EUR/USD 
GBP/USD 
USD/ZAR 
EUR/INR 
EUR/GBP 
XAU/USD (Gold) 
XAG/USD (Silver) 
XM Global 
AvaTrade 
RoboForex 
IC Markets 
LiteFinance 
IUX Markets 
FP Markets 
South Africa 
Thailand 
Singapore 
Japan 
Pakistan 
Malaysia 
Philippines 
Brazil 
Bangladesh 
Vietnam 
India 
XM vs Avatrade
XM and AvaTrade both welcome beginners, but they price trades in completely different ways. XM offers a raw-spread account from 0.0 pips and lets you start with $5, while AvaTrade builds every cost into the spread, asks for $100, and adds tools you won't find at XM like vanilla options and heavier regulation. Here's how to tell which one suits you.
XM and AvaTrade are both brokers that are suitable for beginners but they use different pricing models that can affect your trading costs. XM offers eligible account types with a minimum deposit from $5 and a Zero Account with spreads from 0.0 pips plus commission.AvaTrade’s minimum deposit depends on the country, payment method, and the regulated entity serving your account.
Here’s how the two brokers compare and which type of trader each one is best suited for.
Although both brokers appeal to beginners, they differ considerably in pricing, trading tools, and platform features, but there are several important differences between them.Trading conditions for both brokers depend on the account type and regulatory entity. AvaTrade also offers additional features such as AvaOptions and operates under multiple regulatory authorities.
How Each Broker Charges You
XM offers different pricing models depending on the account type and the entity serving your region. The Standard account is spread-based, with EUR/USD spreads varying according to market conditions. XM Zero Account offers spreads from 0.0 pips under normal market conditions, with commission charged separately. Actual spreads vary according to market conditions Many active traders prefer commission-based raw spread accounts because they can help reduce trading costs during frequent trading.
AvaTrade’s CFD accounts primarily use spread-only pricing, although pricing may differ for products such as options., with spreads that vary depending on market conditions and the instrument traded. For casual and longer-term traders, a spread-only pricing model is often simpler to understand and manage.For active traders, the absence of a raw spread account may limit opportunities to reduce trading costs. AvaTrade does not currently offer a raw-spread account with near-zero spreads.
Before choosing between the two brokers, consider whether raw spread pricing is important for your trading strategy. Consider how frequently you expect to trade before deciding whether a raw-spread account is necessary. If you do, XM’s Zero account provides a pricing option that AvaTrade does not currently offer. If you trade at a relaxed pace, AvaTrade publishes competitive spreads from around 0.9 pips on selected major pairs, although actual spreads vary with market conditions.
Comparison Table
| XM | AvaTrade | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2009 (Cyprus) | 2006 (Dublin, Ireland) |
| Minimum deposit | $5 | $100 ($300 in Canada) |
| Pricing model | Market maker + raw (Zero) account | Market maker only |
| EUR/USD spread | Standard Account spreads are variable. Refer to XM’s official trading conditions for current average spreads. | AvaTrade publishes spreads from approximately 0.9 pips on selected major currency pairs under normal market conditions |
| Raw/ECN account | Yes (Zero account) | No |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, XM app | MT4, MT5, WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions |
| Instruments | 1,400+ | 1,250+ |
| Copy trading | XM’s copy trading availability depends on the services available under the relevant operating entity. | AvaSocial, ZuluTrade, DupliTrade |
| Standout extra | Strong education, Promotional offers, including no-deposit bonuses, depend on your country of residence and the applicable regulatory entity. | Vanilla options, AvaProtect loss cover |
| Max leverage | Maximum leverage varies depending on the regulated entity, instrument, and client classification.; 1:30 EU | AvaTrade’s maximum leverage depends on the regulated entity and applicable regulations; 1:30 EU |
| Regulators | CySEC, ASIC, FSCA, DFSA | CBI (Ireland), ASIC, CySEC, FSA Japan, FSCA and more |
| Inactivity fee | not fixed ,it depends | Policy changes occasionally, plus $100/year after 12 months |
Spreads vary with market conditions. The figures above are typical published values and should be treated as indicative rather than fixed.
What AvaTrade Does Better?
