Our Honest FBS Review (August 2025)

My opinion on FBS

Last update: August 5, 2025

Discover the broker

4.2

Score

4.2

Score

P. Laurore

Finance expert

FBS is a globally recognized online broker established in 2009, now serving over 23 million traders across 150+ countries, including Canada, with a strong offering of Forex and CFD products.
With a minimum deposit of just $1.05 USD for Canadians, FBS stands out for its low entry requirements, broad account selection, and advanced trading platforms (MT4/MT5), but it does remain offshore-regulated for Canadian clients (CySEC, not IIROC), which demands an extra degree of due diligence.
Fees are highly competitive: there are no inactivity or account management fees, and spreads start from 0.7 pips for EUR/USD, though commission-based ECN and Zero Spread accounts can offer tighter pricing for frequent traders.
The asset range includes major Forex pairs, stock CFDs, indices, commodities, and crypto CFDs, though the total number of instruments (100+ CFDs) is notably smaller than with some peers and spot crypto or wallet services are not supported.
FBS excels against competitors on accessibility and copy trading for new users, thanks to its proprietary CopyTrade app and demo accounts; however, advanced traders may find restrictions in asset breadth, regulatory assurance, and platform features compared to other global leaders.
The FBS platform enjoys a solid reputation with a Trustpilot score of 4.2/5 from more than 20,000 reviews, highlighting its user-friendly interface, responsive support, and fast order execution.
Overall, FBS is best positioned as a low-cost entry point for new or casual traders who value simplicity and a quick start, but it is less suited to those who require exhaustive asset selection or Canadian regulatory protection.
In my experience, FBS is most suitable for the following profiles of traders:
➡️ Beginner and casual traders: Ideal for those looking to start trading with minimal capital (from $1), a simple onboarding process, and access to demo accounts and copy trading.

➡️ Cost-sensitive Forex and CFD traders: Suitable for users who value tight spreads, commission-free accounts, and no inactivity fees—especially in forex and basic CFD markets.

➡️ Traders comfortable with offshore regulation: Best for those who prioritize accessibility and ease-of-use over full Canadian IIROC/CIPF protections, and are aware of the regulatory trade-offs.

Pros

• ✅Ultra-low minimum deposit requirement ($1.05 USD)
• ✅Wide variety of account types (Standard, Cent, Micro, ECN, Zero Spread, Crypto, Islamic)
• ✅Competitive spreads on major pairs (from 0.7 pips on EUR/USD)
• ✅No account opening, inactivity, or management fees
• ✅MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 support plus proprietary FBS Trader app
• ✅Exclusive FBS CopyTrade app for social and copy trading
• ✅Demo accounts available with flexible virtual capital
• ✅Maximum leverage up to 1:3000 (subject to account and asset)
• ✅Swift deposit and withdrawal processing (often instant)
• ✅24/7 multilingual customer support (live chat, email, international phone)
• ✅Supports both Forex and a selection of CFDs (stocks, indices, commodities, crypto)
• ✅Islamic (swap-free) accounts available on most account types

Cons

• ❌Operates under offshore regulation only for Canada (CySEC, not IIROC)
• ❌Relatively limited total instrument selection (approx. 100+ CFDs, fewer stocks/crypto than top peers)
• ❌Crypto assets offered via CFDs only (no spot, staking, lending, or integrated wallets)
• ❌No ETF trading; offers only CFD equivalents for stocks and indices
• ❌No access to bonds or a wide basket of commodities
• ❌Commissions apply on ECN and Zero-Spread accounts ($6/lot typical)
• ❌No direct proof-of-reserves or cold storage for crypto products
• ❌No native cTrader or TradingView platform integration
• ❌Canadian traders not eligible for local investor protection schemes
• ❌Some exotic instruments may incur additional swap or weekly commission fees

