Which broker is better for Australia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Australian traders seeking ASIC-regulated forex brokers, the choice between FXCM and EasyMarkets often comes down to trading style and cost preferences. FXCM, founded in 1999, holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL 309763) and is known for its advanced Trading Station platform and tight variable spreads, making it a favourite among experienced scalpers and day traders. EasyMarkets, established in 2001 (AFSL 246566), differentiates itself with fixed spreads, guaranteed stop-loss orders, and a user-friendly web-based platform, appealing to traders who prioritise cost certainty and simplicity. Both brokers accept Australian clients and support local payment methods like BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card, ensuring seamless deposits and withdrawals in AUD. With ASIC’s strict leverage limits (up to 30:1 for major forex pairs) and client fund segregation, Australian traders can operate with confidence. This comparison examines key factors—spreads, platforms, regulation, and local payment options—to help you decide which broker aligns with your trading goals in 2025.
| Instrument | FXCM | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | EasyMarkets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | EasyMarkets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | EasyMarkets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | EasyMarkets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $50 | $25 | EasyMarkets |
When comparing trading costs for Australian traders, FXCM’s variable spreads start from 0.2 pips on EUR/USD for active accounts, while EasyMarkets offers fixed spreads averaging 1.0 pips on the same pair. For a trader executing 10 standard lots per month, FXCM’s lower variable spreads can save around $800 AUD in spread costs compared to EasyMarkets. However, EasyMarkets’ fixed spreads provide predictability, which is beneficial during volatile news events like the RBA interest rate decisions. FXCM also charges a small commission on its Active Trader account, but this is offset by tighter spreads. Overall, high-volume Australian traders will find FXCM more cost-effective, while EasyMarkets suits those who prefer stable costs without surprise widening.
| Account Type | FXCM | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $50 | $25 |
| Entity / Asset | FXCM | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (offshore) | Up to 1:400 | Up to 1:2000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:400 | 1:2000 |
| 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 | FXCM | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FXCM |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FXCM |
| Crypto CFDs | ✗ | 20+ | FXCM |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | EasyMarkets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | FXCM | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✓ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
FXCM provides its proprietary Trading Station platform, which is highly customisable and offers advanced charting tools, algorithmic trading via Capitalise.ai, and integration with MetaTrader 4 (MT4). This suits experienced Australian traders who need deep analysis and automation. EasyMarkets offers a simple, web-based platform with built-in risk management tools like dealCancellation and guaranteed stop-loss, ideal for traders who prefer a streamlined experience without software downloads. Both platforms are accessible on desktop and mobile, but FXCM’s MT4 support gives it an edge for traders who rely on expert advisors and custom indicators. For Australian traders, FXCM’s platform versatility is a clear advantage for advanced strategies.
| Factor | FXCM | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | EasyMarkets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | FXCM |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
FXCM uses No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution with Straight-Through Processing (STP), offering fast order execution with average speeds under 50ms. This is ideal for Australian scalpers who need quick fills. EasyMarkets operates a market maker model with fixed spreads, providing guaranteed execution with no requotes, but may have slightly slower execution due to its dealing desk. For Australian traders prioritising speed and transparency, FXCM’s NDD execution is superior, while EasyMarkets’ guaranteed execution suits those who value trade certainty over latency.
| Safety Factor | FXCM | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both FXCM and EasyMarkets are regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), one of the world’s most stringent financial regulators. This means Australian traders benefit from mandatory client fund segregation, regular audits, and adherence to the ASIC Client Money Rules. FXCM holds AFSL 309763, while EasyMarkets holds AFSL 246566. Additionally, both brokers comply with ASIC’s leverage cap of 30:1 for major forex pairs, reducing the risk of significant losses. For Australian traders, this regulatory framework ensures a high level of protection, and any disputes can be escalated to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). This local oversight is a key reason why both brokers are trusted by Australian traders.
| Payment Method | FXCM | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | Internal Processing: FXCM reviews and processes requests in 1–2 business days.Credit or Debit Card: Arrives within 5 business days, though statements can take up to 1 billing cycle to update.Domestic Bank Wire: Arrives in 1–2 business days after processing.International Bank Wire: Arrives in 3–5 business days after processing. | Cards 1-2 business days; e-wallets instant-1 business day; bank wire 3-10 business days; overall back-office processing within 1 business day (24h) |
Australian traders can fund their accounts using BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card at both FXCM and EasyMarkets. FXCM supports instant deposits via POLi and Credit Card, with no fees, while Bank Transfers may take 1-2 business days. The minimum deposit is $100 AUD. EasyMarkets also offers instant processing for POLi and BPAY, with a lower minimum deposit of $50 AUD. For withdrawals, FXCM processes requests within 1-2 business days via Bank Transfer, while EasyMarkets offers same-day processing for Bank Transfers and POLi withdrawals. Both brokers do not charge deposit fees, but FXCM may apply a small withdrawal fee for Bank Transfers. These local payment options make it easy for Australian traders to manage their funds efficiently in AUD.
| Islamic Account Feature | FXCM | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| 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 FXCM and EasyMarkets provide Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Australian Muslim traders who require compliance with Sharia law, which prohibits earning or paying interest (Riba). FXCM offers swap-free accounts upon request, with no overnight swap fees on positions held beyond one day. EasyMarkets automatically provides Islamic accounts for eligible clients, ensuring no swap charges are applied. Both brokers maintain the same trading conditions for Islamic accounts, including spreads and leverage, but FXCM may restrict certain products like commodities or indices. For Australian Muslim traders, EasyMarkets’ automatic provision is more convenient, while FXCM’s request-based system still meets religious requirements.
| Support Feature | FXCM | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FXCM |
FXCM offers 24/5 multilingual customer support via live chat, phone, and email, with a dedicated Australian phone line and local office hours aligned with AEST. EasyMarkets also provides 24/5 support through live chat, phone, and email, with a focus on quick response times. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections on their websites. For Australian traders, FXCM’s local presence and phone support during Sydney trading hours may be slightly more accessible, but EasyMarkets’ responsive live chat is equally effective for most queries.
| Mobile Feature | FXCM | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | FXCM |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | FXCM |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✓ | ✗ | FXCM |
| Resource | FXCM | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FXCM |
Choose FXCM if you...
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
For Australian traders, the decision between FXCM and EasyMarkets hinges on trading style and cost priorities. FXCM excels with its low variable spreads, advanced platforms, and fast execution, making it the better choice for experienced traders who trade frequently. EasyMarkets, with its fixed spreads and user-friendly platform, suits those who value simplicity and cost certainty. Both brokers are ASIC-regulated, ensuring robust protection for Australian clients, and support local payment methods like BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card. While FXCM earns a slightly higher overall rating (3.5/5 vs 3.4/5), EasyMarkets’ lower minimum deposit and guaranteed stops make it a strong alternative. Ultimately, FXCM is recommended for active traders, while EasyMarkets is ideal for those seeking a straightforward trading experience.