FBS Reviews

Welcome to this in-depth FBS Review. In this article, we will delve into every aspect of FBS from its regulatory status, trading platforms, fees, and customer support to its educational resources, pros and cons, and everything in between. Our goal is to provide you with a thorough, user-friendly review that contains carefully researched content. Whether you are a beginner looking for an easy-to-use broker or an advanced trader in search of specific features like VPS or tight spreads, this guide has you covered.

Introduction to FBS

FBS is a global Forex and CFD broker that has been in operation for over 15 years. Headquartered in Belize, this broker also has regional subsidiaries in Cyprus and Australia. Regulated by multiple top-tier and mid-tier authorities—CySEC in Cyprus, ASIC in Australia, and FSC in Belize FBS has built a considerable reputation in the retail trading industry.

In an increasingly competitive online brokerage world, FBS has positioned itself as a reliable and educationally oriented platform. They are known for offering intuitive account setups, robust MetaTrader 4 and 5 platforms, fast order execution, and a supportive trading environment for both beginners and advanced traders. Added to this, they provide a proprietary mobile application designed for user-friendliness and rapid trade execution.

In this review, we aim to dissect every critical feature of FBS, from its regulatory environment and the safety of client funds to spreads, commissions, platforms, and unique selling points. We have meticulously tested the broker’s offerings to give you a 360-degree perspective so you can decide if FBS aligns with your trading style and objectives.

Our Take on FBS: Key Highlights

Global Presence & Multi-Regulation

FBS operates under multiple regulators, notably the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Belize, the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). Each regulatory framework brings its own level of safety and client protection. Traders can choose the entity they wish to open an account with, subject to geographic limitations.

Variety of Instruments

Offering over 550 CFD instruments across Forex, commodities, indices, stocks, and cryptocurrencies, FBS caters to traders who want diverse markets under one platform.

User-Friendly Account Setup

The account registration is fully digital and straightforward, usually taking under 10 minutes to complete. New clients can quickly upload documents for verification and begin trading with minimal hassle.

Reliable Customer Support

Customer support operates 24/7, offering assistance through live chat, phone, and email. My tests indicated swift response times, especially via live chat, where an agent was available in under a minute.

Rich Educational Materials

FBS excels in education, offering webinars, courses, tutorials, and a continuous flow of market insights. These resources are beneficial for all types of traders, especially beginners.

Excellent for Scalping and Algo Trading

With MetaTrader 4 and 5, fast execution, VPS hosting, and the ability to run Expert Advisors (EAs), FBS is well-suited for scalpers, high-frequency traders, and those who rely on automated trading strategies.

FBS Pros and Cons

Below is a concise overview of FBS’s main advantages and disadvantages:

Pros:

15+ years in the market
FBS has a substantial operating history, adding to its credibility.
Competitive spreads in major Forex pairs
EUR/USD and GBP/USD spreads are frequently around or below the industry average.
Dependable customer service
Offers 24/7 support and gets high marks for response speed and helpfulness.
No withdrawal or inactivity fees
Reduces the overall cost of trading and account maintenance.
Strong research materials
Includes market insights, trade ideas, and economic calendars.
Live webinars
Great for those who learn better in real-time or interactive settings.
200+ deposit/withdrawal methods
Flexible payment options, including credit cards, e-wallets, and crypto.

Cons:

No proprietary desktop platform
While the broker’s mobile proprietary app is great, there is no desktop platform from FBS aside from MetaTrader.
Wide spreads for some CFDs on indices
Indices like US30 and DAX40 sometimes show wider-than-average spreads.
Limited real-time news feed
The broker provides scheduled events and livestreams, but a high-quality, integrated newscast (e.g., Reuters or Dow Jones feed) is not available.

Is FBS Right for You?

One of the core considerations when choosing a broker is the compatibility of its services and features with your trading style and objectives. Let’s break down the suitability of FBS for different types of traders.