Discover the broker

4.2

Score

4.2

Score

ProsCons

• ✅Ultra-low minimum deposit requirement ($1.05 USD)
• ✅Wide variety of account types (Standard, Cent, Micro, ECN, Zero Spread, Crypto, Islamic)
• ✅Competitive spreads on major pairs (from 0.7 pips on EUR/USD)
• ✅No account opening, inactivity, or management fees
• ✅MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 support plus proprietary FBS Trader app
• ✅Exclusive FBS CopyTrade app for social and copy trading
• ✅Demo accounts available with flexible virtual capital
• ✅Maximum leverage up to 1:3000 (subject to account and asset)
• ✅Swift deposit and withdrawal processing (often instant)
• ✅24/7 multilingual customer support (live chat, email, international phone)
• ✅Supports both Forex and a selection of CFDs (stocks, indices, commodities, crypto)
• ✅Islamic (swap-free) accounts available on most account types

My opinion on FBS

Last update: August 5, 2025

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Pros

• ✅Ultra-low minimum deposit requirement ($1.05 USD)
• ✅Wide variety of account types (Standard, Cent, Micro, ECN, Zero Spread, Crypto, Islamic)
• ✅Competitive spreads on major pairs (from 0.7 pips on EUR/USD)
• ✅No account opening, inactivity, or management fees
• ✅MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 support plus proprietary FBS Trader app
• ✅Exclusive FBS CopyTrade app for social and copy trading
• ✅Demo accounts available with flexible virtual capital
• ✅Maximum leverage up to 1:3000 (subject to account and asset)
• ✅Swift deposit and withdrawal processing (often instant)
• ✅24/7 multilingual customer support (live chat, email, international phone)
• ✅Supports both Forex and a selection of CFDs (stocks, indices, commodities, crypto)
• ✅Islamic (swap-free) accounts available on most account types

Cons

• ❌Operates under offshore regulation only for Canada (CySEC, not IIROC)
• ❌Relatively limited total instrument selection (approx. 100+ CFDs, fewer stocks/crypto than top peers)
• ❌Crypto assets offered via CFDs only (no spot, staking, lending, or integrated wallets)
• ❌No ETF trading; offers only CFD equivalents for stocks and indices
• ❌No access to bonds or a wide basket of commodities
• ❌Commissions apply on ECN and Zero-Spread accounts ($6/lot typical)
• ❌No direct proof-of-reserves or cold storage for crypto products
• ❌No native cTrader or TradingView platform integration
• ❌Canadian traders not eligible for local investor protection schemes
• ❌Some exotic instruments may incur additional swap or weekly commission fees

Discover the broker

4.2

Score

4.2

Score

ProsCons

• ✅Ultra-low minimum deposit requirement ($1.05 USD)
• ✅Wide variety of account types (Standard, Cent, Micro, ECN, Zero Spread, Crypto, Islamic)
• ✅Competitive spreads on major pairs (from 0.7 pips on EUR/USD)
• ✅No account opening, inactivity, or management fees
• ✅MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 support plus proprietary FBS Trader app
• ✅Exclusive FBS CopyTrade app for social and copy trading
• ✅Demo accounts available with flexible virtual capital
• ✅Maximum leverage up to 1:3000 (subject to account and asset)
• ✅Swift deposit and withdrawal processing (often instant)
• ✅24/7 multilingual customer support (live chat, email, international phone)
• ✅Supports both Forex and a selection of CFDs (stocks, indices, commodities, crypto)
• ✅Islamic (swap-free) accounts available on most account types

FBS is a globally recognized online broker established in 2009, now serving over 23 million traders across 150+ countries, including Canada, with a strong offering of Forex and CFD products.
With a minimum deposit of just $1.05 USD for Canadians, FBS stands out for its low entry requirements, broad account selection, and advanced trading platforms (MT4/MT5), but it does remain offshore-regulated for Canadian clients (CySEC, not IIROC), which demands an extra degree of due diligence.
Fees are highly competitive: there are no inactivity or account management fees, and spreads start from 0.7 pips for EUR/USD, though commission-based ECN and Zero Spread accounts can offer tighter pricing for frequent traders.
The asset range includes major Forex pairs, stock CFDs, indices, commodities, and crypto CFDs, though the total number of instruments (100+ CFDs) is notably smaller than with some peers and spot crypto or wallet services are not supported.
FBS excels against competitors on accessibility and copy trading for new users, thanks to its proprietary CopyTrade app and demo accounts; however, advanced traders may find restrictions in asset breadth, regulatory assurance, and platform features compared to other global leaders.
The FBS platform enjoys a solid reputation with a Trustpilot score of 4.2/5 from more than 20,000 reviews, highlighting its user-friendly interface, responsive support, and fast order execution.
Overall, FBS is best positioned as a low-cost entry point for new or casual traders who value simplicity and a quick start, but it is less suited to those who require exhaustive asset selection or Canadian regulatory protection.
In my experience, FBS is most suitable for the following profiles of traders:
➡️ Beginner and casual traders: Ideal for those looking to start trading with minimal capital (from $1), a simple onboarding process, and access to demo accounts and copy trading. ➡️ Cost-sensitive Forex and CFD traders: Suitable for users who value tight spreads, commission-free accounts, and no inactivity fees—especially in forex and basic CFD markets. ➡️ Traders comfortable with offshore regulation: Best for those who prioritize accessibility and ease-of-use over full Canadian IIROC/CIPF protections, and are aware of the regulatory trade-offs.

