FBS

FBS

🟢 Tier 1 Regulated
7.2
/ 10
vs
Markets.com

Markets.com

🟢 Tier 1 Regulated
7.8
/ 10

FBS vs Markets.com

A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.

FBS and Markets.com are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. FBS, founded in 2009 and headquartered in Belize City, Belize, is regulated by IFSC, CySEC and offers spreads starting from 0.7 pips with a minimum deposit of $5. Markets.com, established in 2008 in Limassol, Cyprus, holds licenses from CySEC, FCA, FSCA with spreads from 0.6 pips and a $100 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, Markets.com scored 7.8/10 overall compared to FBS's 7.2/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, FBS holds its own with smoother deposits & withdrawals, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.

Key Differences at a Glance

  • 📊

    Markets.com scores 7.8/10 overall vs 7.2/10 for FBS — a 0.6-point difference.

  • 💵

    FBS requires just $5 to start, while Markets.com needs $100 — FBS is 20x more accessible.

  • 📈

    Markets.com offers 2,500+ instruments vs 250+ at FBS — a massive gap in market coverage.

  • 🖥️

    FBS runs on MT4, MT5, FBS Trader App, while Markets.com uses Markets.com Platform, MT4, MT5 — different ecosystems for different trading styles.

  • The biggest gap is in Regulation & Trust: Markets.com scores 9.0 vs 6.5 for FBS — a 2.5-point difference.

Our Verdict

FBS

FBS

Score: 7.2/10 · Wins 1 categories
  • Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
  • You prefer a low minimum deposit ($5)
  • You prefer FBS's trading environment overall
🏆 WINNER
Markets.com

Markets.com

Score: 7.8/10 · Wins 5 categories
  • You need advanced trading platforms and tools
  • Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
  • Responsive customer support matters to you
  • You want access to a wider range of instruments

Markets.com takes the lead with an overall score of 7.8/10 compared to 7.2/10, winning in 5 out of 8 scoring categories. Markets.com stands out for better trading platforms and stronger regulation, while FBS fights back with smoother deposits & withdrawals.

Detailed Verdict

After testing both brokers with real accounts, Markets.com comes out ahead with a 7.8/10 overall rating, winning 5 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Regulation & Trust where it scores 9.0/10. Markets.com holds Tier 1 regulation, meaning your funds benefit from top-level investor protection including segregated accounts and compensation schemes. FBS is not without merit — it scores 7.2/10 overall and excels in Deposit & Withdrawal (8.0/10), winning 1 category. Traders who value smoother deposits & withdrawals may find FBS the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full Markets.com review and FBS review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.

Score Breakdown

FBS
Markets.com
Trading Costs
7.0 7.0
Platforms & Tools
7.0 8.0

Markets.com wins by 1.0 points

Regulation & Trust
6.5 9.0

Markets.com wins by 2.5 points

Education
7.5 7.5
Customer Service
7.0 7.5

Markets.com wins by 0.5 points

Research & Analysis
6.5 8.0

Markets.com wins by 1.5 points

Deposit & Withdrawal
8.0 7.5

FBS wins by 0.5 points

Product Range
6.5 8.5

Markets.com wins by 2.0 points

Full Feature Comparison

Structured broker facts pulled from the shared broker dataset.
Feature
Overall Score
7.2/10
7.8/10
Min Deposit
Lower is better
$5
$100
Max Leverage
1:3000
1:300
Spreads From
0.7 pips
0.6 pips
Platforms
MT4, MT5, FBS Trader App
Markets.com Platform, MT4, MT5
Regulation
IFSC, CySEC
CySEC, FCA, FSCA
Founded
Older track record highlighted
2009
2008
Markets
250+
2,500+
FBS: 0 Markets.com: 0
💰

Fees & Costs

When it comes to trading costs, FBS has the edge with a score of 7/10 versus 7/10 for Markets.com. FBS offers spreads starting from 0.7 pips, while Markets.com starts from 0.6 pips. The minimum deposit at FBS is $5, compared to $100 at Markets.com. Both brokers operate primarily on a spread-based pricing model, though actual costs vary by account type and instrument. For high-volume traders, even small spread differences add up significantly over time, making this an important category to weigh carefully.

