Best Forex Brokers & Currency Trading Platforms


Written By: Ehsan Jahandarpour

Explore the top-rated Forex brokers for 2023 in our comprehensive guide. Find the best Forex broker based on regulations, trading platforms, fees, and more. Our expert team has evaluated and rated the best Forex brokers to help you make an informed decision and start trading today. From beginners to advanced traders, our guide covers the best Forex brokers suitable for all levels of experience. Find the perfect broker to suit your trading needs with our comprehensive and unbiased reviews.

Best Forex Brokers in 2023

Choosing the right forex broker is crucial for any trader looking to enter the foreign exchange market. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know which broker to choose. To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a list of the top forex trading brokers on the market. These brokers have been evaluated based on factors such as regulation, trading platforms, fees, and customer support. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced trader, you’ll find a broker on this list that suits your needs.

  1. AvaTrade – 4.8/5 rating, offers forex, stocks, options, futures, and mutual funds, web-based and mobile platform, low commissions and fees
  2. HYCM – 4.8/5 rating, offers forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and CFDs, web-based and mobile platform, low spreads
  3. Interactive Brokers – 4.7/5 rating, offers forex, stocks, options, futures, mutual funds, and bonds, advanced trading platform, low commissions and fees
  4. TD Ameritrade – 4.5/5 rating, offers forex, stocks, options, ETFs, futures, and mutual funds, web-based and mobile platform, $0 commission on stocks and ETFs
  5. Pepperstone – 4.5/5 rating, offers forex, CFDs, spread betting, and stockbroking, web-based and mobile platform, low commissions and fees
  6. XM Group – 4.5/5 rating, offers forex, stock indices, futures, and commodities, web-based and mobile platform, low spreads
  7. Forex.com – 4.3/5 rating, specializes in forex and CFDs, advanced trading platform, low spreads
  8. IG – 4.3/5 rating, offers forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and CFDs, advanced trading platform, low commissions and fees
  9. CMC Markets – 4.2/5 rating, offers forex, stock indices, and commodities, advanced trading platform, low commissions and fees
  10. Saxo Bank – 4.2/5 rating, offers forex, stocks, options, futures, and mutual funds, advanced trading platform, low commissions and fees
  11. Swissquote – 4.0/5 rating, offers forex, CFDs, spread betting, and stockbroking, web-based and mobile platform, low spreads
  12. Oanda – 3.5/5 rating, specializes in forex and CFDs, web-based and mobile platform, low commissions and fees
BrokerRatingMarkets & ProductsPlatformFees
TD Ameritrade4.5/5Forex, stocks, options, ETFs, futures, mutual fundsWeb-based & mobile$0 commission on stocks and ETFs
Interactive Brokers4.7/5Forex, stocks, options, futures, mutual funds, bondsAdvanced trading platformLow commissions & fees
Forex.com4.3/5Forex and CFDsAdvanced trading platformLow spreads
XM Group4.5/5Forex, stock indices, futures, commoditiesWeb-based & mobileLow spreads
CMC Markets4.2/5Forex, stock indices, commoditiesAdvanced trading platformLow commissions & fees
HYCM4.8/5Forex, stocks, indices, commodities, CFDsWeb-based & mobileLow spreads
Oanda3.5/5Forex, CFDsWeb-based & mobileLow commissions & fees
IG Markets4.3/5Forex, stocks, indices, commodities, CFDsAdvanced trading platformLow commissions & fees
Swissquote4.0/5Forex, CFDs, spread betting, stockbrokingWeb-based & mobileLow spreads
Pepperstone4.5/5Forex, CFDs, spread betting, stockbrokingWeb-based & mobileLow commissions & fees
Saxo Bank4.2/5Forex, stocks, options, futures, mutual fundsAdvanced trading platformLow commissions & fees
AvaTrade4.8/5Forex, stocks, options, futures, mutual fundsWeb-based & mobileLow commissions & fees

What are Forex broker fees?

