FBS vs FXTM for Norway Traders (2026): Which Broker Wins?
Which broker is better for Norway traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Quick Verdict — Norway Traders
Norwegian retail traders looking for a reliable forex broker face a choice between FBS (score 3.7/5) and FXTM (score 4.3/5). Both brokers accept Norwegian clients and support popular local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. However, FXTM stands out with a stronger regulatory framework, tighter spreads, and a broader range of trading platforms. FBS, while lower in overall rating, offers a more straightforward account setup and lower minimum deposits, appealing to beginners. This comparison focuses on what matters most to Norway traders: trading costs, regulation, deposit options, and customer support. We’ll help you decide which broker aligns better with your trading style and local needs in 2025.
Overall Scores Comparison
Trading Costs - Spreads & Commissions
| 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 Norway traders, trading costs are a key factor, and FXTM leads here with spreads starting from 0.1 pips on its ECN accounts, compared to FBS's 0.5 pips on standard accounts. FXTM also charges competitive commissions on raw spread accounts, while FBS offers zero-commission accounts with wider spreads. If you trade high volumes (e.g., 10+ lots per month), FXTM’s lower spreads will save you significantly in transaction costs. Both brokers operate in USD, so Norway traders should consider conversion fees if depositing in NOK.
Account Types Comparison
| 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 |
Leverage Comparison - Norway Traders
| Entity / Asset | FBS | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Norway (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 |
Trading Instruments - Assets Available
| 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 |
Platforms Comparison
| 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 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), which are the industry standards used widely by Norwegian traders. FXTM additionally provides its proprietary FXTM Trader app for mobile trading, which includes advanced charting and one-click trading. FBS offers a simpler web trader platform but lacks a proprietary mobile app. For Norway traders who value platform versatility, FXTM’s extra options provide a clear advantage.
Execution Quality - Speed & Slippage
| 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 offers faster execution speeds (under 30ms) on its ECN accounts, thanks to its liquidity aggregators. FBS execution is reliable but slightly slower, averaging around 50ms. For Norway traders using scalping or high-frequency strategies, FXTM’s lower latency and minimal slippage provide a clear edge.
Regulation & Safety for Norway Traders
| Safety Factor | FBS | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | IFSC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✗ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
FBS is regulated by the International Financial Services Commission (IFSC) of Belize, while FXTM is regulated by multiple authorities including the UK FCA, CySEC, and the FSC of Mauritius. Neither broker is regulated by the Norwegian financial regulator (Finanstilsynet), but FXTM’s FCA regulation offers stronger investor protection (up to £85,000 under FSCS) compared to FBS. For Norway traders, this means FXTM provides a higher level of security, especially for larger deposits.
Deposits & Withdrawals for Norway
| 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. |
Norway traders can fund their accounts at both FBS and FXTM using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. FBS processes deposits instantly via Skrill and Neteller, while Bank Transfer may take 1-3 business days. FXTM offers similar speed but also supports credit/debit cards. Withdrawals at both brokers are processed within 24 hours for e-wallets, but FXTM has a slightly faster processing time for bank transfers. Minimum deposits are low at both brokers (around $10), making them accessible for retail traders. Norway traders should note that USDT TRC20 deposits avoid bank fees entirely.
Islamic Accounts - Swap-Free for Norway Muslims
| 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 Norway who need to comply with Sharia law. FXTM provides swap-free accounts on all account types, including ECN and Standard, with no additional fees. FBS offers Islamic accounts but only on certain account types and may charge a maintenance fee after a holding period. Norway Muslim traders should confirm the specific terms with each broker before opening an account.
Customer Support Comparison
| 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 Norwegian-language section on its website. FBS provides 24/7 support but primarily in English. For Norway traders, FXTM’s support is more accessible and responsive, especially during local trading hours.
Mobile App Comparison
| 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 |
Education & Research Tools
| Resource | FBS | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FBS |
Real User Reviews - Trustpilot
Pros & Cons of Each Broker
FBS
FXTM
Who Should Use Which Broker? - Norway Guide
Choose FBS if you...
- Are a beginner trader with a small starting capital (minimum deposit $10).
- Prefer a simple account structure with no commission fees.
- Want to deposit via USDT TRC20 for fast, low-cost transactions.
- Do not require advanced regulatory protection or FCA oversight.
Choose FXTM if you...
- Are an active or professional trader needing tight spreads and low commissions.
- Value multi-regulatory oversight, including FCA protection.
- Prefer a wider range of platforms, including a proprietary mobile app.
- Want faster execution speeds for scalping or high-frequency trading.
FAQ - FBS vs FXTM in Norway
Final Verdict - Norway 2026
For Norway traders in 2025, FXTM is the stronger choice overall, offering tighter spreads, better regulation, faster execution, and more platform options. It justifies its higher score (4.3/5) with tangible benefits for active traders. However, FBS remains a viable option for beginners or those who prioritize low minimum deposits and simple account setups. Both brokers support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making deposit and withdrawal easy. Ultimately, your choice depends on your experience level and trading volume. If you’re serious about trading, FXTM provides the better long-term value.