Minimum deposit requirements are a key consideration for new and budget-conscious traders entering the forex market. A lower minimum deposit allows easier access to live trading and risk management without committing large capital upfront. This article breaks down the most competitive forex brokers and their minimum deposit levels, highlighting global options regulated across major jurisdictions.
Why Minimum Deposit Matters in Forex Trading
- Risk exposure control: Start small and scale up as you learn
- Accessibility: New traders can test strategies in live market conditions
- Broker trust check: Try the platform before committing large funds
- Account type choice: ECN, micro, and standard accounts have different deposit thresholds
Best Forex Brokers by Minimum Deposit (2025)
1. XM – $5 Minimum Deposit
- Regulation: ASIC, CySEC, IFSC
- Account Types: Micro, Standard, Ultra Low
- Platform: MT4, MT5
- Benefits:
- Micro-lot trading from 0.01 lots
- $30 no-deposit bonus (varies by region)
- Great for beginners
2. Exness – $10 Minimum Deposit
- Regulation: FCA, FSCA, CySEC
- Account Types: Standard, Raw Spread, Zero
- Platform: MT4, MT5
- Why It Stands Out:
- Instant withdrawals
- Dynamic leverage scaling
- Crypto deposits accepted
3. FBS – $1 Minimum Deposit
- Regulation: IFSC, CySEC
- Account Types: Cent, Micro, Standard, ECN
- Platform: MT4, MT5
- Perks:
- 1:3000 leverage
- Promotions: $100 Level Up Bonus
- Ultra-low entry for practice or bots
4. FXTM – $10 Minimum Deposit
- Regulation: FCA, FSCA, CySEC
- Account Types: Micro, Advantage, Cent
- Platform: MT4, MT5
- Strengths:
- Cent account for micro-trading
- Local deposit methods in Africa and Asia
- Custom education for beginners
5. HFM (HotForex) – $5 Minimum Deposit
- Regulation: FSCA, CySEC, DFSA
- Account Types: Micro, Premium, Zero
- Platform: MT4, MT5
- Features:
- Copy trading via HFcopy
- Excellent mobile interface
- 100% bonus (available in select regions)
Comparison Table: Minimum Deposit Forex Brokers
Broker | Min Deposit | Account Types | Regulation | Platform | Ideal For |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
FBS | $1 | Cent, Micro, ECN | IFSC, CySEC | MT4, MT5 | Micro accounts, bonus seekers |
XM | $5 | Micro, Standard | ASIC, CySEC | MT4, MT5 | Beginners with low capital |
HFM | $5 | Micro, Premium | FSCA, CySEC | MT4, MT5 | Social traders and mobile users |
Exness | $10 | Standard, Raw Spread | FCA, FSCA | MT4, MT5 | High leverage and fast withdrawals |
FXTM | $10 | Micro, Advantage | FCA, FSCA | MT4, MT5 | Local deposits and education |
Types of Minimum Deposit Accounts
Account Type | Typical Min Deposit | Key Features |
---|---|---|
Cent/Micro | $1–$10 | Micro-lots, great for beginners |
Standard | $10–$200 | Larger lot sizes, tighter spreads |
ECN/Raw | $100–$500 | Tightest spreads, commission-based |
VIP/Pro | $5,000+ | Premium tools, personalised support |
How to Choose Based on Capital
- $1–$10: FBS, XM, HFM, FXTM for cent or micro accounts
- $50–$200: Exness and Pepperstone (Razor/Standard)
- $500+: IC Markets, Tickmill (Pro Accounts)
Key Takeaways
- FBS and XM offer the lowest entry points with $1–$5 deposits
- Exness and FXTM provide better infrastructure with flexible deposit options
- HFM combines mobile access and social trading for small accounts
- Always start with what you can afford to lose, especially when using leverage
- Verify deposit and withdrawal methods for your region before opening an account
Frequently Asked Questions
Which forex broker has the lowest minimum deposit?
FBS offers the lowest deposit starting from $1 for its Cent account.
Is a low minimum deposit good for beginners?
Yes. It allows new traders to practice live market conditions without risking significant capital.
Can I trade forex with $5?
Yes. Brokers like XM and HFM allow trading with as little as $5 using micro-lots.
Do all brokers offer the same features for low deposits?
No. Lower-tier accounts may have wider spreads or fewer tools, but are ideal for testing and learning.
Are micro or cent accounts real trading?
Yes. These are live accounts that use smaller denominations (e.g., 0.01 lot = 1,000 units) to reduce risk exposure.
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