Searching for the top forex broker with PayPal? Based on our hands-on analysis, we’ve identified the 3 best options tailored to various trading needs. Practical tips from our experts are included.
To choose the best PayPal forex brokers, we used the FX Empire’s 250-point rating system to identify the leaders in each category. We focused on the following key features:
Our team of experts has identified each broker’s strengths and weaknesses using FX Empire’s comprehensive methodology. I subsequently used my 16 years of forex trading experience to examine and analyze all our findings, resulting in the selection of the best PayPal forex brokers across various categories. You can read more about it and how we conduct our tests here.
Now, let’s explore the selected brokers.
Founded in 2005, FP Markets offers trading in forex pairs, commodities, stocks, indices, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies. The broker is regulated by CySEC, ASIC, and FSCA. FP Markets also has an unregulated entity, which is registered in St. Vincent & the Grenadines.
PayPal Features:
My research indicated that FP Markets provides a wide range of tradable instruments, including a huge stock offering, which is available via an IRESS account. The IRESS platform is a powerful tool for professional traders. It provides access to thousands of stocks and offers extensive technical analysis capabilities. Besides that, broker’s clients also have access to the popular MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader. Furthermore, FP Markets offers VPS hosting, which is important for algorithmic traders.
My tests showed that FP Markets offers mid-to-low spreads compared to the broader industry. For example, For instance, EUR/USD spreads typically fall between 1.0 and 1.2, while GBP/JPY spreads range from 1.5 to 1.9. The broker does not have deposit and withdrawal fees and also does not charge an inactivity fee.
Founded in 2007, IC Markets has built a name for itself in the trading world, offering a broad spectrum of opportunities from forex and commodities to stocks, indices, and cryptocurrencies. The broker is regulated by ASIC, CySEC, and FSA Seychelles.
PayPal Features:
During my exploration of the platform, I discovered that IC Markets goes above and beyond in providing its customers with a wide array of trading options, including 2100+ stocks. Clients can choose between MT4, MT5, and the cTrader, so the choice of platform caters to varied preferences. The broker’s research offering includes technical and fundamental analysis from the dedicated in-house team.
Moreover, IC Markets provides access to third-party research tools, such as Trading Central and Autochartist, which are popular with both beginner and advanced traders. When it comes to funding options, IC Markets stands out by providing 15 distinct methods in a variety of currencies – a factor significant for committed traders. Besides that, the broker provides a free VPS service for enthusiasts of algorithmic trading.
My personal tests revealed that IC Markets consistently delivers tight spreads in both the Standard Account and the Raw Spread account. The spreads were often better than the industry average. For example, during my evaluation, the EUR/USD spread for the Standard Account floated between 0.6 and 0.7, whereas the spread for Gold hovered between 18 and 20. Active traders will also appreciate the competitive commission structures in the Raw Spread account, serving as a notable perk.
Established in 1999 and regulated by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) in New Zealand, PFD specializes in forex, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrency trading. A key feature of PFD is its use of the widely acclaimed MetaTrader 4 platform, which is enhanced by the broker’s exceptional execution speeds.
PayPal Features:
In optimal conditions, PFD achieves execution speeds as fast as 30 milliseconds, ranking it among the swiftest in the industry. The inclusion of FIX API technology further amplifies its execution efficiency.
PFD’s product portfolio encompasses 70 trading instruments, including 49 forex pairs, 8 commodities, 11 indices, and 2 cryptocurrencies. Traders have the option of three account types: one spread-based and two commission-based, with these accounts being available in six base currencies – EUR, USD, NZD, AUD, GBP, and JPY.
In terms of fees, our evaluation found PFD’s charges generally lower than the industry norm. Spreads for the EUR/USD pair fluctuate between 0.3 and 0.4, while spreads for WTI oil are about 0.07 to 0.08. Swap fees were also observed to be on the lower to average scale.
Use our guide to choose the forex broker that accepts PayPal deposits and withdrawals according to your trading goals.
