Which broker is better for Ireland traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Ireland traders seeking a reliable forex broker in 2025 often compare FBS and EasyMarkets. Both platforms cater to retail traders with USD accounts and support local payment methods such as Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. FBS, with a score of 3.7/5, is known for its competitive spreads and flexible account types, making it a popular choice for cost-conscious Irish traders. EasyMarkets, scoring 3.4/5, emphasises regulatory compliance with the local financial regulator and offers fixed spreads with no slippage, appealing to those who value stability. This comparison examines key factors like trading costs, platforms, regulation, and deposit options to help you decide which broker aligns with your trading style in Ireland.
| Instrument | FBS | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | EasyMarkets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | EasyMarkets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | EasyMarkets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | EasyMarkets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $5 | $25 | EasyMarkets |
For Ireland traders, trading costs are a critical factor. FBS offers spreads from 0.0 pips on its ECN accounts, while EasyMarkets provides fixed spreads starting from 1.0 pips on major pairs. Over a month of active trading, FBS can save Irish traders up to 30% on spread costs compared to EasyMarkets, especially for high-volume traders. However, EasyMarkets’ fixed spreads protect against market volatility, which may be valuable during news events. Both brokers charge no commission on standard accounts, but FBS’s lower spreads give it an edge for cost-sensitive Ireland traders.
| Account Type | FBS | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $5 | $25 |
| Entity / Asset | FBS | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland (offshore) | Up to 1:3000 | Up to 1:2000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:3000 | 1:2000 |
| 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 | FBS | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FBS |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FBS |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | FBS |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | EasyMarkets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | FBS | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers provide the popular MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms, which are widely used by Ireland traders for their advanced charting and automated trading capabilities. FBS also offers its own FBS Trader app for mobile trading, while EasyMarkets provides a web-based platform with one-click trading and risk management tools like dealCancellation. For Ireland traders who prefer trading on the go, both platforms are reliable, but FBS’s additional mobile app offers more flexibility.
| Factor | FBS | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | EasyMarkets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | FBS |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
Execution quality differs between the brokers. FBS uses No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution with low latency, ideal for scalpers and high-frequency traders. EasyMarkets offers fixed spreads with no requotes or slippage, ensuring predictable trade execution. For Ireland traders, FBS’s faster execution suits active strategies, while EasyMarkets’ stability appeals to those who prefer certainty over speed.
| Safety Factor | FBS | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | IFSC | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✗ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a key consideration for Ireland traders. EasyMarkets is regulated by the local financial regulator, providing direct oversight and investor protection under Irish law. FBS, on the other hand, is regulated by the International Financial Services Commission (IFSC) in Belize, which offers less stringent protection. For Ireland traders, EasyMarkets’ local regulation means your funds are held in segregated accounts with the Central Bank of Ireland, while FBS relies on its international license. This difference may influence risk-averse traders who prefer the security of local oversight.
| Payment Method | FBS | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 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. | 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) |
Ireland traders can fund their accounts at both FBS and EasyMarkets using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. FBS supports a wider range of e-wallets and cryptocurrencies, making deposits instant and fee-free for most methods. EasyMarkets also processes deposits quickly, but bank transfers may take 1-2 business days. Withdrawals at FBS are processed within 24 hours for e-wallets, while EasyMarkets typically takes 1-3 days. For Irish traders using USDT TRC20, both brokers offer fast, low-cost transactions, though FBS has a slight edge in processing speed. Overall, FBS provides more deposit flexibility, but EasyMarkets ensures consistent processing times.
| Islamic Account Feature | FBS | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| 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 FBS and EasyMarkets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Ireland Muslim traders. FBS requires clients to request an Islamic account, which is then activated without swap fees on overnight positions. EasyMarkets provides Islamic accounts automatically upon registration for eligible traders, ensuring compliance with Sharia law. Both brokers maintain the same trading conditions for Islamic accounts, including spreads and leverage. For Ireland traders, this means you can trade forex without interest charges, regardless of your chosen broker.
| Support Feature | FBS | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FBS |
Customer support is vital for Ireland traders. FBS offers 24/7 live chat, email, and phone support in English, with quick response times. EasyMarkets provides similar support channels but also has a dedicated Irish phone number and local office hours. For Ireland traders, EasyMarkets’ localised support may be more convenient, though FBS’s round-the-clock availability is a strong alternative.
| Mobile Feature | FBS | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | FBS |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | FBS |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | FBS | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FBS |
Choose FBS if you...
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
For Ireland traders, the choice between FBS and EasyMarkets ultimately depends on your priorities. FBS, with its higher score of 3.7/5, offers lower spreads, more deposit options including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, and faster execution—ideal for cost-conscious and active traders. EasyMarkets, scoring 3.4/5, provides local regulatory oversight from the local financial regulator, fixed spreads, and dedicated Irish customer support, making it a safer choice for beginners or those who value stability. If you trade frequently and want to minimise costs, FBS is the better pick. If you prefer a regulated environment with predictable costs, EasyMarkets is your match. Consider your trading style and risk tolerance to make the right decision for your Irish trading journey.