Best Forex Brokers for Beginners
The 10 Best Forex Brokers for Beginners Unveiled
After evaluating and testing hundreds of top-rated Forex and CFD brokers, we’ve compiled a list of the ten best brokers tailored for beginner traders.
What You’ll Discover in This Comprehensive Guide:
- Why Choosing the Right Forex Broker is Essential for Beginners
- The 10 Best Forex Brokers for Beginners
- Top Recommended Brokers for New Traders
- Regulated Brokers Specifically for Beginners
- Step-by-Step Guide to Opening Your First Forex Trading Account
- Our Final Thoughts on Forex Brokers for Beginners
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Top 10 Forex Brokers
- And Much More!
If you’re ready to dive into the world of Forex trading with confidence, this guide to the 10 Best Forex Brokers for Beginners is your starting point. Let’s get started!
Why Is Choosing the Right Forex Broker Essential for Beginners?
Selecting the right forex broker is vital for beginners because it significantly influences their trading experience and opportunities for growth. A reliable broker not only simplifies the trading process but also offers valuable educational resources, empowering new traders to develop effective strategies and manage risks effectively.
A supportive and well-regulated broker helps beginners navigate market volatility and make informed decisions with confidence. Adhering to regulatory standards also ensures a secure trading environment, reducing unnecessary risks and building trust.
In summary, partnering with a competent broker is a crucial step for beginners to confidently and successfully navigate the forex market.
Read Review | USD 100 | Visit Broker | ||
Read Review | USD 5 | Visit Broker | ||
Read Review | USD 200 | Visit Broker | ||
4 | Read Review | USD 200 | Visit Broker | |
5 | Read Review | USD 10 | Visit Broker | |
6 | Read Review | USD 25 | Visit Broker | |
7 | Read Review | USD 100 | Visit Broker | |
8 | Read Review | USD 10 | Visit Broker | |
9 | Read Review | USD 100 | Visit Broker | |
10 | Read Review | USD 1 | Visit Broker |
The Best Brokers for Beginners
Broker Name | Account Types | Minimum Deposit | Demo Account | Open Account |
AvaTrade | Standard Account, Demo Account, Spread Betting Account | $100 | Open Account | |
Plus500 | Standard Account, Plus500 Options Account | $100 | Open Account | |
XM | Standard Account, Micro Account, Ultra Low Account, Shares Account, Zero Account, Demo Account | $5 (depending on region and payment method) | Open Account | |
Exness | Standard Account, Raw Spread Account, Zero Account, Pro Account, Demo Account | $1 (Standard accounts) | Open Account | |
FXCM | Standard Account, Active Trader Account, Demo Account | $50 (standard and active trader accounts) | Open Account | |
Pepperstone | Standard Account, Razor Account, Institutional Account, Demo Account | $200 | Open Account | |
XTB | Standard Account, Pro Account, Demo Account | €250 | Open Account | |
HFM | Standard Account, Zero Spread Account, Premium Account, Islamic Account, Demo Account | $100 | Open Account | |
eToro | Standard Account, Club Account, Pro Account, CopyTrader Account, Demo Account | $10 (USD or equivalent) | Open Account | |
IG | Standard Account, Spread Betting Account, CFD Account, Demo Account | $250 | Open Account |
AvaTrade
AvaTrade is a highly trusted broker, regulated by multiple top-tier authorities, including ASIC and CySEC.
With over 15 years of experience, the platform has built a stellar reputation, earning numerous industry awards. AvaTrade provides a secure trading environment, making it an excellent choice for new traders entering the market.
The broker offers a variety of beginner-friendly platforms, such as WebTrader, MetaTrader 4 and 5, and the AvaTradeGO mobile app, ensuring a seamless and accessible trading experience across different devices.
