Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Malta traders looking for a reliable forex broker face a compelling choice between Exness and AvaTrade, two industry leaders with strong regulatory oversight by the local financial regulator. Exness, rated 4.8/5, is known for its ultra-competitive spreads, high leverage, and seamless support for local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. AvaTrade, with a 4.6/5 rating, offers a robust platform suite and extensive educational resources, making it ideal for beginners. Both brokers are fully licensed in Malta, ensuring client fund protection under MiFID II. Whether you trade forex, commodities, or indices, this comparison examines costs, platforms, and local payment options to help you decide. With Malta’s growing retail trading community, choosing the right broker can significantly impact your profitability and trading experience.
| Instrument | Exness | AvaTrade | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | AvaTrade |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | AvaTrade |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | AvaTrade |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | AvaTrade |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $100 | $100 | Tie |
For Malta traders, trading costs are a critical factor, and Exness clearly outperforms AvaTrade on spreads. Exness offers spreads from 0.0 pips on its Raw Spread account for major pairs like EUR/USD, while AvaTrade’s standard account starts at around 0.9 pips. On a $10,000 monthly volume, Exness can save Malta traders up to $90 in spread costs. AvaTrade’s costs are higher but include no commission on most accounts, whereas Exness charges a small commission on raw spread accounts. For scalpers and day traders in Malta, Exness’s lower spreads are more advantageous, but AvaTrade’s fixed spreads provide predictability for long-term positions.
| Account Type | Exness | AvaTrade |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✓ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $100 |
| Entity / Asset | Exness | AvaTrade |
|---|---|---|
| Malta (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:400 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 1:400 |
| 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 | Exness | AvaTrade | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | Exness |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | Exness |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | Exness |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | AvaTrade |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | Exness | AvaTrade |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✓ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Malta traders can choose between Exness’s versatile platform options, including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and its proprietary web trader, all optimized for fast execution. AvaTrade offers a wider range, including MT4, MT5, and its proprietary AvaTradeGO app with social trading features. For Malta traders who value automated trading, both support Expert Advisors (EAs), but AvaTrade’s platform includes more built-in analytical tools. Exness’s platforms are lighter and faster, ideal for traders with slower internet connections in Malta, while AvaTrade’s platforms are more feature-rich for comprehensive analysis.
| Factor | Exness | AvaTrade | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | AvaTrade |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | Exness |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
Exness boasts ultra-fast execution with an average order speed of 0.1 seconds and no requotes, ideal for Malta scalpers and algorithmic traders. AvaTrade offers reliable execution with typical speeds of 0.3 seconds and a no-dealing-desk model for most instruments. Exness’s execution is superior for high-frequency trading, while AvaTrade’s execution is consistent and stable. Both brokers use advanced infrastructure to minimize slippage, but Exness’s lower latency gives it an edge for Malta traders in fast-moving markets.
| Safety Factor | Exness | AvaTrade |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | CBI |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both Exness and AvaTrade are regulated by the local financial regulator in Malta, providing a high level of security for retail traders. Exness holds multiple licenses, including from the FCA and CySEC, ensuring compliance with strict capital adequacy and client fund segregation rules. AvaTrade is also regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland and ASIC, offering additional oversight. For Malta traders, this means your funds are held in segregated accounts, and both brokers participate in the Investor Compensation Scheme (ICS) covering up to €20,000 per client. This regulatory framework ensures fair trading conditions and dispute resolution.
| Payment Method | Exness | AvaTrade |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | crypto takes 30–60 minutes, and bank cards or wires take 1 to 5 business days | Card/e-wallet 24-48hrs after approval; Wire Transfer up to 7-10 business days |
Malta traders benefit from flexible deposit and withdrawal options at both Exness and AvaTrade, including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Exness processes all deposits instantly with zero fees, and withdrawals are typically processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and USDT. AvaTrade also supports these methods, but bank transfers may take 1-3 business days and incur small fees for withdrawals. USDT TRC20 is a standout feature for Malta traders using crypto, offering near-instant transfers with low costs. Exness’s faster processing times give it an edge for active traders who need quick access to funds, while AvaTrade is reliable for standard banking methods.
| Islamic Account Feature | Exness | AvaTrade |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Exness and AvaTrade offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Malta traders who require Sharia-compliant trading. Exness provides swap-free accounts on all account types without any additional fees or time limits, making it ideal for long-term positions. AvaTrade offers Islamic accounts on standard accounts but charges a small administrative fee after 10 days on certain instruments. For Muslim traders in Malta, Exness’s zero-cost swap-free policy is more attractive, while AvaTrade’s offering is still compliant but may incur costs for holding positions overnight. Both brokers ensure no interest is charged or earned, adhering to Islamic finance principles.
| Support Feature | Exness | AvaTrade | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✓ | ✗ | Exness |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | Exness |
Exness offers 24/7 multilingual customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with Maltese language support available during business hours. AvaTrade also provides 24/5 support with a dedicated Maltese team and offers local phone numbers. Exness’s round-the-clock availability is beneficial for Malta traders trading during global market hours, while AvaTrade’s support is equally responsive but limited on weekends. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections and local office contacts in Malta.
| Mobile Feature | Exness | AvaTrade | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | Exness |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | Exness |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | Exness | AvaTrade | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | Exness |
Choose Exness if you...
Choose AvaTrade if you...
For Malta traders, Exness is the superior choice for cost-conscious and active traders, offering lower spreads, faster execution, and seamless support for local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Its regulation by the local financial regulator ensures safety, while its 4.8/5 rating reflects strong user satisfaction. AvaTrade remains a solid option for beginners and those who prioritize educational tools and platform variety, with its 4.6/5 score and robust regulatory framework. Ultimately, Exness’s lower costs and faster transactions give it the edge for most retail traders in Malta, but AvaTrade’s comprehensive suite is ideal for those starting their trading journey.