Forex trading is increasingly becoming popular with retail clients. But which forex broker is best for beginners?
In this comparison guide, we review the best forex brokers in 2023. Read on to discover the best forex trading platforms for low fees, tight spreads, supported pairs, leverage limits, and much more.
Listed below are the best forex brokers for 2023: We now review the best brokers for forex trading, discussing fees, spreads, pairs, account types, and much more. Read on to discover the best forex brokers in the market. Capital.com is one of the best forex brokers for supported markets, with over 120 currency pairs listed. In addition to all majors and minors, this includes dozens of exotic currencies. Best of all, Capital.com does not charge any trading commissions. Spreads are competitive, too, with EUR/USD averaging just 0.6 pips. Capital.com does not charge account opening, deposit, or withdrawal fees either. Not only is Capital.com the best forex broker for low fees, but educational tools. For instance, it offers guides, videos, webinars, and even a dedicated educational app. Capital.com also provides user-friendly analysis tools, including real-time charts and technical indicators. Capital.com also offers leverage of up to 1:30 on majors. Minors and exotics can be traded with a leverage of 1:20. The minimum deposit is just $20. But this is only the case when depositing funds with an e-wallet or debit/credit card. Capital.com requires a minimum deposit of at least $250 when opting for a bank wire. Finally, Capital.com supports thousands of other CFD assets, including stocks, indices, and commodities. This is in addition to some of the best emerging cryptocurrencies. What we like about Capital.com
79% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. XTB is the best forex trading platform for high leverage. Put simply, major pairs can be traded with leverage of up to 1:500. This means that a $500 position would require a margin of just $1. That said, not all XTB users can access high leverage, as this is determined by the country of residence. For instance, retail clients in the UK and Europe will be capped to leverage of 1:30. Nonetheless, XTB also offers competitive trading fees. Not only are all supported markets commission-free but spreads on EUR/USD average 0.8 pips. Moreover, all supported payment methods – apart from Skrill, support fee-free deposits. We also like XTB for its advanced trading suite. xStation 5 offers technical indicators, chart drawing tools, and real-time pricing across multiple device types. This includes desktop software, browser-based trading, and the XTB mobile app. Finally, XTB also supports stocks, ETFs, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. To learn more about this leading trading platform check out our full XTB review today. What we like about XTB
80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. Launched in 2014, Trade Nation is a dominant player in spread betting and CFD trading space. Growing from a mere 10 employees, the organization now operates in countries like the UK, Australia, South Africa, Seychelles, Malaysia, and The Bahamas, focusing on quality regulation and low-cost trading. One of Trade Nation’s standout features is its strict adherence to safeguarding customers’ funds. The company assures clients that their money is held in segregated accounts by reputable banks, such as Barclays and Santander, away from company funds. Moreover, the platform is regulated by internationally renowned agencies like the UK’s FCA and Australia’s ASIC. Trade Nation caters to traders of all levels, with over 1000 accessible global markets. The company’s user-friendly platform, TN Trader, features low fixed-cost spreads that stay consistent, maximizing profits for regular traders. Its real-time news, market analysis, and twice-daily reports keep traders up-to-date, enabling them to make informed decisions. For those interested in CFDs, the platform offers short selling to hedge against price declines and leveraged trading. Moreover, you can start trading with a minimal starting amount. The platform’s fixed-cost spreads start low and stay low while the overnight funding and other associated charges are transparent. This approach extends to zero commission, deposit fees, and withdrawal costs, making it one of the best forex brokers. With achievements like ADVFN’s Best Spread Betting Platform of 2023, Trade Nation’s reputation is further solidified. Moreover, Trade Nation’s customer success team, available 24/5, ensures seamless query solving. This support is not limited to troubleshooting but extends to educational resources for all trading levels. What we like about Trade Nation
75% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider Admirals has been in the market for over 20 years, with a great reputation for the quality of its customer service as well as its technical features. Admirals offers Bonds, Stocks, ETFs, Indices, and Commodities, but where it really shines through is for its low fee FX products. The only way to trade through Admirals is with a MetaTrader account, and MetaTrader is known to be the best technology when it comes to Forex trading, which is what it has been designed for. MetaTrader is very well integrated with Admirals, and the MetaTrader Supreme edition is also available for traders who want an even richer FX experience. FX fees with Admirals are lower than the competition, on average. This is quite a direct advantage when it comes to currency trading, and pretty clear cut across most trading pairs. A total of 82 trading pairs are available for trading through Admirals, including the 5 major pairs, 54 exotic pairs, and 23 minor pairs. Leverage is up to 1:500 and orders are executed within milliseconds. The total amount you will pay through Admirals depends on the FX pair, volume, and the MetaTrader account you are using. When trading the EUR/USD pair, for example, the trade is commission-free on Trade.MT5 and $3 per lot on Zero.MT5. On both accounts, leverage is 1:500 with a minimum margin of $200. Exotic pairs often come with lower leverage and higher margins. Aside from low fees on FX products and fast order execution, Admirals offer other elements to enhance the trading experience. The level of customer service with Admirals is very high and it has a great rating on TrustPilot, something which is often hard for brokers to maintain, with over 1,500 reviews. Admirals even has a specifically designed Islamic Forex account which is 100% swap-free, without having interest fees credited or debited. Admirals is a great provider with a fantastic track record. The main drawback is that it is not available to residents of Japan, the US, or Canada at the present time. What we like about Admirals
74% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. Go Markets is a popular forex broker that offers two account options. First, there is a commission-free account with a minimum spread of 1 pip. Second, there is a zero-spread account that comes with a commission of $3 per traded lot. Both options offer huge leverage limits of up to 1:500. Multiple base currencies are supported, including USD, GBP, AUD, and EUR. The minimum trade size is just 0.01 lots, which will appeal to beginners. Moreover, both account types offer 24/5 support and a dedicated contact. In total, Go Markets supports 49 forex pairs. The platform permits hedging and expert advisors, not to mention fast execution speeds. Moreover, Go Markets offers its own native trading platform for browsers and smartphones. It also supports MT4 and MT5. In addition to forex, Go Markets supports a wide range of other CFD assets. This includes stocks from the US, Australia, and Hong Kong. Go Markets also supports indices, bonds, and commodities. However, the main drawback of Go Markets is that it doesn’t support cryptocurrency trading. What we like about Go Markets AvaTrade is one of the best forex brokers for safety, considering its regulatory status. Put simply, AvaTrade is regulated in nine different countries. Moreover, AvaTrade has been offering brokerage services since 2006. AvaTrade is also popular for its commission-free framework, which is supported for all listed markets. Forex spreads are also competitive, with EUR/USD averaging 0.9 pips. AvaTrade offers three different ways to trade forex. First, there is the spot trading platform, which will likely appeal to beginners. Second, AvaTrade also supports forex options across over 40 pairs. Third, UK and Ireland clients can spread bet forex. All three trading divisions come packed with suitable analysis features. This includes technical indicators and chart drawing tools. Traders can also connect their MT4 or MT5 accounts to AvaTrade. In terms of payments, the minimum deposit at AvaTrade is $100. The platform accepts debit/credit cards, bank wires, and selected e-wallets. Finally, depending on the trader’s location, AvaTrade offers leverage of up to 1:400. What we like about AvaTrade Skilling is also one of the best forex trading platforms for low fees. No commissions are payable when trading here, and spreads start from 0.7 pips. Skilling also offers a professional account, where spreads start from 0.1 pips. This attracts a commission of $35 for every $1 million traded, or about $3.50 per lot. We also like that Skilling supports more than 70 forex pairs. This will appeal to those that like to trade exotic currencies. Skilling also supports stocks, indices, commodities, and other asset classes. This top-rated broker supports several trading platforms. This includes cTrader, MT4, and its own native suite. The latter can be accessed via web browsers and an Android/iOS app. In terms of safety, Skilling