InstaForex vs FXCM

InstaForex or FXCM – which is better for UK traders 2025? Compare InstaForex and FXCM in this detailed breakdown of their platforms, features and fees.

InstaForex vs FXCM Comparison Table 2025
InstaForex FXCM
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3.2
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4
InstaForex is ranked #40 among CFD brokers. FXCM is ranked #25 among CFD brokers.
InstaForex, established in 2007, is a forex and CFD brokerage. It provides extensive market access to millions of traders, featuring traditional assets such as currencies and shares. The broker also offers intriguing options like IPO investments. FXCM, a reputable forex and CFD broker founded in 1999, is headquartered in the UK. It has garnered multiple accolades and operates in several regions, including the UK and Australia. Offering more than 400 assets and comprehensive analysis tools without any commission charges, FXCM is a favoured option among traders. The broker is also under the regulation of leading bodies such as the FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, and BaFin.
All investments involve a degree of risk of some kind. Trading financial derivative products comes with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. You should not engage in trading these instruments unless you fully understand the nature of the transactions you are entering into, and the true extent of your exposure. These types of investments may be suitable for some investors, but they are not for everyone.
Pros
  • InstaForex provides an excellent trading environment, utilising the robust MT4 and MT5 platforms. These platforms come equipped with numerous technical analysis tools, automation features, and various order types.
  • The broker is an excellent choice for dedicated forex traders, offering over 100 currency pairs and competitive spreads starting at 0.0 pips. Additionally, it provides a top-tier collection of forex market resources.
  • The broker is beginner-friendly, offering low minimum deposits and commission-free trading.
  • In addition to its four charting platforms, FXCM provides a superior selection of specialist software for seasoned traders, featuring QuantConnect, AgenaTrader, and Sierra Chart.
  • The proprietary Trading Station platform is an excellent option for traders seeking a comprehensive tool for their short-term and automated strategies.
  • Traders have access to premium tools such as a market scanner, forex signals, and research from the third-party site eFXPlus.
  • FXCM boasts a strong international reputation, holding licences from the FCA, ASIC, CySEC, and FSCA. With two decades of experience, it commands respect in the trading industry.
  • A variety of funding options, such as bank cards, Apple Pay, and PayPal, are available with immediate processing.
  • The broker provides reduced spreads and additional benefits for seasoned traders through the Active Trader account.
  • FXCM has broadened its range of trading opportunities by offering 24/7 stock CFDs via MetaTrader 4.
Cons
  • Customer support is offered exclusively in English, Czech, Polish, and Slovak.
  • The broker exclusively offers trading instruments as CFDs.
  • The broker's website and client portal seem outdated, making navigation challenging for beginners.
  • While FXCM primarily caters to seasoned traders, the absence of managed accounts is unfortunate.
  • There are no retail account options available for traders, and Cent/Micro account alternatives are also absent.
  • The live chat support is often sluggish and inconsistent when compared to leading competitors.
FCA Regulated
No

