Which broker is better for Cyprus traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Cyprus traders looking for a reliable forex broker in 2025 often compare Forex.com and FXTM. Both are globally recognised, but they serve different needs. Forex.com, with a score of 3.4/5, is a US-based broker strong on platforms and research. FXTM, scoring 4.3/5, is headquartered in Cyprus and deeply integrated with the local trading environment. For Cyprus retail traders, FXTM’s local CySEC regulation, support in Greek, and availability of local payment methods like Skrill, Neteller, bank transfer, and even USDT TRC20 give it an edge. However, Forex.com offers a robust MetaTrader suite and a wider range of tradable instruments. This comparison breaks down spreads, regulation, platforms, deposit options, and account types specifically for traders in Cyprus, helping you decide which broker aligns better with your trading goals in the Mediterranean hub.
| Instrument | Forex.com | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | FXTM |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | FXTM |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | FXTM |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | FXTM |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $100 | $200 | Forex.com |
When comparing trading costs for Cyprus traders, FXTM generally offers more competitive spreads on major forex pairs. Its ECN account starts from 0.0 pips on EUR/USD with a low commission, ideal for scalpers. Forex.com’s standard account spreads on EUR/USD average around 1.0 pip, slightly higher than FXTM’s raw spreads. For Cyprus-based traders with high trade volumes, these differences compound quickly. FXTM also provides zero-commission accounts with tight spreads, while Forex.com’s commission structure is less transparent. Both brokers charge swap fees on overnight positions, but FXTM’s swap rates are generally more favorable for EUR-based currencies. Overall, FXTM wins on cost efficiency for active Cyprus traders.
| Account Type | Forex.com | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✓ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $200 |
| Entity / Asset | Forex.com | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Cyprus (offshore) | Up to 1:50 | Up to 1:3000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:50 | 1:3000 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
| Asset Class | Forex.com | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | Forex.com |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | Forex.com |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | Forex.com |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | FXTM |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | Forex.com | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Cyprus traders will appreciate that both brokers offer MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), the most popular platforms locally. Forex.com additionally provides its proprietary Web Trader and integrates with TradingView. FXTM offers MT4 and MT5 with custom indicators and local time zone settings for Cyprus (UTC+2/UTC+3). FXTM also has a user-friendly mobile app with one-tap trading. For Cyprus traders who prefer automated trading, both support Expert Advisors. However, FXTM’s platforms are slightly more optimised for European markets, with pre-loaded Cyprus-specific CFDs and indices. Forex.com’s platform selection is broader, but its server latency can be higher for Cyprus-based VPN users. Most retail traders in Cyprus find FXTM’s platform experience more seamless.
| Factor | Forex.com | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FXTM |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | Forex.com |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
Execution quality matters for Cyprus traders, especially day traders. FXTM uses STP/ECN execution with multiple liquidity providers, offering average execution speeds under 30ms and minimal requotes. Forex.com also provides fast execution, but its server infrastructure is concentrated in the US and UK, introducing latency for Cyprus-based traders. FXTM has data centres in London and Frankfurt, closer to Cyprus, resulting in lower ping times. Both brokers offer negative balance protection. For active Cyprus traders, FXTM’s execution is more reliable and consistent.
| Safety Factor | Forex.com | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is crucial for Cyprus traders. FXTM is directly regulated by CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission), the local financial regulator, offering investor compensation up to €20,000 under the ICF. Forex.com is primarily regulated by the FCA (UK) and other global bodies, but not directly by CySEC. This means Cyprus traders with Forex.com are not covered by local deposit protection schemes. FXTM’s CySEC oversight ensures compliance with ESMA leverage limits (up to 30:1 for forex) and negative balance protection. Cyprus traders also benefit from quick dispute resolution via the Cyprus financial ombudsman. If you prioritise local regulatory comfort and safety, FXTM is the clear choice. Forex.com remains a safe broker but lacks Cyprus-specific regulatory advantages.
| Payment Method | Forex.com | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✗ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✗ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | 1 to 3 business days | 24 hours (often in 30 minutes),Credit / Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard): 1 to 3 business days. |
Depositing and withdrawing funds is straightforward for Cyprus traders at both brokers. FXTM accepts Bank Transfer (EUR/USD), Skrill, Neteller, and also supports USDT TRC20 via its crypto-funded account option. Forex.com similarly supports Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, but with a higher minimum deposit of $50 compared to FXTM’s $10. Both brokers process e-wallet and crypto deposits instantly, while bank transfers take 1–3 business days. Withdrawals are free of charge at FXTM for most methods, while Forex.com may charge fees for some e-wallet withdrawals. For Cyprus users, the ability to use USDT TRC20 is a modern advantage, allowing low-cost transfers. Overall, FXTM offers more flexibility with lower entry barriers and faster local processing via popular e-wallets used in Cyprus.
| Islamic Account Feature | Forex.com | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✗ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
For Muslim traders in Cyprus, both Forex.com and FXTM offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts. FXTM provides swap-free accounts on all account types (Standard, ECN, and FXTM Pro) with no interest charged on overnight positions. The application is simple – just request via support. Forex.com also offers Islamic accounts but limits them to specific account tiers and requires a signed declaration confirming Muslim faith. Additionally, Forex.com’s swap-free accounts may incur administrative fees after a certain holding period, while FXTM does not apply such fees for typical holding periods. Cyprus-based Muslim traders generally prefer FXTM’s transparent and full-featured Islamic account offering that aligns with sharia principles without hidden costs.
| Support Feature | Forex.com | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | Forex.com |
Cyprus traders can access customer support in Greek and English from both brokers. FXTM offers 24/5 live chat, phone support (including a Cyprus local number), and email. Support is based in Cyprus, ensuring same-timezone assistance. Forex.com provides 24/7 live chat and phone support, but its main operations are in the UK, leading to slightly longer response times for Cyprus-based queries. For urgent account issues, FXTM’s local support team is more responsive and knowledgeable about Cyprus-specific regulations and payment methods.
| Mobile Feature | Forex.com | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | Forex.com |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | Forex.com |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | Forex.com | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | Forex.com |
Choose Forex.com if you...
Choose FXTM if you...
For Cyprus retail traders, FXTM is the superior choice overall. Its 4.3/5 rating reflects strong local regulation by CySEC, lower trading costs, and seamless support for local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. The ability to open an account with as little as $10 and trade with swap-free options further enhances its appeal. Forex.com remains a viable alternative for traders who need a broader product range or prefer TradingView, but its lack of CySEC regulation and higher minimum deposit make it less convenient for Cyprus residents. If local regulatory security, cost efficiency, and modern payment flexibility matter most, FXTM is the clear winner for Cyprus traders in 2025.