Which broker is better for Singapore traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Singapore is one of Asia’s most sophisticated forex trading hubs, with traders demanding low costs, strong regulation, and reliable execution. When comparing FXTM vs Plus500 for Singapore traders in 2026, two distinct profiles emerge. FXTM, with a 4.3/5 rating, is a multi-asset broker offering advanced platforms like MT4/MT5, deep liquidity, and tight spreads—ideal for active, volume-driven traders. Plus500, rated 3.7/5, is a user-friendly CFD broker known for its intuitive web platform and zero-commission trading, but with wider spreads and fewer customization options. Both are regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), ensuring a high level of investor protection. This comparison focuses on local factors: PayNow and Bank Transfer deposits, SGD account availability, and MAS compliance. Whether you are a day trader or a long-term investor, understanding these differences will help you choose the broker that aligns with your trading style in Singapore’s competitive financial environment.
| 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 Singapore traders, trading costs are a critical factor, especially for those executing high volumes. FXTM offers competitive spreads starting from 0.1 pips on its ECN account for EUR/USD, with a commission of $7 per lot. Plus500 has variable spreads that average 0.6 pips on EUR/USD with no commission. While Plus500 appears cheaper at first due to zero commission, its wider spreads can cost more for active traders. For example, on 100 lots per month, FXTM’s total cost (spread + commission) is approximately $700, while Plus500’s spread-only cost is $600. However, for scalpers and high-frequency traders, FXTM’s tighter spreads and faster execution often lead to better net results. Both brokers offer SGD-denominated accounts, so currency conversion fees are minimal for local deposits.
| 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 |
| Entity / Asset | FXTM | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore (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 |
| 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 |
| Platform | FXTM | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✗ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✗ |
FXTM provides the industry-standard MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms, which are widely preferred by sophisticated Singapore traders for their advanced charting tools, automated trading via Expert Advisors (EAs), and custom indicators. Plus500 offers its proprietary web-based platform and mobile app, known for its simplicity, clean interface, and one-click trading. While Plus500 is easy to use for beginners, it lacks the depth of analysis tools and algorithmic trading capabilities that many Singapore professionals require. For traders using mobile devices, both platforms are responsive, but FXTM’s MT4/MT5 apps offer more features. If you rely on technical analysis or automated strategies, FXTM is the clear choice. If you prefer a streamlined, no-fuss experience, Plus500’s platform may suffice.
| 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 |
Execution quality directly impacts profitability. FXTM uses straight-through processing (STP) with no dealing desk intervention, offering average execution speeds of 0.1 seconds. Plus500 operates a market maker model, which can lead to requotes during volatile periods. For Singapore traders trading during Asian sessions, FXTM’s faster execution and lower slippage provide a more reliable trading environment, especially for scalping and news trading strategies.
| Safety Factor | FXTM | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both FXTM and Plus500 are regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), which is one of the most stringent regulators globally. This means both brokers must adhere to strict capital requirements, client fund segregation, and regular audits. For Singapore traders, this ensures a high level of safety and transparency. FXTM also holds licenses from CySEC and FCA, providing additional layers of oversight. Plus500 is regulated by MAS, the FCA, and CySEC as well. However, FXTM’s longer track record in the Asian market and its dedicated support for Singapore clients give it an edge in trust. Both brokers offer negative balance protection, which is a key requirement under MAS rules, protecting traders from losing more than their deposit.
| 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 |
Singapore traders benefit from multiple local payment options at both brokers. FXTM supports PayNow, Bank Transfer (via DBS, OCBC, UOB), and Credit Card deposits. Deposits are typically instant with PayNow, while bank transfers may take 1-2 business days. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours, with PayNow withdrawals arriving instantly. Plus500 also accepts PayNow, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card, with a minimum deposit of SGD 80. Withdrawals at Plus500 are processed within 1-3 business days, and fees may apply for bank transfers. Both brokers do not charge deposit fees, but Plus500 may impose a withdrawal fee for certain methods. For Singapore traders, FXTM’s faster withdrawal processing and wider local bank integration make it more convenient for active traders who need quick access to funds.
| 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 |
Singapore has a significant Muslim population, and both FXTM and Plus500 cater to this by offering Islamic (swap-free) accounts. FXTM provides Islamic accounts upon request for all account types, with no swap charges on overnight positions and no hidden fees. This is ideal for traders who follow Sharia law. Plus500 also offers swap-free accounts automatically for clients based in Muslim-majority countries like Singapore, after account verification. However, Plus500 may apply a small administrative fee for positions held open beyond a certain period. FXTM’s Islamic accounts are more transparent and flexible, making them the preferred choice for Singapore Muslim traders who want to avoid any interest-related charges while maintaining full trading functionality.
| 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 |
Customer support is crucial for Singapore traders, especially during volatile market hours. FXTM offers 24/5 multilingual support via live chat, email, and phone, with a dedicated Singapore hotline. Response times are fast, and agents are knowledgeable about local payment methods and regulatory requirements. Plus500 provides 24/7 live chat and email support, but phone support is limited. While both are adequate, FXTM’s personalized service and local presence give it an edge for Singapore traders who value direct assistance.
| 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 |
| Resource | FXTM | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | ✗ | FXTM |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | FXTM |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FXTM |
Choose FXTM if you...
Choose Plus500 if you...
For Singapore traders in 2026, the choice between FXTM and Plus500 depends on your trading style and experience. FXTM (4.3/5) excels for sophisticated investors who need low spreads, advanced platforms, and fast execution—all backed by MAS regulation and local payment methods like PayNow and Bank Transfer. Its Islamic account and dedicated support further enhance its appeal. Plus500 (3.7/5) is a good option for beginners or those who prefer simplicity and zero-commission trading, but its wider spreads and limited platform features may hinder active traders. Considering Singapore’s status as a financial hub, FXTM’s comprehensive offering aligns better with the needs of professional traders. If you prioritize cost efficiency and flexibility, FXTM is the superior choice.