FBS vs IC Markets for Kuwait Traders (2025): A Complete Comparison
Which broker is better for Kuwait traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Kuwait traders seeking a reliable forex broker often compare FBS and IC Markets, two globally recognized platforms. FBS, with a 3.7/5 rating, is known for its user-friendly interface and low barriers to entry, making it popular among retail traders in Kuwait. IC Markets, scoring 4.8/5, excels in low spreads, fast execution, and institutional-grade trading conditions. For Kuwait traders, both brokers accept local deposit methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, ensuring convenient funding. However, the local financial regulator does not directly oversee these brokers, so traders must rely on international licenses. This comparison helps you decide based on your trading style, volume, and preferences in Kuwait's dynamic 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 | $1 | $200 | FBS |
| Inactivity fee | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
When comparing trading costs for Kuwait traders, IC Markets clearly leads with raw spreads starting from 0.0 pips on its True ECN accounts, while FBS offers standard spreads around 1.0 pip on its Cent and Standard accounts. For high-volume traders in Kuwait, IC Markets' lower spreads significantly reduce costs, especially when trading major pairs like EUR/USD. FBS may appeal to smaller traders with its fixed spreads and no commission on some accounts, but IC Markets' variable spreads are generally tighter. Both brokers charge low overnight fees, but Islamic accounts eliminate them for Kuwaiti Muslims.
| Account Type | FBS | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| VPS trading | ✗ | ✓ |
| Min deposit | $1 | $200 |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Entity / Asset | FBS | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Kuwait (offshore) | Up to 1:3000 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:3000 | 1:500 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
| Margin call level | 80% | 80% |
| Stop out level | 50% | 50% |
| 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 |
| Options | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Futures | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | FBS | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✓ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fixed spreads | ✓ | ✗ |
| Variable spreads | ✓ | ✓ |
IC Markets provides MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, offering advanced charting and algorithmic trading tools ideal for Kuwait traders who need speed and customization. FBS also offers MT4 and MT5, plus its own FBS Trader app for mobile trading. For Kuwait traders, both platforms support Arabic language and local time zones. IC Markets' cTrader is a plus for scalpers and ECN traders, while FBS's simplicity suits beginners. Desktop and mobile access ensure flexibility for trading on the go in Kuwait.
| 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 |
| Dealing desk | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| News trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
IC Markets offers ultra-fast execution with average speeds under 40ms, ideal for scalpers and high-frequency traders in Kuwait. FBS execution is reliable but slower, around 100ms, which may not suit rapid trading strategies. Both brokers use ECN/STP models, but IC Markets' low-latency servers in London and New York give Kuwait traders better access to global markets with minimal slippage.
| Safety Factor | FBS | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | IFSC | ASIC |
| Reg number | #IFSC/60/230/TS/19 | #335692 |
| Verify registration | Verify ↗ | Verify ↗ |
| Top-tier regulated | ✗ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
IC Markets is regulated by top-tier authorities like the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), providing strong investor protection. FBS holds licenses from the International Financial Services Commission (IFSC) and the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), which are less stringent. For Kuwait traders, neither broker is regulated by the local financial regulator, but IC Markets' higher-tier regulation offers more security. Kuwait traders should consider this when choosing a broker, as it affects fund safety and dispute resolution.
| Payment Method | FBS | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✓ |
| Deposit fee | None | None |
| Withdrawal time | 15-20 minutes for most methods; up to 48 hours for bank transfer | E-wallets instant-24hrs; Cards 3-5 business days (up to 10); Int'l bank wire up to 14 days |
| Min withdrawal | $50 | $50 |
Both FBS and IC Markets support deposits and withdrawals via Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 for Kuwait traders. FBS also accepts local options like KNET and Ooredoo Money, while IC Markets focuses on international methods. Minimum deposits are low: FBS starts at $5, IC Markets at $200. Deposits are instant, and withdrawals are processed within 1-3 business days. USDT TRC20 is particularly popular among Kuwait traders for its speed and low fees. Both brokers do not charge deposit fees, but bank transfers may incur intermediary charges. Always verify account details to avoid delays.
| Islamic Account Feature | FBS | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| Gold swap-free | ✓ | ✓ |
| Crypto swap-free | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Both FBS and IC Markets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in Kuwait, complying with Sharia law by waiving swap fees on overnight positions. IC Markets provides Islamic accounts on all account types (Standard, True ECN, and cTrader), while FBS offers them on Cent and Standard accounts. Kuwait traders should note that Islamic accounts may have a holding period or inactivity fee. IC Markets' Islamic accounts are more flexible, supporting scalping and hedging, which is beneficial for active traders in Kuwait.
| Support Feature | FBS | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| 24/5 support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FBS |
IC Markets offers 24/7 multilingual customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with fast response times. FBS provides similar support but with slightly slower responses during peak hours. Both brokers have Arabic-speaking agents, which is helpful for Kuwait traders. IC Markets' support is more comprehensive for technical issues, while FBS focuses on account-related queries.
| Mobile Feature | FBS | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5★ | 4.3★ | FBS |
| Google Play rating | 4.3★ | 4.2★ | FBS |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Mobile deposit/withdrawal | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Dark mode | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Resource | FBS | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | FBS |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | FBS |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FBS |
| Beginner resources | Excellent | Basic | FBS |
Choose FBS if you...
- Are a beginner retail trader in Kuwait seeking a low minimum deposit ($5).
- Prefer fixed spreads and simple account types like Cent or Standard.
- Want local payment options like KNET or Ooredoo Money.
- Need a user-friendly mobile app for casual trading.
Choose IC Markets if you...
- Are an experienced trader in Kuwait focusing on low spreads and high volume.
- Require advanced platforms like cTrader and fast execution for scalping.
- Value higher regulatory oversight from ASIC or CySEC.
- Prefer flexible Islamic accounts and multiple deposit methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, USDT TRC20.
For Kuwait traders, IC Markets is the superior choice due to its lower costs, faster execution, and stronger regulation, earning a 4.8/5 rating. However, FBS (3.7/5) remains a viable option for beginners or those with smaller capital, thanks to its low minimum deposit and local payment support. Both brokers accept Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making deposits easy for Kuwait traders. Since neither is regulated by the local financial regulator, IC Markets' international licenses provide added security. Ultimately, IC Markets suits serious retail traders, while FBS is ideal for those starting out in Kuwait's forex market.