FBS Review 2024
With more than 12 years in the game, FBS is considered a reliable broker, offering a wide range of assets to trade. Notwithstanding, it does not offer decent customer service. Read the full review.
Open an accountEvaluation
6.70
Regulations
Minimum Deposit
100$
Islamic Account
yes
Payment Methods
Bank transfer,Credit card,lectronic Banks
Main Branch
Belize
Demo Account
No
Trading Platforms
Proprietary Platform, MT4,MT5
Key Takeaways
- FBS is a well-established broker, set up in 2009.
- FOREX is not the only market that FBS provides for its membership of more than 15 million traders, with CFDs, stocks and more; also tradeable, sometimes with leverage of up to 1:3000 (for non-EU customers only) and no commissions accompanying the majority of instruments and accounts.
- FBS traders enjoy some of the lowest capital requirements in the industry and will appreciate a thorough selection of trading education videos and articles on the FBS Website, as well.
- A host of account types helps to adapt FBS and its services to nearly any trader; in general, however, those with no desire to invest an excessive amount from the outset are ideal candidates for FBS membership.
- FBS Markets Inc. is registered in Belize and regulated by the International Financial Services Commission of Belize (IFSC); while FBS.eu is operated by the Cypriot firm TradeStone Ltd and regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC).
- Clients are able to access a wide range of assets for trading, but cryptocurrencies are not offered.
- FBS offers six different account types, each with its own special requirements and benefits.
- The minimum deposit at the online FOREX broker is different for each account type and trading region, and can be as low as $1.
- At FBS, customer service is more than adequate.
- Spreads offered by FBS vary by account type and region, while the maximum leverage available also depends on the account type and branch.
- FBS uses a Non-Dealing Desk (NDD) system with Straight Through Processing (STP) for rapid order execution. Following registration and login, clients have a choice of two platforms to access the markets, the vastly-popular MetaTrader4 (MT4) and MetaTrader5 (MT5).
- FBS’ mobile trading app is fully loaded and the MetaTrader platforms are also available on the “go.”
- The FBS Website has an analysis section with rich resources, including FOREX-related news, market updates and a FOREX TV feature that displays informational videos, weekly insights and trading plans.
- In the area of education, there are the standard offerings of market analysis and calculators, as well as an economic calendar, but there are no online tutorials, Webinars, videos or eBooks.
Overall Summary
FBS joined the world of FOREX trading in 2009. It now enjoys a presence in more than 190 countries with a customer base of more than 15 million active traders. As a testament to its success, from the very beginning the company has scooped one award after another, though most of these were in Asia. For example, in 2010, FBS received an award for Best Mini FOREX-broker, in 2012 it was named as the Fastest growing broker in Asia, and in 2013 it received Best broker in Asia, to name a few.
As noted, FBS is regulated by the CySEC and the IFSC, and this is further strengthened by rock-solid trading foundations built on a hybrid STP and Electronic Communication Network (ECN) model. Although the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin), they are still trustworthy regulators. FBS is owned by FBS Markets Company, which has offices in a number of Asian cities. FBS has chosen MT4 as its trading platform.
FOREX is not the only market that FBS provides for its membership of over 15 million traders, with CFDs, stocks and more also tradeable, with leverage of up to 1:3000 (for non-EU customers only) sometimes and no commissions accompanying the majority of instruments and accounts.
Meanwhile, FBS traders enjoy some of the lowest capital requirements in the industry and have available to them a thorough selection of trading education videos and articles on the FBS Website, as well. Matched with an expansive selection of account types and extras, as will be discussed below, FBS capably welcomes and nurtures every type of trader.
By creating a user-friendly, highly educational and cost-effective trading environment that is easy to access, FBS has become established as a broker willing to invest in the success of its less-experienced clients. Video tutorials, FOREX guidebooks and Webinars, eBooks and full seminars are free for members to enjoy. Further, FBS runs frequent promotions that help introduce traders to new markets and concepts and reward them for their participation (for non-EU customers only).
Meanwhile, FBS traders enjoy some of the lowest capital requirements in the industry and have available to them a thorough selection of trading education videos and articles on the FBS Website, as well. Matched with an expansive selection of account types and extras, as will be discussed below, FBS capably welcomes and nurtures every type of trader.
