Which broker is better for Saudi Arabia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Saudi Arabia traders seeking a reliable forex broker, AvaTrade and EasyMarkets are two well-known international brands, but they cater to different needs. AvaTrade, with a strong score of 4.6/5, excels in offering a wide range of trading instruments, advanced platforms, and competitive spreads. EasyMarkets, scoring 3.4/5, focuses on simplicity and fixed spreads, appealing to beginners or those who prefer predictable costs. Both brokers accept Saudi clients and support local payment methods such as STC Pay, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card deposits, making it easy to fund accounts in SAR. The Saudi Capital Market Authority (CMA) does not directly regulate these brokers, but both hold licenses from respected bodies like ASIC and CySEC. For high-net-worth individuals and Islamic account seekers in the Kingdom, understanding the differences in trading costs, platforms, and regulatory protections is critical. This comparison lays out the key factors to help you decide which broker aligns with your trading style and local requirements.
| 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 |
When comparing trading costs for Saudi Arabia traders, AvaTrade clearly outperforms EasyMarkets. AvaTrade offers variable spreads starting from 0.9 pips on major forex pairs like EUR/USD and USD/SAR, with commission-free trading on standard accounts. EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads that average 1.5 pips on the same pairs, which can be significantly more expensive for high-volume traders. For Saudi traders executing 10+ lots per month, the difference in spreads can amount to hundreds of SAR in extra costs. AvaTrade also provides tighter spreads during volatile market hours, which suits active traders. EasyMarkets’ fixed spreads protect against widening during news events, but the baseline is higher. Overall, AvaTrade delivers lower costs for Saudi traders who prioritize competitive pricing.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia (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 | ✓ | ✓ |
AvaTrade offers a superior platform ecosystem for Saudi Arabia traders, including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, AvaTradeGO (mobile app), and WebTrader. These platforms feature advanced charting tools, automated trading via Expert Advisors, and support for Islamic accounts. EasyMarkets provides its proprietary web-based platform and a mobile app that are user-friendly but lack the depth of MT4/MT5. For high-net-worth Saudi traders who rely on algorithmic trading or complex analysis, AvaTrade’s multi-platform support is a clear advantage. EasyMarkets’ platform is easier for beginners but limits customization. Both brokers offer Arabic language support, which is important for the local market.
| 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 |
AvaTrade boasts fast execution speeds with low latency, using STP/ECN models on certain account types. This is ideal for Saudi traders engaged in high-frequency or scalping strategies. EasyMarkets uses a market maker model with fixed spreads, which can lead to slower execution during news events and potential requotes. AvaTrade’s execution transparency and speed give it an edge for active traders. EasyMarkets’ execution is adequate for casual traders but not optimal for high-volume or discretionary strategies.
| Safety Factor | AvaTrade | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CBI | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Neither AvaTrade nor EasyMarkets is regulated by the Saudi Capital Market Authority (CMA), which only licenses local brokerage firms. However, both operate under reputable international regulators: AvaTrade is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland, ASIC, and FSCA, while EasyMarkets is regulated by CySEC and ASIC. For Saudi Arabia traders, this means client funds are segregated and negative balance protection applies under these jurisdictions. AvaTrade’s longer track record and stronger regulatory oversight (multiple Tier-1 regulators) provide an extra layer of security. EasyMarkets is also transparent but operates under fewer regulatory bodies. Saudi traders should consider the broker’s regulatory history and dispute resolution mechanisms when choosing.
| 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) |
Saudi Arabia traders can deposit and withdraw at both brokers using Bank Transfer, STC Pay, and Credit Card. AvaTrade processes bank transfers within 1-2 business days with no fees for SAR deposits, and STC Pay transactions are instant. Credit card deposits are also immediate. Withdrawals at AvaTrade are processed within 1-3 business days via the same method. EasyMarkets supports similar methods, but bank transfers may take 3-5 business days, and STC Pay withdrawals are subject to a fixed fee of 5 USD. AvaTrade offers more flexibility with no deposit fees and faster withdrawal times. Both brokers allow accounts to be maintained in SAR, though conversion fees may apply if depositing in other currencies. For high-net-worth traders, AvaTrade’s efficient payment processing is a notable advantage.
| 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 |
Both AvaTrade and EasyMarkets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Saudi Arabia Muslim traders. AvaTrade provides a true swap-free Islamic account across all platforms and account types, with no swap fees on overnight positions and no hidden charges. EasyMarkets also offers Islamic accounts but imposes an administrative fee on positions held open for more than a certain number of trading days (typically 10 days). This makes AvaTrade’s Islamic account more cost-effective for long-term position holders. Additionally, AvaTrade’s Islamic account supports the same competitive spreads and leverage options as standard accounts, while EasyMarkets restricts some features. For Saudi traders who strictly follow Sharia law, AvaTrade is the better choice.
| 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 |
Both brokers offer customer support in Arabic, which is crucial for Saudi Arabia traders. AvaTrade provides 24/5 multilingual support via live chat, phone, and email, with Arabic-speaking agents available during trading hours. EasyMarkets also offers 24/5 support with Arabic options, but response times can be slower during peak hours. AvaTrade’s dedicated account managers for high-net-worth clients add value. Overall, AvaTrade delivers more responsive and comprehensive support for Saudi 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 Saudi Arabia traders, AvaTrade emerges as the clear winner with a score of 4.6/5 against EasyMarkets’ 3.4/5. AvaTrade offers lower trading costs, superior platforms, faster execution, and a truly swap-free Islamic account—all essential for high-net-worth individuals in the Kingdom. While EasyMarkets provides fixed spreads and a simpler experience, it falls short in cost efficiency and platform depth. Both brokers support local payment methods like STC Pay, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card, but AvaTrade processes them faster and with fewer fees. Although neither is regulated by the CMA, AvaTrade’s stronger international oversight adds confidence. For Saudi traders serious about forex trading, AvaTrade is the recommended choice.