1. FBS for Beginners

Educational Materials: FBS provides a large library of educational content—webinars, articles, courses, and platform tutorials—that break down Forex and CFD trading concepts.
Customer Support: Quick to respond, and the representatives are helpful, which is crucial for beginners who may have many questions.
Overall Verdict: Perfect Match for those just starting, thanks to ease of account setup and extensive educational tools.

2. FBS for Copy and Social Trading

Trading Signals in MetaTrader: FBS doesn’t have a proprietary copy-trading platform, but you can connect to over 3,200 free and paid signals through MetaTrader.
Performance Statistics: Detailed metrics are available, so you can vet the traders you choose to follow.
Overall Verdict: Acceptable Choice for those wanting social or copy-trading functionality through MT4 or MT5 signals.

3. FBS for Swing Trading

Competitive Swap Fees: Holding trades overnight incurs relatively fair swap charges, making it feasible for multi-day or multi-week strategies.
Broad Range of Instruments: Swing traders can diversify across 72+ currency pairs, numerous commodities, indices, and stocks.
Overall Verdict: Acceptable Choice for swing traders. The only shortfall is that FBS does not offer real stocks or ETFs for long-term holds.

4. FBS for Day Trading

One-Click Trading: Both MT4 and MT5 support one-click trading and trading directly from charts.
Day Trading Resources: The “Trading Ideas” section provides strategies and news relevant for intra-day trades.
Overall Verdict: Acceptable Choice. While spreads on some indices may be slightly above the average, you can still day trade effectively on major Forex pairs, commodities, and top stocks with tight spreads.

5. FBS for Scalping

Fast Execution: Execution speeds can be under 30 milliseconds, vital for scalping.
Depth of Market (DOM): Available in MetaTrader 5, beneficial for scalpers wanting to see volume and liquidity levels.
VPS Hosting: Minimizes latency and ensures stable connections.
Overall Verdict: Perfect Match for scalpers relying on rapid, frequent trades.

6. FBS for News Trading

Economic Calendar in MT5: Real-time data on crucial economic events helps plan trades around high-volatility news.
YouTube Livestreams: FBS analysts provide live coverage of major releases like Nonfarm Payrolls.
Overall Verdict: Acceptable Choice. The existing tools are helpful, but FBS could enhance its offering with an integrated premium news feed.

7. FBS for Algo Trading

Expert Advisors (EAs): Both MT4 and MT5 support custom EAs for automated strategies.
VPS Services: Ensures uninterrupted trading environments, particularly crucial for algorithmic strategies.
Overall Verdict: Perfect Match for systematic traders and those running high-frequency or complex algorithms.

8. FBS for Investing

Limited Long-Term Assets: FBS offers CFDs on shares but not actual stocks, ETFs, or bonds.
Research & Tools for Long-term Investing: The emphasis is on short-term trading strategies, not building a long-term portfolio.
Overall Verdict: Not Recommended for pure investors seeking real equities, ETFs, or mutual funds for buy-and-hold strategies.

What Sets FBS Apart?

Extensive Global Reach: Active in numerous countries, with over 27 million clients according to FBS marketing materials.
Strong Educational Focus: Comprehensive courses, webinars, platform tutorials, and more.
User-Friendly Mobile App: A proprietary app that integrates charting via TradingView, robust technical indicators, and easy deposit/withdrawal functionality.
Cost-Efficient: No inactivity fees, no deposit/withdrawal fees, and competitive swap rates.
Regulated: Backed by Tier-1 and Tier-3 regulators, ensuring various degrees of safety and transparency.

FBS Main Features at a Glance

Feature	Details
Regulations	IFSC (Belize), ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus)
Supported Languages	English, Indonesian, Portuguese, Thai, Spanish, Malaysian, Filipino, Tagalog
Products	Currencies, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptocurrencies
Minimum Deposit	$5
Maximum Leverage	1:3000 (IFSC), 1:500 (ASIC), 1:500 (CySEC)
Trading Desk Type	No-Dealing Desk, STP
Customer Support	24/7 via live chat, phone, email
Deposit/Withdrawal Fees	None (commissions may apply only by the payment system, e.g., network fees for crypto)
Trading Platforms	MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader MultiTerminal, Proprietary Mobile App
Negative Balance Protection	Yes
Segregated Client Funds	Yes
Compensation Scheme	Up to €20,000 for EU entity under CySEC

Full FBS Review

1. Trust and Regulation

Why Broker Trustworthiness Matters
Selecting a broker is not just about fees and platforms; it’s also about ensuring that your funds are safe. In this section, we examine how FBS safeguards client funds, how stable the company is, and the extent of its regulatory oversight.