By creating a user-friendly, highly educational and cost-effective trading environment that is easy to access, FBS has become established as a broker willing to invest in the success of its less-experienced clients. Video tutorials, FOREX guidebooks and Webinars, eBooks and full seminars are free for members to enjoy. Further, FBS runs frequent promotions that help introduce traders to new markets and concepts and reward them for their participation (for non-EU customers only).
Who FBS Is Good For?
A host of account types help to adapt FBS and its services to nearly any trader; but, in general, those with no desire to invest an excessive amount from the outset are ideal candidates for FBS membership. Two account types require a minimum deposit of just $1 (Cent) and $5 (Micro), yet still provide high leverage and many of the privileges available to upper-tier accounts. While advanced traders may be more satisfied by the ECN or Standard Accounts, which boost leverage and require a higher minimum deposit, beginners have more to gain with FBS.
Pros
- MT4 and MT5 integration. Ultra-low minimum deposits.
- Range of promotions and deposit bonuses.
- Competitive zero-pip spreads.
- Superfast trade execution within 0.40 seconds for 95% of trades.
- High leverage up to 1:3000 (for non-EU customers only) suits higher-risk traders well.
- Exemplary, multilingual customer service is always available.
- Free demo accounts for every account type helps clients test strategies.
Cons
- Fewer account and trading options in the EU.
- Fees on both deposits and withdrawals (depends on payment type).
- Commissions payable on many trade types at the global firm.
FBS accepts traders from Australia, Thailand, the UK, South Africa, Singapore, Hong Kong, India, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Italy, Denmark, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Qatar and most other countries. By contrast, traders cannot use FBS from the US, Japan, Canada, Myanmar, Brazil, Israel and Iran.
Top FBS Features
Favorable Spreads and Commissions: Only two of six possible account types on FBS have commissions, the remainder do not. ECN and Zero-Spreads Account holders will pay $20 per lot and $6 per lot in commissions, respectively, and these accounts also exhibit the lowest possible spreads. The Zero-Spreads Account is aptly named with a zero-pip fixed spread, while the ECN account offers a floating spread from -1 pips.
Leverage Up to 1:3000: For members living outside of the EU, leverage on the Standard, Micro and Zero-Spread Accounts runs up to 1:3000, which is among the highest in the world. All other accounts have leverage up to 1:1000, except the ECN account, which offers up to 1:500.
Leverage Up to 1:3000: For members living outside of the EU, leverage on the Standard, Micro and Zero-Spread Accounts runs up to 1:3000, which is among the highest in the world. All other accounts have leverage up to 1:1000, except the ECN account, which offers up to 1:500.
Low Barriers to Market Entry: Thanks to its lean model that does away with a Dealing Desk, traders are able to enjoy much lower minimum deposits, starting with a $5 minimum deposit for a Micro Account or $1 minimum in a Cent Account, reducing obstacles to entering global financial markets.
Effortless Deposits and Withdrawals: With a healthy variety of payment types, including credit card, Neteller, Skrill, Bitwallet, Sticpay and bank wires, traders are quick to deposit and withdraw however they prefer.
Stellar Customer Support: Customer support is available 24/7 in English and, during market hours, in several other languages via a number of methods. These include email, phone, live chat and social media. The FBS customer service team is committed to customer success, helping traders – both new and old – overcome any obstacles they encounter.
Is FBS Safe?
FBS is split into two separate entities in order to properly regulate each for different markets. FBS Markets Inc. is registered in Belize and regulated by the IFSC to be able to provide safe and compliant trading to several jurisdictions outside the EU. By contrast, FBS.eu is operated by the Cypriot firm TradeStone Ltd. which is itself authorized and regulated by the CySEC and can provide passport brokerage services to countries across the entire EU.
FBS keeps a tight grip on the scope of its activities and offers to satisfy the strict requirements of these regulators; and, in the case of the CySEC, it even covers traders with the investors’ Compensation Fund (ICF) scheme. Thus, in addition to providing a stable and safe trading environment, traders would be compensated by up to €20,000 if the company becomes insolvent. This signals immense confidence in FBS as a global broker. In the EU, the broker also offers negative balance protection to retail clients.
FBS ensures client personal information and privacy is safeguarded. Transactional information is also protected using Transport Layer Security (TLS). Further, the MetaTrader platforms also offer two-factor authentication (2FA) at the login stage for added security.
