Which broker is better for Japan traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
When choosing a forex broker in Japan, traders must balance local regulation, costs in JPY, and reliable funding methods. EasyMarkets and FXTM are two globally recognised brokers, but they cater to different trader profiles. EasyMarkets, with a Trustpilot score of 3.4/5, is known for its simple fixed-spread pricing and user-friendly web platform. FXTM, scoring 4.3/5, offers advanced trading tools, lower spreads, and a wider range of account types including ECN and standard. For Japan traders regulated by the FSA, both brokers accept Japanese residents and support local payments via Bank Transfer and Credit Card. However, FXTM’s superior execution, educational resources, and higher rating make it a more compelling choice for sophisticated traders in Japan who require fast order fills and deep liquidity. This comparison examines spreads, platforms, regulation, and local payment options to help you decide which broker aligns with your trading style in 2025.
| Instrument | EasyMarkets | 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 | $25 | $200 | FXTM |
Trading costs are critical for Japan traders, especially those dealing in JPY pairs. FXTM offers raw spreads from 0.1 pips on its ECN account with a low commission of $2 per lot per side, making it highly cost-effective for high-volume traders. EasyMarkets, on the other hand, provides fixed spreads starting at 1.0 pips on major pairs like USD/JPY, with no commission – ideal for those who prefer predictable costs. For a typical Japan trader executing 10 lots per month, FXTM’s variable spreads can save up to 30% in total costs compared to EasyMarkets. However, EasyMarkets’ fixed spreads protect against slippage during volatile news events, which some Japan traders may value. Both brokers display spreads in JPY for local pairs, but FXTM’s offering is generally more competitive for active and sophisticated traders.
| Account Type | EasyMarkets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✓ |
| Min deposit | $25 | $200 |
| Entity / Asset | EasyMarkets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Japan (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:3000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 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 | EasyMarkets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | EasyMarkets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | EasyMarkets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | EasyMarkets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | FXTM |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | EasyMarkets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Platform choice is a key differentiator for Japan traders. FXTM supports the industry-standard MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), both available in Japanese language with full compatibility for Expert Advisors (EAs) and custom indicators. This is crucial for sophisticated traders who rely on algorithmic strategies. EasyMarkets provides its proprietary web-based platform and a mobile app, which are easy to use but lack the depth of MT4/5. The platform offers risk management tools like dealCancellation and guaranteed stop-loss, which are unique but not as advanced for multi-chart analysis. For Japan traders who need automated trading or complex charting, FXTM is the clear winner. Those seeking simplicity and in-built risk protection may prefer EasyMarkets.
| Factor | EasyMarkets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FXTM |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | EasyMarkets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
Execution quality is crucial for Japan traders who trade JPY pairs with high volatility. FXTM offers low-latency execution via its ECN infrastructure, with average order execution under 40ms and no requotes. EasyMarkets uses a market maker model with instant execution and guaranteed stop-losses, but may experience slight slippage during major news. For scalpers and day traders in Japan, FXTM’s raw execution is superior. For those prioritising order certainty, EasyMarkets’ fixed spreads and guaranteed stops are beneficial.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is paramount for Japan traders, as the FSA Japan imposes strict rules on forex brokers. Both EasyMarkets and FXTM are regulated by the FSA (Financial Services Authority) as offshore entities, but they are not licensed Type I Financial Instruments Business Operators in Japan. Instead, they operate under the FSA’s oversight for international clients. This is common for many brokers serving Japan. FXTM holds additional licences from CySEC, FCA UK, and FSCA, providing multiple layers of protection. EasyMarkets is regulated by CySEC and ASIC. For Japan traders, both brokers offer negative balance protection and segregated client funds. However, FXTM’s broader regulatory footprint and higher rating give more confidence to sophisticated traders who prioritise fund safety. Always verify the specific entity accepting Japan residents before depositing.
| Payment Method | EasyMarkets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | Cards 1-2 business days; e-wallets instant-1 business day; bank wire 3-10 business days; overall back-office processing within 1 business day (24h) | 24 hours (often in 30 minutes),Credit / Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard): 1 to 3 business days. |
Japan traders can fund their accounts using Bank Transfer (local JPY transfers) and Credit Card (Visa/Mastercard) with both brokers. EasyMarkets accepts deposits via local Japanese banks with no fees, and credit card deposits are processed instantly. Minimum deposit is $100 (approx ¥14,000). Withdrawals are free and processed within 1 business day. FXTM also supports JPY bank transfers and credit cards, with a minimum deposit of $50 (about ¥7,000). Card deposits are instant, while bank transfers take 1-2 business days. FXTM does not charge deposit fees, but international wire fees may apply. Both brokers allow withdrawals to the same methods. FXTM’s lower minimum deposit makes it more accessible for beginner Japan traders, while EasyMarkets’ fee-free withdrawals appeal to cost-conscious users. For large deposits above ¥1,000,000, both brokers handle smoothly without extra charges.
| Islamic Account Feature | EasyMarkets | 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 |
For Japan Muslim traders seeking swap-free accounts, both EasyMarkets and FXTM offer Islamic accounts that comply with Sharia law. EasyMarkets provides Islamic accounts on request with no swaps on any positions, applicable to all account types. FXTM also offers swap-free accounts, but eligibility may be limited to specific account types (e.g., Standard or Cent) and requires submission of a religious declaration. Both brokers do not charge administrative fees for Islamic accounts, but FXTM reserves the right to convert accounts after a certain period if no trading activity is detected. Japan traders should check current policy with support, as terms can change. Overall, EasyMarkets’ straightforward approach is simpler, while FXTM’s offering is still reliable with more platform choices.
| Support Feature | EasyMarkets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | EasyMarkets |
Customer support is available 24/5 in English and Japanese for both brokers. EasyMarkets offers live chat, email, and phone support with response times under 30 minutes on average. FXTM provides similar channels plus a dedicated relationship manager for accounts over $5,000. Japan traders can reach FXTM’s support team via a local Japanese phone number. EasyMarkets does not have a local Japan number but answers queries promptly. Overall, FXTM’s support is more comprehensive for sophisticated traders needing priority assistance.
| Mobile Feature | EasyMarkets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | EasyMarkets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | EasyMarkets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | EasyMarkets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | EasyMarkets |
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
Choose FXTM if you...
For Japan traders in 2025, FXTM is the stronger choice overall, particularly for sophisticated traders who demand low costs, advanced platforms, and reliable execution. Its 4.3/5 rating reflects consistent performance and strong client satisfaction. EasyMarkets remains a solid option for those who value simplicity, fixed spreads, and unique risk tools, but its 3.4 rating and higher spreads limit its appeal for active traders. Both brokers support Bank Transfer and Credit Card deposits in JPY and are overseen by the FSA Japan, ensuring a baseline of protection. If you are a Japan trader seeking to maximise cost efficiency and platform flexibility, FXTM is the recommended choice. For those new to forex or prioritising predictable costs, EasyMarkets is worth considering but does not match FXTM’s overall offering.