Which broker is better for United Kingdom traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
United Kingdom traders seeking a reliable FCA-regulated forex broker often compare EasyMarkets and FP Markets. Both brokers hold FCA authorisation and accept GBP deposits via Bank Transfer, PayPal, Skrill, and Faster Payments, making them accessible to UK retail and professional traders. However, their offerings differ significantly. EasyMarkets, with a score of 3.4/5, focuses on simplicity with fixed spreads and a proprietary web platform, appealing to beginners. FP Markets, rated 4.7/5, is a leading Australian broker with a strong UK presence, known for low-cost Raw ECN accounts, MetaTrader 4 and 5, and cTrader. In this comparison, we evaluate trading costs, platform features, regulation, deposit methods, and account types specifically for United Kingdom traders. Whether you are a day trader, scalper, or long-term investor, this head-to-head analysis will help you decide which broker better suits your trading style and local needs. We also cover Islamic accounts and customer support for UK clients.
| 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 United Kingdom traders, trading costs are a critical factor. FP Markets offers Raw ECN spreads starting from 0.0 pips with a small commission of $3 per lot per side. Standard accounts have spreads from 0.7 pips with no commission. EasyMarkets, by contrast, uses fixed spreads: 1.5 pips on EUR/USD and 2.0 pips on GBP/USD. FP Markets' variable spreads are significantly tighter, especially during major market sessions. For high-volume UK traders, the difference can save hundreds of pounds per month. Additionally, FP Markets does not charge deposit or withdrawal fees on most methods, while EasyMarkets adds a markup on certain payment options. Overall, FP Markets is the more cost-effective choice for UK 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 |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (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 | ✓ | ✓ |
United Kingdom traders have distinct platform preferences. FP Markets supports MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), and cTrader, all available on desktop, web, and mobile. This variety suits algorithmic traders, scalpers, and those using Expert Advisors. EasyMarkets offers only its proprietary web-based platform and a mobile app. While EasyMarkets' platform includes useful tools like DealCancellation and guaranteed stop-loss, it lacks the analytical depth and customisation of MT4/MT5. For UK traders who rely on advanced charting, automated trading, or multi-asset monitoring, FP Markets is the superior choice. Both brokers provide demo accounts and support for GBP as base currency.
| 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 |
Execution quality is crucial for UK traders, especially scalpers and day traders. FP Markets uses Electronic Communication Network (ECN) execution with low latency and no dealing desk intervention. This allows for fast order fills and minimal slippage, ideal for high-frequency trading. EasyMarkets, in contrast, uses a market maker model with fixed spread execution. While it offers guaranteed stop-loss and negative balance protection, execution may be slower during news events. FP Markets reports average execution speeds of 30-40 milliseconds on its Raw ECN accounts. For UK traders prioritising execution speed and transparency, FP Markets is the clear winner.
| 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 authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom. EasyMarkets is regulated under the FCA register number 581985, while FP Markets (via its UK entity) holds FCA license number 623601. FCA regulation means both brokers must adhere to strict client money segregation rules, negative balance protection, and participation in the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £85,000. For United Kingdom traders, this provides a strong safety net. FP Markets also holds regulation in Australia (ASIC), Cyprus (CySEC), and the Bahamas, offering additional oversight. EasyMarkets is also regulated in Cyprus (CySEC) and Australia (ASIC). Both are considered safe and transparent for UK traders, but FP Markets' multi-regulator status adds an extra layer of credibility.
| 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 |
United Kingdom traders can fund their accounts using Bank Transfer, PayPal, Skrill, and Faster Payments at both EasyMarkets and FP Markets. EasyMarkets also accepts debit/credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) and Neteller, while FP Markets additionally supports POLi. Minimum deposits: EasyMarkets – £100 for all accounts; FP Markets – £40 for Standard, £200 for Raw ECN. Faster Payments are typically processed within minutes and free of charges at both brokers. Withdrawals are processed quickly: FP Markets processes most requests within 24 hours on business days, while EasyMarkets takes up to 2 business days. Both brokers do not charge internal withdrawal fees, but third-party charges may apply on bank transfers. FP Markets supports same-currency withdrawals in GBP, reducing conversion costs. EasyMarkets also allows GBP accounts. Overall, both offer convenient and low-cost deposit and withdrawal options for UK residents.
| 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 |
Muslim traders in the United Kingdom who require Sharia-compliant accounts will find both brokers accommodating. EasyMarkets offers Islamic accounts (swap-free) on request. These accounts do not charge swap or rollover interest on overnight positions, adhering to Islamic finance principles. FP Markets also provides swap-free accounts on its Standard and Raw ECN account types. However, FP Markets notes that swap-free status may be limited to certain instruments and may not apply to long-term positions held beyond a few days. Neither broker charges an additional fee for opening an Islamic account. Both require a simple declaration of faith upon account opening. For UK Muslim traders seeking flexibility, FP Markets offers a wider range of platforms and lower spreads on Islamic accounts, while EasyMarkets provides simplicity and guaranteed swap-free treatment.
| 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 |
Both EasyMarkets and FP Markets offer customer support in English with local phone numbers for United Kingdom clients. EasyMarkets provides 24/5 live chat, email, and phone support, with average response times under 5 minutes. FP Markets offers 24/7 multilingual support via live chat, email, and phone. UK traders can reach FP Markets' UK-based support team during business hours and global teams outside hours. FP Markets also has an extensive FAQ section and educational materials. EasyMarkets is known for its friendly but less knowledgeable support on technical issues. For complex queries, FP Markets' support is generally more comprehensive and responsive.
| 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 United Kingdom traders, FP Markets is the stronger choice overall, scoring 4.7/5 versus EasyMarkets' 3.4/5. FP Markets offers superior trading conditions: lower spreads, ECN execution, multiple advanced platforms (MT4, MT5, cTrader), and 24/7 support. It accepts local payments like Bank Transfer, PayPal, Skrill, and Faster Payments, with fast withdrawals and no hidden fees. EasyMarkets remains a reliable option for beginners who prefer fixed spreads and a simple platform with built-in risk management tools. However, for active, high-volume, or professional UK traders under FCA oversight, FP Markets provides better value and flexibility. Both are FCA-regulated, but FP Markets' global experience and cost efficiency make it the recommended broker for United Kingdom residents in 2025.