Which broker is better for Kuwait traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Kuwait traders looking to trade forex and CFDs, choosing between FP Markets and Oanda is a critical decision. FP Markets, with a score of 4.7/5, is a top-tier broker known for its low spreads, fast execution, and extensive range of instruments. Oanda, scoring 3.6/5, is a well-established broker with a strong reputation for transparency and regulatory compliance. In Kuwait, where the local financial regulator oversees trading activities, both brokers are accessible, but they differ significantly in features tailored to local needs. FP Markets supports popular local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making deposits and withdrawals seamless for Kuwait traders. Oanda, while reliable, offers fewer payment options and higher spreads. This comparison will help Kuwait retail traders decide which broker aligns better with their trading goals and local requirements.
| Instrument | FP Markets | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Oanda |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Oanda |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Oanda |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Oanda |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $100 | $0 | Oanda |
When comparing trading costs for Kuwait traders, FP Markets clearly outperforms Oanda. FP Markets offers spreads as low as 0.0 pips on its Raw ECN account, with a commission of $3 per lot per side. Oanda's spreads are variable, typically starting at 0.6 pips on EUR/USD but often higher during volatile times. For a Kuwait trader executing 10 lots per month, FP Markets can save approximately $60-$100 in spread costs compared to Oanda. Additionally, FP Markets has no hidden fees for deposits via Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, or USDT TRC20, while Oanda may charge for certain payment methods. Lower costs directly boost profitability for active traders in Kuwait.
| Account Type | FP Markets | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $0 |
| Entity / Asset | FP Markets | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Kuwait (offshore) | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:100 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:500 | 1:100 |
| 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 | FP Markets | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FP Markets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FP Markets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | FP Markets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | 1,000+ | ✗ | Oanda |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | FP Markets | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✓ | ✓ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
FP Markets provides access to MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), the most popular platforms among Kuwait traders, offering advanced charting, automated trading, and a vast marketplace for Expert Advisors (EAs). Oanda offers its proprietary platform, Oanda Trade, along with MT4, but lacks MT5. For Kuwait traders who rely on algorithmic trading or need multi-asset charting, FP Markets' MT4/MT5 suite is more versatile. Oanda's platform is simpler and user-friendly, ideal for beginners, but lacks the depth that experienced Kuwait traders may require. Both platforms are available on desktop, web, and mobile.
| Factor | FP Markets | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Oanda |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | FP Markets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
FP Markets offers ultra-fast execution with an average speed of 40ms, ideal for Kuwait traders using scalping or EA strategies. The broker uses a true ECN/STP model, ensuring no requotes and minimal slippage. Oanda's execution is reliable but slower, typically around 100-200ms, which can be a drawback for high-frequency traders. For Kuwait traders who prioritize speed, FP Markets is the clear winner.
| Safety Factor | FP Markets | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both FP Markets and Oanda are regulated by top-tier authorities, but the local financial regulator in Kuwait does not directly oversee them. FP Markets is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), offering strong client protection through segregation of funds and negative balance protection. Oanda is regulated by multiple bodies, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in the US. For Kuwait traders, this means both brokers provide a high level of security, but FP Markets' regulatory framework is more aligned with international standards, while Oanda's US-based regulation may impose stricter leverage limits.
| Payment Method | FP Markets | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✗ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✗ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 24 hours | 1 to 5 business days |
Deposits and withdrawals for Kuwait traders are more convenient with FP Markets, which supports Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Bank transfers are free but may take 1-3 business days, while Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 are processed instantly with no deposit fees. Withdrawals via these methods are also fast, typically within 24 hours. Oanda primarily accepts Bank Transfer and credit/debit cards, but does not widely support Skrill, Neteller, or USDT TRC20 for Kuwait clients. This can be a disadvantage for traders who prefer digital wallets or cryptocurrencies. FP Markets also offers a minimum deposit of $100, while Oanda requires $0 for some accounts, but the lack of local payment options may offset this flexibility. Kuwait traders should choose FP Markets for faster and more diverse payment methods.
| Islamic Account Feature | FP Markets | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 FP Markets and Oanda offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Kuwait Muslim traders who wish to trade in accordance with Sharia law. FP Markets provides swap-free accounts on all account types, including Standard and Raw ECN, with no additional fees. Oanda offers Islamic accounts on request, but they are limited to certain account types and may have restrictions on holding positions for extended periods. For Kuwait traders, FP Markets' Islamic accounts are more flexible and widely available, making it a preferred choice for those seeking compliance with Islamic finance principles. Both brokers ensure no overnight interest is charged or paid, but FP Markets offers broader access.
| Support Feature | FP Markets | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FP Markets |
FP Markets offers 24/5 customer support in English, with live chat, email, and phone options. For Kuwait traders, support is available during trading hours, and the team is responsive to queries about deposits via Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, or USDT TRC20. Oanda also provides 24/5 support but with longer response times. FP Markets' support is more tailored to international clients, including those in Kuwait, ensuring faster resolution of issues.
| Mobile Feature | FP Markets | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | FP Markets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | FP Markets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Resource | FP Markets | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FP Markets |
Choose FP Markets if you...
Choose Oanda if you...
For Kuwait traders, FP Markets is the superior choice, offering lower trading costs, faster execution, and better support for local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Its higher rating (4.7/5) reflects its strong performance in areas critical to retail traders, including regulation by top-tier authorities and flexible Islamic accounts. Oanda is a reliable alternative for beginners or those who prioritize simplicity, but its higher spreads and limited payment options make it less competitive for active Kuwait traders. Considering local factors such as the local financial regulator's oversight and the need for efficient deposits/withdrawals, FP Markets is the recommended broker for 2025.