Which broker is better for New Zealand traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For New Zealand traders comparing Forex.com and EasyMarkets in 2025, both brokers offer distinct advantages tailored to different trading styles. Forex.com, with a score of 3.4/5, is a global powerhouse known for its extensive asset selection—over 80 currency pairs, indices, commodities, and more—backed by advanced platforms like MetaTrader 4 and its proprietary web trader. EasyMarkets, also scoring 3.4/5, focuses on simplicity and cost transparency, offering fixed spreads and a user-friendly platform ideal for retail traders in New Zealand who value predictability. Both brokers are regulated by a local financial regulator, providing a layer of security for Kiwi traders. Whether you prioritize trading tools or straightforward costs, this comparison highlights key differences to help you decide.
| Instrument | Forex.com | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | EasyMarkets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | EasyMarkets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | EasyMarkets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | EasyMarkets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $100 | $25 | Forex.com |
Spread costs are a critical factor for New Zealand traders, especially those trading frequently or in large volumes. Forex.com offers variable spreads that start from 0.0 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD, but these can widen during high-impact news events. For a standard lot trade, a Kiwi trader might pay around $7 in spread costs per round turn. EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads, typically around 1.2 pips on EUR/USD, which remain stable regardless of market conditions. For New Zealand traders who trade during volatile Asian or Pacific sessions, EasyMarkets' fixed spreads provide cost certainty, while Forex.com may be cheaper for scalpers during quiet periods.
| Account Type | Forex.com | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $25 |
| Entity / Asset | Forex.com | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand (offshore) | Up to 1:50 | Up to 1:2000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:50 | 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 | Forex.com | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | Forex.com |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | Forex.com |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | Forex.com |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | EasyMarkets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | Forex.com | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Forex.com provides New Zealand traders with access to MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), and its own web-based platform, all compatible with desktop and mobile devices. This suits traders who need advanced charting tools, automated trading via Expert Advisors, and a wide range of indicators. EasyMarkets offers a simpler custom platform and also supports MT4, but its strength lies in ease of use, with built-in risk management tools like dealCancellation and free guaranteed stop-loss orders. For Kiwi traders who prefer a streamlined experience, EasyMarkets is more accessible, while Forex.com caters to those seeking professional-grade analysis.
| Factor | Forex.com | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | EasyMarkets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | Forex.com |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
Forex.com offers fast execution with an average speed of 40-50 milliseconds, suitable for scalping and high-frequency trading. EasyMarkets also provides reliable execution, though with slightly higher latency due to its fixed spread model. For New Zealand traders, execution quality is generally consistent, but Forex.com edges ahead for those who require ultra-low slippage during volatile Pacific trading sessions.
| Safety Factor | Forex.com | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both Forex.com and EasyMarkets are regulated by a local financial regulator in New Zealand, ensuring compliance with local financial laws and client fund protection. Forex.com operates under multiple global licenses but maintains a New Zealand-specific entity, which means Kiwi traders benefit from segregated accounts and negative balance protection. EasyMarkets also holds a local license, providing similar safeguards. This regulation is crucial for New Zealand traders as it offers recourse through local authorities if disputes arise, and ensures brokers adhere to strict capital adequacy and reporting standards.
| Payment Method | Forex.com | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✗ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✗ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 1 to 3 business days | Cards 1-2 business days; e-wallets instant-1 business day; bank wire 3-10 business days; overall back-office processing within 1 business day (24h) |
New Zealand traders can fund their accounts at both brokers using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Forex.com processes deposits instantly for e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller, while bank transfers typically take 1-2 business days. Withdrawals are handled efficiently, with e-wallet withdrawals processed within 24 hours and bank transfers in 1-3 days. EasyMarkets offers similar speed, with same-day processing for e-wallets and USDT TRC20 deposits. For Kiwi traders, USDT TRC20 is a standout feature, allowing fast, low-cost transfers without traditional banking delays. Both brokers charge no deposit fees, though withdrawal fees may apply for bank transfers.
| Islamic Account Feature | Forex.com | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| 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 New Zealand Muslim traders seeking Sharia-compliant trading, EasyMarkets offers Islamic (swap-free) accounts that eliminate overnight interest charges on positions. This is a significant advantage for those who hold trades beyond a single day, aligning with Islamic finance principles. Forex.com does not provide Islamic accounts in New Zealand, so traders requiring swap-free options should choose EasyMarkets. EasyMarkets' Islamic accounts are available on all account types, with no additional restrictions, making it a suitable choice for Kiwi traders adhering to Islamic law.
| Support Feature | Forex.com | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | Forex.com |
Forex.com provides 24/5 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with a dedicated team for New Zealand traders during local business hours. EasyMarkets offers 24/5 support as well, with multilingual agents and a focus on quick response times. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections, but EasyMarkets is known for its personal touch, often assisting New Zealand traders with account setup and platform queries within minutes.
| Mobile Feature | Forex.com | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | Forex.com |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | Forex.com |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | Forex.com | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | Forex.com |
Choose Forex.com if you...
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
For New Zealand traders, the choice between Forex.com and EasyMarkets comes down to your trading style and priorities. Forex.com excels with its vast asset selection, advanced platforms, and variable spreads that can benefit active, high-volume traders. EasyMarkets is better for beginners or those who value cost certainty, fixed spreads, and Islamic accounts. Both brokers support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, and are regulated by a local financial regulator. If you prioritize flexibility and tools, choose Forex.com; if you prefer simplicity and transparency, EasyMarkets is the better fit for Kiwi traders in 2025.