Which broker is better for New Zealand traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For New Zealand traders comparing FxOpen and EasyMarkets, the choice depends on your trading style and risk appetite. FxOpen, with a rating of 3.7/5, is known for its competitive spreads, ECN execution, and support for MetaTrader 4/5 and cTrader, making it a strong option for active retail traders. EasyMarkets, rated 3.4/5, appeals to those who prefer simplicity, fixed spreads, and innovative risk management tools like deal cancellation. Both brokers accept New Zealand traders and are regulated by the local financial regulator. They also support popular local payment methods including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, ensuring convenient deposits and withdrawals for Kiwi traders. This comparison helps you decide which broker aligns with your trading goals in the New Zealand market.
| Instrument | FxOpen | 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 | $100 | $25 | FxOpen |
When comparing trading costs for New Zealand traders, FxOpen generally offers lower spreads, especially on its ECN accounts where spreads can start from 0.0 pips with a small commission. This benefits high-volume traders who execute multiple trades daily. EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads that are typically higher, averaging around 1-2 pips on major currency pairs like NZD/USD, but provide cost certainty regardless of market volatility. For New Zealand traders trading smaller volumes, the fixed spreads of EasyMarkets may be more predictable, while FxOpen is more cost-effective for frequent or larger trades.
| Account Type | FxOpen | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $25 |
| Entity / Asset | FxOpen | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand (offshore) | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:2000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:500 | 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 | FxOpen | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FxOpen |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FxOpen |
| Crypto CFDs | ✗ | 20+ | FxOpen |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | 1,000+ | ✗ | EasyMarkets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | FxOpen | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✓ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
FxOpen provides New Zealand traders with access to MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, offering advanced charting, automated trading via Expert Advisors, and custom indicators. This suits experienced retail traders who want flexibility. EasyMarkets offers its proprietary web-based platform and mobile app, which are user-friendly and include unique features like free guaranteed stop-loss and deal cancellation. For New Zealand traders who value simplicity and built-in risk controls, EasyMarkets is appealing, while FxOpen caters to those who prefer third-party platforms and advanced tools.
| Factor | FxOpen | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | EasyMarkets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | FxOpen |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
FxOpen offers ECN execution with low latency and no requotes, ideal for New Zealand traders using scalping or automated strategies. EasyMarkets uses market execution with fixed spreads, which can lead to slippage during volatile news events but ensures no requotes. For high-frequency traders, FxOpen's execution is superior, while EasyMarkets provides a more predictable experience for casual traders.
| Safety Factor | FxOpen | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both FxOpen and EasyMarkets are regulated by the local financial regulator, ensuring compliance with New Zealand's financial standards. This provides New Zealand traders with a layer of protection, including segregated client funds and dispute resolution mechanisms. FxOpen also holds licenses from other reputable bodies like the FCA and CySEC, adding extra oversight. EasyMarkets is regulated by the CySEC and ASIC, in addition to the local regulator. For New Zealand traders, this means both brokers operate legally and adhere to strict financial guidelines, though FxOpen's additional licenses may offer broader investor protection.
| Payment Method | FxOpen | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 24 hours | 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) |
New Zealand traders can fund their accounts at both FxOpen and EasyMarkets using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Bank Transfer is reliable but may take 1-3 business days for deposits and withdrawals. Skrill and Neteller offer instant deposits and fast withdrawals, typically processed within 24 hours. USDT TRC20 provides a low-cost, near-instant option for traders comfortable with cryptocurrencies. FxOpen generally processes withdrawals within 1 business day for e-wallets, while EasyMarkets aims for same-day processing. Both brokers do not charge deposit fees, but bank transfers may incur intermediary charges. Minimum deposits vary: FxOpen starts at $10 for crypto deposits, while EasyMarkets requires a minimum of $25 via most methods.
| Islamic Account Feature | FxOpen | 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 |
FxOpen offers Islamic (swap-free) accounts on its Standard and ECN account types, allowing New Zealand Muslim traders to trade without incurring overnight interest charges. EasyMarkets also provides Islamic accounts upon request, with no swap fees on positions held overnight. Both brokers comply with Sharia law by not charging or paying rollover interest. EasyMarkets requires a simple request through customer support, while FxOpen makes the option available during account registration. For New Zealand traders seeking Sharia-compliant trading, both brokers are suitable, though FxOpen offers more account type flexibility.
| Support Feature | FxOpen | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FxOpen |
FxOpen provides 24/5 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with English-speaking support available during New Zealand business hours. EasyMarkets offers 24/5 support through live chat, email, and phone, with a dedicated New Zealand phone number for local queries. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections. For New Zealand traders, EasyMarkets' local phone support may be more convenient, while FxOpen's email response times are generally faster.
| Mobile Feature | FxOpen | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | FxOpen |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | FxOpen |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✓ | ✗ | FxOpen |
| Resource | FxOpen | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FxOpen |
Choose FxOpen if you...
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
For New Zealand traders, FxOpen is the better choice for active, cost-sensitive traders who want low spreads, multiple platforms, and fast execution. Its higher score (3.7 vs 3.4) reflects its strong offering for experienced retail traders. EasyMarkets is ideal for beginners or risk-averse traders who value fixed costs, built-in protection, and simplicity. Both brokers accept local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, and are regulated by the local financial regulator. Ultimately, FxOpen wins on value and flexibility, while EasyMarkets excels in user-friendliness and risk management.