Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Malta traders looking for a reliable CFD broker often compare EasyMarkets and Plus500. Both are well-established platforms catering to retail traders, but they differ significantly in cost structure, features, and payment options. EasyMarkets (score 3.4/5) is known for its fixed spreads, guaranteed stop-loss, and risk management tools, making it a safe choice for beginners. Plus500 (score 3.7/5) offers tighter variable spreads, a vast range of instruments, and a user-friendly interface preferred by active traders. In Malta, local payments like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and even USDT TRC20 are available with EasyMarkets, while Plus500 focuses on traditional methods. Both are regulated under European frameworks, with Plus500 having a direct MFSA license. This comparison will help you decide which broker matches your trading style, cost expectations, and local needs in Malta for 2025.
| Instrument | EasyMarkets | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Plus500 |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Plus500 |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Plus500 |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Plus500 |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $25 | $100 | Plus500 |
For Malta traders, trading costs are a key differentiator. Plus500 offers variable spreads starting from 0.6 pips on EUR/USD, which can be lower than EasyMarkets' fixed spreads of around 1.2 pips. However, EasyMarkets' spreads remain stable even during news events, protecting traders from slippage. Plus500 charges an inactivity fee after three months, whereas EasyMarkets does not. High-volume traders in Malta may benefit from Plus500's lower spreads, but those seeking predictable costs should consider EasyMarkets. Both brokers have no commission on forex, but CFD fees apply on overnight positions. Consider your volume: if you trade <$10k monthly, the difference may be minimal.
| Account Type | EasyMarkets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $25 | $100 |
| Entity / Asset | EasyMarkets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Malta (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:300 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 1:300 |
| 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 | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | EasyMarkets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | EasyMarkets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | EasyMarkets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | Plus500 |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | EasyMarkets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✗ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✗ |
Both brokers offer proprietary web and mobile platforms tailored for retail traders. EasyMarkets provides the easyTrade platform with a dealCancellation feature and guaranteed stop-loss, ideal for Malta traders who want extra risk control. Plus500's platform is renowned for its clean design, advanced charting tools, and one-click trading, suitable for fast execution. Neither supports MetaTrader, which may disappoint some Malta traders. However, both platforms are intuitive and available in English and Maltese. For mobile traders, both apps are highly rated on iOS and Android, ensuring smooth trading on the go.
| Factor | EasyMarkets | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Plus500 |
| 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 varies. EasyMarkets uses a market maker model with fixed spreads and guaranteed stop-loss, ensuring no slippage on stops, but order execution may be slightly slower during volatile markets. Plus500 uses an STP model, offering faster execution with variable spreads but potential slippage. For Malta traders trading major forex pairs, both provide reliable execution. Scalpers may prefer Plus500's speed, while those using stops will appreciate EasyMarkets' guarantee.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a top priority for Malta traders. Plus500 is directly regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) through its local entity, providing strong oversight and investor compensation. EasyMarkets is regulated by CySEC (Cyprus) and operates in Malta under MiFID passporting, which also offers client protection but through the Cyprus Investor Compensation Fund. Both brokers segregate client funds and adhere to European safeguards like negative balance protection. For added trust, Plus500's MFSA license may give local traders more confidence, while EasyMarkets still meets high EU standards.
| Payment Method | EasyMarkets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 1 to 3 business day |
Depositing and withdrawing funds is straightforward for Malta traders. Both brokers accept Bank Transfer, Skrill, and Neteller, which are widely used locally. EasyMarkets has a unique advantage by supporting USDT TRC20 (crypto) deposits, allowing instant funding without bank delays. Plus500 does not accept crypto payments. Credit/debit cards and PayPal are also accepted by both. Minimum deposits are low: $100 for EasyMarkets and $100 for Plus500. Withdrawals are processed within 1-3 business days for e-wallets and bank transfers, with no fees from the brokers (though your bank may charge). Always verify your account first to avoid delays.
| Islamic Account Feature | EasyMarkets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✗ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
EasyMarkets provides swap-free (Islamic) accounts for Malta traders who follow Sharia law, allowing them to hold positions overnight without paying or receiving interest. The account is available upon request with no extra fees. Plus500 does not offer Islamic accounts, meaning all positions incur or earn swap fees. For Muslim traders in Malta, EasyMarkets is the clear choice. Note that swap-free accounts may have limited instrument availability or require a minimum deposit, so check before trading.
| Support Feature | EasyMarkets | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | EasyMarkets |
Customer support for Malta traders is available in English and Maltese. EasyMarkets offers 24/5 live chat, phone, and email support with fast response times. Plus500 provides 24/7 live chat and email support, but phone support is limited. Both have extensive FAQs and educational resources. EasyMarkets' support team is known for personalized assistance, while Plus500 relies more on automated help. For Maltese-speaking traders, EasyMarkets may be slightly more accessible.
| Mobile Feature | EasyMarkets | Plus500 | 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 | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | ✗ | EasyMarkets |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | EasyMarkets |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | EasyMarkets |
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
Choose Plus500 if you...
For Malta traders, the choice between EasyMarkets and Plus500 depends on your priorities. Plus500 wins on overall score (3.7 vs 3.4) with lower spreads, a vast instrument selection, and direct MFSA regulation. It's excellent for active, cost-conscious traders. However, EasyMarkets offers unique features like fixed spreads, guaranteed stop-loss, Islamic accounts, and the ability to deposit via USDT TRC20—a significant advantage for crypto users. Both accept Bank Transfer, Skrill, and Neteller. If you value predictability and risk control, go with EasyMarkets. If you want low costs and a proven platform, Plus500 is the better fit for your Malta trading journey in 2025.