When choosing between two brokers like Forex.com and Spread Co, it’s important to recognize their contrasting strengths. Forex.com is a globally dominant platform known for institutional-grade execution and extensive regulation. Spread Co, on the other hand, is a UK-focused broker that simplifies trading through spread betting and fixed-spread CFDs. Whether you’re a seasoned trader or a beginner looking for ease of access, this comparison aims to guide you with real insight.
Broker Review Contents
Company overview
Forex.com is operated by StoneX Group Inc., a publicly traded financial powerhouse based in the United States. It supports clients in over 180 countries and offers a robust trading infrastructure.
Spread Co, established in 2006, is a smaller, FCA-regulated broker based in London. It focuses primarily on spread betting and CFD trading, catering mostly to UK residents.
| Feature | Forex.com | Spread Co |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2001 | 2006 |
| Headquarters | USA | UK |
| Regulation | FCA, CFTC, ASIC, IIROC, CySEC | FCA (UK only) |
| Parent Company | StoneX Group (NASDAQ: SNEX) | Privately owned |
| Target Market | Global | UK residents |
Regulatory coverage
Forex.com has earned trust by securing licenses from top regulators in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and the EU. Its backing by a publicly traded company adds transparency and financial strength.
Spread Co operates under FCA oversight, which ensures solid protection for UK-based traders, but lacks the global reach and regulation that Forex.com maintains.
Trading platforms
Forex.com offers access to multiple trading platforms including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and its proprietary Advanced Trading Platform. It also features seamless integration with TradingView.
Spread Co uses its own in-house web-based trading platform. While easy to use and clean in design, it doesn’t offer advanced tools like third-party integrations or MT5.
Traders looking for advanced charting, customization, and professional-grade execution will find Forex.com superior in this category.
Market access
| Asset Type | Forex.com | Spread Co |
|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 80+ | 30+ |
| Indices | Yes | Yes |
| Commodities | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrencies | Yes | No |
| Stock CFDs | Yes | Yes |
| ETFs | Yes | No |
| Spread Betting | No | Yes (UK only) |
Forex.com offers a broader range of assets across forex, commodities, stocks, and crypto CFDs. Spread Co stays focused on essential markets and offers spread betting for UK residents.
Account types and minimum deposit
Forex.com provides several account types:
- Standard account with no commissions
- Commission-based account with tighter spreads
- DMA (Direct Market Access) for institutional-style execution
- Swap-free Islamic account
Spread Co offers:
- CFD trading accounts
- Spread betting accounts
- Professional accounts (upon qualification)
Minimum deposit at Forex.com starts from $100, while Spread Co typically requires £100.
Forex.com clearly offers greater flexibility for traders with different strategies, while Spread Co keeps onboarding simple.
Spreads and fees
Forex.com spreads begin at 1.0 pip for standard accounts and go as low as 0.2 pips for commission-based accounts. There are no deposit or withdrawal fees, and an inactivity fee applies after 12 months.
Spread Co offers fixed spreads from 0.8 pips and does not charge inactivity, deposit, or withdrawal fees.
For beginners or casual traders, fixed spreads and a fee-free structure at Spread Co may be appealing. For active or high-volume traders, Forex.com offers better overall pricing and transparency.
Leverage options
| Region | Forex.com | Spread Co |
|---|---|---|
| UK Retail | Up to 1:30 | Up to 1:30 |
| Professional | Up to 1:200 | Up to 1:200 |
| USA | Up to 1:50 | Not available |
Both brokers follow FCA guidelines for leverage. Professional clients can apply for higher limits upon meeting specific criteria.
Research and education
Forex.com provides a suite of research tools including Autochartist, Trading Central, and integrated TradingView. Its educational hub offers webinars, daily market reports, and strategy tutorials for all levels.
Spread Co’s research tools are more limited. It offers daily commentary, a basic economic calendar, and a blog, but lacks deep technical analysis tools.
Traders looking for continuous learning and strategic insight will benefit more from Forex.com’s rich educational ecosystem.
Mobile trading experience
Forex.com’s mobile app mirrors its desktop capabilities. It supports full account management, customizable charts, live news, and fast execution.
Spread Co also provides a mobile app for iOS and Android. It offers reliable order entry, but lacks advanced charting features or deep customization.
For on-the-go trading with full functionality, Forex.com is the stronger option.
Customer service and support
Forex.com offers 24/5 support through live chat, email, and phone. It has a well-organized help center and fast onboarding services.
Spread Co provides phone and email support, but its customer service operates primarily during UK business hours.
While both offer quality service, Forex.com delivers broader global accessibility and faster resolution.
Summary table
| Feature | Forex.com | Spread Co |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation | Global Tier-1 | FCA (UK only) |
| Platform Options | MT4/MT5, Advanced, WebTrader | Proprietary only |
| Asset Range | Wide, including crypto & ETFs | Core markets only |
| Spreads & Fees | Transparent, scalable | Fixed, simple structure |
| Mobile App Quality | Advanced | Basic |
| Education & Tools | Rich and diverse | Limited |
| Best for Beginners | Yes | Yes (UK focused) |
| Best for Professionals | Yes (DMA access) | Yes (simplified experience) |
Who should choose Forex.com?
Forex.com is ideal for traders who value platform flexibility, international regulation, and a wide selection of markets. Its integration with TradingView, research tools, and competitive pricing models cater to both casual and professional traders.
Who should choose Spread Co?
Spread Co is a solid choice for UK-based traders seeking fixed spreads, ease of use, and the tax-efficient benefits of spread betting. It appeals most to traders who value simplicity and don’t require advanced tools or international expansion.
