Oanda vs Forex.com

  • Home
  • Oanda vs Forex.com
Oanda vs Forex.com: Which offers better value for forex traders? Our in-depth comparison covers fees, markets, and tools to help you make an informed decision.

Oanda vs Forex.com – two big names in forex trading, but which one’s right for you? If you’re new to trading and feeling overwhelmed by the choice, you’re not alone. I remember the confusion when I first started out. That’s why I’ve broken down the key differences between these brokers in simple terms. We’ll cover:

  • Company Background
  • Trading Platforms
  • Available Markets
  • Fees and Commissions
  • Account Types
  • Security and Regulation
  • Customer Support
  • Pros and Cons
  • Beginner-Friendly Features
  • Advanced Trader Considerations

By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of which broker might be your better match. Let’s get started!


Oanda vs Forex.com: Company Background

When choosing a Forex broker, it’s crucial to understand their history and reputation. Let’s take a look at Oanda and Forex.com:

Aspect
Forex.com vs Oanda
Founded
1996
2001
Headquarters
New York, USA
Bedminster, New Jersey, USA
Global Presence
Offices in 9 countries
Available in 180+ countries
Known For
Pioneer in online currency trading
Part of StoneX Group, a Fortune 100 company

My take: Both Oanda and Forex.com are well-established players in the Forex market. Oanda has a slight edge due to its 25-year history and reputation as an innovator. However, Forex.com’s backing by a larger financial group gives it added stability. For beginners, I’d lean towards Oanda for its longer track record in serving retail traders.

Want to dig deeper? Check out our full Oanda review and Forex.com review for all the details on each broker.


Trading Platforms

The trading platform is your gateway to the markets. Here’s how Oanda and Forex.com stack up:

Feature
Oanda
Forex.com
Main Platform
fxTrade
FOREX.com Platform
Third-Party Platforms
MetaTrader 4, TradingView
MetaTrader 4, TradingView
Web Trading
Yes
Yes
Mobile Apps
iOS, Android
iOS, Android
User Interface
Clean, intuitive
Modern, customizable
Mobile Capabilities
Full functionality
Full functionality

My take: Both offer solid platforms, but I prefer Oanda’s fxTrade for its clean interface. It’s less overwhelming for beginners. However, if you’re into advanced charting, Forex.com’s integration with TradingView is a big plus. For mobile trading, it’s a tie – both offer fully-featured apps that work great on the go.


Available Markets

Variety is the spice of life, and that applies to trading too. Let’s see what these brokers offer:

Market Type
Oanda
Forex.com
Forex Pairs
70+
80+
Cryptocurrencies
Limited CFDs
More extensive offering
Commodities
Yes
Yes
Indices
Yes
Yes
Stocks
No
Yes (as CFDs)
Bonds
No
Yes

My take: Forex.com takes the cake here with a wider range of markets. While both cover the basics well, Forex.com’s addition of stocks and bonds gives traders more diversification options. If you’re strictly into Forex, either will do, but for a broader trading experience, Forex.com has the edge.


Fees and Commissions

Now, let’s talk money – specifically, how much these brokers will cost you:

Fee Type
Oanda
Forex.com
Spread on EUR/USD
From 0.9 pips
From 1.0 pips
Commission
Spread only
Spread only (commission account available)
Overnight Rates
Based on interbank rates
Competitive, based on market rates
Inactivity Fee
$10/month after 12 months
$15/month after 12 months
Withdrawal Fee
No fee for bank transfers
$25 for bank wire (free for large amounts)

My take: Oanda slightly edges out Forex.com on spreads, which is crucial for active traders. However, Forex.com’s commission account option might work out cheaper for high-volume traders. Oanda’s free withdrawals are nice, but Forex.com waives fees for larger amounts. Overall, I’d say Oanda is more cost-effective for casual traders, while Forex.com could be better for pros who can benefit from their commission structure.


Account Types

When it comes to account options, both Oanda and Forex.com keep things relatively simple:

Feature
Oanda
Forex.com
Standard Account
fStandard Account
Standard Account
Professional Account
Elite Trader
Direct Market Access (DMA)
Islamic Account
Available
Available
Minimum Deposit
$0
$50 for standard, $25,000 for DMA
Demo Account
Yes, unlimited
Yes, 30 days

My take: I love Oanda’s no minimum deposit policy – it’s perfect for beginners or those wanting to test the waters. Forex.com’s higher minimums might be a hurdle for some, but their DMA account is a nice option for serious traders. If you’re just starting out, Oanda’s unlimited demo account is a fantastic learning tool. Overall, Oanda is more beginner-friendly, while Forex.com caters better to more experienced traders.


