If you’re researching brokers in 2025, this XM Group review gives you the full picture in one place. XM (the trading name of Trading Point Group) launched in 2009 and is headquartered in Limassol, Cyprus. The group operates multiple regulated entities, offering retail FX and CFD trading across MetaTrader 4/5 and the in-house XM App, with increasingly popular copy trading in supported regions. Key selling points include low minimum deposit ($5), tight spreads (from 0.8 pips in some regions/accounts), high leverage up to 1:1000 outside the EU/UK, frequent zero-fee/instant withdrawals, and a broad 1,400+ instrument lineup.
In this XM broker review, you’ll learn how safe XM is (with licenses you can verify), what account types and trading conditions you actually get by region, how the platforms compare, what it really costs to trade here, how funding works, what support is like, and how real traders rate the broker. If you’ve wondered Is XM legit or scam?, we’ll answer that directly with evidence.
Table of Contents
Regulation & Safety
XM operates several entities under the Trading Point umbrella:
- Trading Point of Financial Instruments Ltd CySEC (Cyprus) License 120/10
- EU/EEA services with MiFID II protections. The EU site highlights segregated client funds, Investor Compensation Fund (ICF) membership, SSL, and negative balance protection.
- Trading Point MENA Limited DFSA (Dubai) Ref F003484.
- XM ZA (Pty) Ltd FSCA (South Africa) FSP 49976.
- XM Global Limited FSC Belize (license references include 000261/27 or 000261/309 in official docs, depending on document/version).
- XM (SC) Limited FSA Seychelles SD190 (regional service arm).
- Trading Point of Financial Instruments Pty Ltd ASIC (Australia) AFSL 443670 (appears in official group documents).
Is XM safe?
From a regulatory standpoint, yes when you open your account under a well-regulated entity and understand the protections that apply to that entity. The EU arm (CySEC) includes ICF coverage and ESMA leverage caps, while non-EU entities focus on negative balance protection, segregation, and local rules (not all include compensation schemes). Always confirm which legal entity will be your counterparty during onboarding.
Note: XM explicitly indicates it does not serve residents in some jurisdictions (e.g., the United States). Availability and protections vary by region.
Account Types & Trading Conditions
XM designs its lineup by region. Expect some variation, but globally you’ll typically see Standard, Ultra Low, Shares, and (region-dependent) Zero accounts.
At a glance (examples drawn from XM’s EU & ZA pages availability varies):
- Standard — Balanced pricing, $5 min deposit.
- Ultra Low — Lower spreads (popular for active traders), $5 min deposit.
- Shares — Direct stocks (where available) higher minimum (e.g., $10,000).
- Zero — Raw-style spreads (from 0.0) with commission (regional availability).
Leverage:
- EU/EEA: typically up to 1:30 under ESMA.
- Many non-EU regions: up to 1:1000 (e.g., ZA pages, global promos), with real-time margin monitoring and NBP.
Islamic (swap-free) options: Available across accounts in many regions.
Account comparison (illustrative conditions differ by entity)
| Feature | Standard | Ultra Low | Shares | Zero* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Min. deposit | $5 | $5 | $10,000 | Typically $100+ |
| Pricing model | Spread-only | Lower spread-only | Per-share/stock terms | Raw spreads + commission |
| Typical FX spread | From ~1.0 pips region-dependent | From ~0.6–0.8 pips region-dependent | N/A | From 0.0 pip |
| Commission | No | No | Yes (stock terms) | $7 per round lot (FX) |
| Leverage | Up to 1:30 (EU) / 1:1000 (RoW) | Same | Often none on stocks | Same |
| Base currencies | Multiple (varies by country) | Multiple | Fewer | Multiple |
| Islamic option | Yes | Yes | Yes (varies) |
* XM Zero is region-specific check your local site. Commission example from XM’s official Zero account docs: USD $7 per round lot on FX.
Tip: Always check the entity’s account-types page you’ll actually use names and exact parameters differ across jurisdictions.
Trading Platforms
- MetaTrader 4 (MT4): 1-click trading, popular EAs, 50+ indicators & charting tools. EAs (algos) are supported.
- MetaTrader 5 (MT5): 58+ indicators/44 analytical objects, multi-asset support, desktop/web/mobile. EAs supported.
