Which broker is better for New Zealand traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For New Zealand traders looking for a reliable forex broker, the choice often comes down to IC Markets and FxPro. Both are well-established global brokers that cater to Kiwi clients, offering local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT. IC Markets holds a strong 4.8/5 rating, praised for its ultra-low spreads and high-speed execution, while FxPro scores 4.1/5, known for its diverse platform support and robust regulation. New Zealand traders face unique conditions, including time zone advantages for Asian sessions and access to the NZD pairs. This comparison breaks down each broker’s offerings specifically for the New Zealand market, helping you decide which suits your trading style and local needs.
| Instrument | IC Markets | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | FxPro |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | FxPro |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | FxPro |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | FxPro |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $200 | $100 | FxPro |
IC Markets clearly leads on trading costs for New Zealand traders. Its Raw Spread account offers spreads from 0.0 pips with a $3.50 commission per lot, making it ideal for high-volume scalpers. FxPro’s standard spreads start at 0.6 pips on its cTrader platform and are higher on MT4/MT5. For a New Zealand trader executing 10 lots per month, IC Markets could save hundreds of dollars in spreads. Additionally, IC Markets’ low-cost structure benefits traders focusing on NZD/USD and AUD/NZD pairs, which are popular locally.
| Account Type | IC Markets | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $200 | $100 |
| Entity / Asset | IC Markets | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand (offshore) | Up to 1:5000 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:5000 | 1:500 |
| 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 | IC Markets | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | IC Markets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | IC Markets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | IC Markets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | FxPro |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | IC Markets | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✓ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers support MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, the platforms most New Zealand traders prefer. IC Markets also offers cTrader, which is excellent for ECN-style trading with advanced charting. FxPro provides its proprietary FxPro Edge platform, plus cTrader, giving traders more choice. For New Zealanders trading during Asian hours, IC Markets’ faster execution on MT4/MT5 can be a decisive advantage, while FxPro’s platform diversity appeals to those who want to test different tools.
| Factor | IC Markets | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FxPro |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | IC Markets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
IC Markets uses Equinix NY4 data centers for ultra-low latency execution, ideal for New Zealand scalpers and high-frequency traders. FxPro offers No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution but with slightly higher latency. IC Markets’ average execution speed is under 40ms, while FxPro’s is around 60ms. For New Zealand traders relying on quick fills during volatile sessions, IC Markets provides a clear edge.
| Safety Factor | IC Markets | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
IC Markets is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), while FxPro is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK and CySEC. Both brokers comply with New Zealand's financial regulations and accept Kiwi clients. For New Zealand traders, FxPro’s FCA regulation offers slightly stronger investor protection under UK rules, but IC Markets’ ASIC oversight also provides robust safeguards. Neither broker is directly regulated by the local financial regulator in New Zealand, but both operate legally under international licenses.
| Payment Method | IC Markets | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | E-wallets instant-24hrs; Cards 3-5 business days (up to 10); Int'l bank wire up to 14 days | 1 business day |
New Zealand traders can fund their accounts at both brokers using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT. IC Markets processes Skrill and Neteller deposits instantly, with no fees for most methods. Bank transfers typically take 1-3 business days. FxPro also supports these methods, with similar processing times. USDT deposits are available at both, allowing crypto-savvy traders to fund quickly. Withdrawals at IC Markets are processed within 24 hours for e-wallets, while FxPro takes 1-2 business days. Both brokers do not charge deposit fees for these methods, making them cost-effective for New Zealand traders.
| Islamic Account Feature | IC Markets | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| 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 IC Markets and FxPro offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for New Zealand Muslim traders. IC Markets provides swap-free accounts upon request, applicable to all account types, but they may charge a small administrative fee after a holding period. FxPro offers Islamic accounts automatically for eligible clients, with no swap fees on positions held overnight. FxPro’s process is slightly more straightforward, but IC Markets’ raw spreads can still be attractive for swap-free traders. Both brokers comply with Sharia law, ensuring interest-free trading.
| Support Feature | IC Markets | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | IC Markets |
IC Markets offers 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, which is beneficial for New Zealand traders in different time zones. FxPro provides similar support but with slightly slower response times during weekends. IC Markets’ support team is known for quick resolution of technical issues, while FxPro excels in multilingual support. For Kiwi traders, IC Markets’ round-the-clock availability is a key advantage.
| Mobile Feature | IC Markets | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | IC Markets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | IC Markets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | IC Markets | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | IC Markets |
Choose IC Markets if you...
Choose FxPro if you...
For most New Zealand retail traders, IC Markets is the superior choice due to its lower spreads, faster execution, and higher overall rating (4.8/5 vs 4.1/5). It offers the same local payment methods—Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, USDT—as FxPro, but with better cost efficiency. FxPro remains a solid alternative for traders who prioritize FCA regulation or platform diversity. However, given the New Zealand trading environment, IC Markets’ competitive pricing and execution make it the recommended broker for 2026. Always consider your personal trading style and test both with a demo account before committing.