Saxo Bank

Saxo Bank

🟢 Tier 1 Regulated
9.0
/ 10
vs
FBS

FBS

🟢 Tier 1 Regulated
7.2
/ 10

Saxo Bank vs FBS

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

Saxo Bank and FBS are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. Saxo Bank, founded in 1992 and headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, is regulated by FCA, DFSA, MAS and offers spreads starting from 0.4 pips with a minimum deposit of $2000. 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, Saxo Bank scored 9/10 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

  • 📊

    Saxo Bank scores 9/10 overall vs 7.2/10 for FBS — a 1.8-point difference.

  • 💵

    FBS requires just $5 to start, while Saxo Bank needs $2000 — FBS is 400x more accessible.

  • 📈

    Saxo Bank offers 72,000+ instruments vs 250+ at FBS — a massive gap in market coverage.

  • 🖥️

    Saxo Bank runs on SaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO, while FBS uses MT4, MT5, FBS Trader App — different ecosystems for different trading styles.

  • The biggest gap is in Product Range: Saxo Bank scores 10.0 vs 6.5 for FBS — a 3.5-point difference.

Our Verdict

🏆 WINNER
Saxo Bank

Saxo Bank

Score: 9.0/10 · Wins 7 categories
  • You want lower spreads and trading fees
  • You're a beginner who values learning resources
  • You need advanced trading platforms and tools
  • Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
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

Saxo Bank takes the lead with an overall score of 9/10 compared to 7.2/10, winning in 7 out of 8 scoring categories. Saxo Bank stands out for lower trading costs and better trading platforms, while FBS fights back with smoother deposits & withdrawals.

Detailed Verdict

After testing both brokers with real accounts, Saxo Bank comes out ahead with a 9/10 overall rating, winning 7 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Product Range where it scores 10.0/10. Saxo Bank 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 Saxo Bank review and FBS review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.

Score Breakdown

Saxo Bank
FBS
Trading Costs
7.5 7.0

Saxo Bank wins by 0.5 points

Platforms & Tools
9.5 7.0

Saxo Bank wins by 2.5 points

Regulation & Trust
9.5 6.5

Saxo Bank wins by 3.0 points

Education
8.0 7.5

Saxo Bank wins by 0.5 points

Customer Service
8.5 7.0

Saxo Bank wins by 1.5 points

Research & Analysis
9.5 6.5

Saxo Bank wins by 3.0 points

Deposit & Withdrawal
7.5 8.0

FBS wins by 0.5 points

Product Range
10.0 6.5

Saxo Bank wins by 3.5 points

Full Feature Comparison

Structured broker facts pulled from the shared broker dataset.
Feature
Overall Score
9.0/10
7.2/10
Min Deposit
Lower is better
$2000
$5
Max Leverage
1:200
1:3000
Spreads From
0.4 pips
0.7 pips
Platforms
SaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO
MT4, MT5, FBS Trader App
Regulation
FCA, DFSA, MAS
IFSC, CySEC
Founded
Older track record highlighted
1992
2009
Markets
72,000+
250+
Saxo Bank: 1 FBS: 0
💰

Fees & Costs

🏅 Section Winner: Saxo Bank (7.5 vs 7.0)

When it comes to trading costs, Saxo Bank has the edge with a score of 7.5/10 versus 7/10 for FBS. Saxo Bank offers spreads starting from 0.4 pips, while FBS starts from 0.7 pips. The minimum deposit at Saxo Bank is $2000, 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.

Saxo Bank
7.5
FBS
7.0
Saxo Bank: 2 FBS: 0
🖥️

Trading Platforms

🏅 Section Winner: Saxo Bank (9.5 vs 7.0)

Saxo Bank scores 9.5/10 for platforms compared to 7/10 for FBS. Saxo Bank provides SaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO, 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.

Saxo Bank
9.5
FBS
7.0
Saxo Bank: 3 FBS: 0
🛡️

Regulation & Safety

🏅 Section Winner: Saxo Bank (9.5 vs 6.5)

Regulation is crucial for fund safety. Saxo Bank is regulated by FCA, DFSA, MAS (Tier 1), while FBS holds licenses from IFSC, CySEC (Tier 1). Saxo Bank scores 9.5/10 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.

Saxo Bank
9.5
FBS
6.5
Saxo Bank: 4 FBS: 0
📚

Education & Research

🏅 Section Winner: Saxo Bank (8.0 vs 7.5)

For learning resources, Saxo Bank leads with 8/10 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. Saxo Bank 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.

Saxo Bank
8.0
FBS
7.5
Saxo Bank: 5 FBS: 0
🎧

Customer Support

🏅 Section Winner: Saxo Bank (8.5 vs 7.0)

Saxo Bank offers 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone and scores 8.5/10, 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.

Saxo Bank
8.5
FBS
7.0
Saxo Bank: 5 FBS: 1
💳

Deposit & Withdrawal

🏅 Section Winner: FBS (7.5 vs 8.0)

Saxo Bank scores 7.5/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while FBS scores 8/10. Saxo Bank accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, and FBS supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Sticpay. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. Saxo Bank requires a minimum deposit of $2000 versus $5 for FBS. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.

Saxo Bank
7.5
FBS
8.0

Which Broker Is Right for You?

Saxo Bank

Choose Saxo Bank if you...

  • You want lower spreads and trading fees
  • You're a beginner who values learning resources
  • You need advanced trading platforms and tools
  • Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
Visit Saxo Bank
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

🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?

Cast your vote — see what other traders think

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Saxo Bank better than FBS?

Saxo Bank scores higher overall (9/10 vs 7.2/10), winning 7 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, Saxo Bank or FBS?

Saxo Bank scores higher for trading costs. Saxo Bank offers spreads from 0.4 pips with a $2000 minimum deposit, while FBS starts from 0.7 pips with $5 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.

Is Saxo Bank safe to trade with?

Saxo Bank is regulated by FCA, DFSA, MAS and scores 9.5/10 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, Saxo Bank or FBS?

Saxo Bank scores 9.5/10 for platforms. Saxo Bank offers SaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO, 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 Saxo Bank vs FBS?

Saxo Bank requires a minimum deposit of $2000, 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.

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