FBS
7.0
Markets.com
7.0
FBS: 0 Markets.com: 1
🖥️

Trading Platforms

🏅 Section Winner: Markets.com (7.0 vs 8.0)

Markets.com scores 8/10 for platforms compared to 7/10 for FBS. FBS provides MT4, MT5, FBS Trader App, while Markets.com offers Markets.com Platform, MT4, MT5. The choice of platform affects your charting, order execution speed, and available technical indicators. Traders who rely on MetaTrader's algorithmic trading capabilities should check which MT4/MT5 features each broker supports, including custom indicators and expert advisors.

FBS
7.0
Markets.com
8.0
FBS: 0 Markets.com: 2
🛡️

Regulation & Safety

🏅 Section Winner: Markets.com (6.5 vs 9.0)

Regulation is crucial for fund safety. FBS is regulated by IFSC, CySEC (Tier 1), while Markets.com holds licenses from CySEC, FCA, FSCA (Tier 1). FBS scores 6.5/10 and Markets.com scores 9/10 in this category. Tier 1 regulators like FCA, ASIC, and CySEC offer the strongest investor protection, including segregated client funds and compensation schemes. Always verify your broker's specific license for your jurisdiction before opening an account.

FBS
6.5
Markets.com
9.0
FBS: 0 Markets.com: 2
📚

Education & Research

For learning resources, FBS leads with 7.5/10 compared to 7.5/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. FBS and Markets.com both provide demo accounts for risk-free practice, but the depth of educational content varies. Beginners should prioritize this category when choosing between the two.

FBS
7.5
Markets.com
7.5
FBS: 0 Markets.com: 3
🎧

Customer Support

🏅 Section Winner: Markets.com (7.0 vs 7.5)

FBS offers 24/7 Live Chat, Email, Phone and scores 7/10, while Markets.com provides 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone with a score of 7.5/10. Reliable support becomes critical during market volatility or when you encounter account issues. Look for brokers with 24/5 or 24/7 availability, multiple contact channels, and support in your preferred language.

FBS
7.0
Markets.com
7.5
FBS: 1 Markets.com: 3
💳

Deposit & Withdrawal

🏅 Section Winner: FBS (8.0 vs 7.5)

FBS scores 8/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while Markets.com scores 7.5/10. FBS accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Sticpay, and Markets.com supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. FBS requires a minimum deposit of $5 versus $100 for Markets.com. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.

FBS
8.0
Markets.com
7.5

Which Broker Is Right for You?

FBS

Choose FBS if you...

  • Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
  • You prefer a low minimum deposit ($5)
  • You prefer FBS's trading environment overall
Visit FBS
Markets.com

Choose Markets.com if you...

  • You need advanced trading platforms and tools
  • Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
  • Responsive customer support matters to you
  • You want access to a wider range of instruments
Visit Markets.com

🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?

Cast your vote — see what other traders think

Frequently Asked Questions

Is FBS better than Markets.com?

Markets.com scores higher overall (7.8/10 vs 7.2/10), winning 5 of 8 categories. However, FBS is stronger in smoother deposits & withdrawals. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.

Which has lower fees, FBS or Markets.com?

FBS scores higher for trading costs. FBS offers spreads from 0.7 pips with a $5 minimum deposit, while Markets.com starts from 0.6 pips with $100 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.

Is FBS safe to trade with?

FBS is regulated by IFSC, CySEC and scores 6.5/10 for regulation. Markets.com is regulated by CySEC, FCA, FSCA with a score of 9/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.

Which has better trading platforms, FBS or Markets.com?

Markets.com scores 8/10 for platforms. FBS offers MT4, MT5, FBS Trader App, while Markets.com provides Markets.com Platform, MT4, MT5. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.

What's the minimum deposit for FBS vs Markets.com?

FBS requires a minimum deposit of $5, while Markets.com requires $100. FBS has the lower entry barrier, making it more accessible for beginners or those testing with smaller amounts.

Ready to Start Trading?

Open a free account with either broker and start trading today.

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