FOREX.com in 60 Seconds
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Main reason to consider FOREX.com | A choice of proprietary and third-party platforms, with research tools and API trading also available. |
| Biggest drawback | Leverage and protections vary by jurisdiction; the maximum for major FX pairs is generally 1:30 in the UK, EU and Australia, compared with 1:50 for US clients. |
| Minimum deposit | $100. |
| Pricing model | Standard accounts generally use spread-only pricing; RAW Spread accounts add commission, and share CFDs also incur commission. |
| Main platforms | FOREX.com Web Trader and mobile app, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and TradingView. |
| Main markets | Forex, indices, commodities, stocks, bonds, cryptocurrencies and other products. |
| Maximum leverage | Up to 1:50 for US clients and generally up to 1:30 for major FX pairs in the UK, EU and Australia; limits vary by jurisdiction and instrument. |
| Best suited to | Active and experienced forex traders who value platform choice, research and automation options. |
| Less suited to | Traders seeking one globally uniform set of terms, since product availability, leverage and protections differ by jurisdiction. |
FOREX.com combines a relatively accessible $100 minimum with account and regional differences that can materially change the trading experience. Confirm the entity and account terms that apply before comparing costs or leverage.
Pros
- Minimum deposit is $100.
- Offers proprietary platforms, MetaTrader 4 and 5, and TradingView.
- API trading is available, and MT4/MT5 users can use expert advisors.
Cons
- Leverage and product availability vary by jurisdiction and instrument.
- Negative balance protection does not apply uniformly to all clients.
- A $15 monthly inactivity fee applies after 12 months without trading.
How FOREX.com Works
The basic trading model
FOREX.com operates as a market maker and offers leveraged trading across forex, indices, commodities, stocks, bonds, cryptocurrencies and other products. Much of its non-US offering is through derivatives: stock exposure is mainly through share CFDs, which do not confer share ownership or voting rights, while crypto exposure is generally through leveraged derivatives rather than wallet ownership.
Customers can choose the proprietary Web Trader and mobile app, MetaTrader 4 or 5, and TradingView. Standard, RAW Spread and MetaTrader account options are available, although platform and pricing conditions depend on the entity and account.
Important regional differences
FOREX.com’s product range differs by region, and US accounts differ materially from non-US CFD entities. Leverage limits, product availability and client protections also depend on jurisdiction. Check the entity associated with the account rather than assuming that terms in one country apply everywhere.
The Costs That Matter
Trading costs
The averages below are the reported average spreads for the named instruments, not minimum advertised spreads. FOREX.com’s Standard account generally has no commission, with costs built into the spread; RAW Spread pricing starts from 0.0 pips and adds commission. The RAW Spread commission is $5 per $100,000 traded on the cited European account information. Share CFDs incur commission.
| Instrument | Typical / Average Spread | Commission |
|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD | 0.8 pips average | Account-dependent; Standard FX is generally commission-free, while RAW Spread adds commission. |
| GBP/USD | 1.8 pips average | Account-dependent; Standard FX is generally commission-free, while RAW Spread adds commission. |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 0.3 points average | Account-dependent. |
| S&P 500 CFD | 0.4 points average | Account-dependent. |
Non-trading costs
A $15 monthly inactivity fee applies after 12 months without trading. Currency conversion can cost up to 0.5% away from FOREX.com’s quoted rates when realized profits, losses, adjustments or fees are converted to the account’s base currency.
Overnight financing may be charged or credited on positions held through the market close, typically 5 p.m. ET. The amount can be positive or negative depending on the instrument, position and applicable rates. A three-day swap is charged on Wednesdays for weekend settlement. Islamic accounts are designed to avoid overnight swap charges, subject to account availability and approval.
FOREX.com says it charges no deposit fee and no withdrawal fee in its general fee terms, but withdrawal charges can vary by entity and method. For the US entity, wire withdrawals cost $25 domestically or $40 internationally, waived for withdrawals over $10,000. Currency conversion and third-party payment-provider charges may also affect the final amount received.
Cost takeaway
Standard pricing avoids a separate FX commission but builds the trading cost into the spread. RAW Spread pricing separates the spread from commission, so compare both parts for your anticipated trade size. Frequent traders should also account for overnight financing, and clients trading instruments in a different currency from their account should consider conversion charges.
The Costs That Matter
- EUR/USD averages 0.8 pips and GBP/USD averages 1.8 pips.
- Standard accounts generally use spread-only pricing; RAW Spread adds commission.