Additionally, FBS supplies fast service with zero downtime, excellent customer support, and proactive fund protection. Customers who encounter an issue with their account or with the ultra-fast ECN infrastructure are able to get help 24/7 via multiple platforms, often in the language of their choice. Fund segregation of trader capital into separate tier-1 bank accounts is also relevant, and FBS protects its Website and platform with Secure-Socket-Layer (SSL) encryption.
FBS keeps a tight grip on the scope of its activities and offers to satisfy the strict requirements of these regulators; and, in the case of the CySEC, it even covers traders with the investors’ Compensation Fund (ICF) scheme. Thus, in addition to providing a stable and safe trading environment, traders would be compensated by up to €20,000 if the company becomes insolvent. This signals immense confidence in FBS as a global broker. In the EU, the broker also offers negative balance protection to retail clients.
FBS ensures client personal information and privacy is safeguarded. Transactional information is also protected using Transport Layer Security (TLS). Further, the MetaTrader platforms also offer two-factor authentication (2FA) at the login stage for added security.
Additionally, FBS supplies fast service with zero downtime, excellent customer support, and proactive fund protection. Customers who encounter an issue with their account or with the ultra-fast ECN infrastructure are able to get help 24/7 via multiple platforms, often in the language of their choice. Fund segregation of trader capital into separate tier-1 bank accounts is also relevant, and FBS protects its Website and platform with Secure-Socket-Layer (SSL) encryption.
Offering of Investments
Clients can access a wide range of assets for trading, including:
- FOREX – 28 pairs.
- Metals – four precious metals.
- Energies – West Texas Intermediate (WTI) and Brent crude oil.
- Stocks (global only) – 40 company shares.
- Indices – long list of cash-based indices, including the NASDAQ.
Unfortunately, trading on cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, is not offered.
Account types
FBS offers six different account types, each with its own benefits and special requirements. All traders are catered to, from those who prefer to keep risks to a minimum to those who are ready to invest big and trade in large volume. This includes those who much prefer to risk no money at all and get in some practice with virtual money.
Cent Account
Cent Account
- Minimum deposit $1.
- No commission.
- Floating spreads from one pip.
- Maximum of 50 open positions and pending orders.
- Leverage up to 1:1000.
Micro Account
- Minimum deposit $5.
- No commission.
- Floating spreads from their pips.
- Maximum 100 open positions and pending orders.
- Leverage up to 1:3000.
Standard Account
- Minimum deposit $100.
- No commission.
- Floating spread from one pip.
- Maximum 100 open positions and pending orders.
- Leverage up to 1:3000.
Zero-Spread Account
- Minimum deposit $500.
- Commission from $20 per lot.
- Floating spread from zero pips.
- Maximum 100 open positions and pending orders.
- Leverage up to 1:3000.
Unlimited Account
- Minimum deposit $500.
- No commission.
- Floating spread from 0.2 pips.
- No trading limits.
- Leverage up to 1:500.
The above accounts have access to three currency pairs and two metals, and all support swap-free trading with the option of free-funds insurance. Further, there is the opportunity to become a VIP client if an account is funded with $10,000 and 50 lots are traded. VIP status entitles traders to priority processing of deposits and withdrawals, consultations with a personal account manager who speaks your mother tongue, VIP gifts etc.
A number of payment methods are supported, including Visa and Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, WebMoney, as well as a number of other local methods. Skrill and YuuPay are the only methods that incur additional charges and many payment methods are processed immediately.
Finally, it is noteworthy that FBS offers demo versions of the Cent and Standard Accounts in the EU. MT4 and MT5 integration are available and a range of instruments are offered to practice trading with zero-deposit requirements. Once comfortable with the broker’s services, traders can then sign up for a live account.
A number of payment methods are supported, including Visa and Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, WebMoney, as well as a number of other local methods. Skrill and YuuPay are the only methods that incur additional charges and many payment methods are processed immediately.
Finally, it is noteworthy that FBS offers demo versions of the Cent and Standard Accounts in the EU. MT4 and MT5 integration are available and a range of instruments are offered to practice trading with zero-deposit requirements. Once comfortable with the broker’s services, traders can then sign up for a live account.
Account Opening
Account opening is easy and straightforward, following industry standards. Everything is digitized and performed online and can take from a few hours to a couple of days to go live.
