This comparison pits FBS and Windsor Brokers against each other on regulation, exchange access, and entry costs. The tension lies in which features matter most for stock CFD traders.
FBS and Windsor Brokers are closely matched overall. Windsor Brokers offers stronger regulation, broader exchange access, and compensation coverage, while FBS provides a $1 minimum deposit and a proprietary platform.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose FBS if…
Choose FBS if you want a $1 minimum deposit and a proprietary platform.
Choose Windsor Brokers if…
Choose Windsor Brokers if you need top-tier regulation with ICF compensation and broader exchange access.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Windsor Brokers edges safety and regulation with top-tier status and ICF compensation.
| Editorial score | 3.3/ 5 | 3.4/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $1▼ lower | $100 |
| Spreads from | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission / lot | $20/lot | $8/lot▼ lower |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | FBS | Windsor Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Fail | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Fail | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Fail | Pass |
| 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 | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
The scores are close: FBS rates 3.3/5 and Windsor Brokers rates 3.4/5. Windsor Brokers 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.
Both FBS and Windsor Brokers start from the same spread of 0. For stock trading, also compare per-trade or per-share commissions to determine the total cost per transaction.
FBS has $1, while Windsor Brokers requires at least $100. This makes FBS more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Windsor Brokers holds top-tier regulation (CySEC, FSCA), 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 Windsor Brokers 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, while Windsor Brokers 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.
Windsor Brokers charges $8 per trade, lower than FBS's $20 per trade. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
FBS supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while Windsor Brokers supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4.
Neither FBS nor Windsor Brokers 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.
Windsor Brokers 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.
FBS enables automated stock strategies with full EA support.
FBS offers the lowest entry barrier with a $1 minimum deposit.
Windsor Brokers provides access to five exchanges for broader global reach.
Equally matched.
Windsor Brokers offers broader exchange access supporting diversified holdings.
| 2 pips |
| 0.8 pips▼ lower |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
|---|
| 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 |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | No |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | No |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | No |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | FSCA CySEC IFSC | CySEC FSCA |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 | MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.3 / 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