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Claire Maumo has experience in investment banking, strategic consultancy, and journalism. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a Master’s in finance. She has a knack for making complex concepts easy to understand. Her primary focus is on crypto, blockchain, and financial instruments. Follow her for expert insights on trading and investment.
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Many forex brokers are now entering North America, with Canada being one of the destinations. This is primarily because forex trading in the region is spreading like wildfire, thus the need for reliable brokerage firms. Note that the Canadian financial space is regulated by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO). Therefore, any broker you choose for forex trading should not only list your preferred currency pairs but be overseen by this tier-one authority.
With the lengthy and overwhelming research process involved in choosing the right forex broker, we are here to help. With decades of experience trading and investing, we did all the legwork and share below the best forex brokers in Canada. For beginners, we will touch on what forex trading is, tips to get started, and more. We want to ensure every reader is comfortable and prepared to explore the currency landscape.
List of the Best Forex Trading Platforms
- Forex.com – Overall Best Forex Trading Platform in Canada
- OANDA – Top Forex Trading Platform for MT4 Users
- AvaTrade – Beginner-Friendly Forex Platform in Canada
- XTB – Cheapest Forex Trading Platform in Canada
- Interactive Brokers – Top Forex Broker for Professional Canadian Traders
In This Guide
Canadian Forex Brokers: Comparison Table
We had to diligently approach our research process to recommend what we believe will benefit our readers. We started by collecting as many CIRO-regulated brokers as we could. Then, we put them through multiple tests while comparing their features, such as fees, demo accounts, currency pairs availability, support service, and more. Only those that met our specifications were shortlisted for recommendations.
We proceeded to analyze user testimonials on Google Play, the App Store, and Trustpilot. Combining the results of these two processes ensures we remain unbiased and only share brokers based on their features and services. You can explore our comparison table below with varying elements of our top Canadian forex brokers for informed choices.
| Best Forex Broker Canada | License & Regulations | Support Service | Software | Payment Method | Demo Account |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forex.com | CIRO, FCA, CFTC, ASIC, FSA | 24/5 | Forex.com Platform, MT4, MT5 | Bank Transfer, Credit/debit cards, PayPal | Yes |
| OANDA | CIRO, FCA, CFTC, ASIC, FSA | 24/5 | OANDA Platform, MT4, MT5 | Bank Transfer, Credit/debit cards, PayPal | Yes |
| AvaTrade | CBI, FMA, FCA, FSCA, CySEC, CIRO, PFSA, ASIC, FSC, FSA | 24/5 | WebTrader, AvaOptions, AvaTrade App, MT4, MT5, Automated Trading | Credit/debit cards, Neteller, Skrill, Wire transfer, WebMoney | Yes |
| XTB | FCA, KNF, CySEC, CIRO, BaFin, IFSC | 24/5 | xStation 5, MT4 | Bank Transfer, Credit/debit cards, PayPal | Yes |
| IBKR | CIRO, FCA, SEC, FINRA, ICS, CBH, ASIC, SFC, MAS | 24/5 | IBKR Desktop, IBKR Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Mobile, IBKR GlobalTrader | Check, wire transfer, direct bank transfer (ACH) | Yes |
Brokers Short Overview
Considering your forex trading needs when choosing a broker in Canada is vital for an exciting experience. From our analysis, many individuals prioritize affordability and asset availability when choosing a forex broker. Since the research process involved can be lengthy and overwhelming, they find themselves with the wrong choices.
If you are a beginner forex trader or have limited research time, we share tables below showing brief overviews of our top forex brokers’ fees and asset offerings. We did all the legwork, so simply compare them and select what aligns with your forex trading requirements.
Fees
| Best Forex Broker Canada | Minimum Deposit Requirement | Commission/Spreads | Deposits/Withdrawals | Inactivity Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forex.com | C$0 | From 0.0 pips | C$25 withdrawal fee | C$15 monthly |
| OANDA | C$0 | From 0.1 pips | Free | C$10 monthly |
| AvaTrade | C$100 | From 0.8 pips | Free | C$50 after every 3 months of inactivity |
| XTB | C$0 | From 0.0 pips | Free | C$10 monthly |
| IBKR | C$0 | From 0.1 pips | Free | None |
Assets
| Best Forex Broker Canada | Stocks | Forex | Crypto | Commodities | Indices | ETFs | Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forex.com | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| OANDA | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| AvaTrade | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| XTB | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| IBKR | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Our Expert Opinion about Forex Brokers in Canada
Below, we share our expert opinion about the best forex brokers in Canada. These mini-reviews are based on our hands-on experience. The goal is to ensure what each broker has to offer and make a suitable choice.