Security and Regulation

Trading safely is non-negotiable. Here’s how these brokers stack up in terms of security:

Aspect
Oanda
Forex.com
Main Regulators
FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), MAS (Singapore)
FCA (UK), CFTC (US), ASIC (Australia)
Fund Protection
Segregated accounts
Segregated accounts
Insurance
Up to £85,000 (UK clients)
Up to £85,000 (UK clients), $250,000 (US clients)
Data Security
SSL encryption
SSL encryption
Two-Factor Authentication
Available
Available

My take: Both brokers are rock-solid in terms of regulation and security. They’re overseen by top-tier regulators and use industry-standard security measures. I appreciate Forex.com’s added insurance for US clients, but for most traders, both platforms offer comparable peace of mind. It’s essentially a tie in my book – you can’t go wrong with either in terms of security.


Customer Support

Good support can make or break your trading experience. Let’s see how these two compare:

Feature
Oanda
Forex.com
Support Channels
Email, phone, live chat
Email, phone, live chat
24/5 Support
Yes
Yes
Average Response Time
Language Options
13 languages
12 languages
Educational Resources
Extensive (articles, webinars, videos)
Comprehensive (articles, videos, webinars)
Trading Tools
Economic calendar, market forecasts
Performance analytics, Trading Central

My take: Both offer solid support, but I’ve found Oanda to be slightly quicker in response times. Their educational resources are also a bit more beginner-friendly. However, Forex.com’s performance analytics tool is a gem for those who love to dive deep into their trading patterns. If you’re new to trading, I’d give Oanda the edge. For more experienced traders, Forex.com’s advanced tools might be more appealing.


Beginner-Friendly Features

As someone who remembers the confusion of starting out, I know how important newbie-friendly features are. Here’s how Forex.com and Oanda cater to beginners:

Feature
Oanda
Forex.com
Demo Account
Unlimited time
30 days
Demo Account Reset
Anytime
Not available
Educational Articles
Extensive library
Comprehensive collection
Webinars
Regular, free
Regular, free
Video Tutorials
Yes, well-organized
Yes, good variety
Risk Management
Stop loss, take profit, trailing stop
Stop loss, take profit, trailing stop
Position Sizing Calculator
Yes
Yes
Newbie-friendly Interface
Very intuitive
Slightly more complex

My take: For absolute beginners, I’ve got to give the edge to Oanda. Their unlimited demo account is a game-changer – you can practice as long as you want without pressure. Their educational materials are also a tad more digestible for newbies. That said, Forex.com isn’t far behind. Their 30-day demo is enough for most, and their educational content is solid. Both offer great risk management tools, which is crucial for preserving your capital when you’re starting out.


Advanced Trader Considerations

Now, for the trading ninjas out there, let’s look at the pro-level features:

Feature
Oanda
Forex.com
API Access
REST API and FIX API
REST API
Algo Trading
Supports MT4
Supports MT4 and MT5
VPS Options
Not provided directly
Available, free for qualifying accounts
Advanced Charting
50+ technical indicators
80+ technical indicators, TradingView integration
Custom Indicators
Via MT4
Via MT4, MT5, and TradingView
Backtesting
Via MT4
Via MT4, MT5, and Strategy Trader
Trading Central
Not available
Included
Economic Calendar
Comprehensive
Comprehensive with impact meter

My take: For the hardcore traders, Forex.com pulls ahead in my book. Their VPS offering is a big plus for algo traders, and the TradingView integration is fantastic for advanced chartists. The inclusion of Trading Central analysis is icing on the cake. Oanda isn’t slouching though – their API options are actually more extensive, which could be crucial for some algorithmic strategies.


Forex.com vs Oanda Pros and Cons

Let’s break down the key strengths and weaknesses of each broker:

Oanda

Pros:

  • No minimum deposit
  • User-friendly platform
  • Excellent educational resources
  • Slightly tighter spreads

Cons:

  • Limited range of markets
  • No social/copy trading features

Forex.com

Pros:

  • Wide range of markets
  • Advanced trading tools
  • DMA account option
  • Strong regulatory standing in the US

Cons:

  • Higher minimum deposits
  • Slightly higher spreads for standard accounts

Oanda vs Forex.com: Which should you choose?

After comparing Oanda and Forex.com, I’d recommend Oanda for most beginners and intermediate traders. Here’s my reasons:

Oanda stands out with its user-friendly platform, no minimum deposit, and unlimited demo account. These features make it easier for newcomers like you to start trading without financial pressure. Their tight spreads and straightforward fee structure are also appealing for those learning the ropes. The extensive educational resources and intuitive risk management tools further support a smoother learning curve.

That said, this is my personal take based on what I believe matters most for new traders.

Forex.com is also an excellent choice, especially for those interested in a wider range of markets or more advanced trading tools. Their strong regulatory standing and comprehensive feature set make them a solid option for beginners as well.


Bottom Line

Choosing between Oanda and Forex.com isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. Take your time to consider what matters most to you – whether it’s low costs, variety of markets, or educational resources. Both brokers have their strengths, and your perfect fit depends on your personal trading goals and style. Remember, the best broker is the one that aligns with your needs and helps you grow as a trader. Whichever you choose, stay focused on learning and developing your skills. Happy trading!


Read also ↓

Oanda vs IG

Oanda vs FXCM

eToro vs Oanda

Interactive Brokers vs Oanda