XM

XM Demo Account Review in 2023

Mark Fodor
Written by
Mark Fodor
Updated
Jul 2023
Demo accounts are available at XM

As a beginner or experienced trader, it's essential to understand the ins and outs of the trading platforms you use. This article provides you with a detailed review of the XM demo account, updated for 2023, outlining its advantages, drawbacks, and the crucial differences between live and demo trading. If you've considered opening a virtual trading account with this top-tier broker, keep reading to understand how this could be a beneficial step for your forex trading journey.

Why Choose a Demo Account with XM?

One of the major benefits of choosing the XM demo account is its emphasis on hands-on learning. In contrast to passive learning methods, such as reading textbooks or attending seminars, the demo account enables active learning. Active learning is far more engaging and has been proven to enhance retention and understanding of complex concepts. XM understand this and have thus made active learning a cornerstone of their platform.

Benefits of the Demo Account

  1. Risk-Free Learning: The demo account allows you to learn the ropes of trading and the platform itself without risking real money. Mistakes made during this phase are purely educational, providing valuable learning experiences without any financial implications.

  2. Strategy Testing: The demo account lets you test and refine your trading strategies in a safe environment. You can explore various strategies, from long-term investing to short-term trading, and see how they would perform under live market conditions.

  3. Platform Familiarization: XM's trading platform comes with a variety of tools and features. Using a demo account provides the perfect opportunity to familiarize yourself with these features before transitioning to live trading.

  4. Market Analysis Practice: With access to live price movements and market analysis tools, you can practice interpreting market signals and making informed trading decisions.

Pros and Cons of Live and Demo Trading with XM

A live trading account with XM, whether it's a standard account or a raw spread account, offers real-time access to the financial markets. It carries a high degree of risk but also the possibility for real profit. Before you open a live trading account, it's critical to acknowledge that you can lose money when trading CFDs. XM explicitly communicate this risk and advise only those who can afford potential losses to consider opening a live trading account.

On the flip side, the XM demo account provides an ideal learning platform for novice traders. This account type mirrors a real trading environment using virtual funds, ensuring that no real money is at risk. XM offers a free advanced demo trading account to prospective traders, enabling them to practice and comprehend the complexities of forex and CFDs trading before transitioning to a live account. It's a step-by-step approach designed to make the learning curve as comprehensive as possible.

However, a notable downside to using a demo account is that it doesn't completely emulate the conditions of the financial markets. Live trading platforms factor in aspects like slippage and latency - fluctuations in the market price during the time it takes for a trade order to be completed - which are absent in demo trading. Therefore, while a demo account is an invaluable tool for beginners, it's crucial to bear in mind the differences when transitioning to a live trading scenario.

How to Open an XM Demo Account?

Establishing a demo trading account with XM is a simple and intuitive process. Here, we present a detailed guide to walk you through the entire procedure of navigating to the demo account registration portal, creating your demo account, and personalizing your account details, including your first and last name, preferred account currency, and more.
Step 1: Visit XM Website
Begin by navigating to the official XM website. Look for the "Open Account" button located at the center of the homepage.

Step 2: Select 'Open a Demo Account'
Once you're in the section, you'll have the option to choose between a 'Live Account' and a 'Demo Account'. Select 'Demo Account' to proceed with the demo account registration.

Step 3: Fill in the Registration Form
You'll be redirected to a registration form where you'll need to input your personal information. This includes your first and last name, email address, phone number, and preferred language. Make sure to provide accurate information to avoid any future issues.

Step 4: Set Your Account Preferences
Next, you'll be asked to customize your account preferences, including your preferred account currency, leverage, and platform. You can choose from various options based on your trading requirements and strategies.

Step 5: Agree to Terms and Conditions
Before finalizing your registration, you'll need to read and agree to the XM terms and conditions. It's advisable to thoroughly read through these terms to ensure you fully understand the rules and regulations of using the XM demo account.

Step 6: Account Verification
Once you've completed the form and agreed to the terms, click on the 'Open Account' button. You will receive an email from XM with a link to verify your account.

Step 7: Account Setup Completion
After verifying your account through the link sent to your email, your XM demo account is set up. You'll receive an email containing your account details, including your account number and password. 

Congratulations, you have successfully set up your XM demo account! You can now begin to explore the platform and start your forex trading journey in a risk-free environment.

FAQ

What does XM offer?
XM offers a wide range of services including forex trading, CFDS, commodities, and indices trading. They also provide an advanced demo trading platform for practice.

How can I open a free demo account on XM?
You can open a free demo account on the XM website. The process involves providing some basic information and then you'll have access to the practice account.

What are the pros and cons of using XM's demo account?
Pros include a risk-free environment to practice trading strategies and learn the platform. Cons can include potential slippage on a demo platform and the fact that the demo account expires after 30 days.

How does trading on XM's demo platform compare to a live platform?
Trading on XM's demo platform allows you to practice without losing money. However, it doesn't completely emulate the financial markets' conditions. Live platforms also consider factors like slippage and latency, which are not present in demo trading.

What happens when my XM demo account expires?
Once the demo account expires after 30 days, you can either open another demo account or upgrade to a real trading account.

What are the advantages of XM's demo account?
XM's demo account allows new traders to learn and experiment without risking real money. It provides a realistic simulation of live trading conditions, helping traders understand the financial markets better.