FP Markets vs Swissquote 2026
Both are regulated. The right choice depends on your trading style.
FP Markets suits traders who value tighter spreads, lower minimum deposit ($100 vs $1000), no inactivity fee. Swissquote suits traders who prioritise more instruments (3,000,000 vs 10,000).
Head to head
| FP Markets | Swissquote | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC 286354 | FCA 562379 |
| Regulation tier | tier-1 | tier-1 |
| Min deposit | $100 | $1000 |
| EUR/USD spread | From 0.0 pips (ECN) | 1.3 pips |
| Instruments | 10,000+ | 3,000,000+ |
| MetaTrader | Yes (MT4+MT5) | Yes (MT4+MT5) |
| Copy trading | No | No |
| Real stocks | Yes | Yes |
| Inactivity fee | None | $10/mo after 12mo |
| Founded | 2005 | 1996 |
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia | Gland, Switzerland |
Regulation: FP Markets vs Swissquote
FP Markets is regulated by ASIC under licence 286354 (First Prudential Markets Pty Ltd). The ASIC is a tier-1 regulator. Client funds are held in segregated accounts and negative balance protection applies.
Swissquote is regulated by FCA under licence 562379 (Swissquote UK Ltd). The FCA is a tier-1 regulator. Client funds are held in segregated accounts and negative balance protection applies.
Both brokers are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Neither has a significant regulatory advantage over the other.
Spreads and fees
FP Markets's EUR/USD spread is From 0.0 pips (ECN). Swissquote's EUR/USD spread is 1.3 pips. FP Markets offers tighter spreads on this pair.
FP Markets does not charge an inactivity fee. Swissquote charges an inactivity fee of $10/month after 12 months.
Platforms and tools
Both FP Markets and Swissquote support MetaTrader 4 and 5, so algorithmic traders and EA users can use either.
Neither broker offers copy trading.
Minimum deposit
FP Markets requires a minimum deposit of $100. Swissquote requires $1000. FP Markets has the lower barrier to entry. Traders who want to start with less capital should consider FP Markets.
Note that minimum deposits can vary by account type and by which regulatory entity serves your country. Some offshore entities allow lower deposits than the tier-1 entity.
Which is better for beginners?
FP Markets also has the lower minimum deposit of $100, making it easier to start with a small amount. Both platforms are accessible to new traders, though neither is specifically designed as a beginner-only broker.
Which is better for experienced traders?
Both FP Markets and Swissquote support MetaTrader, so experienced traders can use either without restriction. FP Markets's tighter spreads (From 0.0 pips (ECN)) make it better for high-frequency and scalping strategies. Swissquote offers more instruments (3,000,000) for portfolio diversification.
Verdict: FP Markets vs Swissquote
Choose FP Markets if you want tighter spreads, lower minimum deposit ($100 vs $1000), no inactivity fee. The ASIC licence (286354) gives it strong tier-1 regulatory backing.
Choose Swissquote if you want more instruments (3,000,000 vs 10,000). The FCA licence (562379) means strong tier-1 regulatory protection.
Both brokers are legitimate and regulated. The choice comes down to your specific trading requirements.
Frequently asked questions
FP Markets vs Swissquote: which is better?
FP Markets is better for tighter spreads, lower minimum deposit ($100 vs $1000), no inactivity fee. Swissquote is better for more instruments (3,000,000 vs 10,000). If regulation quality is your priority, both have comparable regulation.
Is FP Markets or Swissquote safer?
Both FP Markets (ASIC 286354) and Swissquote (FCA 562379) are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Both segregate client funds.
What is the minimum deposit for FP Markets and Swissquote?
FP Markets minimum deposit: $100. Swissquote minimum deposit: $1000. Minimums vary by entity and account type.
Do FP Markets and Swissquote have MetaTrader?
Yes, both support MetaTrader 4 and MT5.