Which broker is better for Ireland traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For retail traders based in Ireland, choosing between EasyMarkets and FXTM involves weighing simplicity against versatility. Both brokers are well‑known in the European market and accept Irish clients using local payment methods such as Bank Transfer (SEPA), Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. EasyMarkets, with a overall rating of 3.4 out of 5, appeals to beginners thanks to its fixed spreads, no‑slippage guarantee, and user‑friendly web platform. FXTM, scoring 4.3 out of 5, targets more active traders with multiple account types, tight variable spreads, and advanced MT4/MT5 platforms. The Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) oversees retail trading locally, and both brokers operate under CySEC regulation, ensuring client funds are segregated and leverage is capped per ESMA rules. This comparison breaks down trading costs, platforms, regulation, payment options, and support specifically for Irish traders, helping you decide which broker aligns with your trading style in 2025.
| 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 Ireland traders, FXTM generally offers lower spreads on major pairs like EUR/USD. On FXTM’s ECN account, spreads can start from 0.1 pips plus a low commission, while its Standard account offers commission‑free trading with spreads around 1.2 pips. EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads, typically around 1.0 pip for EUR/USD, with no commission. For higher‑volume traders, FXTM’s variable structure is more cost‑effective, especially during liquid market hours. EasyMarkets’ fixed spreads provide certainty but are often wider during news events. Irish traders trading 5+ lots per month will save significantly with FXTM; occasional traders may prefer EasyMarkets’ predictable costs.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland (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 the full MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 suite, plus its proprietary FXTM Trader mobile app, giving Irish traders access to advanced charting, automated trading, and custom indicators. EasyMarkets provides a proprietary web‑based platform and a mobile app, both optimised for simplicity and speed, but lacks MT4/MT5. For Irish traders who rely on Expert Advisors or complex analysis, FXTM is the clear winner. Those who prefer a clean, beginner‑friendly interface with one‑click trading will find EasyMarkets’ platform intuitive. Both platforms are available in English and offer demo accounts.
| 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 low‑latency execution through its Equinix NY4 data centre, with average order execution under 0.1 seconds – crucial for scalping and news trading. EasyMarkets uses a market‑maker model with fixed spreads and no slippage guarantee, but execution speeds can be slower during volatile periods. For Irish traders who prioritise fast, transparent fills, FXTM outperforms. EasyMarkets’ execution is reliable for standard orders but may requote during high volatility.
| 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 CySEC (Cyprus), which allows them to serve Irish clients under the EU’s MiFID II passport. Additionally, the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) oversees all investment firms operating in Ireland, and both brokers comply with CBI standards by adhering to ESMA rules – including leverage limits of 1:30 for major forex pairs and negative balance protection. FXTM also holds FCA (UK) and FSCA (South Africa) licenses, which provide extra trust but do not affect EU regulation. EasyMarkets is also regulated by ASIC (Australia) and the FSA (Seychelles). For Irish traders, the CySEC and CBI frameworks ensure a high level of fund security and dispute resolution.
| 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. |
Irish traders can fund their accounts at both brokers using Bank Transfer (SEPA), Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. EasyMarkets has a minimum deposit of $100 via all methods, while FXTM starts at just $10 for Standard accounts. Bank Transfers are free but can take 1‑3 business days; Skrill and Neteller deposits are instant and widely used in Ireland. USDT TRC20 deposits are processed within minutes and offer a low‑cost alternative for crypto‑savvy traders. Withdrawals are processed by both brokers within 24 hours for e‑wallets and up to 3 business days for bank wires. FXTM is slightly faster with Skrill/Neteller withdrawals (often same day). No deposit fees are charged, but currency conversion fees may apply if you deposit in EUR instead of USD. Both brokers keep client funds segregated in Tier‑1 banks.
| 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 |
EasyMarkets and FXTM both offer swap‑free (Islamic) accounts for Irish Muslim traders who wish to trade without earning or paying overnight interest. EasyMarkets’ Islamic account removes swap charges on all positions and is available on request. FXTM provides swap‑free status on its Standard, Cent, and ECN accounts once eligibility is confirmed. FXTM’s Islamic accounts also have no additional hidden fees, while EasyMarkets charges a small administrative fee after a holding period on some instruments. Irish traders should contact customer support to activate the feature, providing a declaration of adherence to Islamic finance principles.
| 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 |
FXTM offers 24/5 multilingual customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with fast response times (under 2 minutes on chat). Irish traders can reach the team in English or Irish. EasyMarkets provides 24/5 support via live chat, WhatsApp, and phone, also with English‑speaking agents. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections. FXTM’s support is more responsive and better equipped for technical queries, while EasyMarkets is praised for friendly, straightforward help suited to beginners.
| 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 Irish retail traders in 2025, FXTM emerges as the stronger overall choice thanks to its higher rating (4.3 vs 3.4), tighter spreads, superior platform suite, and faster execution. It accommodates both low‑cost and high‑volume trading while supporting all local payment methods – including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Both brokers are regulated by CySEC and overseen by the Central Bank of Ireland, ensuring a safe trading environment. However, EasyMarkets remains a solid option for beginners or those who prize simplicity and fixed costs over advanced features. If you value flexibility and cost efficiency, choose FXTM; if you want a straightforward, no‑surprises broker, EasyMarkets fits the bill.