Saxo Bank vs FXTM 2026
Both are regulated. The right choice depends on your trading style.
Saxo Bank suits traders who value real stock ownership, more instruments (65,000 vs 1,000). FXTM suits traders who prioritise tighter spreads, lower minimum deposit ($10 vs $2000), copy trading.
Head to head
| Saxo Bank | FXTM | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | DFSA DF000029 | CySEC 185/12 |
| Regulation tier | tier-1 | tier-1 |
| Min deposit | $2000 | $10 |
| EUR/USD spread | 0.4 pips | 0.1 pips |
| Instruments | 65,000+ | 1,000+ |
| MetaTrader | Yes (MT4+MT5) | Yes (MT4+MT5) |
| Copy trading | No | Yes |
| Real stocks | Yes | No — CFDs only |
| Inactivity fee | $100/mo after 6mo | $5/mo after 6mo |
| Founded | 1992 | 2011 |
| Headquarters | Copenhagen, Denmark | Limassol, Cyprus |
Regulation: Saxo Bank vs FXTM
Saxo Bank is regulated by DFSA under licence DF000029 (Saxo Bank A/S (DIFC)). The DFSA is a tier-1 regulator. Client funds are held in segregated accounts and negative balance protection applies.
FXTM is regulated by CySEC under licence 185/12 (Forextime Ltd). The CySEC is a tier-1 regulator. Client funds are held in segregated accounts and negative balance protection applies.
Both brokers are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Neither has a significant regulatory advantage over the other.
Spreads and fees
Saxo Bank's EUR/USD spread is 0.4 pips. FXTM's EUR/USD spread is 0.1 pips. FXTM offers tighter spreads on this pair.
Saxo Bank charges an inactivity fee of $100/month after 6 months without trading. FXTM charges an inactivity fee of $5/month after 6 months.
Platforms and tools
Both Saxo Bank and FXTM support MetaTrader 4 and 5, so algorithmic traders and EA users can use either.
FXTM offers copy trading, Saxo Bank does not.
Minimum deposit
Saxo Bank requires a minimum deposit of $2000. FXTM requires $10. FXTM has the lower barrier to entry.
Note that minimum deposits can vary by account type and by which regulatory entity serves your country. Some offshore entities allow lower deposits than the tier-1 entity.
Which is better for beginners?
FXTM is generally better for beginners because it offers copy trading. FXTM also has the lower minimum deposit of $10. Both platforms are accessible to new traders, though neither is specifically designed as a beginner-only broker.
Which is better for experienced traders?
Both Saxo Bank and FXTM support MetaTrader, so experienced traders can use either without restriction. FXTM's tighter spreads (0.1 pips) make it better for high-frequency and scalping strategies. Saxo Bank offers more instruments (65,000) for portfolio diversification.
Verdict: Saxo Bank vs FXTM
Choose Saxo Bank if you want real stock ownership, more instruments (65,000 vs 1,000). The DFSA licence (DF000029) gives it strong tier-1 regulatory backing.
Choose FXTM if you want tighter spreads, lower minimum deposit ($10 vs $2000), copy trading. The CySEC licence (185/12) means strong tier-1 regulatory protection.
Both brokers are legitimate and regulated. The choice comes down to your specific trading requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Saxo Bank vs FXTM: which is better?
Saxo Bank is better for real stock ownership, more instruments (65,000 vs 1,000). FXTM is better for tighter spreads, lower minimum deposit ($10 vs $2000), copy trading. If regulation quality is your priority, both have comparable regulation.
Is Saxo Bank or FXTM safer?
Both Saxo Bank (DFSA DF000029) and FXTM (CySEC 185/12) are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Both segregate client funds.
What is the minimum deposit for Saxo Bank and FXTM?
Saxo Bank minimum deposit: $2000. FXTM minimum deposit: $10. Minimums vary by entity and account type.
Do Saxo Bank and FXTM have MetaTrader?
Yes, both support MetaTrader 4 and MT5.