#1
Exness TOP PICK
★★★★★★★★★★ 4.8
Ultra-low XAUUSD spreads and near-instant withdrawals. Popular for gold scalping.
RegulationFCA, CySEC, FSCA, FSA, CBCS
Read full Exness review →Best Forex Brokers 2026: Compare Reviews, Ratings & Gold Spreads
Independently compared by regulation, XAUUSD (gold) spread, minimum deposit and execution. Pick your country to see the brokers that accept traders from your region.
Showing brokers for: Global
A globally available, well-regulated line-up. Confirm the broker accepts your country before opening an account.
#2
IC Markets
★★★★★★★★★★ 4.8
Raw ECN spreads and deep liquidity. Strong for high-volume gold traders.
RegulationASIC, CySEC, FSA (Seychelles)
Read full IC Markets review →#3
Pepperstone
★★★★★★★★★★ 4.8
Razor account with tight gold spreads, fast execution, well regulated.
RegulationFCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, BaFin, CMA, SCB
Read full Pepperstone review →#4
XM
★★★★★★★★★★ 4.6
Beginner friendly, low minimum, strong education and regional bonuses.
RegulationCySEC, ASIC, FSC, DFSA
Read full XM review →#5
HFM (HotForex)
★★★★★★★★★★ 4.6
Zero minimum, competitive gold pricing, widely used in Africa and Asia.
RegulationFCA, CySEC, FSCA, DFSA, FSA
Read full HFM (HotForex) review →#6
FXTM
★★★★★★★★★★ 4.5
Solid regulation and strong local support in Africa and Asia.
RegulationFCA, CySEC, FSCA, FSC
Read full FXTM review →Quick comparison
| # | Broker | Rating | XAUUSD spread | Min deposit | Regulation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exness | 4.8 | 0.10 | $10 | FCA, CySEC, FSCA, FSA, CBCS |
| 2 | IC Markets | 4.8 | 0.12 | $200 | ASIC, CySEC, FSA (Seychelles) |
| 3 | Pepperstone | 4.8 | 0.12 | $0 | FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, BaFin, CMA, SCB |
| 4 | XM | 4.6 | 0.16 | $5 | CySEC, ASIC, FSC, DFSA |
| 5 | HFM (HotForex) | 4.6 | 0.10 | $0 | FCA, CySEC, FSCA, DFSA, FSA |
| 6 | FXTM | 4.5 | 0.19 | $10 | FCA, CySEC, FSCA, FSC |
How we rate brokers
- Regulation - top-tier licences (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, CySEC) protect your funds and score highest.
- Gold cost - the typical XAUUSD spread plus any commission, because gold is where cost hurts most.
- Execution - speed, slippage and reliability during fast markets and news.
- Reputation - track record, withdrawals, and how long they have operated.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best forex broker for gold (XAUUSD)?
The best gold broker for most traders combines a low XAUUSD spread, strong regulation and fast execution. Brokers like Exness, IC Markets and Pepperstone consistently offer raw gold spreads from around 0.10 to 0.15, which matters because gold moves fast and the spread is a cost you pay on every trade.
How do you rate the brokers on this page?
Each rating is editorial and weighs four things: regulation tier (top-tier regulators like the FCA, ASIC and CFTC score higher), total trading cost on XAUUSD (spread plus commission), execution quality and reliability, and long-term reputation. Ratings are a starting point, not advice.
Why do the brokers change when I pick a different country?
Forex regulation is local. A broker that accepts traders in one country may not be licensed to accept them in another. We show the brokers that realistically accept and are appropriate for traders from your selected country.
Are the gold spreads on this page exact?
No. They are typical, indicative spreads from a raw or standard account under normal market conditions. Your real spread depends on your account type, the session and volatility, and can widen around news. Always check the live spread in your own platform.
Is forex trading legal in my country?
It varies. In some countries only local, exchange-based products are permitted and the brokers listed are offshore. Where that is the case we say so in the country note. Always confirm the rules and your local regulator before funding an account.
Disclaimer: This comparison is for information only and is not investment advice or a recommendation to trade with any particular broker. Ratings are editorial and spreads are indicative and can change. Some links may be partner links. Trading forex and gold on leverage carries a high risk of losing money. Always confirm a broker is authorised to accept you and check your local regulator before opening an account.