FXCM vs EasyMarkets: Which Broker Wins for Malta Traders in 2026?
Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Quick Verdict — Malta Traders
For Malta traders looking to navigate the forex market in 2025, choosing between FXCM and EasyMarkets is a critical decision. Both brokers are regulated by the local financial regulator, ensuring a secure trading environment for retail traders in Malta. FXCM, with a score of 3.5/5, is a global heavyweight known for its competitive spreads and advanced platforms, while EasyMarkets, scoring 3.4/5, appeals to beginners with its user-friendly interface and fixed spreads. Given Malta's growing interest in online trading and local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, this comparison focuses on what matters most: cost, regulation, and convenience. Whether you're a day trader in Valletta or a long-term investor in Gozo, understanding the nuances between these brokers will help you optimize your trading strategy in the Maltese islands.
Overall Scores Comparison
Trading Costs - Spreads & Commissions
| Instrument | FXCM | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | EasyMarkets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | EasyMarkets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | EasyMarkets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | EasyMarkets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $50 | $25 | EasyMarkets |
When comparing trading costs for Malta traders, FXCM generally offers lower variable spreads, with EUR/USD starting at 0.2 pips on its Active Trader account, compared to EasyMarkets' fixed 1.2 pips. For high-volume traders in Malta, FXCM's lower spreads can significantly reduce costs over time, especially on major pairs like GBP/USD and USD/JPY. However, EasyMarkets' fixed spreads provide predictability, which is valuable for retail traders who prefer to avoid spread widening during volatile news events. Both brokers charge no commissions on standard accounts, but FXCM's commission-based Active Trader account may be more cost-effective for those trading over $10 million monthly volume.
Account Types Comparison
| Account Type | FXCM | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $50 | $25 |
Leverage Comparison - Malta Traders
| Entity / Asset | FXCM | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Malta (offshore) | Up to 1:400 | Up to 1:2000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:400 | 1:2000 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
Trading Instruments - Assets Available
| Asset Class | FXCM | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FXCM |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FXCM |
| Crypto CFDs | ✗ | 20+ | FXCM |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | EasyMarkets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
Platforms Comparison
| Platform | FXCM | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✓ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
FXCM offers a robust selection of platforms, including MetaTrader 4 (MT4), TradingView, and its proprietary Trading Station, catering to Malta traders who need advanced charting, automated trading, and custom indicators. EasyMarkets provides a simpler web-based platform and mobile app, with built-in risk management tools like dealCancellation and free guaranteed stop-loss. For Malta traders who value flexibility and third-party integrations, FXCM is the better choice, while EasyMarkets suits those who prefer an all-in-one, beginner-friendly interface without the complexity of MT4.
Execution Quality - Speed & Slippage
| Factor | FXCM | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | EasyMarkets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | FXCM |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
FXCM uses No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution with straight-through processing, offering fast order fills and minimal requotes, which is ideal for Malta traders using scalping or high-frequency strategies. EasyMarkets employs a market maker model with fixed spreads and guaranteed stop-loss orders, ensuring no slippage but potentially slower execution during volatile markets. For Malta traders who prioritize speed, FXCM is superior, while EasyMarkets provides certainty for risk-averse traders.
Regulation & Safety for Malta Traders
| Safety Factor | FXCM | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both FXCM and EasyMarkets are authorized by the local financial regulator, ensuring they adhere to strict Maltese and EU financial laws. This means Malta traders benefit from negative balance protection, segregated client funds, and access to the Financial Ombudsman Service for dispute resolution. FXCM is also regulated by the FCA in the UK and ASIC in Australia, adding an extra layer of oversight, while EasyMarkets is regulated by CySEC and the local regulator. For Malta residents, this regulatory framework provides peace of mind that their funds are secure and that the brokers operate transparently within the EU's MiFID II guidelines.
Deposits & Withdrawals for Malta
| Payment Method | FXCM | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | Internal Processing: FXCM reviews and processes requests in 1–2 business days.Credit or Debit Card: Arrives within 5 business days, though statements can take up to 1 billing cycle to update.Domestic Bank Wire: Arrives in 1–2 business days after processing.International Bank Wire: Arrives in 3–5 business days after processing. | Cards 1-2 business days; e-wallets instant-1 business day; bank wire 3-10 business days; overall back-office processing within 1 business day (24h) |
Malta traders can deposit and withdraw funds using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 at both FXCM and EasyMarkets. FXCM processes e-wallet and crypto deposits instantly with no fees, while bank transfers take 1-3 business days and may incur intermediary charges. EasyMarkets supports the same methods with similar processing times, but its minimum deposit is $50 for most methods, compared to FXCM's $50 minimum for bank transfers and $100 for e-wallets. Withdrawals are typically processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and 2-5 days for bank transfers. Both brokers recommend using USD accounts to avoid conversion fees, as EUR deposits may incur a 0.5% currency conversion charge.
Islamic Accounts - Swap-Free for Malta Muslims
| Islamic Account Feature | FXCM | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Malta Muslim traders seeking Sharia-compliant trading, both FXCM and EasyMarkets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts. FXCM provides swap-free accounts upon request, with no overnight interest on forex and CFD positions, though some instruments may incur a holding fee after 7 days. EasyMarkets offers a more straightforward swap-free account with no additional charges, making it a simpler option for Malta traders who want to avoid interest entirely. Both brokers require a declaration of faith for eligibility, and accounts are available for all retail traders in Malta.
Customer Support Comparison
| Support Feature | FXCM | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FXCM |
FXCM offers 24/5 multilingual customer support via live chat, phone, and email, with a dedicated team for Malta traders who can assist in English and Maltese. EasyMarkets provides 24/5 support through live chat and email, with a focus on quick response times. For Malta traders, FXCM's phone support is more accessible, while EasyMarkets' live chat is efficient for basic queries. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections on their websites.
Mobile App Comparison
| Mobile Feature | FXCM | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | FXCM |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | FXCM |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✓ | ✗ | FXCM |
Education & Research Tools
| Resource | FXCM | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FXCM |
Real User Reviews - Trustpilot
Pros & Cons of Each Broker
FXCM
EasyMarkets
Who Should Use Which Broker? - Malta Guide
Choose FXCM if you...
- Want lower variable spreads on major forex pairs like EUR/USD.
- Need advanced platforms like MT4 or TradingView for automated trading.
- Trade high volumes and prefer commission-based accounts for cost efficiency.
- Value fast execution for scalping or day trading strategies.
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
- Prefer fixed spreads and predictable trading costs.
- Are a beginner looking for a simple, all-in-one platform.
- Want risk management tools like dealCancellation and free guaranteed stop-loss.
- Need a straightforward Islamic account without holding fees.
FAQ - FXCM vs EasyMarkets in Malta
Final Verdict - Malta 2026
For Malta traders in 2025, FXCM is the better choice for active and experienced retail traders who prioritize low spreads, advanced platforms, and fast execution. Its 3.5/5 score reflects its strength in providing cost-effective trading for high-volume users, especially when using local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. EasyMarkets, with a 3.4/5 score, is ideal for beginners and risk-averse traders in Malta who value simplicity, fixed costs, and robust risk management. Both brokers are regulated by the local financial regulator, ensuring a safe trading environment. Ultimately, your choice should align with your trading style: FXCM for flexibility and low costs, EasyMarkets for ease of use and predictability.