XM Group vs FXTM: Australia Trader Comparison 2026
Which broker is better for Australia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Quick Verdict — Australia Traders
For experienced Australia traders seeking ASIC-regulated brokers, the choice between XM Group and FXTM is a critical one. Both brokers hold Australian Financial Services Licences (AFSL) from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), ensuring strict compliance with local client money segregation and leverage restrictions. XM Group, with a CompareBroker score of 4.7/5, stands out for its ultra-competitive spreads and extensive deposit options including BPAY and POLi, which are popular among Australia traders. FXTM, rated 4.3/5, is known for its advanced trading platforms and comprehensive educational resources, making it a strong contender for traders who prioritise analysis and strategy development. When trading in AUD, both brokers offer local bank accounts for deposits and withdrawals, though XM Group provides a slight edge with zero-fee POLi deposits. This comparison will break down trading costs, platform features, regulation details, and local payment methods to help you decide which broker aligns with your trading style in the Australian market.
Overall Scores Comparison
Trading Costs - Spreads & Commissions
| Instrument | XM Group | 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 | $5 | $200 | FXTM |
For Australia traders, trading costs are a major factor, especially when trading the AUD/USD pair. XM Group offers an average spread of 0.6 pips on its Standard Account and from 0.0 pips on its Zero Account with a commission of $3.50 per lot per side. FXTM's Standard Account starts at 1.0 pips, while its ECN Account offers spreads from 0.1 pips with a commission of $3 per lot per side. Over 100 lots per month, XM Group's Zero Account can save Australia traders approximately $50 compared to FXTM's ECN Account, making XM Group more cost-effective for high-volume scalpers. Both brokers have no hidden fees for Australian clients, but XM Group's lower raw spreads give it a clear advantage.
Account Types Comparison
| Account Type | XM Group | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✓ |
| Min deposit | $5 | $200 |
Leverage Comparison - Australia Traders
| Entity / Asset | XM Group | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (offshore) | Up to 1:1000 | Up to 1:3000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:1000 | 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 |
Trading Instruments - Assets Available
| Asset Class | XM Group | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | XM Group |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | XM Group |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | XM Group |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | FXTM |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
Platforms Comparison
| Platform | XM Group | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both XM Group and FXTM offer the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms, which are favoured by experienced Australia traders for their custom indicators and automated trading capabilities. XM Group also provides its own XM WebTrader for browser-based trading, while FXTM offers FXTM Trader, a mobile app with integrated economic calendar and market analysis. For Australia traders who rely on algorithmic trading, both brokers support Expert Advisors (EAs) on MT4/MT5. FXTM's platform suite includes a more intuitive mobile experience, but XM Group's WebTrader offers faster execution directly from a browser without downloads.
Execution Quality - Speed & Slippage
| Factor | XM Group | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FXTM |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | XM Group |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
XM Group offers ultra-fast execution with an average speed of 0.07 seconds, ideal for scalping and high-frequency trading. FXTM's execution speed is around 0.1 seconds, still reliable but slightly slower. Both brokers use No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution on ECN accounts, ensuring no requotes. For Australia traders who trade volatile pairs like AUD/JPY, XM Group's faster execution provides a competitive edge.
Regulation & Safety for Australia Traders
| Safety Factor | XM Group | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both XM Group and FXTM are regulated by ASIC, which is crucial for Australia traders. ASIC imposes strict client money segregation rules, meaning funds are held in separate trust accounts and cannot be used for operational purposes. Additionally, ASIC limits leverage to 1:30 for retail clients, which protects traders from excessive risk. XM Group holds AFSL number 443670, while FXTM holds AFSL number 435746. Both are members of the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), providing dispute resolution if issues arise. This regulatory framework ensures that Australia traders enjoy a high level of protection and transparency from both brokers.
Deposits & Withdrawals for Australia
| Payment Method | XM Group | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | Visa/Mastercard and e-wallets near-instant to 1-2 business days; bank wire several days | 24 hours (often in 30 minutes),Credit / Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard): 1 to 3 business days. |
Australia traders can fund their accounts at both XM Group and FXTM using BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card. XM Group supports instant deposits via POLi with no fees, and BPAY deposits are processed within 1-2 hours on business days. FXTM also accepts POLi and BPAY, but credit card deposits incur a 2.5% fee. Bank transfers are free at both brokers but take 1-3 business days. For withdrawals, XM Group processes them within 24 hours, while FXTM takes up to 48 hours. Both brokers allow withdrawals via the same method used for deposit, and no fees are charged by the brokers themselves. XM Group's faster processing and zero-fee POLi deposits make it slightly more convenient for local traders.
Islamic Accounts - Swap-Free for Australia Muslims
| Islamic Account Feature | XM Group | 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 |
Both XM Group and FXTM offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Australia Muslim traders who require Sharia-compliant trading. XM Group provides swap-free accounts on all account types, including Standard, Zero, and Micro accounts, with no additional fees. FXTM offers Islamic accounts on Standard and ECN accounts, but a small administration fee may apply if positions are held for more than 10 days. Both brokers require a simple request via email or live chat to activate the feature. For Australia traders seeking a fully compliant Islamic account without extra costs, XM Group is the better choice.
Customer Support Comparison
| Support Feature | XM Group | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | XM Group |
XM Group and FXTM both offer 24/5 customer support in English, with phone and live chat available. XM Group provides dedicated Australian phone numbers and support from 8 AM to 5 PM AEST, while FXTM offers 24/5 live chat with quick response times. Both brokers have extensive FAQ sections and email support. For Australia traders, XM Group's local phone support is a slight advantage for urgent queries during market hours.
Mobile App Comparison
| Mobile Feature | XM Group | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | XM Group |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | XM Group |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
Education & Research Tools
| Resource | XM Group | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | XM Group |
Real User Reviews - Trustpilot
Pros & Cons of Each Broker
XM Group
FXTM
Who Should Use Which Broker? - Australia Guide
Choose XM Group if you...
- Want lower spreads on AUD/USD and other major pairs.
- Prefer instant deposits via POLi with no fees.
- Are a high-volume scalper needing fast execution.
- Need a swap-free account with no extra charges.
Choose FXTM if you...
- Value advanced trading tools and educational resources.
- Prefer a mobile app with integrated market analysis.
- Want a broader range of account types including ECN.
- Are a beginner who benefits from structured learning.
FAQ - XM Group vs FXTM in Australia
Final Verdict - Australia 2026
For experienced Australia traders seeking ASIC-regulated brokers, XM Group edges out FXTM with a higher overall score of 4.7/5. Its lower spreads, faster execution, and zero-fee POLi deposits make it the more cost-effective option for active traders. The ability to deposit via BPAY and Bank Transfer adds further convenience for local clients. FXTM remains a strong alternative, particularly for traders who prioritise educational content and advanced platforms. Both brokers are ASIC-regulated, ensuring client fund safety and compliance with Australian laws. Ultimately, if cost efficiency and speed are your priorities, XM Group is the better choice for your Australian trading account.