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Forex alternatives

FXTM Alternatives

All alternativesCompare
AlternativeWhy consider itWhat to checkCommission ($)¹
PepperstoneBest overall to FXTMCheck spread plus commission$7View
IC MarketsBest for scalpers and automated tradingCheck spread plus commission$7View
IGBest for regulation and market breadthCheck spread plus commissionView
ExnessBest for flexible global trading conditionsCheck spread plus commission$7View
XMBest low-depositCheck spread plus commissionView

Pepperstone is the best overall FXTM alternative for most forex and CFD traders. It offers a broader choice of trading platforms than FXTM, including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView and Pepperstone's own platform, while retaining the raw-spread pricing model active traders expect. Pepperstone also operates through regulated entities overseen by authorities including the FCA, ASIC, DFSA, CySEC, BaFin and Kenya's CMA.

That does not make Pepperstone the best choice for everyone.

IC Markets is the stronger FXTM alternative for scalpers, Expert Advisor users and traders focused on raw pricing. IG is the better option when regulatory coverage and market breadth matter most. Exness suits experienced traders looking for flexible global trading conditions, while XM is one of the more accessible alternatives for traders starting with a small deposit.

The right replacement depends on why you are considering leaving FXTM.

FXTM alternatives compared

Pepperstone

Best for
Best overall
Main platforms
MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, Pepperstone Platform
Entry requirement
No formal account minimum, although some funding methods have minimums
Main advantage over FXTM
More platform choice and broad regulatory footprint

IC Markets

Best for
Scalping, EAs and active forex trading
Main platforms
MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView
Entry requirement
No minimum deposit requirement on IC Markets Global
Main advantage over FXTM
Raw-pricing environment with more platform flexibility

IG

Best for
Regulation and market breadth
Main platforms
IG Platform, MT4, MT5, TradingView, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer in supported markets
Entry requirement
Varies by market and funding method
Main advantage over FXTM
Much broader product range and established regulated-market presence

Exness

Best for
Flexible global trading conditions
Main platforms
MT4, MT5, Exness Terminal, Exness Trade
Entry requirement
Depends on account, region and payment method
Main advantage over FXTM
Flexible account structure and high-leverage availability in eligible jurisdictions

XM

Best for
Low starting deposit
Main platforms
MT4, MT5
Entry requirement
From $5 on Standard and Ultra Low accounts
Main advantage over FXTM
Lower financial barrier to opening a live account
Broker Best for Main platforms Entry requirement Main advantage over FXTM
Pepperstone Best overall MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, Pepperstone Platform No formal account minimum, although some funding methods have minimums More platform choice and broad regulatory footprint
IC Markets Scalping, EAs and active forex trading MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView No minimum deposit requirement on IC Markets Global Raw-pricing environment with more platform flexibility
IG Regulation and market breadth IG Platform, MT4, MT5, TradingView, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer in supported markets Varies by market and funding method Much broader product range and established regulated-market presence
Exness Flexible global trading conditions MT4, MT5, Exness Terminal, Exness Trade Depends on account, region and payment method Flexible account structure and high-leverage availability in eligible jurisdictions
XM Low starting deposit MT4, MT5 From $5 on Standard and Ultra Low accounts Lower financial barrier to opening a live account

Account availability, leverage, investor protections and product ranges can change according to your country and the legal entity that accepts your account. Always compare the entity you will actually contract with rather than assuming a broker's strongest licence applies globally.

1. Pepperstone: best overall alternative to FXTM

FXTM currently supports its own app plus MT4 and MT5. Pepperstone supports MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView and its proprietary trading platform. That extra platform flexibility matters if you use TradingView for charting, prefer cTrader's interface, or want to move strategies between platforms without moving broker again.

Pepperstone's Razor account is the closest direct comparison with FXTM's Advantage account. Razor pricing starts from 0.0 pips on FX, with commission from $3.50 per lot per side. FXTM Advantage also starts from 0.0 pips and currently charges $3.50 per forex lot per side, or $7 per standard lot round trip.

The bigger difference is the entry requirement. FXTM lists a $500 minimum deposit for its Advantage account. Pepperstone does not list a formal account funding minimum on its account comparison, although individual payment methods can impose minimum transaction amounts, such as $10 for several funding methods.

Pepperstone also has a broader regulatory footprint. Its official regulatory information lists authorisation through bodies including the UK's Financial Conduct Authority, Australia's ASIC, Dubai's DFSA, CySEC, BaFin, Kenya's CMA and the Securities Commission of The Bahamas. Which protection applies depends on the Pepperstone entity serving your country.

Choose Pepperstone over FXTM if:

  • You want TradingView or cTrader as well as MT4 and MT5.
  • You trade forex actively and want raw-spread pricing.
  • FXTM Advantage's $500 minimum deposit is unnecessarily high for the account you want.
  • You prefer a broker with regulated entities across more major financial jurisdictions.

