Which broker is better for Australia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Australian traders comparing EasyMarkets vs FBS Max face a choice between a locally regulated broker and a globally competitive one. EasyMarkets, regulated by ASIC, offers a trusted environment for experienced traders who value strict oversight and fixed spreads. FBS Max, scoring higher at 3.7/5, attracts traders with lower variable spreads and more flexible leverage, though it operates under an international license. Both brokers accept AUD deposits via BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card, making them accessible for local clients. This comparison focuses on what matters most to Australian traders: regulation, trading costs, and local payment convenience. Whether you trade forex, indices, or commodities, understanding these differences helps you choose the right broker for your strategy.
| Instrument | EasyMarkets | FBS Max | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | FBS Max |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | FBS Max |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | FBS Max |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | FBS Max |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $25 | $0 | FBS Max |
For Australian traders, trading costs are a key differentiator. EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads, meaning you always know your cost per trade, but these are typically wider—around 1.2 pips on EUR/USD. FBS Max offers variable spreads that can drop to 0.3 pips during peak liquidity, significantly reducing costs for high-volume traders. However, variable spreads can widen during news events. If you trade frequently or in large volumes, FBS Max’s lower spreads may save you more in the long run, despite the lack of ASIC oversight. EasyMarkets’ fixed model suits traders who prioritise cost certainty over the lowest possible spread.
| Account Type | EasyMarkets | FBS Max |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $25 | $0 |
| Entity / Asset | EasyMarkets | FBS Max |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:3000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 1:3000 |
| 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 | EasyMarkets | FBS Max | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | EasyMarkets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | EasyMarkets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | EasyMarkets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | FBS Max |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | EasyMarkets | FBS Max |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✓ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MT5, which are the gold standard for Australian traders seeking advanced charting and automated trading. EasyMarkets also provides its proprietary web trader platform with built-in risk management tools like dealCancellation and free guaranteed stop-losses. FBS Max focuses on MT4/MT5 only, with additional copy trading features. For Australian traders who value custom indicators and Expert Advisors, both platforms deliver. EasyMarkets’ extra tools may appeal to those wanting more control, while FBS Max’s pure MT4/MT5 experience suits traders who prefer a familiar interface.
| Factor | EasyMarkets | FBS Max | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FBS Max |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | EasyMarkets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
Execution quality differs between the two. EasyMarkets offers market execution with no requotes and guaranteed stop-losses on certain account types, which is valuable for Australian traders managing risk. FBS Max uses ECN-style execution with low latency, ideal for scalpers and high-frequency traders. FBS Max generally provides faster fills and less slippage during normal conditions, but EasyMarkets’ guaranteed stops offer more certainty in volatile markets. Your trading style will determine which execution model suits you best.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | FBS Max |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | IFSC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✗ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✗ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a critical factor for Australian traders. EasyMarkets is regulated by ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission), providing strong client protection, negative balance protection, and access to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). FBS Max is not ASIC-regulated; it operates under an international license (IFSC). While FBS Max still offers standard protections, Australian traders may face less recourse in disputes. For those prioritising local regulatory oversight and peace of mind, EasyMarkets is the clear choice. However, FBS Max’s higher score suggests many traders accept the trade-off for better trading conditions.
| Payment Method | EasyMarkets | FBS Max |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | 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) | 5 to 7 business days |
Australian traders can fund both EasyMarkets and FBS Max using BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card—all in AUD. EasyMarkets processes deposits instantly via BPAY and POLi, with no fees, and withdrawals are typically processed within 1-2 business days. FBS Max also supports these local methods, but withdrawal times can take up to 3-5 days depending on the method. EasyMarkets offers a slight edge with faster AUD withdrawals and no currency conversion fees since it handles AUD natively. For traders who value quick access to funds, EasyMarkets’ local payment integration is more efficient. Both brokers accept Credit Card deposits, but EasyMarkets has a more streamlined process for Australian bank transfers.
| Islamic Account Feature | EasyMarkets | FBS Max |
|---|---|---|
| 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 EasyMarkets and FBS Max offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Australian Muslim traders. EasyMarkets provides swap-free accounts upon request, with no overnight interest charges on eligible instruments. FBS Max offers dedicated Islamic accounts with zero swaps on forex and metals, available to all clients. For Australian traders, both options are accessible, but FBS Max’s policy is more straightforward and doesn’t require a special request. EasyMarkets may have eligibility criteria based on account type. If you need a swap-free account, FBS Max offers a simpler process, but EasyMarkets provides the reassurance of ASIC regulation.
| Support Feature | EasyMarkets | FBS Max | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | EasyMarkets |
Australian traders can access customer support from both brokers via live chat, email, and phone. EasyMarkets offers 24/5 support with local Australian phone numbers, making it easy to reach help during trading hours. FBS Max provides 24/7 support but primarily through international channels. For quick, local assistance, EasyMarkets has an advantage, especially for time-sensitive issues. FBS Max’s support is responsive but may have longer wait times during peak periods.
| Mobile Feature | EasyMarkets | FBS Max | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | EasyMarkets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | EasyMarkets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | EasyMarkets | FBS Max | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | EasyMarkets |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | EasyMarkets |
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
Choose FBS Max if you...
For Australian traders, the choice between EasyMarkets and FBS Max boils down to regulation vs. cost. EasyMarkets offers ASIC regulation, fixed spreads, and local payment methods like BPAY, POLi, and Bank Transfer—ideal for those who prioritise security and predictable costs. FBS Max, with its higher overall score, provides lower spreads and more flexible trading conditions, making it better for cost-focused experienced traders. If you value local oversight and fast AUD withdrawals, EasyMarkets is your broker. If you want to minimise trading costs and don’t mind international regulation, FBS Max is the stronger choice. Both brokers support Credit Card deposits and cater to Australian traders effectively.