1. Forex.com – Overall Best Forex Trading Platform in Canada
Forex.com is one of the brokers with a user-friendly and modern design interface. From our experience, it is perfect for both new and professional forex traders. We primarily like its commission-free trades on forex trading and low spreads from 0.0 pips on major currency pairs. Plus, our experience with its trading app was seamless. Its search function made it easier for us to navigate its features on both Android and iOS devices. And when it comes to research materials, you can rely on Forex.com’s options listed on its Web Trader, TradingView, and MT5 platforms.
Overall, we explored over 80 currency pairs at Forex.com, including major, minor, and exotic. In addition, there are plenty of forex learning resources, such as articles, guides, recorded videos, and more, to help in skills development. And when you are ready to start your forex trading ventures, this broker has a virtually funded demo account for you to gauge your skill level with. We were also impressed by its automated trading feature, which has proven resourceful to many traders, especially those with tight daily schedules.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- There is no minimum deposit requirement for Canadian clients
- Plenty of learning and research materials
- Lists over 80 currency pairs
- Low forex trading fees
Cons
- Its offer for traders to earn annual interest on balances is only available for VIP clients
- Charges a C$25 withdrawal fee for amounts less than C$10,000
2. OANDA – Top Forex Trading Platform for MT4 Users
OANDA got us glued with its welcome bonus offer, which currently stands at up to C$13,650. Getting started with it was seamless, and we set up our trading accounts in minutes. From our exploration and comparison, we find it reliable and primarily recommend it to MT4 users. Besides the MT4 platform being user-friendly, you will find quality market analysis tools that will boost your research experience. These include an advanced charting package, automated trading, frequent updates, fast trade execution speed, and more.
When it comes to currency pairs, OANDA lists over 60 options. The best part is that forex training attracts low spreads from 0.1 pips on major currency pairs. Besides the MT4, OANDA hosts additional powerful platforms, including TradingView and OANDA Web. There are also additional securities, like stocks, commodities, indices, bonds, and more, for your portfolio diversification.
OANDA
✔Offers a negative balance protection
✔Customizable trading platform
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- Lists over 60 currency pairs to explore
- Hosts the MT4 trading platform with quality trading resources
- Low forex trading spreads
- Offers users an opportunity to earn interest from unused margin
Cons
- Inactivity charge of C$10/month
- Limited learning resources
OANDA broker has a clear fee structure with no hidden charges. This makes it easier for you to know how much you will be paying once you make a commitment. Some of the fees to incur at OANDA include the following:
| Trading and Non-Trading Charges | Details |
|---|---|
| Account Opening | $0 |
| Management Fee | $0 |
| Minimum Deposit Requirement | From $0, depending on your jurisdiction |
| Commission | From 0% on US-listed shares |
| Spreads | From 0.6 points |
| Deposits and Withdrawals | Free deposits. Withdrawal fees apply based on the payment method used |
| Inactivity | $10 after 12 months |
| Overnight Funding | Varies based on global market conditions |
| Currency Conversion Fee | Calculated by applying a 0.5% mark-up or mark-down |
3. AvaTrade – Beginner-Friendly Forex Platform in Canada
If you are a beginner trader looking to venture into the currency market, AvaTrade is the best broker for you. We tested it, and it is among the most user-friendly on both desktop and mobile devices. Besides, many users on Google Play, the App Store, and Trustpilot highly rate it for being efficient and reliable. With AvaTrade, rest assured of quality learning materials supply and a virtually-funded demo account to get started with. All you have to do is sign up for an account and deposit at least C$100 per its minimum deposit requirement.
We traded forex across more than 50 currency pairs with spreads starting from 0.8 pips. We also explored additional securities, including stocks, indices, bonds, and commodities. While AvaTrade’s asset offerings are limited compared to its peers, beginners have adequate options to get started with and diversify their portfolios. We also like that it hosts multiple platforms with advanced resources to help with market analysis. These include the WebTrader, MT4, and MT5.
