Which broker is better for Saudi Arabia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Saudi Arabia traders navigating the forex market in 2025, choosing between FP Markets and Oanda requires careful consideration of local needs. FP Markets, with a strong 4.7/5 rating, stands out with its tight spreads, extensive platform options, and dedicated Islamic accounts—critical for Muslim traders in the Kingdom. Oanda, rated 3.6/5, is a well-known global broker but lacks some features that matter most to Saudi clients, such as STC Pay deposits and swap-free accounts. Saudi traders often prefer brokers that support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, STC Pay, and Credit Card, and that respect Islamic finance principles. FP Markets excels in these areas, while Oanda remains a solid option for those prioritizing brand reliability and regulatory oversight from authorities like the FCA. This comparison dives deep into spreads, platforms, regulation, and local payment compatibility to help you decide which broker aligns with your trading goals in Saudi Arabia.
| 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 Saudi Arabia traders, FP Markets offers a clear advantage with spreads starting from 0.0 pips on its Raw account, plus a low commission of $3 per lot. Oanda's spreads average 0.8 pips on EUR/USD with no commission, but the wider spread can add up quickly for high-volume traders. For a Saudi trader executing 10 standard lots per month, FP Markets could save hundreds of SAR in costs compared to Oanda. Additionally, FP Markets' lower margin requirements on major pairs give Saudi traders more flexibility, especially when trading with SAR or USD accounts. Oanda's variable spreads may widen during volatile Middle East market hours, whereas FP Markets maintains consistent pricing through multiple liquidity providers.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia (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 MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, all popular among Saudi traders for their advanced charting and automated trading capabilities. These platforms are available on desktop, web, and mobile, with Arabic language support. Oanda offers its proprietary platform, TradingView integration, and MetaTrader 4, but lacks cTrader. For Saudi traders who rely on algorithmic trading or copy trading, FP Markets' cTrader platform is a significant advantage, offering deeper customization and faster execution. Both brokers have mobile apps optimized for iOS and Android, but FP Markets' multi-platform choice better suits traders who need flexibility across devices.
| 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 uses No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution with multiple liquidity providers, resulting in fast order fills and minimal slippage—crucial for high-net-worth Saudi traders executing large volumes. Oanda operates a market maker model, which can lead to requotes and slightly slower execution during news events. For Saudi traders focused on scalping or day trading, FP Markets' ECN-style execution offers superior speed and transparency, while Oanda's execution is reliable but less competitive for high-frequency strategies.
| Safety Factor | FP Markets | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
FP Markets is regulated by ASIC (Australia), CySEC, and the FSA (St. Vincent), while Oanda holds licenses from the FCA (UK), CFTC (USA), and ASIC. Neither broker is directly regulated by the Saudi Capital Market Authority (CMA), which is common for international brokers serving Saudi clients. However, FP Markets' ASIC regulation provides strong client fund protection and negative balance protection, which is reassuring for Saudi traders. Oanda's FCA regulation also offers high standards, but its lack of Islamic accounts and local payment support may outweigh regulatory benefits for many in the Kingdom. Saudi traders should always verify a broker's regulatory status and ensure it aligns with their risk tolerance.
| Payment Method | FP Markets | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✗ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✗ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 24 hours | 1 to 5 business days |
For Saudi Arabia traders, deposit and withdrawal options are a key differentiator. FP Markets supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, and STC Pay—the latter being a widely used mobile payment method in the Kingdom. Deposits via STC Pay are instant and free, while Bank Transfers may take 1-2 business days. Oanda accepts Bank Transfer and Credit Card but does not offer STC Pay, which can be less convenient for locals who prefer mobile payments. Withdrawals at FP Markets are processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and 2-5 days for bank transfers, with no fees. Oanda's withdrawal times are similar, but the lack of STC Pay means Saudi traders must rely on slower methods. Both brokers support SAR-denominated accounts, but FP Markets' STC Pay integration gives it a clear edge for local convenience.
| 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 |
Islamic (swap-free) accounts are essential for Muslim traders in Saudi Arabia who follow Sharia law, which prohibits earning or paying interest (riba). FP Markets offers dedicated Islamic accounts with no swap fees on overnight positions, making it suitable for long-term trading strategies. The account is available on all account types, including Raw and Standard, with no additional charges. Oanda does not provide Islamic accounts, meaning Saudi traders using Oanda will incur overnight interest charges on positions held past the daily rollover. This can significantly impact profitability for traders who hold positions for days or weeks. For Saudi traders prioritizing compliance with Islamic finance, FP Markets is the clear winner.
| 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 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with Arabic language assistance available. Oanda provides 24/5 support through live chat and email, but Arabic support is limited. For Saudi traders who prefer communicating in Arabic or need assistance during weekend trading sessions, FP Markets' round-the-clock support is more accommodating. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections, but FP Markets' faster response times and dedicated account managers for high-net-worth clients add extra value.
| 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 Saudi Arabia traders in 2025, FP Markets is the superior choice, thanks to its higher overall rating (4.7/5), competitive spreads, and local-friendly features like STC Pay deposits and Islamic accounts. Oanda remains a trusted global broker, but its lack of swap-free accounts and limited local payment methods makes it less suitable for many in the Kingdom. High-net-worth traders and those seeking Islamic account options will find FP Markets aligns better with their needs, especially with CMA oversight indirectly influencing their preference for regulated brokers. While Oanda's FCA regulation is strong, FP Markets' combination of low costs, platform variety, and Sharia-compliant services gives it the edge for Saudi traders looking to maximize their trading experience.