Which broker is better for Saudi Arabia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Saudi Arabia traders seeking a reliable forex broker, the choice between Forex.com and FP Markets is significant. Both brokers accept Saudi residents and support SAR deposits via Bank Transfer, Credit Card, and STC Pay (FP Markets only). However, their offerings differ sharply. Forex.com, a US-listed broker with a long history, scores 3.4/5 and is better suited for traders who prioritize brand stability over cost. FP Markets, scoring 4.7/5, is an Australian broker known for low-cost ECN trading, advanced platforms, and a strong Islamic account policy. Given that many Saudi traders are high-net-worth individuals and require Sharia-compliant accounts, FP Markets often emerges as the more suitable choice. This comparison dives into costs, regulation (CMA context), local payment methods, and execution quality to help you decide based on your specific trading needs in the Kingdom.
| 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 Saudi Arabia traders, trading costs are a major factor, especially for high-volume strategies. FP Markets offers spreads from 0.0 pips on its Raw ECN account with a low commission of $3 per lot per side. Forex.com’s standard spreads are higher, averaging 1.0-1.2 pips on majors like EUR/USD. On a typical trade of 100,000 units (one standard lot), Forex.com’s cost is roughly $10-12 per round turn, while FP Markets can be as low as $6 when including commission. Over many trades, this difference compounds significantly. FP Markets also provides competitive swap rates and no hidden fees, making it the cost-effective option for Saudi traders who trade actively.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia (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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), which are widely used by Saudi traders. Forex.com also provides its proprietary platform and TradingView integration, while FP Markets adds cTrader for those who prefer a modern interface. For high-net-worth Saudi clients, FP Markets’ cTrader offers superior charting and order types. Mobile trading is robust on both platforms, essential for traders on the go in Saudi Arabia. Overall, FP Markets gives more platform choices, including MT5 and cTrader, appealing to traders who want flexibility beyond the basic MT4.
| 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 |
Execution quality is critical for Saudi traders, especially those trading high volumes or using scalping strategies. FP Markets uses ECN technology with low-latency servers in London, New York, and Tokyo, offering fast fills and minimal slippage. Forex.com uses a hybrid model with some dealing desk intervention, which can lead to requotes in volatile markets. FP Markets’ execution is more transparent and faster, making it preferable for high-net-worth traders who demand precision. Both brokers offer no restrictions on scalping or hedging, but FP Markets’ infrastructure consistently delivers better speed and reliability.
| Safety Factor | Forex.com | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | ASIC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
While neither Forex.com nor FP Markets is regulated by the Saudi CMA (Capital Market Authority), both operate under reputable international regulators. Forex.com is regulated by the FCA (UK), CFTC/NFA (US), and others. FP Markets is regulated by ASIC (Australia) and the FSCA (South Africa). For Saudi traders, it’s important to understand that offshore regulation offers a degree of protection but not local CMA oversight. FP Markets has a strong track record with ASIC, known for strict client fund segregation. Neither broker is restricted for Saudi residents, but traders should check with their local authorities. The lack of CMA regulation means traders must do their own due diligence.
| Payment Method | Forex.com | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✗ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✗ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | 1 to 3 business days | 24 hours |
Depositing and withdrawing funds is straightforward for Saudi Arabia traders at both brokers. Forex.com accepts Bank Transfer (SWIFT) and Credit Card deposits, with no deposit fees. However, withdrawals may take 2-5 business days. FP Markets goes a step further by also supporting STC Pay, a widely used local e-wallet that allows instant deposits and faster withdrawals in SAR. Both brokers accept major Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard) and Bank Transfers. Minimum deposit is $100 for both. For high-net-worth traders, FP Markets offers a more efficient local payment option via STC Pay, reducing conversion costs and waiting times. Always verify with broker support for current limits and processing times.
| 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 |
Islamic (swap-free) accounts are essential for many Saudi Arabia Muslim traders who follow Sharia law. Both Forex.com and FP Markets offer such accounts, but FP Markets provides a more transparent and easy-to-obtain Islamic account. FP Markets’ Islamic account has no swap charges on overnight positions and no commission increases. Forex.com also offers swap-free accounts but may require a request and could have conditions like limited leverage or eligibility checks. FP Markets’ policy is simpler and more accommodating for Saudi traders. For long-term position holders, the absence of swap fees is crucial, and FP Markets generally delivers a better experience.
| 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 important for Saudi traders who may need assistance in Arabic or with local payment queries. Forex.com offers 24/5 support via live chat, email, and phone, but Arabic language support is limited. FP Markets provides 24/5 live chat and phone support in multiple languages, including Arabic during business hours. FP Markets’ support team is also more responsive to requests regarding Islamic accounts and STC Pay transactions. For Saudi clients, FP Markets has an edge in accessibility, though both brokers’ support is adequate for basic queries.
| 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 Saudi Arabia traders, FP Markets clearly outperforms Forex.com across key criteria: lower trading costs, better Islamic account terms, more platform choices, and local payment support via STC Pay. Given the high-net-worth profile of many Saudi investors and the need for Sharia-compliant trading, FP Markets’ 4.7/5 rating reflects its superior value proposition. Forex.com remains a viable option for those who prioritize a regulated US brand and don’t need advanced execution or local payments. However, for most traders in the Kingdom, FP Markets offers a more tailored experience, especially with the ability to deposit via STC Pay and benefit from ultra-low spreads. Always consider your own trading volume, preferred platform, and check with broker support regarding CMA compliance before opening an account.