Which broker is better for Saudi Arabia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Saudi Arabia-based forex traders, choosing between FXTM (rated 4.3/5) and Oanda (rated 3.6/5) can significantly impact your trading experience, especially when considering local payment methods like STC Pay, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card. FXTM stands out with its strong support for Saudi traders, offering a dedicated Islamic account, Arabic-language customer service, and the ability to deposit via STC Pay—a widely used mobile wallet in the Kingdom. Oanda, while globally respected for its transparent pricing and advanced trading tools, lacks STC Pay integration and has a lower overall Trustpilot score. Both brokers are not directly regulated by the Saudi Capital Market Authority (CMA), but they operate under reputable international licenses (FCA, CySEC, FSCA) and offer negative balance protection. For high-net-worth individuals and Islamic account seekers in Saudi Arabia, FXTM’s localised features and higher user ratings make it a compelling choice, while Oanda appeals to algorithmic traders and those prioritising ultra-low spreads. This comparison breaks down spreads, platforms, regulation, deposit methods, and Islamic account options specifically for the Saudi market 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 Saudi Arabia traders, Oanda generally offers tighter raw spreads, with EUR/USD spreads starting at 0.1 pips on its core pricing model, while FXTM’s spreads on standard accounts begin around 0.5 pips. However, FXTM compensates with commission-free trading on certain account types, which can be more cost-effective for traders executing lower volumes. For high-net-worth Saudi traders trading larger lots, Oanda’s lower spreads may reduce overall costs, but FXTM’s all-in pricing without commissions is simpler to manage. Both brokers offer competitive swap rates, but FXTM’s Islamic account eliminates swap fees entirely, which is a major advantage for Muslim traders in Saudi Arabia. Spreads can widen during volatile market hours, but both brokers provide transparent cost structures suitable for Riyadh-based traders.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia (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 popular among Saudi traders for their advanced charting, automated trading, and Arabic language support. Oanda offers its proprietary platform (Oanda Trade) alongside MT4, focusing on user-friendly design and powerful analysis tools. For Saudi Arabia traders who rely on algorithmic trading or Expert Advisors (EAs), MT4/MT5 on FXTM are ideal. Oanda’s platform is better for manual traders seeking intuitive interfaces and customisable layouts. Both platforms are available as desktop, web, and mobile apps, ensuring seamless trading from Jeddah or Dammam. FXTM also provides a dedicated copy trading platform, which appeals to less experienced Saudi investors.
| 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 with no requotes and minimal slippage during normal market conditions. FXTM uses STP (Straight Through Processing) and ECN execution on its Zero account, providing fast order processing for Saudi traders. Oanda employs a market maker model but still delivers consistent execution speeds, often under 50 milliseconds. For high-net-worth Saudi traders executing large volumes, FXTM’s ECN execution may offer better depth of market and tighter fills. Oanda’s execution is more suitable for retail traders prioritising stability over raw speed.
| Safety Factor | FXTM | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Neither FXTM nor Oanda is directly regulated by the Saudi Capital Market Authority (CMA), which means Saudi traders must rely on the brokers’ international regulatory oversight. FXTM is regulated by the FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), and FSCA (South Africa), offering segregated client funds and negative balance protection. Oanda is regulated by the FCA, CFTC (US), and IIROC (Canada), with a strong focus on transparency and investor protection. For Saudi Arabia traders, this offshore status is common among international brokers, but it is crucial to verify that the broker offers segregated accounts and compensation schemes. FXTM’s multiple licenses provide an extra layer of security, while Oanda’s long-standing reputation (over 25 years) adds trust. Always check the specific entity you are trading with to ensure alignment with your risk tolerance.
| 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 |
Saudi Arabia traders have several convenient options to fund their accounts with both brokers. FXTM supports Bank Transfer, STC Pay, and Credit Card (Visa/Mastercard) deposits, with STC Pay being a standout feature for local users—allowing instant, fee-free transfers from Saudi mobile wallets. Oanda accepts Bank Transfer and Credit Card but does not support STC Pay, which may be a drawback for traders seeking maximum local convenience. Minimum deposits vary: FXTM requires $100 (approx. 375 SAR) for standard accounts, while Oanda has no minimum deposit, appealing to beginners. Withdrawals at both brokers are processed via the same methods, with bank transfers taking 1-5 business days and card/STC Pay withdrawals often processed within 24 hours. FXTM’s inclusion of STC Pay gives it a clear edge for Saudi residents who prefer fast, local payment solutions.
| 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 Saudi Arabia, both FXTM and Oanda offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts that comply with Sharia law by eliminating overnight interest (swap) fees. FXTM provides a dedicated Islamic account with automatic swap-free status on forex, metals, and indices, and it is easy to activate during registration. Oanda also offers swap-free accounts but requires a request and approval process, and eligibility may be limited to certain account types or regions. FXTM’s Islamic account is more straightforward and comprehensive, making it the preferred choice for Saudi traders who prioritise religious compliance. Additionally, FXTM’s Islamic account does not charge hidden fees, ensuring transparent trading conditions for long-term positions.
| 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 with a dedicated Arabic-speaking team, accessible via live chat, email, and phone. This is a significant advantage for Saudi Arabia traders who prefer support in their native language. Oanda provides English-language support via live chat and phone, with limited Arabic assistance. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections, but FXTM’s localised support and faster response times make it more suitable for Saudi clients. Oanda’s support is professional but may require some patience for Arabic inquiries.
| 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 Saudi Arabia traders in 2025, FXTM is the stronger overall choice, particularly for those who value local payment methods like STC Pay, comprehensive Islamic accounts, and Arabic-language support. Its higher Trustpilot rating (4.3 vs 3.6) and dedicated features for Muslim traders make it ideal for high-net-worth individuals and Islamic account seekers. Oanda remains a solid option for traders focused on ultra-low spreads and algorithmic trading, but its lack of STC Pay and less robust Islamic account offering limit its appeal in the Saudi market. Both brokers are not CMA-regulated, so traders should proceed with caution and use risk management tools. Ultimately, FXTM’s localised advantages give it the edge for most Saudi Arabia traders.