| Feature | OANDA | FOREX.com |
|---|---|---|
|
Founded |
1996 |
1999 |
|
Regulation |
CFTC, NFA, FCA, ASIC, IIROC, MAS, FSA |
CFTC, NFA, FCA, ASIC, IIROC, FSA |
|
Platform |
OANDA Trade, MetaTrader 4, TradingView |
MetaTrader 4/5, Web Trader, Advanced |
|
Minimum Deposit |
None |
$100 |
|
Spreads |
From 0.6 pips |
From 0.8 pips |
|
Commission Model |
Spread-only |
Spread + Commission Options |
|
Currency Pairs |
70+ |
80+ |
|
Education |
Strong |
Strong |
|
Mobile App |
Yes |
Yes |
Who Should Choose OANDA?
OANDA is a match made in heaven for:
- Beginners who hate high upfront capital.
- Chart lovers needing TradingView integration.
- Traders who like a simple spread-only model.
- Those who want a clean, intuitive UX.
Who Should Choose FOREX.com?
Choose FOREX.com if:
- You want MT5 support and fancy tools.
- You trade lots of instruments including stocks.
- You like tight spreads via commission models.
- You’re looking for robust research tools.
Company Background & Trustworthiness
Overview of OANDA
Founded in 1996, OANDA’s been around long enough to remember dial-up internet—and that’s a good thing. Known for pioneering online forex, it has grown to become one of the most trusted brokers in the space.
Overview of FOREX.com
FOREX.com, established in 1999, is the brainchild of StoneX Group Inc.—a publicly traded financial powerhouse. It brings institutional-level tools to retail traders.
Is OANDA Safe and Regulated?
OANDA ticks all the right boxes with regulations from:
- CFTC & NFA (US)
- FCA (UK)
- IIROC (Canada)
- MAS (Singapore)
- ASIC (Australia)
- FSA (Japan)
Your funds? Safeguarded. Your trust? Earned.
Is FOREX.com Safe and Regulated?
Yes, yes, and yes. FOREX.com is regulated by:
- CFTC & NFA (US)
- FCA (UK)
- IIROC (Canada)
- ASIC (Australia)
- FSA (Japan)
Safety? Triple checked.
Account Types & Features
Account Options
- OANDA: Standard and Premium Accounts.
- com: Standard, Commission, DMA.
Whether you’re a casual clicker or a data-driven junkie, they’ve got something.
Minimum Deposit Requirements
- OANDA: $0 — trader freedom unlocked.
- com: $100 — still reasonable.
Leverage and Margin
Max leverage for major pairs:
- OANDA: 50:1
- com: 50:1
Both brokers align with regional caps, especially in the US and EU.
Demo Accounts
Practice makes pips. Both brokers offer free, unlimited demo accounts.
Trading Platforms & User Experience
Platform Comparison (MetaTrader, Web, Mobile)
- OANDA: OANDA Trade, MT4, TradingView
- com: MT4, MT5, Advanced Trading
One’s user-friendly; the other’s feature-rich. Pick your poison.
Mobile App Usability
- OANDA: Streamlined UX, good for quick trades.
- com: Feature-packed, powerful analytics.
Both are fast, reliable, and available for iOS & Android.
Customization & Tools
- OANDA: Flexible charting via TradingView.
- com: Built-in strategy tools, Autochartist.
If you’re a techie trader, FOREX.com’s tools will blow your socks off.
Available Markets & Instruments
Forex Pairs
- OANDA: 70+ pairs
- com: 80+ pairs
More pairs = more opportunity.
CFDs, Commodities, Indices, Crypto
- OANDA: FX, indices, commodities, crypto.
- com: Same + stock CFDs, ETFs.
FOREX.com wins on diversity.
Geographic Availability
Both operate in major markets: US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia. Services may vary due to regional rules.
Spreads, Fees & Commissions
Typical Spreads
- OANDA: From 0.6 pips (EUR/USD)
- com: From 0.8 pips (EUR/USD)
Tight spreads, low latency—music to a scalper’s ears.
Commission Models
- OANDA: Spread-only simplicity.
- com: Options galore—spread-only or commission-based.
Other Hidden Fees
- OANDA: $10/month inactivity (after 12 months)
- com: $15/month inactivity (after 12 months)
Watch out for those sneaky charges.
Research, Tools & Analysis
Technical Analysis Tools
Both platforms offer charting tools, indicators, and analysis—but FOREX.com pulls ahead with Autochartist and Trading Central integration.
Economic Calendars & News
Real-time economic calendars and integrated newsfeeds help traders stay a step ahead.
Trading Signals
- com: Signals included.
- OANDA: Daily market analysis and insights.
Both provide value, depending on your trading style.
Education & Support for Beginners
Learning Resources
- Tutorials, eBooks, glossaries, and articles.
- com edges ahead with more advanced modules.
Webinars and Courses
Weekly webinars and structured online courses are standard. Both are trader-friendly and noob-approved.
Customer Support Quality
- OANDA: Email, phone, and chat (24/5)
- com: Ditto.
Timely, helpful, and courteous. No complaints here.
Promotions, Bonuses & Incentives
OANDA Current Offers
- Varies by region
- May include deposit match or referral bonuses
FOREX.com Current Offers
- Cashback and loyalty points
- Regional deposit bonuses
Always read the fine print.
Pros and Cons of Each Broker
OANDA: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Zero minimum deposit
- Excellent educational tools
- Great UX with TradingView integration
Cons:
- No MetaTrader 5
- Fewer instruments than FOREX.com
FOREX.com: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- MT4 & MT5 support
- More instruments (including stocks/ETFs)
- Advanced research tools
Cons:
- $100 minimum deposit
- Slightly higher spreads (on standard account)
Final Verdict: OANDA vs FOREX.com
Best for Beginners
OANDA — No deposit, simple UI, and great learning resources.
Best for Advanced Traders
FOREX.com — Advanced platforms, commission models, and vast instrument access.
Our Top Pick for 2025
FOREX.com — With its powerful platforms and wide instrument list, it’s slightly ahead for serious traders in 2025.
FAQ
Depends on your needs. OANDA is better for beginners; FOREX.com wins for advanced tools.
OANDA has lower spreads in general but lacks commission options that can reduce costs for high-volume traders.
Both are solid. OANDA has simplicity; FOREX.com has features. Pick your style.
Yes, both are regulated by CFTC, NFA, FCA, and IIROC. Safety first!Bottom of Form
