Which broker is better for Israel traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For experienced retail traders in Israel, choosing the right forex broker is crucial for long-term success. This comparison between Forex.com and Libertex is tailored specifically for the Israeli market, taking into account local payment methods (Bank Transfer and Credit Card) and the regulatory context of the Israel Securities Authority (ISA). Both brokers are well-known globally, but they serve Israel traders differently. Forex.com, with a score of 3.4/5, is a long-established broker offering a vast range of instruments, including CFDs on forex, indices, and commodities. Libertex, earning a higher score of 3.7/5, stands out with its proprietary platform, lower spreads, and commission-free trading on many assets. For Israeli traders who value cost efficiency and modern tools, Libertex often appeals; those seeking a more traditional, asset-diverse brokerage may prefer Forex.com. Both accept Israeli clients through international entities and support ILS deposits via bank wires and credit cards. However, they are not directly regulated by the ISA, which means you forgo local investor compensation schemes. This guide will help you decide which broker aligns better with your trading style, budget, and local requirements.
| Instrument | Forex.com | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Libertex |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Libertex |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Libertex |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Libertex |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $100 | $10 | Libertex |
For Israeli traders, especially high-volume ones, trading costs are a make-or-break factor. Libertex offers tighter spreads – typically 0.7 pips on EUR/USD under its standard account – compared to Forex.com’s 1.0 pip on a similar account. Libertex also charges no commission on forex, while Forex.com applies commission on its Raw Pricing account (which offers lower spreads). However, Forex.com’s standard account is commission-free. Additionally, Libertex has a flat overnight swap structure that can be beneficial for longer-term traders. When trading in ILS equivalents, note that both brokers may apply currency conversion fees on deposits not made in base currency (USD or EUR). Libertex’s lower spreads provide a clear edge for scalpers and day traders in Israel, reducing the cost per trade significantly over a month of active trading.
| Account Type | Forex.com | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✗ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $10 |
| Entity / Asset | Forex.com | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Israel (offshore) | Up to 1:50 | Up to 1:999 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:50 | 1:999 |
| 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 | Libertex | 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 | ✗ | ✗ | Libertex |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | Forex.com | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Libertex shines with its proprietary web and mobile platform, which is intuitive, fast, and tailored for modern retail traders in Israel. It also offers MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, the gold standard for algorithmic trading and custom indicators. Forex.com provides its own advanced Trading Station platform and also supports MT4/MT5. For Israeli traders who rely on Expert Advisors (EAs) or complex charting, both brokers cover the bases. However, Libertex’s native platform is particularly user-friendly for traders on the go, with one-click trading and clear risk management tools. Forex.com’s platforms are more feature-rich for institutional-level analysis, but may feel overwhelming for some. Overall, Libertex gets the edge for ease of use, while Forex.com suits those wanting a desktop-heavy, highly customizable experience.
| Factor | Forex.com | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Libertex |
| 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 vital for experienced Israeli traders. Libertex offers No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution with no requotes, and average execution speed under 30 milliseconds. Forex.com also uses NDD execution, but some traders report occasional slippage during high volatility. Libertex’s superior technology and lower latency make it a better choice for scalpers and day traders in Israel. Both brokers have global server networks, but Libertex’s European servers provide faster access from Israel.
| Safety Factor | Forex.com | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✗ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a critical concern for Israeli traders. Neither Forex.com nor Libertex holds a license from the Israel Securities Authority (ISA). Forex.com operates under the regulation of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) for its European clients, and accepts Israeli clients under its international division (StoneX). Libertex is regulated by CySEC and the Financial Services Authority (FSA) in Seychelles. For Israeli traders, this means you are trading with an offshore entity, and you will not be covered by the ISA’s investor compensation fund. It's essential to verify the specific legal entity you are dealing with and understand that you rely on the protections of the foreign regulator. Both brokers are well-established and adhere to international standards, but you should consider this regulatory gap when choosing. Always read the terms of business carefully and consider using a broker with stronger oversight if local regulation is a priority.
| Payment Method | Forex.com | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✗ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✗ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 1 to 3 business days | 5 business days |
Depositing and withdrawing funds in Israeli Shekels (ILS) is straightforward with both Forex.com and Libertex, thanks to support for Bank Transfer and Credit Card. For Bank Transfer, you can send a wire from your Israeli bank account; processing times range from 1-3 business days. Credit Card deposits (Visa, Mastercard) are instant and often free of fees. Libertex has a lower minimum deposit of $10 (approx. 36 ILS), making it ideal for Israeli beginners or those wanting to test the waters. Forex.com requires a minimum of $50 for standard accounts. Both brokers charge no deposit fees. For withdrawals, both process via the same methods. Libertex typically processes withdrawals within 1 business day, while Forex.com may take up to 2-3 days. Note that currency conversion to USD or EUR may incur a small fee (around 1-2%). We recommend using Bank Transfer for larger withdrawals and Credit Card for smaller amounts to minimize costs.
| Islamic Account Feature | Forex.com | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Forex.com and Libertex offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in Israel who wish to trade in accordance with Sharia law, which prohibits the payment or receipt of interest (riba). Libertex provides swap-free accounts upon request to all qualifying clients, with no additional fees. Forex.com also offers Islamic accounts but requires you to provide proof of faith (e.g., a certificate from a mosque) and may charge an administrative fee if positions are held beyond a set period (typically 10 days). For Israeli Muslim traders who hold trades overnight frequently, Libertex’s straightforward swap-free policy is more favorable. It's important to note that both brokers may restrict certain strategies (like pure arbitrage) on Islamic accounts. Contact customer support to activate the account before trading.
| Support Feature | Forex.com | Libertex | 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 critical for Israeli traders, especially when dealing with offshore brokers. Libertex offers 24/5 live chat and phone support, with Hebrew language available on its local or international lines. Forex.com provides 24/5 support via live chat, email, and phone, but Hebrew support is limited to certain hours. Both brokers have responsive teams, but Libertex’s quicker chat response times and Hebrew-speaking agents give it an advantage for Israel-based clients. You can reach them via WhatsApp too.
| Mobile Feature | Forex.com | Libertex | 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 | Libertex | 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 Libertex if you...
After comparing Forex.com and Libertex for Israeli traders, Libertex emerges as the stronger overall choice, scoring 3.7/5 vs. Forex.com’s 3.4/5. Libertex’s lower spreads, commission-free trading, lower minimum deposit ($10 via Bank Transfer or Credit Card), and faster withdrawals are particularly advantageous for cost-conscious and active traders in Israel. Its superior Islamic account policy also benefits Muslim traders. Forex.com remains a solid option for those who need a vast asset library and robust research tools, despite higher costs. However, both brokers lack direct ISA regulation – a significant consideration for any Israeli trader. If you prioritize low costs and a user-friendly experience, Libertex is your best pick. For a more comprehensive product range and global reputation, choose Forex.com. Always test with a demo account first and ensure you understand the offshore regulatory arrangement.