Verdict: Pepperstone is the strongest all-round substitute because it improves platform choice without forcing an active FX trader into a fundamentally different trading environment.

2. IC Markets: best FXTM alternative for scalpers and automated trading

Like FXTM Advantage, IC Markets offers raw-spread accounts with spreads that can start from 0.0 pips. IC Markets' MetaTrader Raw Spread account charges $3.50 per standard lot per side in USD, giving the same $7 round-turn headline commission as FXTM Advantage.

The difference is the surrounding trading setup.

IC Markets supports MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView. Its MT4 and MT5 platforms support Expert Advisors, while cTrader gives traders another automation and execution environment. TradingView integration is also available.

IC Markets Global currently states that a trading account can be opened without a minimum deposit requirement. That compares favourably with FXTM's $500 minimum for Advantage, although FXTM does offer lower-deposit account types such as its Micro account.

Regulation depends heavily on location. IC Markets (EU) Ltd is authorised by CySEC under licence 362/18, while IC Markets Global operates through Raw Trading Ltd under a Seychelles Financial Services Authority licence.

That distinction matters. An EU-regulated IC Markets account and an offshore IC Markets Global account are not interchangeable from a leverage or investor-protection perspective.

Verdict: Choose IC Markets instead of FXTM when your broker decision is primarily about raw pricing, automation and execution infrastructure rather than bonuses, educational material or a proprietary mobile experience.

3. IG: best FXTM alternative for regulation and market breadth

IG was founded in 1974 and its current international materials state that the group provides access to more than 15,000 or 17,000 markets depending on the regional offering. Its regulated entities include firms supervised by authorities such as the FCA, BaFin, ASIC, FINMA, FSCA and MAS.

Its platform proposition has also expanded significantly. In supported markets, IG offers its proprietary web and mobile platforms alongside specialist options such as MT4, MT5, TradingView, ProRealTime and L2 Dealer.

This makes IG particularly relevant if you are leaving FXTM because you want to consolidate more of your trading activity with one provider.

It is not necessarily the closest FXTM replacement for traders seeking extremely high leverage or an offshore-style trading setup. That is not really the point of choosing IG.

Verdict: IG is the better FXTM alternative when regulatory jurisdiction, broker longevity, research infrastructure and market coverage rank above maximum leverage.

4. Exness: best for flexible global trading conditions

Exness supports MetaTrader 5 alongside its proprietary Exness Trade app and Exness Terminal. Its Standard account offers commission-free pricing with spreads advertised from 0.2 pips, while professional account types include lower-spread and raw-style structures.

Exness also operates through multiple regulated entities. Its current regulatory page lists entities overseen by authorities including the Seychelles FSA, South Africa's FSCA, Kenya's CMA and regulators in several other jurisdictions. Exness also has FCA and CySEC regulated companies, but importantly, Exness states that those UK and Cyprus entities do not provide trading services to retail clients.

That nuance is critical when comparing Exness with FXTM. A page that simply says "Exness is FCA regulated" without explaining whether that FCA entity will actually hold a retail trader's account creates the wrong impression.

Exness also says more than 98% of withdrawals are processed automatically, although actual processing time depends on the payment method.

Verdict: Exness is attractive when you want FXTM-style leveraged trading with considerable operational flexibility, but check the exact regulated entity carefully before opening an account.

5. XM: best low-deposit FXTM alternative

XM currently lists a $5 minimum deposit for both its Standard and Ultra Low accounts. FXTM's Micro account starts from $30, while its raw-spread Advantage account requires $500.

XM offers MT4 and MT5, making the transition straightforward for an FXTM trader who already uses MetaTrader.

The trade-off is that regulation again needs to be evaluated at entity level. XM Global Limited's international offering is currently regulated by the Financial Services Commission in Belize under licence 8557558. Other companies within the wider XM group operate under different licences in supported regions.

XM therefore makes most sense when account accessibility and the familiar MetaTrader ecosystem are more important than having Pepperstone's wider platform choice or IG's broader market footprint.

Verdict: XM is the strongest low-entry-cost FXTM alternative, particularly for traders who want to stay with MT4 or MT5.

FXTM vs Pepperstone vs IC Markets

For active forex traders, this is probably the comparison that matters most.

FXTM Advantage, Pepperstone Razor and IC Markets Raw Spread all target traders who care about tighter spreads rather than simple spread-only pricing.

FXTM Advantage currently advertises spreads from 0.0 pips and forex commission of $7 per standard lot round trip, with a $500 minimum deposit. Pepperstone Razor also starts from 0.0 pips and commissions from $3.50 per lot per side. IC Markets' USD MetaTrader Raw Spread account similarly charges $3.50 per side.

