Searching for the top forex broker in Canada? Based on our hands-on analysis, we’ve identified the 6 best options tailored to various trading needs. Practical tips from our experts are included.
Canada is becoming the next hot destination for regulated brokers wanting to expand in North America. This competition means that many forex brokers in Canada are providing a range of excellent products and services for their clients.
In 2019, the Canadian regulator Investment Industry Regulatory Organization (IIROC) published the ‘Proposed Derivatives Rule Modernization, Stage 1’ report, which provided a regulatory framework for Forex and CFD trading products. In fact, this document legalized Canadian residents’ access to leveraged forex and CFD products.
Our team of experts has identified brokers’ strengths and weaknesses using FX Empire’s comprehensive methodology. Here’s how we test.
Now let’s dive into the selected brokers.
AXI is a well-rounded financial derivatives broker that is headquartered in Australia and regulated by ASIC. It offers access to more than 280 tradable instruments across different asset classes, which can be traded on the renowned MetaTrader 4 platform.
Regional Features:
AXI’s global entity, AxiTrader Limited, participates in The Financial Commission, and its clients are protected by up to EUR 20,000 against the entity’s credit risks and liabilities. Canadian traders can trade on currency pairs, commodities, share CFDs, indices, cryptocurrencies, and futures. Additionally, they can benefit from AXI’s wide and diverse research content provided by the seamless Autochartist and Trading Central.
The broker also provides free Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting for low-latency trading. High-volume traders can make use of it to secure stable internet connectivity and achieve average execution speeds below 5 milliseconds.
I opened a Standard account, which features commission-free trading and floating spreads from 0.9 pips. I discovered that AXI charges low-to-average spreads on indices and commodities, average spreads on cryptocurrencies, and average-to-high spreads on currency pairs.
FXCC is a forex and CFD broker offering a hundred tradable instruments at exceptionally low costs. Founded in 2010 in Cyprus, it also stands out with its fast execution speeds below 60 milliseconds and $0 deposit requirements. This makes FXCC a perfect choice for those interested in quality service, favorable prices, and affordable accounts.
Regional Features:
I conducted my tests on a standard ECN XL account type featuring commission-free trading for all asset classes. This means that traders do not have to pay fixed costs when trading higher volumes. Additionally, I measured FXCC’s spread rates on instruments across different asset classes and discovered that, except for cryptocurrencies, the broker charges low-to-average spreads compared to the industry average.
FXCC incorporates the standard suit MetaTrader 4. The platform accommodates basic technical analysis and simple order execution. It features more than 50 analytical tools and chart configurations, as well as trading from the chart and one-click trading. MT4 also supports algorithmic trading via Expert Advisors (EAs).
TMGM was founded in 2013 and provides a good range of trading platforms and services for traders. The broker has entities authorized and regulated by Tier 1 regulator Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and Tier 3 regulator the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC). Clients from Canada are opening accounts with VFSC-regulated entity.
Regional Features:
When testing the broker’s services, we found that you can trade from the world’s most popular trading platform MetaTrader 4 and the more advanced, professional IRESS trading platform.
The MT4 platform can be accessed via desktop, web, and mobile and comes pre-loaded with more than 80 inbuilt indicators and algorithmic trading capabilities.
The IRESS platform is an institutional-grade trading platform that is browser-based with charting tools, real-time news updates, and access to the market depth of thousands of stocks from Europe, the US, and Australia.
Our research also shows that MT4 users can download Trading Central for Windows which provides access to economic calendars and real-time trading ideas. There are also two account types for MT4 users which can both be funded in CAD, USD, EUR, GBP, and others to trade forex, indices, commodities, cryptos, and some stocks.
From my examination, Edge Account offers spreads from 0.0 pips with $3.50 commission per lot, per side. While Classic Account offers spreads from 1.0 pips with zero commissions.
Founded in 2006, AvaTrade is authorized and regulated by more than six regulators across six continents, including ASIC, CySEC, and JFSA, and provides a great trading offering with access to a large range of markets.
Regional Features:
Beginners can benefit from AvaTrade’s extensive educational materials. The broker offers plenty of articles, courses, and videos that delve deep into essential trading concepts such as technical analysis, fundamental analysis, risk management, and the psychology of trading.
From my research, accounts opened in Canada are held by Friedberg Direct, a division of Friedberg Mercantile Group, a member of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) and the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF), which covers up to CAD $1 million for all general accounts.
With AvaTrade Canada you can trade on forex and CFDs on indices and commodities using the MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms, as well as AvaTrade’s own web platform and the AvaOptions app for forex options trading.
We found that AvaTrade’s forex trading fees were better than the industry average with spreads on EUR/USD during the London session less than 1.0 pip on average.
FP Markets was founded in 2005 in Sydney, Australia, and allows trading of over 840 instruments from an ECN trading account using MT4, MT5, and cTrader platforms. The broker has entities authorized and regulated by Tier 1 ASIC and CySEC as well as one unregulated entity based in St.Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).
