Charles Schwab vs FXCM - BrokerCue
BrokerCue

Select your country to see eligible brokers

Account eligibility and broker availability depend on your country of residence. Setting this now allows us to hide brokers that do not accept clients from your country.

Broker Comparison

Charles Schwab vs FXCM

Compare Charles Schwab and FXCM side by side: fees, regulation, platforms.

Charles Schwab

Charles Schwab

Investors who want brokerage, trading, and advice options

Charles Schwab combines $0 online listed stock and ETF commissions with thinkorswim platforms, fractional S&P…

VS
FXCM

FXCM

Forex and algo traders

FXCM is a forex and CFD broker founded in 1999, offering 40+ currency pairs, CFDs, crypto CFDs, spread bettin…

Head-to-head comparison

Charles Schwab vs FXCM
Feature Charles Schwab FXCM
Minimum deposit - -
Stock trading fee $0 online commission for listed stocks and ETFs; US OTC equities $6.95 -
Regulators SIPC, FDIC, CFTC, NFA FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSCA
Best for Investors who want brokerage, trading, and advice options Forex and algo traders
Markets & account
Stocks
-
ETFs
-
Forex
CFDs
-
Crypto
Bonds
-
Options
-
Futures
-
Funds
-
Fractional Shares
-
Ready Made Portfolios
-
Money Market Funds
-
Margin
Demo Account
Spread Betting
-

Pros & cons

Charles Schwab

Charles Schwab

Pros

  • $0 online listed stock and ETF commissions reduce trading costs
  • $0 brokerage opening, maintenance, and account minimums
  • Stock Slices let clients buy S&P 500 fractional shares from $5
  • paperMoney offers simulated trading on thinkorswim platforms
  • Schwab Intelligent Portfolios has no advisory fee or commissions
  • Treasuries trade online for $0 commission
  • Investor Checking has no monthly service or foreign transaction fees

Cons

  • Options carry a $0.65 per-contract fee
  • Broker-assisted stock and ETF trades add a $25 service charge
  • US OTC equities cost $6.95 online
  • Other mutual funds can cost up to $74.95 per purchase
  • Stock Slices are limited to S&P 500 companies
  • Day trading on thinkorswim requires margin approval and $25,000 equity
  • Futures and forex accounts are not protected by SIPC
  • Direct crypto cannot currently be traded in a Schwab brokerage account
FXCM

FXCM

Pros

  • No account opening or deposit fees
  • Strong algorithmic trading support with APIs and third-party integrations
  • Spread betting available for UK clients (tax-free gains)
  • Multiple regulated entities across UK, Australia, EU, and South Africa
  • Free demo account with up to $20,000 in virtual funds
  • Commission-free standard accounts
  • Advanced Trading Station platform with 115+ indicators
  • Active Trader rebates for high-volume traders

Cons

  • Banned from US market since 2017 following CFTC fraud findings
  • Past regulatory fines from FCA and CFTC remain on record
  • Inactivity fee after 12 months
  • Wire withdrawal carries a $25 correspondent bank charge
  • Limited stock CFD range compared to multi-asset competitors
  • No MetaTrader 5 support
  • Active Trader minimum deposit is $25,000
Charles Schwab

Charles Schwab

Charles Schwab combines $0 online listed stock and ETF commissions with thinkorswim platforms, fractional S&P 500 Stock Slices, and automated portfolios.

Visit Charles Schwab Read review

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply.

FXCM

FXCM

FXCM is a forex and CFD broker founded in 1999, offering 40+ currency pairs, CFDs, crypto CFDs, spread betting for UK clients, and strong algorithmic trading support.

Visit FXCM Read review

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply.

Not the right match?

Line up any two brokers side by side, or browse the full list to find your next platform.

Compare another broker Browse all brokers