Forex broker fees are the charges that a broker imposes on traders for their services. These fees can take many forms, including:

  1. Spreads: The difference between the bid and ask prices of a currency pair. Forex brokers make money by charging a wider spread than the actual market spread.
  2. Commission: Some brokers charge a flat commission fee on each trade, regardless of the size of the trade.
  3. Overnight or Rollover Fees: These are fees charged for holding a position overnight, which typically occurs when the market is closed. Some brokers charge a positive rollover fee when the interest rate of the currency that a trader is buying is higher than the interest rate of the currency that the trader is selling, and a negative rollover fee when the interest rate of the currency that a trader is buying is lower than the interest rate of the currency that the trader is selling.
  4. Inactivity Fees: Some brokers charge a fee for traders who do not make trades for a certain period of time.
  5. Withdrawal Fees: Some brokers charge a fee for withdrawing money from the trading account.
  6. Account Maintenance Fees: Some brokers charge a monthly or annual fee for maintaining an account with them.

It’s important to be aware of all the fees that a broker charges, as they can add up and eat into a trader’s profits. Some brokers offer commission-free trading or lower spreads to compensate for other fees they charge. Here are the fees and pips charged by well known currency brokers:

Here is a table that summarizes the fees associated with some of the best Forex brokers available:

BrokerAverage SpreadCommissionOvernight Fees
AvaTrade0.9 pipsNoVariable
Pepperstone0.6 pipsNoVariable
eToro1.9 pipsNoVariable
FxPro0.7 pipsYesVariable
IG0.75 pipsYesVariable
XM0.6 pipsNoVariable
OspreyFX0.7 pipsNoVariable
Fusion Markets0.5 pipsNoVariable
Kraken0.3 pipsNoVariable

Top Forex Brokers for Beginners

Forex brokers for beginners should offer a user-friendly platform, comprehensive educational resources, low initial deposit requirements, and competitive fees. The broker should also offer a wide range of currency pairs, as well as leverage options suitable for beginners. Additionally, a trusted broker should provide reliable customer support and a safe and secure trading environment. Here is a table of top forex brokers for beginners:

Top Forex Broker for beginnersPlatformsMinimum DepositCommissionsLeverage
CMC MarketsDesktop & Web$100NoneUp to 400:1
LCGDesktop & Web$100NoneUp to 200:1
OANDADesktop & Web$0VariableUp to 50:1
Plus500Desktop & Web$100NoneUp to 300:1
FXCMDesktop & Web$50FixedUp to 400:1
AvatradeDesktop & Web$100NoneUp to 400:1

Best mobile trading app for Forex

There are several mobile trading apps available for Forex trading, and the best one for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Some of the top mobile trading apps for Forex include:

  1. MetaTrader 4 (MT4) – Developed by MetaQuotes, this app is widely considered as one of the best mobile trading platforms available. It offers advanced charting, technical indicators, roboforex, and automated trading, and is compatible with both iOS and Android devices. You can also use expert advisors with MT4.
  2. Plus500 – This app is known for its user-friendly interface and ease of use. It offers a wide range of assets, including forex, stocks, and commodities, and is compatible with both iOS and Android devices.
  3. IG Trading Platform – The mobile version of this platform is intuitive, user-friendly and offers a wide range of features, including live price updates, alerts, and charting tools. This app is available for both iOS and Android devices.
  4. Forex.com – This app offers an advanced trading platform with a wide range of features, including live price updates, alerts, and charting tools. It is available for both iOS and Android devices.
  5. OANDA fxTrade – This app is suitable for both novice and experienced traders, it offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of features, including live price updates, alerts, and charting tools. It is available for both iOS and Android devices.

Ultimately, the best mobile trading app for Forex trading will depend on your individual needs and preferences. It’s recommended to try out a few different apps to see which one works best for you before committing to one.

What is Forex Trading?

best forex brokers
best forex brokers

Forex trading, also known as foreign exchange trading, is the act of buying and selling currencies in the global market. The value of one currency is determined by its exchange rate with another currency. For example, if the exchange rate between the US dollar and the Euro is 1.20, that means one US dollar is equal to 1.20 Euros. Forex traders buy and sell currencies with the goal of making a profit from the fluctuation in exchange rates.

