Which broker is better for China traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For China traders seeking international exposure, choosing between AvaTrade and FXTM is a critical decision. Both brokers are well-established offshore platforms that accept Chinese residents, but they cater to different trading styles and preferences. AvaTrade, with a score of 4.6/5, stands out for its robust regulation (including ASIC and FCA), low spreads on major pairs, and comprehensive educational resources. FXTM, scoring 4.3/5, offers more flexible leverage, a wider range of account types (including ECN), and better support for local payment methods like USDT. Given China’s strict capital controls and the absence of CSRC regulation for forex brokers, traders often rely on offshore entities and digital currencies to fund accounts. This comparison examines key factors—trading costs, platforms, regulation, deposit methods, and Islamic accounts—to help you choose the best fit for your offshore trading journey in 2026.
| Instrument | AvaTrade | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | FXTM |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | FXTM |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | FXTM |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | FXTM |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $100 | $200 | AvaTrade |
For China traders, trading costs are a major concern, especially when trading high volumes. AvaTrade’s standard account offers spreads from 0.9 pips on EUR/USD, with no commission on most instruments. FXTM’s standard account starts at 1.3 pips, but its ECN account (with a $2 per lot commission) can deliver raw spreads from 0.1 pips. Over 100 lots monthly, AvaTrade’s all-in cost is about $90, while FXTM’s ECN costs around $50 plus commission, making FXTM cheaper for active traders. However, AvaTrade’s fixed spreads on some pairs provide predictability, which is valuable for China traders avoiding slippage during volatile Asian sessions.
| Account Type | AvaTrade | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✓ | ✓ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $200 |
| Entity / Asset | AvaTrade | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| China (offshore) | Up to 1:400 | Up to 1:3000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:400 | 1:3000 |
| 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 | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | AvaTrade |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | AvaTrade |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | AvaTrade |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | FXTM |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | AvaTrade | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer MetaTrader 4 and 5, which are popular among China traders for their advanced charting and automated trading capabilities. AvaTrade also provides its proprietary WebTrader and AvaOptions for binary options, while FXTM offers the FXTM Trader app for mobile trading. For China traders, AvaTrade’s integration with TradingView is a plus for technical analysis. FXTM’s platform supports more indicators and custom scripts, appealing to algorithmic traders. Both platforms are available in Chinese language, and execution is reliable on local internet connections.
| Factor | AvaTrade | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FXTM |
| 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 critical for China traders, especially during Asian market hours. AvaTrade offers market execution with no requotes on most instruments, and average execution speed of 0.3 seconds. FXTM uses both market and instant execution, with speeds around 0.5 seconds. Both brokers have no dealing desk intervention on standard accounts. For scalpers, AvaTrade’s faster execution and tighter spreads during Asian sessions give it a slight edge, while FXTM’s ECN account provides direct market access for high-frequency traders.
| Safety Factor | AvaTrade | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CBI | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a key consideration for China traders, as the CSRC does not regulate offshore forex brokers. AvaTrade is regulated by top-tier authorities like the Central Bank of Ireland, ASIC (Australia), and FSA (Japan), offering strong client fund protection. FXTM is regulated by CySEC, FCA (UK), and FSC (Mauritius), with some entities offering negative balance protection. For China traders, AvaTrade’s multi-jurisdictional oversight provides greater security, while FXTM’s CySEC license limits leverage to 1:30 for EU clients. Both brokers segregate client funds, but AvaTrade’s higher regulatory standing gives it an edge for risk-averse traders.
| Payment Method | AvaTrade | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 24 hours (often in 30 minutes),Credit / Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard): 1 to 3 business days. |
For China traders, depositing and withdrawing funds is streamlined with both brokers. AvaTrade supports USDT deposits (ERC-20 and TRC-20) with zero fees and instant processing, plus international bank transfers (1-3 days, fees vary by bank). FXTM also accepts USDT (via third-party processors) and bank transfers, but adds options like Perfect Money and WebMoney. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours for USDT at both brokers. Bank transfers may take 3-5 business days and incur intermediary bank fees ($10-$30). For China traders, USDT is the most efficient method, avoiding capital controls and providing near-instant liquidity.
| Islamic Account Feature | AvaTrade | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| 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 AvaTrade and FXTM offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Chinese Muslim traders, ensuring no overnight interest is charged or paid. AvaTrade provides swap-free accounts on request for all account types, with no additional fees. FXTM offers Islamic accounts on Standard and ECN accounts, but requires a minimum deposit of $500 for eligibility. Both brokers comply with Sharia principles, but AvaTrade’s policy is more inclusive, as it does not impose a minimum deposit. China traders should note that Islamic accounts may have limited instrument availability (e.g., no commodities or indices) at both brokers.
| Support Feature | AvaTrade | FXTM | 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 available in Chinese language at both brokers. AvaTrade offers 24/5 live chat, email, and phone support, with response times under 5 minutes. FXTM provides 24/5 support via live chat, email, and a local WeChat account for China traders. FXTM’s WeChat integration is a distinct advantage for Chinese users, while AvaTrade’s faster response times and multilingual team are beneficial for complex queries.
| Mobile Feature | AvaTrade | FXTM | 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 | FXTM | 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 FXTM if you...
Both AvaTrade and FXTM are excellent choices for China traders seeking international exposure, but the best fit depends on your trading style and priorities. AvaTrade (4.6/5) wins for regulatory security, lower standard spreads, and inclusive Islamic accounts—ideal for cautious traders. FXTM (4.3/5) excels for active traders with its ECN account, flexible leverage, and local payment support like USDT and WeChat. Given China’s capital controls, both brokers’ USDT deposit options are a game-changer. If you prioritize safety and simplicity, choose AvaTrade; for cost efficiency on high volumes and local support, FXTM is the better choice. Neither is CSRC-regulated, so always trade within your risk tolerance.