Which broker is better for Cyprus traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Choosing the right forex broker is critical for Cyprus-based traders. Both Forex.com (rated 3.4/5) and FP Markets (rated 4.7/5) are reputable brokers regulated by the local Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), ensuring compliance with European MiFID II standards. Cyprus traders benefit from negative balance protection and investor compensation funds. FP Markets stands out with its low spreads, multiple account types, and support for local payment methods such as Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Forex.com offers a robust platform and strong research tools but carries higher trading costs. This comparison provides actionable insights for retail traders in Cyprus, evaluating spreads, execution, platforms, and deposit options tailored to the Cypriot market.
| Instrument | Forex.com | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | FP Markets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | FP Markets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | FP Markets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | FP Markets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $100 | $100 | Tie |
For Cyprus traders, trading costs are a key factor. FP Markets delivers tighter spreads, especially with the Raw account offering spreads from 0.0 pips and a $3 commission per lot. Forex.com's standard spreads on EUR/USD start around 1.0 pip with no commission, but the total cost per lot is higher. FP Markets also offers lower swap rates for overnight positions, beneficial for traders holding positions longer. For high-volume Cyprus traders, FP Markets can save hundreds of dollars monthly compared to Forex.com.
| Account Type | Forex.com | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $100 |
| Entity / Asset | Forex.com | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Cyprus (offshore) | Up to 1:50 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:50 | 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 |
| Asset Class | Forex.com | FP Markets | 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 | ✗ | 1,700+ | FP Markets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | Forex.com | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✓ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✓ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Cyprus traders require reliable platforms with local language support and fast execution. Forex.com offers its proprietary platform plus MetaTrader 4 and TradingView. FP Markets provides MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, all available in Greek and English. FP Markets' cTrader is highly regarded for its intuitive interface and advanced charting, appealing to active Cyprus traders. Both brokers offer mobile apps, but FP Markets' platform suite is more versatile for different trading styles.
| Factor | Forex.com | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FP Markets |
| 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 |
FP Markets provides superior execution with its Raw accounts using Straight Through Processing (STP) and low latency, offering average execution speeds under 40ms. Forex.com uses a combination of STP and market maker execution, which can sometimes lead to requotes during volatile markets. For Cyprus day traders and scalpers, FP Markets' execution quality is noticeably better.
| Safety Factor | Forex.com | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | ASIC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both Forex.com and FP Markets are regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) under license numbers 164/12 and 259/14, respectively. This means Cyprus clients are covered by the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF) up to €20,000 per client. Negative balance protection is mandatory, protecting traders from losing more than their deposit. Forex.com is also regulated by the FCA in the UK and CFTC in the US, while FP Markets is additionally regulated by ASIC in Australia. For Cyprus traders, CySEC regulation provides a trusted local framework.
| Payment Method | Forex.com | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✗ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✗ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | 1 to 3 business days | 24 hours |
Cyprus traders can fund accounts using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 at both brokers. FP Markets also accepts credit/debit cards, PayPal, and POLi. USDT TRC20 is especially convenient for faster, low-cost transfers from crypto wallets. Withdrawals are processed quickly: FP Markets typically processes within 1 business day for e-wallets, while Bank Transfers take 2-5 days. Forex.com supports similar methods but may have higher withdrawal fees for certain methods. FP Markets offers more flexibility with no deposit fees and competitive withdrawal charges, ideal for active Cyprus traders.
| Islamic Account Feature | Forex.com | FP 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 |
Cyprus has a significant Muslim population, and both brokers accommodate swap-free (Islamic) accounts upon request. FP Markets provides Islamic accounts for Standard, Raw, and cTrader accounts without any extra fees, allowing swap-free trading on all instruments. Forex.com offers Islamic accounts but only for certain account types and may restrict long-term holding periods. Cyprus Muslim traders should confirm terms with customer support to ensure compliance with Sharia law. FP Markets is generally more accommodating.
| Support Feature | Forex.com | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | Forex.com |
Customer support is available 24/5 for both brokers. Forex.com offers phone, email, and live chat in English and Greek. FP Markets provides 24/7 support via live chat, email, and phone, with Greek language support available during business hours. FP Markets' faster response times and extended hours benefit Cyprus traders who trade during European or Asian sessions.
| Mobile Feature | Forex.com | FP Markets | 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 | ✗ | ✓ | FP Markets |
| Resource | Forex.com | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | Forex.com |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | Forex.com |
Choose Forex.com if you...
Choose FP Markets if you...
For Cyprus traders, FP Markets is the clear winner with a 4.7/5 rating compared to Forex.com's 3.4/5. FP Markets offers lower trading costs, better execution, and more flexible deposit options including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Both brokers are regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), ensuring safety and local compliance. While Forex.com has a strong educational platform and more asset classes, FP Markets delivers superior value for retail forex traders in Cyprus. If you prioritize low spreads and modern platforms, FP Markets is your best choice.