Deposits and Withdrawals
The minimum deposit at the online FOREX broker is different for each account type and trading region. For example, the EU firm requires an initial deposit of €10 on the Cent Account and €100 on the Standard Account. By contrast, the global branch offers minimum deposits of $1, $5, $100, $500 and $1,000 for the Cent, Micro, Standard, Zero Spread and ECN Accounts, respectively. Our reviewers at Arincen were pleased to see the low minimum deposit offering.
As noted earlier, several deposit and withdrawal methods are available, including wire transfer (EU only), Visa and such electronic payment systems as Skrill and Neteller. Deposits are instant for all methods, barring wire transfer and withdrawals, which can take up to 48 hours. Commission fees apply to withdrawals at the global FBS firm and identifying documents may be requested.
As noted earlier, several deposit and withdrawal methods are available, including wire transfer (EU only), Visa and such electronic payment systems as Skrill and Neteller. Deposits are instant for all methods, barring wire transfer and withdrawals, which can take up to 48 hours. Commission fees apply to withdrawals at the global FBS firm and identifying documents may be requested.
Customer Service
At FBS, customer service is more than adequate, with representatives available on several international numbers, but mostly these appear to be in Asia. Customer support is available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German and Italian, among other languages, while contact options include live chat, callback and WhatsApp via the company's global Website. However, it must be mentioned that the live-chat option is only available in English.
Commissions and Fees
Spreads offered by FBS vary by account type and region. For EUR/USD, the global firm offers a spread of three pips on its Micro Account, 1.1 on its Standard and Cent Accounts and zero pip spreads on its Zero and ECN accounts. In the EU, the same spread is 0.7 pips with both the Standard and Cent Accounts.
The global branch charges a fixed-rate commission of $20 per lot on the Zero-Spread Account and $6 on the ECN account. It also charges $3 for stock trades and $25 for CFD trading.
Note that FBS charges overnight rollover fees (swap-free is available) and a cancellation fee of €5 for transactions that have taken advantage of price latency. Accounts dormant for 180 days are charged a €5 monthly fee.
The global branch charges a fixed-rate commission of $20 per lot on the Zero-Spread Account and $6 on the ECN account. It also charges $3 for stock trades and $25 for CFD trading.
Note that FBS charges overnight rollover fees (swap-free is available) and a cancellation fee of €5 for transactions that have taken advantage of price latency. Accounts dormant for 180 days are charged a €5 monthly fee.
FBS Leverage
As with commissions and fees, the maximum leverage available also depends on the account type and branch. For example, in the EU, the broker provides leverage up to 1:30 on Standard and Cent account types. Globally, it offers up to 1:1000 on the Cent Account, 1:500 on the ECN Account and 1:3000 on other account types. FBS has a margin call of 40% and lower, whereafter it is entitled to close a client’s position.
Platforms and Tools
FBS uses an NDD system with STP for rapid order execution. Following registration and login, clients have a choice of two platforms to access the markets, as explained below.
MT4
MT4 is a market-leading platform that FBS clients can download for a PC. The trading platform includes a range of features:
- One-click execution and copy-trading.
- Wide range of technical indicators and charting tools.
- Expert Advisors (EA) service and Application Programming Interfaces (API).
- Support for clients using a Virtual Private Server (VPS).
The global branch of FBS also offers MT4 MultiTerminal, which allows clients to operate multiple accounts simultaneously.
MT5
FBS recently added MT5 integration to its portfolio. This platform is a recent update to MT4, with greater versatility that offers the following:
- Hedging and netting.
- More technical indicators.
- Market depth view.
- More order types and timeframes.
MT4 and MT5 also are both available without a download via any browser through the WebTrader solution. This service works across all operating systems and has all the features of the original software.
Mobile Trading
FBS has ensured that “FBS Trader” is a free and fully featured trading app. It can be downloaded to Android (APK) devices from Google Play. Outside the EU, it is also available on iOS. The broker’s downloadable app offers FOREX and top instruments for trading, along with real-time stats and easy management.
Both MetaTrader platforms are also available as mobile apps from the App Store and Google Play. The apps have the main features of the native platforms, including technical analysis with the convenience of one-click trading on-the-go.
Both MetaTrader platforms are also available as mobile apps from the App Store and Google Play. The apps have the main features of the native platforms, including technical analysis with the convenience of one-click trading on-the-go.