AvaTrade
✔Regulated by FCA
✔The platform supports algorithmic trading
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- User-friendly platforms, including the AvaTradeGo app, MT4, and MT5
- In-depth educational resources
- Commission-free forex trading
- Lists over 50 currency pairs to explore
Cons
- C$50 inactivity fee after 3 months of dormancy
- Limited asset class collection compared to its peers
Our experts investigated the AvaTrade broker’s fees and charges. We first noticed that the platform has a modest minimum deposit requirement of $100. What’s more, its users pay no additional costs while depositing funds or cashing out. That makes AvaTrade an ideal broker for both cost-conscious and newbie traders who want to test their waters with small capital before going all in.
That said, AvaTrade requires dormant account holders to pay $50 after every 3 consecutive months of inactivity. Moreover, if you let your account remain inactive for over successive months of inactivity, the broker will charge you a $100 administration fee. Not to forget, AvaTrade requires traders who hold positions overnight to cover a premium.
Here’s a breakdown of the fees you should expect to encounter while trading with this service provider:
| Fees and Charges | Amount |
|---|---|
| Spreads | From 0.9 pips |
| Administration fee | $100 |
| Inactivity fee | $50 |
| Overnight premium | Yes |
4. XTB – Cheapest Forex Trading Platform in Canada
Many traders are skeptical about taking the first step in trading forex due to the fear of overspending. However, XTB is one of the most affordable brokers that is perfect for low-budget traders. Besides having a free and straightforward account set up procedure, this broker has no minimum deposit requirement. This means you can start forex trading with as little as C$1. Moreover, it hosts a virtually-funded demo account, which allows you to explore its features and the FX market without spending your hard-earned money.
From our experience, XTB lists more than 6,200 trading securities, among them being 70+ currency pairs. Spreads for forex trading are low, starting from 0.0 pips. Moreover, we like that it supports micro lot trading, which allows you to manage positions from 0.01 lots. And although there are no third-party platforms like the MT4/5, its xStation 5 and xStation Mobile platforms host quality trading materials that will keep you glued long-term.
XTB
✔User-friendly interface
✔Expert customer support services
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- Competitive spreads for forex trading
- Advanced features for market analysis
- User-friendly and intuitive interface
- Lists more than 70 currency pairs
Cons
- C$10/month inactivity fee
- Has no third-party platforms like the MT4/5
We love XTB because it is one of the most affordable brokers out here. How so? For starters, there are no XTB minimum deposit requirements. Moreover, the broker’s users don’t have to pay additional fees while funding their accounts or cashing out. Most importantly, XTB doesn’t require traders to cover account opening, maintenance, or inactivity fees. In the table below, we’ve highlighted the fees, commissions, and costs you should take note of before committing to XTB.
| Fees and Charges | Amount |
|---|---|
| Account opening and maintenance | $0 |
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| Deposit fee | $0 |
| Withdrawal fee | $0 for withdrawals above $50; $30 for withdrawals below $50 |
| Investing commission | From 0% |
| Spreads | From 0.3 pips |
| Currency conversion fee | 0.5% |
| Inactivity fee | $0 |
5. Interactive Brokers – Top Forex Broker for Professional Canadian Traders
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is one of the most highly rated global brokerage firms. We tested it and like its superior services that kept us trading for a more extended period. We find it the best for professional traders, primarily due to its vast selection of market analysis tools. Learning resources are also supported for traders looking to boost their skill levels. All these resources and more are offered on its IBKR GlobalTrader, IBKR Desktop, IBKR Mobile, and Trader Workstation platforms.
We like that IBKR has no minimum deposit requirement and that forex trading fees are low. This makes it easier for professional traders to get started and plan for their activities. Day traders can trade multiple times without overspending. For forex trading, you will explore over 100 currency pairs at low fees from 0.1 pips. An additional 10,000+ securities are also at your disposal for portfolio diversification.
Interactive Brokers
✔$0 minimum deposit requirement
✔No account inactivity fees
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- Lists over 100 currency pairs
- There is no minimum deposit requirement for Canadian clients
- Powerful trading tools for professional forex traders
- Gives users an opportunity to earn interest rates of up to USD 4.83% on instantly available cash
Cons
- Its desktop platform has plenty of resources, which can be challenging for newbies to navigate
- Its support service response rate can be improved
After conducting thorough research and extensive assesments, we can confidently categorize Interactive Brokers as one of the most affordable service providers out here. As we’ve already mentioned, this company has no minimum deposit requirement. Plus, it allows traders to fund their accounts with payment methods like ACH and wire transfer at no additional cost. We also highly recommend IBKR because, unlike other brokers, it doesn’t require traders to pay inactivity fees for dormant accounts.
