XTB is a good option for forex traders who value competitive pricing, a wide selection of currency pairs, and a user-friendly trading platform. XTB offers forex trading as CFDs through its proprietary xStation 5 platform, with EUR/USD spreads starting from 0.8 pips, retail leverage of up to 30:1 under FCA and ESMA regulations, and a $0 minimum deposit.
Since forex trading on XTB is offered through leveraged CFDs, it is important to understand how leverage works and the risks involved before placing trades.
CFD trading is high risk due to the use of leverage, and 72% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 72% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
What is XTB forex trading?
XTB enables you to trade forex through Contracts for Difference (CFDs), where you can speculate on the price movements in currency pairs without having to own the currencies. Therefore, when you trade through the EUR/USD currency pair, you will be trading the exchange rates of the euro against the US dollar, hoping that its price will change.
To trade forex on XTB, you trade through its own xStation 5, where you can access a wide variety of currency pairs such as majors, minors, and exotics. The main fee associated with forex trading is the spread, the difference between the buying and selling prices, and XTB does not charge an extra commission for forex trading. The EUR/USD spread at XTB starts from 0.8 pips.
Moreover, XTB allows you to trade forex using CFD leverage, which means that you only have to provide a small amount of the entire trade value as the margin. However, it is worth noting that leverage increases both gains and losses, and therefore, it is necessary to understand it well before trading. If you are new to the market, it also helps to understand what online forex trading is and how it works before placing your first forex trade.
How does forex trading work on XTB?
Trading forex on XTB is a simple process and takes place through the broker’s proprietary xStation 5 platform. Here is how it works:
Choose a currency pair
Start by selecting the currency pair you want to trade, such as EUR/USD, GBP/USD, or USD/JPY. XTB provides access to a wide range of major, minor, and exotic currency pairs.
Decide whether to buy or sell
Then, select to go long (buy) if you believe the first currency will become stronger relative to the second, and select to go short (sell) if you believe the first currency will become weaker relative to the second. It should be remembered that forex is always traded through CFDs, which means that you will speculate on price changes without owning actual currencies.
Enter your trade size
After deciding on the direction in which you want to go, specify the trade volume in lots. In the XTB forex platform, the margin requirement will be calculated according to the leverage available in your account.
Review the trading costs
Before placing your order, check the trading costs. The primary cost of forex trading on XTB is the bid-ask spread, and the broker does not charge a separate commission on forex trades. In addition, overnight swap charges may apply if you keep your position open after the trading day ends, and currency conversion fees may apply if your account currency differs from the currency of the traded asset.
Place and monitor your trade
Finally, after reviewing your order details, place the trade via market execution. XTB uses market execution for forex trades. However, the executed price might differ from the requested price due to market volatility.
If you are new to forex trading or want to become familiar with the platform, XTB offers a demo account with virtual funds. This allows you to practise placing trades, explore the platform’s features, and understand how forex trading works before trading with real money.
XTB forex trading platform overview
Forex trading is provided via the proprietary xStation 5 platform that is available in web, desktop, and mobile versions. The platform has a clear and intuitive interface, making it suitable for beginners and professionals. Interactive charts with over 40 technical indicators, several types of orders, and one-click trading will allow you to analyse the market situation and trade easily.
Moreover, market execution is intended to provide trading at the best possible market prices. In addition to trading features, xStation 5 has some tools that will help you to keep abreast of the market situation and manage your trades efficiently.
You can use such functions as advanced watchlists, economic calendar, market news, trader sentiment, price alerts, position calculator, and performance statistics. As a result, you can monitor the markets, control your trades, and evaluate your trading performance in one platform, with further updates provided by XTB.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 72% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Forex spreads & trading costs on XTB
XTB uses a spread-based pricing model for forex trading, so the main trading cost is the spread. XTB does not charge a separate commission on forex trades. However, overnight swap charges and a 0.5% currency conversion fee may apply in certain situations, depending on how you trade.
| Cost type | Charges |
|---|---|
| EUR/USD spread | From 0.8 pips |
| Forex commission | No separate commission |
| Overnight swap fee | Applies when a position is held overnight. The amount varies depending on the currency pair and market conditions. |
| Currency conversion fee | 0.5% when your account’s base currency differs from the traded currency |
| Inactivity fee | $11 (≈ €10) per month after 365 days of no trading activity and 90 days without a deposit |
For a complete breakdown of all trading and non-trading charges, read our XTB fees and commission guide.
First-hand industry insight
From years of experience in the regulated brokerage industry, one common mistake among new forex traders is focusing only on the advertised spread while overlooking other XTB trading costs. Overnight swap charges and currency conversion fees can have a significant impact, especially for traders who hold positions for several days or trade in a currency different from their account base currency. A broker with tight spreads may still become more expensive if these additional costs are not considered.
