Forex account?
First, you must log into the Forex trading platform to withdraw funds. Secondly, click the ‘Add Funds’ option, and lastly, select the option of withdrawing funds. One must withdraw funds from the originating deposit source. Also, excess funds should be withdrawn via bank transfer or wire transfer.
Is ForexForexing a pyramid scheme?
No, forex trading is not a pyramid scheme. It is a decentralized, over-the-counter (OTC) global market for forex trading. FX trading offers traders enormous benefits and profits, along with some risks.
Do forex brokers lose money, too?
So, in the long run, the forex brokers expect you will lose money while trading. It is very safe to assume that forex traders lose 95% of the funds that your forex broker does. So, every new trader belongs to group B, including clients that will lose money.
Is trading forex gambling?
As trading without knowing how to win is gambling, many people consider forex trading as gambling. Like gambling, trading involves as many risks of losing money as making money. The probability of winning and losing is similar.