This matchup pits FBS with MT4/MT5 access and 24/5 live chat against tastytrade's proprietary platform. Tastytrade also leverages top-tier regulation and a larger instrument universe.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose if…
Choose FBS if you want MT4/MT5 access across all accounts and 24/5 live chat support.
Choose if…
Choose tastytrade if you prefer a proprietary platform and top-tier regulation with a larger instrument universe.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 3.9/ 5 | 4.3/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 3.5 / 5 | 4.5 / 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 | tastytrade |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Fail | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Fail |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS) | Fail | Pass |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Pass | Fail |
| 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 | Fail |
The scores are close: FBS rates 3.9/5 and tastytrade rates 4.3/5. tastytrade 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. Current spread data is not available for tastytrade. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date pricing.
tastytrade has no minimum deposit, while FBS requires at least $1. This makes tastytrade more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
tastytrade holds top-tier regulation (CFTC, NFA), 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: tastytrade has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and FBS provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
FBS lists maximum leverage of 3000:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
tastytrade charges $1 per lot, lower than FBS's $20 per lot. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day.
FBS supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, while tastytrade supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. FBS has exclusive access to MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. tastytrade has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
FBS offers spreads from 0.00 pips.
tastytrade wins for safety & regulation due to NFA/CFTC oversight and top-tier licensing.
tastytrade wins for active traders with an options-focused platform and capped commissions.
tastytrade wins for platform choice with a proprietary platform.
FBS wins for beginners with a $1 minimum deposit and multiple account types.
tastytrade wins for instrument variety with a 10,000-instrument universe.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.0 / 5 | 4.8 / 5▲ |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 3.8 / 5 | 4.7 / 5▲ |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.0 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
|---|
| Founded | 2009 | 2017 |
|---|
| Headquarters | Belize City, Belize | Chicago, Illinois, United States |
|---|
| Min Deposit | $1 | No minimum▼ lower |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0 pips | N/A |
|---|
| Commission / lot | $20/lot | $1/lot▼ lower |
|---|
| 2 pips | N/A |
| Max Leverage | 3,000:1 | N/A |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPayPerfect Money | Bank transferWire transferACH |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPayPerfect Money | Bank transferWire transferACH |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | IFSC CySEC FSCA | CFTC NFA |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 | Proprietary Web/Mobile |
|---|
| 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
Options commissions capped at $10/leg, major cost advantage for traders who size up
$0 to open options trades; $1/contract to close
Platform built natively for options: IVR, Greeks, curve tool, and multi-leg management all first-class
Futures and futures options on the same account as equity derivatives
No PFOF on options, exchange-routed for best execution
Part of IG Group (LSE-listed), institutional governance and financial stability
Regulated by top-tier authorities (FCA, ASIC, CySEC)
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Investor compensation scheme coverage
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
Mobile trading app available
Proprietary trading platform available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
Phone support available
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
US-only, no international accounts
Options-first interface has a steep learning curve for equity-focused traders
No live chat support, phone and email only
Minimal fundamental research tools; no stock screener or analyst reports
Mobile app less appropriate for entering complex multi-leg strategies than the desktop platform
No negative balance protection
No raw spread account option
No MetaTrader support
Support available in limited languages
tastytrade edges out FBS on editorial score (4.3 vs 3.9) and stronger category scores in trust, fees, and platforms.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.9 / 5
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