Which broker is better for China traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For China traders seeking international forex exposure, choosing the right offshore broker is critical. FBS (score 3.7/5) and Tickmill (score 4/5) are two popular options, each catering to different trading styles. FBS is known for its flexible account types, generous bonuses, and support for USDT deposits, making it accessible for smaller traders. Tickmill, on the other hand, excels in low-cost trading with razor-thin spreads and institutional-grade execution, ideal for scalpers and high-volume traders. Both brokers accept China traders through USDT and international bank transfers, bypassing local capital controls. However, they are not regulated by the CSRC, so traders must understand the offshore risks. This comparison will help you decide which broker aligns with your goals—whether you prioritize low spreads, deposit convenience, or platform variety.
| Instrument | FBS | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Tickmill |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Tickmill |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Tickmill |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Tickmill |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $5 | $100 | Tickmill |
For China traders, trading costs are a major factor. Tickmill offers spreads from 0.0 pips on its Raw account with a $2 per side commission per lot, making it highly competitive for active traders. FBS's Zero Spread account starts at 0.7 pips with no commission, but the spread can widen during volatile markets. On a standard lot of EUR/USD, Tickmill's total cost is around $4 round-turn, while FBS can cost $7 or more. For traders executing 10+ lots daily, Tickmill saves hundreds of dollars monthly. FBS's standard account has spreads from 1.0 pips, which is less attractive. Overall, Tickmill wins for cost-conscious China traders.
| Account Type | FBS | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $5 | $100 |
| Entity / Asset | FBS | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| China (offshore) | Up to 1:3000 | Up to 1:1000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:3000 | 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 | FBS | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FBS |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FBS |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | FBS |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | Tickmill |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | FBS | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, the gold standards for China traders. Tickmill also provides a WebTrader for quick access without downloads. FBS adds its proprietary FBS Trader app, which is user-friendly for beginners. For China traders, platform stability and low latency are critical—Tickmill's servers are optimized for Asian markets, reducing slippage. FBS offers more customization with indicators and expert advisors, but Tickmill's execution speed is superior. If you trade on mobile, both have robust apps, but FBS's app has more social trading features. Choose Tickmill for raw performance, FBS for versatility.
| Factor | FBS | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Tickmill |
| 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 |
Execution quality is critical for high-frequency China traders. Tickmill uses a true ECN/STP model with direct market access, offering average execution speeds under 30 milliseconds and no requotes. FBS uses a hybrid model with market execution, but some slippage occurs during news events. Tickmill's execution is more reliable for scalping and automated strategies, with consistent fills. FBS's execution is decent for casual traders but may frustrate professionals. Both offer negative balance protection, but Tickmill's institutional-grade infrastructure gives it a clear edge for serious traders.
| Safety Factor | FBS | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | IFSC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✗ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a key concern for China traders. Neither FBS nor Tickmill is regulated by the CSRC, as Chinese authorities restrict domestic forex brokers. FBS is regulated by the FSC (Belize) and CySEC (Cyprus), offering basic client protection. Tickmill is regulated by the FCA (UK), CySEC, and the FSA (Seychelles), providing stronger oversight and negative balance protection. For China traders, Tickmill's FCA regulation adds credibility and funds segregation. However, both operate offshore, so due diligence is essential. FBS's lower-tier regulation may raise eyebrows, but its long history helps. Always verify license status before depositing.
| Payment Method | FBS | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | Most withdrawals 1 business day; bank wire 1-3 days, Credit/Debit Cards: Up to 8 working days. |
China traders can deposit at both brokers using USDT (Tether) on TRC20 or ERC20 networks, which is fast and avoids capital controls. FBS also accepts international bank transfers in USD/EUR, with processing times of 2-5 business days. Tickmill supports USDT, bank transfers, and credit/debit cards. Minimum deposits: FBS starts at $5 (USDT), Tickmill at $100 (bank transfer). Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours for USDT at both brokers. FBS offers more e-wallet options like Skrill and Neteller, popular among Chinese traders. For large sums, bank transfers are reliable but incur fees. USDT remains the most convenient for instant, low-cost transactions.
| Islamic Account Feature | FBS | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Tickmill offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in China. FBS provides these accounts upon request after registration, with no swap charges on overnight positions. Tickmill automatically offers swap-free accounts for clients in regions where required, including China. However, Tickmill may charge a holding fee for positions kept open beyond a certain period (e.g., 7 days). FBS does not impose such fees but has a limited number of instruments eligible. For China's Muslim traders, both are suitable, but Tickmill's automatic provision is more convenient. Always check the latest terms, as policies can change.
| Support Feature | FBS | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FBS |
Customer support is vital for China traders dealing with time zone differences. FBS offers 24/7 live chat, email, and phone support in Chinese (Mandarin). Tickmill also provides 24/5 live chat and email support, with Chinese language available. FBS's support is more responsive during Asian hours, while Tickmill's team is knowledgeable but may have slower response times. Both have comprehensive FAQ sections on their websites. For urgent issues, FBS's 24/7 availability is an advantage. Tickmill's support is professional but limited to trading hours.
| Mobile Feature | FBS | Tickmill | 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 | Tickmill | 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 Tickmill if you...
For China traders, Tickmill (4/5) edges out FBS (3.7/5) due to lower trading costs, superior regulation, and faster execution. Tickmill's Raw account with spreads from 0.0 pips and FCA oversight offers a professional trading environment that active traders will appreciate. FBS remains a strong contender for beginners or those who value low entry barriers and promotional offers. Both support USDT deposits and international bank transfers, making them accessible despite CSRC restrictions. If you trade frequently, Tickmill is the better long-term choice. For occasional traders or those who prefer bonuses, FBS is a solid alternative. Always trade responsibly and understand offshore risks.