B

FXCM

7.9/10
Skilling logo

Skilling

7.5/10
7/10RegulationTied7/10
10/10WinnerFees8/10
9/10PlatformsTied9/10
10/10WinnerEducation & Research6/10
4/10Deposits & WithdrawalsTied4/10
10/10SupportTied10/10

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Overview

FXCM was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in United States, while Skilling was established in 2016 and is based in Cyprus. FXCM holds licences including Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), while Skilling is regulated by Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) among others. FXCM serves 10,000+ clients worldwide; Skilling has 5,000+. The minimum deposit is $1 at FXCM and $100 at Skilling.

FXCM wins this category
FeatureFXCMSkilling
Min. Deposit$1$100
RegulationFinancial Conduct Authority (FCA)Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), CIF license number 357/18, Financial Services Authority (FSA) under license No. SD042
Founded19992016
CountryUnited StatesCyprus
Clients10,000+5,000+

Fees

Fees are a critical factor when choosing between FXCM and Skilling, directly affecting your bottom line as a trader. FXCM has a lower barrier to entry with a minimum deposit of $1 (vs $100 at Skilling). Neither broker charges withdrawal fees. Overall, FXCM scores higher on fees in our assessment.

FXCM wins this category
FeatureFXCMSkilling
Min. Deposit$1$100
Withdrawal FeesNoNo
Inactivity FeesNoNo
Deposit FeesNoNo
CFD FeesNoNo

Platforms

FXCM offers MT4, MT5, cTrader, while Skilling supports MT4, MT5, cTrader. Both brokers provide mobile trading apps for iOS and Android. Skilling supports social and copy trading features, which FXCM does not offer. The two brokers are closely matched on platform offering.

Tied
FeatureFXCMSkilling
MT4YesYes
MT5YesYes
cTraderYesYes
Windows AppYesYes
iOS AppYesYes
Android AppYesYes
Trading PlatformsMT4, Mirror Trader, Web Trader, NinjaTrader, Tablet & Mobile appsMT4, Web Trader, Tablet & Mobile apps

Education & Research

Education and research tools help traders at every level make more informed decisions, and here's how FXCM and Skilling compare. Both brokers run regular live webinars. Both provide video tutorials, including advanced content. Daily market commentary is available from both brokers. Both integrate third-party research tools including Trading Central. Archived webinars are available at both brokers for self-paced learning. FXCM scores higher overall in education and research.

FXCM wins this category
FeatureFXCMSkilling
Forex EducationYesNo
CFD EducationYesYes
Weekly WebinarsYesYes
Daily CommentaryYesYes
Trading CentralYesYes
AutochartistYesNo

Deposits & Withdrawals

Convenient deposit and withdrawal options reduce friction for traders, especially important when managing positions across time zones. FXCM accepts 2 of the tracked payment methods (bank transfer, credit/debit card), while Skilling supports 2 (bank transfer, credit/debit card). Both brokers support the same set of payment methods.

Tied
FeatureFXCMSkilling
Bank TransferYesYes
Credit CardYesYes
PayPalNoNo
SkrillNoNo
NetellerNoNo

Support

Responsive customer support matters most when you're locked out of your account or need urgent help with a trade. Both FXCM and Skilling offer live chat support. Both provide phone support. Email support is available at both brokers. Both brokers offer support in 2 languages. Both brokers are comparable on support quality.

Tied
FeatureFXCMSkilling
Live ChatYesYes
Phone SupportYesYes
Email SupportYesYes
LanguagesEnglish, and ChineseEnglish, and Chinese