Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Malta traders in 2025, choosing between Forex.com and FXTM involves evaluating local payment convenience, regulatory confidence, and trading costs. Malta’s retail trading community often favours brokers that support fast local deposits such as Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 – both Forex.com and FXTM offer these methods, but FXTM provides a smoother experience with lower minimum deposits. Regulation is another key factor: while both operate under strong international oversight, Malta’s local financial regulator (MFSA) doesn’t directly oversee these offshore entities, yet Maltese traders can still trade legally under their respective global licences. FXTM earns a higher overall rating (4.3/5) thanks to its tailored services for European retail clients, including competitive spreads and multilingual support. Forex.com (3.4/5) remains a solid choice for traders who prioritise brand longevity and a wide range of tradable assets. This comparison breaks down each broker’s strengths for Malta-based forex traders, covering costs, platforms, and local deposit options to help you decide.
| Instrument | Forex.com | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | FXTM |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | FXTM |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | FXTM |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | FXTM |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $100 | $200 | Forex.com |
When comparing trading costs for Malta traders, FXTM generally offers lower spreads on major forex pairs like EUR/USD and GBP/USD, particularly on its ECN accounts where spreads start from 0.0 pips plus a commission of $7 per lot. Forex.com’s standard account spreads average around 1.0 pip on EUR/USD, which is higher than FXTM’s raw spreads. For Maltese traders executing high-volume strategies, the cost difference becomes significant – FXTM can save hundreds of dollars per month. Both brokers charge no deposit or withdrawal fees for popular methods like Skrill, Neteller, and Bank Transfer, but FXTM’s overall cost structure is more competitive for the average retail trader in Malta. Keep in mind that swap rates also vary, so compare overnight holding costs if you trade positions longer than one day.
| Account Type | Forex.com | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✓ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $200 |
| Entity / Asset | Forex.com | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Malta (offshore) | Up to 1:50 | Up to 1:3000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:50 | 1:3000 |
| 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 | Forex.com | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | Forex.com |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | Forex.com |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | Forex.com |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | FXTM |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | Forex.com | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Malta traders can access industry-standard platforms at both Forex.com and FXTM: MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), and proprietary web platforms. FXTM adds a dedicated mobile app with one‑click trading and advanced charting, which suits traders on the go – a common need in Malta’s busy lifestyle. Forex.com offers a well-designed proprietary platform with integrated news and analysis, but its mobile experience is slightly less polished. For Maltese traders who rely on automated strategies and custom indicators, both brokers support Expert Advisors (EAs) on MT4/MT5. FXTM also provides a web trader platform that requires no download, making it ideal for quick market checks. Ultimately, the choice depends on whether you prefer FXTM’s mobile-first approach or Forex.com’s comprehensive desktop suite.
| Factor | Forex.com | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FXTM |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | Forex.com |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
Execution quality matters for Malta traders who scalp or use automated strategies. FXTM executes orders with an average speed of under 100ms on its raw spread accounts, with no re‑quotes on market orders. Forex.com offers similar execution speeds but occasionally shows requotes during high volatility. FXTM’s ECN pricing model ensures tighter spreads and depth of market visibility, which is beneficial for active traders. Both brokers use No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution, but FXTM’s infrastructure in London and Cyprus provides lower latency for European traders based in Malta.
| Safety Factor | Forex.com | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Malta traders should understand the regulatory framework behind each broker. Forex.com is regulated by top-tier authorities like the FCA (UK) and CFTC (US), but its Malta clients typically trade under the FCA licence, offering strong investor protection but limited local recourse. FXTM is regulated by the FSC (Mauritius) and CySEC (Cyprus), with CySEC being a European regulator that aligns closely with Malta’s own financial oversight (MFSA). While neither broker is directly regulated by Malta’s local financial regulator, FXTM’s CySEC licence provides a familiar European framework with negative balance protection and access to the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF), which covers up to €20,000 – a reassuring safety net for Maltese traders. Forex.com’s regulation is equally credible but less Europe-centric, which may affect dispute resolution processes.
| Payment Method | Forex.com | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✗ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✗ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | 1 to 3 business days | 24 hours (often in 30 minutes),Credit / Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard): 1 to 3 business days. |
Malta traders have several convenient options to fund and withdraw from both Forex.com and FXTM. Bank Transfer is available at both brokers but may take 2–5 business days for withdrawals, with no broker fees accepted. E‑wallets like Skrill and Neteller are the fastest – instant deposits and typically same‑day withdrawals – and both brokers support these methods without additional charges. USDT TRC20 is accepted for crypto deposits at both brokers, allowing Malta traders to fund accounts quickly and with low transaction costs, though FXTM processes USDT withdrawals more efficiently. Forex.com’s minimum deposit is $50 higher than FXTM’s ($100 vs $10), which matters for retail traders starting small. FXTM also offers a local Euro account via Bank Transfer, reducing currency conversion fees for Maltese traders using EUR. For withdrawals, both brokers aim to process requests within 24 hours, with e‑wallet funds arriving almost instantly.
| Islamic Account Feature | Forex.com | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✗ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
For Muslim traders in Malta who require Sharia-compliant trading, both Forex.com and FXTM provide Islamic (swap‑free) accounts. FXTM makes the process straightforward – simply request a swap‑free account via support, and the broker waives all overnight interest charges. Forex.com also offers Islamic accounts but may apply an administrative fee to cover costs, which contrasts with FXTM’s zero‑fee approach. Malta traders should verify that their chosen account type supports all instruments without swaps, as some brokers limit Islamic accounts to forex only. Overall, FXTM is more accommodating for Maltese Muslim traders, with faster approval and transparent terms.
| Support Feature | Forex.com | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | Forex.com |
Customer support is crucial for Malta traders, especially in different time zones. FXTM offers 24/5 live chat, email, and phone support with Maltese-friendly languages including English and Italian. Forex.com provides 24/5 support as well but its live chat response times can be slower during peak hours. Both brokers have extensive FAQ sections covering Malta-specific queries, such as deposit methods and local tax considerations. FXTM’s support is generally more responsive and tailored to retail traders.
| Mobile Feature | Forex.com | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | Forex.com |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | Forex.com |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | Forex.com | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | Forex.com |
Choose Forex.com if you...
Choose FXTM if you...
For Malta traders in 2025, FXTM emerges as the stronger choice, earning a 4.3/5 rating compared to Forex.com’s 3.4/5. FXTM’s lower spreads, quicker execution, and seamless support for Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 deposit methods align perfectly with the needs of Maltese retail traders. Its CySEC regulation offers a familiar European safety net, including negative balance protection and investor compensation. While Forex.com remains a reputable global brand, its higher costs and less localised deposit experience make it less ideal for the typical Malta trader. We recommend FXTM for the best balance of affordability, convenience, and regulatory peace of mind – especially for those starting with smaller capital or requiring Islamic account features.