Scalping US Forex Broker

Scalping in forex trading is a strategy focused on making small, rapid trades to exploit minute price movements. For traders in the United States, choosing a forex broker that permits and supports scalping is critical due to NFA and CFTC regulatory restrictions. This article reviews the best US forex brokers for scalping, platform features, execution speed, spreads, and regulatory compliance to help scalpers thrive in the US market.

What Makes a Good US Forex Broker for Scalping?

A reliable US broker for scalping must combine regulation with trader-friendly execution conditions. Key criteria include:

NFA or CFTC regulation for compliance and fund protection
Tight spreads and low trading costs
Fast execution with minimal slippage
No restrictions on scalping strategies
Advanced platforms with one-click trading, depth-of-market (DOM), and algorithm support

Scalping in the US is legally allowed, but brokers must conform to FIFO rules and restrict hedging. This makes broker choice even more important for US-based traders.

Top US Forex Brokers That Allow Scalping

1. IG US

Regulation: CFTC, NFA
Execution: DMA access, low latency
Spreads: From 0.8 pips EUR/USD
Platforms: IG proprietary + MT4
Scalping Policy: Allowed

IG US offers excellent execution quality with smart routing and supports high-frequency scalpers using MT4 or its custom web-based platform.

2. FOREX.com

Regulation: CFTC, NFA
Execution: STP model, high speed
Spreads: As low as 0.0 with commissions (RAW account)
Platforms: MT4, MT5, WebTrader
Scalping Policy: Fully supported

Traders report tight spreads, competitive pricing, and reliable order fills, especially during volatile US sessions.

3. OANDA US

Regulation: CFTC, NFA
Execution: No dealing desk (NDD)
Spreads: EUR/USD from 0.6 pips average
Platforms: OANDA Trade, MT4
Scalping Policy: Permitted

OANDA is ideal for algorithmic scalpers and manual traders who require API access and fast execution with minimal trade size flexibility.

4. TD Ameritrade (Thinkorswim)

Regulation: FINRA, CFTC, SIPC protected
Execution: High-frequency support
Spreads: Variable, more suited to futures FX scalping
Platforms: Thinkorswim desktop
Scalping Policy: Allowed (via FX futures)

Though not a traditional FX broker, Thinkorswim supports scalping on FX futures, popular with experienced traders using speed-sensitive setups.

5. Interactive Brokers

Regulation: SEC, CFTC, FINRA
Execution: Direct market access
Spreads: Commission-based pricing
Platforms: Trader Workstation (TWS)
Scalping Policy: Fully allowed

With ultra-tight spreads and institutional access, Interactive Brokers is a top choice for professional scalpers needing precise executions.

Platform Features for Scalping in the US

High-Speed Execution

One-click trading
DOM visibility
Order routing control
Low-latency infrastructure

Risk Management Tools

Custom stop-loss/take-profit templates
Automated trading scripts
Order cancels order (OCO) functionality

Broker Execution Models

ECN/STP preferred over market makers
No dealing desk (NDD) model reduces requotes
Low round-trip latency essential for scalping success

Regulatory Framework: Scalping in the US

US forex brokers must comply with:

FIFO Rule: First-in-first-out order handling
No Hedging: Cannot hold opposing positions on the same pair
CFTC and NFA Reporting: Broker must be registered and audited

These constraints shape the way scalping is executed in the US and influence the choice of strategies (e.g., momentum scalping over grid systems).

Key Takeaways

Choose a CFTC/NFA regulated broker with no scalping restrictions
Opt for low-latency ECN or STP brokers like FOREX.com or IG US
Use advanced platforms with depth-of-market and one-click trading
Be aware of FIFO and no-hedging rules in US forex markets
Prioritise execution speed and slippage control for consistent profitability

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best US forex broker for scalping?

FOREX.com and IG US are top choices due to tight spreads, fast execution, and no scalping restrictions.

Is scalping legal in the US forex market?

Yes, scalping is legal, but subject to NFA rules such as FIFO and no hedging.

Can I scalp with MT4 in the US?

Yes, brokers like IG US and OANDA support MT4 scalping with full functionality.

Do US forex brokers allow hedging for scalping?

No, hedging is restricted under US regulations due to FIFO rules.

Is Interactive Brokers good for scalping?

Yes, especially for professionals needing direct market access and precision execution.

Scalping US Forex Broker

What Makes a Good US Forex Broker for Scalping?