Markets.com
FBS
Markets.com vs FBS
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
Markets.com and FBS are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. Markets.com, founded in 2008 and headquartered in Limassol, Cyprus, is regulated by CySEC, FCA, FSCA and offers spreads starting from 0.6 pips with a minimum deposit of $100. FBS, established in 2009 in Belize City, Belize, holds licenses from IFSC, CySEC with spreads from 0.7 pips and a $5 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.
- 🖥️
Markets.com runs on Markets.com Platform, MT4, MT5, while FBS uses MT4, MT5, FBS Trader App — 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
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
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
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
Markets.com wins by 1.0 points
Markets.com wins by 2.5 points
Markets.com wins by 0.5 points
Markets.com wins by 1.5 points
FBS wins by 0.5 points
Markets.com wins by 2.0 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 ✓ | 7.2/10 |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $100 | $5 ✓ |
| Max Leverage | 1:300 | 1:3000 |
| Spreads From | 0.6 pips | 0.7 pips |
| Platforms | Markets.com Platform, MT4, MT5 | MT4, MT5, FBS Trader App |
| Regulation | CySEC, FCA, FSCA | IFSC, CySEC |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 2008 ✓ | 2009 |
| Markets | 2,500+ ✓ | 250+ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, Markets.com has the edge with a score of 7/10 versus 7/10 for FBS. Markets.com offers spreads starting from 0.6 pips, while FBS starts from 0.7 pips. The minimum deposit at Markets.com is $100, compared to $5 at FBS. 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.
Trading Platforms
Markets.com scores 8/10 for platforms compared to 7/10 for FBS. Markets.com provides Markets.com Platform, MT4, MT5, while FBS offers MT4, MT5, FBS Trader App. 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.
Regulation & Safety
Regulation is crucial for fund safety. Markets.com is regulated by CySEC, FCA, FSCA (Tier 1), while FBS holds licenses from IFSC, CySEC (Tier 1). Markets.com scores 9/10 and FBS scores 6.5/10 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.
Education & Research
For learning resources, Markets.com 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. Markets.com and FBS 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.
Customer Support
Markets.com offers 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone and scores 7.5/10, while FBS provides 24/7 Live Chat, Email, Phone with a score of 7/10. 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.
Deposit & Withdrawal
Markets.com scores 7.5/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while FBS scores 8/10. Markets.com accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, and FBS supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Sticpay. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. Markets.com requires a minimum deposit of $100 versus $5 for FBS. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
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
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
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Markets.com better than FBS?
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, Markets.com or FBS?
Markets.com scores higher for trading costs. Markets.com offers spreads from 0.6 pips with a $100 minimum deposit, while FBS starts from 0.7 pips with $5 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.
Is Markets.com safe to trade with?
Markets.com is regulated by CySEC, FCA, FSCA and scores 9/10 for regulation. FBS is regulated by IFSC, CySEC with a score of 6.5/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.
Which has better trading platforms, Markets.com or FBS?
Markets.com scores 8/10 for platforms. Markets.com offers Markets.com Platform, MT4, MT5, while FBS provides MT4, MT5, FBS Trader App. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for Markets.com vs FBS?
Markets.com requires a minimum deposit of $100, while FBS requires $5. 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.