FXTM vs Plus500: A Comprehensive Comparison for China Traders (2026)

For China traders, trading costs are a major factor when comparing FXTM vs Plus500. FXTM offers variable spreads starting from 0.1 pips on its ECN accounts for major pairs like EUR/USD, with a commission of $3.50 per lot. Plus500 uses fixed spreads that average 0.6-0.8 pips on EUR/USD without commission. For high-volume traders, FXTM's lower spreads significantly reduce costs, especially when trading in CNY equivalents. However, Plus500's fixed spreads provide predictability, which can be useful for beginners. Both brokers have no deposit fees for USDT transfers, but FXTM's lower spreads make it more cost-effective for frequent trading.

FXTM provides the industry-standard MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MT5 platforms, which are highly customizable with advanced charting tools, indicators, and automated trading via Expert Advisors (EAs). This appeals to China traders who use algorithmic strategies. Plus500 offers a proprietary web and mobile platform that is intuitive and fast, with built-in risk management tools like guaranteed stop-loss orders. For China traders who prefer simplicity and mobile trading, Plus500's platform is easier to use. However, FXTM's MT4/5 support is better for technical analysis and scalping.

FXTM offers fast execution with no requotes on its ECN accounts, averaging 30-50ms latency, which is critical for scalping China traders. Plus500 uses a market maker model with instant execution but may experience slippage during volatile markets. For high-frequency traders, FXTM's execution is superior, while Plus500's execution is adequate for most retail traders.

FXTM is regulated by multiple authorities including the FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), and FSCA (South Africa), offering strong client fund protection. Plus500 is regulated by the FCA, CySEC, and ASIC (Australia), with similar protections. For China traders, neither broker is regulated by the CSRC (China Securities Regulatory Commission), as they operate offshore. This means traders must accept that their accounts are not under Chinese jurisdiction. However, both brokers adhere to strict international standards, and FXTM's multiple regulatory licenses provide an extra layer of security. China traders should verify the specific entity they trade with, as regulations vary by region.

Depositing and withdrawing funds as a China trader is straightforward with both FXTM and Plus500. Both brokers accept USDT (Tether) deposits, which are processed instantly with minimal fees—ideal for bypassing China's capital controls. International bank transfers are also supported but can take 2-5 business days and incur intermediary fees. FXTM additionally offers UnionPay and Skrill, while Plus500 focuses on bank transfers and credit/debit cards. For withdrawals, FXTM processes requests within 24 hours, and Plus500 within 1-2 business days. USDT withdrawals are especially convenient for Chinese traders, as they avoid currency conversion issues. Minimum deposits are low: FXTM starts at $10 (via USDT), and Plus500 at $100 for bank transfers.

Both FXTM and Plus500 offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in China, in compliance with Sharia law that prohibits interest. FXTM provides Islamic accounts on request for all account types, with no swap charges on overnight positions. Plus500 automatically offers swap-free accounts for eligible clients, but only on certain instruments. There are no additional fees for these accounts at either broker. For China Muslim traders, FXTM's broader availability across account types makes it more flexible, while Plus500's automatic eligibility simplifies the process.

FXTM offers 24/5 multilingual customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with dedicated account managers for VIP clients. Plus500 provides 24/7 support in multiple languages via live chat and email. For China traders, both brokers support English and Mandarin, but FXTM's live chat response times are faster (under 1 minute). Plus500's 24/7 support is beneficial for after-hours trading.