- A $15 monthly inactivity fee applies after 12 months without trading.
Choosing Your FOREX.com Setup
Account options
| Account | Pricing model | Minimum deposit | Platform access | Main restriction | Most relevant for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Standard spread pricing; commission-free FX/CFD pricing on many entities. | $100; entity-specific currencies can differ (for example, €100 in the EU). | FOREX.com Web Trader and mobile. | Terms and product availability depend on entity. | Traders who prefer spread-based pricing. |
| RAW Spread | Spreads from 0.0 pips, plus $5 per $100,000 traded on the cited European account terms. | $100; entity-specific currencies can differ (for example, €100 in the EU). | FOREX.com platform and MT5 where offered. | Availability and terms depend on entity. | Traders comparing lower spreads with a separate commission. |
| MetaTrader | Competitive spread; zero commission except certain shares on the cited account information. | $100; entity-specific currencies can differ (for example, €100 in the EU). | MT5, and MT4 in some entities. | Account access and platform availability depend on entity. | Traders who want MetaTrader tools or automated strategies. |
Choose between Standard and RAW Spread by comparing spread-based pricing with the separate commission on the RAW account. MetaTrader is a platform-specific option for traders who want MT4 or MT5 functionality; access to MT4 and MT5 varies by entity. The general minimum deposit is $100, but there is no universal account-specific minimum published for these account types.
Platform choices
| Platform | Web | Desktop | Mobile | Automation | Main Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile | No | No | Yes | Not documented as a native user-programmable engine in the mobile app | Mobile-specific interface; advanced automated trading is handled through other supported platforms/integrations. |
| MetaTrader 4 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes — Expert Advisors (MQL4) on the desktop/VPS environment | Full MQL4/EAs/custom-script functionality is desktop/VPS-centric; the browser/mobile clients do not provide the full desktop automation environment. |
| MetaTrader 5 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes — Expert Advisors (MQL5), Strategy Tester and MQL5 automation on desktop/VPS | Full EA/custom-code development and testing are desktop/VPS-centric; browser/mobile versions are primarily for trading and monitoring. |
| TradingView | Yes | Yes | Yes | Partial — Pine strategies, server-side alerts and webhooks; direct unattended live execution requires a compatible broker/API/bridge | TradingView strategy orders are evaluated by its broker emulator; a Pine strategy by itself is not universal live broker auto-execution. |
Base currency and account configuration
Account base currencies include USD, EUR, GBP, AUD and CAD. If a trade or account adjustment is denominated in another currency, conversion to the base currency can incur a fee of up to 0.5% away from FOREX.com’s quoted rates. Demo accounts are available. Islamic swap-free accounts are generally available upon request after opening a standard account.
Choosing Your FOREX.com Setup
- Standard, RAW Spread and MetaTrader account options are available.
- Supported platforms include Web Trader, mobile, MT4, MT5 and TradingView.
- Base currencies include USD, EUR, GBP, AUD and CAD.
What You Can Trade
FOREX.com offers leveraged exposure across several market categories, but the product range varies by region. Derivative exposure is not the same as owning the underlying asset; this distinction is particularly relevant to share CFDs and cryptocurrency products.
| Market | Approx. Number | Important Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forex | 80 | Leveraged FX trading. Leverage, swap charges and pair availability can differ by account and legal entity. US accounts differ materially from non-US CFD entities. |
| Indices | 17 | Exposure is through leveraged derivatives rather than ownership of an index. Cash or futures pricing, trading hours and overnight charges can differ. |
| Commodities | 26 | Exposure is mainly through leveraged derivatives linked to spot or futures prices. Rollover, financing and trading-hour breaks can apply. |
| Stocks | 4,500 | Share exposure is mainly through CFDs; traders do not own the shares or receive voting rights. Short positions and overnight financing can apply. |
| Bonds | 12 | Bond or rates exposure, when available, is generally through a derivative rather than direct ownership of the bond. |
| Cryptocurrencies | 12 | Crypto exposure is generally through leveraged derivatives rather than wallet ownership. Availability can be restricted by jurisdiction. |
| Other | 20 | This category can include ETFs, futures, options, baskets or other leveraged products. Eligibility, margin and trading hours can differ by platform and account. |
What You Can Trade
- The product range includes 80 forex pairs and 17 indices.
- Stock exposure is mainly through CFDs, without share ownership or voting rights.
- Crypto exposure is generally through leveraged derivatives rather than wallet ownership.
