A head-to-head comparison of AvaTrade and FBS across regulation, trading costs, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Heavily regulated across 6+ jurisdictions with a unique AvaOptions platform for vanilla options trading and strong educational content.
AvaTrade comes out ahead with an editorial score of 4.4/5 compared to FBS's 3.9/5.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
FBS offers tighter spreads from 0 pips vs 0.9 pips for AvaTrade, reducing trading costs.
AvaTrade has a stronger safety profile: top-tier regulation, segregated funds, negative balance protection.
FBS has a cost edge: raw/ECN spreads, tighter spreads from 0 pips.
AvaTrade offers more exclusive platform options: Proprietary Web/Mobile, a proprietary platform.
AvaTrade edges out FBS with a higher editorial score (4.4/5 vs 3.9/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new traders.
| Editorial score | 4.4/ 5 | 3.9/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.4 / 5▲ | 3.5 / 5 |
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.4 / 5▲ | 4.0 / 5 |
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.3 / 5▲ | 3.8 / 5 |
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.4 / 5▲ | 4.0 / 5 |
| Founded | 2006 | 2009 |
| Headquarters | Dublin, Ireland | Belize City, Belize |
| Min deposit | $100 | $1 |
| Spreads from | 0.9 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $20/lot |
| Max leverage | 400:1 | 3000:1 |
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
| Regulators | FSCA ASIC ADGM CBI MFSA | FSCA CySEC IFSC |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 |
| Active bonuses | ||
| Visit broker | Visit AvaTrade | Visit FBS |
Pros
Heavily regulated across 6+ jurisdictions
AvaOptions platform for vanilla options trading
Strong educational content and structured courses
Multiple platforms including MT4, MT5 and proprietary AvaTradeGo
Regulated by top-tier authorities (FCA, ASIC, CySEC)
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
No deposit fees
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Pros
Very low $1 minimum deposit on Cent accounts
MT4 and MT5 on all account types
Multiple account types including Cent, Zero Spread, and ECN
Widely available across Southeast Asia, MENA, and Africa
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Cons
Inactivity fee of $50 after 3 months of no trading
Not available to US residents
Spread-only model means no raw ECN pricing
No investor compensation scheme
Cons
Primary entity uses IFSC Belize - offshore, limited investor protection
Bonus turnover requirements are onerous
Very high leverage (3000:1) is a significant risk factor for retail clients
No top-tier regulatory licence
No investor compensation scheme
No proprietary platform
Limited charting capabilities
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | AvaTrade | FBS |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Pass | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS) | Fail | Fail |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Fail | Pass |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Fail | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Pass |
| Proprietary platform | Pass | Fail |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Fail |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
Based on our independent editorial scoring, AvaTrade ranks higher with a score of 4.4/5 vs 3.9/5 for FBS. The best choice still depends on your individual trading needs; AvaTrade and FBS may each suit different trader profiles.
FBS offers tighter spreads starting from 0 pips, compared to AvaTrade's spreads from 0.9 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, particularly valuable for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
FBS has a lower minimum deposit of $1, while AvaTrade requires at least $100. This makes FBS more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
AvaTrade holds top-tier regulation (FSCA, ASIC, ADGM), providing stronger investor protections. FBS may be regulated but does not hold top-tier status in our data. Always verify regulatory status with the broker directly before depositing funds.
For beginners: FBS has a lower minimum deposit ($1), lowering the barrier to entry; both brokers offer negative balance protection. Also weigh up educational resources and customer support quality before deciding.
AvaTrade offers maximum leverage of 400:1, while FBS offers up to 3000:1. Available leverage varies by account type, instrument, and jurisdiction. Higher leverage amplifies both potential profits and losses. Always use appropriate risk management.
FBS charges $20 per lot on commission-based accounts. Commission details for the other broker are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
AvaTrade supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile and FBS offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5; both support MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5; AvaTrade exclusively offers Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Open an account directly with the broker that suits you best.
Personalised recommendation
Answer 6 quick questions and we'll match you with the brokers that best fit your trading style, experience level, and country.
Find my broker