Research and Development
The FBS Website has an analysis section with rich resources, including FOREX-related news, market updates, and a FOREX TV feature that displays informational videos, weekly insights and trading plans. This broker also provides an economic calendar and FOREX calculators, along with extensive educational materials, such as live Webinars and tutorials.
Meanwhile, the CopyTrade solution from FBS allows beginners to replicate the success of top traders with secure, flexible trading tools. Clients can use the user-friendly mobile app to compare traders, allocate funds, and create a unique trading portfolio.
Meanwhile, the CopyTrade solution from FBS allows beginners to replicate the success of top traders with secure, flexible trading tools. Clients can use the user-friendly mobile app to compare traders, allocate funds, and create a unique trading portfolio.
Education
With regard to education, there are the relatively “standard” offerings of market analysis and calculators, as well as an economic calendar. However, there are no online tutorials, videos, Webinars or eBooks. Notwithstanding, if you can make it to one of the company’s venues, there are some real-life seminars available in which to participate, or at least that was the case pre-COVID.
Conclusion
FBS is one of the most popular places to trade CFDs, stocks and FOREX, and for good reason. EU residents, in particular, have a lot to like about the strength of FBS’ offering, including vigilant regulatory oversight, fund segregation and ICF coverage, in addition to a wide range of tradable instruments. Although international account holders are able to open more than the Standard Account, high leverage should always be approached with caution.
Accordingly, while FBS is able to meet the needs of experienced traders with a higher risk tolerance, it also caters overwhelmingly to beginners. A secure, streamlined trading environment built on the popular MT4 or MT5 platforms provides an immediate “at home” feeling and is supported by a robust educational library kit full of videos and articles about how to make the most of the FBS ecosystem and investing more generally.
At the same time, the addition of copy-trading functionality mentioned above contributes to the completeness of FBS’ platform, and the icing on the cake is a support team that is available 24/7 to help traders wield the many tools to which they have access. However, one thing that makes this broker unique is its “breakeven trading” insurance scheme. We have not come across any other firm in the industry allowing traders to insure deposits, which if lost during trading, FBS guarantees to pay them back.
Accordingly, while FBS is able to meet the needs of experienced traders with a higher risk tolerance, it also caters overwhelmingly to beginners. A secure, streamlined trading environment built on the popular MT4 or MT5 platforms provides an immediate “at home” feeling and is supported by a robust educational library kit full of videos and articles about how to make the most of the FBS ecosystem and investing more generally.
At the same time, the addition of copy-trading functionality mentioned above contributes to the completeness of FBS’ platform, and the icing on the cake is a support team that is available 24/7 to help traders wield the many tools to which they have access. However, one thing that makes this broker unique is its “breakeven trading” insurance scheme. We have not come across any other firm in the industry allowing traders to insure deposits, which if lost during trading, FBS guarantees to pay them back.
FBS in Brief
FBS is a well-established broker with strong regulation and low deposit requirements as its main strengths. Using the MetaTrader suite, it offers a wide range of account types through which to trade a diverse choice of financial instruments. Meanwhile, its educational offering is comprehensive and easy to access.
Review Methodology
The team at Arincen collected more than 120 pieces of data covering in excess of 100 licensed FOREX companies. Data collection was done in three ways:
1. Companies’ Websites.
2. Other Websites that have ranked FOREX companies.
3. A survey questionnaire (referred to here as Survey “1”) we had sent to the companies invited to participate in the exercise.
We have identified 12 criteria for our assessment, each containing several aspects and carrying its own relative weight. These include licensing, deposits and withdrawals, number of assets etc.
Afterward we validated the data by:
1. Registering with FOREX companies as a secret shopper and/or as Arincen.
2. Survey number “2,” in which we asked these companies’ customers for important feedback and past experience.
The next step saw us evaluate and rank each company, relying on the hard work of 15 Arincen employees. We were very careful in ensuring the most accurate assessment possible, including taking into account different languages, as well as the various mobile-app operating systems, e.g., Apple, Samsung etc.
To add credibility to our research project, we sent a final and third survey (referred to here as Survey “3”) to enable participating FOREX companies evaluate our own research and whether it accurately reflects the realities on the ground. We were fortunate enough to receive a mark of 9.9 out of 10! We have kept to a minimum the margin of error, which stood at a measly 1%. To learn more on how we came up with the evaluation, please click here.