is regulated by CySEC and the FSA. The minimum deposit at Skilling is $100, and multiple payment types are accepted. This includes debit/credit cards and e-wallets like Skrill, Paypal, and Google/Apple Pay. Finally, Skilling offers a free demo account that mirrors the live forex markets. What we like about Skilling Experienced traders will likely find that Interactive Brokers is the best forex trading platform for their requirements. The platform supports over 100 currency pairs and industry-leading spreads. In fact, spreads start from just 1/10th of a pip on major pairs. Commissions average 0.08 to 0.20 basis points, which is also very competitive. Interactive Brokers also offers one of the most advanced trading suites in the forex space – Trader Workstation (TWS). Some of the core features offered by TWS include bespoke order types, support for algorithmic traders, customizable screens, and real-time global market data. Additionally, Interactive Brokers is often considered the best forex broker in the USA. Not only are US-based retail clients accepted, but leverage of up to 1:50 is available. Moreover, Interactive Brokers also supports other asset classes. This includes traditional securities like stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and bonds. This brokerage also supports options and futures, both of which cover the forex markets. What we like about Interactive Brokers TD Ameritrade is an established broker supporting thousands of markets, including over 70 forex pairs. Its forex trading service is offered in partnership with Charles Schwab. Nonetheless, TD Ameritrade offers a spread-only pricing model that has commissions built into the bid and ask prices. TD Ameritrade enables traders to buy and sell forex pairs 23 hours per day, six days per week. This platform will appeal to experienced traders that seek advanced trading tools. Its native platform, Thinkorswim, is accessible via desktop software, web browsers, and a mobile investment app for iOS and Android. Some of Thinkorswim’s top features include side-by-side risk profiles, customized charts, dozens of indicators, and a watchlist. However, do note that TD Ameritrade only offers forex trading to qualified investors. Moreover, currencies are traded in 10,000-unit lots. What we like about TD Ameritrade Forex.com is one of the best forex brokers for US clients. The platform supports more than 80 pairs, covering a huge blend of majors, minors, and exotics. US clients can trade with leverage of up to 1:50. Moreover, Forex.com offers three account types. There is a raw spread account that offers 0.0 pip trading with a $5 commission per lot. This is more expensive than other raw spread accounts, with Go Markets charging just $3. Nonetheless, Forex.com also offers a commission-free account with less competitive spreads. Both of these accounts come with a minimum recommended balance of $1,000. The third option is a direct market access account. This provides access to industry-leading spreads, as traders engage directly with market participants. Forex.com supports multiple trading platforms, including MT4 and MT5. Its native trading suite is also popular, supported on web browsers and an Android/iOS app. What we like about Forex.com While E*TRADE is best known for its stocks and funds, the broker is also one of the best forex trading platforms. This provider specializes in currency futures. This enables traders to speculate on the future value of forex pairs with leverage. Almost a dozen currencies are supported, including US dollars, British pounds, euros, and Swiss francs. Fees are competitive, too, with E*TRADE charging just $1.50 per futures contract. Best of all, when trading forex futures via E*TRADE, pattern day trading rules do not apply. This means that traders do not need to meet a minimum account balance. Moreover, there are no short-selling restrictions. That said, forex futures are physically settled on E*TRADE. This means that those holding futures contracts on the date of expiry will need to take delivery of the respective currency. What we like about E*TRADE Here's a comparison table of the best forex brokers that we reviewed in the sections above: The foreign exchange, or forex, market is the largest investment scene globally. Many trillions of dollars worth of currencies change hands every day. As such, this market offers premium liquidity around the clock. The objective when trading forex online is to speculate on the future value of a currency pair. Each pair contains two currencies, and traders need to determine whether the exchange rate will rise or fall. There are dozens of currency pairs that can be traded online. Most brokers support all major and minor pairs, which attract the most liquidity. Exotics pairs can also be traded, and these contain at least one currency from an emerging country. For