Navigating today’s global trading platforms can be a challenge, especially with brokers like Forex.com and Trade.com vying for attention. Both offer strong regulatory oversight and a wide variety of instruments. However, there are distinct differences in tools, pricing, account flexibility, and educational resources. This article breaks it all down in detail to help traders make the right decision based on needs and experience level.
Broker Review Contents
Broker overview
Forex.com, operated by the publicly listed StoneX Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SNEX), is a longstanding broker known for its global reach and institutional-grade services. Trade.com is a Cyprus-based broker under Trade Capital Markets Ltd, catering mostly to EU and UK clients with tiered account offerings.
| Feature | Forex.com | Trade.com |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2001 | 2009 |
| Headquarters | USA | Cyprus and UK |
| Regulation | FCA, ASIC, NFA, IIROC, CySEC | FCA (UK), CySEC (EU) |
| Parent Company | StoneX Group | Trade Capital Markets Ltd |
| Clients | 300,000+ globally | Primarily in EU and UK regions |
Regulatory status
Forex.com holds licenses from top-tier regulators including the FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), CFTC/NFA (USA), and CySEC (EU). This offers extensive investor protection and trust across multiple regions.
Trade.com operates under CySEC and the UK’s FCA. While it’s compliant with EU rules like MiFID II, it doesn’t match the global footprint or public backing of Forex.com.
Trading platforms
Forex.com supports multiple trading platforms including:
- MetaTrader 4 (MT4)
- MetaTrader 5 (MT5)
- Advanced Trading Platform (desktop)
- TradingView integration
- Web and mobile trading apps
Trade.com offers:
- MetaTrader 4
- WebTrader (proprietary)
- Android and iOS mobile apps
Forex.com provides a richer platform experience, particularly for advanced traders using TradingView or MT5. Trade.com’s platform offering is simpler, which may appeal to beginners.
Market instruments
| Instrument Type | Forex.com | Trade.com |
|---|---|---|
| Forex Pairs | 80+ | 55+ |
| Indices | Yes | Yes |
| Commodities | Yes | Yes |
| Shares (CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrencies | Yes | Yes |
| ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Bonds | No | Yes |
Forex.com offers a wider range of crypto and ETF CFDs, while Trade.com has a unique edge by offering bond CFDs — a rarity among retail brokers.
Account types and minimum deposits
Forex.com provides:
- Standard
- Commission (RAW spreads)
- Direct Market Access (DMA)
- Islamic (swap-free) accounts
- Minimum deposit: $100
Trade.com offers a tiered account model:
- Classic, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Exclusive
- Islamic accounts available
- Minimum deposit ranges from $100 to $10,000
Forex.com is more transparent and straightforward with its pricing structure, while Trade.com offers improved trading conditions as deposit levels increase.
Spreads and fees
Forex.com:
- Standard: From 1.0 pip (no commission)
- Commission: From 0.2 pip + $5 per lot
- DMA: Raw spreads with volume-based pricing
Trade.com:
- Classic: Fixed spreads from 3.0 pips
- Platinum/Exclusive: As low as 1.0 pip
- No commissions on most account types
Forex.com offers better pricing flexibility for different trading styles, especially for scalpers and high-volume traders. Trade.com is better suited for passive or lower-frequency traders who prefer all-in spreads.
Leverage and margin
| Client Type | Forex.com | Trade.com |
|---|---|---|
| EU Retail | 1:30 | 1:30 |
| Global Pro | Up to 1:200 | Up to 1:200 (depending on jurisdiction) |
| US Clients | 1:50 | Not available |
Forex.com provides leverage options in more regions, including the U.S. Trade.com is limited to clients in Europe and the UK.
Research and trading tools
Forex.com provides:
- TradingView integration
- Trading Central and Autochartist
- Customizable economic calendar
- Advanced charting and analytics tools
Trade.com offers:
- Trading Central
- Economic calendar
- Analyst signals and webinars
Forex.com wins in this area thanks to more robust technical tools and the addition of TradingView for charting. Trade.com does offer decent research, especially for intermediate traders.
Education and learning resources
Forex.com has an extensive learning center:
- Beginner, intermediate, and expert-level courses
- Live webinars
- Trading strategy videos
- Glossary and articles
Trade.com’s education suite includes:
- Video tutorials
- Platform walkthroughs
- eBooks and market outlooks
Forex.com’s educational offering is more comprehensive, while Trade.com covers the basics well enough for new users.
Mobile trading
Forex.com:
- Mobile apps for Android and iOS
- Fast execution, customizable alerts
- Full charting and news integration
Trade.com:
- Mobile app available for iOS and Android
- Simple design focused on basic order execution
Forex.com provides a more powerful mobile trading experience suitable for active and professional traders.
Customer support
Forex.com:
- 24/5 customer support
- Live chat, phone, and email
- Knowledge base and FAQ center
Trade.com:
- Support via email, live chat, and phone
- Business hours only
- Multilingual support
Forex.com excels with faster response times and broader global support availability.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Forex.com | Trade.com |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation | FCA, ASIC, NFA, CySEC | FCA, CySEC |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, Web, TradingView | MT4, WebTrader |
| Market Range | Wide (including ETFs, crypto) | Includes bonds |
| Account Types | Standard, Commission, DMA | Tiered (Classic to Exclusive) |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $100–$10,000 |
| Spreads | From 0.2 pip (RAW) | From 1.0 pip (Platinum level) |
| Tools & Research | Advanced (TradingView, Central) | Trading Central, webinars |
| Mobile Trading | Full-featured | Basic |
| Customer Support | 24/5, live and multilingual | Business hours |
| Education | Full learning suite | Beginner-friendly content |
Which broker is better?
Forex.com is ideal for:
- Traders looking for institutional-grade tools
- Active traders and scalpers
- Clients in the U.S., UK, and Australia
- Users who value strong global regulation
Trade.com is suitable for:
- Beginners wanting a simplified experience
- Traders who prefer fixed spreads
- Users within the EU looking for bonds or simpler account management
