Five best Forex brokers in 2024

Pepperstone: Best for low-cost trading, diverse platforms

OPEN LIVE ACCOUNT Visit broker

Pepperstone stands out for its diverse trading platforms, industry-leading low spreads, and exceptional customer service, earning an impressive 4.6 Trustpilot rating.

Traders can access MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, and cTrader, along with apps for iPhone and Android, offering advanced charting tools, customisable interfaces, and smart trading tools. However, some traders might find the extensive platform options overwhelming, particularly those new to trading.

Partnerships with Tier 1 banks and liquidity providers enable low spreads starting from 0.0 pips on Razor accounts (with applicable commissions and swap fees) and commission-free standard accounts with low spreads. The commission structure on Razor accounts can be a disadvantage for traders with smaller accounts.

Deep liquidity allows fast execution and a 99.9% order fill rate cover for over 1,200 instruments including Forex, Commodities, Indices, Currency Indices, Shares and ETFs, although there seems to be a lack of popular Cryptocurrency offerings.

European, UK and Australian traders should note that leverage is offered up to 30:1 due to regulatory compliance, though professional traders can access higher leverage with potentially less protection.

Pepperstone has received multiple awards for its educational services, including the Best Live Trading Events and Webinars ensuring customer sustainability by displaying its commitment to quality education and industry excellence. They also reclaimed and won the overall client satisfaction awards in the Investment Trends 2024 surveys.

Regulated by the United Kingdom’s FCA Australia’s ASIC, United Arab Emirates’ DFSA, Cyprus’ CySEC, Kenya’s CMA, The Bahamas SCB and Germany’s BaFin. Pepperstone ensures stringent compliance, high client protection, and robust financial transparency​. Client funds are held in segregated accounts with top-tier banks.

Additionally, there is no minimum deposit fee making it accessible for traders of all levels. Funding and withdrawals are straightforward, offering multiple methods (which vary in different regions) such as bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets like PayPal and Skrill, with some withdrawals processed within one to three days in some regions. This may be a drawback for traders needing immediate access to their funds.

All in all, the combination of features, low-cost trading, regulatory compliance, and reliable support makes Pepperstone a leading broker in the Forex and CFD markets.

FBS: Best for high leverage and competitive trading conditions to suit different trading needs

OPEN LIVE ACCOUNT Visit broker

FBS is recognised for its high-leverage options (only available to certain countries), flexible trading conditions, and 24/7 customer support. Traders can engage with the markets through MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, as well as the comprehensive mobile trading application – FBS app, enabling them to monitor and execute trades from their smartphones on the go. However, FBS Europe only appears to offer MetaTrader 5.

FBS offers excellent trading conditions within its trading accounts. When registered, FBS clients can test their trading strategies on a Demo account and switch to a Standard account for real trading and vice versa. Swap-free option is also available for Islam-adherent traders. Leverage is a notable feature of FBS, with options up to 3,000:1 on set trading instruments, it provides significant trading power.

However, such high leverage should be used cautiously, particularly by those new to trading who may not fully understand the implications. European traders are only offered up to 30:1 and 500:1 for professional traders due to stricter regulatory compliance under ESMA.

Spread and commission structures vary, and start from as low as 0.7 pips with low commissions from 0%. The complexity of the fee structure might be confusing for some traders but FBS has dedicated Trading conditions sections on its websites to navigate the clients. The broker offers various asset classes, such as Forex (including FX Exotics), and CFDs based on the Metals, Indices, Energies and Stocks.

FBS is an umbrella brand that unites a group of companies that operates under the regulatory oversight of the FSC in Belize, CySEC in Cyprus and ASIC in Australia. These regulatory bodies ensure that FBS adheres to international financial standards, providing a secure trading environment. Client funds are held in segregated accounts, enhancing the safety of traders' investments. Customers in Europe are offered strong EU regulatory standards, where international customers are regulated by the less stringent FSC in Belize, which allows higher leverage and may not enforce negative balance protection.

