Which broker is better for Australia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Australian traders seeking a reliable, ASIC-regulated broker in 2025, the choice between Exness and FBS is critical. Both brokers are well-known globally, but their offerings for the Australian market differ significantly. Exness, with a stellar 4.8/5 rating, is heavily favored by experienced traders for its low spreads, high leverage up to 1:2000 (subject to ASIC restrictions), and robust local payment options like BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card. FBS, rated 3.7/5, targets a broader audience with a lower minimum deposit and simpler account structures. However, for Australian traders focused on cost efficiency, regulation, and advanced trading tools, Exness stands out. This comparison dives into spreads, platforms, deposit methods, and regulatory compliance to help you decide which broker aligns with your trading goals in the Australian context.
| Instrument | Exness | FBS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | FBS |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | FBS |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | FBS |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | FBS |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $100 | $5 | Exness |
When comparing trading costs for Australian traders, Exness offers a clear advantage. Its Raw account features spreads from 0.0 pips with a commission of $3.50 per lot, ideal for scalpers and high-volume traders. In contrast, FBS’s Standard account has spreads from 1.0 pips with no commission, which suits lower-frequency traders but becomes expensive for active ones. For example, trading 10 lots per week on Exness costs around AUD 70 in commissions, while FBS would incur AUD 100 in spreads (based on 1 pip spread). Exness also provides zero-cost deposits via BPAY and POLi, reducing overall transaction costs. Australian traders should prioritize Exness for tighter spreads and lower total trading expenses.
| Account Type | Exness | FBS |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $5 |
| Entity / Asset | Exness | FBS |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Exness | FBS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | Exness |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | Exness |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | Exness |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | FBS |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | Exness | FBS |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both Exness and FBS offer popular platforms like MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), which are widely used by Australian traders for their advanced charting and automated trading capabilities. Exness also provides its proprietary WebTerminal for browser-based trading, while FBS includes a mobile app with basic features. For Australian traders, Exness’s platforms are more optimized for local conditions, with faster execution and support for Australian dollar-denominated accounts. FBS’s platforms are functional but lack the same level of customization and speed. Overall, Exness delivers a superior platform experience for experienced traders.
| Factor | Exness | FBS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FBS |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | Exness |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
Execution quality is critical for Australian traders, especially those using scalping or day trading strategies. Exness offers ultra-fast execution with average speeds under 20 milliseconds and no requotes, thanks to its advanced technology and liquidity providers. FBS has slower execution, averaging 50-100 milliseconds, with occasional slippage during volatile markets. For Australian traders needing precise entry and exit, Exness’s execution is superior and more reliable.
| Safety Factor | Exness | FBS |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | IFSC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✗ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is paramount for Australian traders, and both brokers are regulated by ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission). Exness holds an ASIC AFSL (416279) and complies with strict leverage caps (1:30 for forex) and client fund segregation. FBS also operates under ASIC oversight, but its overall regulatory framework is less stringent compared to Exness. For Australian traders, Exness’s stronger ASIC compliance and additional licensing from CySEC and FCA provide extra security. This means lower risk of insolvency and better protection under Australian law. Exness is the safer choice for regulatory peace of mind.
| Payment Method | Exness | FBS |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | crypto takes 30–60 minutes, and bank cards or wires take 1 to 5 business days | Electronic Wallets / Systems: Credited immediately to 30 minutes (processed 24/7 by the financial department).Cryptocurrency: Instant, though subject to blockchain network confirmations.Credit / Debit Cards: Average of 3 to 4 business days (internal processing takes 15–20 minutes, plus bank clearance).Bank Transfers: Usually processed within 7 to 10 business days. |
Australian traders have several convenient deposit and withdrawal options at both brokers. Exness supports BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card, with instant processing for BPAY and POLi. Minimum deposit is AUD 100, and withdrawals are typically processed within 24 hours with no fees. FBS also accepts BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card, with a lower minimum deposit of AUD 10, making it more accessible for beginners. However, FBS may charge fees for withdrawals via Bank Transfer and has longer processing times (up to 2 days). Exness offers faster, fee-free transactions, which is crucial for active Australian traders. For quick and cost-effective fund management, Exness is the preferred choice.
| Islamic Account Feature | Exness | FBS |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Australian Muslim traders seeking Sharia-compliant trading, both Exness and FBS offer Islamic swap-free accounts. Exness provides Islamic accounts on all account types, including Standard and Raw, with no swap charges on overnight positions and no hidden fees. FBS also offers Islamic accounts but requires traders to request activation after account registration, which may take additional time. Exness’s Islamic account is more transparent and easier to access, making it the better option for Australian Muslim traders. Both brokers comply with Islamic finance principles, but Exness’s straightforward process is a distinct advantage.
| Support Feature | Exness | FBS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✓ | ✗ | Exness |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | Exness |
Customer support is vital for Australian traders, and Exness excels with 24/7 live chat, phone support in English, and a dedicated Australian phone line. FBS offers 24/7 support via live chat and email, but response times can be slower during peak hours. Exness also provides localized support for Australian time zones, ensuring quick resolution of issues. For Australian traders, Exness’s responsive and accessible support team is a key differentiator.
| Mobile Feature | Exness | FBS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | Exness |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | Exness |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | Exness | FBS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | Exness |
Choose Exness if you...
Choose FBS if you...
For Australian traders in 2025, Exness is the clear winner over FBS, especially for experienced traders prioritizing ASIC regulation, low costs, and local payment methods like BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card. Exness’s superior spreads, faster execution, and robust regulatory framework under ASIC make it ideal for serious trading. FBS may appeal to beginners with its low minimum deposit, but its higher spreads and slower execution are drawbacks for active traders. If you value reliability, cost efficiency, and local support, choose Exness. For a budget-friendly start, FBS is an option, but Exness offers better long-term value for Australian traders.