Two mid sized brokers face off across regulation, pricing, and platform access. The tension lies in how each balances low entry costs with differing fund protections and MT4/MT5 availability.
FBS is the overall winner based on the higher editorial score (3.9 vs 3.6). InstaForex trails on several differentiators, including MT4/MT5 availability and segregated funds.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose FBS if…
Choose FBS if you want MT4 and MT5 on all account types and segregated client funds.
Choose InstaForex if…
Choose InstaForex if you value a long track record and cent accounts on MT4.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
FBS offers tighter spreads from 0.00 pips vs 1.00 pips for InstaForex, reducing trading costs.
| Editorial score | 3.9/ 5 | 3.6/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 3.5 / 5▲ | 3.2 / 5 |
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
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | FBS | InstaForex |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Fail | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Fail |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Fail |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS) | Fail | Fail |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Pass | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Fail |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Fail |
| Proprietary platform | Fail | Fail |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Fail | Fail |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
The scores are close: FBS rates 3.9/5 and InstaForex rates 3.6/5. FBS has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
FBS starts from 0 pips, tighter than InstaForex's 1 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
Both FBS and InstaForex require a minimum deposit of $1 to open a live trading account.
FBS is regulated by FSCA, CySEC. InstaForex is regulated by FSC BVI, CySEC. Confirm a broker's current regulatory status on the relevant regulator's public register before opening an account.
For beginners, FBS provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
FBS lists maximum leverage of 3000:1, while InstaForex lists up to 1000:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
FBS charges $20 per lot on commission-based accounts. Commission details for InstaForex are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
FBS supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while InstaForex supports MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. FBS has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5.
Equally matched; neither holds a top-tier regulator or investor compensation.
FBS wins for active traders, offering higher leverage and more instruments.
FBS is better suited for scalpers: raw/ECN spreads available, tighter spreads from 0.00 pips.
FBS wins for platform choice with MT4 and MT5 on all accounts.
FBS leads instrument variety with 550 instruments versus 300.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.0 / 5▲ | 3.4 / 5 |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 3.8 / 5▲ | 3.3 / 5 |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.0 / 5▲ | 3.5 / 5 |
|---|
| Founded | 2009 | 2007 |
|---|
| Headquarters | Belize City, Belize | Road Town, British Virgin Islands |
|---|
| Min Deposit | $1 | $1 |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0 pips▼ lower | 1 pips |
|---|
| Commission / lot | $20/lot | N/A |
|---|
| 2 pips | N/A |
| Max Leverage | 3,000:1▲ higher | 1,000:1 |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPayPerfect Money | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerWebMoneyPerfect MoneyCrypto |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPayPerfect Money | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerWebMoneyPerfect MoneyCrypto |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | FSCA CySEC IFSC | FSC BVI CySEC |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 | MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
| Active bonuses |
|---|
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
Pros
17+ years in operation, extensive track record
Cent accounts for micro-lot trading from $1
Very low minimum deposit
Large partner and IB network across Asia and CIS
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
Mobile trading app available
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
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
Cons
FSC BVI only, offshore licence, limited investor protection
Spreads not competitive with ECN brokers
Platform limited to MT4, no MT5, cTrader, or proprietary option
Service quality reviews are mixed on independent forums
No top-tier regulatory licence
Client funds not segregated
No negative balance protection
No investor compensation scheme
No raw spread account option
No MetaTrader support
Limited charting capabilities
Pricing transparency could be improved
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.6 / 5
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