A variety of funding and withdrawal methods are supported, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets such as Neteller and Skrill. Most withdrawal requests are fast at 15-20 minutes with maximum processing of up to 48 hours, ensuring that traders have timely access to their funds.

FBS excels in client support, offering 24/7 multilingual customer service and multiple educational resources including webinars, video lessons, and market analytics to help traders make informed decisions. Moreover, FBS has received numerous awards recognising its services and reliability in the Forex industry, highlighting the broker’s commitment to providing high-quality trading conditions and client satisfaction.

XM: Best for extensive educational resources, client-centric service

OPEN LIVE ACCOUNT Visit broker

XM offers a notable online trading platform and is distinguished for its broad spectrum of trading instruments, with advantageous trading conditions and comprehensive educational resources.

Offering over 1,000 CFDs across asset classes like Forex, Commodities, Indices, Shares, Metals, Energy and Thematic Indices. Leverage options available through XM Global are flexible up to 1000:1, allowing traders to choose from a range of leverage ratios that best suit their trading strategies and risk tolerance.

Traders can also rely on 100% execution of trades, with 99% being executed in under 1 second. The broker has also maintained a no requotes or rejections policy.

The broker operates under the regulation of Cyprus’ CySEC, Australia’s ASIC, Belize’s IFSC, United Arab Emirates’ DFSA and South Africa’s FSCA, providing strong oversight and high standards of client protection and transparency. Client funds are kept in segregated accounts for enhanced security.

XM Group’s trading platforms are robust and user-friendly, including MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 available on all devices, and the XM App standing out as the primary choices for traders. Their platforms offer advanced charting tools, a wide range of technical indicators, and automated trading capabilities. Certain regions also have access to the immensely successful XM Copy Trading platform.

Additionally, XM offers a VPS service for uninterrupted trading and a CopyTrader feature for those who prefer social trading. XM's comprehensive suite of trading tools is designed to cater to both novice and experienced traders, ensuring a seamless trading experience.

XM continually offers introduction promos – a $30 Trading Bonus for new clients without requiring an initial deposit, a 50% Deposit Bonus up to $500 for depositing clients. Also loyalty programs offering rewards based on trading activity. It is worth noting that these promotions are available only to international clients under the IFSC regulation, as ESMA regulations may restrict certain promotional offers.

The XM Group has also received dozens of global awards for its products and services, including awards voted for by peers and traders.

XM clients and viewers can access a plethora of multilingual educational resources, including XM Live Education that offers various educational and trading shows every weekday, in different online rooms. Traders can join webinars 7 days a week in multiple languages, and have access to daily market updates, analysis, and articles to help them plan their trading.

On the downside, traders using the XM Zero account will face commissions on trades.

XM’s award-winning customer experience team offers support in over 30 languages, across a wide variety of communication methods, many of which are tailored for their regions. Support hours vary between regions, some spanning around the clock.

XM Global, under the Belize entity, offers distinct promotions and leverage options tailored to meet the needs of different types of traders.

The promotional offerings include trading bonuses, no deposit bonuses, and a variety of promotions designed to boost clients’ trading power. The XM Loyalty Program allows traders to earn points through their trading activity and exchange them for various rewards.

Minimum deposits on the accounts are very low. Funding and withdrawal processes with XM are straightforward and user-friendly, offering multiple methods such as bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets. The broker charges no fees on deposits or withdrawals, and transactions are processed quickly, ensuring that traders have prompt access to their funds within 48 hours. Nonetheless, some users might find the geographic restrictions on certain services and features to be a limitation.

Moneta Markets: Best for a wide range of instruments, user-friendly platforms

OPEN LIVE ACCOUNT Visit broker

Moneta Markets is a well-regarded broker known for its extensive range of tradable instruments and competitive trading conditions. It offers over 1,000 CFDs across various asset classes, including Forex, Commodities, Indices, Shares, ETFs, Bonds and Cryptocurrencies, with leverage up to 1,000:1.

