Which broker is better for New Zealand traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
New Zealand traders seeking a reliable forex broker often compare EasyMarkets and FP Markets. While both are regulated and accept Kiwi clients, their offerings differ significantly. EasyMarkets (rated 3.4/5) is known for its user-friendly platform, fixed spreads, and risk management tools like deal cancellation. FP Markets (rated 4.7/5) is a top-tier broker with raw spreads, multiple trading platforms, and deep liquidity. For New Zealand traders, key factors include local regulation by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) equivalent, deposit methods such as Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, and overall trading costs. This comparison focuses on what matters most to New Zealand retail traders: cost, speed, and reliability.
| Instrument | EasyMarkets | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | FP Markets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | FP Markets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | FP Markets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | FP Markets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $25 | $100 | FP Markets |
For New Zealand traders, trading costs are a critical factor. EasyMarkets offers fixed spreads, meaning costs are predictable but generally wider. For example, EUR/USD spreads start around 1.7 pips. FP Markets, by contrast, provides raw spreads from 0.0 pips on its ECN accounts, with a low commission per lot. Over a high volume of trades, FP Markets can save Kiwi traders hundreds of dollars annually. Additionally, FP Markets does not charge deposit or withdrawal fees on most methods, while EasyMarkets may impose fees on certain transfers. Overall, FP Markets is more cost-effective for active New Zealand traders.
| Account Type | EasyMarkets | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $25 | $100 |
| Entity / Asset | EasyMarkets | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 1:500 |
| 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 | FP Markets | 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 | ✗ | 1,700+ | FP Markets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | EasyMarkets | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✓ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✓ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
FP Markets offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, giving New Zealand traders flexibility across desktop, web, and mobile. These platforms are widely used and support advanced charting, automated trading, and custom indicators. EasyMarkets provides its own proprietary web-based platform and mobile app, which is simpler but lacks the depth of MetaTrader. For New Zealand traders who value advanced tools, EA compatibility, or algorithmic trading, FP Markets is the clear winner. EasyMarkets' platform is suitable for beginners who prefer a straightforward interface.
| Factor | EasyMarkets | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FP Markets |
| 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 |
FP Markets boasts ultra-fast execution with no requotes, thanks to its ECN/STP model and multiple liquidity providers. Average execution speed is under 40ms, suitable for scalpers and high-frequency traders. EasyMarkets uses a market maker model, which can lead to occasional slippage and requotes during volatile periods. For New Zealand traders who value speed and reliability, FP Markets provides a clear edge in execution quality.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | ASIC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both EasyMarkets and FP Markets are regulated by reputable authorities, which provides New Zealand traders with a layer of security. EasyMarkets is regulated by CySEC (Cyprus) and ASIC (Australia), while FP Markets is regulated by ASIC and the FSCA (South Africa). Importantly, both brokers accept New Zealand clients and comply with local financial regulations, including client fund segregation and negative balance protection. Although neither is directly regulated by the FMA, they operate in New Zealand under AFSL licenses that are recognised locally. Traders should verify current registration with the FMA before depositing.
| Payment Method | EasyMarkets | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 24 hours |
New Zealand traders can deposit and withdraw using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 at both brokers. EasyMarkets also supports credit/debit cards and PayPal, while FP Markets adds POLi (Australian bank transfer) and UnionPay. Bank transfers are ideal for large amounts but may take 1-3 business days. Skrill and Neteller offer instant deposits and withdrawals with minimal fees, though Neteller may have higher withdrawal costs. USDT TRC20 provides a fast, low-cost crypto option suitable for tech-savvy traders. FP Markets generally processes withdrawals faster, often within 24 hours, while EasyMarkets may take up to 48 hours. Both brokers do not charge internal fees for most methods, but third-party charges may apply.
| Islamic Account Feature | EasyMarkets | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
For New Zealand Muslim traders requiring swap-free accounts, both EasyMarkets and FP Markets offer Islamic accounts. EasyMarkets provides Islamic accounts on request with no interest charges on overnight positions, but spreads may be slightly wider to compensate. FP Markets also offers swap-free accounts across all account types, including ECN, with the same tight spreads as standard accounts. FP Markets requires documentation to confirm eligibility, while EasyMarkets is more lenient. Overall, FP Markets gives better trading conditions for Islamic account holders in New Zealand.
| Support Feature | EasyMarkets | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | EasyMarkets |
FP Markets offers 24/7 multilingual support via live chat, email, and phone, with a dedicated team for New Zealand clients. Response times are typically under 30 seconds for live chat. EasyMarkets provides 24/5 live chat and email support, with phone support available during business hours. While both brokers offer helpful support, FP Markets' round-the-clock availability and faster response times give it an advantage for New Zealand traders trading during different time zones.
| Mobile Feature | EasyMarkets | FP Markets | 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 | ✗ | ✓ | FP Markets |
| Resource | EasyMarkets | FP Markets | 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 FP Markets if you...
For most New Zealand traders, FP Markets is the superior choice with a rating of 4.7/5 versus EasyMarkets' 3.4/5. FP Markets offers lower trading costs, faster execution, and a wider range of platforms, all while accepting local deposit methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. EasyMarkets remains a solid option for beginners who prioritise simplicity and risk management tools, but its higher spreads and market maker model limit its appeal. Both brokers are compliant with local financial regulators, giving Kiwi traders peace of mind. If you are a New Zealand trader looking to maximise your trading edge, FP Markets is the recommended broker in 2025.