Which broker is better for New Zealand traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For New Zealand traders exploring the forex market in 2025, choosing between FBS and FXTM is a critical decision. Both brokers are well-known globally, but they cater to different trading styles and priorities. FBS, with a score of 3.7/5, is a budget-friendly option that appeals to beginners and those seeking high leverage and low minimum deposits. FXTM, scoring 4.3/5, offers a more premium experience with tighter spreads, advanced platforms, and stronger regulation. As a Kiwi trader, you need to consider local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, as well as the regulatory framework. This comparison focuses on what matters most to New Zealand retail traders, from trading costs to platform usability, to help you make an informed choice.
| 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 |
When comparing trading costs for New Zealand traders, FXTM generally offers lower spreads on major forex pairs, with raw spreads from 0.0 pips on ECN accounts. FBS provides competitive spreads on its Zero Spread account but charges a commission. For high-volume traders, FXTM is more cost-effective, while FBS suits smaller positions. Both brokers have transparent fee structures, but FXTM’s tighter spreads can save Kiwi traders significant costs over time, especially when trading frequently.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand (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 MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, which are popular among New Zealand traders for their advanced charting and automated trading capabilities. FXTM also provides its proprietary FXTM Trader app for mobile trading, while FBS offers a custom FBS Trader app. For Kiwi traders who value mobile flexibility, FXTM’s app is more intuitive, but FBS’s platforms are reliable for desktop trading. Both support VPS for algorithmic trading, enhancing execution speed.
| 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 |
FXTM provides fast execution with low latency, thanks to its ECN technology and multiple data centers. FBS also offers decent execution speeds, but FXTM’s infrastructure is superior for high-frequency trading. For New Zealand traders, FXTM’s execution quality means fewer slippages and better trade fills, especially during volatile market conditions. FBS is adequate for most retail traders but may not match FXTM’s consistency.
| Safety Factor | FBS | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | IFSC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✗ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
FXTM is regulated by multiple authorities including the FCA and CySEC, providing strong investor protection for New Zealand traders. FBS is regulated by the IFSC and FSCA, which offer less stringent oversight. While neither broker is directly regulated by the local financial regulator, FXTM’s multi-regulatory status gives it an edge in safety and transparency. Kiwi traders should consider FXTM if regulatory confidence is a priority, though both brokers are legally available in New Zealand.
| 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. |
New Zealand traders can fund their accounts at both FBS and FXTM using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. FXTM processes Skrill and Neteller deposits instantly, while FBS also supports these methods with similar speed. USDT TRC20 transactions are fast at both, typically within minutes. Bank transfers may take 1-3 business days. FXTM has no deposit fees for most methods, while FBS may charge small fees for certain transfers. Withdrawals are processed quickly, with FXTM often completing e-wallet withdrawals within 24 hours. These options give Kiwi traders flexibility and convenience.
| 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 New Zealand Muslim traders, in compliance with Sharia law. FXTM’s Islamic accounts are available on all account types with no swap charges on overnight positions, while FBS provides them on request with standard trading conditions. FXTM’s offering is more flexible, making it a better choice for Kiwi traders seeking a fully compliant Islamic trading experience. Both brokers ensure that no interest is earned or paid, aligning with religious principles.
| 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 |
FXTM offers 24/5 multilingual customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with a dedicated team for New Zealand traders. FBS provides similar support but with slightly slower response times. For Kiwi traders, FXTM’s support is more reliable and responsive, especially during peak trading hours. Both brokers have extensive FAQ sections, but FXTM’s live chat is more efficient for urgent queries.
| 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 New Zealand traders in 2025, FXTM is the stronger choice overall, scoring 4.3/5 versus FBS’s 3.7/5. FXTM’s tighter spreads, superior regulatory framework, and faster execution make it ideal for retail traders who prioritize cost-efficiency and safety. Its support for local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 ensures seamless deposits and withdrawals for Kiwis. FBS remains a viable option for beginners or those with limited capital, offering high leverage and low entry barriers. However, if you value reliability and long-term trading success, FXTM is the better fit for New Zealand traders.