How to start trading Forex
Global forex exchanges are the most liquid markets in the world. With trillions of dollars, euros, yen and sterling flowing in and out of the market almost every day comes a lot of opportunities if you are determined to take a high risk of leveraging in a complex market.
Whether you are entering the world of currency trading for the first time or have a lot of experience, finding the best forex broker with a good record should be your top priority. You should focus on the tools and benefits that a particular broker offers to its clients, such as customer support, business education, spreads, commissions and more.
In this article, we will examine in detail the four best forex broker platforms: XTB, City Index, Fusion Markets and Forex.com. We will look at their services, trading platforms, fees, reputation and much more to see if these forex brokers are right for you.
We have researched and evaluated more than 100 tools to find the one that works best for you. We evaluated commissions, the quality of customer support, investment offers - all with regard to what is important for different types of merchants. Whether you are a novice or an expert, whether you are someone who prefers low fees or someone who has just embarked on the path of investing: everyone will find something for themselves here.
Top Forex applications in Europe
The list we have created shows the best forex broker platforms in Europe. We have taken into account factors such as fees, deposit and withdrawal rules, trading platforms and much more. Based on our survey, we present you the four best forex brokers in Europe:
- XTB - Best overall
- City Index - Comprehensive European broker
- Fusion Markets - Best for low fees and MT4
- Forex.com - Best for beginners
XTB has been one of the best forex brokers in Europe for a long time. It offers competitive spreads, low fees and an overall wide range of different trading instruments. It has also recently updated its proprietary trading platform to make it much friendlier for beginners.
City Index is a trusted player who has been in this market for 39 years. It offers excellent customer support and a wide range of free deposit options. Creating an account is also easy.
Fusion Markets is known to be far cheaper than our other options here - but it does come with a few sacrifices. Fusion Markets offers competitive spreads and commission rates, but does not have the same wide product selection or investor protection as our other choices.
Finally, there is Forex.com, another veteran in the field, who has a strong position among the best forex brokers in Europe due to its ease of use and deep liquidity across markets.
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Detailed list of top forex broker platforms in Europe
You need to find a trusted forex broker who will give you access to all currency markets. You need someone who is able to offer competitive spreads and non-stop trading opportunities so that you can trade 24 hours a day, 5 days a week.
Choose from our list below one or two reputable brokers who are known for their high volume of execution and ultra-low commissions, as well as top reviews from market experts in terms of customer support. Once you have chosen the forex broker platform that suits you best, you should create a demo account and start from there.
1. XTB - Overall the best Forex broker in Europe
With more than 15 years of experience, XTB is one of the largest FX & CFD brokers in the world. In our ranking, it is one of the best forex brokers in Europe, thanks to its intuitive platform, a number of markets, low spreads, reliable execution speed and a library of free training resources for beginners and experienced traders.
We do not support CFD trading, but we must make the following statement: 81% accounts of retail investors lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
The XTB platform was established in Poland and subsequently registered with the Polish Financial Supervisory Authority. XTB is considered a reliable broker because it is listed on the stock exchange (specifically the Warsaw Stock Exchange) and is regulated by the FCA, the Supreme Tax Office.
The people of the United Kingdom are reminded that due to FCA restrictions, trading in cryptocurrencies on the XTB is no longer available to them.
Main function
Forex pairs | 48 |
Available markets | 1500+ |
Offered instruments | CFDs, indices, forex, stocks, ETFs, crypto |
Minimum deposit | No minimum deposit |
Country regulation | UK (FCA), EU (CySEC), Poland (KNF), Belize (IFSC). |
Deposit compensation system: | European client: Up to € 20,000. UK client: £ 85,000. |
Deposit with credit / debit card | Yes |
Time to open an account | 1 - 3 days |
Inactivity fee | Fee € 10 after 12 months |
Number of base currencies supported | 4 |
Withdrawal fee | € 0 for withdrawals over € 100 |
XTB advantages and disadvantages
XTB provides a simplified deposit and withdrawal service that allows clients to transfer their funds quickly and free of charge. XTB also stands out due to low fees for forex and stock index CFDs. You can expect a smooth and easy process when opening an account.