Regional Features:
During the course of my research, I found that FP Markets provides a great range of tools for advanced traders. As a professional trader myself, I found it great that FP Markets offers ECN pricing on its forex accounts. This means you can access raw, interbank markets spreads paying a commission of 3.50 USD per lot, per side which is the industry average.
Multi-asset class traders may also enjoy access to the IRESS DMA platform which allows you to trade more than 10,000 global shares directly from the order books of the exchange or liquidity provider. This enables a high level of price transparency and extremely fast execution speeds.
FP Markets offers a variety of valuable trading platforms, including MT4, MT5, and cTrader. These platforms provide fast execution, access to over 80 technical indicators, and support algorithmic trading, although they may require some learning curve.
I also enjoyed using the Autochartist plugin for MetaTrader which provides real-time technical analysis of trading ideas using an algorithmic-based market scanner. It quickly identifies trading patterns, saving time on research.
OANDA was founded in 1996 and provides a great range of trading services and products for retail clients and businesses converting large amounts of currencies. OANDA is regulated by Tier 1 authorities all around the world such as the FCA, CySEC, ASIC, and many others. It is also authorized and regulated by the IIROC and is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund providing a high level of transparency and safety of up to $1 million of your assets in the event of a broker default.
Regional Features:
During my live testing, I observed that the broker offers a diverse range of over 120 CFDs, including forex, indices, commodities, and bonds. Additionally, I found that traders have access to multiple platforms such as MT4, TradingView, and the broker’s comprehensive desktop, web, and mobile trading platform.
When using OANDA’s live trading platform, I discovered that spreads were average with EUR/USD during the London open around 1.3 pips. However, Oanda provides a range of different trading accounts where you can access better spreads. For example, I found that the Advanced Trader Program account offers 0.2 pip reduction on forex pairs if more than $100 million notional trade volume is traded in one month.
Below are additional elements to take into consideration when choosing a forex broker in Canada to trade with.
The safety, security, and transparency of a broker are essential when choosing one to trade with. Your broker will be executing your trades and holding your trading capital. Hence, it needs to have the proper authorizations, licenses, and oversight to do it properly.
Traders in Canada have the option to choose a broker regulated by the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) or other Tier 1 regulators such as the FCA, ASIC, etc. IIROC conducts regular reviews of brokers to make sure they are meeting its high ethical and professional standards, providing a higher level of transparency and safety for your funds.
Check out our list of Best IIROC-regulated forex brokers.
Investment dealers regulated by IIROC are affiliated with the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF), providing additional protection for individuals in the event of insolvency. As members of the CIPF, investors are safeguarded by up to $1 million in all general accounts. While brokers typically outline these protections on their websites, you can also verify them by conducting an online search on the regulator’s register.
Read more about Best regulated forex brokers.
A broker’s trading fees are generally categorized into trading and non-trading fees. Trading fees are charged for opening, closing, and holding a trade. This includes the spread, commission, and swap fee.
Non-trading fees are related to the fees charged for dormant accounts or periods of inactivity. There may also be fees related to deposits and withdrawals.
Check out our guide on Best zero spread forex brokers.
Most brokers offer a variety of different trading accounts to their clients. These are typically separated by whether it is commission-free or commission-based and by the execution model.
A commission-based trading account typically charges a commission to open and close a trade, the spread, and any overnight fees. Brokers also offer a commission-free trading account that charges any overnight fees and a higher spread only.
Most forex CFD accounts are based on the STP (straight-through processing) model. This means your trades are directly routed to the broker’s liquidity provider. Some brokers may also offer ECN (electronic communication network) accounts where your trades are matched to prices from different liquidity sources in an anonymous network.
For professional traders, a broker may offer DMA (direct market access) which means you trade directly with interbank market participants.
To select the most suitable account type, it is crucial to understand your trading style and specific requirements, as each account offers distinct features. Additionally, it is worth noting that accounts with advanced features typically have higher minimum deposit requirements.
Read more about Best forex STP accounts and Best forex ECN accounts.
The ability to trade on leverage is the very reason CFD brokers exist. This feature enables traders to execute larger positions with a smaller capital outlay, as the remaining funds are borrowed from the broker.
Leverage-based trading, or margin-based trading, is where the broker lends you the capital to control a bigger position and charges interest on any borrowed funds overnight known as the swap fee. This has the effect of being able to have bigger winners but also bigger losses.
The margin requirements for opening trades differ depending on the instrument and the regulatory body overseeing the broker. Typically, retail CFD brokers regulated by Tier 1 regulators like IIROC may provide a maximum leverage of 1:30. This means you can open a position 30 times bigger than the capital required.
