Which broker is better for Croatia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Croatia traders looking for a reliable forex broker often compare EasyMarkets and FXTM, two well-established international brokers. EasyMarkets, founded in 2001, is known for its fixed spreads and user-friendly web-based platform, while FXTM (ForexTime), launched in 2011, offers a wider range of trading instruments, lower variable spreads, and advanced platforms like MT4 and MT5. Both brokers accept Croatian residents and support local deposit methods including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Trading in USD is standard, and accounts are available in multiple currencies. However, neither broker is regulated by HANFA, Croatia's financial regulator, but they operate under European licenses (CySEC) and other international bodies. This comparison focuses on the specific needs of Croatian retail traders, covering costs, platforms, regulation, and deposit options to help you choose the right broker for your 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, FXTM generally offers lower spreads than EasyMarkets, especially on its ECN accounts where EUR/USD spreads start from 0.1 pips. EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads, typically 1.5–2 pips on major pairs, which are predictable but higher. For Croatia traders trading in USD, the difference can be substantial over many trades. FXTM also charges a commission on some account types (e.g., $3.5 per lot round-turn), while EasyMarkets is commission-free. Swap fees apply to overnight positions, but Islamic accounts eliminate them. Overall, Croatian retail traders who trade moderate to high volumes will benefit more from FXTM's lower spreads, while EasyMarkets suits those who prefer cost certainty.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Croatia (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 | ✓ | ✓ |
EasyMarkets offers its proprietary web-based platform (EasyTrade) and mobile apps, known for simplicity and built-in risk management tools like Deal Cancellation. FXTM provides MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, the industry standard for advanced charting and automated trading. Both platforms are available as desktop, web, and mobile versions. For Croatia traders, MT4/MT5 from FXTM offer more flexibility with indicators, Expert Advisors, and copy trading. EasyMarkets’ platform is easier for beginners but lacks advanced features. Croatian traders who use automated strategies or require detailed analysis will prefer FXTM; those seeking a straightforward interface should consider EasyMarkets.
| 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 |
EasyMarkets uses market execution with fixed spreads and no requotes, but its execution speed may be slower during volatile markets. FXTM offers market execution with variable spreads and faster execution speeds, especially on its ECN accounts. Both brokers provide negative balance protection. For Croatian traders who trade during European session overlaps, FXTM’s superior execution quality and lower latency can be advantageous for scalping and day trading. EasyMarkets’ execution is reliable for smaller, frequent trades.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
EasyMarkets is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) and the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa. FXTM holds multiple licenses including CySEC (EU), FCA (UK), and FSCA. While neither is regulated directly by HANFA (Croatian Financial Services Supervisory Agency), both comply with EU MiFID II directives, which offer investor protection measures like negative balance protection and segregated client funds. Croatian traders can trade with confidence under these regulatory frameworks. However, it's important to note that client funds are not covered by Croatian deposit insurance schemes. Always verify the license type (e.g., EU entity) when opening an account.
| 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. |
Both EasyMarkets and FXTM support a variety of deposit methods convenient for Croatia traders. Accepted options include Bank Transfer (local and international), Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 (crypto). Credit/debit cards and PayPal are also accepted by both brokers. Minimum deposit: EasyMarkets requires $100, while FXTM starts from $10 for standard accounts. Deposits via e-wallets (Skrill/Neteller) are usually instant and fee-free. USDT TRC20 deposits provide a fast and low-cost alternative for crypto users. Withdrawals at both brokers typically process within 1-3 business days for e-wallets and 2-5 days for bank transfers. FXTM offers slightly faster processing for some methods. There are no deposit fees from the brokers, but Croatian banks may charge for international wire transfers.
| 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 |
Islamic (swap-free) accounts are available at both EasyMarkets and FXTM for Muslim traders in Croatia. These accounts comply with Sharia law by not charging or paying swap interest on overnight positions. EasyMarkets offers Islamic accounts upon request, with no additional fees. FXTM automatically provides swap-free status for clients from Muslim-majority regions, including Croatia. However, both brokers may impose certain conditions such as minimum holding periods or restricted instruments (e.g., forex only). Croatian traders should contact customer support to confirm eligibility and any limitations. Overall, both brokers accommodate Islamic traders well, but FXTM has a more streamlined process.
| 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 |
EasyMarkets offers 24/5 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with support in English and several other languages. FXTM provides 24/5 support as well, with multilingual agents including Croatian? Not specifically listed, but English support is reliable. Both have extensive FAQ sections. For Croatian traders, the availability of phone support and quick response times is key. FXTM's support is generally rated higher for responsiveness and problem resolution. Live chat is the fastest option for both.
| 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 Croatia traders, FXTM is the stronger choice overall, offering lower costs, more platforms, and flexible deposit options including Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Its higher rating (4.3 vs 3.4) reflects better trading conditions and customer satisfaction. EasyMarkets remains a solid option for beginners or those who value fixed spreads and simplicity. Both brokers are legally accessible in Croatia and offer Islamic accounts. However, since neither is regulated by HANFA, traders should ensure they understand the level of protection provided. For most Croatian retail traders, FXTM delivers a more competitive and versatile trading experience.