Which broker is better for China traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For China traders looking to access international forex markets, choosing between FXTM and Oanda is a critical decision. Both brokers are well-established offshore providers, but they cater to different trader needs. FXTM, with a Trustpilot score of 4.3/5, offers a comprehensive trading environment including USDT deposits, competitive spreads, and a wide range of instruments. Oanda, scoring 3.6/5, is known for its strong regulatory oversight and reliable execution, but lacks local payment options for China. Given the CSRC's restrictions on domestic forex brokers, Chinese traders often turn to offshore brokers for greater flexibility. This comparison focuses on key factors like trading costs, deposit methods (including USDT and international bank transfers), and regulatory considerations to help you decide which broker best suits your offshore trading strategy in 2025.
| 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 trading costs for China traders, FXTM generally offers lower spreads, particularly on its ECN accounts where spreads can start from 0.0 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD. Oanda's spreads are competitive but typically higher, averaging 0.5-1.0 pips. For high-volume traders, this difference can accumulate significantly. FXTM also charges a commission on ECN accounts, but overall costs remain lower. Oanda's cost structure is transparent with no hidden fees, but its wider spreads may deter active China traders. Consider your trading frequency and volume when evaluating these costs.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| China (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 the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms, which are widely used by China traders for their advanced charting and automated trading capabilities. Oanda offers its proprietary platform, Oanda Trade, along with MT4. For China traders who value algorithmic trading and custom indicators, FXTM's support for both MT4 and MT5 is a strong advantage. Oanda's platform is user-friendly but may lack the depth preferred by experienced traders. Both platforms are available on desktop and mobile, ensuring accessibility from anywhere.
| 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 a mix of ECN and STP execution, offering fast order processing with minimal slippage, ideal for scalping and high-frequency trading. Oanda relies on a No Dealing Desk (NDD) model, providing consistent execution with no requotes. Both brokers maintain high reliability, but FXTM's ECN execution may offer tighter spreads and faster fills for active China traders. Oanda's execution is more stable for longer-term positions.
| 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 top-tier authorities: FXTM by the FCA (UK) and CySEC, while Oanda is regulated by the CFTC (US), FCA, and ASIC. However, neither broker is regulated by the CSRC in China, which is standard for offshore brokers. This means China traders must trade at their own risk regarding local laws. FXTM's multiple licenses provide additional security, but Oanda's US regulation offers strong investor protection. For China traders, the key is to choose a broker with robust international regulation to ensure fund safety and fair trading conditions.
| 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 |
Depositing and withdrawing funds is a crucial consideration for China traders. FXTM supports USDT deposits, allowing traders to fund their accounts using cryptocurrency without bank delays. It also accepts international bank transfers (SWIFT) in CNY, though conversion fees may apply. Oanda does not accept USDT or local Chinese payment methods; it relies on international bank transfers and credit/debit cards, which can be slower and more expensive. For China traders, FXTM's USDT option is a game-changer, providing near-instant deposits and lower costs. Withdrawals are processed similarly, with FXTM offering faster turnaround times. Always check for any minimum deposit requirements and fees before funding your account.
| 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 |
For Muslim traders in China, both FXTM and Oanda offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts that comply with Sharia law by eliminating swap charges on overnight positions. FXTM provides Islamic accounts on all account types with no additional conditions, making it accessible for all. Oanda also offers swap-free accounts but may require a minimum deposit or proof of faith, which could be a hurdle. FXTM's straightforward policy is more convenient for China's Muslim traders seeking ethical trading options.
| 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 |
Customer support is vital for China traders, especially when dealing with offshore brokers. FXTM offers 24/5 live chat, email, and phone support in Chinese, along with a dedicated WeChat account for local queries. Oanda provides support in English and several other languages, but lacks dedicated Chinese-language support. For China traders, FXTM's localized support is a significant advantage, ensuring quick resolution of issues.
| 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 China traders seeking offshore forex exposure in 2025, FXTM is the stronger choice due to its higher overall score (4.3/5), support for USDT deposits, lower spreads, and localized Chinese support. Oanda remains a reliable alternative with robust regulation, but its lack of USDT and limited payment options for China make it less convenient. Given the CSRC's restrictions, both brokers operate legally offshore, but FXTM's tailored services for Chinese traders—including international bank transfers and Islamic accounts—give it a clear edge. For most China traders, FXTM offers the best balance of cost, convenience, and features.