Features
AvaTrade Features | Information |
Regulation | Central Bank of Ireland (CBI), BVI FSC, ASIC, FSCA, JFSA, FFAJ, ADGM, CySEC, ISA, KNF, IIROC |
Demo Account | Yes |
Non-expiring Demo | No |
Demo Duration | 21 days |
Starting spread | 0.9 pips EUR/USD |
Minimum Commission | None; only the spread is charged |
Maximum Leverage | 1:30 (Retail)
1:400 (Pro) |
Minimum Deposit | $100 |
Education for Beginners | Yes |
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
AvaTrade offers over 1,260 instruments that can be traded | AvaTrade charges inactivity fees on dormant accounts |
There are fixed spreads from 0.6 pips on the Pro and 0.9 pips on the Retail Account | The demo account is available for 21 days |
AvaTrade offers an Islamic Account to Muslim traders with its own set of halal markets | Deposit and withdrawal options are limited |
There is a free demo account available | The full range of instruments is only available on MetaTrader 5 |
AvaTrade offers several powerful trading platforms | There are limited retail account options, and AvaTrade does not have a Cent or Micro Account |
AvaTrade is a secure and trusted broker with Tier-1, 2, and 3 regulations globally | Leverage is capped at 1:30 for retail accounts |
Plus500
Plus500 offers a robust trading platform and tools, though its educational resources are less prominent compared to its competitors. The platform provides aspiring traders with a risk-free demo account, which can be used indefinitely to practice strategies and refine them over time.
Account registration is straightforward, with a low minimum deposit of $100, making it accessible to a wide range of traders. Once the account is funded, trading can begin immediately. The broker also supports a variety of global payment options for deposits and withdrawals, ensuring convenience and flexibility for its users.
Plus500 excels in customer service, delivering prompt and informative responses to trader inquiries. This high level of support is particularly beneficial for beginners who may need additional guidance as they navigate the early stages of their trading journey.
Features
Plus500 Features | Information |
Regulation | ASIC, FSCA, FCA, CySEC, FSA Seychelles, MAS |
Demo Account | Yes |
Non-expiring Demo | Yes |
Demo Duration | Unlimited |
Starting spread | From 0.8 pips |
Minimum Commission | None; only the spread is charged |
Maximum Leverage | 1:300 |
Minimum Deposit | 100 USD |
Education for Beginners | Yes |
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
Plus500 offers user-friendly trading platforms with customizable features, allowing traders to effectively apply their strategies. | While Plus500’s design is user-friendly, it lacks comprehensive training resources and information for traders looking to increase their knowledge and skills. |
Traders can access a wide range of financial assets, such as FX pairings, equities, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, which offer a variety of trading options. | Plus500 may offer fewer research tools and market analysis resources than other brokers, which could be detrimental for traders who rely heavily on such information. |
Plus500 improves the trading experience by providing new trading tools such as customizable price notifications, powerful charting tools, and risk management options such as guaranteed stop orders. | Plus500 charges inactivity fees for accounts that remain dormant for a fixed period, potentially penalizing traders who do not trade regularly. |
Plus500 is regulated by reputable financial institutions like as the FCA, ASIC, and CySEC, ensuring the safety and security of customer assets and instilling trust in traders. | While Plus500 offers customer service via email and live chat, some traders may find the lack of phone support frustrating, especially in urgent situations. |
XM
XM excels in delivering educational resources tailored for traders at all levels. Their offerings include webinars in 19 languages, alongside an extensive collection of videos and articles designed to benefit both beginners and seasoned professionals. Live education sessions, combined with XM’s in-depth trading courses, provide valuable insights into the complexities of Forex trading.
Opening an account with XM is simple and accessible, with a minimum deposit requirement of just $5—ideal for those new to trading. The process involves submitting personal information and selecting your trading account preferences. For beginners, XM also offers a demo account, allowing users to practice and refine their skills without financial risk.
XM further supports traders through robust customer service, providing essential guidance as they navigate their trading journey. This assistance is particularly beneficial for newcomers, helping them understand trading platforms and develop effective strategies.
Features
XM Features | Information |
Regulation | FSCA, IFSC, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, FCA |
Demo Account | Yes |
Non-expiring Demo | Yes, if it remains in use |
Demo Duration | Unlimited, but inactive accounts expire after 90 days |
Starting spread | From 0.7 pips |
Minimum Commission | From $1 per share |
Maximum Leverage | 1:1000 |
Minimum Deposit | 5 USD |
Education for Beginners | Yes |
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
The XM accounts are accessible to all types of traders | Spreads can fluctuate drastically and quickly |
Traders can use leverage up to 1:1000 | There are position size limits according to the trading account |
XM caters to various trading strategies | ompared to alternative brokerages, XM offers a relatively limited assortment of cryptocurrencies, which may restrict the range of options available to traders interested in acquiring a diverse selection of crypto assets. |
There is a diverse range of tradable instruments | Traders may incur inactivity penalties if their accounts remain inactive for prolonged durations. This situation may present a challenge for infrequent traders. |
XM offers multi-currency accounts | XM functions through the implementation of variable spreads, the magnitude of which traders may perceive as being greater during periods of heightened market volatility. |
XM applies for negative balance protection | XM, in comparison to certain industry rivals, does not consistently provide fixed deposit advantages, potentially impeding traders who are in search of supplementary incentives. |
A cent account is provided by XM, enabling traders, particularly novices in the field, to commence their endeavours with more modest investments while efficiently mitigating their risk exposure. | A number of traders are perplexed by XM’s fee structure, which varies by account category and has the potential to cause some users to become confused. |
XM’s platform provides traders with competitive margins that not only enhance cost-effectiveness but also possess the potential to optimise profits. | Depending on the regulatory climate, traders whose strategies favour higher leverage ratios may face repercussions if XM is able to enforce leverage restrictions. |
Exness
Exness is regulated by several reputable institutions, ensuring a high level of security and integrity in all trading activities. This robust oversight provides peace of mind, allowing even beginner traders to engage confidently and securely on the platform.
