Which broker is better for China traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For China traders venturing into international forex and CFD markets, choosing between FXTM and Libertex is a critical decision. Both brokers offer access to global markets, but they cater to different trading styles and preferences. FXTM, with a strong 4.3/5 rating, is known for its low spreads, diverse account types, and robust educational resources, making it a top choice for active traders. Libertex, rated 3.7/5, appeals to beginners with its user-friendly platform and fixed spreads, but its costs are higher. In the context of China, where local payment methods like USDT and international bank transfers are essential, FXTM provides more flexibility with support for WeChat Pay and Alipay in some regions. Both brokers operate offshore under international licenses, not under the CSRC, so traders must ensure compliance with local capital controls. This comparison focuses on key aspects: trading costs, platforms, regulation, deposits, and support, tailored to the needs of China-based traders seeking international exposure.
| Instrument | FXTM | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Libertex |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Libertex |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Libertex |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Libertex |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $200 | $10 | Libertex |
For China traders, trading costs are a major factor, especially for high-volume strategies. FXTM offers spreads as low as 0.1 pips on its ECN accounts, with a commission of $2 per lot per side. In contrast, Libertex has fixed spreads averaging 1.2 pips on EUR/USD, with no commission but higher overall costs. For a China trader executing 10 lots per day, FXTM’s lower spreads save approximately $200 monthly compared to Libertex. Additionally, FXTM’s swap rates are competitive, while Libertex’s overnight fees can be higher. Both brokers offer Islamic accounts to avoid swap charges, but FXTM’s cost structure is more favorable for frequent traders.
| Account Type | FXTM | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✓ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $200 | $10 |
| Entity / Asset | FXTM | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| China (offshore) | Up to 1:3000 | Up to 1:999 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:3000 | 1:999 |
| 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 | FXTM | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FXTM |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FXTM |
| Crypto CFDs | ✗ | 20+ | FXTM |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | Libertex |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | FXTM | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
FXTM offers MetaTrader 4 and 5, the industry-standard platforms, which are widely used by China traders for their advanced charting, automated trading via Expert Advisors (EAs), and custom indicators. Libertex provides its proprietary web-based platform and mobile app, which are simpler and more intuitive but lack the depth of MT4/5. For China traders who rely on algorithmic trading or complex technical analysis, FXTM’s MT4/5 support is a clear advantage. Libertex’s platform is suitable for manual traders who prefer a clean interface with one-click trading.
| Factor | FXTM | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Libertex |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | FXTM |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
FXTM provides fast execution with an average speed of 0.1 seconds on ECN accounts, using No Dealing Desk (NDD) technology to minimize slippage. Libertex uses a market maker model, which can lead to requotes and slightly slower execution. For China traders trading volatile pairs like USD/CNH, FXTM’s faster execution reduces the risk of slippage, making it more reliable for scalping and day trading.
| Safety Factor | FXTM | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✗ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Neither FXTM nor Libertex is regulated by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), as they operate as offshore brokers. FXTM is regulated by multiple authorities including the FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), and FSCA (South Africa), offering strong investor protection. Libertex is regulated by CySEC and the FSC, but its oversight is less extensive. For China traders, this means they must rely on the broker’s international licenses and reputation. FXTM’s multi-regulatory status provides an extra layer of security, especially for larger deposits.
| Payment Method | FXTM | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 24 hours (often in 30 minutes),Credit / Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard): 1 to 3 business days. | 5 business days |
China traders can deposit and withdraw using USDT (Tether) and international bank transfers at both FXTM and Libertex. FXTM additionally supports local methods like WeChat Pay and Alipay in some regions, making it more convenient for smaller deposits. USDT deposits are processed instantly with no fees, while bank transfers take 1-3 business days and may incur intermediary charges. Withdrawals are similarly efficient: FXTM processes within 24 hours for USDT, while Libertex may take up to 48 hours. Minimum deposits are $10 for FXTM and $50 for Libertex, making FXTM more accessible for beginners.
| Islamic Account Feature | FXTM | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| 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 FXTM and Libertex offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in China, in compliance with Sharia law that prohibits interest. FXTM provides Islamic accounts on request, with no swap fees on overnight positions, but requires a minimum deposit of $500. Libertex offers automatic swap-free accounts for eligible clients, with no minimum deposit requirement. However, FXTM’s Islamic accounts are more transparent and widely recognized. China’s Muslim traders can use either broker, but FXTM is preferred for its established process and lower overall costs.
| Support Feature | FXTM | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FXTM |
FXTM offers 24/5 customer support in Mandarin via live chat, email, and phone, with a dedicated Chinese-speaking team. Libertex provides support in English and other languages, but Mandarin support is limited to email and chat during business hours. For China traders, FXTM’s localized support is a significant advantage, especially for resolving deposit or account issues quickly.
| Mobile Feature | FXTM | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | FXTM |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | FXTM |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | FXTM | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | FXTM |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FXTM |
Choose FXTM if you...
Choose Libertex if you...
For China traders, FXTM is the clear winner with a 4.3/5 rating, offering lower costs, better platforms, and more flexible deposit options including USDT and local payment methods. Its multi-regulatory licenses provide added security, while Libertex’s simpler platform and fixed spreads may appeal to beginners. Considering local factors like CSRC non-regulation and the need for offshore trading, FXTM’s stronger execution and support make it the preferred choice for active traders. Libertex is a viable alternative for those prioritizing simplicity over cost efficiency.