instance, USD/TRY is an exotic pair consisting of US dollars and Turkish lira. Wondering how we rank the best online forex brokers for 2023? The key metrics that we follow are discussed below: All of the forex brokers reviewed on this page are authorized and regulated by at least one licensing body. This keeps forex brokers in check and ensures that they follow certain rules, such as client fund segregation and leverage limits. Looking to trade specific forex pairs? Be sure to check whether or not the respective broker supports them before proceeding. Capital.com stands out in this regard. The forex broker supports 124 pairs across the majors, minors, and exotics. The best forex trading platforms offer competitive fees. In terms of trading fees, this is often a commission and/or spread. For example, Capital.com and XTB offer spread-only forex trading. This means that commissions are built into the spread. Go Markets, on the other hand, offers two different pricing models. First, there is the commission-free account. Alternatively, there is a zero-spread account with a $3 commission per lot. It is also wise to check non-trading fees when choosing the best forex platform. This includes deposits and withdrawals, as well as inactivity fees. All forex brokers offer access to trading and analysis tools. But some are more suitable for advanced traders, while others are aimed at beginners. For example, Capital.com is the best forex trading platform for beginners, with its user-friendly dashboard suitable for all skill sets. On the other hand, Interactive Brokers is the best forex broker for seasoned pros. Its native trading suite is jam-packed with advanced tools that will likely be intimidating for a novice. Most forex brokers have a minimum deposit policy but this can vary. The account minimum at Capital.com is $20, for example, while at XTB, there is no minimum deposit requirement at all. AvaTrade and Skilling, however, have a larger minimum deposit of $100. Traders should also check whether their chosen broker offers a forex demo account. This should mirror the live forex prices, enabling traders to replicate actual market conditions. Most platforms offer a free demo account with paper funds and no expiry date. In fact, traders can replenish their paper trading balance at any time. Leading forex brokers offer a native mobile app that supports trading on the move. The best forex apps in the market offer a user-friendly experience that is suitable for small screens. This means that charting tools and technical indicators should be optimized for smartphones. After all, new trends in the forex markets can appear at any time. As such, it's important to have access to the markets at all times. We also rank the best forex brokers by their supported payment methods. Most brokers discussed today accept debit/credit cards, e-wallets, and bank wires. But this should be checked before opening an account, as payment methods can vary depending on the trader's location. Finally, the best forex trading platforms offer top-notch customer support. Most platforms offer support on a 24/5 basis. This mirrors standard trading hours. We prefer brokers offering live chat support with low waiting times. First and foremost, it is important that beginners consider the risks associated with the forex markets. Too many losing trades will ultimately lead to sizable losses. As such, a great starting point is to open a demo account. This enables beginners to get comfortable with the forex markets in a risk-free setting. Beginners should also consider that the best forex pairs to trade are majors, such as EUR/USD and GBP/USD. Major pairs have the most liquidity and are the least volatile. Newbies should also consider setting up a bankroll management strategy. This means only risking a certain amount of the account balance on each trade. Most traders opt for 1%, but this can be adjusted to meet the trader's financial goals. First-time forex traders should also remember to respect leverage. While it can be tempting to trade with high levels of leverage, this is a risky trading tool that can lead to amplified losses. This is why retail clients in the US, UK, Europe, and Australia are limited in how much leverage they can trade with. And finally, it is important to learn the art of technical analysis. This means reading and interpreting chatting patterns via technical indicators. This is the only surefire way of day trading forex. Longer-term traders might consider fundamental analysis, which means entering and exiting trades based on real-world news. For those interested in day trading currency pairs, find the best day trading platform with low fees is another important aspect of a successful trading strategy. It takes just minutes to get set up with an online forex broker – including the KYC process. Simply choose a suitable