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Why trust Hellosafe?

I spent time rigorously testing FBS to understand how it fits the needs of Canadian traders. I opened an account, evaluated its different trading platforms, and made sure to carefully look into its spreads, withdrawal process, and customer support responsiveness—day and night. I didn't just stop at the numbers: I paid attention to how easy it was to use the tools FBS provides and what it's like to get support as an everyday user.

To offer a fair opinion, I compared my experience with other regulated brokers that Canadian traders consider, like Forex.com or Fusion Markets. This allowed me to see where FBS stands on reliability, costs, and available features—especially as FBS operates under CySEC regulation, rather than Canadian authorities. I also noticed the appeal for both beginners (thanks to the very low minimum deposit and the copy trading app) and for experienced traders looking for flexibility and automation.

My opinion here is not just based on marketing promises but on actually going through the process as a trader—checking fees, trying out the platforms, and comparing FBS directly with others. My goal is to help you see the reality of trading with FBS, so you can make an informed decision that fits your needs in Canada.

FBS at a glance

Security & Regulation

FBS provides adequate security for retail traders, but its reliability is average compared to brokers licensed in Canada or other major financial centres. Regulation is through CySEC in Cyprus, which is a recognized authority but not as stringent as Canadian CIRO or UK FCA oversight. Canadian clients do not benefit from direct Canadian investor protection schemes, which is an important consideration if safeguarding funds is a primary concern.

Funds are held in segregated accounts under international standards, and core risk tools such as stop orders and negative balance protection are included on all major platforms. While these features are industry standard, more advanced security measures—such as two-factor authentication by default or proof-of-reserves for crypto segments—are not highlighted. FBS maintains a substantial track record globally, with 20,000+ Trustpilot reviews and a user rating above 4/5, indicating a generally positive reputation with some reservations from the community.

Fees, Spreads & Commissions

FBS positions itself as an accessible broker thanks to its ultra-low minimum deposit—just $1.05 USD for Canadian users. This is especially attractive for new traders or those wishing to test the platform with minimal capital. The Standard and Cent accounts come with zero trading commissions; spreads here begin at 0.7 pips for major forex pairs, which is reasonable but not the absolute lowest compared to some competitors. The ECN and Zero Spread accounts offer raw spreads from 0.0 pips, but do include a commission charge, starting at $6 per lot, which is typical in the ECN segment but not the most competitive in the global market.

For CFD trading on commodities and indices, fee structures remain transparent: spreads on gold (from 20 pips), oil (from 3 pips), and index CFDs (S&P 500 from 0.6 points) are published clearly, though active traders should monitor for variable spreads during volatile periods. There are no hidden markups or management fees, and FBS does not charge inactivity or account maintenance fees—a notable advantage for casual or occasional users.

Crypto trading with FBS is offered through CFDs, so there are no direct custody or transfer fees on digital assets. The main cost is the spread, starting from 1 pip, which is below average for the broader market of CFD brokers. There are no explicit overnight fees on CFDs, so holding positions longer-term doesn’t carry extra charges unless you are trading Islamic (swap-free) accounts, where some exotics may have a weekly commission.

Deposit fees are always $0 on FBS’s end, and withdrawal fees start at $0 but can vary by method; most electronic wallets and cards process quickly and affordably. Currency conversion charges depend on your banking provider and method, making it worthwhile to fund your account in USD if possible.

