Which broker is better for New Zealand traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
New Zealand traders seeking a reliable forex broker often compare Exness and FBS. Exness, with a stellar 4.8/5 rating, is known for its ultra-low spreads, high leverage, and robust regulation. FBS, rated 3.7/5, appeals to beginners with its low minimum deposit and user-friendly platforms. Both brokers accept New Zealand clients and support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. However, the choice depends on your trading style: Exness suits serious retail traders aiming for cost efficiency, while FBS offers a simpler entry point. This comparison breaks down costs, regulation, and features specifically for the New Zealand market.
| 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 | $10 | $5 | Exness |
For New Zealand traders, trading costs are critical. Exness offers spreads from 0.0 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD with a $3.5 commission per lot, while FBS spreads start at 0.5 pips with no commission. On a standard lot trade, Exness costs $3.5 per round turn, compared to FBS's $5. For scalpers or high-volume traders, Exness is cheaper. FBS may suit lower-volume traders who prefer commission-free trading. Both brokers offer competitive costs, but Exness edges ahead for active NZ traders.
| Account Type | Exness | FBS |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $10 | $5 |
| Entity / Asset | Exness | FBS |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand (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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Exness provides MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), both popular among New Zealand traders for advanced charting and automated trading. FBS also offers MT4 and MT5, plus its own FBS Trader app for mobile trading. For local traders, Exness's platforms support multiple timeframes and indicators, ideal for technical analysis. FBS's platforms are simpler but less customizable. Both are available on desktop, web, and mobile, ensuring flexibility for Kiwi 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 |
Exness executes orders with an average speed of 0.1 seconds, using ECN/STP technology for minimal slippage. FBS execution averages 0.3 seconds, which is slower but still acceptable for most traders. For scalpers and day traders in New Zealand, Exness offers superior execution quality.
| Safety Factor | Exness | FBS |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | IFSC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✗ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Exness is regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) of Seychelles and the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), offering strong client protection with negative balance protection. FBS is regulated by the International Financial Services Commission (IFSC) of Belize, a less stringent authority. For New Zealand traders, Exness's FCA regulation provides higher security, while FBS's IFSC oversight offers minimal protection. Neither broker holds a New Zealand license from the Financial Markets Authority (FMA), so traders should verify broker terms.
| 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. |
New Zealand traders can deposit and withdraw using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 at both brokers. Exness processes deposits instantly with no fees, while FBS also offers instant deposits but may charge for some methods. Withdrawals at Exness are typically processed within 24 hours, while FBS takes 1-2 business days. Exness supports local bank transfers for NZD accounts, reducing conversion costs. FBS's minimum deposit is $5, lower than Exness's $10, making it more accessible for beginners. USDT TRC20 is a popular crypto option for both, with fast confirmations.
| 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 |
Both Exness and FBS offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for New Zealand Muslim traders. Exness provides swap-free status automatically on request for all account types, with no additional fees. FBS requires a manual request and may charge a small administrative fee after 30 days. Exness's policy is more favorable, as it allows indefinite swap-free trading without extra costs. FBS is suitable for short-term Islamic trading. Both comply with Sharia law by eliminating overnight interest.
| 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 |
Exness offers 24/7 multilingual support via live chat, email, and phone, with quick response times. FBS also provides 24/7 support but has slower response rates based on user feedback. For New Zealand traders, Exness's support is more reliable, especially during local trading hours. Both have extensive FAQ sections.
| 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 New Zealand traders, Exness is the superior choice with its 4.8/5 rating, lower spreads, faster execution, and stronger regulation from the FCA. It supports local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making deposits and withdrawals seamless. The broker's negative balance protection adds security. FBS, with a 3.7/5 rating, is a good option for beginners due to its low minimum deposit and simple platforms. However, its weaker regulation and higher costs make it less ideal for serious traders. Ultimately, Exness offers better value for Kiwi traders seeking reliability and cost efficiency.