FBS Review 2026

4.0 / 5

Regulated broker with real licence numbers.

FBS is a regulated CFD broker founded in 2009. It holds a CySEC licence under number 331/17.

The basics

FBS was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Belize City, Belize. It is privately owned. The broker offers CFDs on 500 instruments across forex, indices, commodities, and crypto. All positions are contracts for difference — there is no real asset ownership.

MetaTrader is available on all account types. Copy trading lets you replicate the positions of other traders automatically.

Founded2009
HeadquartersBelize City, Belize
Instruments500+
PlatformsMT4, MT5, FBS App
MetaTraderYes — MT4 and MT5
Copy tradingYes
Real stocksNo — CFDs only

Is FBS safe?

CySEC-regulated brokers must keep client funds segregated, provide negative balance protection under ESMA rules, and contribute to the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF), which covers up to €20,000 per client.

RegulatorLicenceEntity
CySEC331/17 ✓FBS Markets Inc
IFSC000102/6 ✓FBS Inc

You can verify the CySEC licence at www.cysec.gov.cy. The registration shows the entity name, authorisation status, and full permissions list. It takes under a minute.

FBS spreads

These are the typical spreads on FBS's standard account. Spreads vary by market conditions and account type. ECN or raw-spread accounts offer lower spreads in exchange for a per-trade commission.

EUR/USD0.7 pips pips
GBP/USD1.0 pips pips
USD/JPY0.8 pips pips
Gold (XAU/USD)22c/oz
S&P 5000.5pt

FBS's EUR/USD spread of 0.7 pips pips is competitive for a retail broker without a per-trade commission.

FBS withdrawal fee and processing time

Fee: None. FBS does not charge deposit or withdrawal fees. Your payment provider may apply their own transfer fees.

Processing time: 1 to 3 business days. E-wallet and card withdrawals are typically faster than bank wire transfers.

Withdrawal requests must pass identity verification before processing. If your account is not yet fully verified (proof of identity and address submitted), expect additional delays. Verified accounts follow the standard processing times above.

FBS minimum deposit by entity

The minimum deposit depends on which FBS entity serves your country. Offshore entities often allow lower minimums but with less regulatory protection.

EntityRegulatorMin depositMax leverage (forex)
FBS Markets IncCySEC 331/17$11:30
FBS IncIFSC 000102/6$11:3000

FBS vs eToro

FBSeToro
Primary regulatorCySEC 331/17FCA 583263
Min deposit$1$50
EUR/USD spread0.7 pips pips1.0 pips
MetaTraderYesNo
Instruments500+3,000+
Copy tradingYesYes
Withdrawal feeNone$5 per withdrawal

Both brokers are regulated and legitimate. FBS suits traders who value copy trading and social features. eToro is better for traders who prioritise its specific regulated entity coverage.

Regulation — the numbers that matter

CySEC331/17 — FBS Markets Inc
IFSC000102/6 — FBS Inc

Leverage for retail clients in the EU and UK is capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs under ESMA rules. The offshore entity offers up to 1:3000, but with lighter regulatory protection.

Pros and Cons

What works

  • CySEC regulated — FBS Markets Inc
  • Very low minimum deposit ($1)
  • MetaTrader 4 and 5 available
  • Copy trading available

What does not work

  • No real stock ownership — CFDs only
  • Inactivity fee: $5/month after 3 months
  • High leverage only via offshore entity

The verdict

FBS is a legitimate, regulated broker. The CySEC licence number 331/17 is verifiable on the public register. It is best suited for social and copy traders. Rating: 4.0 out of 5.

Alternatives to FBS

If FBS does not fit your needs, these regulated alternatives are worth comparing:

XM
CySEC regulated · Min $5
Read review →
IC Markets
ASIC regulated · Min $200
Read review →
Pepperstone
FCA regulated · Min None
Read review →

Frequently asked questions

Is FBS safe?

CySEC-regulated brokers must keep client funds segregated, provide negative balance protection under ESMA rules, and contribute to the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF), which covers up to €20,000 per client. FBS holds CySEC licence 331/17, which is publicly verifiable on the official register.

What is the FBS minimum deposit?

The minimum deposit is $1. This applies to the main regulated entity. Some offshore entities may differ. See the entity table above for full breakdown.

What is the FBS EUR/USD spread?

The EUR/USD spread on FBS standard accounts is typically 0.7 pips pips. Spreads vary with market conditions. ECN or raw accounts offer lower spreads with a per-trade commission instead.

How long does FBS take to process withdrawals?

1 to 3 business days. E-wallet and card withdrawals are typically faster than bank wire transfers.

Does FBS charge withdrawal fees?

None. FBS does not charge deposit or withdrawal fees. Your payment provider may apply their own transfer fees.

Does FBS have MetaTrader?

Yes. FBS supports both MT4 and MT5 on all account types. This allows automated trading, custom indicators, and expert advisors.

76% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with FBS. CFDs are complex instruments. Consider whether you can afford the high risk of losing your money.