Comparison guide
Forex broker reviews: Exness, XM and HFM compared topic by topic
The table above sums up the numbers. This section explains how each topic differs and what to look for so you can choose the broker that fits your trading style. All data checked as of 18 Oct 2026
01 · LicensingCheck the entity you actually sign up with
Exness: Regulated internationally · XM: XM Global Limited · FSC Belize 8557558 · HFM is a group licensed by the FCA, FSCA, FSA Seychelles and CMA Kenya, but its international website is run by HF Markets (SV) Ltd, registered in St. Vincent (offshore)
Note None of the 3 is licensed in every country it serves, and offshore licences protect investors less than European or Australian ones. Always check the company name on the sign-up page before you deposit
02 · Minimum depositYou can start small with all 3
HFM has no minimum deposit ($0) on Cent, Premium, Zero and Top Up Bonus accounts (Pro from $100) · XM starts at $5 on Standard and Ultra Low accounts · Exness starts at $10 on the Standard account, but Pro, Raw and Zero accounts need a higher deposit (around $200, varies by region)
Note If you want to try a Cent account, look at Exness or HFM. XM has no Cent account, but its Standard and Ultra Low accounts offer a Micro size (1 lot = 1,000 units), which also lets you start small
03 · Trading costsWide spreads with no commission, or tight spreads with commission
The Standard accounts at all 3 charge no commission but have wider spreads (XM Standard EURUSD around 2.0 pips), while low-spread accounts charge commission separately: Exness Raw up to $3.50/side · Zero from $0.05/side · HFM Zero $6/lot round turn
Note Compare by net cost per lot: = spread + commission + swap − rebate. A wide-spread account with a high rebate can be cheaper than a low-spread account for some trading styles
04 · RebatesA higher percentage doesn’t mean the most cashback per lot
Exness and HFM pay back 95% of the IB commission, while XM pays back 90% — but in dollars per lot of gold, XM pays the most: $18 · HFM $14.25 · Exness $12.83, and on EURUSD HFM Top Up Bonus pays the most: $9.50 · XM $8.10 · Exness $3.91
Note All 3 pay rebates automatically every day. See the rates for every account type at Exness rebate · XM rebate · HFM rebate or compare them side by side at Forex Rebate
05 · Leverage and platformsHigher isn’t better
Exness leverage: Unlimited, subject to account conditions · XM up to 1:1000, lower on larger balances · HFM up to 1:2000, but lower on metals and crypto. All 3 support MT4 and MT5, plus their own apps
Note High leverage makes profits and losses grow equally fast. Set your lot size and stop loss before entering a trade — don’t choose a broker on leverage alone
Choose a broker by trading style Based on the numbers in the comparison table (data as of 18 Oct 2026)
| Trading style | Best fit | Why |
| Starting small | HFM · XM | $0 and $5 minimum deposits |
| Mainly gold | XM | Highest gold rebate, $18/lot |
| Major currency pairs | HFM | EURUSD rebate $9.50/lot (Top Up Bonus) |
| Scalping / low spread | Exness · HFM | Raw / Zero accounts with separate commission |
| Want to try small lots | Exness · HFM · XM | Cent accounts at Exness and HFM · Micro size at XM |
What all 3 have in common When you open through 1TRADER
01Rebates paid dailyCashback arrives automatically on both winning and losing trades
02Same spreads as opening directlyCommission and account conditions are the same as opening with the broker directly
03MT4 and MT5Standard platforms at every broker, plus the broker’s own app
04Offshore licencesInternational accounts are opened with offshore entities — check the company name before depositing
Checklist before choosing a broker Complete all 6 steps before your first deposit
- Sum up your trading style: the symbols you trade most, lot size and frequency
- Compare minimum deposit, costs and rebates in the Comparison table
- Check that the entity name and licence on the sign-up page match what’s stated
- Open your account via a 1TRADER link and check the partner code
- Send your trading account number on LINE @1trader to link rebates
- Try a small deposit and withdrawal before adding more funds
Conclusion
There’s no single best answer when comparing Forex brokers. XM stands out for its $5 starting deposit and the highest gold rebate, HFM for no minimum deposit and the highest EURUSD rebate, and Exness for its wide range of accounts, from Cent to Raw/Zero. All 3 pay rebates every day. Choose by your trading style and net cost, and remember that Forex and CFD trading is high risk
Sources: the official websites of Exness, XM and HFM and independent review sources, checked as of 18 Oct 2026. Rebate rates come from 1TRADER’s partner (IB) data. Conditions may differ by country, payment method and account type · Read more: How to get rebates · XM review · Exness review · HFM review · Risk warning