FBS vs IC Markets 2026: Complete Comparison for Vietnam Traders
Which broker is better for Vietnam traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Quick Verdict — Vietnam Traders
For young tech-savvy traders in Vietnam, choosing between FBS and IC Markets can be a game-changer. Both brokers offer access to global forex and CFD markets, but they cater to different trading styles. FBS is known for its user-friendly interface, generous bonuses, and local payment integration including Momo and USDT. IC Markets, on the other hand, is a top-tier broker for serious traders, offering ultra-low spreads, lightning-fast execution, and advanced platforms like MetaTrader 4, 5, and cTrader. While FBS has a lower overall score of 3.7/5, IC Markets dominates with a 4.8/5 rating. This comparison will help Vietnam traders decide which broker aligns with their needs, considering local factors like VND deposits, SSC Vietnam regulation, and the growing demand for crypto-friendly payments.
Overall Scores Comparison
Trading Costs - Spreads & Commissions
| Instrument | FBS | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | IC Markets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | IC Markets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | IC Markets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | IC Markets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $5 | $200 | IC Markets |
When it comes to trading costs, IC Markets is the clear winner for Vietnam traders. IC Markets offers raw spread accounts with spreads starting from 0.0 pips on major forex pairs like EUR/USD, with a commission of $3.50 per lot per side. FBS spreads start from 0.5 pips on its ECN account, with a commission of $6 per lot. For a Vietnam trader executing 100 lots per month, IC Markets saves approximately $250 in costs. Additionally, IC Markets has no hidden fees, while FBS charges for inactivity and certain withdrawal methods. For cost-conscious traders in Vietnam, IC Markets provides a more economical trading environment.
Account Types Comparison
| Account Type | FBS | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $5 | $200 |
Leverage Comparison - Vietnam Traders
| Entity / Asset | FBS | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam (offshore) | Up to 1:3000 | Up to 1:5000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:3000 | 1:5000 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
Trading Instruments - Assets Available
| Asset Class | FBS | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FBS |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FBS |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | FBS |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | IC Markets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
Platforms Comparison
| Platform | FBS | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✓ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers support MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, which are popular among Vietnam traders. However, IC Markets also offers cTrader, a modern platform with advanced charting and one-click trading, ideal for tech-savvy users. FBS provides its own mobile app with copy trading features, but it lacks the depth of cTrader. For Vietnam traders who value speed and customization, IC Markets' platform suite is superior. FBS's app is more beginner-friendly but less powerful for scalping or algorithmic trading.
Execution Quality - Speed & Slippage
| Factor | FBS | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | IC Markets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | FBS |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
IC Markets boasts an average execution speed of 40ms, using Equinix NY4 data centers for ultra-fast order processing. FBS execution speed is around 100ms, which is slower for scalping or high-frequency trading. For Vietnam traders who trade actively, IC Markets' execution quality is a significant advantage, reducing slippage and improving trade entry.
Regulation & Safety for Vietnam Traders
| Safety Factor | FBS | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | IFSC | ASIC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✗ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
IC Markets is regulated by top-tier authorities including ASIC (Australia) and CySEC (Cyprus), offering strong client fund protection and negative balance protection. FBS is regulated by IFSC (Belize) and CySEC, but its IFSC license offers limited investor protection. Neither broker is regulated by the State Securities Commission of Vietnam (SSC), so Vietnam traders should prioritize brokers with robust international oversight. IC Markets' ASIC regulation provides a higher level of trust and security for local traders.
Deposits & Withdrawals for Vietnam
| Payment Method | FBS | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | Electronic Wallets / Systems: Credited immediately to 30 minutes (processed 24/7 by the financial department).Cryptocurrency: Instant, though subject to blockchain network confirmations.Credit / Debit Cards: Average of 3 to 4 business days (internal processing takes 15–20 minutes, plus bank clearance).Bank Transfers: Usually processed within 7 to 10 business days. | E-wallets instant-24hrs; Cards 3-5 business days (up to 10); Int'l bank wire up to 14 days |
FBS excels in local payment options for Vietnam traders. It supports direct deposits via Momo, Bank Transfer (VND), and USDT (crypto), with no deposit fees. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours for Momo and USDT, and 1-3 days for bank transfers. IC Markets accepts Bank Transfer (VND) and USDT, but does not support Momo. IC Markets' bank transfers may take 2-5 business days. For Vietnam traders who want instant funding via Momo, FBS is more convenient. However, IC Markets offers faster withdrawals via USDT (same day). Both brokers allow deposits in VND, but FBS has a lower minimum deposit of $10 compared to IC Markets' $200.
Islamic Accounts - Swap-Free for Vietnam Muslims
| Islamic Account Feature | FBS | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Both FBS and IC Markets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Vietnam Muslim traders. FBS provides Islamic accounts upon request, with no swap charges on overnight positions. IC Markets offers swap-free accounts automatically for clients from certain countries, including Vietnam. However, IC Markets may apply a small administrative fee after a holding period. Vietnam traders should check with customer support for specific terms and conditions before opening an Islamic account.
Customer Support Comparison
| Support Feature | FBS | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FBS |
IC Markets offers 24/7 multilingual support via live chat, email, and phone, with a dedicated Vietnamese-speaking team. FBS also provides 24/7 support but response times can be slower, especially during peak hours. For Vietnam traders, IC Markets' support is more reliable and faster, particularly for account and technical issues.
Mobile App Comparison
| Mobile Feature | FBS | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | FBS |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | FBS |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
Education & Research Tools
| Resource | FBS | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | FBS |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FBS |
Real User Reviews - Trustpilot
Pros & Cons of Each Broker
FBS
IC Markets
Who Should Use Which Broker? - Vietnam Guide
Choose FBS if you...
- Prefer using Momo for instant deposits and withdrawals
- Are a beginner looking for a low minimum deposit of $10
- Want a user-friendly mobile app with copy trading features
- Value bonus promotions and loyalty programs
Choose IC Markets if you...
FAQ - FBS vs IC Markets in Vietnam
Final Verdict - Vietnam 2026
For Vietnam traders, IC Markets is the overall winner with a 4.8/5 rating, offering superior spreads, execution, and regulation. While FBS has local advantages like Momo payments and a lower minimum deposit, IC Markets provides a more professional trading environment. If you are a young tech-savvy trader in Vietnam who values speed and cost efficiency, IC Markets is the better choice. However, if you rely on Momo for deposits or are just starting out, FBS is a viable option. Both brokers accept VND and USDT, but IC Markets' ASIC regulation offers more peace of mind despite not being licensed by SSC Vietnam.