The broker offers user-friendly trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. These platforms are well-known for their intuitive interfaces and extensive trading features, making it easier for novice traders to learn and execute trades effectively.
Exness offers a wealth of educational resources, including webinars, tutorials, and articles, covering everything from the fundamentals of forex trading to advanced strategies. These materials are instrumental in helping beginners build their expertise in the field.
The account opening process with Exness is straightforward and transparent, featuring a range of account options designed to accommodate various trading styles and preferences. For beginners, the platform also provides demo accounts, enabling them to practice and gain experience without any financial risk.
Exness takes pride in offering outstanding customer support in multiple languages, ensuring that new traders receive timely assistance and guidance as they embark on their trading journey.
Features
Exness Features | Information |
Regulation | FSA, CBCS, FSC, FSC BVI, FSCA, CySEC, FCA, CMA |
Demo Account | Yes |
Non-expiring Demo | No |
Demo Duration | 21-days |
Starting spread | 0.0 pips EUR/USD |
Minimum Commission | From $0.1 per side, per lot |
Maximum Leverage | Unlimited |
Minimum Deposit | Depends on the payment method |
Education for Beginners | Yes |
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
Exness offers real-time data on spreads and execution speeds. | Some traders may find the educational resources less comprehensive. |
User-friendly interfaces make it suitable for both novice and experienced traders. | Enhanced personalized support could further improve the trading experience for users in the UAE |
Competitive and low spreads contribute to cost-effective trading. | |
Exness is a secure and highly well-regulated broker |
FXCM
FXCM stands out as an excellent broker for beginners, offering a wealth of educational resources to help new traders build a strong foundation in forex trading. These resources include webinars, seminars, video tutorials, and written materials, all designed to teach the basics of trading and aid in developing effective strategies.
The broker also features a user-friendly and technologically advanced account opening process, requiring a minimum deposit of just $50 for both European and non-EU clients. This low entry barrier enables beginners to start trading without a substantial financial commitment. To begin, traders need to select a suitable strategy and account type, provide personal information, and submit identity verification documents.
Additionally, FXCM offers 24/7 customer support to address any questions or concerns. Traders can reach the support team via live chat, email, or phone, ensuring timely and friendly assistance. This level of support is especially valuable for new traders as they navigate the complexities of the trading world.
Features
FXCM Features | Information |
Regulation | FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSCA |
Demo Account | Yes |
Non-expiring Demo | Yes, if frequently used (Trade Station) |
Demo Duration | Unlimited if used, 30 days if there is a long period of inactivity |
Starting spread | 0.2 pips on EUR/USD, Variable |
Minimum Commission | None; only the spread is charged |
Maximum Leverage | 1:30 under FCA
1:400 under other market regulators |
Minimum Deposit | $50 USD |
Education for Beginners | Yes |
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
FXCM promises a simple account opening procedure. | Focuses only on trading CFDs. |
Traders can expect to have access to top-notch tools for technical investigation. | High costs for bank withdrawals. |
There is excellent instructional material on the FXCM website. | Within the product portfolios of other brokers, the selection of tradable marketplaces is more limited. |
For its platforms and tools, professional trading, algorithmic trading, and social copy trading, FXCM is acknowledged as the Best in Class. | Average cost in relation to other brokers. |
Numerous platform options are available that facilitate automated trading strategies and have strong charting features. | Buy order swap prices are higher than those at other brokers that are similar. |
Known for offering very competitive dealing spreads on CFDs and forex currency pairings, FXCM is a zero-commission broker. | Despite the quick execution, slippage does happen. |
A respectable selection of tradable assets is offered by FXCM. | |
Traders may anticipate research that combines materials from outside sources with internal content. | |
Excellent customer assistance is provided via a variety of methods. | |
In all markets, instantaneous order execution is expected. | |
overseen and controlled by two Tier 1 and Tier 2 regulatory bodies |
Pepperstone
Pepperstone is highly regarded for its commitment to regulatory compliance and the security of client funds, with oversight from several respected global agencies.
