Which broker is better for Greece traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
When comparing FBS vs IC Markets for Greece traders in 2025, the choice hinges on trading style and experience. FBS, scoring 3.7/5, is a user-friendly broker popular among beginners in Greece, offering a low minimum deposit and a range of educational resources. In contrast, IC Markets, with a high score of 4.8/5, is a global leader known for its institutional-grade trading conditions, including ultra-tight spreads and fast execution. For retail traders in Greece, local factors such as deposit methods (Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, USDT TRC20) and regulation by the local financial regulator are critical. This comparison examines key aspects to help you decide which broker aligns with your trading goals in the Greek market.
| Instrument | FBS | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | IC Markets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | IC Markets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | IC Markets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | IC Markets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $5 | $200 | IC Markets |
For Greece traders, trading costs are a major differentiator. IC Markets offers spreads from 0.0 pips on its Raw Spread account (with a $7 round-turn commission per lot), while FBS spreads start at 0.5 pips on its Standard account with no commission. Over 100 lots per month, IC Markets can save a Greece trader $500 or more in spread costs. Additionally, IC Markets does not charge deposit fees for most methods, whereas FBS may apply small fees on certain e-wallet transactions. For active traders in Greece, IC Markets’ lower overall cost structure is a clear advantage.
| Account Type | FBS | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Greece (offshore) | Up to 1:3000 | Up to 1:5000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:3000 | 1:5000 |
| 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 | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FBS |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FBS |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | FBS |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | IC Markets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | FBS | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✓ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, the most popular platforms among Greece traders. IC Markets also provides cTrader, which appeals to advanced traders seeking advanced charting and depth-of-market data. FBS offers its own web-based platform and a mobile app, which are simpler but less feature-rich. For Greece traders who value customization and advanced tools, IC Markets’ platform suite is superior, while FBS is better for those who prefer a straightforward interface.
| Factor | FBS | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | IC Markets |
| 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 |
IC Markets excels in execution quality, with average order execution speeds under 40ms and no requotes on its Raw Spread accounts. FBS execution is reliable but slower, averaging 100ms, and may experience slippage during volatile markets. For Greece day traders and scalpers, IC Markets’ faster execution is crucial for capturing small price movements.
| Safety Factor | FBS | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | IFSC | ASIC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✗ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a key concern for Greece traders. IC Markets is regulated by top-tier authorities such as ASIC (Australia) and CySEC (Cyprus), ensuring strict client fund segregation and negative balance protection. FBS is regulated by the IFSC (Belize), which offers less robust oversight. The local financial regulator in Greece does not directly supervise either broker, but IC Markets’ adherence to European standards (via CySEC) provides greater confidence for Greece-based traders, especially those depositing larger sums.
| Payment Method | FBS | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | E-wallets instant-24hrs; Cards 3-5 business days (up to 10); Int'l bank wire up to 14 days |
Greece traders can fund their accounts at both brokers using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. FBS supports additional local options like Greek bank transfers, while IC Markets processes deposits instantly via e-wallets and crypto. Minimum deposits are $5 for FBS and $200 for IC Markets. Withdrawals: FBS processes within 24 hours for e-wallets, while IC Markets typically completes withdrawals within 1 business day. Bank transfers may take 2-5 days for both. USDT TRC20 deposits are fee-free at IC Markets, while FBS may charge a small network fee. For Greece traders, IC Markets offers faster processing and lower fees on crypto deposits.
| Islamic Account Feature | FBS | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| 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 IC Markets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Greece Muslim traders. FBS provides Islamic accounts on its Standard and Cent accounts, with no overnight interest on positions. IC Markets offers swap-free accounts on all account types, including Raw Spread, with a 7-day holding period before swap-free status applies. Neither broker charges additional fees for Islamic accounts. For Greece traders observing Sharia law, IC Markets’ broader account availability is slightly more flexible.
| Support Feature | FBS | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FBS |
Customer support for Greece traders is available 24/7 from both brokers. FBS offers support in Greek via live chat and email, while IC Markets provides multilingual support including English and Greek. IC Markets’ support is generally faster and more knowledgeable, with average response times under 5 minutes. FBS also has a comprehensive FAQ section in Greek, but phone support is limited.
| Mobile Feature | FBS | IC Markets | 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 | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | FBS |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FBS |
Choose FBS if you...
Choose IC Markets if you...
For Greece traders in 2025, IC Markets is the superior choice overall, thanks to its lower trading costs, faster execution, and stronger regulation. While FBS offers a lower barrier to entry and Greek-language support, IC Markets’ institutional-grade conditions benefit active retail traders who trade frequently. Both brokers support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, but IC Markets’ faster processing and lower fees give it an edge. The local financial regulator does not directly oversee either broker, but IC Markets’ CySEC regulation provides added security. If you are a serious trader in Greece, IC Markets is the clear winner; for casual beginners, FBS remains a viable option.