The broker is regulated by the FSCA in South Africa and SVGFSA in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, ensuring a secure trading environment. Client funds are held in segregated accounts with AA-rated banks, providing additional protection. However, SVGFSA is known for less stringent regulation​.

Moneta Markets provides access to MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, as well as in-house ProTrader, and AppTrader, each designed to cater to different trading needs. These platforms are equipped with advanced charting tools and a range of technical indicators.

The broker also supports automated trading through Expert Advisors (EAs) and offers a CopyTrader app, allowing users to mirror the trades of successful traders.

Moneta Markets partners with numerous liquidity providers, ensuring speed, stability, and security in trade execution. Products include Forex, Commodities, Indices, Shares, Bonds, ETFs, and Cryptocurrencies, and it offers various account types – Direct accounts (STP execution type) with spreads and no commissions, Prime accounts (ECN execution type) with zero spreads and commissions and Islamic, and also Ultra accounts (ECN) for traders with larger capital.

The broker has been recognised with several awards, highlighting its excellence in customer service, trading conditions, and platform functionality. These include the Best Forex Broker and Best Trading Platform awards, underscoring its commitment to providing a superior trading experience.

Depositing is beginner-friendly, with only minimal deposits required. Funding and withdrawal processes with Moneta Markets are straightforward and efficient, with multiple methods available, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets.

The broker charges no deposit fees, and withdrawals are processed quickly within one to three days, ensuring that traders have easy access to their funds when needed. But not as fast as other brokers offer.

Overall, Moneta Markets stands out as a robust option for both new and experienced traders seeking a reliable and feature-rich trading environment, backed by its 4.8 rating on Google.

FxPro: Best for order fill rate and execution speeds

OPEN LIVE ACCOUNT Visit broker

FxPro distinguishes itself with advanced trading tools, a competitive pricing model, and stringent regulatory compliance. The broker offers a 99.9% order fill rate and rapid execution speeds of less than 13 milliseconds through a No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution model, ensuring trades are efficiently executed without intervention​. Leverage is offered up to 30:1.

Traders at FxPro have access to over 2,100 financial instruments, including Forex, Futures, Indices, Metals, Energies, and Shares. Cryptocurrency is also offered but less extensively compared to some competitors.

These instruments are available through popular platforms such as MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and the proprietary FxPro Trading Platform, all of which support high-frequency trading and scalping strategies​. Some traders may find the platform complexity overwhelming.

The broker’s transparent pricing model includes two main account types: a floating spread account, which is commission-free, and a reduced spread account with applicable commissions ($35 per $1 million traded) upon opening and closing a position. Additionally, swap/rollover fees are applied to overnight positions, so fee structures might be confusing for beginners.

FxPro's partnerships with top-tier banks and liquidity providers ensure deep liquidity and seamless order execution, with 84% of market orders executed at the requested price​.

Regulated by multiple authorities including the UK's FCA, Cyprus' CySEC, South Africa's FSCA, and The Bahamas' SCB, FxPro ensures the safety of client funds by holding them in segregated accounts with top-tier banks. The broker also employs advanced encryption technology to protect clients' personal and financial information​.

FxPro is committed to responsible trading, offering a range of educational resources through its Knowledge Hub, including webinars, tutorials, market analysis, and trading guides. They also provide risk management tools such as negative balance protection and customisable leverage settings.

Funding and withdrawals are straightforward, with various methods supported including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets like PayPal and Skrill. Withdrawals are typically processed within one working day​.

What should beginners consider when choosing a Forex Broker?

Beginners should pay close attention to factors such as platform usability, educational materials, and the broker's regulatory compliance to make informed decisions and avoid unexpected fees or pitfalls.

Firstly, seek out brokers regulated by reputable financial authorities. Regulation provides a level of protection for traders' funds and ensures adherence to industry standards and ethical practices.

Additionally, beginners should assess the broker's trading platform and tools. A user-friendly platform with intuitive navigation, robust charting capabilities, and reliable execution speed is essential for trading efficiently. Furthermore, educational resources play a vital role in a beginner's journey.

