Which broker is better for Australia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Australian traders looking for an ASIC-regulated broker, BlackBull Markets and EasyMarkets present two distinct paths. BlackBull Markets (overall score 3.9/5) is a New Zealand-headquartered ECN broker that has built a strong reputation among experienced traders for its deep liquidity, tight spreads, and multiple platform support. EasyMarkets (3.4/5) is a Cyprus-based broker with a long history, offering fixed spreads, guaranteed stop-loss, and a simplified web platform that appeals to beginners and those seeking risk control. Both brokers hold Australian Financial Services licences from ASIC, meaning client funds are held in segregated accounts and subject to Australian client money rules. Australian traders can deposit and withdraw using local methods like BPAY, POLi, bank transfer, and credit cards. This comparison focuses on how each broker serves the Australian market, covering costs, platforms, regulation, and deposit options to help you decide which fits your trading style.
| Instrument | BlackBull Markets | 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 | $0 | $25 | BlackBull Markets |
Spread costs are a major differentiator. BlackBull Markets offers variable spreads from 0.0 pips on major forex pairs such as EUR/USD and GBP/USD, with a small commission per lot on the ECN account. For Australian traders trading higher volumes, this structure significantly reduces transaction costs compared to a fixed spread model. EasyMarkets charges fixed spreads starting at 1.0 pips on EUR/USD with no commission, making costs predictable but higher for frequent traders. A scalper or day trader executing dozens of lots weekly will save substantially with BlackBull, while a casual trader who holds positions longer may prefer EasyMarkets’ simplicity and fixed cost. Both brokers charge no deposit fees for Australian methods like BPAY and POLi, and there are no hidden account fees for standard accounts.
| Account Type | BlackBull Markets | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $0 | $25 |
| Entity / Asset | BlackBull Markets | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (offshore) | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:2000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:500 | 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 | BlackBull Markets | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | BlackBull Markets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | BlackBull Markets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | BlackBull Markets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | EasyMarkets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | BlackBull Markets | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✓ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
BlackBull Markets gives Australian traders access to MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader – all available on desktop, web, and mobile. This suite supports algorithmic trading, custom indicators, and advanced charting, which experienced traders demand. EasyMarkets offers its own proprietary web platform, plus MetaTrader 4 and TradingView integration for charts. While the easyMarkets platform includes unique features like negative balance protection and guaranteed stop-loss on every trade, it lacks the depth of cTrader or MT5’s full toolkit. For Australian traders who rely on automated strategies or multi-asset charting, BlackBull’s platform range is superior. Both brokers offer mobile apps with real-time quotes and order management.
| Factor | BlackBull Markets | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | EasyMarkets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | BlackBull Markets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
BlackBull Markets uses ECN/STP execution with direct market access, offering low-latency fills and no dealing desk interference – ideal for scalpers and algorithmic traders in Australia. EasyMarkets uses a market maker model with a dealing desk, which can result in requotes during volatile periods but provides guaranteed stop-loss orders for all trades. For Australian traders who prioritise execution speed and slippage control, BlackBull is clearly superior. EasyMarkets’ execution is reliable for standard retail trading but not designed for high-frequency strategies.
| Safety Factor | BlackBull Markets | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FMA | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✗ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers hold ASIC licences, which is critical for Australian traders as it ensures compliance with the Corporations Act. BlackBull Markets Pty Ltd is authorised under AFSL 565763, while easyMarkets Pty Ltd holds AFSL 472222. This means client funds are segregated in trust accounts, and the brokers must adhere to strict reporting and capital adequacy standards. For Australian traders, ASIC regulation provides a safety net through the Financial Ombudsman Service (AFCA) for dispute resolution. Additionally, both brokers participate in the Australian client money rules that prevent the use of client funds for hedging or operating expenses. BlackBull also holds regulation in New Zealand (FMA), and EasyMarkets is additionally regulated by CySEC, but the ASIC oversight is the most relevant for local traders.
| Payment Method | BlackBull Markets | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 24 hours (usually on the same business day) | 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) |
Australian traders enjoy convenient deposit and withdrawal options at both brokers. BlackBull Markets and EasyMarkets accept BPAY, POLi, bank transfer, and credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard). POLi is instant and free, directly from most Australian bank accounts. BPAY typically takes 1 business day with no fees from the broker. Bank transfers are free but may take 1-3 days depending on your bank. Credit card deposits are instant but may incur a small fee (usually 1-2%) from the card issuer. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours at BlackBull and within 1 business day at EasyMarkets, back to the original funding method where possible. Both support AUD base accounts, so no currency conversion fees apply when depositing or withdrawing in Australian dollars. Minimum deposits: BlackBull starts at $200 AUD for standard accounts, EasyMarkets at $100 AUD.
| Islamic Account Feature | BlackBull Markets | 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 Australian traders seeking Sharia-compliant accounts can open swap-free (Islamic) accounts with both brokers. BlackBull Markets offers Islamic accounts on request for all account types – Standard, Prime, and ECN – with no swap fees on overnight positions. EasyMarkets provides a dedicated Islamic account during registration, also swap-free, and includes the same fixed spreads and guaranteed stop-loss features. Both brokers do not charge administrative fees to maintain the Islamic status, but positions held open over the weekend may have a small fee adjustment in line with Islamic finance principles. Australian Muslim traders should confirm with each broker’s support team to ensure compliance with their personal requirements.
| Support Feature | BlackBull Markets | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | BlackBull Markets |
BlackBull Markets offers 24/5 live chat, phone, and email support with a dedicated Australian phone number (+61 1800 107 869) and local office hours aligning with AEST. EasyMarkets provides 24/7 multilingual support via live chat, phone, and email, including an Australian toll-free line. Both brokers have responsive teams, but BlackBull’s support is more tailored to experienced clients with technical trading questions, while EasyMarkets excels at helping beginners get started. Response times are under 2 minutes for live chat on both platforms during Australian business hours.
| Mobile Feature | BlackBull Markets | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | BlackBull Markets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | BlackBull Markets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✓ | ✗ | BlackBull Markets |
| Resource | BlackBull Markets | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | BlackBull Markets |
Choose BlackBull Markets if you...
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
For Australian traders comparing BlackBull Markets vs EasyMarkets, the decision hinges on experience level and trading style. BlackBull Markets, with its higher score of 3.9/5, is the clear choice for experienced traders who need tight spreads, ECN execution, and powerful platforms like MT5 and cTrader. It pairs perfectly with Australian payment methods like BPAY and POLi, and ASIC regulation gives peace of mind. EasyMarkets (3.4/5) is better for beginners or those who prefer fixed spreads, guaranteed stop-loss, and a simpler interface – all while still being ASIC-regulated and accepting Aussie deposits. If you trade several lots per day, BlackBull will save you money; if you value simplicity and safety nets, EasyMarkets is a solid option. Both are legitimate choices for Australian traders in 2025.