FBSvs
Interactive BrokersForex Broker Comparison
Two brokers clash over cost, regulation, and platform options. FBS emphasizes low deposits and MT4/MT5 with offshore licenses, while Interactive Brokers highlights global access and strong regulation.
Our Verdict
Interactive Brokers winsClear Winner
Interactive Brokers leads overall with a higher editorial score than FBS, due to stronger regulation coverage and broader instrument access.
Interactive Brokers
4.6/5
FBS
3.9/5
Key Differences
- 1Instruments offered: 550 at FBS, 17,000 at IB.
- 2MT4/MT5 support: FBS offers MT4/MT5; IB does not.
- 3Regulators: IB top-tier; FBS offshore with no investor protection scheme.
Who should choose FBS vs Interactive Brokers?
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose FBS if…
Choose FBS if you want MT4 and MT5 on all accounts and 24/5 live chat support.
Choose Interactive Brokers if…
Choose Interactive Brokers if you need advanced charting, broader instrument access, and investor compensation coverage.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Best for low cost trading
Recommended
FBS offers tighter spreads from 0.00 pips vs 0.20 pips for Interactive Brokers, reducing trading costs.
Best for safety & regulation
Recommended
FBS vs Interactive Brokers: Side-by-Side Forex Broker Comparison
Score
= highlighted score shows which broker leads in that category| Editorial score | 3.9/ 5 | 4.6/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 3.5 / 5 | 4.8 / 5▲ |
FBS vs Interactive Brokers Forex Broker Pros & Cons
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
FBS vs Interactive Brokers: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
FBS
criteria wins
4
Interactive Brokers
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | FBS | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Fail | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS) | Fail | Pass |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Pass | Pass |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Fail |
| Proprietary platform | Fail | Pass |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Fail | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
FBS vs Interactive Brokers: Frequently Asked Questions
Interactive Brokers rates 4.6/5 versus 3.9/5 for FBS. Interactive Brokers edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
FBS starts from 0 pips, tighter than Interactive Brokers's 0.2 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
Interactive Brokers has no minimum deposit, while FBS requires at least $1. This makes Interactive Brokers more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Interactive Brokers holds top-tier regulation (FCA, ASIC, JFSA), providing stronger investor protections. FBS may be regulated but does not hold top-tier status in our data. Verify regulatory status on each regulator's public register before depositing funds.
For beginners, two factors stand out: Interactive Brokers has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
FBS lists maximum leverage of 3000:1, while Interactive Brokers lists up to 50:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
Interactive Brokers charges $2 per lot, lower than FBS's $20 per lot. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day.
FBS supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while Interactive Brokers supports Trader Workstation (TWS), Proprietary Web/Mobile. FBS has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. Interactive Brokers has exclusive access to Trader Workstation (TWS) and Proprietary Web/Mobile.