Available forex pairs on XTB
XTB offers access to 60+ forex currency pairs through CFDs, although the exact availability may vary depending on your country of residence and the regulated XTB entity you open your account with. These currency pairs are grouped into major, minor, and exotic categories, and are explained below:
| Category | Description with examples | Typical characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Major pairs | Include the world’s most actively traded currencies, such as EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and USD/JPY | High liquidity, tighter spreads, and generally lower volatility |
| Minor pairs | Pairs that do not include the US dollar, such as EUR/GBP or AUD/NZD | Good liquidity, with spreads that are usually wider than major pairs |
| Exotic pairs | Combine a major currency with the currency of an emerging market, such as USD/TRY or EUR/ZAR | Lower liquidity, wider spreads, and higher price volatility |
Rather than focusing on the search for the best currency pair to trade on XTB, it is more essential to learn about the distinctive features of the three types of currency pairs mentioned above. Understanding these differences can help you choose the currency pairs that best match your trading style and risk tolerance.
XTB leverage & margin explained
XTB offers retail forex leverage of up to 30:1 under FCA and ESMA regulations. Leverage allows you to control a larger trading position with a smaller upfront investment, known as margin.
Illustrative example
For illustrative purposes, if you have $100 in your account, 30:1 leverage allows you to control a forex position worth up to $3,000. This means that even a small change in the market can increase both your potential profits and your potential losses.
If the market moves against your position and your account no longer has enough funds to meet the required margin, a margin call or automatic position closure may occur.
In addition, XTB offers professional accounts, which may qualify for higher leverage but do not include the same retail investor protections available to retail clients. To better understand how leverage, margin requirements, and trading risk work together, read our XTB leverage guide before trading leveraged CFDs.
XTB forex trading vs other brokers
The comparison between XTB and other forex brokers is as follows:
| Features | XTB | IC Markets | Exness | eToro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD forex spread | Spread-based pricing | Raw-spread and spread-based pricing | Raw-spread and spread-based pricing | Spread-based pricing |
| Forex commission | No separate commission | Commission applies on raw spread accounts | Commission applies on raw spread accounts | No separate commission |
| Retail leverage | Up to 30:1 FCA/ESMA | Up to 30:1 | Up to 30:1 | Up to 30:1 |
| Trading platform | xStation 5 | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView | MT4, MT5, Exness Terminal | eToro proprietary platform |
| Best suited for | Simple platform and spread-based pricing | Raw spread traders | Flexible account options | Social trading |
Pros & cons of forex trading with XTB
The pros and cons of forex trading with XTB are given below:
PROS
- ✓ EUR/USD spreads from 0.8 pips with no separate forex commission
- ✓ Regulated by 7 financial authorities, including the FCA, CySEC, KNF, DFSA, BaFin, FSCA, and FSC
- ✓ Proprietary xStation 5 platform with 40+ technical indicators and trading tools
- ✓ $0 minimum deposit, making it accessible to a wide range of traders
- ✓ Free demo account to practise trading before using real funds
CONS
- ✕ Leverage can amplify losses as well as potential profits
- ✕ Overnight swap fees apply when positions are held overnight
- ✕ 0.5% currency conversion fee applies if your account currency differs from the traded currency
- ✕ Exotic currency pairs generally have wider spreads and higher volatility than major pairs
- ✕ 72% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider
Conclusion
In conclusion, XTB is a solid option for forex trading, earning a TC rating of 8.02/10. It offers EUR/USD spreads from 0.8 pips, a user-friendly xStation 5 platform, a $0 minimum deposit, and regulation by several financial authorities. These features make it a good choice for traders looking for competitive pricing and a reliable trading experience.
Because forex trading on XTB is offered through leveraged CFDs, traders should understand the risks involved, as 72% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. Overall, XTB offers competitive forex spreads and transparent fees, making it a great option for traders looking for a well-regulated forex broker. For a complete overview of the broker’s platforms, regulation, trading products, and account features, read our XTB guide.
Pro Tip
If you are new to forex trading, start with XTB’s demo account to get familiar with the xStation 5 platform. It allows you to practise placing trades, explore different features, and understand how spreads, leverage, and margin work before moving to a live account.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is XTB good for forex trading beginners?
Yes, XTB forex trading for beginners is supported through its easy-to-use xStation 5 platform, free demo account, educational resources, and $0 minimum deposit. However, beginners should understand the risks of leveraged CFD trading before using real money.
2. How do I start forex trading on XTB?
Open and verify an XTB account, log in to the xStation 5 trading platform, choose a currency pair, enter your trade size, and place your order. You can also start with a free demo account.
3. Does XTB offer a forex demo account?
Yes, XTB offers a free demo account with virtual funds. It allows you to practise forex trading and learn how the platform works without risking real money.
4. What are XTB forex spreads?
XTB offers spread-based pricing for forex trading. The EUR/USD spread starts from 0.8 pips, although spreads may change with market conditions.
5. Does XTB charge commission on forex trades?
No, XTB does not charge a separate commission on forex trades.
6. Which forex pairs are available on XTB?
XTB offers 60+ forex currency pairs through CFDs, including major, minor, and exotic pairs. The available pairs may vary depending on your region.
7. Can I trade forex on the XTB mobile app?
Yes, you can trade forex on the XTB mobile app. It includes charts, watchlists, price alerts, and order management tools.
8. What leverage does XTB offer for forex trading?
Retail clients can trade forex with leverage of up to 30:1 under FCA and ESMA regulations.
9. Does XTB support scalping and day trading?
XTB generally allows scalping and day trading through the xStation 5 platform. However, traders should always review the broker’s terms and conditions, as trading policies may vary depending on the regulated entity.
