Which broker is better for China traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For China traders seeking international exposure, choosing between FxOpen and Plus500 is a critical decision in 2025. Both brokers score 3.7/5, but they cater to different trading styles. FxOpen, founded in 2005, is known for its low-cost ECN trading with raw spreads and support for USDT deposits, making it ideal for forex-focused traders. Plus500, a UK-based CFD provider since 2008, offers a streamlined platform with fixed spreads and no commissions, appealing to those who trade CFDs on stocks, indices, and cryptocurrencies. Since neither broker is regulated by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), China traders must operate offshore, using international bank transfers or USDT to fund accounts. This comparison examines spreads, platforms, regulation, and deposit methods to help you choose the best fit for your trading goals.
| Instrument | FxOpen | 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 |
When comparing trading costs for China traders, FxOpen generally offers lower spreads, especially on its ECN accounts, where EUR/USD spreads start from 0.0 pips plus a commission of $3.5 per lot. This structure benefits high-volume traders who trade frequently. Plus500 uses fixed spreads, typically 0.6-1.2 pips on EUR/USD with no commission, which is simpler but more expensive for active scalpers. For China traders trading 10+ lots per month, FxOpen can save significant costs. However, Plus500's fixed spreads provide predictability, which may suit occasional traders who prefer no surprises.
| Account Type | FxOpen | 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 | FxOpen | 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 | FxOpen | Plus500 | 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+ | 1,700+ | Plus500 |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | FxOpen | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✓ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✗ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✗ |
FxOpen offers MetaTrader 4 and 5, which are widely used by China traders for their advanced charting, custom indicators, and algorithmic trading capabilities. Plus500 provides its proprietary web-based platform and mobile app, known for its intuitive interface and one-click trading. For China traders who rely on Expert Advisors (EAs) or need deep customization, FxOpen's MT4/MT5 is superior. Plus500's platform is better for beginners or those who trade on the go, offering a clean experience without the complexity of third-party tools.
| Factor | FxOpen | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Plus500 |
| 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 ECN execution with no dealing desk, offering fast order execution and minimal slippage, which is ideal for scalpers and high-frequency traders in China. Plus500 uses a market maker model with fixed spreads, which can lead to requotes during volatile markets. For China traders trading during Asian sessions, FxOpen provides more reliable execution, while Plus500's execution is adequate for long-term positions.
| Safety Factor | FxOpen | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
FxOpen is regulated by the FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), and FSA (Seychelles), providing tiered protection depending on the entity. Plus500 is regulated by the FCA, CySEC, and ASIC (Australia). Neither broker holds a license from the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), meaning China traders have no local regulatory recourse. Both brokers offer negative balance protection and segregated client funds, but traders must understand that offshore trading carries inherent risks. For China traders, choosing a broker with strong international regulation like FCA oversight can offer some reassurance.
| Payment Method | FxOpen | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✗ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✗ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | 24 hours | 1 to 3 business day |
China traders can deposit at FxOpen using USDT (Tether) via cryptocurrency wallets, which is fast and avoids bank delays, plus international bank transfers in USD or EUR. Minimum deposit is $10 for USDT and $100 for bank transfers. Withdrawals are processed within 1-2 business days for USDT and 3-5 days for bank transfers. Plus500 accepts international bank transfers and credit/debit cards but does not directly support USDT. China traders may need to convert CNY to USD first, incurring conversion fees. Both brokers require identity verification, and withdrawal methods must match the deposit method where possible. USDT is the most cost-effective option for China traders at FxOpen.
| Islamic Account Feature | FxOpen | 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 |
FxOpen offers Islamic accounts (swap-free) for Muslim China traders upon request, with no swap charges on overnight positions for forex, metals, and indices. Approval requires proof of Muslim faith or residency in a region like Xinjiang. Plus500 also provides Islamic accounts, but availability is limited to certain jurisdictions, and traders must contact support. Both brokers may restrict Islamic accounts to specific instruments and have conditions like no hedging on swap-free accounts. China traders should verify eligibility before opening an account.
| Support Feature | FxOpen | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FxOpen |
FxOpen offers 24/5 multilingual support via live chat, email, and phone, with Chinese language support available during Asian trading hours. Plus500 provides 24/7 live chat and email support, but Chinese language options are limited to English and a few other languages. For China traders, FxOpen's dedicated Chinese support is a clear advantage, ensuring queries are handled promptly in their native language.
| Mobile Feature | FxOpen | Plus500 | 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 |
| Resource | FxOpen | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | ✗ | FxOpen |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FxOpen |
Choose FxOpen if you...
Choose Plus500 if you...
For China traders in 2025, FxOpen is the better choice for those focused on forex trading with low costs, advanced platforms, and USDT deposits. It offers tighter spreads, ECN execution, and Chinese language support, making it ideal for active traders. Plus500 suits traders who prefer a straightforward, commission-free experience for CFDs on various assets, but its wider spreads and lack of USDT support may be drawbacks. Both brokers are offshore and not regulated by CSRC, so China traders should trade cautiously and consider using USDT for efficient funding. Overall, FxOpen edges ahead for China traders seeking international exposure with lower trading costs.