It operates under the regulation of top-tier authorities such as the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), ensuring a secure trading environment.
Client funds are kept separate from the company’s assets, offering an added layer of protection. However, Pepperstone does not hold a banking license and is not publicly listed, which could affect perceptions of its safety.
The broker offers a range of trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, which are known for their functionality. Some users, however, might find these platforms to be somewhat basic.
Pepperstone, in contrast, integrates with other trading platforms like TradingView, offering users access to more advanced tools. However, some beginners might see the absence of a proprietary platform and social trading features as a drawback.
The broker provides educational resources for traders of all experience levels, from beginners to professionals. Additionally, Pepperstone operates under regulation and offers demo accounts, allowing novice traders to practice without taking on excessive risk.
The account opening process with Pepperstone is fast and fully digital, with no minimum deposit, making it accessible for new traders. To complete authentication, users must submit personal information and proof of residency. However, demo accounts are only available for 30 days, which may limit the ability to fully familiarize oneself with the platform.
Pepperstone has earned a strong reputation for its award-winning customer service, available through phone, email, and live chat. During peak periods, response times are impressive, with an average turnaround of under 5 minutes.
Features
Pepperstone Features | Information |
Regulation | ASIC, BaFin, CMA, CySEC, DFSA, FCA and SCB |
Demo Account | Yes |
Non-expiring Demo | No, only if you have a funded live account |
Demo Duration | 30 days if a live account is not registered |
Starting spread | Variable, from 0.0 pips EUR/USD |
Minimum Commission | From AU$7 |
Maximum Leverage | 1:500 (Professional)
1:200 (Retail) – Depending on the jurisdiction |
Minimum Deposit | AU$200 |
Education for Beginners | Yes |
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
Ultra-low spreads, particularly on major currency pairs. | Limited range of tradable assets compared to some other brokers. |
Fast execution speeds with minimal slippage. | Inactivity fee charged for dormant accounts. |
Cutting-edge trading technology including MetaTrader platforms and cTrader. | Some traders may find the initial deposit requirement relatively high. |
Variety of account types to suit different trading styles. | Limited access to social trading features. |
Excellent customer service and support. | Limited range of tradable assets compared to some other brokers. |
XTB
XTB is regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), ensuring a high level of trust and security. Retail investor funds are kept separate in accordance with regulatory requirements, offering added protection.
Trader funds are safeguarded by the UK’s Financial Services Compensation Scheme, which provides coverage up to £85,000, while the Cyprus Investor Compensation Fund insures European traders’ funds up to €20,000.
Known for its outstanding design and intuitive interface, XTB also provides an extensive range of educational materials and research tools, catering to both beginners and advanced traders. In 2024, it earned the Best in Class for Research award.
They offer a broad range of educational resources that are widely praised for their depth and variety. These materials cater to traders of all skill levels, making them an excellent choice for beginners looking to enhance their understanding of trading and financial markets.
XTB’s account setup process is simple and fully online, requiring only a small amount of time to complete. This ease of access is ideal for new traders eager to start trading quickly.
They provide outstanding customer support through phone, email, and live chat, with response times under 5 minutes during testing. This prompt assistance is invaluable for new users needing help with navigating the platform or addressing any issues.
Features
XTB Features | Information |
Regulation | FCA, ACPR, BaFin, DFSA, KNF, CNMV, FSCA, CySEC, IFSC |
Demo Account | Yes |
Non-expiring Demo | No |
Demo Duration | 30 days |
Starting spread | 0.5 pips EUR/USD |
Minimum Commission | None on Forex, Stocks, ETFs, Crypto |
Maximum Leverage | 1:500 |
Minimum Deposit | 0 USD |
Education for Beginners | Yes |
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
xStation 5 is ideal for all traders | XTB has fewer tradable instruments compared to other brokers |
XTB is known for its fast, high-quality customer support | Inactivity fees apply |
XTB offers several educational resources | UK/EU clients are limited to 1:30 leverage |
The spreads with XTB are reasonable Withdrawal fees apply | Withdrawal fees apply |