When choosing between Forex.com and SpreadEx, traders are faced with two distinctly different brokerage models. Forex.com, a globally regulated forex and CFD broker under the StoneX Group, appeals to both retail and institutional traders. SpreadEx, based in the UK, combines traditional spread betting with CFD trading and focuses heavily on serving the UK market.
This comparison dives into regulation, account types, spreads, platforms, leverage, and tools to help traders select the broker that best fits their style in 2025.
Broker Review Contents
Company Background
Forex.com was launched in 2001 and is operated by GAIN Capital, which is now a part of the publicly listed StoneX Group. It has a strong presence in regulated markets like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and the EU.
SpreadEx was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in the UK. It offers both financial and sports spread betting and is best known for its easy-to-use platform tailored to UK traders.
| Feature | Forex.com | SpreadEx |
|---|---|---|
| Year Established | 2001 | 1999 |
| Headquarters | USA | UK |
| Regulatory Body | FCA, CFTC, ASIC, IIROC, CySEC | FCA (UK) |
| Type of Broker | Forex & CFD | Spread betting & CFD |
| Global Presence | Worldwide | Primarily UK |
Regulation and Safety
Forex.com is one of the most regulated brokers globally. It is licensed in the following jurisdictions:
- CFTC & NFA (USA)
- FCA (UK)
- ASIC (Australia)
- IIROC (Canada)
- CySEC (Europe)
SpreadEx is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK and adheres to high compliance standards but has no licenses outside of the UK.
Forex.com is the more internationally accessible broker, while SpreadEx is ideal for UK traders who want spread betting under FCA protection.
Trading Platforms
Forex.com offers a wide array of trading platforms:
- MetaTrader 4 (MT4)
- MetaTrader 5 (MT5)
- WebTrader
- Advanced Desktop Platform
- Mobile trading app
- TradingView integration
SpreadEx provides:
- A proprietary web-based trading platform
- Mobile trading app
- No MT4 or MT5 support
Forex.com gives traders more flexibility and advanced charting, especially for those who rely on MT4/MT5 or TradingView. SpreadEx offers a simpler interface, ideal for those new to trading or who want quick, no-fuss market access.
Market Instruments
| Instrument Type | Forex.com | SpreadEx |
|---|---|---|
| Forex | 80+ pairs | 60+ pairs |
| Indices | Yes | Yes |
| Commodities | Yes | Yes |
| Shares (CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| ETFs | Yes | No |
| Cryptocurrencies | Yes | Yes |
| Spread Betting | No | Yes (UK clients only) |
Forex.com provides broader asset diversity, including ETFs and global CFDs. SpreadEx focuses on spread betting for UK residents and doesn’t offer ETFs.
Account Types and Minimum Deposits
Forex.com offers multiple account types:
- Standard
- Commission (RAW)
- Direct Market Access (DMA)
- Swap-free (Islamic)
SpreadEx offers:
- A single account type for both spread betting and CFDs
- Optional demo account
- No Islamic account options
Forex.com caters to a variety of traders, from beginners to professionals. SpreadEx keeps things simple, suitable for those looking for a streamlined experience.
Minimum deposit:
- Forex.com: $100
- SpreadEx: £1 (but practical usage often requires more)
Spreads and Fees
Forex.com:
- Spreads from 1.0 pip (Standard account)
- RAW account: From 0.2 pip + $5/lot commission
- DMA accounts provide institutional spreads
- No deposit fees, inactivity fee after 12 months
SpreadEx:
- Variable spreads, generally 0.6–1.5 pips on major forex pairs
- No commission for CFDs or spread betting
- No deposit/withdrawal fees
- No inactivity fee
SpreadEx is commission-free, but spreads may widen during volatility. Forex.com provides the option for tighter spreads through RAW and DMA accounts.
Leverage and Margin
| Region | Forex.com | SpreadEx |
|---|---|---|
| UK/EU Retail | 1:30 | 1:30 |
| Global Clients | Up to 1:200 | Only available to UK |
| US Clients | 1:50 | Not accepted |
Forex.com has broader leverage options for international clients, while SpreadEx remains UK-centric with standard ESMA limits.
Tools, Education, and Research
Forex.com excels in trader education and third-party analytics:
- Autochartist
- Trading Central
- Strategy Builder
- Webinars and video tutorials
- Economic calendar
SpreadEx offers:
- Basic news updates
- Market headlines
- Limited educational content
Forex.com provides a much richer toolset for intermediate to advanced traders, whereas SpreadEx is more suitable for self-directed users.
Mobile Trading Experience
Forex.com app:
- Advanced charting
- Real-time quotes
- Secure order placement
- Integrated news and alerts
SpreadEx app:
- Clean, intuitive interface
- Fast execution
- Best for spread bettors
Both apps are reliable, but Forex.com offers more features and trading depth.
Customer Support
Forex.com:
- 24/5 multilingual support
- Live chat, phone, email
- Local offices in major markets
SpreadEx:
- UK-based customer service
- Available via phone and email
- Limited support hours compared to Forex.com
Forex.com has broader and faster support channels, especially for global clients.
Comparison Summary Table
| Feature | Forex.com | SpreadEx |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation | Global (USA, UK, AU, EU, CA) | UK only (FCA) |
| Platform Options | MT4, MT5, TradingView | Web & mobile platform |
| Instruments | Forex, CFDs, ETFs, Crypto | Forex, CFDs, Spread Betting |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | £1 |
| Account Types | Multiple + DMA + Islamic | One standard account |
| Spreads | From 0.2 pips + commission | From 0.6 pips (no commission) |
| Tools & Education | Autochartist, Trading Central | Basic news and calendar |
| Mobile App | Advanced features | Simple, fast, UK-focused |
| Best for | Global traders, advanced tools | UK spread bettors, simplicity |
Who Offers the Better Trading Experience?
Forex.com is the better choice for traders seeking global regulation, platform flexibility, and access to professional-grade tools. It serves traders from beginner to institutional levels and supports a wide range of asset classes.
SpreadEx is a strong choice for UK-based traders who want to focus on spread betting in a user-friendly environment. It’s less suitable for international traders or those who need in-depth analytics, but its low-barrier access and simplicity make it appealing to casual market participants.