- XM App: Broker’s proprietary mobile app for trading and account management copy trading access in supported regions.
- WebTrader: Browser-based MT4/MT5 access.
Automation & social/copy:
- Classic Expert Advisors (MT4/MT5) are allowed.
- XM Copy Trading lets you follow strategies or become a Strategy Manager (earn up to 50% profit share) availability is regional.
Mobile trading: Full iOS/Android support via MT4/MT5 and XM App.
Markets & Instruments
XM lists 1,400+ instruments depending on region, spanning: Forex, Stock CFDs, Commodities, Equity Indices, Precious Metals, Energies, Thematic Indices, and Cryptocurrencies (not in all jurisdictions). Examples: EUR/USD, XAU/USD (Gold), USOIL, US30, AAPL.US, BTC/USD.
Crypto CFD availability and leverage vary by entity some regions (e.g., parts of EU/UK) restrict or prohibit retail crypto-CFD trading. XM’s markets pages show crypto symbols for certain jurisdictions (e.g., ALGOUSD on AU pages). Always check your local site.
Spreads, Commissions & Fees
- Spreads: XM advertises spreads from 0.8 pips on some accounts/regions, with Ultra Low often displaying the tightest spread-only pricing. Variable spreads depend on market conditions and your entity.
- Raw/Zero: XM Zero (where offered) features 0.0-style spreads plus $7/lot round-turn commission on FX see XM’s published table.
- Non-trading fees: XM’s dormant (inactivity) fee appears after 90 days of no activity $5/month or the full free balance if lower (EU cost & charges doc). Some sources also note an initial small maintenance fee after a year of inactivity, then $5/month check your entity’s legal docs.
How competitive is XM’s pricing?
For spread-only accounts, XM’s Ultra Low pricing sits in the competitive bracket for mainstream brokers. For raw pricing, $7/lot round-turn is broadly in line with industry norms for MT4/MT5 providers in 2025. Actual all-in cost depends on your symbol, session liquidity, and entity.
Deposit & Withdrawal Methods
Methods vary by region but typically include bank transfer, Visa/Mastercard, and e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller (plus local methods). XM emphasizes no hidden fees and instant withdrawals 24/7, though banks/third-party providers may still charge their own fees especially on wires.
- Minimum deposit: From $5 on most trading accounts (higher on Shares).
- Processing times: Card/e-wallets are typically near-instant for deposits withdrawals are often same-day once approved, with XM promoting instant processing around the clock (availability and actual arrival depend on your payment provider).
- Fees: XM promotes zero broker fees on deposits/withdrawals, but your bank might charge. Always confirm in your Member Area before requesting a transfer.
Concerned about XM withdrawal problems? Most complaints industry-wide stem from KYC/AML holds, method mismatches (you must return funds to source up to the deposit amount), or bonus/terms conflicts. Ensuring full verification and using the same funding route usually makes withdrawals smooth.
Customer Support
XM provides multilingual live chat, email, and phone support. Regional sites emphasize 24/7 assistance (especially in high-leverage regions promoting round-the-clock service). The global support hub lists contact methods and links to the Help Center.
In our test interactions, chat response was fast and to-the-point. Based on user commentary (see User Experience below), most praise the prompt chat replies and language coverage, though a subset report templated responses during KYC/withdrawal escalations typical for brokers operating at scale.
Security & Fund Protection
- Segregated client money at top-tier banks SSL throughout.
- Negative Balance Protection: XM states automated controls to prevent losses beyond deposits.
- Investor Compensation Fund (EU only): The CySEC entity is ICF member (compensation limits apply not all entities have a scheme).
- KYC/AML: Standard verification on onboarding and before first withdrawal (ensure documents are valid to avoid delays).
User Experience & Online Reputation
Reputation varies by region/entity (as is common with multi-jurisdiction brokers):
- Trustpilot (xm.com): ~3.9/5 (Great) with ~3k reviews users often praise ease of use, fast execution, and helpful chat detractors mention case-by-case withdrawal or verification disputes. Trustpilot
- Trustpilot (xmglobal.com): Lower scores (≈1.8/5) reflect complaints specific to the offshore entity, usually about withdrawal disputes and slow responses. Always read the entity on the page. Trustpilot
- Forex Peace Army (XM): ~3.0/5 average with 700+ reviews mixed experiences, consistent with what we see across large brokers (praise for conditions complaints around KYC/bonus terms or trade disputes).
