Which broker is better for Cyprus traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
When comparing FBS vs FXTM for Cyprus traders in 2025, the choice is not just about scores—it's about finding a broker that aligns with your local trading needs. FBS, with a score of 3.7/5, is a popular choice for retail traders in Cyprus due to its low minimum deposit ($5) and support for USDT TRC20 crypto deposits. FXTM (ForexTime), scoring 4.3/5, is a well-established broker regulated by CySEC, offering tighter spreads and advanced trading tools. Both brokers accept Bank Transfer, Skrill, and Neteller, making deposits convenient for Cypriots. However, FXTM edges ahead with stronger regulation and better overall trust, while FBS appeals to traders seeking flexibility and bonuses. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced trader in Nicosia or Limassol, this comparison will help you decide which broker suits your strategy and local payment preferences.
| Instrument | FBS | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | FXTM |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | FXTM |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | FXTM |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | FXTM |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $5 | $200 | FXTM |
For Cyprus traders, trading costs are a key factor. FXTM offers lower spreads on its ECN account, starting from 0.1 pips on EUR/USD, while FBS spreads start from 0.5 pips on its Standard account. If you trade high volumes (e.g., 10+ lots per month), FXTM’s tighter spreads can save you significant costs. FBS, however, provides zero-commission accounts that appeal to smaller traders. Both brokers charge no deposit fees for Bank Transfer, Skrill, or Neteller, but FXTM has lower withdrawal fees for e-wallets. Overall, FXTM is more cost-effective for active Cyprus traders, while FBS suits those who prefer fixed spreads and lower initial deposits.
| Account Type | FBS | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✓ |
| Min deposit | $5 | $200 |
| Entity / Asset | FBS | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Cyprus (offshore) | Up to 1:3000 | Up to 1:3000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:3000 | 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 | FBS | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FBS |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FBS |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | FBS |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | FXTM |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | FBS | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both FBS and FXTM offer the popular MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms, which are widely used by Cyprus traders. FXTM also provides its proprietary FXTM Trader app for mobile trading, while FBS offers the FBS Trader app with social trading features. For Cyprus traders, the choice depends on your device: FXTM’s platforms are more stable on iOS, while FBS’s apps are lighter on Android. Both support one-click trading and advanced charting tools, but FXTM’s platform offers more technical indicators and automated trading options, ideal for serious retail traders in Cyprus.
| Factor | FBS | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FXTM |
| 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 a key differentiator. FXTM offers ultra-fast execution with an average speed of 0.1 seconds on ECN accounts, ideal for scalpers in Cyprus. FBS execution averages 0.3 seconds, which is still competitive for most retail traders. Both brokers use No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution on ECN accounts, but FXTM’s infrastructure is more advanced, with servers located in London and New York, reducing latency for Cyprus-based traders.
| Safety Factor | FBS | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | IFSC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✗ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is critical for Cyprus traders, and both FBS and FXTM are regulated by CySEC, the local financial regulator. This means they comply with EU MiFID II standards, offering negative balance protection and up to €20,000 in compensation via the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF). FXTM also holds additional licenses from the FCA (UK) and FSCA (South Africa), adding extra trust. FBS is regulated by CySEC and IFSC, but its IFSC license is less stringent. For Cyprus traders, FXTM’s stronger regulatory framework provides greater security, especially for larger deposits.
| Payment Method | FBS | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 24 hours (often in 30 minutes),Credit / Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard): 1 to 3 business days. |
Cyprus traders enjoy multiple deposit and withdrawal options at both brokers. FBS supports Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, with deposits processed instantly and withdrawals taking 1-3 business days. FXTM also accepts these methods, plus PayPal and credit/debit cards, with e-wallet withdrawals typically processed within 24 hours. For USDT TRC20, both brokers charge no fees, making it a popular choice for crypto-savvy Cypriots. Bank transfers may take 2-5 business days, but they are reliable for larger amounts. FBS offers a slightly wider range of local payment options, while FXTM excels in faster withdrawal times, which is crucial for active traders in Cyprus.
| Islamic Account Feature | FBS | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| 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 FXTM offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Cyprus Muslim traders. FBS provides Islamic accounts on all its account types (Standard, Cent, and ECN), while FXTM offers them on Standard and ECN accounts. These accounts comply with Sharia law by not charging overnight swap fees on positions held after market close. FXTM requires a minimum deposit of $50 for Islamic accounts, while FBS starts from just $5. For Cyprus traders seeking flexibility, FBS is more accessible, but FXTM offers better execution and lower spreads on its Islamic ECN account.
| Support Feature | FBS | FXTM | 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 24/5 for both FBS and FXTM, with English-speaking teams. FXTM offers phone support in Cyprus, plus live chat and email, while FBS provides live chat and email but no local phone number. Both have extensive FAQ sections. For Cyprus traders, FXTM’s phone support is a clear advantage, especially for urgent queries. FBS, however, offers faster live chat response times, which can be helpful for quick questions.
| Mobile Feature | FBS | FXTM | 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 | FXTM | 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 FXTM if you...
For Cyprus traders, FXTM is the superior choice in 2025, offering a higher overall score (4.3/5), tighter spreads, and stronger regulatory oversight from CySEC. It also provides faster withdrawals via Skrill and Neteller, and phone support for local clients. However, FBS (3.7/5) remains a strong contender for beginners and those who rely on USDT TRC20 deposits or lower minimums. Both brokers accept Bank Transfer, Skrill, and Neteller, ensuring convenient local transactions. If you prioritize security and cost efficiency, choose FXTM; if you want flexibility and bonuses, FBS is a solid alternative. Ultimately, your decision should align with your trading style and budget as a Cyprus-based retail trader.