Which broker is better for Saudi Arabia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Saudi Arabia traders in 2025, choosing between FBS and FXTM comes down to trading style, capital, and regulation preferences. Both brokers are popular in the Middle East and support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, STC Pay, and Credit Card, making deposits and withdrawals seamless in SAR. FBS scores 3.7/5 and is known for low minimum deposits ($5) and high leverage, appealing to beginners and smaller accounts. FXTM scores 4.3/5 and offers tighter spreads, stronger regulation (CySEC, FCA), and better educational resources—ideal for high-net-worth traders seeking reliability. While neither is directly regulated by the CMA Saudi, both operate under recognized international licenses. This comparison covers spreads, Islamic accounts, deposit options, and execution quality specifically for Saudi traders, helping you decide which broker matches your goals.
| 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 Saudi Arabia traders, trading costs are a key factor, especially for high-volume accounts. FXTM offers tighter spreads on its ECN account, starting from 0.1 pips on EUR/USD, compared to FBS’s 0.7 pips on its Zero Spread account. FXTM’s commission-based accounts (e.g., $3.5 per lot) can be cheaper for frequent traders, while FBS’s no-commission accounts suit lower-volume traders. With STC Pay and Bank Transfer deposits being fee-free for both, the main cost difference lies in spreads and swaps. For Saudi traders trading 10+ lots monthly, FXTM’s lower spreads can save hundreds of SAR per year.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia (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 preferred by Saudi traders for their speed and advanced charting. FXTM also provides a proprietary WebTrader and mobile app with Arabic language support, while FBS offers a simpler mobile app. For Saudi traders who need reliable execution on VPS or mobile, both platforms are stable. FXTM’s additional tools, like economic calendars and market analysis, give it an edge for serious traders. Both support automated trading via Expert Advisors (EAs), which is popular among high-net-worth Saudi clients.
| 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 vital for Saudi traders, especially those using scalping or automated strategies. FXTM offers ECN execution with average execution speeds of 0.1 seconds and no requotes, ideal for high-frequency trading. FBS uses market execution with speeds around 0.3 seconds, which is still reliable but may have occasional slippage during volatile markets. For Saudi traders trading large volumes, FXTM’s faster execution and deeper liquidity pools provide a clear advantage.
| Safety Factor | FBS | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | IFSC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✗ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is critical for Saudi Arabia traders, as the CMA (Capital Market Authority) does not directly oversee international forex brokers. FBS is regulated by the IFSC (Belize), offering limited investor protection. FXTM holds multiple licenses including CySEC (EU), FCA (UK), and FSCA (South Africa), providing stronger oversight and negative balance protection. For high-net-worth Saudi traders, FXTM’s FCA regulation adds a layer of security, especially for large deposits. Both brokers are not CMA-regulated, but FXTM’s tier-1 licenses make it the safer choice for serious investors in Saudi Arabia.
| 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 in Saudi Arabia is straightforward with both FBS and FXTM. Both support Bank Transfer, STC Pay, and Credit Card deposits in SAR. FBS has a lower minimum deposit of $5 (approx. 18.75 SAR) via STC Pay, making it accessible for beginners. FXTM requires $10 (approx. 37.5 SAR) but offers faster withdrawals—typically 1-2 business days for STC Pay and Credit Cards, compared to FBS’s 2-5 days. Bank Transfers take 3-5 business days for both. STC Pay is the most popular method among Saudi traders for its instant processing and zero fees. FXTM’s withdrawal process is more transparent with fewer delays, which matters for high-net-worth traders moving larger sums.
| 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 |
For Muslim traders in Saudi Arabia, Islamic (swap-free) accounts are essential. Both FBS and FXTM offer swap-free accounts that comply with Sharia law by eliminating overnight interest charges. FBS provides Islamic accounts on all account types without additional fees, making it simpler for Saudi traders. FXTM also offers swap-free accounts but may charge an administrative fee after a holding period (typically 3-7 days). For long-term position traders in Saudi Arabia, FBS’s no-fee Islamic account is more cost-effective. However, FXTM’s Islamic accounts are available on ECN accounts with tighter spreads, which can benefit active traders. Always confirm the specific terms with each broker before opening an 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 |
Both FBS and FXTM offer customer support in Arabic, which is crucial for Saudi Arabia traders. FXTM provides 24/5 live chat, phone, and email support with faster response times (under 2 minutes on live chat). FBS also offers 24/5 support but has occasional delays during peak hours. For high-net-worth Saudi traders, FXTM’s dedicated account managers and priority support add significant value. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections in Arabic.
| 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 Saudi Arabia traders in 2025, FXTM (4.3/5) is the better choice for high-net-worth and serious traders who prioritize regulation, tight spreads, and reliable execution. Its FCA license and ECN accounts offer lower trading costs and stronger protection, especially for large deposits via Bank Transfer or STC Pay. FBS (3.7/5) is a solid option for beginners or those with smaller capital, thanks to its low minimum deposit and free Islamic accounts. While neither broker is directly regulated by the CMA Saudi, FXTM’s tier-1 licenses make it the safer choice. For most Saudi traders, especially those using STC Pay or Credit Card deposits, FXTM’s overall value and support justify its higher rating. However, if you need a truly swap-free account with no extra fees, FBS is a viable alternative.