FBS Overall rating
Rating | Weight | |
User Rating |
4.5 (14 reviews)
|
3 |
Popularity |
4.0
|
3 |
Regulation |
5.0
|
2 |
Pricing rating |
4.4
|
1 |
Customer Support |
3.0
|
1 |
Features |
Not rated
|
1 |
Pros
- High user rating of 4.5 out of 5
- Ranked 7th out of 815 forex brokers by users
- Wide range of regulatory licenses (CySEC, ASIC, FSC)
- Offers high leverage up to 3000:1
- Low forex spreads averaging 2.09 pips
- Founded in 2009, well-established in the market
- High organic web traffic of over 1.5 million visits per month
Cons
- Zero user reviews from verified real trading accounts
- Not publicly traded and does not provide financials publicly
- Higher crypto spreads compared to some competitors
We tested FBS using real-money live accounts. Our reviews are unique in that they do not have any bias for or against any broker and are driven purely on the underlying data we compile from live account testing, regulatory data, and opinions from customers. We list all brokers and do not charge a fee for it. We offer additional visibility for a fee, but our review content cannot be influenced. Read our About Us page to read our editorial guidelines and how we make money.
Trustworthiness & Regulation
FBS is a well-established broker founded in 2009, which has gained significant popularity and trust within the forex trading community. The broker is regulated by multiple authorities, including CySEC in Cyprus, ASIC in Australia, and the FSC in Belize, ensuring a high level of oversight and compliance.
FBS has a strong user rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 10 reviews, although none of these reviews are from verified real trading accounts. The broker ranks 7th out of 815 forex brokers based on user ratings and 36th based on expert ratings. FBS enjoys a popularity rating of 4.0 out of 5, reflecting its substantial organic web traffic of over 1.5 million visits per month.
Despite its strong regulatory standing and popularity, it's important to remember that even highly regulated and successful financial firms can fail in the past.
Company | Licenses & Regulations | Segregated Client Money | Deposit Compensation Scheme | Negative Balance Protection | Rebates | Max. Leverage Retail Clients |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Intelligent Financial Markets Pty Ltd | 30 : 1 | |||||
Tradestone Limited | up to €20,000 | 30 : 1 | ||||
FBS Markets Inc | 3000 : 1 |
Deposit Insurance
FBS offers deposit insurance and investor compensation schemes through its regulatory frameworks. Under CySEC regulation in Cyprus, clients are protected by a deposit compensation scheme, which compensates investors if an authorized financial firm fails.
Additionally, FBS ensures segregated client funds, meaning client money is kept separate from the company's operating capital, providing an extra layer of security.
This level of protection is crucial for traders who want to ensure their funds are safe in the event of broker insolvency.
Spreads and Costs
FBS offers competitive spreads and costs compared to industry-leading brokers. The broker's forex spreads average 2.09 pips, which is relatively low, while crypto spreads are higher at 24.02 pips.
Commodity spreads are also competitive, averaging 0.17 pips. Overall, FBS provides reasonable spread and commission costs, making it a viable option for traders seeking lower trading costs.
Combined Spread/Commission Costs by Asset Class Compared to Market Leading Brokers
Broker - Account Type | Crypto Average | Forex Average | Indices Average | Commodities Average |
---|---|---|---|---|
FBS – Standard | 24.02 | 2.09 | - | 0.17 |
Vantage Markets – Standard | 8.67 | 1.93 | - | 0.11 |
IC Markets – Standard | 9.29 | 1.51 | 1.23 | 0.10 |
XM – Standard | 39.18 | 2.46 | 4.02 | - |
FxPro – Standard | - | 2.56 | 3.68 | - |
ThinkMarkets – Standard | 24.73 | 3.80 | 3.02 | 0.20 |
HFM – Premium | 35.34 | 1.49 | 21.61 | 0.13 |
Crypto averages comprise (BTCUSD, ETHUSD), forex averages comprise (EURUSD, USDJPY, GBPJPY, EURGBP, AUDNZD, CADCHF), indices averages comprise (US30, AUS200), and commodities average comprises (XAUUSD, XAGUSD). Data is sampled every 10 seconds for 24 hours to calculate the average. Forex is stated in pips, and the others are stated in base currency. All spreads include both spread and commission calculated in.
Our data comes from our sophisticated spread analyzer tool, which collects live account information and syncs with our performance analytics system. To compare all brokers and instruments with the latest live data, visit our spread analyzer tool. A spread is the difference between the bid (sell) and ask (buy) price of an asset and can vary widely between brokers and account types.
