FXCM vs Lightyear - BrokerCue
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Broker Comparison

FXCM vs Lightyear

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

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…

VS
Lightyear

Lightyear

Cost-conscious long-term investors

Low-cost investing platform with free ETFs, multi-currency accounts, fractional investing, savings products, …

Head-to-head comparison

FXCM vs Lightyear
Feature FXCM Lightyear
Minimum deposit - -
Stock trading fee - US shares: 0.10% (0.10 USD min - 1 USD max); UK shares: 1 GBP; EUR-denominated stocks, bonds, ETNs and ETCs: 1 EUR; other European stocks: 0.10%
Regulators FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSCA FCA, EFSA, FINRA, SIPC
Best for Forex and algo traders Cost-conscious long-term investors
Markets & account
Stocks
-
ETFs
-
Forex
-
CFDs
-
Crypto
Bonds
-
Margin
-
Demo Account
-
Spread Betting
-
Funds
-
Fractional Shares
-
Investment Plans
-
Ready Made Portfolios
-
Savings Vaults
-
Money Market Funds
-
Multi Currency
-
Business Account
-

Pros & cons

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
Lightyear

Lightyear

Pros

  • No account fee
  • Free ETF execution and custody
  • 0.35% FX conversion fee
  • Multi-currency account
  • Fractional investing
  • Web, iOS and Android access
  • Savings Vaults with money market funds
  • SIPC protection for US securities

Cons

  • Stock fees vary by instrument
  • Card deposits cost 0.6%
  • Crypto assets lack investor compensation cover
  • Product availability may vary
  • Money market fund fees apply
  • Some withdrawals may require currency conversion
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.

Lightyear

Lightyear

Low-cost investing platform with free ETFs, multi-currency accounts, fractional investing, savings products, and a 0.35% FX fee.

Visit Lightyear Read review

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply.

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