Here’s an overview of the Interactive Brokers fees and charges our team unearthed during our evaluation and exploration:
| Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Account opening and maintenance | $0 |
| Deposit | $0 |
| Withdrawal | Yes |
| Inactivity | $0 |
| Overnight charges | Yes |
| Currency conversion | 0,5% |
Forex Trading in Canada
Forex trading in Canada is one of the ventures that have proven lucrative. It allows you to exchange one currency for another with the goal of earning profits in the long run. To engage in this activity, individuals must be above 18 years of age. This is so you can engage in a legally binding contract with a broker to ensure the Canadian online space remains safe and secure.
The forex or currency market in Canada is regulated by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO). This authority strives to maintain the integrity of the region while ensuring traders and investors trade in a secure environment. It has laid down stringent regulations that brokers and other financial institutions must adhere to to achieve its goal. For instance, forex brokers must be licensed and regulated by CIRO. They must also offer favorable trading conditions like advising traders about the risks in the financial landscape and supplying them with quality trading tools.
When it comes to tax laws in Canada, forex traders will pay capital gains tax on profits above C$200 earned from the activity. This is because the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) considers forex trading a business venture. This doesn’t mean you should expect profits every time you trade forex. Remember, the currency market is dynamic, and with constant price changes, profitable trades are not guaranteed and losses are inevitable.
What is Forex Trading?
Also known as currency/foreign exchange/FX trading, forex trading is an activity that allows traders to convert one currency into another with the aim of earning profits from the price difference. Forex is the most actively traded and largest market globally with a daily trading volume of over C$7 trillion.
The currency market is dynamic and can become volatile with frequent price movements of some currencies. As a trader, it is important to conduct thorough market research and stay abreast of currency performance, especially the highly volatile ones. Remember, currency values are mostly influenced by various market conditions, such as political and economic factors.
How does Forex Trading Work?
In forex, you will trade various currency pairs, which are categorized into different groups, including major, minor, and exotic. Note that each currency pair represents a price quote for two different currencies traded in the forex market. Therefore, when you trade the USD/CAD currency pair, it shows how many US dollars it would take to buy one British pound.
To trade forex in Canada, you need a forex broker like the ones we recommend above. It is best to choose a CIRO-regulated one as it guarantees your funds’ safety and favourable trading conditions. For instance, forex trading in Canada gives you an opportunity to apply leverage, which can magnify gains. However, leveraged trading is like a double-edged sword, so losses are also inevitable, and when they occur, they will be massive.
It is best to understand every risk that comes with leveraged trading before engaging in forex. Plus, have a plan, be strategic, and only risk what you are comfortable losing. With CIRO-regulated forex brokers, you are guaranteed quality market analysis tools and learning materials for an exciting experience.
How to Choose the Best Forex Trading Platform in CA
We will always advocate for trading forex with the best forex broker, considering that each provider has its own unique features. But, one question still remains. How do you make a suitable choice among hundreds of options in the Canadian market? To help you streamline this process, simply incorporate the elements below.
Safety
Asset Offerings
Charges
Platform Performance
Demo Account
Support Service
User Recommendations
Prioritize your safety when choosing a forex broker Canada. You see, the Canadian financial landscape hosts both legitimate and fraudulent individuals. To avoid falling victim to scammers, confirm the regulatory status of a Canadian forex broker and ensure CIRO regulates it. Regulated brokers will store your funds in segregated accounts only accessible to you. Plus, they offer the best trading conditions and favourable leverage limits based on your skill level. You will notice that some of the brokers have multiple tier-one authorities like the FCA, ASIC, and more, overseeing their activities. This should prove their credibility further.
The best trading platform in Canada should host your preferred currency pairs, whether major, minor, or exotic. Plus, it should have additional asset offerings, so you can easily try out new markets. This way, you will identify where your strength lies and effectively diversify your portfolio.
Trading and non-trading charges must be looked into when considering a forex broker in Canada. It is best to trade on a budget, considering that the currency market is dynamic and losses are bound to occur. That being said, confirm a broker’s minimum deposit requirement and ensure you are comfortable depositing the amount. Plus, compare commissions/spreads. Transaction costs, inactivity fees, overnight charges, and more.
