Minimum Deposit
The technical minimum to open a forex account varies by broker:
| Broker | Minimum Deposit |
|---|---|
| XM (Micro/Standard) | $5 |
| XM Ultra Low | $50 |
| Most retail brokers | $100–$500 |
| Premium accounts | $1,000+ |
While you can technically open an account with as little as $5, this doesn't mean you should trade with such a small amount.
XM Advantage: XM offers a $30 no-deposit bonus for new accounts. You can start trading in real market conditions without depositing any of your own money — perfect for learning.
Recommended Starting Capital
Professionals recommend starting with capital you can afford to lose completely. Here are general guidelines:
| Goal | Recommended Capital |
|---|---|
| Learning & Demo | $0 (use demo account) |
| Micro trading | $100–$500 |
| Serious trading | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Professional level | $10,000+ |
Why $500–$1,000 for beginners?
- Allows proper position sizing (0.01–0.1 lots)
- Gives enough cushion for stop losses
- Enough to feel the psychological impact without risking savings
Account Types & Capital Requirements
Micro Account (XM)
- Minimum: $5
- Ideal capital: $100–$500
- Trades in micro lots (0.01 lot = 1,000 units)
- Best for absolute beginners
Standard Account (XM)
- Minimum: $5
- Ideal capital: $500–$5,000
- Trades in standard lots
- For traders with some experience
Ultra Low Account (XM)
- Minimum: $50
- Spreads from 0.6 pips
- Best for active traders and scalpers
Capital & Risk Management
The most important rule: Never risk more than 1–2% of your account on a single trade.
With $100 account:
- Max risk per trade: $1–$2
- This forces you to trade very small lots
- Difficult to manage meaningfully
With $500 account:
- Max risk per trade: $5–$10
- Can trade 0.05–0.1 lots comfortably
- Much more manageable
With $1,000 account:
- Max risk per trade: $10–$20
- Can trade 0.1–0.2 lots
- Meaningful position sizing
Important: Never deposit money you cannot afford to lose. Start with a demo account to practice before using real money. Capital preservation is always the first priority.
XM Advantage
XM stands out for low-capital traders:
- $30 no-deposit bonus — start with real money without depositing
- $5 minimum deposit — lowest barrier to entry
- Micro lots — trade as small as 0.01 lot
- Negative balance protection — you can't lose more than your deposit
- Leverage up to 1:1000 — amplify your capital (use carefully)
FAQ
Can I start with $100? Yes, but it's challenging. With $100 and the 1% rule, you risk only $1 per trade. Use micro lots and focus on learning rather than profits.
Is $30 bonus enough to start? It's a great way to learn real trading without risk. However, treat it as a learning tool, not a path to riches.
Should I start with leverage? Leverage amplifies both gains and losses. Beginners should use low effective leverage (10:1 or less) regardless of the maximum available.