Some brokers charge higher spreads but no commission, while others charge both, making it crucial to assess the total cost, which includes both spread and commission. Our values reflect this all-in cost. Note that some brokers may set low costs on popular pairs like EURUSD but higher rates on other instruments.
Many brokers also advertise "as low as" spreads that may not reflect the true average or include commissions. Comparing true all-in cost averages across various instruments and asset classes is vital for accurate assessment.
Combined Spread/Commission Costs Per Instrument Compared to Market Leading Brokers
Broker - Account Type | BTCUSD | ETHUSD | EURUSD | USDJPY | GBPJPY | EURGBP | AUDNZD | CADCHF | AUS200 | US30 | X AUUSD | XAGUSD |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FBS – Standard | 46.02 | 2.00 | 1.42 | 1.78 | 2.82 | 2.06 | 2.58 | 1.93 | - | 5.95 | 0.31 | 0.03 |
Vantage Markets – Standard | 14.73 | 2.61 | 1.39 | 1.75 | 2.33 | 1.52 | 2.48 | 2.09 | - | - | 0.19 | 0.03 |
IC Markets – Standard | 15.59 | 3.00 | 0.88 | 1.14 | 1.81 | 1.37 | 2.35 | 1.49 | 1.51 | 0.96 | 0.18 | 0.02 |
XM – Standard | 73.20 | 5.15 | 1.28 | 1.56 | 3.55 | 2.33 | 3.34 | 2.69 | 3.54 | 4.49 | - | - |
FxPro – Standard | - | - | 1.32 | 1.64 | 3.51 | 1.58 | 3.90 | 3.40 | 4.73 | 2.63 | - | - |
ThinkMarkets – Standard | 46.13 | 3.32 | 2.56 | 3.51 | 4.64 | 2.74 | 6.00 | 3.37 | 3.34 | 2.70 | 0.33 | 0.06 |
HFM – Premium | 38.41 | 3.61 | 1.74 | 2.51 | 3.99 | 2.20 | 4.03 | 2.82 | 2.27 | 6.01 | 0.32 | 0.04 |
Swap Rates/Financing Fees
Swap rates, also known as financing fees, are the interest rates paid or earned for holding a position overnight. Positive swap rates pay out to the trader, while negative swap rates incur a cost.
FBS offers competitive average swap rates compared to industry-leading brokers, with the average rate being -4.38. This places FBS in a favorable position for traders concerned with swap costs.
Broker | Best | Average | NZDUSD Swap Short | NZDUSD Swap Long | USDJPY Swap Short | USDJPY Swap Long | XAUUSD Swap Short | XAUUSD Swap Long |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FBS | - | -4.38 | -0.14 | -0.06 | -2.87 | 0.63 | 6.05 | -29.90 |
Vantage Markets | - | -2.34 | -0.19 | -0.25 | -2.72 | 1.03 | 18.90 | -30.80 |
IC Markets | Best | -2.27 | -0.10 | -0.14 | -2.59 | 1.25 | 20.78 | -32.84 |
XM | - | -5.29 | -0.15 | -0.19 | -3.73 | 1.12 | 19.67 | -48.45 |
FxPro | - | -4.03 | -0.14 | -0.15 | -3.33 | 1.02 | 19.15 | -40.75 |
ThinkMarkets | - | -3.27 | -0.14 | -0.14 | -2.61 | 1.08 | 19.57 | -37.37 |
HFM | - | -7.43 | -0.14 | -0.15 | -3.58 | 0.00 | 0.00 | -40.72 |
Does FBS Offer Islamic/Swap-free Accounts?
Islamic or swap-free trading accounts are designed to comply with Sharia law, which prohibits earning or paying interest. FBS offers Islamic accounts that do not incur swap or rollover charges on overnight positions.
Traders interested in these accounts must opt for them during the account registration process or convert their existing accounts to Islamic accounts by contacting FBS support.
These accounts are available for all account types and offer the same trading conditions as regular accounts, with no additional fees.
Other Fees
In addition to spreads and swap rates, FBS charges several other fees:
Fee Type | Details |
---|---|
Withdrawal Fees | FBS may charge a withdrawal fee depending on the method used. Please check FBS' deposits & withdrawals web page for more details. |
Inactivity Fees | FBS imposes an inactivity fee of $5 per month after 180 days of no trading activity. |
Comparison to other Brokers
FBS stands out in the forex trading industry due to its extensive regulatory oversight, competitive spreads, and high leverage offerings. Compared to other industry-leading brokers, FBS provides a solid range of trading instruments and platforms.
