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FBS vs HFM (2026): Which Broker Is Actually Better?
We compare FBS against HFM 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 FBS and HFM offer exceptional trading environments with distinct strengths. FBS is ideal for beginners, bonus hunters & high-leverage traders, while HFM excels for bonus hunters, high leverage users & versatile traders. Your choice should depend entirely on whether you prioritize extremely high leverage up to 1:3000 or excellent mobile app functionality with in-app trading.
FBS vs HFM: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2009 | 2010 |
| Overall Rating | 4.2/5.0 | 4.5/5.0 |
| Minimum Deposit | $5 | $0 |
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.7 pips (Standard) | 1.0 pips (Premium) | 0.0 pips (Zero) |
| Maximum Leverage | 1:3000 | 1:2000 (Global) | 1:30 (EU) |
| MetaTrader 4 | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 | Yes | Yes |
| cTrader | No | No |
| TradingView | No | No |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes (HFcopy) |
| Forex Pairs | 40+ | 50+ |
| Deposit Methods | Card, Bank, Skrill, Neteller, Local | Card, Wire, Skrill, Neteller, Crypto |
| Withdrawal Speed | 15-20 minutes | 24 hours |
| Execution Type | STP | STP / ECN capabilities |
FBS vs HFM: Fee Breakdown
When comparing the trading costs between FBS and HFM, 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. FBS offers pricing characterized by $0 (Spread only) alongside 0.7 pips (Standard) spreads. In contrast, HFM utilizes a model with $3.00/lot (Zero Account) and 1.0 pips (Premium) | 0.0 pips (Zero) spreads. For active, high-volume traders, FBS provides the superior cost-efficiency curve.
| Fee Type | FBS | HFM |
|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.7 pips (Standard) | 1.0 pips (Premium) | 0.0 pips (Zero) |
| Commission Defaults | $0 (Spread only) | $3.00/lot (Zero Account) |
| Execution Model | STP | STP / ECN capabilities |
| Deposit Fees | None | None |
| Withdrawal Speed | 15-20 minutes | 24 hours |
Safety & Regulation: Is FBS or HFM Safer?
Trust is paramount in forex trading. Both FBS and HFM are highly regulated entities, but their jurisdictional footprints differ. FBS is armed with 2 Tier-1 licenses and has been securing client funds since 2009. HFM, licensed since 2010, counters with 2 Tier-1 regulatory bodies overseeing its operations. They are evenly matched in terms of top-tier trust metrics. Both brokers employ strict client fund segregation.
FBS
Tier 1- Regulators:ASIC (Australia)CySEC (Cyprus)IFSC (Belize)
- Investor Protection: Up to €20,000 (CySEC ICF)
- Licensed Since: 2009
HFM
Tier 1- Regulators:FCA (UK)CySEC (Cyprus)DFSA (Dubai)FSCA (South Africa)FSA (Seychelles)
- Investor Protection: Up to €20,000 (EU) / £85,000 (UK)
- Licensed Since: 2010
Platform & Tools Comparison
The software you trade on dictates your execution speed and analytical depth. Both brokers provide industry stalwarts, but divergencies exist. FBS equips its clients with MT4, MT5, FBS Trader App. HFM, on the other hand, grants access to MT4, MT5, HFM App. If you rely on third-party EA automation, this section heavily dictates your broker choice.
| Feature | FBS | HFM |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 | ||
| MetaTrader 5 | ||
| cTrader | ||
| TradingView | ||
| Proprietary Environment | Yes (FBS Trader) | Yes (Mobile Only) |
| Copy Trading Network | Yes (HFcopy) |
Pros & Cons: FBS vs HFM
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
HFM
Pros
- Excellent mobile app functionality with in-app trading
- No minimum deposit required to start
- Zero account features competitive 0.0 pip spreads with low commission
- Massive variety of bonus and promotional programs (outside EU/UK)
- Cent accounts available for micro-trading
Cons
- No proprietary desktop platform (relies on MT4/MT5)
- Account types and regulations can be confusing to navigate
- Not available to US or Canadian traders
Expert Verdict: FBS vs HFM
When we place FBS and HFM side-by-side, we observe two distinct philosophies in client servicing. FBS, licensed since 2009, has carved out a massive niche focusing on beginners, bonus hunters & high-leverage traders. Their execution model heavily leans into STP, and their platform environment highlights MT4.
Conversely, HFM, operational out of Cyprus, has architected its infrastructure predominantly for bonus hunters, high leverage users & versatile traders. Their $3.00/lot (Zero Account) commission structure combined with 1.0 pips (Premium) | 0.0 pips (Zero) spreads makes them a formidable competitor.
The Bottom Line: If your primary directive is extremely high leverage up to 1:3000, and you intend to start with a minimum of $5, FBS is the logical path forward. If, however, you value excellent mobile app functionality with in-app trading and require MT4, HFM edges out the competition and earns our recommendation.
FBS vs HFM: 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