Brokers who advertise much higher leverage are usually unregulated or offshore-based brokers that offer fewer regulatory protections. While the FCA, CySEC, and ASIC regulators have all agreed on what margin is required for each asset class, the IIROC margin requirements are much stricter and depend on the base currency you are trading in (CAD, USD, etc.). IIROC-regulated firms need to detail the margin requirements for each instrument which can be found on the broker’s website.
Find out our picks of Best high leverage forex brokers.
When selecting the most suitable platform, consider factors such as your trading experience, specific needs, and desired objectives.
The majority of retail trading brokers provide access to the widely used MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 trading platforms, accessible via desktop, web, or mobile devices. The desktop platform offers the most extensive range of features, including automated trading capabilities.
Check out our dedicated guides on best MT4 brokers and best MT5 brokers.
In addition, it is recommended to explore the broker’s proprietary trading platform, as they often offer advanced features such as sentiment indicators, real-time news, and trading ideas. Identify the needs for your trading and then choose the appropriate platform.
Opting for a broker that offers access to multiple platforms is advantageous, as it ensures uninterrupted trading in the event of one platform experiencing downtime.
Here is our selection of best forex trading platforms.
With the increasing popularity of retail trading in Canada, it is essential to be cautious of brokers that target Canadian residents but lack proper regulation. It is crucial to verify that the broker you choose is authorized and regulated by a reputable Tier 1 regulator, preferably IIROC.
It is also wise to choose a broker that has a presence in Canada or the US. This is because you want to access customer support in your time zone, rather than wait for the European or Asia market to open. Some brokers do offer 24-hour support.
To safeguard yourself from forex and CFD scams, it is advisable to trade with firms regulated by top-tier financial authorities exclusively. Brokers regulated by renowned bodies such as IIROC, FCA, and ASIC are obligated to follow stringent regulations that aim to protect your invested capital. Failure to comply with these rules can lead to the revocation of their operating license and imposition of fines.
Here are the five things to avoid when choosing a broker in Canada:
Since pioneering the broker review industry, the data points and methods of testing each broker have changed dramatically. Our reviews now test for more than 250 data points across nine different categories. This systemized, and structured way of reviewing each broker helps to compare each one side by side.
Evaluating the experience when trading with a broker through opening live accounts, viewing live spreads, trading from the broker’s platform, and speaking to customer support agents (where available) helps us to provide in-depth insights for each broker.
Each broker is evaluated according to nine core categories, which include:
To identify the best Canadian forex brokers, I prioritized IIROC-regulated brokers and ensured they accept Canadian residents. I researched their physical presence in Canada and client protection measures. Opening live trading accounts, I assessed fees, tested user-friendly platforms, and verified CAD availability. I explored localized features and reviewed local customer support. Additionally, I checked for Canadian-specific bonuses and promotions.
Afterward, I broke down the chosen Canadian brokers into dedicated categories to make them suitable for different traders’ needs.
The team of forex and CFD writers and editors at FX Empire is composed of trading industry professionals and seasoned financial journalists. Our writers have been published on leading financial websites such as Investopedia and Forbes. In addition, they all have extensive trading experience.
Dan Blystone began his career in the trading industry in 1998 on the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Later Dan gained insight into the forex industry during his time as a Series 3 licenced futures and forex broker. He also traded at a couple of different prop trading firms in Chicago. Dan is well-equipped to recommend the best forex brokers due to his extensive experience and understanding of the brokerage industry.
Jitan Solanki is a professional trader, market analyst, and educator. He day trades major currency and index markets and focuses on swing trading US equities and commodities. A qualified Market Technician, Jitan also works with trader education and brokerage companies on various projects. These include market analysis, live trading events, and broker reviews. As an experienced trader and educator, Jitan brings all his qualities in action when reviewing and recommending brokers.
Having been a retail trader since 2013, Plamen has gained an in-depth understanding of the challenges that novice traders face today. His expertise is swing trading and day trading with a heavy emphasis on psychological and fundamental analysis. Plamen’s favourite trading instruments include FX majors and gold. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics and International Relations. Plamen's broad experience has equipped him with the expertise to recommend the best forex brokers.
In more than 15 years of trading in the financial markets, Vladimir dealt with a wide range of brokers and financial instruments. His career as a day-trader at a proprietary trading firm goes back to 2007. Later, Vladimir turned to longer time frames and became an independent trader and analyst managing his own portfolio. Using his experience, he helps traders find the best broker in his reviews.
Jitan Solanki is a professional trader, market analyst, and educator. He day trades major currency and index markets and focuses on swing trading US equities and commodities. A qualified Market Technician, Jitan also works with trader education and brokerage companies on various projects. These include market analysis, live trading events, and broker reviews. As an experienced trader and educator, Jitan brings all his qualities in action when reviewing and recommending brokers.
At FXEmpire, we strive to provide unbiased, thorough and accurate broker reviews by industry experts to help our users make smarter financial decisions.