Hi!

I am relatively new to Forex, and am planning to open a live account within a month. Initially, I wanted to choose FXCM, but after seeing so much bad things about them on the net, I am looking for alternatives. So can someone tell me which platform you think is the best at the moment.

Prefer No Dealing Desk
3-4 pip spread on the 4 Major Pairs
Low Deposit (around $500 or less)
100:1 leverage

Well, you can stop right at the first point. You will not get a non dealing desk trading account with just $500. Small retail traders just have to accept the dealing desk as an occupational hazard unfortunately.
I'm trading several accounts on North Finance. I also had accounts on ibfx, fxcm, and neuimex but those clients switched or are in the process of switching to North Finance. I know some will disagree but I prefer North Finance over all the other brokers I've tried which include Marketiva, Crown Forex, Coes FX, Gain Capital, INFX and several others.

I will look into NorthFInance. Thanks

Yes for start Northfinance is good

U can try EFXgroup or MBTrading,it meets all your requirement. U can check some info about them here.
http://www.forexfactory.com/forexforum/sho...ead.php?t=10002

I bet you can choose broker who provide MT4 platform for you.

I heard InterbankFX is doing good with their customers.

I hear the opposite.