platform, deposit some funds, and place a trade. Some FX traders also use insights from the best forex signals such as Learn2Traded and 1000pip Builder. Read our detailed guide for more information on trading signals for foreign exchange trading. All traders on need to first find their preferred broker and then open an account. Most of those reviewed above have free mobile apps available for both iOS and Android. Click on 'Sign Up' and fill out the registration form, which requires some basic personal information - some platforms may also ask users to answer a questionnaire. Most platforms also have a KYC process where they will need to verify their phone number and email, as well as provide a photo ID such as a passport or driver's license. Some may also ask for proof of address. The next step is to deposit some trading funds. Not ready to risk money right now? Consider trading forex via a demo account, which allows users to get a feel for trading and the platform without risking real funds. Those looking to trade with real money will need to deposit funds via a range of payment methods, including bank transfer, debit card, or e-wallet. Users should note that different platforms will require a different minimum deposit to get started. Forex brokers will also vary wildly in the number of trading pairs they offer, so those with a specific pair in mind should ensure they are able to trade it on their chosen platform. Users then need to search for their pair and click on 'Buy' or 'Sell' next to the chosen forex pair. Clicking 'Buy' means the trader believes the pair will rise in value, and clicking 'Sell' means the trader believes the pair will decline. An order box should now appear on the trader's screen. First, type in the amount of money to risk on the forex trade - those wishing to trade with leverage can select their preferred multiple, although this is not recommended for beginners. Stop-loss and take-profit orders are also supported by most platforms. To proceed, click on an 'Open Trade' button, with the platform executing the position instantly at the next best available price. While forex trading has never been more accessible for retail clients, choosing a suitable broker is crucial. We have reviewed the best forex trading brokers for 2023 and found a variety of platforms to fill different needs depending on the individual user. For example, Capital.com has a huge range of forex pairs and no commissions, while XTB offers leverage up to 1:500 when trading major pairs. AvaTrade and Trade Nation are heavily regulated offering customers peace of mind.The Best Forex Brokers
Best Forex Trading Platforms Reviewed
1. Capital.com – Trade Over 120 Forex Pairs on a 0% Commission Basis
Capital.com
No. Forex Pairs
124
Pricing System
0% commission on all markets. EUR/USD spreads average 0.6 pips
Min. Deposit
$20 (debit/credit cards and e-wallets). $250 (bank wires)
Top 3 Features
No trading commissions or deposit fees
Trade over 120 forex pairs
Lots of educational materials
2. XTB – Trade Forex Online With Leverage of up to 1:500
XTB
No. Forex Pairs
60+
Pricing System
0% commission on all markets. EUR/USD spreads average 0.8 pips
Min. Deposit
No minimum
Top 3 Features
0% commission on all markets
Advanced trading suite
Leverage of up to 1:500
3. Trade Nation – A Promising Broker In Spread Betting & CFDs With Secure And Transparent Trading
Trade Nation
No. Forex Pairs
Multiple
Pricing System
0% commission; Low fixed-cost spreads; No hidden fees
Min. Deposit
None
Top 3 Features
Real-time news, Market analysis, and Technical indicators.
4. Admirals – Top FX Broker With Low Spreads, Excellent Customer Service, and MetaTrader 5 Integration
Admirals
No. Forex Pairs
82
Pricing System
Low fixed-cost spreads; No hidden fees.
Min. Deposit
$25
Top 3 Features
Real-time news, Market analysis, and Technical indicators.
5. Go Markets – Popular Forex Broker With Both Commission-Free and Zero-Spread Accounts
Go Markets
No. Forex Pairs
49+
Pricing System
Standard accounts offer 0% commission across all markets, with spreads starting from 1 pip. Go Plus accounts offer spreads from 0.0 pips with a $3 commission per traded lot.
Min. Deposit
$200
Top 3 Features
Supports MT4 and MT5
Commission-free and zero-spread accounts supported
Also supports stocks, indices, and other asset classes
6. AvaTrade – 0% Commission Forex Broker With Regulation in Nine Countries
AvaTrade
No. Forex Pairs
40+
Pricing System
0% commission for all supported markets. EUR/USD spreads average 0.9 pips
Min. Deposit
$100
Top 3 Features
Regulated in nine different countries
Leverage of up to 1:400
Multiple ways to trade forex – including options and spread betting
7. Skilling – Low-Fee Forex Broker With Tight Spreads
Skilling
No. Forex Pairs
70+
Pricing System
0% commission on the standard account. $35 commission per $1 million traded on the premium account.