When it comes to high leverage trading, it’s important to select a Forex broker that offers competitive leverage ratios. High leverage allows traders to access larger positions with a smaller amount of capital, but it also increases the risk. It’s essential to understand the risks involved and have a solid risk management strategy in place. It’s also important to find a broker that is well-regulated, and offers transparent fees and trading conditions. The trading platforms offered by the FX broker should also be advanced and user-friendly, with features such as advanced charting, technical indicators, and automated trading.

When it comes to high leverage trading, many traders opt for offshore Forex brokers that are not regulated by major financial authorities such as the FCA, ASIC, Cysec or the NFA. However, it’s important to note that these brokers may not offer the same level of protection for your funds and may have less transparent fees and trading conditions. It’s essential to conduct thorough research and select a reputable and well-regulated Forex broker that offers a high leverage ratio and is suitable for your trading needs. Here is the list of recommended forex brokers for high leverage trading.

BrokerLeverageMinimum DepositSpreadsCommissionsPlatforms
Forex.com1:500$50VariableNoWeb, Desktop, Mobile
Interactive Brokers1:500$10,000FixedYesWeb, Desktop, Mobile
FBS1:3000$1VariableNoWeb, Desktop, Mobile
XM1:888$5VariableNoWeb, Desktop, Mobile
AvaTrade1:400$100VariableNoWeb, Desktop, Mobile
eToro1:400$50FixedNoWeb, Desktop, Mobile
Plus5001:300$100VariableNoWeb, Desktop, Mobile
Pepperstone1:500$200VariableYesWeb, Desktop, Mobile

Importance of Choosing a Reputable Fx Broker:

Choosing a reputable Forex broker is crucial for the success of your trading. A reputable broker will provide you with a secure trading platform, transparent pricing, and reliable customer support. On the other hand, a less trustworthy broker may engage in practices such as stop loss hunting, price manipulation, and lack of transparency, which can lead to significant financial losses. It is important to do thorough research and read full reviews before selecting a Forex broker.

best forex trading platforms
best forex trading platforms

How to compare Forex Trading Platforms:

When evaluating different brokers Forex, there are several key factors to consider. These include:

  • Regulation: It is important to choose a broker that is regulated by a reputable financial authority, such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or the National Futures Association (NFA).
  • Trading Platforms: The trading platform should be user-friendly and offer a variety of tools and resources to support your trading.
  • Customer Support: A good Forex broker should offer reliable and responsive customer support, available through various channels such as phone, email, and live chat.
  • Fees and Spreads: The fees and spreads charged by the broker can have a significant impact on your trading costs. It’s important to choose a broker that offers competitive fees and tight spreads.
  • Payment Options: A good Forex broker should offer a variety of options for depositing and withdrawing funds, including credit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers.

Best Platforms for Trading Forex

When it comes to forex trading platforms, one of the most important factors to consider is the trading platform offered by the broker. A trading platform is the software that allows you to execute trades and manage your account. It is the primary tool that you will use to access the market, so it is essential that it is user-friendly, reliable, and offers the features and tools you need.

For experienced traders, advanced trading platforms are important. They provide access to more complex tools and features such as advanced charting, automated trading, and backtesting. These features are especially useful for traders who use technical analysis to make trading decisions. This table shows the most commonly used currency trading platform by forex traders:

Currency trading PlatformDescription
MetaTrader 4A popular platform for online trading, offering a range of features including advanced charting, automated trading, and more.
cTraderA comprehensive platform for forex trading, offering a range of features including algorithmic trading, copy trading, and more.
TradeStationA comprehensive platform for forex trading, offering a range of features including automated trading, charting, and more.
NinjaTraderAn advanced trading platform with a range of features including automated trading, charting, and more.

Essential Forex Trading Tools

There are several types of trading platforms available, including web-based platforms, downloadable platforms, and mobile platforms. Web-based platforms can be accessed from any device with an internet connection, while downloadable platforms must be installed on your computer. Mobile platforms are designed for use on smartphones and tablets.