What Trading Is Like in Practice
Order execution
FOREX.com operates as a market maker. Fast-moving markets can produce fills above or below the requested price; FOREX.com can also provide price improvement when a better level is available. This means a requested price is not guaranteed during rapid market moves.
Leverage, margin and stop-out
Maximum leverage for major FX pairs depends on jurisdiction: it reaches 1:50 for US clients and is generally limited to 1:30 in the UK, EU and Australia. Minor pairs and indices are often around 1:20, while commodities may be around 1:10. Leverage also varies by instrument and account.
The margin-call level is 100% and the stop-out level is 50%. Margin closeout settings can vary by account, with some MetaTrader accounts using a 100% closeout level. Check the rules for the specific entity and platform before opening leveraged positions.
Trading restrictions
FOREX.com allows scalping and news trading. Hedging is generally available outside the US, but US NFA rules require first-in-first-out treatment and prohibit holding opposing positions in the same pair. API trading is available to clients with a Standard or Commission account who request access; MT4 and MT5 also support automated strategies through expert advisors.
FOREX.com offers copy trading primarily through MT4 Signals. Social-trading tools also include SMART Signals, TradingView community ideas and MetaTrader signal providers. Copying trades does not remove the need to set and monitor risk controls.
Day-to-day usability
FOREX.com’s proprietary platforms include charting, technical indicators, market analysis and performance analytics. The broker also offers a REST API for real-time streaming prices, order execution, account management and historical data. MT4/MT5 expert-advisor automation is centered on desktop or VPS use rather than the full browser or mobile interfaces.
What Trading Is Like in Practice
- Scalping and news trading are allowed.
- US NFA rules prohibit direct hedging of opposing positions in the same pair.
- Fast markets can produce slippage, while price improvement is possible when a better level is available.
From Sign-Up to First Trade
1. Eligibility
FOREX.com does not accept clients from a range of restricted countries, including Afghanistan, France, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Serbia, Venezuela and Zimbabwe, among others. Check eligibility for your country before applying, since access depends on jurisdiction.
2. Registration
Choose the account and platform that match your intended use. FOREX.com offers Standard, RAW Spread and MetaTrader account options, and account terms vary by entity. The general minimum deposit is $100.
3. Verification
Account verification is mandatory. Applicants typically need a government-issued photo ID and proof of address dated within the previous six months. US applicants must also provide a Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number. Verification usually takes one to two business days; the account holder’s name must match the submitted documents.
4. Initial funding
Choose a deposit method available for your entity and account. The deposit minimum is $100 for the methods shown in this review. Card and supported e-wallet deposits are processed immediately, while wire deposits can take one to two business days before settlement.
5. Getting ready to trade
After verification and funding, select the platform and review the leverage, margin and product terms applicable to your entity. Demo accounts are available for practice. API access requires a Standard or Commission account and a request to customer service.
From Sign-Up to First Trade
- The general minimum deposit is $100.
- Verification typically requires photo ID and proof of address, and usually takes one to two business days.
- US applicants must also provide a Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number.
Depositing and Withdrawing Money
Deposits
| Method | Minimum | Broker Fee | Broker Processing | Expected Settlement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $100 | Not publicly specified, check broker Client Portal/payment provider | Immediate | Immediate | |
| $100 | Not publicly specified, check broker Client Portal/payment provider | Immediate | Immediate | |
| $100 | Not publicly specified, check broker Client Portal/payment provider | 1–2 business days | 1–2 business days | |
| $100 | Not publicly specified, check broker Client Portal/payment provider | Immediate | Immediate | |
| $100 | Not publicly specified, check broker Client Portal/payment provider | Immediate | Immediate | |
| $100 | Not publicly specified, check broker Client Portal/payment provider | Immediate | Immediate | |
| $100 | Not publicly specified, check broker Client Portal/payment provider | Immediate | Immediate | |
| $100 | Not publicly specified, check broker Client Portal/payment provider | Immediate | Immediate | |
| $100 | Not publicly specified, check broker Client Portal/payment provider | Immediate | Immediate |
Processing and settlement are separate stages. A method with immediate broker processing may still be subject to payment-provider or bank handling outside the broker’s control.