List of FCA Regulated Brokers

Yes
Instruments
Currencies, Cryptocurrencies, Stocks, Indices, Metals, Oil and Gas, Commodity Futures and InstaFutures Forex, Stock CFDs, Commodities CFDs, Crypto CFDs
Bonus
Choose between: Club Bonus, 30 %, 55 % and 100 % bonuses
Demo Account
Yes Yes
Minimum Deposit
$1 $50
Payment Methods
Minimum Trade
0.10 of the lot (0.0001 of market lot for Cent.Standard and Cent.Eurica) Variable
Regulator
BVI FSC FCA, CySEC, ASIC, FSCA, BaFin, CIRO
Mobile Apps
iOS and Android + browser based platform iOS and Android
iOS App Rating
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3.6
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3.1
Android App Rating
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3.6
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4.5
Margin Trading
Yes Yes
MetaTrader 4
Yes Yes
MetaTrader 5
Yes No
cTrader
No No
AlgoTrader
No No
OmniTrader
No No
TradingView
No Yes
Autochartist
No No
eSignal
No No
Trading Central
No No
STP Account
No No
ECN Account
Yes No
DMA Account
No No
MAM Account
No Yes
PAMM Account
Yes No
LAMM Account
No No
Demat Account
No No
AI / Machine Learning
No No
Robo Advisor
No No
Negative Balance Protection
Yes Yes
Market Maker
No Yes
P2P Trading
No No
Spot Trading
No No
Auto Trading
Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader
Copy Trading
No Yes
Copy Trading Platform
The Copy Trading feature at Instaforex is gaining popularity thanks to its user-friendly design and expanding roster of expert traders and markets. FXCM provides social and copy trading options for forex, CFDs, and cryptocurrencies via the widely-used ZuluTrade platform. Registration is swift, and you can monitor your trading outcomes instantly.
Social Trading
Yes Yes
VPS Hosting
Yes No
Tournaments
No No
Demo Competitions
No Yes
Ethical Investing
No No
Custodial Account
No No
Guaranteed Stop Loss
No No
Inactivity Fee
€5
Islamic Account
Yes Yes
Account Currencies
  • USD
  • EUR
  • USD
  • EUR
  • GBP
  • AUD
Commodities
  • Oil
  • Gold
  • Silver
  • Palladium
  • Natural Gas
  • Copper
  • Gasoline
  • Cocoa
  • Coffee
  • Cotton
  • Soybeans
  • Livestock
  • Wheat
  • Orange Juice
  • Platinum
  • Sugar
  • Gold
  • Oil
  • Silver
  • Cannabis
CFD
Trade CFDs across diverse markets with flexible accounts and up to 1:1000 leverage. Access MT4 and MT5 platforms for executing a variety of short-term trading strategies. Utilise numerous pre-integrated technical indicators and graphical tools to enhance your trading. You can engage in trading various CFD instruments, such as forex, shares, indices, and commodities. Traders have access to a superb choice of platforms, including TradingView and MT4. Additionally, advanced trading tools like API solutions cater to experienced algorithmic traders.
Leverage
1:30 for retail clients, 1:500 for professional 1:400
FTSE Spread
Fixed 1.18 pts var*
GBPUSD Spread<
Av. Floating 0.6 pips 0.5 pips*
Oil Spread
Fixed 0.05 (var)*
Stocks Spread
0.1% 0.2% Var*
Forex
InstaForex offers an extensive selection of over 100 currency pairs, a notable range in the industry. Enjoy ECN spreads starting at 0.0 pips with no commission fees. With a minimum deposit of just $1, the broker is ideal for novices. Traders also benefit from top-tier forex analysis and insights. FXCM provides a selection of over 40 currency pairs. There are no commission charges, and spreads are competitive, starting at 0.78 pips for EUR/USD. Additionally, the broker features three forex baskets, focusing on USD, Yen, and emerging market benchmarks.
Assets
1000+ 40
GBPUSD Spread
0.6 0.5 pips var*
EURUSD Spread
0.2 0.2 pips var*
EURGBP Spread
0.5 0.5 pips var*
Currency Indices
  • USD
  • JPY
Cryptocurrency
A variety of over 10 crypto tokens can be traded against USD, with fees of 0.1% and leverage up to 1:5. Bitcoin trading is available with spreads near 25, comparable to other brokers. Trade popular digital currencies with no commission and leverage. FXCM offers a crypto basket, providing exposure to Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Bitcoin Cash in a single trade.
Spread
0.1% Variable
Coins
  • BCH
  • BTC
  • ETH
  • LTC
  • XRP
  • and50+more
  • BTC
  • ETH
  • LTC
  • BTC
Crypto Lending
No No
Crypto Mining
No No
Crypto Staking
No No
Auto Market Maker
No No
InstaForex FXCM
All investments involve a degree of risk of some kind. Trading financial derivative products comes with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. You should not engage in trading these instruments unless you fully understand the nature of the transactions you are entering into, and the true extent of your exposure. These types of investments may be suitable for some investors, but they are not for everyone.
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