Best Overseas Forex Brokers for US Residents

Forex trading for US residents is tightly regulated by the National Futures Association (NFA) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Due to strict US laws, many popular international brokers do not accept US clients. However, several overseas brokers are fully compliant with US regulations and offer robust trading platforms, competitive pricing, and regulatory protection.

This article outlines the best overseas forex brokers available to US residents, focusing on their US regulation status, trading features, and suitability for various trader profiles.

Key Criteria for US Forex Brokers

Registered with NFA and CFTC
Offer access to US-compliant forex instruments
Transparent spreads and commissions
Support for popular platforms like MT4 and MT5
Reliable customer service and fast withdrawals

Top Overseas Forex Brokers for US Residents (2025)

1. Forex.com

Regulation: CFTC, NFA
Minimum Deposit: $50
Platforms: MT4, Forex.com proprietary platform
Highlights: Large product range, transparent pricing, strong US support

2. OANDA

Regulation: CFTC, NFA
Minimum Deposit: No minimum
Platforms: Proprietary platform, MT4 via partner
Highlights: Trusted global brand, competitive spreads, extensive education

3. Interactive Brokers (IBKR)

Regulation: SEC, CFTC, NFA
Minimum Deposit: $0 (varies by account type)
Platforms: Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Mobile
Highlights: Institutional liquidity, multi-asset trading

4. TD Ameritrade (Thinkorswim)

Regulation: SEC, CFTC, NFA
Minimum Deposit: No minimum
Platforms: Thinkorswim proprietary platform
Highlights: Excellent charting, research, and US stock integration

5. Charles Schwab

Regulation: SEC, CFTC, NFA
Minimum Deposit: No minimum
Platforms: StreetSmart Edge, mobile apps
Highlights: Integrated forex and stock trading, great educational resources

Important Notes for US Traders

Leverage is capped at 50:1 on major currency pairs per CFTC rules
US brokers only offer limited forex pairs approved by regulators
Offshore brokers not registered with NFA/CFTC cannot legally accept US clients
Always verify broker registration on the NFA’s website before trading

Key Takeaways

US residents must trade with NFA-registered and CFTC-regulated brokers
Brokers like Forex.com, OANDA, Interactive Brokers, TD Ameritrade, and Charles Schwab offer the best services
Leverage and product offerings are more limited compared to offshore brokers
US brokers prioritize regulatory compliance, transparency, and client protection

Frequently Asked Questions

Can US residents trade forex with international brokers?

No, only brokers registered with NFA and CFTC can legally accept US clients.

Which forex brokers are regulated in the US?

Forex.com, OANDA, Interactive Brokers, TD Ameritrade, and Charles Schwab are regulated by US authorities.

Is leverage limited for US forex traders?

Yes, the maximum leverage allowed is 50:1 on major pairs.

Can US traders use MT4 or MT5 platforms?

Yes, most US brokers support MT4 and proprietary platforms, but MT5 is less common.

Are there offshore brokers that accept US clients?

No, accepting US clients without NFA/CFTC registration is illegal and risky.

Best Overseas Forex Brokers for US Residents

Key Criteria for US Forex Brokers