Regulation depth. AvaTrade operates through several regulated entities across multiple jurisdictions worldwide. XM is well regulated too (CySEC, ASIC, FSCA and others), but AvaTrade operates under several recognised financial regulators across multiple jurisdictions. If regulatory coverage is high on your list, this is one area where AvaTrade stands out. UK traders should note that regulatory entities and available services may differ depending on residency.: Always verify the current regulatory status on each broker’s official website, as licensing may change over time.
Broader range of trading tools. AvaTrade lets you trade vanilla options through its AvaOptions platform, which gives you defined-risk and volatility strategies that that are not currently available through XM’s CFD offeringAvaProtect is a paid risk-management feature available on eligible trades, subject to its published terms and conditions. Together with its copy trading integrations, AvaTrade provides a broader selection of trading tools. AvaTrade provides a broader range of trading tools.
Fixed spreads. Fixed spreads are available only on selected instruments and may not be offered in every jurisdiction. on selected instruments where supported by AvaTrade, so your cost stays the same even when markets get choppy. This may appeal to traders who prefer more predictable pricing during volatile market conditions. XM primarily focuses on variable-spread pricing rather than fixed-spread products.
What XM Does Better?
Lower entry requirement. XM allows traders to open eligible accounts with a relatively small initial deposit. among retail forex brokers. If you want to start with a small amount of capital, XM offers a relatively low minimum deposit on eligible account types compared with many retail forex brokers.
Raw spread accounts for active traders. As covered above, the Zero account is the deciding factor for scalpers and frequent traders. AvaTrade does not currently offer an equivalent raw-spread account.
Lower inactivity fees. This feature is often overlooked but can significantly affect traders who are inactive for long periods. Inactivity fees are subject to the broker’s current fee schedule and should be confirmed before opening an account. XM’s $15-then-$10-a-month structure is comparatively lower.Traders who do not trade regularly may find XM’s inactivity fees less expensive, XM applies lower inactivity charges than AvaTrade.
Education for newcomers. Both brokers provide educational resources, but XM provides an extensive educational section including webinars, trading videos, tutorials and market analysis., tutorials, and beginner-focused learning materials.
Which Broker Suits You?
| If you are | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner traders with limited starting capital | XM | $5 entry and far more education |
| A casual or long-term trader who wants simple costs | AvaTrade | Spread-only pricing with competitive published spreads, plus fixed-spread options |
| A scalper or active day trader | XM | XM’s Zero account offers a raw-spread pricing model that AvaTrade does not currently provide. |
| After options, copy trading and the widest regulation | AvaTrade | AvaTrade provides a broader range of trading tools and operates under multiple recognised regulatory authorities. |
| Someone who trades occasionally and goes quiet | XM | AvaTrade charges $50 a quarter after three months idle |
Which One Should You Choose?
Both brokers are designed for retail traders but cater to different trading styles and priorities, they appeal to different types of investors. XM offers greater flexibility in pricing, particularly for active traders who prefer raw spread accounts. AvaTrade offers a broader range of trading tools and operates under multiple regulatory licences, making it a strong choice for traders who value additional features for casual and longer-term traders who value predictable spreads and extras like options and copy trading, as long as they stay active enough to dodge those inactivity fees.
XM may suit traders seeking lower entry costs and flexible pricing, while AvaTrade may appeal to traders looking for additional trading tools and broader regulatory coverage.
Why you can trust FX Recap?
FX Recap is an independent Forex media platform. Our broker ratings are based on a published methodology that includes regulatory research, hands-on testing where applicable, and trader feedback.
Why you can trust FX Recap
FX Recap is an independent Forex media platform. Every broker score comes from our published methodology, including live account testing, regulatory verification, and real trader feedback, so you can make smarter trading decisions.
Read our methodologyAdvertising Disclosure
We prioritize rigorous, unbiased broker testing through our published methodology. Forex and CFD trading carries significant risk of loss, so read our Risk Notice before you trade. While our ratings stay objective, we receive compensation that may influence list placement. Learn how we make money.
Current Offers & Promotions
Promotion
AvaTrade Welcome Bonus 2026
AvaTrade provides a variety of promotional programs designed to reward traders and enhance their trading experience. These include the popular…
View Offer