Regulatory Bodies
- FBS Markets Inc. (Belize): Regulated by the Belize Financial Services Commission (FSC) under license number 000102/460. (Tier 3)
- Tradestone Ltd. (Cyprus): Regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) under license number 331/17. (Tier 1)
- Intelligent Financial Markets Pty Ltd. (Australia): Regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), ABN: 48 155 185 014. (Tier 1)
Client Fund Protection
- Segregated Accounts: Ensures client money is held separately from the broker’s operational funds.
- Negative Balance Protection: Prevents accounts from going below zero, even during periods of extreme volatility.
- Compensation Scheme: Clients under the CySEC entity can receive up to €20,000 compensation from the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF) if FBS were to become insolvent.
Operating History and Stability
- Established in 2009: Over 15 years in the market is a positive indicator of reliability.
- Client Base: Tens of millions of registered accounts suggest scale and industry relevance.
Transparency and Corporate Governance
- Accessible Policies: Regulatory details are clearly listed at the bottom of the official website (fbs.com).
- Fee Schedules: All commissions and fees are spelled out in the “Documents” section under Terms & Conditions.

Overall Trust Rating: Given the multi-regulatory framework, segregated funds, negative balance protection, and a 15-year track record, FBS ranks highly in trustworthiness for retail traders.

2. Fees and Commissions

One of the first things traders look at when choosing a broker is the cost of trading. FBS generally performs well in this category, though some aspects could be improved, especially in indices.

Trading Fees: Spreads and Swaps

Spread Test
Below are the live spreads recorded, during peak trading hours (London and New York sessions):

Instrument	Live Spread AM	Live Spread PM	Industry Average
EUR/USD	1.1 pips	1.0 pip	1.08 pips
GBP/JPY	2.5 pips	2.1 pips	2.44 pips
Gold (XAU)	$0.38	$0.30	$0.42
WTI (XTI)	$0.05	$0.03	$0.03
Apple	n/a (AM)	$0.16 (PM)*	$0.33
Tesla	n/a (AM)	$0.25 (PM)*	$0.50
US30	6.1 pips	5.8 pips	3.3 pips
DAX 40	4.1 pips	4.1 pips	2.4 pips
Bitcoin	$38.92	$43.46	$35.50

*Note: Share CFDs carry a 0.7% commission in addition to the spread.

Forex Majors: Spreads near or below the industry average, making it cost-effective for popular pairs like EUR/USD.
Indices: Spreads for indices like US30 and DAX40 appear slightly wider than the industry average.
Shares and Cryptos: While the share spreads look reasonable, a 0.7% commission is also applied. Cryptocurrency spreads are slightly above the average but still competitive.

Swap Fees
Swaps are charges (or credits) for holding positions overnight. They vary depending on the asset and can significantly affect swing and position traders.

Examples of overnight swaps per 1 full contract (100,000 units of base currency):

EUR/USD: Long: -$5.46; Short: +$0.61

GBP/JPY: Long: +$7.60; Short: -$35.39

Overall, these swaps are in line with or slightly better than industry norms.

Non-Trading Fees

No Deposit/Withdrawal Fee: FBS does not charge fees for transactions, though payment systems (e.g., Skrill, crypto networks) may impose their own.
No Inactivity Fee: Some brokers charge you if your account remains idle for months; FBS does not.
No Account Maintenance Fee: You won’t have to pay monthly or annual service charges.

Fee Summary: FBS is competitive for Forex major pairs and offers fair swaps. The absence of deposit, withdrawal, and inactivity fees further strengthens its position. Traders focusing on US indices or indices in general might find cheaper spreads elsewhere, but the overall fee structure is still quite favorable.

