Which broker is better for China traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For China traders seeking international exposure, choosing between FP Markets and Plus500 is a critical decision. FP Markets, with a 4.7/5 rating, is a well-established Australian broker offering low spreads, multiple account types, and support for USDT deposits—a key advantage for Chinese users navigating capital controls. Plus500, rated 3.7/5, is a UK-based CFD provider known for its user-friendly platform and zero commissions. While both brokers are not regulated by the CSRC, they operate under reputable licenses (ASIC, CySEC) and accept Chinese clients via offshore accounts. This comparison focuses on what matters most to China traders: deposit methods (USDT, international bank transfer), trading costs, platform accessibility, and regulatory safety. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced trader, understanding these differences will help you choose the right broker for your offshore trading journey in 2026.
| Instrument | FP Markets | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Plus500 |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Plus500 |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Plus500 |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Plus500 |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $100 | $100 | Tie |
Spread costs are a major factor for China traders, especially those trading high volumes. FP Markets offers Raw spreads from 0.0 pips with a $3 commission per lot, while Plus500 uses variable spreads starting around 0.6 pips on EUR/USD with no commission. For a China trader executing 10 lots per month, FP Markets could save $60–$100 monthly compared to Plus500. Additionally, FP Markets provides ECN-like execution with tighter spreads during volatile Asian sessions. Plus500’s spreads are competitive for retail traders but widen during news events. Overall, FP Markets is more cost-effective for active China traders.
| Account Type | FP Markets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $100 |
| Entity / Asset | FP Markets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| China (offshore) | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:300 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:500 | 1:300 |
| 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 | Plus500 | 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+ | 20+ | FP Markets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | 1,000+ | 1,700+ | Plus500 |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | FP Markets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✓ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✗ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✗ |
FP Markets offers MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), and its own IRESS platform, all available in Chinese language. This is ideal for China traders who prefer advanced charting, Expert Advisors (EAs), and algorithmic trading. Plus500 provides a proprietary web and mobile platform that is intuitive but lacks advanced tools like EAs. For China traders who value automation or custom indicators, FP Markets is superior. However, Plus500’s platform is simpler for beginners and supports one-click trading, which may appeal to casual traders.
| Factor | FP Markets | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Plus500 |
| 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 |
FP Markets uses ECN/STP execution with no dealing desk, offering average execution speeds under 30ms and minimal slippage. This is crucial for China traders using scalping or high-frequency strategies. Plus500 uses market maker execution, which can lead to requotes during volatile markets. FP Markets’ execution quality is superior for active traders, while Plus500’s model suits longer-term positions.
| Safety Factor | FP Markets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
FP Markets is regulated by ASIC (Australia) and CySEC (Cyprus), offering strong investor protection including negative balance protection. Plus500 is regulated by FCA (UK), CySEC, and ASIC, with client funds held in segregated accounts. Neither broker is regulated by the CSRC, which is standard for offshore brokers serving China traders. Both comply with international standards, but FP Markets’ ASIC oversight is particularly strict. For China traders, this means funds are safer with FP Markets, though Plus500 also maintains a solid regulatory record.
| Payment Method | FP Markets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✗ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✗ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | 24 hours | 1 to 3 business day |
FP Markets supports USDT (Tether) deposits, which is a game-changer for China traders facing capital controls. You can deposit USDT via TRC20 or ERC20 networks, with no fees and fast processing. International bank transfers (SWIFT) are also accepted but may take 2–5 business days. Plus500 only accepts international bank transfers and credit/debit cards, with no cryptocurrency options. Withdrawals at FP Markets are processed within 24 hours for USDT, while Plus500 takes 1–3 days. For China traders, FP Markets’ USDT support provides a convenient, low-cost way to fund accounts without relying on traditional banking channels.
| Islamic Account Feature | FP Markets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✗ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
FP Markets offers Islamic (swap-free) accounts upon request, with no additional fees or restrictions on trading styles. Plus500 automatically applies swap-free status for eligible clients, ensuring no overnight interest is charged. Both brokers meet Sharia law requirements, making them suitable for China Muslim traders. However, FP Markets provides more flexibility with account types (e.g., Islamic Raw accounts with low spreads), while Plus500’s swap-free feature is standard across all accounts.
| Support Feature | FP Markets | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FP Markets |
FP Markets provides 24/5 multilingual support via live chat, email, and phone, with Chinese-speaking agents available. Plus500 offers 24/7 live chat and email support in multiple languages, including Chinese. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQs. FP Markets’ support is slightly more responsive for technical issues, while Plus500 excels in quick query resolution. For China traders, FP Markets’ dedicated account managers for high-volume clients add value.
| Mobile Feature | FP Markets | Plus500 | 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 | ✓ | ✗ | FP Markets |
| Resource | FP Markets | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | ✗ | FP Markets |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FP Markets |
Choose FP Markets if you...
Choose Plus500 if you...
For most China traders in 2026, FP Markets is the better choice due to its higher overall rating (4.7/5), lower spreads, and support for USDT deposits—a critical feature for offshore trading. While Plus500 offers a simpler platform and strong regulation, its higher spreads and lack of cryptocurrency deposits make it less suitable for cost-conscious or active traders. If you prioritize low costs, advanced platforms, and flexible funding, FP Markets is ideal. However, if you are a beginner seeking ease of use and strong brand trust, Plus500 is a viable option. Always ensure compliance with local regulations and consider using USDT for efficient deposits.