Which broker is better for Australia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For experienced Australian traders seeking ASIC-regulated brokers, the choice between AvaTrade and EasyMarkets comes down to trading costs, platform flexibility, and local payment convenience. AvaTrade, rated 4.6/5, is a global market maker with strong local presence via its ASIC licence (Ava Capital Markets Pty Ltd). It offers variable spreads, multiple platforms including MT4, MT5, and AvaTradeGO, plus support for BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit Cards. EasyMarkets, rated 3.4/5, also holds an ASIC licence and provides fixed spreads, a proprietary web platform, and risk management tools like Deal Cancellation. While both accept AUD deposits and cater to Australian traders, AvaTrade’s broader asset range and tighter spreads make it more suitable for experienced traders, whereas EasyMarkets appeals to those who prefer predictable costs and simpler execution.
| Instrument | AvaTrade | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | EasyMarkets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | EasyMarkets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | EasyMarkets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | EasyMarkets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $100 | $25 | AvaTrade |
Spread costs significantly impact profitability for Australian traders, especially for high-volume forex positions. AvaTrade offers variable spreads starting from 0.9 pips on AUD/USD and 1.0 pips on EUR/USD, with commission-free trading on standard accounts. In contrast, EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads, typically around 1.2–1.5 pips on major pairs. While fixed spreads protect against slippage during volatility, variable spreads on AvaTrade can be much lower during liquid market hours (e.g., Sydney open). For experienced traders who trade during peak AUD sessions, AvaTrade’s variable model yields lower overall costs. Also, AvaTrade does not charge deposit or withdrawal fees, whereas EasyMarkets may add a small processing fee for certain methods.
| Account Type | AvaTrade | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✓ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $25 |
| Entity / Asset | AvaTrade | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (offshore) | Up to 1:400 | Up to 1:2000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:400 | 1:2000 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
| Asset Class | AvaTrade | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | AvaTrade |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | AvaTrade |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | AvaTrade |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | EasyMarkets |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | AvaTrade | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Platform choice is critical for experienced Australian traders who rely on advanced charting and automated trading. AvaTrade offers industry-standard MetaTrader 4 and 5, plus its proprietary AvaTradeGO app, suitable for algorithmic strategies and EAs. It also supports WebTrader and social trading via ZuluTrade. EasyMarkets provides a custom web platform and mobile app, designed for simplicity with one-click trading and fixed spreads, but lacks full MT4/MT5 integration. For Australian traders who need custom indicators, multi-charts, or Expert Advisors, AvaTrade’s MT4 compatibility is a clear advantage. Both platforms are available in English and offer demo accounts.
| Factor | AvaTrade | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | EasyMarkets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | AvaTrade |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
Execution quality affects trade outcomes, especially for Australian traders during volatile news events. AvaTrade uses a market-maker model with no requotes on standard accounts and offers straight-through-processing (STP) on its fixed spread accounts, ensuring order fills at advertised prices. EasyMarkets also operates as a market maker but with fixed spreads and guaranteed no slippage, which can be beneficial for scalpers. However, AvaTrade’s variable spreads and lower latency during Sydney hours lead to better execution for experienced traders who prioritise speed over guaranteed fill prices.
| Safety Factor | AvaTrade | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CBI | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both AvaTrade and EasyMarkets are regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), ensuring Australian traders benefit from strict financial standards, client fund segregation, and access to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). AvaTrade holds ASIC AFSL 406684 and is also licensed in other jurisdictions, adding an extra layer of oversight. EasyMarkets operates under ASIC AFSL 246566. For Australian traders, ASIC regulation means negative balance protection and transparent pricing. While both are compliant, AvaTrade’s multi-regulatory framework provides more robust investor protection for high-volume traders. Always verify current licences on the ASIC register.
| Payment Method | AvaTrade | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | Card/e-wallet 24-48hrs after approval; Wire Transfer up to 7-10 business days | Cards 1-2 business days; e-wallets instant-1 business day; bank wire 3-10 business days; overall back-office processing within 1 business day (24h) |
Both brokers cater specifically to Australian traders with local AUD deposit methods. AvaTrade supports BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard). Deposits via BPAY and POLi are instant and free, while bank transfers may take up to 2 business days. Withdrawals are processed within 1-3 business days, using bank transfer or credit card. EasyMarkets also offers BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit Cards for AUD deposits. However, EasyMarkets may charge a withdrawal fee on certain methods and has a minimum deposit requirement of AUD 100 (versus AvaTrade’s AUD 100 as well). For Australian traders, the ease of BPAY and POLi for both brokers makes funding straightforward, but AvaTrade edges ahead with faster withdrawal processing and no withdrawal fees.
| Islamic Account Feature | AvaTrade | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Muslim traders in Australia seeking swap-free accounts can open Islamic accounts with both AvaTrade and EasyMarkets. These accounts adhere to Sharia law by waiving overnight interest (swap) on positions held for more than one day. AvaTrade offers Islamic accounts for most asset classes, including forex and CFDs, with no additional administration fees. EasyMarkets also provides swap-free accounts upon request, but may apply a small administrative fee on long-term positions. Both brokers require a request via customer support and may ask for proof of faith. For Australian Muslim traders, AvaTrade’s zero-fee approach on Islamic accounts is more favourable.
| Support Feature | AvaTrade | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | AvaTrade |
Customer support availability is crucial for Australian traders who operate during Sydney hours. AvaTrade offers 24/5 multilingual live chat, phone, and email support, with a dedicated team for Australian clients during local trading hours. EasyMarkets provides 24/5 support via live chat and phone, but email responses can be slower. Both brokers have extensive FAQ sections. For urgent issues, AvaTrade’s faster response time and local phone line give it an edge for Australian traders.
| Mobile Feature | AvaTrade | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | AvaTrade |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | AvaTrade |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | AvaTrade | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | AvaTrade |
Choose AvaTrade if you...
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
For experienced Australian traders seeking ASIC-regulated brokers, AvaTrade is the stronger choice. Its higher rating (4.6/5), lower variable spreads on pairs like AUD/USD, and support for local payment methods (BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, Credit Card) align well with the needs of active traders. EasyMarkets, while offering a simpler fixed-spread model and useful risk tools, lacks the platform depth and cost efficiency that experienced traders demand. Both are fully ASIC-compliant, but AvaTrade’s broader asset range and faster execution during Sydney hours give it a clear advantage. We recommend AvaTrade for most Australian traders, unless you specifically prefer fixed spreads and minimal platform complexity.