While it may not have the lowest spreads in all categories, its overall cost structure remains competitive. The broker's popularity and substantial web traffic indicate a strong presence in the market.
Still, the lack of verified real trading account reviews and public financial disclosures may be a drawback for some traders. Nonetheless, FBS's long-standing presence since 2009 and its comprehensive regulatory framework make it a reliable choice for many traders.
Trading Platforms - Mobile, Desktop, Automated
Platform | Device Compatibility | Automated Trading | Programming Language | Ease of Learnability |
---|---|---|---|---|
MetaTrader 4 | Desktop, Mobile, Web | Yes | MQL4 | Moderate |
MetaTrader 5 | Desktop, Mobile, Web | Yes | MQL5 | Moderate |
FBS Trader App | Mobile | No | N/A | N/A |
FBS offers a variety of trading platforms catering to different types of traders. MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) are available on desktop, mobile, and web, providing robust charting tools, automated trading capabilities, and a wide range of technical indicators.
MT4 uses the MQL4 programming language, while MT5 uses MQL5, both of which offer moderate ease of learnability. The FBS Trader App is designed for mobile trading, offering an intuitive interface and ease of use but without automated trading capabilities.
Overall, FBS's platforms are versatile and cater to both novice and experienced traders.
What Can you Trade?
Asset Class | Number of Instruments |
---|---|
Forex CFD | 70 |
Crypto CFD | 10+ |
Stock CFD | 475 |
Stock Index CFD | 11 |
Commodities CFD | 11 |
ETFs | - |
Bond CFD | - |
Futures CFD | - |
FBS offers a broad range of tradable instruments, including 70 forex CFDs, over 10 crypto CFDs, 475 stock CFDs, 11 stock index CFDs, and 11 commodities CFDs. However, it does not provide ETFs, bond CFDs, or futures CFDs.
Traders can engage in CFD trading, which involves speculating on the price movement of these instruments without owning the underlying asset. CFD trading allows for leverage, which can amplify both potential gains and losses.
It is important to understand the risks involved in leveraged trading and to use risk management strategies. For more details on the specific instruments available, visit the FBS' trading specs web page.
Available Leverage
FBS offers varying leverage levels depending on the regulatory entity and the type of instrument traded. Under CySEC regulation in Cyprus, the maximum leverage for retail clients is 30:1. In Australia, under ASIC regulation, the leverage is also capped at 30:1 for retail clients.
Still, FBS Markets Inc in Belize offers significantly higher leverage of up to 3000:1. It's crucial for traders to understand that while higher leverage can increase potential profits, it also magnifies potential losses.
Therefore, traders should use leverage wisely and consider their risk tolerance and trading strategy.
Prohibited Countries
FBS does not offer its services to residents of certain countries due to regulatory restrictions. These countries include the United States, Japan, Canada, the United Kingdom, Myanmar, Brazil, Malaysia, Israel, and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Traders from these countries are prohibited from opening accounts with FBS. It is always recommended to check the broker's website or contact customer support for the most up-to-date information regarding restricted countries.
FBS Account types
Standard | Cent | |
Maximum leverage | 3000:1 | 1000:1 |
Mobile Platform | MT4 Mobile, MT5 Mobile, Proprietary | MT4 Mobile, MT5 Mobile |
Trading platform | MT4, MT5, Proprietary | MT4, MT5 |
Spread Type | Variable Spread | |
Minimum Deposit | 5 | |
Minimum Trade Size | 0.01 | |
Trailing Stops | ||
Scalping Allowed | ||
Hedging Allowed | ||
Islamic Accounts |
Standard | |
Maximum leverage | 3000:1 |
Trading platform | MT4MT5Proprietary |
Mobile platform | MT4 MobileMT5 MobileProprietary |
Spread type | Variable Spread |
Minimum deposit | 5 |
Minimum Trade Size | 0.01 |
Trailing Stops | |
Scalping Allowed | |
Hedging Allowed | |
Islamic Accounts |
Cent | |
Maximum leverage | 1000:1 |
Trading platform | MT4MT5 |
Mobile platform | MT4 MobileMT5 Mobile |
Spread type | Variable Spread |
Minimum deposit | 5 |
Minimum Trade Size | 0.01 |
Trailing Stops | |
Scalping Allowed | |
Hedging Allowed | |
Islamic Accounts |
FBS Web traffic
Our web traffic data is sourced from SimilarWeb and sums the traffic data of all websites associated with a broker. Organic visits are visits the broker didn't pay for, based on the available data. This data updates once monthly and can be based on data purchased from internet service providers, traffic metrics sourced by a third party such as Google Analytics that the company chooses to share with SimilarWeb, etc.