The headline commission therefore does not provide a compelling reason to choose one by itself.

The more useful distinction is:

FXTM makes sense if you specifically prefer FXTM's account structure, rewards ecosystem or existing trading environment.

Pepperstone wins on overall platform flexibility and regulatory reach.

IC Markets is particularly compelling for execution-focused MetaTrader, cTrader and algorithmic traders.

For a trader starting from scratch, I would choose Pepperstone first and IC Markets second.

When should you actually switch from FXTM?

Switching brokers only makes sense when the alternative fixes a specific problem.

Do not move an active trading account because one broker advertises a spread "from 0.0 pips". Minimum advertised spreads are not the same thing as your realised trading cost.

Compare the variables that affect your actual strategy:

  1. Your legal entity and regulator. The regulator shown on a broker's corporate website may not be the regulator covering your account.
  2. Average spreads on the instruments and sessions you trade. Headline minimum spreads can be poor proxies for real costs.
  3. Commission per round trip. Add commission to spread cost before comparing raw accounts.
  4. Swap and overnight financing. These can matter more than entry spreads for positions held for several days.
  5. Execution and slippage. A small quoted spread is worthless if your strategy experiences materially worse fills.
  6. Platform compatibility. Check your EAs, indicators, scripts, VPS configuration and TradingView or cTrader requirements before transferring.
  7. Funding and withdrawal methods. Availability and fees can differ dramatically by country.
  8. Instrument availability. Verify the exact symbols you trade rather than comparing a broker's total instrument count.

A trader running a high-turnover EUR/USD EA should evaluate brokers differently from someone holding gold CFDs for several days.

That distinction is more useful than declaring one broker universally "cheapest".

Is FXTM still a good broker?

FXTM currently offers MT4 and MT5 as well as its own app. Its Advantage account offers spreads from 0.0 pips, while its Micro account allows smaller-scale live trading from a $30 minimum deposit.

FXTM's main international company, Exinity Limited, is regulated by the Financial Services Commission of Mauritius and is also licensed by South Africa's FSCA as an over-the-counter derivative provider. FXTM also identifies a Kenya-regulated entity, while its UAE company is licensed for Category 5 promotion and introduction activities.

FXTM also states that Exinity Limited does not provide services to residents of several jurisdictions, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, India and Japan.

For traders in those countries, looking for an FXTM alternative is therefore not simply a question of finding better pricing. FXTM may not be an available option in the first place.

Which FXTM alternative is best?

It provides the closest combination of competitive forex pricing, MetaTrader support and global CFD access while improving significantly on FXTM's platform selection through cTrader and TradingView.

Choose IC Markets instead if scalping, EAs and raw-pricing execution are your dominant requirements.

Choose IG if regulatory footprint and breadth of markets matter more than high leverage.

Choose Exness if you are an experienced trader in an eligible jurisdiction looking for flexible global trading conditions.

Choose XM if your priority is opening a MetaTrader account with a very small initial deposit.

There is no reason to choose the broker with the longest feature list. Choose the broker whose regulated entity, cost structure and execution setup best fit the trades you actually make.

Frequently asked questions

Is Pepperstone better than FXTM?

Pepperstone is the better choice for most traders who value platform flexibility. It supports MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView and its proprietary platform, while FXTM focuses on MT4, MT5 and its own trading interface. Pepperstone also operates through a wider range of regulated entities.

Which FXTM alternative is best for scalping?

IC Markets is one of the strongest FXTM alternatives for scalping and automated forex strategies. Its Raw Spread offering supports tight raw pricing and MetaTrader automation, while cTrader provides another execution and algorithmic trading environment.

Which FXTM alternative has the lowest minimum deposit?

Among the brokers compared here, XM advertises Standard and Ultra Low accounts with a $5 minimum deposit. IC Markets Global states that it has no minimum deposit requirement, although traders still need sufficient funds to meet margin requirements and manage risk.

What is the closest alternative to FXTM Advantage?

Pepperstone Razor and IC Markets Raw Spread are the closest direct alternatives to FXTM Advantage. All three use raw or near-raw spread plus commission pricing aimed at active forex traders. FXTM Advantage and the USD-denominated raw accounts cited from Pepperstone and IC Markets each advertise forex commission around $7 per standard lot round trip.

Can UK or US residents use FXTM?

FXTM states that Exinity Limited does not provide services to residents of either the United Kingdom or United States, alongside several other restricted jurisdictions. Traders in those markets need a broker authorised to provide the relevant products in their own jurisdiction.

Broker products, account conditions, regulation, leverage and availability can change by jurisdiction. CFDs and leveraged forex products carry a high risk of loss and are not suitable for every trader. This comparison is general information, not personalised investment advice.