Which broker is better for Singapore traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Singapore is a premier financial hub where sophisticated traders demand low costs, fast execution, and robust regulation. In this comparison, we pit AvaTrade (rated 4.6/5) against Forex.com (rated 3.4/5) to help you decide which broker suits your trading style in 2025. AvaTrade, a global broker with over 15 years of experience, offers a wide range of instruments including forex, CFDs, and cryptocurrencies, while Forex.com, backed by GAIN Capital and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), provides deep liquidity and institutional-grade execution. For Singapore traders, local payment options like PayNow, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card are essential, and we examine how each broker supports these. Both cater to advanced investors, but their approach to spreads, platforms, and customer support differs significantly. This guide breaks down every aspect that matters to Singapore-based traders, from regulatory oversight to deposit convenience, helping you make an informed choice.
| Instrument | AvaTrade | Forex.com | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Forex.com |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Forex.com |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Forex.com |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Forex.com |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $100 | $100 | Tie |
For Singapore traders, trading costs directly impact profitability, especially for high-frequency and position traders. AvaTrade offers fixed spreads starting from 0.9 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD, with no commission on standard accounts. Forex.com uses variable spreads that average 1.2–1.5 pips on the same pair, but offers raw spreads from 0.0 pips on its commission-based account (around $7 per lot). On a $100,000 volume, AvaTrade’s fixed spread costs $9 per lot, while Forex.com’s commission-based account totals $7 per lot, but variable spreads can increase during volatile Asian sessions. For Singapore traders who trade during local market hours (e.g., USD/SGD), AvaTrade’s predictable costs often win, while Forex.com’s raw spreads suit scalpers who trade high volume.
| Account Type | AvaTrade | Forex.com |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✓ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $100 |
| Entity / Asset | AvaTrade | Forex.com |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore (offshore) | Up to 1:400 | Up to 1:50 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:400 | 1:50 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
| Asset Class | AvaTrade | Forex.com | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | AvaTrade |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | AvaTrade |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | AvaTrade |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | Forex.com |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | AvaTrade | Forex.com |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✓ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers cater to sophisticated investors with advanced tools. AvaTrade provides MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and its proprietary AvaTradeGO app, which features a built-in social trading platform (AvaSocial). This variety allows Singapore traders to switch between desktop and mobile seamlessly, with full charting and automated trading via Expert Advisors. Forex.com offers MT4, a web trader, and its own desktop platform, plus TradingView integration for advanced chart analysis. However, Forex.com lacks MT5, which some Singapore traders prefer for its expanded asset classes. For local needs, AvaTrade’s support for multiple languages (including Chinese) and round-the-clock access makes it more tailored to Singapore’s diverse trading community.
| Factor | AvaTrade | Forex.com | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Forex.com |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | AvaTrade |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
Execution quality is a key differentiator for sophisticated traders. AvaTrade operates as a market maker, providing instant execution with no requotes on most trades, but may experience slippage during news events. Forex.com uses an No Dealing Desk (NDD) model, passing orders directly to liquidity providers, resulting in faster execution speeds and lower latency, especially for high-frequency strategies. Both brokers offer negative balance protection. For Singapore traders trading major pairs during Asian sessions, Forex.com’s NDD execution offers more predictable fills, while AvaTrade’s fixed spreads may appeal to those who value cost certainty over execution speed.
| Safety Factor | AvaTrade | Forex.com |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CBI | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
For Singapore traders, regulation by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) is a top priority. Forex.com holds a MAS license (Capital Markets Services License) and is subject to strict local oversight, including segregated client funds and mandatory risk disclosures. AvaTrade is not directly regulated by MAS; it operates under licenses from ASIC (Australia), FCA (UK), and other reputable jurisdictions. While AvaTrade’s international regulation provides a solid safety net, it does not offer the same level of local recourse as a MAS-licensed broker. We recommend Forex.com for traders who prioritize local regulatory protection and AvaTrade for those who value broader product offerings and lower costs, understanding the trade-off in regulation.
| Payment Method | AvaTrade | Forex.com |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✗ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✗ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | Card/e-wallet 24-48hrs after approval; Wire Transfer up to 7-10 business days | 1 to 3 business days |
Singapore traders need fast, low-cost deposit and withdrawal options. AvaTrade supports PayNow (instant deposit in SGD), Bank Transfer (free, 1-2 days), and Credit Card (instant, up to 5% processing fee). Minimum deposit is $100 SGD, and withdrawals to PayNow are processed within 24 hours. Forex.com accepts Bank Transfer and Credit Card, but does not directly support PayNow. Bank deposits are free and process in 1-2 business days, while Credit Card deposits are instant with no fee on certain cards. Forex.com’s minimum deposit is $50 SGD. For withdrawals, both brokers allow Bank Transfer (free) and Credit Card refunds. Overall, AvaTrade’s PayNow integration gives it an edge for Singapore traders who value instant funding and same-day withdrawal processing.
| Islamic Account Feature | AvaTrade | Forex.com |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✗ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Muslim traders in Singapore can open swap-free (Islamic) accounts with both brokers. AvaTrade offers Islamic accounts on MT4 and MT5 with no swap charges on overnight positions, including forex, indices, and commodities. The account is available to all Muslim traders upon request and is managed in accordance with Sharia law. Forex.com also provides a swap-free account, but it requires a formal request and is limited to certain account types (e.g., standard accounts only). Additionally, Forex.com may charge a small administration fee for extended holding periods. For Singapore Muslim traders who require strict adherence to Islamic principles and want flexibility across platforms, AvaTrade’s offering is more comprehensive and straightforward.
| Support Feature | AvaTrade | Forex.com | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | AvaTrade |
Customer support is crucial for Singapore traders operating across time zones. AvaTrade offers 24/5 multilingual support via live chat, email, and phone, with dedicated teams available in English and Chinese. Forex.com provides 24/5 support in English, with phone lines during Singapore business hours and email support off-hours. AvaTrade’s support team is generally more responsive to local queries, and the availability of Chinese language support is a plus for Singapore’s bilingual traders. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections, but AvaTrade’s live chat response time is typically under 30 seconds during Asian hours.
| Mobile Feature | AvaTrade | Forex.com | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | AvaTrade |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | AvaTrade |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | AvaTrade | Forex.com | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | AvaTrade |
Choose AvaTrade if you...
Choose Forex.com if you...
After comparing AvaTrade and Forex.com for Singapore traders, the choice boils down to your priorities. AvaTrade (4.6/5) wins on overall value: lower fixed spreads, diverse platforms (including MT5), PayNow support, and strong Islamic account options make it ideal for cost-conscious and flexible traders. Forex.com (3.4/5) excels in local regulation (MAS) and execution speed, appealing to high-volume scalpers and those who require strict local oversight. For the average sophisticated investor in Singapore, we lean towards AvaTrade for its superior score and local payment convenience, but if MAS licensing is non-negotiable, Forex.com remains a solid choice. Both brokers accept Bank Transfer and Credit Card, and your decision should factor in your trading frequency, platform preference, and regulatory comfort.