FXTM vs Plus500: Malta Trader Comparison 2026
Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Quick Verdict — Malta Traders
When choosing a forex broker in Malta, traders often compare FXTM and Plus500 due to their strong reputations and local accessibility. FXTM, with a score of 4.3/5, is a well-established broker known for its flexible account types, educational resources, and competitive spreads. Plus500, scoring 3.7/5, is a popular CFD broker offering a simple, user-friendly platform for trading forex, indices, and commodities. For Malta traders, both brokers accept local payment methods including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making deposits and withdrawals convenient. Additionally, both are regulated by reputable authorities, ensuring a safe trading environment. However, FXTM offers more advanced trading tools and lower spreads, making it a stronger choice for active retail traders. This comparison will help you decide which broker aligns best with your trading style and local needs in Malta.
Overall Scores Comparison
Trading Costs - Spreads & Commissions
| Instrument | FXTM | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Plus500 |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Plus500 |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Plus500 |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Plus500 |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $200 | $100 | Plus500 |
For Malta traders, trading costs are a critical factor. FXTM offers lower spreads starting from 0.1 pips on its ECN accounts, while Plus500 has variable spreads that can be wider, especially during news events. For example, on EUR/USD, FXTM's average spread is around 0.5 pips, whereas Plus500's can exceed 1 pip. Over high-volume trading, FXTM saves Malta traders significantly on costs. Additionally, FXTM charges no commission on its Standard account, while Plus500 includes spreads only. For active traders in Malta, FXTM is more cost-effective.
Account Types Comparison
| Account Type | FXTM | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✓ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $200 | $100 |
Leverage Comparison - Malta Traders
| Entity / Asset | FXTM | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Malta (offshore) | Up to 1:3000 | Up to 1:300 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:3000 | 1:300 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
Trading Instruments - Assets Available
| Asset Class | FXTM | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FXTM |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FXTM |
| Crypto CFDs | ✗ | 20+ | FXTM |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | Plus500 |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
Platforms Comparison
| Platform | FXTM | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✗ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✗ |
FXTM provides the powerful MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms, which are ideal for Malta traders who need advanced charting, automated trading, and custom indicators. Plus500 offers its proprietary web and mobile platform, which is simpler and easier to use but lacks advanced features. For Malta traders focused on technical analysis or algorithmic trading, FXTM is superior. However, Plus500's platform is great for beginners who prefer a straightforward interface.
Execution Quality - Speed & Slippage
| Factor | FXTM | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Plus500 |
| 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 offers fast execution with no requotes on its ECN accounts, ideal for Malta traders who need precision. Plus500 uses a market maker model, which can lead to slippage during volatile markets. For scalpers and day traders in Malta, FXTM provides superior execution quality with minimal delays.
Regulation & Safety for Malta Traders
| Safety Factor | FXTM | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
FXTM is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), while Plus500 is regulated by the FCA and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). Both brokers comply with EU regulations, offering Malta traders protection through negative balance protection and segregated accounts. FXTM's regulation under CySEC ensures adherence to MiFID II standards, which is beneficial for Malta traders. Plus500's FCA regulation provides additional security, but FXTM's multi-regulatory oversight offers broader protection.
Deposits & Withdrawals for Malta
| Payment Method | FXTM | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 3 business day |
Malta traders can deposit and withdraw funds easily at both FXTM and Plus500 using local payment methods: Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. FXTM also supports credit/debit cards and local bank transfers, while Plus500 focuses on e-wallets and cards. Deposits are instant for e-wallets and USDT, while bank transfers take 1-3 business days. FXTM offers more flexibility with multiple account currencies, including USD, which is the base currency for this comparison. Withdrawals are processed quickly, with e-wallet withdrawals often completed within 24 hours at both brokers. For Malta traders, FXTM's wider range of local payment options makes it more convenient.
Islamic Accounts - Swap-Free for Malta Muslims
| Islamic Account Feature | FXTM | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Malta, FXTM offers Islamic accounts (swap-free) on most account types, including Standard and ECN, with no swap fees on overnight positions. Plus500 also offers Islamic accounts, but they are available only upon request and may have restrictions on certain instruments. FXTM's Islamic accounts are more accessible and transparent, making it the preferred choice for Malta's Muslim trading community. Both brokers comply with Sharia law by not charging or paying interest on overnight positions.
Customer Support Comparison
| Support Feature | FXTM | Plus500 | 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 via live chat, email, and phone, with dedicated support for Malta traders in English. Plus500 provides 24/7 live chat and email support, but phone support is limited. FXTM's support is more responsive and personalized, making it better for Malta traders who need assistance with trading issues or account queries.
Mobile App Comparison
| Mobile Feature | FXTM | Plus500 | 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 | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
Education & Research Tools
| Resource | FXTM | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | ✗ | FXTM |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | FXTM |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FXTM |
Real User Reviews - Trustpilot
Pros & Cons of Each Broker
FXTM
Plus500
Who Should Use Which Broker? - Malta Guide
Choose FXTM if you...
- Want lower spreads and more cost-effective trading, especially on major forex pairs.
- Need advanced trading platforms like MT4/MT5 with custom indicators and automated trading.
- Prefer a wider range of local payment methods including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20.
- Are a Muslim trader in Malta seeking an accessible Islamic account with no swap fees.
Choose Plus500 if you...
- Want a simple, user-friendly platform for trading CFDs on forex, indices, and commodities.
- Are a beginner trader who values ease of use over advanced features.
- Prefer 24/7 customer support and a well-known brand with strong FCA regulation.
- Trade infrequently and don't need the lowest spreads or advanced tools.
FAQ - FXTM vs Plus500 in Malta
Final Verdict - Malta 2026
For Malta traders, FXTM is the clear winner due to its higher score (4.3 vs 3.7), lower spreads, advanced platforms, and better support for local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Plus500 is a solid alternative for beginners or those who prefer simplicity, but FXTM offers more value for active retail traders. With regulation from CySEC and FCA, FXTM ensures a safe trading environment for Malta clients. If you're a Malta trader looking for a reliable, cost-effective broker with great local features, FXTM is the better choice.