Which broker is better for Zimbabwe traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Zimbabwe forex traders, choosing between EasyMarkets and FXTM is a common dilemma. Both brokers accept local clients and support USD-denominated accounts, but they cater to different trading styles. EasyMarkets, scoring 3.4/5, is known for its fixed spreads and user-friendly web platform, making it a good fit for beginners who prefer predictable costs. FXTM, with a stronger 4.3/5 rating, offers more advanced platforms like MetaTrader 4 and 5, tighter variable spreads, and a vast range of instruments including forex, indices, and commodities. Zimbabwe traders can fund accounts using local methods such as Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, though availability may vary slightly between brokers. With the local financial regulator (SECZ) not directly overseeing these offshore entities, traders must rely on the brokers' international licenses—CySEC for EasyMarkets and FCA/CySEC for FXTM. This comparison will help you decide based on costs, platforms, regulation, and payment convenience specific to the Zimbabwean context.
| 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 Zimbabwe traders, FXTM generally has the edge with lower variable spreads. On its ECN account, EUR/USD spreads start from 0.0 pips with a commission of around $3.50 per lot, while the Standard account offers spreads from 1.2 pips with no commission. EasyMarkets charges fixed spreads of about 1.2 pips on EUR/USD, with no commission on standard accounts. For Zimbabwe traders trading higher volumes, FXTM’s variable spreads can significantly reduce overall costs. However, EasyMarkets’ fixed spreads offer certainty in volatile local market conditions where the USD/ZWL exchange rate fluctuates. Both brokers charge overnight swap fees, though Islamic accounts are available to avoid them.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe (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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Zimbabwe traders will find FXTM’s platform selection more comprehensive, offering MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and its proprietary WebTrader. These platforms support advanced charting, automated trading via Expert Advisors, and multiple order types. EasyMarkets provides its own web-based platform and a mobile app, which are simpler and ideal for beginners but lack the advanced tools of MT4/5. For Zimbabwe traders who rely on algorithmic trading or use third-party indicators, FXTM is the better choice. Both platforms are available on desktop, web, and mobile, ensuring access even with Zimbabwe's varying internet connectivity.
| 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 no requotes, which is suitable for retail traders but may result in slippage during high volatility. FXTM offers both market execution and ECN execution (on its ECN account), providing faster order processing and direct market access. For Zimbabwe traders who trade news events or high-volatility pairs like USD/ZAR, FXTM’s ECN execution can be more reliable with minimal slippage. EasyMarkets’ fixed spreads can help avoid unexpected cost fluctuations, but execution speed is slightly slower than FXTM’s ECN model.
| 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 Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), providing strong investor protection through negative balance protection and ICF compensation (up to €20,000). FXTM is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, CySEC, and the Financial Services Commission (FSC) in Mauritius. For Zimbabwe traders, neither broker is directly overseen by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Zimbabwe (SECZ), meaning clients are not covered by the local investor protection fund. Therefore, choosing a broker with robust tier-1 regulation (FCA for FXTM) is a critical factor for safety. Both brokers segregate client funds in top-tier banks, a key reassurance for Zimbabwean depositors.
| 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 accommodate Zimbabwe traders with multiple deposit and withdrawal methods. Bank Transfers are available but can take 1-5 business days and incur intermediary bank fees. E-wallets such as Skrill and Neteller offer instant deposits and withdrawals with lower fees, making them popular for local traders. USDT TRC20 is supported by both brokers, enabling fast, low-cost transfers from crypto wallets—ideal for Zimbabweans who prefer digital assets due to local banking restrictions. EasyMarkets requires a minimum deposit of $100 (or equivalent), while FXTM starts at just $10, giving it an edge for small-scale traders. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and crypto, but bank transfers may take longer. Always verify the exact methods and fees on each broker’s website before transacting.
| 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 |
For Zimbabwean Muslim traders requiring swap-free accounts, both EasyMarkets and FXTM offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts compliant with Sharia law. EasyMarkets automatically applies swap-free status to accounts registered from predominantly Muslim regions, including Zimbabwe, with no need to request it. FXTM offers swap-free accounts upon request, and it may charge a one-time administration fee. Both brokers ensure no interest (swap) is credited or debited on overnight positions. The availability of Islamic accounts is a significant advantage for Zimbabwe’s Muslim community, allowing them to trade forex without compromising religious 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 |
Zimbabwe traders can access customer support 24/5 from both brokers via live chat, email, and phone. EasyMarkets provides support in English and a few other languages, but response times can vary. FXTM offers multilingual support with faster average response times and a comprehensive FAQ section. For Zimbabwe traders operating outside standard African trading hours, FXTM’s more extensive 24/5 coverage may be beneficial. Both brokers have responsive live chat features, but FXTM’s dedicated account managers for VIP clients offer a higher level of personalized service.
| 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 Zimbabwe traders, FXTM is the overall better broker with a score of 4.3/5 compared to EasyMarkets’ 3.4/5. FXTM offers tighter spreads, more platforms (MT4/MT5), lower minimum deposits ($10), and stronger FCA regulation, which is crucial when the local SECZ does not directly supervise these brokers. Its support for USDT TRC20, Skrill, Neteller, and Bank Transfer aligns well with Zimbabwe’s payment landscape. EasyMarkets remains a solid choice for beginners who value simplicity and fixed costs, but its limited tools and higher spreads make it less competitive. For safety and value, FXTM is recommended for most Zimbabwe retail traders.