Min. Deposit
$100
Top 3 Features
Native trading suite and mobile app are suitable for beginners
Also supports MT4 and cTrader
Commission-free accounts are available
8. Interactive Brokers – Top Forex Broker for Experienced Traders
Interactive Brokers
No. Forex Pairs
100+
Pricing System
Commissions average 0.08 to 0.20 basis points. Spreads start from 1/10th of a pip
Min. Deposit
No minimum
Top 3 Features
High-level trading suite is aimed at seasoned forex traders
Low commissions and tight spreads
More than 100 forex pairs listed
9. TD Ameritrade – 70+ Tradable Forex Pairs via the Thinkorswim Dashboard
TD Ameritrade
No. Forex Pairs
70+
Pricing System
Spread-only, so commissions are built into the bid and ask prices
Min. Deposit
$2,000 when accessing leveraged products
Top 3 Features
Advanced trading suite, Thinkorswim, is packed with features
Spread-only pricing model
Over 70+ pairs supported
10. Forex.com – Leading Forex Broker for US Clients With Over 80 Pairs
Forex.com
No. Forex Pairs
82
Pricing System
Depends on the account type. Commission-free and zero-spread accounts are available.
Min. Deposit
No minimum, but $1,000 is recommended
Top 3 Features
US-friendly forex broker with leverage of up to 1:50
Supports MT4 and MT5
Accepts debit/credit cards and Paypal
11. E*TRADE – Buy and Sell Physically Settled Forex Futures
E*TRADE
No. Currency Futures
11
Pricing System
$1.50 per futures contract
Min. Deposit
No minimum
Top 3 Features
Trade the forex markets via leveraged futures
No pattern day trading rules
Low contract fees
Top Forex Trading Platforms Compared
Broker
Number of FX Pairs
Pricing
Min. Deposit
Top 3 Features
Capital.com
124
0% commission on all markets. EUR/USD spreads average 0.6 pips
$20
No trading commissions or deposit fees
Trade over 120 forex pairs
Lots of educational materials
XTB
60+
0% commission on all markets. EUR/USD spreads average 0.8 pips
No minimum
0% commission on all markets
Advanced trading suite
Leverage of up to 1:500
GO Markets
49
Standard accounts offer 0% commission across all markets, with spreads starting from 1 pip. Go Plus accounts offer spreads from 0.0 pips with a $3 commission per traded lot.
$200
Supports MT4 and MT5
Commission-free and zero-spread accounts supported
Also supports stocks, indices, and other asset classes
Admirals
82
Depends on MetaTrader account. Typical spreads around 0.8 pips.
$25
Supports MT4 and MT5
Commission-free and zero-spread accounts. MetaTrade Supreme Edition supported. Low spreads overall
AvaTrade
40+
0% commission for all supported markets. EUR/USD spreads average 0.9 pips
$100
Regulated in nine different countries
Leverage of up to 1:400
Multiple ways to trade forex - including options and spread betting
Skilling
70+
0% commission on the standard account. $35 commission per $1 million traded on the premium account.
$100
Native trading suite and mobile app are suitable for beginners
Also supports MT4 and cTrader
Commission-free accounts are available
Interactive Brokers
100+
Commissions average 0.08 to 0.20 basis points. Spreads start from 1/10th of a pip
No minimum
High-level trading suite is aimed at seasoned forex traders
Low commissions and tight spreads
More than 100 forex pairs listed
TD Ameritrade
70+
Spread-only, so commissions are built into the bid and ask prices
$2,000 when accessing leveraged products
Advanced trading suite, Thinkorswim, is packed with features
Spread-only pricing model
Over 70+ pairs supported
Forex.com
80+
Depends on the account type. Commission-free and zero-spread accounts are available.
No minimum, but $1,000 is recommended
US-friendly forex broker with leverage of up to 1:50
Supports MT4 and MT5
Accepts debit/credit cards and Paypal
E*TRADE
11 currency futures
$1.50 per futures contract
No minimum
Trade the forex markets via leveraged futures
No pattern day trading rules
Low contract feesHow Does Forex Trading Work?
How We Select the Best Forex Brokers
Regulation
Range of Pairs
Fees
Tools and Analysis
Minimum Deposit
Demo Account
Mobile App
Payment Methods
Customer Service
Things to Consider Before Trading Forex Pairs
How to Start Forex Trading
Step 1: Open an Account
Step 2: Deposit Funds
Step 3: Search for Forex Pair to Trade
Step 4: Place Forex Trade
Conclusion
References
FAQs
What are the most trusted forex brokers?
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