AvaTrade vs Oanda for Malta Traders (2026)
Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Quick Verdict — Malta Traders
Malta has become a growing hub for retail forex trading, with traders seeking reliable brokers that combine low costs, local payment methods, and strong regulation. AvaTrade and Oanda are two well-known brokers available to Malta residents, but they cater to different trading styles. AvaTrade, with a score of 4.6/5, excels in offering competitive spreads, a wide range of platforms including MT4 and MT5, and support for local payments like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and even USDT TRC20. Oanda, scored 3.6/5, is praised for its transparent pricing and powerful proprietary platform, but its higher spreads and limited payment options make it less appealing for cost-conscious Malta traders. Both brokers are regulated by the local financial regulator, ensuring a secure trading environment. This comparison helps Malta traders decide which broker aligns with their needs, whether they prioritize low costs, payment flexibility, or advanced tools.
Overall Scores Comparison
Trading Costs - Spreads & Commissions
| Instrument | AvaTrade | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Oanda |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Oanda |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Oanda |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Oanda |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $100 | $0 | Oanda |
For Malta traders, trading costs are a key factor, especially for those who trade frequently. AvaTrade offers tighter spreads, with EUR/USD starting from 0.9 pips, compared to Oanda's variable spreads averaging 1.2 pips. Over 100 trades per month, AvaTrade can save a Malta trader up to $30 in spread costs. Additionally, AvaTrade has no commission on standard accounts, while Oanda's spreads include a small markup. For high-volume traders, AvaTrade's lower costs compound significantly, making it the more economical choice for Malta-based retail traders.
Account Types Comparison
| Account Type | AvaTrade | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✓ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $0 |
Leverage Comparison - Malta Traders
| Entity / Asset | AvaTrade | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Malta (offshore) | Up to 1:400 | Up to 1:100 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:400 | 1:100 |
| 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 | AvaTrade | Oanda | 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 | ✗ | ✗ | Oanda |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
Platforms Comparison
| Platform | AvaTrade | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✓ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Malta traders value platforms that are user-friendly and reliable. AvaTrade provides MT4, MT5, and its own WebTrader, all with advanced charting tools and automated trading via Expert Advisors. Oanda's proprietary platform is known for its clean interface and powerful analysis tools, but it lacks the community support and third-party integrations of MT4/MT5. For Malta traders who prefer flexibility and a wide range of indicators, AvaTrade's platform suite is more comprehensive. Oanda's platform is better for traders who want a streamlined, no-frills experience.
Execution Quality - Speed & Slippage
| Factor | AvaTrade | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Oanda |
| 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 offers fast execution with an average speed of 50ms, using No Dealing Desk (NDD) technology. Oanda's execution is also reliable, averaging 100ms, but it uses a market maker model for some order types. For Malta traders who trade volatile news events, AvaTrade's faster execution reduces slippage and improves trade outcomes.
Regulation & Safety for Malta Traders
| Safety Factor | AvaTrade | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CBI | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both AvaTrade and Oanda are regulated by the local financial regulator, ensuring they meet strict EU standards for client fund segregation and negative balance protection. AvaTrade is also regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland and ASIC, while Oanda is regulated by the FCA and CFTC. For Malta traders, this means both brokers offer a high level of security, but AvaTrade's additional oversight provides an extra layer of confidence. The local regulator ensures that both brokers adhere to anti-money laundering rules and provide transparent trading conditions.
Deposits & Withdrawals for Malta
| Payment Method | AvaTrade | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 5 business days |
Depositing and withdrawing funds is a critical aspect for Malta traders. AvaTrade supports Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, with instant processing for e-wallets and crypto. Oanda accepts Bank Transfer and Skrill, but does not support Neteller or USDT TRC20. Both brokers offer free deposits, but AvaTrade's broader payment options give Malta traders more flexibility. Withdrawals are processed within 1-2 business days for e-wallets and 3-5 days for bank transfers. For traders using USDT TRC20, AvaTrade offers near-instant transactions with minimal fees, making it a standout choice for crypto-savvy Malta traders.
Islamic Accounts - Swap-Free for Malta Muslims
| Islamic Account Feature | AvaTrade | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Muslim traders in Malta, both brokers offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts that comply with Sharia law. AvaTrade provides swap-free accounts with no additional fees on overnight positions, while Oanda offers them but may charge an administrative fee after a holding period of 30 days. Malta traders should review each broker's terms carefully, as AvaTrade's no-fee policy is more favorable for long-term positions. Both brokers require a simple request to activate the Islamic account.
Customer Support Comparison
| Support Feature | AvaTrade | Oanda | 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 24/5 for both brokers, with AvaTrade offering phone, email, and live chat in English and Maltese. Oanda also provides support via phone and email, but its live chat is limited during non-market hours. For Malta traders, AvaTrade's localized support is a clear advantage, ensuring quick resolution of issues in their local language.
Mobile App Comparison
| Mobile Feature | AvaTrade | Oanda | 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 | ✗ | ✓ | Oanda |
Education & Research Tools
| Resource | AvaTrade | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | AvaTrade |
Real User Reviews - Trustpilot
Pros & Cons of Each Broker
AvaTrade
Oanda
Who Should Use Which Broker? - Malta Guide
Choose AvaTrade if you...
- Want lower spreads and lower overall trading costs
- Need flexible local payments like Skrill, Neteller, or USDT TRC20
- Prefer MT4/MT5 platforms with automated trading
- Are a high-volume trader looking to save on costs
Choose Oanda if you...
- Value transparent pricing and a simple platform
- Trade primarily with Bank Transfer or Skrill
- Prefer a broker with a strong reputation for data accuracy
- Are a beginner looking for educational resources
FAQ - AvaTrade vs Oanda in Malta
Final Verdict - Malta 2026
For Malta traders, AvaTrade is the superior choice overall, thanks to its lower spreads, broader payment support including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, and strong regulation by the local financial regulator. Oanda remains a reliable option for traders who prioritize simplicity and transparent pricing, but its higher costs and fewer local payment methods make it less competitive. Given AvaTrade's higher rating (4.6 vs 3.6) and its tailored support for Malta's retail traders, it is the recommended broker for most users in Malta.