FxOpen vs Forex.com for Malta Traders (2026)
Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Quick Verdict — Malta Traders
When choosing a forex broker in Malta, retail traders often compare FxOpen and Forex.com due to their strong global reputations and local accessibility. FxOpen, rated 3.7/5, is known for its ultra-low spreads and support for popular local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Forex.com, with a 3.4/5 rating, offers a more established brand with extensive regulatory oversight, including regulation by the UK FCA and US CFTC. For Malta traders, the choice often comes down to cost versus trust. The local financial regulator ensures both brokers meet minimum standards, but FxOpen’s higher score and better payment flexibility make it a strong contender. This comparison examines spreads, platforms, regulation, and deposit options specifically for Maltese traders, helping you decide which broker fits your trading style and local needs in 2025.
Overall Scores Comparison
Trading Costs - Spreads & Commissions
| Instrument | FxOpen | Forex.com | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Forex.com |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Forex.com |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Forex.com |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Forex.com |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $100 | $100 | Tie |
For Malta traders, trading costs are a critical factor, and FxOpen generally offers lower spreads than Forex.com. FxOpen’s raw ECN account provides spreads from 0.0 pips with a commission of $3.50 per lot round turn, while Forex.com’s standard account has spreads averaging 1.2 pips on EUR/USD with no commission. Over 100 trades per month, FxOpen can save Maltese traders $50–100 in spread costs. However, Forex.com’s commission-free model may appeal to smaller traders who trade infrequently. Both brokers charge no deposit or withdrawal fees for Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, or USDT TRC20 in Malta, making cost management easier.
Account Types Comparison
| Account Type | FxOpen | Forex.com |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $100 |
Leverage Comparison - Malta Traders
| Entity / Asset | FxOpen | Forex.com |
|---|---|---|
| Malta (offshore) | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:50 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:500 | 1:50 |
| 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 | FxOpen | Forex.com | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FxOpen |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FxOpen |
| Crypto CFDs | ✗ | 20+ | FxOpen |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | 1,000+ | ✗ | Forex.com |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
Platforms Comparison
| Platform | FxOpen | Forex.com |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✓ |
| TradingView | ✓ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
FxOpen offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and its own TickTrader platform, all of which are popular among Malta traders for their advanced charting and automated trading capabilities. Forex.com provides its proprietary web platform, MetaTrader 4, and TradingView integration, which is favoured by traders who want social trading features. For Maltese retail traders, FxOpen’s support for MetaTrader 5 is a plus for multi-asset trading, while Forex.com’s platforms are more user-friendly for beginners. Both offer mobile apps with full functionality, ensuring Malta traders can monitor positions on the go.
Execution Quality - Speed & Slippage
| Factor | FxOpen | Forex.com | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Forex.com |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | FxOpen |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
FxOpen uses an ECN/STP execution model with no dealing desk intervention, offering average execution speeds of 40ms and no requotes. Forex.com uses a hybrid model with market maker and STP execution, leading to occasional requotes during volatile periods. For Malta traders who trade high-frequency strategies, FxOpen’s faster execution and lower slippage provide a clear advantage. Forex.com’s execution is still reliable for swing traders but may not suit scalpers.
Regulation & Safety for Malta Traders
| Safety Factor | FxOpen | Forex.com |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a key concern for Malta traders, and both brokers are authorised by the local financial regulator, ensuring they comply with Maltese financial laws. FxOpen is regulated by the FCA (UK) and CySEC (Cyprus), with additional oversight in Malta, providing a strong layer of investor protection. Forex.com is regulated by the FCA, CFTC (US), and ASIC (Australia), giving it a broader regulatory footprint. For Malta traders, both brokers offer negative balance protection and segregated client funds, but Forex.com’s multiple-tier regulation may inspire more confidence for risk-averse traders. The local regulator’s oversight adds an extra safety net for Maltese residents.
Deposits & Withdrawals for Malta
| Payment Method | FxOpen | Forex.com |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✗ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✗ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 24 hours | 1 to 3 business days |
Malta traders can fund their accounts at both FxOpen and Forex.com using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. FxOpen processes deposits instantly for Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, with no fees, while bank transfers take 1–3 business days. Forex.com also supports these methods, but its minimum deposit for Skrill and Neteller is higher at $50 compared to FxOpen’s $10. USDT TRC20 is particularly efficient for Maltese users, with deposits credited within minutes and zero network fees. Withdrawals at both brokers are processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and USDT TRC20, while bank transfers take 2–5 days. FxOpen offers a slight edge with lower minimums and faster crypto deposits, making it more accessible for Maltese retail traders.
Islamic Accounts - Swap-Free for Malta Muslims
| Islamic Account Feature | FxOpen | Forex.com |
|---|---|---|
| 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 FxOpen and Forex.com provide Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Malta traders who require Sharia-compliant trading. FxOpen offers these accounts on request with no swap charges on overnight positions, and they are available for all account types. Forex.com also offers Islamic accounts, but they may require a minimum deposit of $500 and are only available for certain account types. For Maltese Muslim traders, FxOpen’s more flexible terms and lower entry barrier make it a better choice. Both brokers ensure no interest is charged, but FxOpen’s process is simpler to set up without additional documentation.
Customer Support Comparison
| Support Feature | FxOpen | Forex.com | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FxOpen |
FxOpen provides 24/5 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with a dedicated team for Maltese traders. Forex.com offers similar support hours but adds a 24/7 phone line for premium accounts. For Malta traders, FxOpen’s support is more responsive during European hours, with average response times under 2 minutes. Forex.com’s support is reliable but can be slower for standard account holders. Both offer multilingual support, but FxOpen’s Maltese-specific assistance is a plus.
Mobile App Comparison
| Mobile Feature | FxOpen | Forex.com | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | FxOpen |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | FxOpen |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✓ | ✗ | FxOpen |
Education & Research Tools
| Resource | FxOpen | Forex.com | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FxOpen |
Real User Reviews - Trustpilot
Pros & Cons of Each Broker
FxOpen
Forex.com
Who Should Use Which Broker? - Malta Guide
Choose FxOpen if you...
- Want lower spreads and trading costs for high-volume trading
- Prefer using USDT TRC20 or e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller for fast deposits
- Need a swap-free Islamic account with easy setup
- Value faster execution speeds for scalping or day trading
Choose Forex.com if you...
- Prefer a broker with a longer track record and multiple-tier regulation
- Want access to a proprietary platform with integrated TradingView charts
- Are a beginner looking for a commission-free account
- Need 24/7 phone support for larger account balances
FAQ - FxOpen vs Forex.com in Malta
Final Verdict - Malta 2026
For Malta traders in 2025, FxOpen is the stronger choice overall, thanks to its higher 3.7/5 rating, lower spreads, and superior support for local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Its ECN execution and faster deposit processing make it ideal for active retail traders. Forex.com remains a solid option for those who prioritise regulatory breadth and a user-friendly platform, but its higher costs and slower crypto deposits are drawbacks. Both brokers are regulated by the local financial regulator, ensuring safety for Maltese residents. Ultimately, FxOpen offers better value for most Malta traders, while Forex.com suits those who prefer a more established brand with simpler account options.