Takeaway: For traders vetting Trusted forex broker options and reading the Best forex broker reviews 2025, XM sits in the trusted but mixed-reviews at scale camp. The strongest experiences come when traders verify early, use mainstream payment methods, and avoid bonus terms if they plan to churn/move funds frequently.
Pros & Cons
- Multi-entity regulation (CySEC/DFSA/FSCA/FSC etc.) and strong safeguards (segregation, NBP).
- $5 minimum deposit on most accounts easy onboarding.
- MT4/MT5 + XM App + copy trading options EAs allowed.
- Competitive spreads (Ultra Low) + Zero account with $7/lot commission.
- Instant withdrawals, no hidden fees (broker side), broad payment support.
- 1,400+ instruments including majors, indices, metals, energies, stocks (CFDs), thematic indices.
- Entity differences can confuse newcomers (protections, leverage, and products vary by region).
- Crypto/bonus availability and some promotions not offered in stricter regions.
- Raw/Zero account not available in all jurisdictions.
- Inactivity fee after 90 days (dormant = $5/month, check entity specifics).
- User reviews vary by entity offshore arm draws more complaints (read terms).
- US clients not accepted certain assets restricted by local rules.
FAQs
What is the XM minimum deposit?
Most trading accounts start from $5 the Shares account is higher (e.g., $10,000). Always check your local entity’s page before funding.
Does XM offer an Islamic (swap-free) account?
XM provides swap-free/Islamic options on several accounts/regions. Confirm eligibility in your profile or with support.
Is XM legit or scam?
XM is legit a multi-regulated broker with a long operating history (founded 2009). Safety depends on which entity you choose and the local protections (e.g., ICF in the EU, NBP more broadly).
Which trading platforms can I use?
MT4 and MT5 (desktop, web, mobile) plus the XM App EAs are supported. Copy trading is available in supported regions.
Are there withdrawal fees or XM withdrawal problems?
XM promotes no hidden fees and instant withdrawals (broker-side). Most reported issues online trace to KYC/AML, bonus terms, or bank fees on wires. Verify your profile early and return funds to the original source to minimize friction.
What leverage does XM offer?
EU: up to 1:30 many non-EU regions: up to 1:1000 subject to product and entity. Leverage amplifies both profits and losses.
Final Verdict
Short answer to Is XM legit or scam? XM is legit. This XM Group review found a broker with credible regulation (CySEC in the EU, DFSA in the UAE, FSCA in SA, FSC in Belize, and more), segregated funds, negative balance protection, and under the EU entity ICF membership. The trading environment is competitive: $5 minimum deposit, Ultra Low spread accounts, an optional Zero/raw setup in select regions with $7 per lot commissions, and access to 1,400+ symbols on MT4/MT5 and the XM App, plus growing copy trading functionality.
Who will like XM most?
- Beginners: The $5 entry, demo, abundant education/research, and copy trading make XM accessible.
- Intermediate traders: Ultra Low spreads and solid MT4/MT5 tooling appeal if you trade regularly and want clean execution.
- Advanced/active traders: Where available, Zero/raw pricing plus EAs and VPS-friendly MT4/MT5 workflows can be a fit just verify regional availability and your exact entity.
What to watch: Understand your entity’s protections (ICF vs. none), regional leverage caps, any bonus terms, and adhere to KYC so funding and withdrawals remain smooth. If you’re comparing options in the Best forex broker reviews 2025, XM earns a trusted-with-nuance tag strong under top-tier oversight, broader flexibility offshore but read the small print and choose the entity that matches your risk and regulatory comfort.
Overall, this XM broker review concludes XM is a Trusted forex broker with competitive pricing, excellent platform coverage, and robust multi-language support. If those strengths align with your needs and you select the right entity XM is a worthy candidate for your short list.
Risk Disclaimer: Forex and CFD trading involves a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Leverage can work against you as well as for you. Do not invest more than you can afford to lose, and consider seeking independent advice if necessary.