On the downside, XTB only covers CFDs and FX, thus limiting its product portfolio. Some European clients may have access to ETFs and real shares via the XTB platform. Trading fees for CFDs are also considered high.
Benefits
- Low fees for forex and indices
- Transparent and public broker
- Fast command execution
- Top educational materials, including seminars for business people and personalized courses
- Simplified deposit and withdrawal process
- Very easy to open a new account
Disadvantages
- Investors will only have access to a limited product portfolio
- CFD stocks have high fees
Fees
While business fees and non-business fees are low, CFD fees are generally high.
Assets | Fee conditions |
EURUSD | 0.10 pips |
EURGBP | 0.20 pips |
GBPUSD | 0.20 pips |
FTSE100 CFD | 1.1 points |
S&P 500 CFD | 0.60 points |
Europe 50 CFD | 2.20 points |
Deposit and withdrawal
Deposits and withdrawals are very simplified and have a minimal impact on your wallet.
XTB supports several major currencies, including USD, EUR, HUF and GBP. You do not have to worry about the deposit fee when using XTB. There are also several different transfer options, such as:
- PayU (only available for Polish accounts)
- Bank transfer
- SafetyPay (only available for clients outside Europe)
- Skrill
- BlueCash (only available for Polish accounts)
- Credit / Debit card
Bank transfer can take several business days, which is a standard process. However, payments via electronic wallets (such as PayPal) and credit or debit cards are instant.
2. City Index: Comprehensive European Forex Broker
Founded in 1983, City Index has almost 40 years of experience and is a global FX and CFD broker. The City Index is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and is regulated by the highest financial authorities, including the Singapore Monetary Authority (LAG), the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC).
We do not support CFD trading, but we must make the following statement: 75% accounts of retail investors lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
City Index is considered a reliable broker because, in addition to its long duration, it is also regulated by several top financial authorities.
Main function
Forex pairs | 84 |
Available markets | 12000 |
Offered instruments | CFDs, indices, forex, stocks, ETFs, commodities, bonds |
Minimum deposit | € 250 (first deposit), no minimum for subsequent deposits |
Country regulation | UK (FCA), Australia (ASIC), Singapore (MAS) |
Deposit compensation system: | Up to £ 85,000. |
Deposit with credit / debit card | Yes |
Time to open an account | 1 - 3 days |
Inactivity fee | Yes, £ 12 per month (inactivity after one year) |
Number supported base currencies |
9 |
Withdrawal fee | €0 |
City Index advantages and disadvantages
When it comes to forex or stock index trading, City Index fees are low (this includes non-trading fees). The City Index also provides access to a diverse array of research tools. An added bonus is a straightforward account opening.
Benefits
- Low fees for forex and CFD indices
- Overall tight spreads
- Low margins
- Offers proprietary platforms or MetaTrader
- Easy to open a new account
- High quality research tools
Disadvantages
- High CFD stock fees
- The desktop platform is not ergonomic
- The product portfolio is limited to CFDs and forex
Fees
On the one hand, the City Index offers low fees for CFDs and forex stocks. On the other hand, you have to come to terms with high CFD fees and inactivity fees.
While business fees and non-business fees are low, CFD fees are generally high.
Assets | Fee conditions |
---|---|
EURUSD | 0.80 pips |
EURGBP | 1.70 pips |
GBPUSD | 1.80 pips |
FTSE100 CFD | 1.00 points |
S&P 500 CFD | 0.40 points |
Europe 50 CFD | 2.00 points |
Deposit and withdrawal
The City Index offers a number of options for making deposits and withdrawals that are free of charge. Keep in mind that some credit cards do not have a choice.