Withdrawals
| Method | Minimum | Broker Fee | Broker Processing | Expected Settlement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 units of account base currency, or full balance if lower | No FOREX.com withdrawal fee on card return | Up to 24 hours broker processing | US entity: debit-card return is processed immediately | |
| 100 units of account base currency, or full balance if lower | No FOREX.com withdrawal fee on card return | Up to 24 hours broker processing | US entity: debit-card return is processed immediately | |
| 100 units of account base currency, or full balance if lower | US entity: $25 domestic / $40 international | Up to 48 hours broker processing | US entity: up to 2 business days domestic / up to 5 business days international, plus bank posting time | |
| 100 units of account base currency, or full balance if lower | Entity-specific | Usually immediate after approval in supported regions | Usually immediate after approval in supported regions | |
| 100 units of account base currency, or full balance if lower | Entity-specific | Usually immediate after approval in supported regions | Usually immediate after approval in supported regions | |
| 100 units of account base currency, or full balance if lower | No standard withdrawal fee (US entity), other entities may differ | Up to 24 hours broker processing | Up to 24 hours broker processing | |
| 100 units of account base currency, or full balance if lower | Entity-specific | Usually immediate after approval in supported regions | Usually immediate after approval in supported regions |
For the US entity, card withdrawals may be processed within 24 hours, while a wire can take up to 48 hours for broker processing and then up to two business days domestically or five internationally, plus bank posting time. Other entities and payment providers may use different timelines and fees.
Depositing and Withdrawing Money
- The deposit minimum is $100 for the payment methods shown in the deposit table.
- US wire withdrawals have a $25 domestic or $40 international fee, waived above $10,000.
- US international wire settlement can take up to five business days after broker processing, plus bank posting time.
Customer Support
| Support Channel | Available | Hours | Languages / Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live Chat | Yes | 24/5 support | English and Spanish. |
| Yes | 24/5 support | [email protected] | |
| Phone | Yes | 24/5 support | 1-877-367-3946 |
Availability
FOREX.com offers live chat, email and phone support 24/5. English and Spanish support are available.
How traders can get help
Customers can contact support through live chat, email at [email protected] or by phone at 1-877-367-3946. API users can request access through customer service and have a dedicated API support team.
Support limitations
Customer feedback is generally positive about helpful guidance and response times, but some traders report difficulty resolving withdrawal issues and occasional rude or dismissive interactions. These complaints appear less often than positive support experiences.
Customer Support
- Live chat, email and phone support operate 24/5.
- Support languages include English and Spanish.
- Some customer reports describe difficult withdrawal resolutions and dismissive interactions.
What Protects Your Money?
FOREX.com operates through regulated entities in several jurisdictions, and the regulator and protections that apply depend on the client’s location and account entity. The company is a brand and wholly owned subsidiary of StoneX Group Inc., which is publicly traded on Nasdaq.
Legal entities and regulators
| Client Region | Regulator | License / Registration | Main Protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | CFTC / NFA | 0339826 | US clients are subject to the applicable CFTC/NFA framework; negative balance protection may not apply. |
| United Kingdom | FCA | 113942 | Eligible U.K. clients may have FSCS cover. |
| Australia | ASIC | AFSL 345646 | Protections depend on the account and applicable Australian rules. |
| Canada | CIRO | CIRO Investment Dealer | Protections depend on the Canadian entity and applicable rules. |
| Cyprus | CySEC | 400/21 | Eligible retail clients of StoneX Europe Ltd may have Cyprus ICF cover up to €20,000. |
| Singapore | MAS | - | Protections depend on the applicable Singapore entity and rules. |
FOREX.com also identifies regulatory jurisdictions in Japan and the Cayman Islands, but the client protections and entity terms should be checked for the account in question.
Client money protections
FOREX.com says retail client money is held in separate accounts at top-tier banks, apart from corporate funds, and that it performs daily segregated-funds calculations. Segregation is a client-money safeguard, not a guarantee against trading losses or a substitute for an investor-compensation scheme.
Eligible retail clients of StoneX Europe Ltd may qualify for Cyprus ICF cover up to €20,000; U.K. clients may also qualify for FSCS cover. Negative balance protection applies to some retail clients, particularly in ESMA-regulated regions, but is not universal. It may not apply to US clients, and professional clients may not qualify where the protection is limited to retail accounts.
Company transparency
FOREX.com was founded in 2001 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of StoneX Group Inc., listed on Nasdaq under the ticker SNEX. StoneX acquired FOREX.com from GAIN Capital Holdings in 2020.
Important distinction
Segregation and compensation schemes concern broker failure and client-money protection, subject to the relevant rules and eligibility. They do not protect an account from losses caused by market movements or leveraged trading.
What Protects Your Money?
- Retail client money is held separately from corporate funds, according to FOREX.com.
