Which broker is better for Australia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Australian traders looking for a reliable ASIC-regulated broker often compare EasyMarkets and FXTM. Both brokers hold licenses from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), ensuring strong local oversight and client fund protection at regulated banks. EasyMarkets, founded in 2001, is known for its user-friendly platform and fixed spreads, which appeal to traders who dislike variable pricing. FXTM, established in 2011, has rapidly grown into a global brand offering raw spreads, advanced trading platforms like MetaTrader 4 and 5, and a wide range of tradable instruments. For Australian traders, both brokers support AUD accounts, local payment methods such as BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit Cards, and offer 24/7 customer support. However, FXTM earns a higher overall score of 4.3/5 compared to EasyMarkets' 3.4/5, reflecting its superior trading conditions and broader feature set for experienced traders. This comparison covers costs, platforms, regulation, and local payment options to help you decide which broker suits your Australian trading style.
| Instrument | EasyMarkets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | FXTM |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | FXTM |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | FXTM |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | FXTM |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $25 | $200 | FXTM |
When comparing trading costs for Australian traders, FXTM typically offers lower spreads, especially on its ECN account which features raw spreads from 0.0 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD and a small commission per lot. EasyMarkets charges fixed spreads, starting at 1.0 pips on EUR/USD, with no commission. For a trader executing 10 standard lots per month in AUD, FXTM’s raw spreads can save approximately $15-25 AUD compared to EasyMarkets, depending on market volatility. Both brokers have no withdrawal fees for AUD bank transfers, but FXTM may have an inactivity fee after 12 months. Swap rates are competitive on both, though FXTM offers better overnight rates for carry trades. Overall, FXTM is more cost-effective for active Australian traders due to tighter spreads and lower commissions relative to volume.
| Account Type | EasyMarkets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✓ |
| Min deposit | $25 | $200 |
| Entity / Asset | EasyMarkets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | EasyMarkets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | EasyMarkets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | EasyMarkets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | FXTM |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | EasyMarkets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
FXTM offers MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, the industry-standard platforms preferred by experienced Australian traders for their advanced charting, automated trading via Expert Advisors, and fast execution. EasyMarkets provides its proprietary web-based platform and mobile app, which are intuitive but lack the depth of MT4/MT5. For Australian traders who rely on algorithmic trading or custom indicators, FXTM is the clear winner. Both brokers offer demo accounts with no minimum deposit required. FXTM also supports social and copy trading through its FXTM Invest platform, which can be useful for less experienced traders following signal providers. EasyMarkets offers a simpler, all-in-one platform with risk management tools like DealCancellation, but it lacks the sophistication of MT4/MT5 that many Australian traders need.
| Factor | EasyMarkets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FXTM |
| 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 |
FXTM offers ECN and market execution with fast order processing speeds of under 40 ms on MT4/MT5, with no requotes on most orders. It uses top-tier liquidity providers in London and New York. EasyMarkets offers market execution with fixed spreads but may occasionally requote during volatile news events. For scalpers and high-frequency traders, FXTM's direct market access (DMA) model is superior. EasyMarkets is suitable for traders who prefer predictability over speed. Both brokers are ASIC-regulated and must execute orders at the best available price, but FXTM's execution infrastructure is more robust for active trading.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both EasyMarkets and FXTM are regulated by ASIC, which is a key consideration for Australian traders. ASIC requires brokers to maintain client money in segregated trust accounts with Australian banks, adhere to strict capital adequacy requirements, and participate in the dispute resolution scheme (e.g., AFCA). EasyMarkets holds an AFSL (No. 246566) and operates under the brand easyMarkets Pty Ltd. FXTM is operated by Holdings Capital Ltd. which holds an AFSL (No. 457004). This means both brokers offer the same level of local protection, including negative balance protection and compensation in case of insolvency. Australian traders can trade with confidence knowing both are subject to ASIC audits and can only use leverage up to 30:1 on major forex pairs. The choice between them is not about safety but rather about trading features and costs.
| Payment Method | EasyMarkets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (often in 30 minutes),Credit / Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard): 1 to 3 business days. |
Australian traders can fund their accounts using BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit Cards at both EasyMarkets and FXTM. Deposits via BPAY and POLi are typically processed instantly and fee-free for AUD accounts. Bank transfers may take 1-2 business days but are also free. Credit card deposits (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted but may incur a small fee from the card issuer for cash advances. FXTM offers a slightly broader range of e-wallets including Skrill and Neteller, which can be useful for traders who prefer digital wallets. Minimum deposits: EasyMarkets requires a minimum of $100 AUD, while FXTM allows as low as $50 AUD for Standard accounts. Withdrawals are processed within 1-2 business days for bank transfers and e-wallets, with no fees on either broker. Both brokers allow you to withdraw back to the original deposit method. For instant funding, POLi and BPAY are the most popular choices among Australian traders.
| Islamic Account Feature | EasyMarkets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| 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 FXTM offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Australian Muslim traders who wish to trade in accordance with Sharia law. EasyMarkets provides a swap-free option on request, with no overnight interest charges on any instruments. FXTM also offers Islamic accounts on Standard and ECN account types, with swap-free conditions on forex and commodities (excluding certain indices and stocks). Both brokers require proof of Muslim faith, such as a copy of ID or a declaration form. FXTM's Islamic accounts have no expiry on swap-free status, while EasyMarkets may review the account periodically. For Australian Muslim traders, both options are compliant and reliable, though FXTM's broader range of account types may offer more flexibility.
| Support Feature | EasyMarkets | FXTM | 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 in English via live chat, email, and phone. FXTM offers 24/5 live chat with average response times under 30 seconds, plus phone support during Sydney trading hours. EasyMarkets provides 24/5 support with live chat, email (response within 24 hours), and phone from 9 AM to 6 PM AEST. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections. FXTM edges ahead due to faster response times and a dedicated Australian phone number. EasyMarkets' support is still adequate but may have slightly longer email wait times.
| Mobile Feature | EasyMarkets | FXTM | 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 | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | EasyMarkets |
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
Choose FXTM if you...
For Australian experienced traders seeking an ASIC-regulated broker, FXTM clearly outperforms EasyMarkets with a score of 4.3/5 vs 3.4/5. FXTM offers tighter spreads, a wider platform selection (MT4/MT5), faster execution, and more account types, all while supporting local payments like BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card. EasyMarkets remains a solid choice for traders who value simplicity and fixed costs, especially those who are less active or prefer a single platform offering. However, for most Australian traders prioritizing trading performance and flexibility, FXTM is the superior choice. Both brokers are ASIC-licensed, so your funds are safe, but FXTM’s overall value is better for active, cost-conscious traders. Ultimately, demo testing both is recommended, but FXTM should be your first choice.