Firstrade vs FXCM - BrokerCue
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Broker Comparison

Firstrade vs FXCM

Compare Firstrade and FXCM side by side: fees, regulation, platforms.

Firstrade

Firstrade

Cost-conscious US stock, ETF and options traders

Firstrade is a US online broker with $0 online trades for stocks, ETFs, options and mutual funds, plus mobileโ€ฆ

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 bettinโ€ฆ

Head-to-head comparison

Firstrade vs FXCM
Feature Firstrade FXCM
Minimum deposit $0 -
Stock trading fee $0 commission -
Regulators FINRA FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSCA
Best for Cost-conscious US stock, ETF and options traders Forex and algo traders
Markets & account
Stocks
-
ETFs
-
Forex
-
CFDs
-
Crypto
-
Bonds
-
Options
-
Funds
-
Margin
Investment Plans
-
Demo Account
-
Spread Betting
-

Pros & cons

Firstrade

Firstrade

Pros

  • $0 online trades for stocks, ETFs, options and mutual funds
  • $0 options contract, exercise and assignment fees
  • No deposit minimum and no inactivity fees
  • Overnight trading from 8 PM to 4 AM ET on 1,200+ securities
  • Options Wizard includes 40+ strategies and P&L simulations
  • ACATS transfer fee rebate up to $250 on qualifying transfers
  • Excess protection can raise coverage to $37.5 million per customer

Cons

  • Broker-assisted stock and ETF trades cost $19.95
  • Broker-assisted options cost $19.95+$0.50/contract
  • Mutual fund shares sold within 90 days can cost $19.95
  • Redemptions below $500 can incur a $19.95 fee
  • Primary Market CDs cost $30
  • Overnight trades must use limit orders only
  • ACH transfers require a U.S. financial institution
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
Firstrade

Firstrade

Firstrade is a US online broker with $0 online trades for stocks, ETFs, options and mutual funds, plus mobile apps and overnight stock and ETF trading.

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.

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply.

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