A reliable forex broker in Canada should be compatible with both desktop and mobile devices so you can continue managing your positions, whether at home or while on the move. Plus, it should have a fast trade execution speed, be user-friendly, and customisable. Most importantly, check the availability of market analysis and skills development tools. You need the best support that will keep you engaged in forex trading long-term.
If you are a beginner, ensure you settle with a forex broker hosting a demo account. It is the best platform to get started with forex trading, as you won’t need to spend your hard-earned money. Demo accounts are usually virtually funded and work just like live trading accounts. The only difference is that you will not earn real profits from them.
Quality support is what you need when engaging in forex trading in Canada. Whether you are a newbie or have been trading forex for a long time, challenges are unavoidable. The best forex broker will be backed up by a professional team looking to give you quality assistance in times of need. You can confirm a support’s reliability by contacting them. Response rate matters, as it will determine how much time you spend managing your open trades. Plus, ensure their availability aligns with your trading schedule since most do operate five days a week rather than 24/7.
User comments and ratings will give an insight into what a broker excels at from a user perspective. This is important because you will relate with other users who have already traded with the broker. To get honest feedback and ratings, visit Google Play, the App Store, and Trustpilot.
Forex Trading Risks for Canadian Traders
Every potentially profitable venture carries risks, and forex trading is no exception. Understanding these risks is crucial as it will help you approach the activity diligently and with a solid plan. Here are the risks of forex trading for Canadian traders.
- Liquidity risks
The currency market is the most liquid, and this comes with a risk of losing money. You see, some currencies are highly liquid, and you can easily find a market for them when needed. However, illiquid currencies or less-traded currencies can leave you searching for markets, thus ending up with losses. This doesn’t mean that liquid currencies are more profitable. It all comes down to how you strategize and when you enter or exit a position.
- Volatility risks
Market conditions can cause the value of currencies to fluctuate frequently, causing volatility. When this happens, even after thorough analysis, it can be hard to make accurate predictions. Ensure you stay updated on the value of various currencies so you can know the best time to enter and exit a trade.
- Cash management risks
Cash management continues to become a risk in currency trading. With easy access to the forex market using mobile or desktop devices, many traders base their decisions on emotions like excitement, greed, or fear. This means they barely conduct extensive research, which is crucial for the best decisions. Always have a plan and be strategic when engaging in forex trading if you want to reap good profits in the long run.
- Leverage risks
Forex trading exposes you to leverage trading, whereby your broker allows you to manage a larger trade size with a small capital. This is highly risky, as any wrong move can leave you with massive losses. While profits can also be amplified should a trade work out in your favour, understand everything about leverage trading before activating it in your trade. Most importantly, risk funds you are comfortable losing to avoid emotional distress.
Pros & Cons of Forex Trading
Forex trading continues to benefit many Canadian traders. However, it also has a few pitfalls worth noting. Here are the pros and cons of forex trading.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Forex trading gives you easy access to the currency market, and you can get started with as little as C$1. | Leverage in forex trading is like a double-edged sword, and it can leave you with massive losses without proper planning and strategy. |
| With forex trading, you can get started without spending your hard-earned money via a broker’s demo account. | There is no profit guarantee when trading forex, you must be strategic for increased potential. |
| You have an opportunity to apply leverage, which can magnify your gains should a trade work out in your favour. | Market volatility can affect currencies’ value, making it challenging for you to make accurate predictions. |
| The forex market is highly liquid, and new market developments can influence currencies’ value, hence profitable trades. | |
| Forex trading fees are always low compared to trading other assets like stocks, commodities, and more. |
Conclusion
The best forex broker in Canada should be safe and meet all your trading requirements. With the above options, you are guaranteed the best experience and potential. All you have to do is take advantage of their resources to conduct thorough market analysis for solid strategies. If you are a beginner, we advise you to start trading with small amounts of money and only risk what you are comfortable losing. Remember, there is no profit guarantee in forex trading. Approaching the activity diligently will help you avoid common mistakes that usually lead to losses.
Additionally, consider exploring high leverage forex brokers if you seek greater potential for returns, but ensure you understand the risks involved.
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I’ve had a great experience with Forex.com, but I’d also recommend checking out IG Group for their user-friendly platform and solid customer support.