Which broker is better for Italy traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Italian retail traders looking for a reliable forex broker often compare FBS and EasyMarkets. Both brokers accept Italian clients and support local payment methods like SEPA and bank transfers, but there are key differences. FBS, with a score of 3.7/5, is known for its low minimum deposit (€10) and flexible account types, making it popular among cost-conscious traders. EasyMarkets, scoring 3.4/5, appeals to beginners with its fixed spreads and user-friendly web platform. In Italy, where CONSOB regulates local brokers, both FBS and EasyMarkets operate from Cyprus (CySEC) and accept Italian residents. This comparison focuses on what matters most for Italian traders: local payment options like PostePay, trading costs in EUR, and regulatory compliance. Whether you're a scalper or a long-term investor, understanding these differences will help you choose the right broker for your needs.
| 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 Italian traders, trading costs are a critical factor. FBS offers spreads from 0.1 pips on its ECN accounts with a commission of €6 per lot, while EasyMarkets provides fixed spreads starting at 1.0 pips with no commission. For high-volume traders in Italy, FBS is cheaper, especially for EUR/USD pairs. However, EasyMarkets' fixed spreads protect against slippage during volatile news events, which can be beneficial for Italian traders who trade during overlapping European and US sessions. Overall, FBS is more cost-effective for active traders, while EasyMarkets suits those who prefer predictable costs.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Italy (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 offer MetaTrader 4 and 5, which are popular among Italian traders for their advanced charting and automated trading capabilities. FBS also provides its own FBS Trader app for mobile trading, while EasyMarkets offers a proprietary web platform with one-click trading and risk management tools like dealCancellation. For Italian traders who value simplicity, EasyMarkets' platform is intuitive, but FBS's MT4/5 integration is better for experienced traders who need custom indicators and EAs. Both platforms are available in Italian language.
| 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 |
FBS offers ECN execution with low latency and no requotes, ideal for scalpers and high-frequency traders in Italy. EasyMarkets uses market execution with fixed spreads, which can result in slippage during volatile markets but ensures no requotes. For Italian traders trading major pairs like EUR/USD during active sessions, FBS provides faster execution, while EasyMarkets is more reliable for traders who prioritize trade certainty over speed.
| Safety Factor | FBS | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | IFSC | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✗ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
FBS is regulated by CySEC (Cyprus) and IFSC (Belize), while EasyMarkets is regulated by CySEC and ASIC (Australia). Neither broker is directly regulated by CONSOB, Italy's financial regulator. However, both comply with EU regulations under MiFID II, which protects Italian clients through negative balance protection and investor compensation schemes (up to €20,000 under CySEC). Italian traders should verify that their deposits are covered and consider that CONSOB does not oversee these brokers, so due diligence is essential. FBS's CySEC regulation provides a higher level of security for Italian clients.
| 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) |
Italian traders can fund their accounts at both brokers using SEPA bank transfer and credit/debit cards, which are widely used in Italy. FBS stands out by supporting PostePay, a popular prepaid card among Italian residents, allowing instant deposits with no fees. EasyMarkets does not accept PostePay but offers bank transfers and card payments. Minimum deposits are €10 at FBS and €25 at EasyMarkets. Withdrawals at both brokers are processed within 1-3 business days via SEPA, with FBS offering faster processing for verified accounts. For Italian traders, FBS provides more local payment flexibility, especially for those who prefer PostePay.
| 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 Italian Muslim traders who wish to trade without earning or paying interest. FBS provides Islamic accounts on all account types (Standard, ECN, etc.) with no swap fees, while EasyMarkets offers them on request for standard accounts. Italian traders should note that Islamic accounts may have different conditions, such as longer holding periods or additional fees on long-term positions. FBS's policy is more straightforward, making it a better choice for Italian Muslim traders seeking flexibility.
| 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 |
Both brokers offer customer support in Italian via live chat, email, and phone. FBS provides 24/7 support, which is helpful for Italian traders who trade during European market hours. EasyMarkets offers support during business hours (CET) but with a reputation for faster response times. FBS's 24/7 availability gives it an edge for Italian traders who need assistance outside standard hours.
| 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 Italian traders, the choice between FBS and EasyMarkets depends on your trading style. FBS (3.7/5) is the better option for active traders who want low costs, flexible payment methods including PostePay, and Islamic accounts. EasyMarkets (3.4/5) suits beginners or traders who prefer fixed spreads and a simple platform. Both brokers accept SEPA and bank transfers, but FBS's support for PostePay gives it an edge for Italian users. While neither is regulated by CONSOB, both comply with EU standards under CySEC. For most Italian retail traders, FBS offers better value and convenience, especially for those using local payment methods.