Which broker is better for Portugal traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Portugal traders looking for a reliable forex broker in 2025 often compare FBS and EasyMarkets. Both brokers are well-known globally, but they cater to slightly different needs. FBS, with a score of 3.7/5, is a popular choice among retail traders in Portugal due to its low spreads, diverse account types, and support for local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. EasyMarkets, scoring 3.4/5, is known for its user-friendly platform and fixed spreads, which appeal to beginners. Both brokers are regulated under the local financial regulator (CMVM) and offer services in Portuguese. This comparison will help you decide which broker suits your trading style, whether you prioritize low costs or simplicity. We’ll cover spreads, platforms, regulation, deposits, withdrawals, and more, all tailored to the Portugal trading environment.
| 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 Portugal traders, trading costs can significantly impact profitability, especially for high-volume traders. FBS offers variable spreads starting from 0.1 pips on its ECN accounts, making it a cost-effective choice for frequent traders. In contrast, EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads, which are typically higher—around 1.2 pips on EUR/USD—but eliminate the risk of spread widening during volatile markets. FBS also charges low commissions on certain accounts, while EasyMarkets includes all costs in the spread. For a Portugal trader executing 10 lots per month, FBS could save up to 30% in total costs compared to EasyMarkets. However, if you prefer predictable costs and trade less frequently, EasyMarkets’ fixed spreads may be more suitable.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Portugal (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 platforms that meet the needs of Portugal traders. FBS provides MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, which are industry standards for advanced charting, automated trading, and custom indicators. These platforms are available on desktop, web, and mobile, with full Portuguese language support. EasyMarkets offers its proprietary web-based platform and mobile app, which are simpler and more intuitive for beginners. While FBS’s platforms are better for technical analysis and algorithmic trading, EasyMarkets’ platform features built-in risk management tools like Deal Cancellation and Freeze Rate. For Portugal traders who value flexibility and advanced features, FBS is the stronger choice; for ease of use, EasyMarkets wins.
| 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 is crucial for Portugal traders, especially scalpers and day traders. FBS offers fast execution speeds with an average of under 100ms on its ECN accounts, and no requotes. EasyMarkets uses a market maker model with instant execution and fixed spreads, but may experience slippage during news events. For high-frequency trading, FBS is the better choice; for beginners who prefer predictable fills, EasyMarkets works well.
| Safety Factor | FBS | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | IFSC | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✗ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a key concern for Portugal traders, and both brokers operate under strict oversight. FBS is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) and is compliant with the local financial regulator (CMVM) in Portugal, ensuring EU-level investor protection. EasyMarkets is also regulated by CySEC and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), providing additional security. Both brokers offer negative balance protection and participate in the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF) for EU clients, covering up to €20,000 per trader. This means Portugal traders can trade with confidence, knowing their funds are safeguarded. Always check the broker’s regulatory status on the CMVM website to confirm current authorization.
| 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) |
Portugal traders have several convenient options for funding their accounts at FBS and EasyMarkets. Both brokers accept Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making it easy to deposit and withdraw in USD. FBS also supports credit/debit cards and local bank transfers, while EasyMarkets adds PayPal and UnionPay. Deposits via e-wallets and USDT are typically instant and fee-free, while bank transfers may take 1-3 business days. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and crypto, but bank transfers can take 2-5 days. FBS does not charge deposit fees, but EasyMarkets may apply a small fee for certain methods. For Portugal traders using USDT TRC20, both brokers offer fast and low-cost transactions, ideal for active traders.
| 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 |
For Muslim traders in Portugal, both FBS and EasyMarkets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts that comply with Sharia law. FBS provides swap-free accounts on request for all account types, including Standard and ECN, with no overnight interest charges. EasyMarkets has a dedicated Islamic account option that also eliminates swap fees and is available for all trading instruments. It’s important to note that both brokers may restrict certain trading strategies on Islamic accounts, such as holding positions for very long periods. Portugal traders interested in Islamic accounts should contact customer support to confirm eligibility and terms before opening an account.
| 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 available in Portuguese for both brokers, which is a big plus for Portugal traders. FBS offers 24/7 live chat, email, and phone support, with quick response times. EasyMarkets also provides 24/5 support via live chat, email, and phone, with a dedicated Portuguese-speaking team. FBS’s support is slightly more accessible due to its 24/7 availability, while EasyMarkets is limited to market hours. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections on their websites.
| 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 Portugal traders in 2025, FBS is the overall winner with a higher score (3.7/5) and better value for active traders. Its low spreads, support for local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, and regulation under the local financial regulator make it a strong choice. EasyMarkets is a good alternative for beginners or traders who prioritize simplicity and fixed costs. Ultimately, your choice depends on your trading style: if you trade frequently, choose FBS; if you’re new to trading, EasyMarkets is a solid option.