What are the account-related fees?

Tip

Traders looking for the lowest all-in cost should compare the ECN account (with raw spreads and fixed commission) against the Standard account (zero commission but higher spreads). Match your strategy and trade volume to the fee structure: ECN often benefits high-frequency scalpers, while Standard may be more cost-effective for occasional traders.

What are the fees on stocks and ETFs?

FBS does not provide direct stock or ETF trading; these assets are only accessible via CFDs. The fee structure relies on a spread, typically starting from 0.7 pips, with no direct commission for Standard accounts—making it simple to estimate round-trip costs. No overnight or custody fees are charged, and there is no UK stamp duty due to the CFD nature of these products.

What are the fees on cryptocurrencies?

FBS offers crypto trading strictly through CFDs. There are no buy/sell commissions; instead, all costs are in the spread, which starts from 1 pip for the main pairs. Overnight, custody, and transfer fees are absent, making FBS competitive versus other platforms that layer in extra charges for crypto products.

What are the fees on CFDs?

CFD trading at FBS covers most major asset classes. Spreads are clear and mostly in line with market averages for a broker of this type. Maximum leverage is high, reaching up to 1:3000 for some products, and overnight fees are generally not applied outside swap-related products. The cost-efficiency depends on the instrument, account type, and trading style.

Assets & Markets

FBS is built for traders seeking broad forex and CFD access with an emphasis on accessibility and automation. The platform features 35+ major, minor, and exotic currency pairs, which is enough to cover most global FX strategies, though not as expansive as the 70–80 pairs offered by some market leaders. The inclusion of micro and cent accounts, combined with leverage up to 1:3000, enables traders to experiment and scale exposure very flexibly, a notable strength for newer users or those employing tactical risk management.

The equity CFD selection includes 100+ global stocks, primarily U.S. names, allowing for both directional and hedging trading. However, I find the lack of spot stock and ETF access to be a limitation, particularly for investors wanting direct asset ownership or exposure to diversified index products. FBS compensates for this by delivering all trading through CFDs, which means leverage is available on most offerings, but no underlying asset transfer or dividend holding is possible.

Cryptocurrency at FBS is accessible exclusively via CFDs, with a focused set of four popular coins. While that covers the main market movers such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, the token roster is limited compared to larger multi-asset brokers, and there’s no access to stablecoins or NFT-related products. That said, FBS does well at providing fast crypto trading with simple order types and the ability to integrate with expert advisors and the proprietary FBS copy trading network.

Commodities (including gold, oil, and silver), plus 11+ global indices such as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100, round out the lineup. Bonds, stablecoins, and physical crypto services are missing, but the platform’s strength is the seamless integration of forex, stocks, indices, and crypto CFDs—all tradable from MT4, MT5, or the FBS Trader app. This suite suits those valuing leverage, automation, and copy trading, but less so for those seeking deep asset variety or regulated spot investing.

Trading Tools & Apps

FBS stands out for its range of supported platforms, particularly for forex and CFD traders who want choice and flexibility. The integration of MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 covers all technical and automation needs, including advanced charting, extensive indicator libraries, and the full suite of order types. MT4 remains popular for its simplicity and wide support, while MT5 provides deeper market analysis with more timeframes and a broader asset selection.

The FBS Trader app delivers an accessible and visually clean mobile-only experience, allowing users to manage trades, monitor markets, and deposit or withdraw funds with minimal friction. I appreciate how the app is tailored specifically for fast trade execution and straightforward navigation, which lowers the barrier for entry-level traders.

Copy trading is a particular highlight. The proprietary FBS CopyTrade app lets clients follow vetted professional traders with clear performance leaderboards and risk statistics. This is especially valuable for beginners or time-constrained users who wish to automate their exposure without writing trading algorithms themselves.

From an order execution perspective, all major types are covered: market, limit, stop, and stop-limit orders can be placed across MT4, MT5, or the FBS Trader app. The lack of support for direct spot stock purchases and the absence of crypto wallet or staking functions means FBS is best for CFD and margin traders, not investors seeking long-term asset custody or DeFi features.

