Which broker is better for Singapore traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Singapore traders comparing AvaTrade vs Oanda in 2025 face a clear choice between two established brokers. AvaTrade, rated 4.6/5, is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and offers a comprehensive trading environment for sophisticated investors in Singapore's financial hub. Oanda, with a 3.6/5 rating, is known for its simple platform and flexible position sizing. For local traders, key factors include MAS regulation, SGD-denominated accounts, and local payment methods like PayNow, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card. AvaTrade's strong regulatory alignment with Singapore's strict MAS standards gives it an edge for risk-conscious traders. Oanda's global reputation is solid, but its lower score reflects fewer localised features for Singapore's demanding trading community. This comparison focuses on spreads, platforms, regulation, and deposit methods specific to Singapore traders.
| 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 Singapore traders, trading costs are a critical factor. AvaTrade offers tighter spreads on major FX pairs like EUR/USD and USD/SGD, often starting from 0.9 pips for standard accounts. Oanda's spreads are variable and can be wider, averaging 1.2 pips on the same pairs. For high-volume traders in Singapore, AvaTrade's cost advantage becomes significant, especially when trading frequently. Both brokers charge no commission on standard accounts, but Oanda's wider spreads add to overall trading costs. Singapore traders should consider their trading volume: AvaTrade is more cost-effective for active traders, while Oanda's simplicity may appeal to occasional traders despite higher per-trade costs.
| 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 |
| Entity / Asset | AvaTrade | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore (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 |
| 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 |
| Platform | AvaTrade | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✓ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
AvaTrade provides MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and its proprietary AvaTradeGO platform, all optimised for Singapore traders with local time zone settings and SGD pricing. Oanda offers its proprietary fxTrade platform and MetaTrader 4, but lacks MT5. For sophisticated investors in Singapore, AvaTrade's multi-platform support and advanced charting tools are superior. Oanda's platform is user-friendly but limited for complex strategies. Singapore traders needing automation and algorithmic trading will prefer AvaTrade's MT4/MT5 ecosystem, while those wanting simplicity may choose Oanda's fxTrade.
| 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 no requotes on major pairs, ideal for Singapore traders using scalping strategies. Oanda's execution is reliable but can experience slippage during volatile markets. AvaTrade's order execution is more consistent, especially for high-volume traders in Singapore's fast-paced trading environment.
| Safety Factor | AvaTrade | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CBI | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
AvaTrade is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), providing Singapore traders with strong investor protection and compliance with local financial laws. Oanda is regulated by the US CFTC, UK FCA, and other bodies, but not directly by MAS. For Singapore traders, MAS regulation means AvaTrade must adhere to strict capital requirements and client fund segregation. Oanda's lack of direct MAS oversight may concern risk-averse traders. Both brokers accept Singapore clients, but AvaTrade's MAS license offers local legal recourse, which is crucial for sophisticated investors in Singapore's regulated environment.
| 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 |
Singapore traders can fund both AvaTrade and Oanda accounts using PayNow, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card. AvaTrade supports PayNow for instant SGD deposits with no fees, making it ideal for local traders. Bank Transfer via DBS, OCBC, or UOB is available for both brokers, with processing times of 1-2 business days. Credit Card deposits are instant but may incur small fees. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours for AvaTrade and 1-3 days for Oanda. AvaTrade's support for PayNow gives it a clear advantage for Singapore traders seeking fast, fee-free deposits. Oanda's Bank Transfer option is reliable but slower. Both brokers accept SGD, eliminating conversion costs for local traders.
| 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 |
Both AvaTrade and Oanda offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Singapore Muslim traders. AvaTrade provides Islamic accounts with no overnight interest charges on all instruments, complying with Sharia law. Oanda offers swap-free accounts upon request, but availability may vary by instrument. For Singapore's Muslim trading community, AvaTrade's straightforward Islamic account setup and full compliance are preferable. Oanda's process requires manual approval, which may delay access. Both brokers support SGD deposits for Islamic accounts via PayNow, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card.
| 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 |
AvaTrade offers 24/5 multilingual support with a dedicated Singapore hotline and live chat in English and Mandarin. Oanda provides 24/5 email and live chat support but lacks local phone support for Singapore. For sophisticated investors in Singapore, AvaTrade's localised support is a significant advantage, offering faster resolution of issues.
| 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 |
| Resource | AvaTrade | Oanda | 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 Oanda if you...
For Singapore traders in 2025, AvaTrade is the clear winner over Oanda. Its MAS regulation, lower spreads, support for PayNow deposits, and advanced platforms make it ideal for sophisticated investors in Singapore's financial hub. While Oanda offers simplicity and global recognition, it lacks local regulatory oversight and has higher trading costs. Singapore traders prioritising security, cost efficiency, and local payment methods should choose AvaTrade. Oanda remains a viable option for casual traders who value platform simplicity over advanced features. Ultimately, AvaTrade's higher rating and localised services align better with Singapore's demanding trading environment.