The features and tools offered by trading platforms vary from broker to broker. However, some of the most important features to look for include advanced charting capabilities, technical indicators, and automated trading. A good trading platform should also provide access to news and markets analysis, as well as the ability to set up and manage multiple watchlists.

Forex Trading ToolDescription
Advanced ChartingAdvanced charting tools provide forex traders with detailed market data and allow them to analyze trends and identify potential trading opportunities. Features may include customizable indicators, drawing tools, and the ability to view multiple time frames.
Technical IndicatorsTechnical indicators are mathematical calculations that provide traders with information about the major currency markets, such as volatility and momentum. Some commonly used indicators include moving averages, relative strength index (RSI), and Bollinger bands.
Automated TradingAutomated trading allows traders to set up rules and parameters for trades, and the platform will execute the trades automatically based on these rules. This can be useful for traders who are unable to monitor the markets constantly.
News and Market AnalysisHaving access to real-time news and market analysis can help traders stay informed about global events that may affect currency prices. This may include economic indicators, political developments, and other relevant news.
Watchlist ManagementWatchlist management is a tool that allows traders to track specific currency pairs, stocks, and other assets. This can help traders stay organized and quickly access the information they need to make trades.
Risk Management toolsRisk management tools allow traders to limit exposure to risk by setting stop-loss and take-profit orders. This can help traders manage their risk and protect their capital.
BacktestingBacktesting enables traders to test their trading strategies against historical data. This can help traders identify potential weaknesses in their strategies and make adjustments before they start trading with real money.
Social TradingSocial trading platforms allow traders to follow and copy the trades of other successful traders. This can be a useful tool for novice traders who are still learning the ropes.
Algorithmic TradingAlgorithmic trading is a type of automated trading that uses complex algorithms and mathematical models to make trades. This can be a useful tool for traders who want to take advantage of market inefficiencies and identify profitable trades.
ScalpingScalping is a trading strategy that involves taking advantage of small price movements in the markets. Scalping tools allow traders to quickly enter and exit trades to capture small profits. These tools typically include fast execution speeds and low spreads.
HedgingHedging tools allow traders to offset the risk of a trade by taking an opposing position in the market. This can help traders protect their capital in case of unexpected market movements.
Position SizingPosition sizing tools allow traders to control the amount of risk they take on by adjusting the size of their trades. These tools can help traders manage their risk by ensuring that they never invest more than a certain percentage of their account balance in a single trade.
Trailing StopsTrailing stops are a type of stop-loss order that automatically adjust as the market moves in the trader’s favor. This can help traders lock in profits while still allowing them to ride a trend.
Alerts and NotificationsAlerts and notifications can help traders stay informed about market movements and key events. These tools can be set up to notify traders of price changes, economic indicators, and other relevant information.

Ease of Use and User-Friendliness

The ease of use and user-friendliness of a trading platform is an important consideration, particularly for beginners. A platform that is easy to navigate and has a simple, intuitive interface will make it easier to learn and use, while a complex and confusing platform can be a hindrance.

What is the difference between a buy and a sell order in Forex trading?

The difference between a buy and a sell order in Forex trading is that a buy order is placed to open a position in the market with the expectation that the value of a currency pair will increase, while a sell order is placed to close a position in the market with the expectation that the value of the currency pair will decrease.

What is the purpose of a stop-loss mechanism?

The purpose of a stop loss in Forex trading is to minimize the potential losses of a trade by setting a certain price level at which the trade will automatically be closed out. This helps to ensure that traders don’t lose more money than they are willing to risk. A stop loss order can be set at a certain percentage below the entry price of a trade, or at a specific price point. If the price of the currency pair moves against the trader’s position, the stop loss order will be triggered and the position will be closed at the predetermined price level. This helps to protect traders from large losses and allows them to manage their risk more effectively.

Is CMC Markets good for beginners?