One area in which the City Index stands out is the sheer number of base currencies it offers clients. You can choose from 9 base currencies, including CHF, EUR, PLN, GBP, JPY, HUF, AUD and USD.
City Index does not charge deposit fees. However, it offers the following transfer options:
- Debit card: Visa, MasterCard, Maestro and Electron
- Credit card: Visa, MasterCard
- PayPal
- Bank transfer
Bank transfers usually take several days before funds are available, while credit / debit and PayPal transfers are usually instantaneous.
3. Fusion Markets: The best discount forex broker for Europeans
Fusion Markets is a discount forex broker that was founded in 2010 and is based in Australia. Fusion Markets is regulated by the Australian Securities and Exchange Commission (ASIC). Due to the fact that it is regulated by the highest regulator, Fusion Markets is considered a reliable broker.
59% accounts of retail investors will lose money when trading CFDs with this provider
Main function
Forex pairs | 90 |
Offered instruments | CFD, forex, crypto |
Minimum deposit | €0 |
Country regulation | Australia (ASIC) |
Deposit compensation system: | No |
Deposit with credit / debit card | Yes |
Time to open an account | 1 day |
Inactivity fee | No |
Number of base currencies supported | 6 |
Withdrawal fee | €0 |
Advantages and disadvantages
Opening an account with Fusion Markets is a quick and painless process. The platform also provides non-commercial and low business fees.
Compared to the competition, Fusion Markets is a non-profit, trading-only platform with zero research tools. Their product portfolio is heavily focused on forex, although crypto and various CFD asset classes are also available.
Benefits
- Extremely tight spreads (among the best available)
- A wide selection of currency pairs, including several exotic ones
- Very low business and zero non-business fees
- Quick account opening
- Careful process of getting to know the environment
Disadvantages
- A pure forex broker offering few improvements
- Not suitable for beginners
- Research tools are missing
Forex fee schedule
In terms of fees, the news is very positive. Fusion Markets has very low forex fees. They also do not charge for inactivity or withdrawal.
Assets | Fee conditions |
---|---|
EURUSD | 0.12 pips |
EURGBP | 0.62 pips |
GBPUSD | 0.59 pips |
FTSE100 CFD | 1.56 points |
S&P 500 CFD | 0.41 points |
Europe 50 CFD | 1.74 points |
Deposit and withdrawal
As mentioned, Fusion Markets does not charge a deposit and withdrawal fee. While it offers several different ways to transfer funds, the selection can be slow.
Fusion Markets offers 6 base currencies, including JPY, USD, GBP, AUD, EUR and SGD. With a zero deposit fee, Fusion Markets provides several transfer methods. Including:
- Bank transfer
- Skrill
- Neteller
- Credit / debit cards
Bank transfers can take several business days. As usual, credit and debit cards provide immediate funds.
4. Forex.com: Excellent all-round experience with forex trading
Founded in 2001, Forex.com is a global FX and CFD broker that is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
Forex.com is considered a trusted broker because it is regulated by several tax authorities, including the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom.
We do not support CFD trading, but we must make the following statement: 74% accounts of retail investors lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
Forex.com's long history plays a big role in its great reputation.
Main function
Forex pairs | 80 |
Available markets | 300 |
Offered instruments | CFDs, forex, indices, stocks, metals |
Minimum deposit | €50 |
Country regulation | UK (FCA), USA (CFYC, NFA), Japan, Canada, Cayman Islands |
Deposit compensation system: | Yes, up to £ 85,000 for EEA clients |
Deposit with credit / debit card | Yes |
Time to open an account | 1 - 3 days |
Inactivity fee | Yes, £ / $ / € 15 per month (inactivity after one year) |
Number of base currencies supported | 7 |
Withdrawal fee | €0 |
Forex.com advantages and disadvantages
From a wide range of currency pairs to low forex fees, Forex.com offers almost everything you need to start forex trading.
Unfortunately, the trading platform is not very ergonomic and CFD stock fees are high. Several asset classes are also missing, including bonds and real stocks.
