HFHFM at a glance
- Best for: FCA zero-spread account
- SpreadScout score: 4.2 / 10
- Regulation: FCA, CySEC, DFSA, FSCA
- Spreads from: 0.0 pips (typical) · Min deposit: $0 · Max leverage: 1:2000
- $0 minimum on Micro account
- Zero Spread account under FCA regulation
Overview: who HFM is best for
HFM’s Zero Spread account is one of the few genuine zero-spread products available under FCA regulation. Typical EUR/USD spreads sit at 0.0–0.1 pips with a commission of $3.00/side ($6.00 round-turn), giving an all-in cost of circa $6.50 per lot. That undercuts Pepperstone by over a dollar while maintaining FSCS protection.
The $0 minimum deposit on the Micro account also makes HFM the most accessible FCA-regulated entry point for cost-conscious beginners. The Premium account at 1.2 pips is less competitive, but the Zero Spread is the product that earns HFM its place in our cost ranking.
Pros & cons
Pros
- $0 minimum on Micro account
- Zero Spread account under FCA regulation
- FSCS cover for UK clients (up to GBP 85,000)
- All-in cost circa $6.50/lot on Zero
Cons
- MT4/MT5 only — no cTrader or TradingView
- Brand confusion post-HotForex rebrand
- Education less polished than competitors
Fees & spreads
Zero Spread account: 0.0–0.1 pips + $3.00/side = circa $6.50 per lot. Premium: 1.2 pips (no commission) = circa $12 per lot. Micro: 1.7–2.0 pips = circa $17–20 per lot (designed for micro-lot learning, not cost efficiency).
$5/month inactivity fee after 6 months. No deposit fees. Withdrawal fees vary by method; bank transfer is generally free.
| Cost (EUR/USD) | HFM | IC Markets | Pepperstone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spread — standard | 1.2 pips (typical, Premium) | 0.8 pips (typical) | 1.0 pips (typical) |
| Spread — raw/ECN | 0.0–0.1 pips (typical, Zero) | 0.0–0.1 pips (typical) | 0.07–0.1 pips (typical) |
| Commission | $3.00/side on Zero account | $3.50/side ($7.00 round-turn); cTrader $3.00/side | $3.50/side ($7.00 round-turn); cTrader $3.00/side |
| All-in cost / lot | circa $6.50 per lot (Zero) | circa $7.20 per lot | circa $7.70 per lot |
| Minimum deposit | $0 | $200 | $0 |
Spreads live-sampled on EUR/USD during the London session. Figures are typical, not guaranteed.
Key facts at a glance
Markets you can trade
Platforms & tools
MT4 and MT5 on desktop, iOS and Android. No cTrader or TradingView. The HFM App provides mobile account management. PAMM system available for money managers.
Is HFM safe? Regulation & protection
Short answer: HFM is a safe, well-regulated choice. It is regulated by FCA, CySEC, DFSA, FSCA and holds client money in segregated accounts, with negative-balance protection. As an FCA-authorised firm, UK clients are covered by the FSCS up to £85,000.
HFM holds FCA (801701), CySEC (183/12), DFSA (F004885) and FSCA licences. UK clients are served through the FCA entity, with FSCS cover up to GBP 85,000. Verified on the Financial Services Register. Client funds are segregated.
Deposits & withdrawals
Processing within 24 hours on business days. E-wallets typically same-day. Bank transfers arrive in 2–5 business days. Minimum withdrawal $5.
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