Which broker is better for China traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
China traders looking for offshore forex brokers often compare FBS and Libertex, two popular international platforms. Both score 3.7 out of 5, but they cater to different needs. FBS is known for its low spreads, flexible account types, and support for USDT deposits—a key feature for Chinese investors who prefer crypto-based funding. Libertex, meanwhile, offers a simple, user-friendly platform and access to over 200 instruments. For traders in China seeking international exposure without local CSRC regulation, both brokers provide a gateway to global markets. However, differences in trading costs, platform features, and payment methods can significantly impact your experience. This comparison will help you decide which broker aligns with your trading style and local constraints.
| Instrument | FBS | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Libertex |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Libertex |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Libertex |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Libertex |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $5 | $10 | Libertex |
When comparing trading costs, FBS clearly wins for China traders. On its Zero Spread account, spreads start from 0.0 pips on major forex pairs like EUR/USD, with a commission of $6 per lot. Libertex's spreads start from 0.6 pips with no commission, but for active traders trading 10+ lots per month, FBS is cheaper. For example, trading 10 lots of EUR/USD on FBS costs $60 in commissions, while on Libertex, the spread cost is $120. For high-volume Chinese traders, FBS reduces overall trading costs by up to 50%.
| Account Type | FBS | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $5 | $10 |
| Entity / Asset | FBS | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| China (offshore) | Up to 1:3000 | Up to 1:999 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:3000 | 1:999 |
| 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 | FBS | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FBS |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FBS |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | FBS |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | Libertex |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | FBS | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
FBS offers MetaTrader 4 and 5, the industry standard for professional traders, with advanced charting, automated trading, and custom indicators. Libertex uses its proprietary web and mobile platform, which is simpler but lacks advanced tools. For China traders who rely on EA trading or technical analysis, FBS is the better choice. Libertex is ideal for beginners who want a clean interface and quick order execution.
| Factor | FBS | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Libertex |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | FBS |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
FBS offers ECN execution with an average speed of 0.3 seconds, suitable for scalping and high-frequency trading. Libertex uses market execution with speeds around 0.5 seconds. Both are reliable, but FBS's ECN model provides tighter spreads and faster fills, which is crucial for active China traders.
| Safety Factor | FBS | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | IFSC | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✗ | ✗ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
FBS is regulated by CySEC (Cyprus) and FSC (Belize), while Libertex is regulated by CySEC and FSC (Mauritius). Neither broker is regulated by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC). For China traders, this means no local investor protection, but both brokers offer negative balance protection and segregated accounts. FBS's CySEC regulation provides a higher level of oversight, while Libertex's FSC regulation is less strict. Always check the specific entity you trade with.
| Payment Method | FBS | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | Electronic Wallets / Systems: Credited immediately to 30 minutes (processed 24/7 by the financial department).Cryptocurrency: Instant, though subject to blockchain network confirmations.Credit / Debit Cards: Average of 3 to 4 business days (internal processing takes 15–20 minutes, plus bank clearance).Bank Transfers: Usually processed within 7 to 10 business days. | 5 business days |
Both brokers accept USDT (ERC-20 and TRC-20) and international bank transfers in CNY, making them accessible for China traders. FBS also supports local Chinese payment methods like Alipay and WeChat Pay through third-party processors, which is a major advantage. Libertex primarily relies on USDT and bank transfers. Minimum deposits: FBS from $5, Libertex from $10. Withdrawals are processed within 1-2 business days for USDT and 3-5 days for bank transfers. FBS charges no withdrawal fees, while Libertex may charge a small fee for bank transfers.
| Islamic Account Feature | FBS | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| 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 FBS and Libertex offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in China. FBS provides Islamic accounts on all account types (Standard, Cent, Zero Spread) with no swap fees on overnight positions. Libertex offers Islamic accounts upon request, with the same conditions. No additional fees are charged. For Chinese Muslim traders, FBS offers more flexibility as Islamic accounts are available instantly, while Libertex requires a request.
| Support Feature | FBS | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FBS |
FBS offers 24/7 live chat, email, and phone support in Chinese (Mandarin), which is a significant advantage for China traders. Libertex provides 24/5 support in English and Chinese via live chat and email. FBS's round-the-clock support is better for traders who need assistance during off-hours.
| Mobile Feature | FBS | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | FBS |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | FBS |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | FBS | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | FBS |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FBS |
Choose FBS if you...
Choose Libertex if you...
For China traders, FBS is the stronger choice overall. Its lower spreads, support for local payment methods like Alipay and WeChat Pay, and 24/7 Chinese support make it more accessible and cost-effective. Libertex is a good alternative for beginners who value simplicity. However, both brokers are unregulated by CSRC, so traders should use caution and only trade with regulated entities. FBS's CySEC regulation offers better protection. If you trade actively or use EAs, FBS is the clear winner.