CMC Markets is a good option for beginner traders as it offers a range of educational materials and resources to help new traders learn the basics of trading. It also provides a range of different trading platforms, including web-based, mobile, and desktop versions, and provides access to a wide range of markets and instruments. The broker also offers competitive spreads and low trading costs, making it a cost-effective option for beginner traders.

What does interactive brokers offer?

Interactive Brokers offers a wide range of trading options, including stocks, bonds, options, futures, mutual funds, and more. It also offers a range of trading tools and platforms, such as its award-winning interactive brokers TWS platform and its mobile app, which allows you to trade on the go. It also provides access to markets around the world, including the US, Canada, Europe, Asia, and more. Additionally, Interactive Brokers offers low commission rates, competitive spreads, and access to real-time market data.

Best Forex Platforms for Backtesting Trading Strategies

Backtesting is a critical part of developing and testing trading strategies. It involves running a strategy over historical market data to assess how it would have performed under different market conditions. There are various platforms available for backtesting trading strategies, each of which offers different features and capabilities.

For example, Amibroker is a popular backtesting platform that allows users to easily create and test trading strategies in a variety of markets. It provides access to a wide range of data, including historical price data, fundamental data, and news events. Additionally, Amibroker provides a comprehensive set of tools for analyzing and optimizing strategies, allowing users to identify the best parameters for their strategies.

QuantConnect is another popular platform for backtesting trading strategies. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools for developing and testing strategies, including a powerful algorithm-building tool that allows users to easily create strategies without any programming knowledge. Additionally, QuantConnect provides access to a wide range of data sources and offers a live trading simulation environment.

Finally, MetaTrader 4 broker is a popular platform for backtesting trading strategies. Its powerful backtesting capabilities allow users to test strategies on a wide range of markets and timeframes.

Best Forex Broker in the UK

The best Forex brokers in the UK are Saxo Bank [1], CMC Markets, FXCM, Pepperstone, Plus500, eToro, Tickmill, INFINOX, XTB, and Interactive Brokers. Saxo Bank is great for trading platforms and outstanding research, while CMC Markets is well-established and publicly traded. FXCM is good for a range of CFDs and currency pairs [2],

While Pepperstone is the best forex broker in the UK. Plus500 is great for low trading and non-trading fees [3], while eToro is the best forex trading platform in the UK [4][2]. Tickmill is good for its tight spreads and fast withdrawal times, while INFINOX is great for its customer service and automated trading. XTB is good for its low deposit requirements and competitive spreads, and Interactive Brokers is great for its low commissions and fees.

Here is the updated table of the best forex brokers in the UK.

BrokerPlatformResearchProduct PortfolioFeesCustomer Service
Saxo BankGreatOutstandingBroadLowGood
Fusion MarketsLowAverageLimitedAverageGood
IG MarketsPowerfulGoodWide RangeLowExcellent
FXCMRange of CFDsGoodGoodLowGood
PepperstoneBestAverageLimitedLowGood
Plus500LowAverageLimitedLowGood
eToroBestAverageLimitedLowExcellent
TickmillTight SpreadsGoodGoodLowGood
INFINOXCustomer ServiceGoodGoodLowExcellent
XTBLow DepositCompetitiveGoodLowGood
Interactive BrokersLow CommissionsGoodGoodLowGood

What Forex Brokers are best in Australia?

The best forex brokers in Australia are FP Markets, FXTM, AVATrade, BlackBull Markets, Amarkets, FxPro, Admiral Markets, InstaForex, and Etoro. Each of these brokers offer different features and benefits, such as low fees, wide range of markets, and innovative tools. For example, Pepperstone offers low Forex and CFD trading fees and doesn’t charge inactivity fees [2], while Etoro is the best forex trading platform in Australia because it is easy to use [4], has a wide range of markets, and offers innovative tools such as copy trading [4]. It is important to research each broker carefully and make sure it is the right fit for your particular needs and trading style.

What is the Best Fx Broker for CFD Trading?