3. Platforms and Tools

Trading platforms are the heart of any brokerage service. FBS provides a variety of options that cater to different skill levels and trading styles.

MetaTrader 4 (MT4) & MetaTrader 5 (MT5)

MT4 vs. MT5 Comparison

Charting: MT5 includes more analytical tools (38 vs. 30 in MT4) and 44 graphical objects.
Timeframes: MT5 offers 21 timeframes (compared to 9 in MT4).
Markets: MT5 allows trading in a wider range of assets, including share CFDs, which are not available on MT4.
Additional Features: MT5 includes a built-in economic calendar and Market Depth (DOM).

Desktop, WebTrader, and Mobile

Desktop: Ideal for advanced charting, automated trading, and EAs.
WebTrader: Lets you trade from any browser without installation. Offers one-click trading, watchlists, and multiple chart types.
Mobile: Available for iOS and Android. Supports essential order types, technical indicators, and charting on the go.

MetaTrader MultiTerminal

Purpose: Enables managing multiple client accounts from a single interface, often used by money managers or account managers.
Key Features: Bulk order execution, partial close, advanced analytics for multiple accounts.

Proprietary FBS Mobile App

TradingView Integration: Includes 90+ indicators from TradingView for robust technical analysis.
Ease of Use: Intuitive interface with essential features like real-time quotes, advanced charting, and quick deposits/withdrawals.
Customer Support Access: Reach out to support agents directly from the app.
Ideal Users: Beginners who want a straightforward, uncluttered mobile interface and experienced traders who need advanced charting tools in their pocket.

Execution Model

Market Execution, NDD/STP: Orders are transmitted directly to liquidity providers without dealing-desk intervention, minimizing conflicts of interest.

Platform Takeaway: FBS covers all bases with robust MetaTrader offerings and an excellent proprietary mobile app. Traders can engage in day trading, swing trading, scalping, or algo trading comfortably within these platforms.

4. Tradable Instruments

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. You should carefully consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take on the high risk of losing your money. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Always trade responsibly.

FBS offers a broad range of CFD instruments, allowing you to diversify your portfolio across different markets.

Instrument Type	Number of Assets	Examples
Forex Pairs	72	EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, EUR/TRY
Commodities	11	Gold, Silver, Brent Oil, WTI Oil
Indices	11	US30, DAX40, AUS200, JP225
Stocks (CFDs)	474	Apple, Facebook, Goldman Sachs, Nike
Cryptocurrencies	5	Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dash, Litecoin, XRP

Forex: FBS excels here, offering a wide range of major, minor, and exotic currency pairs with competitive spreads.
Commodities & Indices: Coverage of popular commodities (metals, energies) and leading global indices.
Stocks: CFDs on shares from major U.S. and European companies.
Crypto: Limited to 5 popular cryptocurrencies, with relatively competitive conditions.

What’s Missing?
Real stocks, ETFs, and bonds are not available for direct investing. This gap makes FBS less suitable if you aim to build a long-term investment portfolio.

5. Customer Support

Having responsive customer service can significantly reduce stress, especially when dealing with technical glitches or urgent account matters.

Channels: Live chat, phone support, and email.
Availability: 24/7 coverage, which is above the industry standard.
Languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, Indonesian, Thai, Malay, Tagalog, and more.
Response Times:
- Live Chat: Typically under a minute.
- Email: Often answered within minutes.
- Phone: Some difficulties in connection during our tests, but once connected, agents are generally helpful.

Verdict on Support: Better than average, with knowledgeable agents and minimal waiting times.

6. Deposit and Withdrawal

FBS stands out in the industry by offering more than 200 payment methods, including local bank transfers, credit/debit cards, e-wallets, and various crypto options.

Deposit Methods

Bank Wire, Visa/MasterCard, Skrill, Neteller, PerfectMoney, Sticpay, Crypto
Fees: FBS does not charge deposit fees, but payment processors may levy a small charge.
Processing Time: Instant for most methods; around 15–20 minutes for crypto transactions.