- Eligible StoneX Europe Ltd retail clients may qualify for Cyprus ICF cover up to €20,000; U.K. clients may also qualify for FSCS cover.
- Negative balance protection varies by jurisdiction and client type.
The Biggest Catch With FOREX.com
What the headline claim suggests
FOREX.com offers multiple platforms, broad regulatory reach and leverage of up to 1:50. Those features can sound like a single, consistent package across the brand.
What happens in practice
Account terms depend on the client’s jurisdiction and entity. For major FX pairs, US clients can have maximum leverage of 1:50, while UK, EU and Australian clients are generally limited to 1:30. Product availability also differs between US accounts and non-US CFD entities, and negative balance protection does not apply universally.
Who should care most
Clients comparing headline leverage, market access or safeguards across countries should identify their contracting entity first. The same brand name does not mean the same product range or protection applies to every client.
Practical example
A trader comparing the headline maximum of 1:50 with a UK, EU or Australian account should use the generally applicable 1:30 limit for major FX pairs when assessing that account, not the US maximum.
Who FOREX.com Is Really For
Consider FOREX.com if you...
- Trade forex actively and want a choice of proprietary platforms, MetaTrader and TradingView.
- Use automated strategies and value MT4/MT5 expert advisors, API trading or VPS hosting.
- Want access to research tools, market analysis and a demo account alongside live trading.
You may want to look elsewhere if you...
- Need the same leverage, protections and product range regardless of where you live.
- Want negative balance protection to apply uniformly to every account type and jurisdiction.
- Trade infrequently and want to avoid a monthly inactivity fee after 12 months without trading.
The Bottom Line
FOREX.com’s strongest proposition is its combination of platform choice, research and tools for active forex traders. Its biggest compromise is that leverage, product availability, costs and protections vary by entity, so the brand’s headline terms do not apply uniformly. Traders willing to check their local account terms before funding are most likely to accept that trade-off.
How We Reviewed FOREX.com
This review assesses FOREX.com’s account pricing, spreads, product range, platforms, funding conditions, support and regulatory protections, while preserving differences between entities and account types. Broker claims, regulator records, structured product and payment details, and customer feedback are treated as distinct forms of evidence; no personal trading test is claimed. For more detail on how brokers are assessed, see our review methodology.
Contact Info
- Website:
- https://www.forex.com.com
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 1-877-367-3946
- Company Address:
- 30 Independence Blvd, Suite 300 (3rd floor), Warren, NJ 07059, USA
FAQ
Is FOREX.com regulated?
FOREX.com operates through entities regulated in jurisdictions including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Cyprus and Singapore. The applicable regulator and protections depend on the client’s location and account entity.
Is FOREX.com legitimate, and what protections apply?
FOREX.com is a brand and wholly owned subsidiary of publicly traded StoneX Group Inc. Retail client money is held separately from corporate funds, according to FOREX.com. Compensation arrangements and negative balance protection depend on jurisdiction and client eligibility.
What is the minimum deposit at FOREX.com?
The minimum deposit is $100. Payment options and processing conditions vary by method and entity.
What does FOREX.com charge for trading?
Standard accounts generally use spread-only pricing, while RAW Spread accounts add commission to spreads from 0.0 pips. The reported average spreads include 0.8 pips for EUR/USD and 1.8 pips for GBP/USD. Overnight financing, currency conversion and inactivity fees can also apply.
Which platforms and account types does FOREX.com offer?
Platform options include FOREX.com’s Web Trader and mobile app, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and TradingView. Account options include Standard, RAW Spread and MetaTrader, with availability and terms varying by entity.
Does FOREX.com offer a demo account, scalping and automated trading?
Demo accounts are available, and scalping is allowed. API trading is available by request to eligible Standard or Commission account holders; MT4 and MT5 support expert advisors. FOREX.com also supports copy trading primarily through MT4 Signals.
What is FOREX.com’s maximum leverage?
Maximum leverage for major FX pairs reaches 1:50 for US clients and is generally limited to 1:30 in the UK, EU and Australia. Limits can be lower for other instruments and vary by jurisdiction and account.
How long do FOREX.com withdrawals take, and does it offer negative balance protection?
Withdrawal timing depends on method and entity. US wire withdrawals can take up to 48 hours for broker processing, followed by up to two business days domestically or five internationally, plus bank posting time. Negative balance protection applies to some retail clients, especially in ESMA-regulated regions, but is not universal and may not apply to US clients.