Which broker is better for Saudi Arabia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Saudi Arabia traders looking to trade forex and CFDs, both Forex.com and Libertex present compelling options, each catering to different preferences. Forex.com, rated 3.4/5, has a long-standing reputation with strong institutional backing and a wide range of tradable assets, including major and minor currency pairs, indices, and commodities. It is regulated in multiple jurisdictions, offering a sense of security for high-net-worth traders. Libertex, scoring 3.7/5, is a more modern platform that emphasizes simplicity and local integration. It supports STC Pay, a widely used mobile payment system in Saudi Arabia, making deposits seamless. Both brokers offer Islamic accounts that comply with Sharia law, crucial for Saudi Muslim traders. However, regulation by the CMA Saudi is not present for either broker, so traders must conduct due diligence. This comparison delves into trading costs, platform features, deposit methods including Bank Transfer and Credit Card, customer support availability in Arabic, and execution quality to help you decide which broker fits your trading style and local needs. Special attention is given to the specific requirements of Saudi Arabia's high-net-worth individuals and Islamic account seekers.
| 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 |
When comparing trading costs for Saudi Arabia traders, Libertex generally offers tighter spreads starting from 0.1 pips on major forex pairs, while Forex.com's spreads can vary from 0.2 pips depending on the account type and trading volume. For high-net-worth traders executing large volumes, even small differences in spreads can significantly impact profitability. Libertex's transparent fee structure and low minimum deposit make it attractive, whereas Forex.com may offer volume-based discounts on commissions. Saudi traders should consider their trading frequency and average trade size to determine which broker provides lower overall costs. Additionally, swap-free accounts do not incur overnight fees, which is beneficial for long-term positions.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia (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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Forex.com offers the industry-standard MetaTrader 4 and 5, plus its proprietary Web Trader platform, providing advanced charting and automated trading capabilities popular among professional Saudi traders. Libertex provides its own web-based platform and a mobile app designed for ease of use, with social trading features and one-click trading. For high-net-worth traders who require sophisticated tools, Forex.com's MT4/MT5 support and extensive indicators are advantageous. Libertex's intuitive interface appeals to those who prefer a streamlined experience, especially on mobile devices. Both platforms are available in English and Arabic, catering to local language preferences.
| 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 |
Forex.com is known for its reliable execution with no requotes and low latency, benefiting high-net-worth traders who need fast order fills. Libertex also provides competitive execution speeds, but its order execution model may vary depending on market conditions. Both brokers state they do not require minimum deposit for execution, but Libertex's proprietary platform may offer slightly faster execution for retail traders. Saudi traders should test execution with a demo account to assess real-world performance.
| Safety Factor | Forex.com | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✗ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Forex.com is regulated by top-tier authorities like the FCA (UK) and CFTC (US), offering strong investor protection. Libertex is regulated by CySEC (Cyprus) and other European bodies. However, neither broker is directly regulated by the CMA Saudi, meaning Saudi traders rely on the broker's international regulatory status. The CMA does not oversee foreign forex brokers, but traders should ensure the broker complies with Saudi financial laws. For high-net-worth individuals, the regulatory robustness of Forex.com may provide more comfort, while Libertex's regulation still meets European standards. It is crucial to verify the broker's regulatory disclosures and negative balance protection.
| Payment Method | Forex.com | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✗ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✗ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 1 to 3 business days | 5 business days |
Saudi Arabia traders can fund their accounts using several convenient methods. Both Forex.com and Libertex accept Bank Transfer and Credit Card deposits, which are widely used in the Kingdom. Libertex additionally supports STC Pay, the popular mobile wallet from Saudi Telecom Company, enabling instant deposits in Saudi Riyals (SAR). STC Pay is particularly useful for traders who prefer not to use credit cards. Withdrawals typically follow the same method as deposits. Libertex processes withdrawals within 24 hours on business days, while Forex.com's processing time may take 1-3 business days. Note that currency conversion fees may apply if depositing in a currency other than SAR. It is recommended to check for any deposit/withdrawal fees charged by the broker or intermediary banks. For high-net-worth traders, Libertex's STC Pay integration offers a local, hassle-free option, while Forex.com's bank transfer option accommodates larger sums. Always verify the latest payment methods on the broker's website as they may change.
| 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 Saudi Arabia who require compliance with Sharia law. These accounts eliminate overnight interest charges on positions held beyond a day, allowing traders to hold positions without incurring riba. Forex.com's Islamic account is available on request and applies to most trading instruments, though some exceptions may exist during news events. Libertex provides swap-free accounts automatically for eligible clients, with clear terms and conditions. Saudi traders should confirm that the Islamic account covers the instruments they wish to trade, such as forex pairs, commodities, and indices. It is also important to note that Islamic accounts may have certain restrictions on trading strategies or holding periods. Overall, both brokers cater well to the Islamic account needs of Saudi Arabia's Muslim traders.
| 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 |
Both brokers offer customer support in Arabic, which is crucial for Saudi traders. Forex.com provides 24/5 phone and live chat support, with email support for less urgent queries. Libertex also offers multi-language support including Arabic, with a dedicated team available during trading hours. For high-net-worth traders, Libertex may provide a personal account manager, while Forex.com offers premium support for larger accounts. Response times are generally quick, but live chat is the most efficient method for Saudi clients.
| 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...
For Saudi Arabia traders, the choice between Forex.com and Libertex depends on your priorities. Libertex's higher score of 3.7/5 reflects its strong local integration, including STC Pay support, competitive spreads, and straightforward Islamic accounts. It is an excellent choice for traders who value convenience and low costs. Forex.com, with a score of 3.4/5, offers unmatched regulatory credibility and advanced trading platforms suitable for high-net-worth individuals handling large volumes. Both brokers accept Bank Transfer and Credit Card deposits, but Libertex's STC Pay option gives it a local edge. Neither is regulated by CMA Saudi, so due diligence is essential. Ultimately, Libertex may suit everyday traders, while Forex.com appeals to those prioritizing institutional-grade trading. Test both with demo accounts to decide.