Withdrawal Methods

Same range of methods: Bank wires, credit cards, e-wallets, and crypto.
Fees: Zero from FBS; minimal network or processor fees might apply.
Processing Time: Most requests handle within 15–20 minutes, with a maximum of 48 hours in rare cases.

No Inactivity Fees

Inactivity: You won’t be penalized for stepping away from your trading account for extended periods.

Takeaway: FBS’s deposit/withdrawal options and speed are excellent, with no broker-imposed fees. This efficiency sets a high standard in the online brokerage space.

7. Account Types and Terms

FBS keeps things straightforward with essentially one main account type, particularly when trading under the international entity (FBS Markets Inc.).

Standard Account

Spreads: Floating, starting from 1 pip on Forex major pairs.
Minimum Deposit: $5, which is impressively low.
Leverage: Up to 1:3000 under the Belize entity, 1:500 under ASIC and CySEC.
Commission: Generally none on Forex (built into the spread), except for some share CFDs at 0.7%.

Demo Account

Risk-Free Practice: Available on both MT4 and MT5, mirroring live market conditions.
Duration: Usually unlimited, letting you practice until you feel confident to go live.

Swap-Free (Islamic) Account

No Overnight Swaps: Instead, there might be an administration fee for long-term positions.
Availability: Offered to clients who require Sharia-compliant trading.

Entity-Based Differences

Belize (FSC): High leverage up to 1:3000, no investor compensation scheme.
Cyprus (CySEC): Lower leverage (1:500), coverage under the ICF up to €20,000.
Australia (ASIC): Lower leverage (1:500), no investor compensation scheme.

Account Opening Process

Fully Digital: Fill out a short form and upload ID documents (passport or driver’s license) and proof of address.
Verification: Typically completed within hours, allowing quick market access.

Who Should Choose Which Entity?

High-Leverage Seekers: The Belize entity might be more appealing if you want maximum leverage (but understand the risks).
Greater Regulatory Oversight: The Cyprus entity, regulated by CySEC, provides additional safeguards such as the ICF scheme.

8. Research

Research offerings can give you a competitive edge. FBS provides a healthy mix of fundamental and technical analysis, trading ideas, and daily market reviews.

Market Insights & Trade Ideas

Technical Analysis: Articles focusing on chart patterns, price action, and oscillator divergences.
Fundamental Outlook: Covers major economic releases and central bank policies.
Frequency: Daily or multiple times per day.

Economic Calendar

Integration: Embedded in the FBS website and in MT5, providing real-time updates on upcoming data releases.

Livestreams & Videos

YouTube Channel: Live coverage of key events like Nonfarm Payrolls, often with real-time trades executed by FBS analysts.

Tools

Forex Calculator & Currency Converter: Useful for quick position sizing and currency conversions.

Areas for Improvement

Real-Time News Feed: A third-party service like Reuters or Dow Jones would strengthen the immediacy and breadth of the news coverage.

9. Education

For beginners and even seasoned traders, the educational resources at FBS can be a game-changer.

Articles & Guides

Topics: Basics of Forex, advanced trading strategies, risk management, and trading psychology.
Depth: Articles are well-structured, beginning with simple definitions and culminating in practice-oriented examples.

Courses

Types: Introductory (e.g., “Introduction to Online Trading”), intermediate, and advanced (“Algo Trading with MQL5”).
Format: Bite-sized lessons with quizzes and summaries at the end.

Webinars

Live Interaction: Conducted by FBS analysts where participants can ask questions in real-time.
Languages: Multiple languages, ensuring a broad audience can participate.

Platform Tutorials

MT4 & MT5 Tutorials: Step-by-step videos showing how to use features like charting, EAs, signals, and more.

Telegram Group

Community Interaction: Traders can share ideas, get updates on news or promotions, and ask quick questions.

Overall Educational Quality: Excellent. FBS stands out for the sheer volume, variety, and multilingual support of its educational content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is FBS regulated and safe to trade with?
A: Yes. FBS is regulated by the Belize Financial Services Commission (FSC), Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). They hold client funds in segregated accounts and offer negative balance protection.