Tip

Explore both the FBS Trader app and MetaTrader platforms in demo mode to determine which workflow best matches your trading style. Take time to configure one-click trading and favorite assets for faster order entry, and always enable two-factor authentication to maximize account security.

Account Opening & Deposits

Account opening

Creating an account with FBS is fully digital and can be completed in just a few key steps. Start with the online registration form on the FBS website, entering your personal information, email address, and creating a secure password. Next, FBS will ask you to select your preferred account type and trading platform.

You then need to upload a copy of your government-issued ID (such as a passport or driver’s license) and a proof of address (bank statement or utility bill). As part of anti-money laundering compliance, a short regulatory questionnaire about your trading background and financial experience is also required.

Once your documents and details are submitted, the FBS compliance team reviews your application—this typically takes from several minutes to 24 hours, though it may take longer during periods of high demand or if additional information is requested. As soon as your account is validated, you receive a confirmation email and can proceed to make your first deposit.

Good to know

Select your base account currency carefully during registration. Changing your base currency later can be complex, and may result in currency conversion fees for future deposits and withdrawals.

Deposits and withdrawals on FBS

Depositing and withdrawing funds from FBS is flexible and quick for Canadian users. Deposits can be made using a variety of methods: bank cards (Visa/Mastercard), major e-wallets (Skrill, Neteller, Sticpay), and local payment systems where available. Most deposits are processed instantly or within 15 minutes, with no fees charged by FBS—although your bank or payment service might apply its own charges.

Withdrawals are made through the same channels and are generally processed within 15 minutes to 48 hours, depending on the method chosen and the level of verification required. Minimum deposit and withdrawal amounts are very low ($1–$1.05 USD), making the service accessible even for beginners. FBS does not provide an integrated wallet or direct fiat-to-crypto conversion features, and crypto deposits are not supported—crypto is only available for trading via CFDs.

Good to know

Always double-check the withdrawal method and account details you provide. Using the same method for deposits and withdrawals can avoid unnecessary delays. Review any charges from your payment provider, as FBS itself does not generally charge deposit fees.

Account Types

FBS is a global CFD and forex broker serving Canadian clients under offshore regulation. Its extensive range of account types caters to diverse trader profiles, from absolute beginners to experienced and professional traders. Users can choose between classic commission-free options, true ECN pricing, swap-free Islamic versions, and a demo environment for unlimited simulated trading. FBS does not offer direct spot, staking/earn, or crypto wallet accounts; all digital asset trading is through CFDs.

Each account type comes with its own structure for spreads, commissions, and minimum deposit, allowing clients to choose based on trading style and capital. Islamic accounts are available for those who require swap-free conditions due to religious requirements. An ultra-low minimum deposit makes entry easy for those who want to start small.

Tip

Before choosing your account type, compare the Standard and Raw ECN features carefully. If you trade high volume or during volatile sessions, the Raw ECN may offer tighter spreads—just be mindful of commission costs. Use the demo account to test spreads, execution speed, and all platform features before risking real capital.

How FBS Compares to Competitors

Customer reviews

FBS has a Trustpilot rating of 4.2 out of 5, based on over 20,000 reviews.

Les utilisateurs mettent en avant plusieurs aspects positifs de la plateforme, notamment :

• Extremely low minimum deposit to start trading
• User-friendly mobile and web platforms
• Responsive and knowledgeable customer support
• Wide selection of account types including Islamic (swap-free)
• Availability of the CopyTrade app for beginner traders

En revanche, plusieurs points négatifs sont régulièrement évoqués dans les avis :

• Limited range of stock CFDs compared to major brokers
• Spreads on Standard accounts higher than some low-cost competitors
• Platform sometimes lags during periods of high volatility
• Regulatory protection is offshore, not local to Canada
• Occasional reports of slow withdrawals or payment processing

Voici quelques exemples représentatifs d’avis publiés sur Trustpilot :

i.V.L. – 06/05/2025 : “FBS has a very user-friendly platform and fast withdrawals. Customer support is always helpful.” i.R.T. – 05/19/2025 : “Spreads are competitive, but I wish there were more stock CFDs. Overall, a good broker for forex.” i.J.M. – 04/23/2025 : “The CopyTrade app is great for beginners. I was able to follow experienced traders and learn a lot.”

FAQ

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.