AvaTradevs
FBSStock Broker Comparison
Two brokers compete for equity CFD access across varied regulatory footprints. The debate hinges on regulation strength versus global exchange access and platform flexibility.
Our Verdict
AvaTrade winsby 0.5 pts
AvaTrade edges FBS on editorial score, anchored by top-tier regulation and broader exchange access across 10 markets versus 3 for FBS.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1AvaTrade has top-tier regulation; FBS does not.
- 2AvaTrade offers 10 exchanges; FBS offers 3 exchanges.
- 3AvaTrade has compensation scheme; FBS does not.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for safety & regulation
Recommended
AvaTrade leads in safety with top-tier regulation and compensation schemes.
Best for active traders
Recommended
AvaTrade vs FBS: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.8/ 5 | 3.3/ 5 |
| Min deposit | $100 | $1▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 0.9 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $20/lot |
AvaTrade vs FBS Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fixed spread pricing on 600+ stock CFDs, cost predictability for systematic traders
- Available on MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, and DupliTrade copy-trading platform
- Regulated by CBI, ASIC, FSA (Japan), and FSRA (Abu Dhabi)
- Short selling available on all share CFDs
Cons
- CFDs only, no real stock ownership, ISA, or dividend reinvestment programme
AvaTrade vs FBS: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
3
AvaTrade
criteria wins
0
FBS
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | AvaTrade | FBS |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Fail |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Fail |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Fail |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
AvaTrade vs FBS: Frequently Asked Questions
AvaTrade rates 3.8/5 versus 3.3/5 for FBS. AvaTrade edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
FBS lists tighter spreads from 0, compared with AvaTrade's 0.9. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
FBS has $1, while AvaTrade requires at least $100. This makes FBS more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
AvaTrade holds top-tier regulation (ASIC, FSCA, MFSA), 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: FBS requires a lower minimum deposit ($1), lowering the barrier to entry, and AvaTrade provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
AvaTrade lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while FBS lists up to 3000:1. 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 trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for AvaTrade are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
AvaTrade supports ZuluTrade, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while FBS supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. AvaTrade has exclusive access to ZuluTrade and Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Neither AvaTrade nor FBS is listed as offering commission-free trading in our data. Compare each broker's commission schedule directly, as fees vary by account type and the markets you trade.
AvaTrade scores higher on investor protection criteria, with compensation scheme coverage and segregated client funds. For stock investors, confirming compensation scheme coverage ensures your assets are protected up to a defined limit if the broker becomes insolvent.