Q2: What is the minimum deposit for an FBS account?
A: The minimum deposit starts at $5 for the Standard account. However, the recommended starting balance may be higher depending on your trading strategy and risk management.

Q3: Does FBS charge withdrawal fees?
A: FBS does not impose its own withdrawal fees. Nonetheless, some payment systems (e.g., Skrill, Neteller, or crypto networks) may charge a transaction fee or network fee.

Q4: What trading platforms does FBS offer?
A: FBS provides MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and a proprietary mobile app. The mobile app integrates charting via TradingView and is highly user-friendly.

Q5: Can I trade crypto with FBS?
A: Yes. FBS offers CFDs on major cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dash, Litecoin, and XRP.

Q6: Does FBS allow scalping and algorithmic trading?
A: Absolutely. Both MT4 and MT5 support scalping and algorithmic strategies, and FBS offers VPS services to minimize latency.

Q7: Is there an Islamic account option at FBS?
A: Yes. FBS provides a swap-free (Islamic) feature for traders who require Sharia-compliant trading conditions.

Q8: How do I contact FBS support?
A: FBS support is available 24/7. You can reach them via live chat on the website/app, phone, or email. Their response times are generally very quick.

Q9: Which entity of FBS should I choose?
A: This depends on your region and trading preferences. If you value higher leverage, the Belize entity (FSC) may be suitable. If you want top-tier regulation and investor compensation, opt for the CySEC (EU) entity.

Q10: Does FBS offer bonuses or promotions?
A: FBS often runs promotions like deposit bonuses or trading contests. Availability depends on your region and regulatory restrictions. Check their website or contact support for the latest offers.

The Bottom Line

FBS emerges as a well-rounded global broker that successfully balances affordability, technology, and educational resources. Over its 15-year history, it has built a large, loyal clientele across the globe, demonstrating consistent reliability and an evolving platform offering. If you are looking for:

Robust Regulatory Coverage and Safety: FBS is overseen by CySEC and ASIC (both Tier-1) and the FSC in Belize.
Wide Range of Instruments: Over 550 CFDs on Forex, indices, commodities, stocks, and crypto.
Excellent Educational Materials: A comprehensive suite of articles, webinars, video tutorials, and platform guides.
Cost-Effective Trading: No deposit, withdrawal, or inactivity fees; tight spreads on major Forex pairs; fair overnight swaps.
Advanced Tools for Scalping & Algo Trading: Fast execution, VPS, MT4, and MT5 with EAs.

Then FBS is definitely worth a closer look. Beginners will appreciate the user-friendly proprietary mobile app and strong customer support, while professional traders will value the advanced features in MetaTrader 4 and 5, along with the availability of high leverage (up to 1:3000 under the Belize entity).

Areas that could be improved include offering real stocks and ETFs for longer-term investments, providing a proprietary desktop platform, and tightening spreads on certain indices. Nevertheless, these points do not overshadow FBS’s strengths in its core offerings.

Ultimately, FBS is a safe and practical choice for both new and experienced traders, combining reliable regulation, cost efficiency, and advanced trading features. Whether your focus is scalping, day trading, or building advanced algorithmic strategies, FBS has the tools and environment to support your goals.

Final Words

Choosing the right broker is a crucial step in your trading journey. FBS’s 24/7 customer support, robust platform lineup, and educational depth create a nurturing space for beginners. Meanwhile, experienced traders can leverage its high-speed order execution, advanced features on MT5, and flexible deposit/withdrawal framework.

As always, remember that trading CFDs carries substantial risks due to leverage. Make sure you are well-prepared, use responsible risk management, and consider utilizing the FBS demo account before you trade with real money. The information provided in this comprehensive review is designed to give you a thorough understanding of FBS, but always do your own due diligence and stay updated on any broker changes or market developments.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the time of writing (January 2025). Trading involves significant risk, and this content should not be construed as financial advice. Always consult qualified professionals or conduct your own research before making any trading or investment decisions.