Benefits
- Different options between technical research tools
- Low forex fees
- A wide range of currency pairs
- Regulated by several top tax authorities
Disadvantages
- High CFD stock fees
- The product portfolio is limited
- The desktop platform is not ergonomic
Forex fee schedule
Forex.com excels at offering low CFD stock indexes and low-to-medium forex trading spreads. This is unfortunately offset by high inactivity fees and CFD shares.
Assets | Fee conditions |
---|---|
EURUSD | 1.50 pips |
EURGBP | 2.70 pips |
GBPUSD | 2.80 pips |
FTSE100 CFD | 6.00 points |
S&P 500 CFD | 0.60 points |
Europe 50 CFD | 1.90 points |
Deposit and withdrawal
When it comes to deposits and withdrawals, Forex.com offers several options. Unfortunately, some credit cards cannot make a withdrawal.
You can choose from 7 base currencies, including JPY, EUR, USD, AUD, EUR, CAD and GBP. There are no deposit fees. Several transfer options are available, including:
- PayPal
- Bank transfer
- Credit / debit card
Bank transfers can take several business days, as is standard practice, while credit / debit and PayPal transfers are generally instantaneous.
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How to choose the best forex broker platform in Europe
Going to the forex market without a plan can be incredibly intimidating, due to its sheer size. Even more intimidating is the idea of finding a forex broker for Europeans who can be trusted. This is especially the case if you have no idea what you're looking for.
Let's take a look at what you should keep in mind when choosing the best forex broker in Europe.
Safety
One of the most important features of a trusted broker is that he has a high level of security. This means that you need to dive in and examine its credibility to make sure you invest your money with someone who is reliable. Fortunately, it's easy to do your own research and find the information you're looking for.
There are many regulatory agencies around the world that accurately separate trusted brokers from fraudsters. Never invest with a broker who is not a member of a reputable regulator.
Risk of loss
Always be careful when trading leveraged instruments such as forex, as you can easily lose all your money. If you are a beginner, make sure you have thoroughly tested your demo account and that you know how to use it before you start trading for real money. If you feel that forex is too complicated, stock trading and ETFs may be more suitable for you.
Deposit and withdrawal
A good European FX broker will make the process of withdrawing and depositing funds as smooth and simple as possible. The job of a broker is to facilitate trading.
For this reason, they should not hinder your profit-seeking efforts. A good broker should have a good reputation when it comes to assisting clients in investing and withdrawing funds.
Transaction costs
No matter what currency you trade, you will always have certain transaction costs. You either have to pay a commission or a spread (or both). Therefore, you should look at the most affordable prices.
You should consider your transaction costs when looking for the right broker. For example, you may need a tight spread for the type of trading you intend to engage in. The trick is to find the perfect balance between low transaction costs and security.
Business platform
Today, the vast majority of trading takes place on a trading platform operated by a broker. So the more user-friendly the platform, the better. When researching trading platforms, consider their features.
Does it offer easy-to-understand graphing tools? Does the platform have a news channel that will provide you with up-to-date market information?
Ultimately, the friendlier and feature-rich platform, the less issues you'll need to address later.
Product coverage area
In the past, you could only trade currencies. Today, however, traders have a wider choice of what they can trade.
Therefore, it is important to find a broker who offers a wide range of product coverage, such as precious metals, cryptocurrencies, bonds, stock indices and forex, among other things. This will greatly increase your chances of making a profit at the end of the day.
Customer support
No matter how good a broker you are, customer service is always important. Customer service should do more than just answer your questions. It should also help you solve problems that may arise at any time. A good broker will provide customer support with a smile, and ensure that your experience is as smooth and hassle free as possible.
Good business execution
If you want to hope to get the best deals that the market has to offer, it will be advisable for you to find a broker who is known for using good trading practices. This will ensure that your trades are filled at the best rates the market has to offer. It also guarantees that your trades will be executed quickly.
