Pocket Option vs FXCM

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

Pocket Option vs FXCM Comparison Table 2025
Pocket Option FXCM
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4.2
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4
Pocket Option is ranked #1 among binary options brokers. FXCM is ranked #25 among CFD brokers.
Founded in 2017, Pocket Option is a binary options broker providing high/low contracts for forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. Attracting more than 100,000 active users worldwide, the platform remains a favourite among emerging traders. 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.
Pros
  • Pocket Option now offers an 'AI Trading' feature that evaluates signals, technical indicators, and trader insights to identify the best trade direction and expiration time. This provides a more automated trading experience.
  • Over the years, Pocket Option has won several annual awards from DayTrading.com, including the notable 'Best Binary Broker 2025' after enhancing its trading tools.
  • The web platform excels in its simple design and ease of use, attracting novice traders interested in speculating on leading markets with minimal effort.
  • The MetaTrader platforms provide robust analysis and technical summaries tailored for short-term traders.
  • The variety of payment options surpasses most competitors, offering traders in numerous countries swift, secure, and convenient deposit processes.
  • Traders with a deposit of over $1,000 may receive a 2% or higher payout increase, access to more assets, and enjoy exclusive benefits.
  • The sign-up process is swift and seamless, completing in under two minutes.
  • 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
  • The MISA provides limited oversight and inadequate investor protection for retail traders.
  • The 4-hour cap on binary contract durations limits long-term trading strategies. Options such as Videforex provide contracts with up to one-month terms, offering greater flexibility for traders.
  • Pocket Option presents a streamlined version of MT4 and MT5, lacking the comprehensive charting tools that experienced traders seek.
  • Although binary brokers such as IQCent provide returns reaching 98% based on evaluations, others typically offer competitive payouts up to 92%.
  • To gain access to over 250 assets, a deposit of $1000 is required. Without this deposit, traders will only have access to a selection of 130 assets.
  • 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.
Awards
  • Best Binary Broker 2025 - DayTrading.com
  • Best Binary Broker Runner Up 2023 - DayTrading.com
  • Best Binary Broker 2022 - DayTrading.com
FCA Regulated
No

List of FCA Regulated Brokers

Yes
Instruments
Binary Options, Currencies, Commodities, Stocks, Indices, Cryptos Forex, Stock CFDs, Commodities CFDs, Crypto CFDs
Bonus
50% Deposit Bonus
Demo Account
Yes Yes
Minimum Deposit
$50 $50
Payment Methods
Minimum Trade
$1 Variable
Regulator
MISA FCA, CySEC, ASIC, FSCA, BaFin, CIRO
Mobile Apps
iOS & Android iOS and Android
Trading App

Pocket Option delivers an excellent mobile trading experience directly through mobile and tablet browsers, without needing a native app. You can easily customize charts using the settings at the top while placing trades in one click is a breeze using the ‘higher’ and ‘lower’ buttons at the bottom of the screen. The interface also adapts seamlessly to horizontal viewing, mirroring the desktop layout for a consistent user experience.

iOS App Rating
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4
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3.1
Android App Rating
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4.2
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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
No No
DMA Account
No No
MAM Account
No Yes
PAMM Account
No No
LAMM Account
No No
Demat Account
No No
AI / Machine Learning
Yes No
Robo Advisor
No No
Negative Balance Protection
No Yes
Market Maker
No Yes
P2P Trading
No No
Spot Trading
Yes No
Auto Trading
Yes
Copy Trading
Yes Yes
Copy Trading Platform
Pocket Option offers an intuitive social trading platform. Here, you can explore the 'Top Ranked Trades' leaderboard and more to discover traders to follow. This service is accessible around the clock and includes vibrant community chats. Advice: assess traders by analysing trade volume and profits over months, instead of a few days. 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
Trade Signals
Yes
VPS Hosting
No No
Tournaments
Yes No
Demo Competitions
No Yes
Ethical Investing
No No
Custodial Account
No No
Guaranteed Stop Loss
No No
Inactivity Fee
$0
Islamic Account
No Yes
Account Currencies
  • USD
  • USD
  • EUR
  • GBP
  • AUD
Commodities
  • Silver
  • Gold
  • Natural Gas
  • Oil
  • Palladium
  • Platinum
  • Gold
  • Oil
  • Silver
  • Cannabis
CFD
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
1:400
FTSE Spread
1.18 pts var*
GBPUSD Spread<
0.5 pips*
Oil Spread
0.05 (var)*
Stocks Spread
0.2% Var*
Forex
You can trade binary and OTC options on over 40 currency pairs, or more than 55 pairs if you deposit £1,000 or more. Payouts typically reach a fair 81%, and with a minimum trade of just £1, this broker is ideal for novice traders. Additionally, the MT4 and MT5 platforms are available for those with more trading experience. 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
55+ 40
GBPUSD Spread
N/A 0.5 pips var*
EURUSD Spread
N/A 0.2 pips var*
EURGBP Spread
N/A 0.5 pips var*
Currency Indices
  • JPY
Cryptocurrency
Pocket Option provides a limited selection of cryptocurrencies, featuring over 10 digital coins like Bitcoin and more than 65 tokens for those depositing £1000. The platform's built-in analytics tool assists traders in identifying potential trades, and its daily signals service simplifies the process of seizing short-term crypto opportunities. 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
N/A Variable
Coins
  • BTC
  • ETH
  • BCH
  • LINK
  • AAVE
  • ALGO
  • TLM
  • ALPP
  • ANT
  • AVAX
  • AXS
  • BNB
  • ADA
  • CHZ
  • COMP
  • ATOM
  • DASH
  • MANA
  • DGB
  • DOGE
  • ENJ
  • EOS
  • FIL
  • GLMR
  • ILV
  • ICP
  • KAVA
  • LTC
  • MKR
  • MASK
  • MIOTA
  • XMR
  • ALICE
  • NEAR
  • NEO
  • NULS
  • OMG
  • DOT
  • MATIC
  • QTUM
  • REEF
  • XRP
  • SANTOS
  • SC
  • SOL
  • STX
  • XLM
  • STORJ
  • DATA
  • SUN
  • XTZ
  • SAND
  • THETA
  • TRX
  • UNI
  • VET
  • WAVES
  • YFI
  • YGG
  • ZEC
  • BTC
  • ETH
  • LTC
  • BTC
Crypto Lending
No No
Crypto Mining
No No
Crypto Staking
No No
Auto Market Maker
No No
Binary Options
Pocket Option provides ultra-short-term contracts, starting from just 5 seconds, on an intuitive platform ideal for novice traders. Payout rates exceed 90%, comparable with competitors, and the 'Double Up' and 'Rollover' functions enable additional earning possibilities. On the downside, its range of over 130 assets is less extensive than that of brokers such as Quotex, which offer more than 400 options.
Payout
92%
Expiration Times
5 seconds - 4 hours
Boundary Options
No No
Ladder Options
No No
Pocket Option FXCM
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