Websites |
fbs.partners
fbs.com
|
Organic monthly visits | 1,174,665 (98%) |
Organic traffic rank | 27 out of 827 (Forex Brokers) |
Paid monthly visits | 28,360 (2%) |
Total monthly visits | 1,203,025 |
Bounce rate | 49% |
Pages per visit | 3.00 |
Average visit duration | 00:05:15.2230000 |
FBS Profile
Company Name | FBS Markets Inc |
Categories | Forex Brokers, Cryptocurrency Brokers, Forex Rebates |
Primary Category | Forex Brokers |
Year Founded | 2009 |
Headquarters | Belize |
Office Locations | Belize |
Account Currency | EUR, JPY, USD |
Support Languages | Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Korean, Malay, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai, Turkish, Vietnamese, Urdu, Bahasa (Indonesian) |
Funding Methods | Bank Wire, Bitcoin, Credit/Debit Card, Litecoin, Neteller, Perfect Money, Skrill, SticPay, Ethereum, Tether (USDT) |
Financial Instruments | Forex, Shares, Indices, Oil/Energies, Cryptocurrencies, Metals, Soft Commodities (coffee, sugar...) |
Prohibited Countries | Brazil, Canada, Israel, Iran, Japan, Myanmar, Malaysia, United Kingdom, United States |
FBS User reviews
Newer user ratings have greater impact than older ratings and user ratings have no impact after 5+ years old. The more reviews a company receives, the higher the maximum possible aggregate user rating. After 100 reviews a company can receive the highest rating, which is an average of their user ratings.
FBS Cashback rebates
Standard | Cent | |
Forex | 32.25% Of The Spread | |
Oil / Energies | 32.25% Of The Spread | |
Metals | 32.25% Of The Spread | |
Shares / Equities | 32.25% Of The Spread | |
Indices | 32.25% Of The Spread | |
Cryptocurrencies | 32.25% Of The Spread | |
Payment Options |
Monthly Cash Back
|
Standard | |
Forex | 32.25% Of The Spread |
Oil / Energies | 32.25% Of The Spread |
Metals | 32.25% Of The Spread |
Shares / Equities | 32.25% Of The Spread |
Indices | 32.25% Of The Spread |
Cryptocurrencies | 32.25% Of The Spread |
Payment Options |
Monthly Cash Back
|
Cent | |
Forex | 32.25% Of The Spread |
Oil / Energies | 32.25% Of The Spread |
Metals | 32.25% Of The Spread |
Shares / Equities | 32.25% Of The Spread |
Indices | 32.25% Of The Spread |
Cryptocurrencies | 32.25% Of The Spread |
Payment Options |
Monthly Cash Back
|
Notes
- Residents of EEA and UK
- Cent account, if the trade generates less than 0.01 usd (1 cent) in IB commissions
What are FBS rebates?
Many traders initially believe there must be higher costs elsewhere to compensate, however they soon find there is no catch and Forex rebates truly reduce the costs of the transaction and improve their bottom line.
How do FBS rebates work?
When you link a new or existing forex trading account to us the broker pays us part of their spread or commission profit for every trade you make as compensation for referring a customer to them. We then share the majority of our revenue with you, paying you a cash rebate for each trade you make as thank you for signing up with us.Unlike some of our competitors your spreads will never increase as a result of using our service! The only difference is: as our client you earn extra cash per trade, making trading through us more profitable than opening direct with the broker. Founded in 2007, we are the original and leading provider of forex rebates. We pay rebates to over 100,000 accounts and traders love our helpful 24 hour live chat, telephone and email support.
How much FBS rebates can I earn?
FBS Regulation / Money Protection
Company | Licenses & Regulations | Segregated Client Money | Deposit Compensation Scheme | Negative Balance Protection | Rebates | Max. Leverage Retail Clients |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Intelligent Financial Markets Pty Ltd | 30 : 1 | |||||
Tradestone Limited | up to €20,000 | 30 : 1 | ||||
FBS Markets Inc | 3000 : 1 |
FBS Symbols
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