The process of choosing a broker begins with learning where your potential broker is regulated. Brokers that offer PayPal for deposits and withdrawals are regulated by top-tier regulators, as well as offshore regulators. In our research, we divide regulators into three tiers:
Traders should prioritize essential safeguards such as negative balance protection, segregated funds, and compensation funds, all of which offer reassurance in case of financial issues. Traders should note that offshore regulators do not impose strict limits on leverage, allowing traders to access high levels of leverage but offer lower levels of protection. You should be aware that compensation schemes may not be available. Consequently, if a broker faces financial difficulties, traders will have to navigate the situation independently.
Check out our comprehensive guide on the best regulated forex brokers.
Typically, brokers charge spreads, commissions, swap/rollover fees, and inactivity fees.
You should understand the difference between various types of accounts.
Discover Best ECN forex accounts and Best STP forex accounts.
Typically, most brokers offer access to MetaTrader 4 and/or MetaTrader 5. Those are sophisticated platforms with a variety of tools tailored mainly for experienced traders. Hence, beginners may need to spend some time learning the ropes.
Some brokers have also developed their own in-house trading platforms. These platforms are usually tailored to the needs of traders of various experience levels. They are easy to navigate and simple to use.
The choice of trading platform largely depends on personal preferences and trading experience. In my opinion, for novice traders, it’s better to start with a user-friendly platform or a mobile app, whereas experienced traders would often prefer MT4/MT5.
Read more about the platforms in our detailed guides on the best MT4 and best MT5 brokers.
Leverage provides traders with the opportunity to boost their profits through the use of borrowed funds. The higher the leverage, the greater your potential profits may be. However, leverage can be a double-edged sword, as it can also magnify potential losses. Thus, I would advise beginners to start with low levels of leverage to avoid the risk of substantial losses.
The maximum potential leverage a broker can offer is determined by the regulator. PayPal forex brokers have entities that are regulated by offshore regulators that do not impose specific limits on leverage for retail clients. Thus, the leverage can be as high as 1:3000. Note that it’s necessary to consider your risk tolerance and trading strategy before engaging in high-leverage trading. Additionally, traders should be aware that offshore regulators offer fewer protections. However, you can see FX Empire’s carefully selected list of the best forex brokers with high leverage.
Based on my trading experience, I have outlined the five things to avoid when choosing a broker:
To safeguard yourself against forex scams, follow these essential guidelines:
FX Empire, with a history dating back to 2010, has established itself as a reputable authority in broker reviews. Our extensive experience in evaluating CFD brokers, spanning over a decade, has led us to develop a meticulous and comprehensive review strategy. Adhering to stringent guidelines for editorial integrity, we consistently uphold our commitment to deliver unbiased evaluations.
We follow a diligent protocol for our review process, integrating objective criteria and quantifiable data. This methodical approach allows us to generate a justified score that accurately reflects the performance of a broker. Our mission is to provide traders with thorough and unbiased reviews, empowering you to make well-informed decisions aligned with your specific needs.
To choose the best brokers for you, we rate them across nine categories and calculate a score that reflects their performance. The categories include:
We open accounts, test platforms, measure spreads, and chat with support teams to collect as much data as possible for each broker. Overall, we evaluate brokers based on more than 250 distinct data points. Every category receives a rating from one star (weak) to five stars (excellent). The broker’s total score depends on its performance in each of these nine categories.
We highlight each broker’s strengths and weaknesses, explain regulatory details, and share the results of our live tests of brokers’ fees, customer support, and trading platforms. To learn more about our review process, click here.
In this article, I focused on the best forex brokers that offer PayPal for deposits and withdrawals. I have given priority to trustworthy brokers that are regulated by top-tier regulators, offer user-friendly platforms, and charge low fees.
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.
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.
At FXEmpire, we strive to provide unbiased, thorough and accurate broker reviews by industry experts to help our users make smarter financial decisions.