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AvaTrade vs FBS (2026): Which Broker Is Actually Better?
We compare AvaTrade against FBS across spreads, regulations, platforms, and trading costs. Read our algorithmic breakdown and expert verdict to find out which broker suits your trading style in 2026.
Verdict: It's a Tie
Both AvaTrade and FBS offer exceptional trading environments with distinct strengths. AvaTrade is ideal for beginners, copy traders & options enthusiasts, while FBS excels for beginners, bonus hunters & high-leverage traders. Your choice should depend entirely on whether you prioritize heavily regulated across 7+ jurisdictions or extremely high leverage up to 1:3000.
AvaTrade vs FBS: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2006 | 2009 |
| Overall Rating | 4.5/5.0 | 4.2/5.0 |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $5 |
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.9 pips (Standard) | 0.7 pips (Standard) |
| Maximum Leverage | 1:400 (Pro) | 1:30 (Retail) | 1:3000 |
| MetaTrader 4 | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 | Yes | Yes |
| cTrader | No | No |
| TradingView | No | No |
| Copy Trading | Yes (DupliTrade/AvaSocial) | Yes |
| Forex Pairs | 55+ | 40+ |
| Deposit Methods | Card, Bank, Skrill, Neteller, Wire | Card, Bank, Skrill, Neteller, Local |
| Withdrawal Speed | 1-2 business days | 15-20 minutes |
| Execution Type | Market Maker | STP |
AvaTrade vs FBS: Fee Breakdown
When comparing the trading costs between AvaTrade and FBS, it's essential to look beyond just the advertised spreads. We must factor in commissions, swap rates, and non-trading fees like deposit or inactivity charges. AvaTrade offers pricing characterized by $0 (Spread only) alongside 0.9 pips (Standard) spreads. In contrast, FBS utilizes a model with $0 (Spread only) and 0.7 pips (Standard) spreads. For active, high-volume traders, FBS provides the superior cost-efficiency curve.
| Fee Type | AvaTrade | FBS |
|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.9 pips (Standard) | 0.7 pips (Standard) |
| Commission Defaults | $0 (Spread only) | $0 (Spread only) |
| Execution Model | Market Maker | STP |
| Deposit Fees | None | None |
| Withdrawal Speed | 1-2 business days | 15-20 minutes |
Safety & Regulation: Is AvaTrade or FBS Safer?
Trust is paramount in forex trading. Both AvaTrade and FBS are highly regulated entities, but their jurisdictional footprints differ. AvaTrade is armed with 3 Tier-1 licenses and has been securing client funds since 2006. FBS, licensed since 2009, counters with 2 Tier-1 regulatory bodies overseeing its operations. AvaTrade holds a slight edge in absolute tier-1 licenses. Both brokers employ strict client fund segregation.
AvaTrade
Tier 1- Regulators:Central Bank of IrelandASIC (Australia)FSCA (South Africa)FSA (Japan)ADGM (Abu Dhabi)
- Investor Protection: Up to €20,000 (EU ICF)
- Licensed Since: 2006
FBS
Tier 1- Regulators:ASIC (Australia)CySEC (Cyprus)IFSC (Belize)
- Investor Protection: Up to €20,000 (CySEC ICF)
- Licensed Since: 2009
Platform & Tools Comparison
The software you trade on dictates your execution speed and analytical depth. Both brokers provide industry stalwarts, but divergencies exist. AvaTrade equips its clients with MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, WebTrader, AvaOptions, AvaSocial. FBS, on the other hand, grants access to MT4, MT5, FBS Trader App. If you rely on third-party EA automation, this section heavily dictates your broker choice.
| Feature | AvaTrade | FBS |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 | ||
| MetaTrader 5 | ||
| cTrader | ||
| TradingView | ||
| Proprietary Environment | Yes (AvaTradeGO) | Yes (FBS Trader) |
| Copy Trading Network | Yes (DupliTrade/AvaSocial) |
Pros & Cons: AvaTrade vs FBS
AvaTrade
Pros
- Heavily regulated across 7+ jurisdictions
- Excellent mobile app (AvaTradeGO)
- DupliTrade and AvaSocial copy trading
- AvaOptions for vanilla options
- Strong educational resources
Cons
- Spreads slightly wider than ECN brokers
- Inactivity fee after 3 months
- Not available in the US
FBS
Pros
- Extremely high leverage up to 1:3000
- Low $5 minimum deposit
- Regular bonus promotions
- Cent accounts available
- Fast local bank deposits
Cons
- Offshore regulation for most clients
- Limited research tools
- Wider spreads on Standard accounts
Expert Verdict: AvaTrade vs FBS
When we place AvaTrade and FBS side-by-side, we observe two distinct philosophies in client servicing. AvaTrade, licensed since 2006, has carved out a massive niche focusing on beginners, copy traders & options enthusiasts. Their execution model heavily leans into Market Maker, and their platform environment highlights MT4.
Conversely, FBS, operational out of Belize, has architected its infrastructure predominantly for beginners, bonus hunters & high-leverage traders. Their $0 (Spread only) commission structure combined with 0.7 pips (Standard) spreads makes them a formidable competitor.
The Bottom Line: If your primary directive is heavily regulated across 7+ jurisdictions, and you intend to start with a minimum of $100, AvaTrade is the logical path forward. If, however, you value extremely high leverage up to 1:3000 and require MT4, FBS edges out the competition and earns our recommendation.
AvaTrade vs FBS: Frequently Asked Questions
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Risk Warning: Forex and CFD trading involves significant risk of loss. 68–80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.|Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive compensation from the brokers listed on this page. This does not influence our rankings or reviews, which are based on independent analysis.
Comparison data updated February 2026. Broker terms, spreads, and conditions vary by region and account type. See our methodology | Full Disclaimer | Privacy Policy