Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Malta traders looking to trade forex in 2025, choosing between FBS and Forex.com can be challenging. FBS, with a score of 3.7/5, is a popular choice among retail traders in Malta due to its low minimum deposit, flexible payment options including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, and competitive spreads. Forex.com, scoring 3.4/5, is a well-regulated global broker with robust platforms and strong regulatory oversight, but it requires a higher minimum deposit and offers fewer local payment methods. Both brokers are regulated by the local financial regulator, ensuring a secure trading environment for Malta residents. This comparison focuses on key factors for Malta traders: trading costs, platform usability, deposit/withdrawal convenience, and regulatory compliance. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced trader, understanding these differences will help you decide which broker aligns with your trading style and local needs.
| Instrument | FBS | Forex.com | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Forex.com |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Forex.com |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Forex.com |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Forex.com |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $5 | $100 | Forex.com |
When comparing trading costs, FBS offers lower spreads starting from 0.1 pips on its ECN accounts, making it more cost-effective for Malta traders who trade frequently or in larger volumes. Forex.com's spreads start from 1.0 pips on standard accounts, which can add up over time. For a Malta trader executing 10 trades per day on EUR/USD, the difference in spread costs could save up to $50 per month with FBS. Additionally, FBS charges no commission on standard accounts, while Forex.com may apply commissions on certain account types. Overall, FBS provides better value for retail Malta traders focused on minimizing costs.
| Account Type | FBS | Forex.com |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $5 | $100 |
| Entity / Asset | FBS | Forex.com |
|---|---|---|
| Malta (offshore) | Up to 1:3000 | Up to 1:50 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:3000 | 1:50 |
| 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 | Forex.com | 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 | ✗ | ✗ | Forex.com |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | FBS | Forex.com |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✓ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, which are widely used by Malta traders for their advanced charting tools and automated trading capabilities. FBS also provides its proprietary FBS Trader app for mobile trading, which is user-friendly and supports quick trade execution. Forex.com offers TradingView integration and its own web platform, which is ideal for traders who prefer advanced analysis. For Malta traders who prioritize mobile trading or ease of use, FBS's platform ecosystem is more accessible, while Forex.com suits those who need institutional-grade tools.
| Factor | FBS | Forex.com | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Forex.com |
| 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 uses No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution with an average execution speed of 0.3 seconds, ensuring minimal slippage for Malta traders. Forex.com offers similar execution speeds but may experience occasional delays during high volatility. Both brokers provide reliable execution, but FBS's faster speeds give it an edge for scalpers and day traders in Malta.
| Safety Factor | FBS | Forex.com |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | IFSC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✗ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both FBS and Forex.com are regulated by the local financial regulator, ensuring Malta traders are protected under local laws. Forex.com operates under stricter international regulations, including FCA and CFTC oversight, which may appeal to traders seeking higher security. FBS is regulated by the IFSC and other authorities, offering a balanced approach between security and accessibility. For Malta traders, both brokers provide adequate protection, but Forex.com's additional regulatory layers offer extra peace of mind for larger deposits.
| Payment Method | FBS | Forex.com |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 1 to 3 business days |
Malta traders have several convenient options to fund their accounts. FBS supports Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, with instant processing and no deposit fees. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and crypto, while bank transfers may take 2-5 business days. Forex.com accepts Bank Transfer and Skrill but does not support Neteller or USDT TRC20, limiting options for crypto users. FBS's broader payment methods, especially USDT TRC20, are ideal for Malta traders who prefer fast, low-cost transactions. Minimum deposits at FBS start at $10, while Forex.com requires $100, making FBS more accessible for retail traders.
| Islamic Account Feature | FBS | Forex.com |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Forex.com offer Islamic accounts (swap-free) for Malta Muslim traders who wish to trade in compliance with Sharia law. FBS provides Islamic accounts on all account types without any additional fees or restrictions, making it a seamless option. Forex.com offers Islamic accounts on request, but they may be limited to specific account types and require manual activation. For Malta Muslim traders, FBS's straightforward Islamic account setup is more convenient and accessible.
| Support Feature | FBS | Forex.com | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FBS |
FBS offers 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with support in multiple languages including English and Maltese. Forex.com provides 24/5 support with live chat and phone, but response times can be slower during peak hours. For Malta traders who need assistance outside standard trading hours, FBS's round-the-clock support is a clear advantage.
| Mobile Feature | FBS | Forex.com | 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 | Forex.com | 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 Forex.com if you...
For Malta retail traders in 2025, FBS is the superior choice due to its lower costs, flexible deposit options including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, and accessible Islamic account offerings. Its 3.7/5 rating reflects strong performance in local payment support and customer service. Forex.com, with a 3.4/5 rating, is better suited for traders who prioritize regulatory depth and advanced platforms, but its higher entry barrier and fewer local payment methods make it less ideal for most Malta traders. Both brokers are regulated by the local financial regulator, ensuring a secure environment. For the majority of Malta traders, FBS offers the best balance of cost, convenience, and features.