FxOpen vs EasyMarkets: Which Broker Suits Austria Retail Traders?

For Austria traders, trading costs are a key differentiator. FxOpen’s ECN accounts offer spreads from 0.0 pips on EUR/USD with a $3 commission per lot round-turn, ideal for scalpers in Vienna. In contrast, EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads starting at 1.0 pips on EUR/USD with no commission, but wider spreads on exotics. Over 100 lots per month, FxOpen can save Austrian traders $200+ in spread costs. However, EasyMarkets’ fixed costs provide budget certainty for smaller retail accounts. FxOpen also charges a $10 monthly inactivity fee after 3 months, while EasyMarkets has none. Both brokers offer competitive swap rates for overnight positions in EUR-based pairs.

FxOpen provides MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and a proprietary TickTrader platform, all available in German. This suits Austrian traders who want advanced charting, automated trading via Expert Advisors, and multi-asset support. EasyMarkets offers its own web-based platform and mobile app, plus MT4 for experienced users. The EasyMarkets platform features a risk management tool (dealCancellation) and guaranteed stop-loss, appealing to retail traders new to forex. Both platforms support Austrian time zone (CET) and offer demo accounts. For algorithmic traders, FxOpen is the clear choice.

FxOpen uses ECN/STP execution with no dealing desk interference, offering average execution speeds of 40ms on its TickTrader platform. This suits Austrian scalpers and algorithmic traders. EasyMarkets uses market maker execution with fixed spreads, which can lead to requotes during high volatility. However, EasyMarkets guarantees stop-loss orders, preventing slippage on stops. For retail traders prioritizing execution speed, FxOpen is superior; for those valuing order certainty, EasyMarkets is better.

Both FxOpen and EasyMarkets are regulated by top-tier authorities: FxOpen by the FCA (UK) and CySEC (Cyprus), EasyMarkets by CySEC and ASIC (Australia). For Austria traders, this means MiFID II compliance, client fund segregation, and negative balance protection. Austria’s local financial regulator (FMA) does not directly license these brokers but allows them to operate under EU passporting rights. FxOpen also offers an offshore entity (IFSC Belize) for higher leverage, but Austrian retail clients are typically onboarded under the EU entity, limiting leverage to 1:30 for forex. EasyMarkets similarly restricts leverage for EU residents. Both brokers provide compensation schemes (up to €20,000 via ICF for CySEC clients).

Austria traders can fund their accounts using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 at both FxOpen and EasyMarkets. FxOpen supports deposits from $10 via USDT TRC20 (instant, zero fee) and bank transfers from $100 (1-3 business days, free). EasyMarkets requires a minimum $100 deposit for bank transfers and $25 for e-wallets. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours for e-wallets at both brokers, while bank transfers take 2-5 days. FxOpen charges no withdrawal fee for e-wallets but a $30 fee for bank transfers under $100. EasyMarkets offers one free withdrawal per month via bank transfer. USDT TRC20 is particularly fast and low-cost for Austrian crypto users. Both brokers support EUR accounts to avoid conversion fees.

Both FxOpen and EasyMarkets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in Austria who cannot earn or pay interest (riba). FxOpen provides Islamic accounts on Standard, ECN, and Crypto accounts, with no swap charges on overnight positions. EasyMarkets also offers Islamic accounts but only on certain account types; you must request activation via support. FxOpen’s Islamic accounts have no time limit, while EasyMarkets may impose a 30-day holding period for some instruments. Both brokers require a declaration of faith or residency in a Muslim-majority country, but Austrian residents can qualify. No additional fees are charged on these accounts.

FxOpen offers 24/5 multilingual support via live chat, email, and phone, with German-speaking agents available during European hours. EasyMarkets provides 24/5 support via live chat, phone, and email, also in German. Both have comprehensive FAQ sections in German. FxOpen’s response time is faster (under 2 minutes for live chat), while EasyMarkets offers callback service. For Austria traders, both are accessible, but FxOpen’s extended hours and dedicated account managers for higher tiers give it an edge.