Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose if…
Choose FBS if you want a $1 minimum deposit and MT4/MT5 across all accounts, including Cent and ECN types. Be aware FBS operates under offshore licensing with high leverage and lacks an investor-compensation scheme worldwide.
Choose if…
Choose XTB if you value strong regulation and a top-tier platform, supported by transparent pricing. Plus you get investor compensation, broader global instrument coverage, and a proprietary platform, with no deposit fees and MT4/MT5 support.
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 0.80 pips for XTB, reducing trading costs.
| Editorial score | 3.9/ 5 | 4.5/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 3.5 / 5 | 4.8 / 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 | XTB |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Fail |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Pass |
| Proprietary platform | Fail | Pass |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Fail | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
XTB rates 4.5/5 versus 3.9/5 for FBS. XTB edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
FBS starts from 0 pips, tighter than XTB's 0.8 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
XTB has no minimum deposit, while FBS requires at least $1. This makes XTB more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
XTB holds top-tier regulation (FCA, CySEC, KNF), 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: XTB 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 XTB lists up to 500:1. 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 XTB are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
FBS supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while XTB supports xStation 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. FBS has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5. XTB has exclusive access to xStation 5.
XTB wins for safety & regulation with FCA/CySEC/KNF oversight and investor compensation.
XTB wins for active traders due to advanced charting and broad instrument coverage.
FBS is better suited for scalpers: raw/ECN spreads available, tighter spreads from 0.00 pips.
XTB wins for platform choice thanks to proprietary xStation 5.
XTB wins for beginners due to zero minimum deposit.
XTB wins for instrument variety with 5800 options.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.0 / 5 | 4.4 / 5▲ |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 3.8 / 5 | 4.8 / 5▲ |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.0 / 5 | 4.2 / 5▲ |
|---|
| Founded | 2009 | 2002 |
|---|
| Headquarters | Belize City, Belize | Warsaw, Poland |
|---|
| Min Deposit | $1 | No minimum▼ lower |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0 pips▼ lower | 0.8 pips |
|---|
| Commission / lot | $20/lot | N/A |
|---|
| 2 pips | N/A |
| Max Leverage | 3,000:1 | 500:1▲ higher |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | None | €10/month (after 12 months) |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPayPerfect Money | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPayPerfect Money | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | FSCA CySEC IFSC | FCA CySEC KNF |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 | xStation 5 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
LSE- and WSE-listed with FCA, CySEC, and KNF regulation, exceptional corporate transparency
xStation 5 is one of the best proprietary platforms in retail forex
Zero-commission stock CFDs up to EUR 100,000/month
No minimum deposit on standard accounts
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
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
Cons
Market maker on forex, not appropriate for raw ECN scalpers
Product breadth narrower than IG or Saxo
Support quality varies outside European hours
No raw spread account option
Inactivity fee applies
Two brokers clash on regulation, platform strength, and fee transparency. The outcome hinges on whether higher regulatory credibility and a leading platform outweighs a broader global offer and local licensing.
XTB edges FBS on editorial score thanks to stronger regulation and a leading proprietary platform. XTB also offers investor compensation, broader global instrument coverage, and a proprietary platform, while FBS relies on offshore licensing and lacks an investor-compensation scheme worldwide.
Investor compensation scheme coverage
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
Limited charting capabilities
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.9 / 5
Score 4.5 / 5
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