Which broker is better for Saudi Arabia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Saudi Arabia traders seeking a reliable forex broker face a critical choice between InstaForex and EasyMarkets. Both platforms cater to local needs with support for Bank Transfer, STC Pay, and Credit Card deposits, as well as Islamic accounts compliant with Sharia law. InstaForex, scoring 3.7/5, appeals to high-net-worth individuals with high leverage up to 1:1000 and low spreads, while EasyMarkets (3.4/5) offers fixed spreads and guaranteed stop-loss for conservative traders. Given the active trading culture in Saudi Arabia and the absence of CMA regulation for these offshore brokers, traders must weigh cost, flexibility, and risk management. This comparison examines spreads, platforms, regulation, and local payment methods to help you decide which broker aligns with your trading style in 2025.
| Instrument | InstaForex | 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 | $1 | $25 | InstaForex |
For Saudi Arabia traders, trading costs are a major differentiator. InstaForex offers variable spreads from 0.0 pips on its ECN accounts, ideal for high-volume traders dealing in large lot sizes common among high-net-worth individuals. EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads averaging 1.2 pips on EUR/USD, which are higher but predictable—beneficial for traders who dislike slippage. Over 100 trades per month, InstaForex can save hundreds of SAR in spread costs. However, EasyMarkets charges no commission on standard accounts, while InstaForex may apply commissions on ECN accounts. Saudi traders should calculate total cost including swaps (though Islamic accounts avoid this) to find the best fit.
| Account Type | InstaForex | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✓ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $1 | $25 |
| Entity / Asset | InstaForex | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia (offshore) | Up to 1:1000 | Up to 1:2000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:1000 | 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 | InstaForex | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | InstaForex |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | ✗ | 20+ indices | InstaForex |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | InstaForex |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | EasyMarkets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | InstaForex | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✗ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and proprietary platforms, but InstaForex also provides MT5 for advanced charting and faster execution. EasyMarkets’ web-based platform is user-friendly with built-in risk tools like dealCancellation and free guaranteed stop-loss. For Saudi traders using mobile devices via STC Pay or local banks, both platforms are optimized for Android and iOS. InstaForex’s broader platform choice suits technical traders, while EasyMarkets’ simplicity appeals to beginners. Neither broker offers a localized Arabic interface, but English support is available 24/7.
| Factor | InstaForex | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | EasyMarkets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | InstaForex |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
InstaForex offers market execution with no dealing desk intervention on ECN accounts, providing fast order processing ideal for scalping Saudi traders. EasyMarkets uses a market maker model with fixed spreads and guaranteed execution, which can lead to requotes during volatile news events. For high-frequency traders, InstaForex’s execution is superior. EasyMarkets’ guaranteed stop-loss is valuable for risk-averse traders, but slippage can still occur. Overall, InstaForex wins on speed and flexibility.
| Safety Factor | InstaForex | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FSC BVI | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✗ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Neither InstaForex nor EasyMarkets is regulated by the CMA Saudi, which means Saudi traders are not protected by local investor compensation schemes. InstaForex holds an FSA license (Belize) and CySEC license (Cyprus), offering basic oversight. EasyMarkets is regulated by CySEC and ASIC, providing stronger regulatory credibility. For Saudi high-net-worth traders, this lack of CMA oversight means due diligence is essential—check broker history, client fund segregation, and negative balance protection. Both brokers are legal to use, but traders assume higher risk compared to locally regulated firms.
| Payment Method | InstaForex | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 2 to 6 business days | 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) |
Saudi Arabia traders can fund accounts using Bank Transfer, STC Pay, and Credit Card with both brokers. InstaForex supports local bank transfers via Saudi banks (e.g., Al Rajhi, NCB) with no deposit fees and a low minimum of $1. EasyMarkets requires a $100 minimum deposit and processes STC Pay instantly. Credit card deposits are accepted by both, but EasyMarkets may charge a small fee. Withdrawals are processed within 1-3 business days for both brokers, though InstaForex offers faster processing for VIP clients. STC Pay is particularly convenient for Saudi traders due to its widespread use and instant transfers. Always verify withdrawal methods and potential fees before depositing large sums.
| Islamic Account Feature | InstaForex | 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 brokers offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Saudi Muslim traders, but with key differences. InstaForex provides swap-free accounts on all account types without extra charges, making it ideal for long-term holding. EasyMarkets also offers Islamic accounts with no overnight interest, but may impose an administration fee if positions are held beyond a specified period (e.g., 30 days). Saudi traders should confirm these terms upfront to avoid surprises. InstaForex’s more flexible Islamic account policy gives it an edge for traders who hold positions for weeks or months.
| Support Feature | InstaForex | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | InstaForex |
Customer support is available 24/5 for both brokers, with English as the primary language. InstaForex offers live chat, email, and phone support, but Arabic support is limited. EasyMarkets provides 24/5 live chat and phone support in English, with some Arabic resources. For Saudi traders, the lack of dedicated Arabic support may be a drawback, but both brokers respond quickly to queries. EasyMarkets has a slight edge with faster response times and a more comprehensive FAQ section.
| Mobile Feature | InstaForex | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | InstaForex |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | InstaForex |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | InstaForex | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | InstaForex |
Choose InstaForex if you...
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
For Saudi Arabia traders in 2025, InstaForex emerges as the stronger choice overall, thanks to its higher score (3.7/5), low spreads, high leverage, and flexible Islamic accounts. It suits high-net-worth individuals who trade actively and use local payment methods like STC Pay and Bank Transfer. EasyMarkets remains a solid alternative for risk-averse traders who prefer fixed spreads and guaranteed stop-loss, but its higher costs and lower score make it less competitive. Since neither broker is CMA-regulated, Saudi traders must prioritize due diligence. Ultimately, InstaForex offers better value for most local traders, while EasyMarkets serves those who prioritize safety and simplicity.