Which broker is better for North Macedonia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For traders in North Macedonia, choosing between FBS and FXTM is a critical decision that impacts trading costs, platform experience, and overall profitability. Both brokers are well-known in the region, offering access to forex, CFDs, and commodities with local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. FBS, with a score of 3.7/5, appeals to beginners due to its low minimum deposit and user-friendly interface. FXTM, scoring 4.3/5, is favored by more experienced traders for its tighter spreads, robust regulation, and advanced tools. North Macedonian traders must consider factors like spread costs, deposit/withdrawal speed, and regulatory protection when deciding. This comparison highlights the key differences tailored to the local trading environment, helping you make an informed choice in 2025.
| 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 |
Cost is a major factor for North Macedonia traders. FXTM offers lower spreads on major pairs, starting from 1.3 pips on standard accounts, compared to FBS’s 1.5 pips. For high-volume traders, FXTM’s ECN account provides spreads as low as 0.1 pips with a commission. FBS’s zero-spread account is competitive but has a higher commission structure. Over 100 trades per month, FXTM can save you significant costs, especially when trading EUR/USD or GBP/JPY. Both brokers offer competitive swap rates, but FXTM’s overall cost structure is more favorable for active North Macedonian traders.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| North Macedonia (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, the industry-standard platforms for North Macedonia traders. FXTM also provides its proprietary FXTM Trader app for mobile trading, which is well-optimized for local users. FBS’s platforms are reliable but lack some advanced charting tools. For North Macedonian traders who value mobile trading and advanced indicators, FXTM’s platform ecosystem is superior. Both support one-click trading and are available in English, with FXTM offering limited local language support.
| 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 solid at both brokers. FXTM uses ECN technology for fast order execution with minimal slippage, averaging 0.1 seconds. FBS offers market execution with speeds around 0.3 seconds. For scalpers and day traders in North Macedonia, FXTM’s faster execution and lower latency provide an edge. Both brokers allow hedging and scalping, but FXTM’s infrastructure is more reliable during high volatility.
| Safety Factor | FBS | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | IFSC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✗ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a key concern for North Macedonia traders. FXTM is regulated by multiple authorities including CySEC, FCA, and FSC, offering strong investor protection. FBS is regulated by the FSC and IFSC, which are less stringent. Neither broker is directly regulated by the local financial regulator in North Macedonia, but FXTM’s higher-tier licenses provide greater security for client funds. FXTM also offers negative balance protection and compensation schemes, which are beneficial for retail traders in North Macedonia.
| 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. |
Depositing and withdrawing funds is straightforward for North Macedonia traders at both brokers. FBS and FXTM support Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, with no deposit fees. FBS processes withdrawals within 24 hours, while FXTM typically takes 1-2 business days for bank transfers. USDT TRC20 deposits are instant at both brokers, ideal for crypto users. FXTM offers more currency options for bank transfers, including USD. For North Macedonian traders who prioritize speed, FBS’s faster withdrawal times may be appealing, but FXTM’s wider range of methods and reliability make it a strong choice.
| 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 Muslim traders in North Macedonia. FXTM provides automatic swap-free accounts for clients from Muslim-majority countries, while FBS requires a manual request. FXTM’s Islamic accounts have no hidden fees, while FBS may charge a small administrative fee after a holding period. For North Macedonian traders adhering to Sharia law, FXTM’s straightforward process and transparent terms make it the better option. Both brokers require proof of faith or residency.
| 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 at both brokers, with live chat and email. FXTM offers phone support in multiple languages, including English, while FBS focuses on live chat. FXTM’s support is more responsive, with average response times under 2 minutes. For North Macedonia traders, FXTM’s multilingual team provides better assistance, especially for complex account issues. FBS’s support is adequate but less comprehensive.
| 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 North Macedonia traders, FXTM is the superior choice overall, with a score of 4.3/5 compared to FBS’s 3.7/5. FXTM offers tighter spreads, stronger regulation, and a more comprehensive platform ecosystem. It also supports all local payment methods including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making deposits and withdrawals seamless. FBS is a viable option for beginners due to its low minimum deposit and fast withdrawals, but it lacks the regulatory depth and cost efficiency of FXTM. If you are a retail trader in North Macedonia looking for a reliable broker in 2025, FXTM is the recommended pick, especially if you value long-term trading success.