Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Choosing between FXTM and Oanda as a Malta trader in 2025 involves weighing two well-established brokers with distinct strengths. FXTM, scoring 4.3/5, is a global broker popular among retail traders in Malta for its flexible account types and extensive local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Oanda, scoring 3.6/5, is known for its transparent pricing and reliable execution, appealing to traders who prioritize low spreads. Both brokers accept Malta clients but operate under different regulatory frameworks. This comparison focuses on key factors for Maltese traders: deposit/withdrawal convenience, trading costs, regulation, and platform features. Whether you trade EUR/USD or exotic pairs, understanding these differences helps you choose the broker that aligns with your local trading needs and preferences.
| 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 |
For Malta traders, trading costs are a critical factor when comparing FXTM vs Oanda. Oanda typically offers lower raw spreads on major pairs, with EUR/USD spreads starting from 0.0 pips on its core pricing model, making it cost-effective for high-volume scalpers. FXTM spreads are competitive but vary by account type; its ECN account can have spreads from 0.1 pips with a commission, while standard accounts have fixed spreads around 1.3 pips. For a Malta trader executing 10 lots per month, Oanda may save around $50 in spreads compared to FXTM's standard account. However, FXTM's commission-based accounts can be cheaper for larger volumes. Consider your trading frequency and volume when evaluating 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Malta (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 and Oanda offer platforms tailored to Malta retail traders. FXTM provides MetaTrader 4 and 5, which are widely preferred for their advanced charting, automated trading via Expert Advisors, and mobile apps. Oanda offers its proprietary platform (Oanda Trade) alongside MetaTrader 4, with a focus on simplicity and clean interface. For Malta traders who value algorithmic trading or custom indicators, FXTM's MT4/5 support is superior. Oanda's platform is ideal for those who want a straightforward, web-based experience with powerful analysis tools. Both brokers have mobile apps for on-the-go trading, but FXTM's platform variety gives it an edge for diverse trading styles.
| 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 |
Both brokers offer reliable execution, but Oanda is known for its transparent, no-dealing-desk model with fast order execution and minimal requotes. FXTM also provides ECN execution on its premium accounts, with average execution speeds under 50ms. For Malta day traders, Oanda's execution is slightly more consistent, while FXTM's execution quality is excellent for most retail strategies. Slippage is rare with both brokers.
| Safety Factor | FXTM | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a key concern for Malta traders. FXTM is regulated by multiple authorities including the CySEC (Cyprus), FCA (UK), and FSCA (South Africa), offering client fund segregation and negative balance protection. Oanda is regulated by the CFTC (US), FCA (UK), and ASIC (Australia), providing strong investor protection. However, neither broker is directly regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA). For Malta traders, this means you are relying on EU-level protections (via CySEC for FXTM) or UK/US oversight. Both brokers comply with international standards, but FXTM's CySEC regulation offers additional protections under EU directives, which may be more familiar to Maltese traders.
| 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 |
Malta traders benefit from diverse deposit and withdrawal options. FXTM supports Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, with most deposits processed instantly and fee-free. Withdrawals via Skrill and Neteller are typically processed within 24 hours, while Bank Transfer may take 2-5 business days. USDT TRC20 offers a modern, low-cost option for crypto-savvy traders. Oanda mainly supports Bank Transfer and credit/debit cards, with no support for e-wallets like Skrill or Neteller or cryptocurrencies. For Maltese traders, FXTM provides far greater local payment convenience, especially if you prefer instant digital payments. Minimum deposits vary: FXTM starts at $10 for standard accounts, while Oanda requires a $1 minimum deposit, but funding flexibility is limited.
| 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 Malta Muslim traders requiring Sharia-compliant accounts, FXTM offers swap-free Islamic accounts on most account types, including standard and ECN accounts. These accounts have no overnight interest charges, subject to eligibility and a maximum holding period (usually 10-14 days). Oanda does not provide Islamic accounts, meaning swap fees apply on positions held overnight. This makes FXTM the clear choice for Malta traders seeking halal trading. Note that FXTM may charge an administration fee after the free period, so review terms carefully. If Islamic trading is essential, FXTM is the only viable option between these two brokers.
| 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 multilingual customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with dedicated support for Malta traders in English. Oanda provides 24/5 support via phone and email, with live chat available during business hours. Both brokers have responsive teams, but FXTM's extended live chat hours and account manager availability for VIP clients give it a slight edge. For Maltese traders needing quick assistance, FXTM's support is more accessible.
| 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 Malta retail traders, FXTM is the stronger choice overall, scoring 4.3 vs Oanda's 3.6. Its support for local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 makes deposits and withdrawals seamless for Maltese users. FXTM also offers Islamic accounts, which Oanda lacks, and provides MetaTrader platforms for advanced trading. However, Oanda excels in low spreads and transparent execution, ideal for cost-conscious scalpers. If you prioritize local payment convenience and account flexibility, choose FXTM. If raw spread costs are your main concern, Oanda is worth considering. Both brokers are reliable, but FXTM better serves the diverse needs of Malta traders in 2025.