Which broker is better for Australia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Australian traders seeking an ASIC-regulated broker, FXTM and Oanda are two well-established names. FXTM (ForexTime) holds a strong 4.3 rating and is known for its competitive spreads, multiple platform choices, and comprehensive support for local payment methods such as BPAY, POLi, and Bank Transfer. Oanda, scoring 3.6, is equally trusted under ASIC oversight and offers a simpler, transparent pricing model with no minimum deposit. Both brokers cater to experienced traders but differ in cost structures, account types, and execution styles. With AUD-based accounts, leverage capped at 30:1, and access to local deposit options, Australian traders can compare these two brokers to find the best fit for their trading strategy and volume.
| Instrument | FXTM | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Oanda |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Oanda |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Oanda |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Oanda |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $200 | $0 | Oanda |
When comparing spread costs for Australian traders, FXTM typically offers tighter raw spreads on its ECN accounts, with EUR/USD from 0.1 pips plus a commission of around $7 AUD per lot. Oanda uses a no-commission variable spread model, with EUR/USD averaging 1.0–1.2 pips. For high-volume Australian traders trading AUD/USD or other major pairs, FXTM’s lower spreads can result in significant savings. However, Oanda’s straightforward pricing appeals to those who prefer predictable costs without commission calculations. The choice depends on trading volume: active scalpers will benefit from FXTM, while occasional traders may find Oanda’s fixed spreads sufficient.
| Account Type | FXTM | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✓ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $200 | $0 |
| Entity / Asset | FXTM | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (offshore) | Up to 1:3000 | Up to 1:100 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:3000 | 1:100 |
| 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 | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FXTM |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FXTM |
| Crypto CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | FXTM |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | Oanda |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | FXTM | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✓ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
FXTM provides MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), both highly popular among Australian traders for advanced charting, automated trading, and custom indicators. Oanda offers its proprietary fxTrade platform alongside MT4, giving traders a clean, user-friendly interface with built-in charts and direct market access. For Australian traders requiring fast execution and algorithmic trading capabilities, FXTM’s broader MT4/MT5 ecosystem is preferred. Oanda’s fxTrade is ideal for manual traders who value simplicity and real-time streaming data. Both platforms are available on desktop, web, and mobile, ensuring flexibility for on-the-go trading.
| Factor | FXTM | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Oanda |
| 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 uses an ECN/STP execution model, offering direct market access with low latency and minimal slippage – ideal for Australian scalpers and high-frequency traders. Oanda operates as a market maker with instant execution on most orders, but its dealing desk model can result in slight requotes during volatile periods. For Australian traders prioritising speed and price transparency, FXTM’s execution is generally superior. Oanda’s reliability suits traders who prefer simplicity and don’t require ultra-fast execution for large volumes.
| Safety Factor | FXTM | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both FXTM and Oanda are regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), ensuring strict compliance with client money segregation, leverage limits (30:1 for retail clients), and negative balance protection. For Australian traders, this means deposits are held in trust accounts and cannot be used for operational purposes. FXTM also holds licences in other jurisdictions (e.g., CySEC, FCA), but ASIC rules apply to its Australian clients. Oanda has a long-standing reputation under ASIC, with no major regulatory issues. The local regulation gives traders confidence in both brokers, but FXTM’s additional international licences may offer broader account options for eligible clients.
| Payment Method | FXTM | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 1 to 5 business days |
Australian traders can easily fund accounts at both brokers using BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit/Debit Cards. FXTM processes BPAY and POLi instantly with no fees for AUD deposits, while bank transfers may take 1–3 business days. Oanda also supports these methods, plus PayPal for added convenience. Minimum deposits differ: FXTM requires 100 AUD for bank transfers, while Oanda has no minimum deposit requirement. Withdrawals at FXTM are free via bank transfer and POLi; Oanda charges a fee for wire transfers but not for POLi. Credit card deposits may incur a small charge (2–3%) at both brokers. Overall, FXTM offers more variety and lower fees for Australian traders using local payment rails.
| Islamic Account Feature | FXTM | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Oanda offer swap-free Islamic accounts for Muslim traders in Australia, aligning with Sharia law by eliminating overnight interest charges. FXTM provides Islamic accounts on its Standard and ECN account types, with no additional fees aside from a possible administration charge if positions are held for extended periods. Oanda grants swap-free status upon request for eligible clients, but does not market dedicated Islamic accounts. Australian Muslim traders will find FXTM more accommodating with clearer account options, while Oanda’s solution requires manual activation. It is advisable to confirm eligibility and any holding period limits before trading.
| Support Feature | FXTM | Oanda | 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 multiple languages via live chat, email, and phone, with a dedicated Australian phone number and local office hours (AEST). Oanda also provides 24/5 support through live chat and email, with phone support available during market hours. For Australian traders, FXTM’s faster response times and more comprehensive FAQ section give it an edge. Both brokers have helpful online resources, but FXTM’s local presence and extended support channels are more suited to active Australian traders.
| Mobile Feature | FXTM | Oanda | 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 | ✗ | ✓ | Oanda |
| Resource | FXTM | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FXTM |
Choose FXTM if you...
Choose Oanda if you...
For Australian traders comparing FXTM vs Oanda under ASIC regulation, FXTM is the stronger choice for experienced traders seeking low spreads, multiple platforms, and excellent local payment support including BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card. Its 4.3 rating reflects superior cost efficiency and flexibility. Oanda, with a 3.6 rating, remains a reliable, user-friendly option, especially for traders who prefer simplicity and no minimum deposit. While both brokers are compliant and safe, FXTM’s ECN execution and competitive pricing deliver better value for active Australian traders. Ultimately, your choice depends on trading volume and platform preference, but FXTM leads for cost-conscious, experienced Aussie traders.