Which broker is better for China traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For China traders seeking international exposure, choosing the right offshore broker is critical. AvaTrade and Libertex are two popular options, each with distinct advantages. AvaTrade, with a score of 4.6/5, is a well-established broker offering tight spreads, a wide range of instruments, and strong regulation from multiple authorities, including the Central Bank of Ireland. Libertex, rated 3.7/5, is a simpler platform known for its user-friendly interface and focus on CFDs and cryptocurrencies. Both brokers accept Chinese clients and support USDT deposits and international bank transfers, but they differ significantly in cost, platform features, and regulatory oversight. This comparison helps China traders decide which broker aligns with their trading style and local needs, such as using USDT for deposits and managing CSRC-related compliance. Understanding these differences is key to navigating the offshore trading landscape from China.
| Instrument | AvaTrade | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Libertex |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Libertex |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Libertex |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Libertex |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $100 | $10 | Libertex |
For China traders, trading costs are a primary concern. AvaTrade offers competitive spreads, with EUR/USD starting from 0.9 pips, and no commission on standard accounts. Libertex has wider spreads, typically from 1.5 pips on major pairs, plus a hidden spread markup that increases costs. For high-volume traders, AvaTrade’s lower spreads can save significant CNY-equivalent fees. Libertex also charges a monthly inactivity fee, which can erode profits for occasional traders. Overall, AvaTrade is more cost-effective for China traders, especially those trading frequently.
| Account Type | AvaTrade | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✓ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $10 |
| Entity / Asset | AvaTrade | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| China (offshore) | Up to 1:400 | Up to 1:999 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:400 | 1:999 |
| 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 | Libertex | 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 | ✗ | ✗ | Libertex |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | AvaTrade | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer web and mobile platforms, but AvaTrade provides a more extensive suite, including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and its proprietary AvaTradeGO app, all available in Chinese. Libertex offers its own proprietary platform, which is simpler but lacks advanced charting tools and automated trading features. For China traders who rely on technical analysis and Expert Advisors (EAs), AvaTrade’s MT4/MT5 support is a clear advantage. Libertex’s platform is better suited for beginners seeking a straightforward experience.
| Factor | AvaTrade | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Libertex |
| 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 |
AvaTrade uses a market maker model with fast execution and no requotes, suitable for day traders. Libertex also operates as a market maker but has been reported to have occasional slippage during volatile markets. For China traders trading major pairs like USD/CNH, AvaTrade provides more reliable execution with minimal delays.
| Safety Factor | AvaTrade | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CBI | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✗ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
AvaTrade is regulated by multiple top-tier authorities, including the Central Bank of Ireland, ASIC, and FSCA, offering strong client protection. Libertex is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) and the FSC of Belarus, which provides less robust oversight. Neither broker is regulated by the CSRC, so China traders must accept offshore jurisdiction risks. AvaTrade’s multi-regulatory status provides greater security, including negative balance protection and segregated accounts, which is important for China traders managing international exposure.
| Payment Method | AvaTrade | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 5 business days |
For China traders, both AvaTrade and Libertex support USDT (Tether) deposits and international bank transfers in USD. AvaTrade also accepts credit/debit cards and e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller, offering more flexibility. Libertex primarily relies on USDT and bank transfers, with limited alternatives. Withdrawals are processed within 1-3 business days for both brokers, but AvaTrade has lower minimum deposit requirements ($100 vs $250 for Libertex). Using USDT helps China traders avoid currency conversion fees, making it a popular choice. Bank transfers may incur intermediary fees, so USDT is often preferred.
| Islamic Account Feature | AvaTrade | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✗ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
For China Muslim traders, AvaTrade explicitly offers Islamic (swap-free) accounts with no swap fees on overnight positions, available for all account types. Libertex does not prominently advertise Islamic accounts, but may provide swap-free conditions on request, though this is not guaranteed. AvaTrade is the more reliable and transparent option for Islamic trading, ensuring compliance with Sharia law. China traders should confirm with Libertex’s support before opening an account.
| Support Feature | AvaTrade | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | AvaTrade |
AvaTrade offers 24/5 multilingual customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with dedicated Chinese-speaking agents. Libertex provides 24/5 support in English and limited Chinese-language assistance via email and live chat. AvaTrade’s support is more responsive and accessible for China traders, especially during Asian trading hours.
| Mobile Feature | AvaTrade | Libertex | 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 | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | AvaTrade |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | AvaTrade |
Choose AvaTrade if you...
Choose Libertex if you...
For China traders, AvaTrade is the superior choice due to its higher score (4.6/5), lower spreads, robust regulation, and better support for local needs like USDT deposits and Islamic accounts. While both brokers accept Chinese clients and offer international bank transfers, AvaTrade provides more value for active traders seeking international exposure. Libertex may appeal to beginners or those focused on crypto trading, but its higher costs and limited features make it less competitive. Considering CSRC oversight is absent for both, China traders should prioritize broker reliability and cost efficiency—areas where AvaTrade clearly excels.