The best forex brokers for CFD trading are Saxo Bank, MetaTrader, IG, CMC Markets, TD Ameritrade, FOREX.com, thinkorswim, Oanda, and eToro. All of these brokers offer a variety of features tailored to CFD trading, such as leverage, tight spreads, and real-time quotes. Additionally, many of these brokers offer mobile trading apps for iOS and Android devices, allowing traders to stay connected and trade on the go.

What are Best currenciy Brokers for Islamic Accounts?

There are a number of brokers that offer Islamic accounts, also known as swap-free accounts, for Muslims who want to trade forex. Some of the top brokers for Islamic accounts include FOREX.com, AvaTrade, Pepperstone, eToro, HYCM, TMGM, RoboForex, HFM, BlackBull Markets, and FP Markets. All of these brokers offer swap-free accounts with competitive spreads and leverage levels. Depending on your needs, you may want to consider different brokers for their features, such as execution speed, trading platforms, customer service, and more.

What Forex Providers offer lowest Deposit and Withdrawal fees?

There are several Forex brokers that offer low deposit and withdrawal fees. IC Markets, XM, Exness, OctaFX, FXOptimax, RoboForex, and FxPro all offer no fees on deposits or withdrawals. Additionally, Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Checking Accounts have no ATM or currency fees [1]. Capital.com also does not charge any non-trading fees, meaning that deposits and withdrawals are free . Finally, some brokers such as fxview, tickmill, and xm offer no fees for both deposits and withdrawals, although the minimum deposit required may vary.

How high is forex leverage in different countries?

The maximum leverage offered by forex brokers in different countries varies. Below is an example table to illustrate the maximum leverage offered by some of the top brokers in some of the major countries:

CountryBrokerMaximum Leverage
United StatesOanda50:1
AustraliaPepperstone500:1
United KingdomIG200:1
GermanyFXFlat400:1
JapanXM888:1

Can I Use VPS to Trade Forex?

Using a Virtual Private Server (VPS) for Forex trading is a great way to ensure that your trading is always running smoothly and efficiently. A VPS allows you to access your trading platform from any location, and it also eliminates the need for a powerful computer and a stable internet connection. This makes it ideal for traders who need to access their platform from different locations, or who need to access the platform while travelling.

When using a VPS for Forex trading, you will need to ensure that the VPS is properly configured. This includes setting up the appropriate security protocols, ensuring that the server is properly maintained and updated, and ensuring that the server is properly connected to the internet. Additionally, you will need to ensure that the VPS has enough resources to support your trading activities.

Once the VPS is properly configured, you will be able to access your trading platform from anywhere with an internet connection. This allows you to keep track of your trades and monitor their performance, even when you’re away from home. Additionally, you can use a VPS to automate your trading activities, allowing you to take advantage of market opportunities without having to constantly monitor the market.

How to manage forex risk when trading multiple currencies?

Managing risk when trading multiple currency pairs can be a challenging task. As a trader, you must be aware of the potential risks involved when trading different currency pairs, such as the potential for losses due to changes in exchange rates and liquidity risks. In order to mitigate these risks, there are a few strategies that can be adopted.

  • First, it is important to diversify your portfolio by trading different currency pairs. This will reduce your exposure to any single currency pair and help to spread the risk.
  • Second, it is also important to use a well-defined risk management strategy. This should include setting stop-loss levels, limiting leverage, and using proper risk-reward ratios.
  • Third, it is important to use the right trading tools. This includes using technical analysis to identify the best entry and exit points, as well as using risk management tools such as stop-losses and take-profit orders.
  • Finally, it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest news and events that may affect the currency market. This can help to identify any potential risks before they become a problem.

Overall, managing risk when trading multiple currency pairs requires careful consideration and a well-defined strategy. Using the strategies outlined above can help

Conclusion:

Forex trading is a popular investment option that allows individuals to buy and sell currencies in the global market. However, finding the right Forex broker can be a daunting task, as there are thousands of options available. In this forex brokers review, we have discussed the importance of choosing a reputable Forex broker, as well as the criteria to evaluate when selecting the best Forex broker for you. Now, you have a better understanding of what to look for in the best forex brokers, and be able to make an informed decision when choosing the best Forex platform for your trading strategy.