In general, you can choose between two types of brokers - those who pass orders placed by clients to interbank markets and those who are market makers. The first type of broker will act as a mediator between you and the market, while the second type will act directly with you.
Forex Trading in Europe - Frequently Asked Questions
What is Forex Trading?
Forex (FX) is a massive marketplace where a wide range of currencies are traded. Forex is the most liquid market in the world, with trillions of dollars flowing into and out of the market every day. In 2019 alone, the average daily forex turnover was about $ 5.1 trillion.
How big is forex?
One of the unique aspects of the forex market is its sheer size. Trading can be as high as a trillion a day. The largest of these markets are located in some of the world's most famous financial centers, such as Singapore, London, Hong Kong, Sydney, Frankfurt and New York.
Who controls the forex markets?
Forex markets do not have a centralized structure. Instead, they are created by an electronic network of institutions, banks, brokers and individual traders. Entities who enter the market – whether banking institutions or individual investors – usually have specific foreign exchange needs and as a result can speculate on the direction of a particular currency pair.
These entities send their orders to either buy or sell currencies on the network, allowing them to interact with other currency orders from other entities.
When will forex markets close?
The Forex market is open 24 hours a day, five days a week (except weekends). If a country or global market is open to trade, it can also be traded during the holidays.
How does forex trading work?
The long hours of the forex market (24 hours a day, five days a week) give investors the opportunity to buy or sell foreign exchange at any time during the working week.
When trading currencies in the forex market, it is important to understand that even when you are buying or selling a particular currency against another currency, no physical money is exchanged between the parties.
Instead, you take a position in a particular currency. At the same time, you hope that the purchased currency will move up, or that it will fall if you are selling. The ultimate goal is to make a profit.
No matter what, one currency will always be traded relative to another currency. This means that if you buy one type of currency, you also buy the other type and vice versa. The difference between your transaction price will decide the profit (or loss).
What are pairs and quotes when trading forex?
Trading currencies on the forex market are listed in pairs. Below are examples:
EUR/USD
USD/CAD
USD/JPY
From the example above, you can see the US Dollar (USD) versus various other currencies - Euro, Canadian Dollar and Japanese Yen. A price is assigned to each pair on the market.
What are currency pairs?
When a trade is placed on the forex market, the trade must take place in currency pairs. Currency pairs consist of two currencies, the first is the base currency and the second is the currency.
What are exchange rates?
The exchange rate is the price of the base currency expressed in relation to the currency. If the exchange rate of a given pair increases, it means that the value of the base currency increases against the counter-currency, or that the value of the counter-currency decreases against the base currency. The opposite is also true.
What are forex lots?
Forex currencies are traded in lots that fall into specific categories - micro, mini and standard lots. Micro lots are equal to 1000 in any given currency, mini lots are worth 10000 and standard lots are 100000.
What are forex spreads?
With each trade you enter, you will have to pay a transaction fee for that trade, which is called a spread. Today, the supply / demand spread is one of the highest that forex traders have to deal with.
What does bid / ask price mean?
Exchange pairs will have two exchange rates at all times, the bid price and the ask price. The bid price is simply the price at which the buyer is willing to buy, while the ask price is the price at which the sellers are willing to sell.
What is a forex pip?
"Pip" stands for "Percentage in Point". This is a representation of the smallest increment that can move up or down. In most cases, one pip is the equivalent of the fourth decimal place for the vast majority of currency pairs.
What is a forex pipette?
While pips represent the fourth decimal place in many currency pairs, pipettes represent 1/10 of a pip. This means that 10 pipettes equals one pip.
Finally, a few words about the best forex brokers in Europe
Forex is a huge market suitable for those who understand the risks involved. While there is room for a quick profit, it also brings many pitfalls for those who headlessly start trading in this market.
We looked at some of the best forex broker platforms that can be found in Europe. Now is the time to do your own research and decide which broker offers the features and tools that interest you most. Then you can make your selection with confidence.
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