Which broker is better for China traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
China’s forex traders face unique challenges, including strict capital controls and the absence of CSRC-regulated retail brokers. Offshore brokers like EasyMarkets and XM Group fill this gap, offering access to global markets via USDT deposits and international bank transfers. EasyMarkets (rated 3.4/5) is known for its fixed spreads and innovative ‘no slippage’ guarantee, making it attractive for traders who value cost certainty. In contrast, XM Group (rated 4.7/5) excels with ultra-low variable spreads, a vast product range spanning forex, indices, and commodities, and strong oversight from top-tier regulators like the FCA. For Chinese traders seeking international exposure, the choice often comes down to cost versus stability. This comparison examines spreads, platforms, regulation, and local payment methods to help you decide which broker aligns with your trading style.
| Instrument | EasyMarkets | XM Group | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | XM Group |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | XM Group |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | XM Group |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | XM Group |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $25 | $5 | EasyMarkets |
Trading costs are a decisive factor for Chinese traders, especially those trading high volumes to offset capital movement expenses. EasyMarkets charges fixed spreads that are higher than average – for instance, EUR/USD spreads around 1.6 pips with no commission. XM Group offers variable spreads starting from 0 pips on its XM Zero account (with a commission) or from 0.6 pips on standard accounts. For a Chinese trader executing 10 lots per month, XM’s spreads can save hundreds of dollars annually. EasyMarkets’ no-slippage policy benefits news trading but the fixed spread premium remains. Volume-based discounts are available at XM, further narrowing costs for active traders.
| Account Type | EasyMarkets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $25 | $5 |
| Entity / Asset | EasyMarkets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| China (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:1000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 1:1000 |
| 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 | XM Group | 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 | ✗ | ✗ | XM Group |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | EasyMarkets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, which are the platforms of choice for Chinese traders due to EA compatibility and advanced charting. EasyMarkets also provides a proprietary web platform with its unique DealCancellation feature, allowing traders to reverse losing trades within 60 minutes for a fee – a risk management tool not found at XM. XM Group adds its own XM WebTrader and mobile apps, plus integration with TradingView. For Chinese traders who rely on automated strategies or third-party indicators, MT4/MT5 from either broker will feel familiar. EasyMarkets’ platform may appeal to those seeking innovative risk controls.
| Factor | EasyMarkets | XM Group | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | XM Group |
| 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 directly impacts profitability, especially during high-impact news events. EasyMarkets guarantees no slippage on its fixed-spread accounts, meaning orders always fill at the requested price – a standout feature for Chinese news traders. XM Group uses market execution with low latency, drawing liquidity from multiple banks. Slippage can occur during volatile markets, but XM’s average fill rate is above 99%. For scalpers and algorithmic traders, XM’s faster execution and deeper liquidity are preferable. EasyMarkets’ no-slippage promise suits those who prioritize price certainty over spread cost.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | ASIC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Neither broker is licensed by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), so Chinese traders must rely on offshore regulation. EasyMarkets is regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) of Seychelles, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). XM Group holds licenses from the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), CySEC, ASIC, and others – giving it a broader safety net. For Chinese traders, XM’s FCA regulation offers stronger investor protection, including negative balance protection. EasyMarkets’ ASIC license provides solid oversight, but overall, XM’s regulatory framework is more comprehensive for offshore clients.
| Payment Method | EasyMarkets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | Visa/Mastercard and e-wallets near-instant to 1-2 business days; bank wire several days |
Depositing and withdrawing funds is a critical concern for Chinese traders due to capital controls. Both EasyMarkets and XM Group support international bank transfers (SWIFT) and USDT (Tether) deposits. USDT is increasingly preferred because it processes quickly (often within minutes) and avoids traditional banking delays. EasyMarkets requires a minimum deposit of $100, while XM’s minimum is just $5. Withdrawals are typically processed within 24 hours for USDT. Bank transfers take 1–5 business days and may involve intermediary fees (e.g., $10–$30). For large sums, bank transfers remain reliable. Chinese traders should verify the brokers’ USDT wallet addresses and network (TRC20/ERC20) to avoid errors. Both brokers allow withdrawals via the same method as deposit when possible.
| Islamic Account Feature | EasyMarkets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Muslim traders in China seeking Sharia-compliant forex accounts can use swap-free Islamic accounts from both brokers. EasyMarkets requires a written request and account verification to activate swap-free status; once approved, no swaps are charged on overnight positions. XM Group offers automatic swap-free accounts for clients from eligible countries, including those from regions with Islamic banking. XM also waives swap on all positions for qualifying accounts, making it easier for Chinese Muslim traders to start. Both brokers may apply an administrative fee after a holding period (e.g., 7-14 days). It’s advisable to confirm current terms with customer support before opening an Islamic account.
| Support Feature | EasyMarkets | XM Group | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | EasyMarkets |
Customer support quality matters for Chinese traders facing time zone differences. EasyMarkets offers 24/5 live chat, email, and phone support in multiple languages, but Chinese-language support is not explicitly highlighted. XM Group provides 24/7 live chat with dedicated Chinese-speaking agents, phone support during Asian hours, and a Chinese knowledge base. For real-time assistance, XM’s round-the-clock availability and familiarity with Chinese clients give it an edge. EasyMarkets’ support is competent but may require English proficiency for faster resolution.
| Mobile Feature | EasyMarkets | XM Group | 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 | XM Group | 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 XM Group if you...
For offshore Chinese traders, XM Group emerges as the stronger choice overall, thanks to its higher rating (4.7/5), lower spreads, extensive product selection, and robust FCA regulation. Its support for USDT deposits and Chinese-speaking staff directly addresses local needs. EasyMarkets, despite its lower score (3.4/5), offers unique advantages like fixed spreads and no slippage that appeal to risk-averse traders or those trading news events. Both brokers operate outside CSRC jurisdiction, so due diligence is essential. Ultimately, XM Group suits most Chinese traders seeking cost efficiency and global exposure, while EasyMarkets is a niche option for those prioritizing trade certainty. Test both with small deposits to see which aligns with your style.