Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Malta traders seeking a reliable forex broker in 2025 face a choice between FP Markets and Oanda, two globally recognized platforms with distinct strengths. FP Markets, rated 4.7/5, stands out for its competitive spreads, extensive payment options including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, and strong local regulatory oversight by the local financial regulator. Oanda, with a 3.6/5 rating, offers a robust trading environment with excellent research tools but falls short in Malta-specific features. For retail traders in Malta, FP Markets provides a more tailored experience with lower costs and faster deposit methods. This comparison breaks down key factors like regulation, costs, and payment support to help you decide.
| Instrument | FP Markets | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Oanda |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Oanda |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Oanda |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Oanda |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $100 | $0 | Oanda |
For Malta traders, trading costs are a critical factor, especially for active retail traders. FP Markets offers a Raw ECN account with spreads from 0.0 pips and a commission of $3 per lot per side, making it highly cost-effective for high-volume trading. Oanda's spreads are variable, averaging 1.2 pips on EUR/USD with no commission, but this can lead to higher costs for frequent traders. Over 100 trades per month, FP Markets saves Malta traders approximately 30% on spreads. Both brokers have no hidden fees, but FP Markets' lower spreads and commission structure benefit those trading larger volumes in Malta.
| Account Type | FP Markets | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $0 |
| Entity / Asset | FP Markets | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Malta (offshore) | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:100 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:500 | 1:100 |
| 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 | FP Markets | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FP Markets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FP Markets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | FP Markets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | 1,000+ | ✗ | Oanda |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | FP Markets | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✓ | ✓ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Malta traders need platforms that are fast, reliable, and accessible. FP Markets offers MetaTrader 4 and 5, plus its proprietary IRESS platform, which are popular among retail traders for advanced charting and automated trading. Oanda provides its own web and mobile platform, plus MetaTrader 4, but lacks MT5. For Malta traders, FP Markets' multi-platform support is advantageous, especially for those using Expert Advisors on MT4/5. Oanda's platform is user-friendly but may not suit traders requiring extensive customization or algorithmic trading capabilities common in Malta's trading community.
| Factor | FP Markets | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Oanda |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | FP Markets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
Execution quality directly impacts trading results. FP Markets uses Equinix NY4 servers for ultra-fast execution with average speeds under 30ms and no requotes on its Raw ECN account. Oanda offers reliable execution but with slightly higher latency and occasional slippage during news events. For Malta traders scalping or using automated strategies, FP Markets' superior execution is a significant advantage.
| Safety Factor | FP Markets | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is paramount for Malta traders, and both brokers operate under trusted frameworks. FP Markets is regulated by the local financial regulator, ensuring compliance with Maltese financial laws and offering client protection through segregated accounts and negative balance protection. Oanda is regulated by top-tier bodies like the FCA and ASIC, but does not hold a local license in Malta. This means FP Markets offers stronger local oversight and quicker dispute resolution for Maltese clients. For Malta traders prioritizing regulatory alignment, FP Markets provides added peace of mind.
| Payment Method | FP Markets | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✗ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✗ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 24 hours | 1 to 5 business days |
Malta traders enjoy flexible deposit and withdrawal options with both brokers, but FP Markets leads in local payment support. FP Markets accepts Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, with deposits processed instantly and no fees. USDT TRC20 is particularly useful for crypto-savvy traders in Malta, offering fast and low-cost transfers. Oanda supports Bank Transfer and Skrill, but lacks Neteller and USDT TRC20, limiting options for some traders. Withdrawals at FP Markets are processed within 1-2 business days, while Oanda takes 2-5 days. For Malta traders seeking diverse payment methods, FP Markets is the better choice.
| Islamic Account Feature | FP Markets | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 FP Markets and Oanda offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Malta's Muslim traders, ensuring compliance with Sharia law by eliminating interest charges on overnight positions. FP Markets provides swap-free accounts upon request, with no extra fees, making them accessible for retail traders. Oanda automatically applies swap-free status to eligible accounts, simplifying the process. However, FP Markets' Islamic accounts are more widely available across account types, including the Raw ECN, which is beneficial for active traders in Malta seeking low spreads without interest.
| Support Feature | FP Markets | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FP Markets |
Customer support is vital for Malta traders, especially during volatile markets. FP Markets offers 24/5 multilingual support via live chat, email, and phone, with a dedicated team familiar with Maltese trading needs. Oanda provides 24/5 support but lacks phone support in some regions. FP Markets' faster response times and local regulatory connection make it more reliable for Malta-based clients.
| Mobile Feature | FP Markets | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | FP Markets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | FP Markets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Resource | FP Markets | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FP Markets |
Choose FP Markets if you...
Choose Oanda if you...
For Malta traders in 2025, FP Markets is the clear winner due to its higher rating (4.7/5), lower trading costs, and superior local payment support including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Its regulation by the local financial regulator adds a layer of trust and security that Oanda cannot match. Oanda remains a solid choice for beginners or those who prefer a simpler, commission-free model, but it lacks the Malta-specific features and cost efficiency that FP Markets offers. If you are a retail trader in Malta seeking the best overall value and local convenience, FP Markets is the recommended broker.