Brokers offering comprehensive educational materials, including tutorials, webinars, and demo accounts, can help beginners acquire essential knowledge and hone their trading skills.

Finally, beginners should consider the broker's customer support quality and accessibility. Responsive customer support channels, such as live chat, email, and phone support, can provide invaluable assistance in resolving queries and technical issues, especially during critical trading moments. By carefully evaluating these factors, beginners can make informed decisions and choose a Forex broker that aligns with their trading goals and preferences.

How do I know if a Forex Broker is legit?

To determine if a Forex broker is legitimate, the first step is to check for licences from reputable financial regulatory authorities. A regulated broker will have met specific operating standards imposed by their local regulatory body, ensuring a certain level of protection and transparency for clients. Look for compliance with agencies such as Australia's ASIC, the Eurozone's ESMA, the UK's FCA, and the USA's CFTC and SEC, among others. These regulatory bodies enforce rigorous standards and provide a framework within which brokers must operate, including the segregation of client funds and regular financial filings.

Additionally, a legitimate broker will offer transparency in their operations and be clear about their regulatory status on their website. They should provide easy access to their regulatory information and offer assurances regarding the protection of client funds, such as compensation schemes in case the broker becomes insolvent. It is also essential to verify that the broker's regulatory claims are valid by cross-referencing with the regulator's official website.

Beyond regulatory compliance, it is important to examine the broker’s reputation within the trading community. Look for client feedback, reviews, and testimonials on independent review platforms, social media, and industry forums. Positive feedback and a good reputation are strong indicators of a legitimate broker. Conversely, multiple complaints about issues such as withdrawal problems, poor customer service, or platform reliability should be red flags.

Lastly, consider the broker's transparency regarding costs and trading conditions. Legitimate brokers are upfront about their fee structures, including spreads, commissions, and any other potential charges. They should also provide clear information on their trading platform’s functionality, available trading instruments, and customer support options. A broker committed to providing a transparent and supportive trading environment is more likely to be legitimate and trustworthy.

What is the best trading platform for Forex trading?

When selecting the best trading platform for Forex trading, reliability and comprehensive functionality are crucial. Most forex brokers offer either third-party platforms, like MetaTrader, or proprietary platforms developed in-house. MetaTrader, provided by MetaQuotes Software, is the industry standard and is offered by over 80% of brokers in the United States, Europe, and Australia. Its popularity stems from its easy customisation, robust charting capabilities, and API support for multiple add-ons, making it an excellent choice for new forex traders.

A good trading platform should include essential features such as a comprehensive charting package, customisable watch lists, a wide range of technical indicators, one-click trading, sophisticated order entry, risk management tools, and portfolio management capabilities. These tools help traders execute trades effectively and manage their investments wisely.

Testing out the platform using a broker's free demo account is crucial. This allows you to familiarise yourself with the platform's interface and features before committing real money. A demo account helps you gauge whether the platform meets your trading needs and ensures you are comfortable navigating it.

If a broker does not offer a demo account, it is advisable to look for other options. The absence of a demo account could indicate a lack of transparency or confidence in their platform. Therefore, always prioritise brokers who provide a demo account for testing purposes.

How much money do you need to start trading Forex?

To start trading Forex, the initial capital required varies depending on the broker and the type of account you choose. Most brokers will require basic personal information and details about your trading experience and risk tolerance to open a live account. The minimum amount needed to open an account can differ, but most brokers offer tiered account options catering to different risk levels, capitalisation, and experience.

For beginners, micro and mini accounts are often available, requiring much lower initial investments and presenting lower risk. These accounts allow new traders to start with a small cash deposit. In contrast, standard accounts typically require a higher initial investment, which can range from a few hundred to several thousand in capital depending on the broker.

If you are not ready to invest real money, many brokers offer free demo accounts. These demo accounts usually only require a name and an email address and provide a risk-free environment to practise trading and get familiar with the broker's platform. They are an excellent way for beginners to gain experience and confidence before committing significant capital.