Which broker is better for New Zealand traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
New Zealand traders looking for a reliable forex broker face a choice between FBS and RoboForex, two international brokers that cater to Kiwi clients. FBS, with a score of 3.7/5, stands out for its user-friendly platforms and competitive spreads, while RoboForex (3.2/5) offers advanced tools and multiple account types. Both brokers support popular local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making deposits and withdrawals convenient for New Zealand traders. However, neither is regulated by the local financial regulator, meaning traders must rely on international licenses. This comparison will help you decide which broker suits your trading style, whether you prioritize low costs, platform variety, or deposit flexibility. With the NZD/USD pair being a common choice for Kiwis, understanding spreads and execution is key.
| Instrument | FBS | RoboForex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | RoboForex |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | RoboForex |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | RoboForex |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | RoboForex |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $5 | $10 | RoboForex |
For New Zealand traders, trading costs are a critical factor, especially when trading the NZD/USD pair. FBS offers tighter spreads, starting from 0.5 pips on its ECN account, compared to RoboForex’s 0.7 pips on its ECN Pro account. On a standard lot trade, this 0.2 pip difference can save around $20 per trade for Kiwis. RoboForex’s fixed spreads on standard accounts provide predictability, but FBS’s variable spreads are generally lower during liquid market hours. Both brokers charge no commission on standard accounts, but FBS’s ECN account has a $6 per lot round-turn commission, while RoboForex’s ECN Pro charges $8. For high-volume New Zealand traders, FBS offers better value.
| Account Type | FBS | RoboForex |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $5 | $10 |
| Entity / Asset | FBS | RoboForex |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand (offshore) | Up to 1:3000 | Up to 1:2000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:3000 | 1:2000 |
| 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 | RoboForex | 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 | ✗ | ✗ | RoboForex |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | FBS | RoboForex |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
FBS provides MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, both popular among New Zealand traders for their reliability and custom indicators. RoboForex goes a step further by also offering cTrader, a platform known for advanced charting and order management, which appeals to experienced Kiwi traders. RoboForex also supports WebTerminal and mobile apps, while FBS focuses on a simpler, more intuitive experience. For New Zealand traders who value speed and depth, RoboForex’s cTrader is a strong advantage. However, FBS’s platforms are easier for beginners, with educational resources tailored to retail traders.
| Factor | FBS | RoboForex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | RoboForex |
| 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 |
FBS offers market execution with no requotes, with average execution speeds of 0.3 seconds on its ECN accounts. RoboForex provides both market and instant execution, with speeds around 0.5 seconds. For New Zealand traders trading volatile pairs like NZD/USD, FBS’s faster execution reduces slippage risk. RoboForex’s instant execution can be beneficial for scalpers, but its slower speeds may lead to minor delays. Overall, FBS delivers more reliable execution for retail traders.
| Safety Factor | FBS | RoboForex |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | IFSC | IFSC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✗ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Neither FBS nor RoboForex is regulated by New Zealand’s local financial regulator, meaning they operate under offshore licenses. FBS is regulated by the IFSC (Belize) and CySEC, while RoboForex is licensed by the IFSC and FSC (Belize). For New Zealand traders, this means no local compensation scheme or strict oversight, which increases counterparty risk. However, both brokers have been in operation for years and maintain transparent policies. Kiwis should consider using smaller deposits initially and ensure they understand the regulatory protections—or lack thereof—before committing larger sums.
| Payment Method | FBS | RoboForex |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 1 to 5 business days |
New Zealand traders benefit from multiple deposit and withdrawal options at both brokers. FBS and RoboForex accept Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, with instant processing for e-wallets and crypto. Bank transfers may take 1-3 business days, but both brokers support NZD deposits via local banks. Minimum deposits are low: $10 at FBS and $10 at RoboForex, making them accessible for retail traders. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and crypto, while bank transfers may take up to 5 days. FBS has a slight edge with no withdrawal fees, whereas RoboForex charges a small fee for certain methods. Both brokers require account verification for first-time withdrawals.
| Islamic Account Feature | FBS | RoboForex |
|---|---|---|
| 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 RoboForex offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for New Zealand Muslim traders. FBS provides Islamic accounts on its Standard and ECN accounts automatically upon request, with no swap fees on overnight positions. RoboForex also offers swap-free accounts on its Pro and ECN accounts, but traders must contact customer support to activate it. Neither broker charges additional fees for Islamic accounts, though RoboForex may apply a small administration fee after a certain holding period. For Kiwi traders seeking halal trading, both brokers are suitable, but FBS’s simpler activation process gives it an advantage.
| Support Feature | FBS | RoboForex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FBS |
FBS offers 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with English-speaking agents available for New Zealand traders. RoboForex also provides 24/7 support but relies more on email and a ticket system, with live chat available during business hours. FBS’s support is more responsive, with average response times under 1 minute, while RoboForex may take 10-15 minutes. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections, but FBS’s live chat is more convenient for Kiwis needing quick assistance.
| Mobile Feature | FBS | RoboForex | 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 | RoboForex | 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 RoboForex if you...
For New Zealand traders, FBS is the better overall choice due to its lower spreads, faster execution, and superior customer support. Its higher rating (3.7 vs 3.2) reflects its strengths for retail traders, especially those using local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. RoboForex appeals to advanced traders who value platform variety and fixed spreads, but its higher costs and slower support make it less suitable for most Kiwis. Neither broker is regulated by the local financial regulator, so New Zealand traders should exercise caution and start with small deposits. Ultimately, FBS offers a more complete package for the typical New Zealand retail trader.