Which broker is better for Philippines traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Philippines traders face a unique challenge: finding a broker that balances low costs with local payment convenience. Global Prime and EasyMarkets are two popular choices, but they cater to different needs. Global Prime scores 3.6/5, offering tight spreads and fast execution—ideal for active traders and those sending remittances from OFW work abroad. EasyMarkets scores 3.4/5, focusing on simplicity with fixed spreads and a user-friendly mobile app. Both accept Philippines clients, but their local payment support differs: EasyMarkets integrates GCash and PayMaya, while Global Prime relies on Bank Transfer and USDT. This comparison helps you decide which broker aligns with your trading style and local habits.
| Instrument | Global Prime | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | EasyMarkets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | EasyMarkets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | EasyMarkets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | EasyMarkets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $0 | $25 | Global Prime |
For Philippines traders, trading costs matter—especially if you trade frequently or with smaller amounts. Global Prime offers spreads from 0.0 pips on its ECN account with a $7 commission per lot. For a standard lot of EUR/USD, total cost is about $7. EasyMarkets charges fixed spreads from 1.0 pips with no commission, costing around $10 per lot. Over 100 lots, Global Prime saves you $300. However, EasyMarkets' fixed spreads protect against volatility, which can be useful during news events. If you trade 10+ lots monthly, Global Prime is cheaper.
| Account Type | Global Prime | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $0 | $25 |
| Entity / Asset | Global Prime | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Philippines (offshore) | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:2000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:500 | 1:2000 |
| 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 | Global Prime | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | Global Prime |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | ✗ | 20+ indices | Global Prime |
| Crypto CFDs | ✗ | 20+ | Global Prime |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | EasyMarkets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | Global Prime | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Mobile-first traders in the Philippines will appreciate both brokers. EasyMarkets offers a proprietary mobile app with one-tap trading and a clean interface, perfect for quick trades on GCash-funded accounts. Global Prime uses MetaTrader 4 and 5, which are powerful but have a steeper learning curve. For OFW investors who trade on the go, EasyMarkets' app is more intuitive. Global Prime's MT4/5 provide advanced charting and automated trading—better for experienced traders. Both platforms are available on iOS and Android.
| Factor | Global Prime | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | EasyMarkets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | Global Prime |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
Global Prime offers raw spreads and low latency execution via Equinix NY4 servers, ideal for scalpers and day traders. EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads and market execution with no requotes, but execution speed is slightly slower due to its dealing desk model. For Philippines traders, Global Prime's execution is better for high-frequency trading, while EasyMarkets' execution suits casual traders who prioritize price certainty.
| Safety Factor | Global Prime | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✗ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Global Prime is regulated by ASIC (Australia) and VFSC (Vanuatu), while EasyMarkets holds licenses from CySEC (Cyprus) and FCA (UK). Neither is regulated by SEC Philippines, meaning no local investor protection. However, ASIC and FCA are top-tier regulators that enforce strict capital requirements. For Philippines traders, this means your funds are held in segregated accounts with major banks. Always verify the entity you're trading with—some may fall under offshore licenses. Both brokers are transparent about their regulatory status.
| Payment Method | Global Prime | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✗ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✗ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | Global Prime processes withdrawals instantly on their end, but the time to receive your funds depends on your payment method: bank wire transfers take 1 to 5 business days, credit or debit cards take 1 to 10 days, and e-wallets are instant once completed. | Cards 1-2 business days; e-wallets instant-1 business day; bank wire 3-10 business days; overall back-office processing within 1 business day (24h) |
Depositing and withdrawing funds is crucial for Philippines traders. EasyMarkets leads with local payment support: GCash, PayMaya, Bank Transfer, and USDT. You can fund your account instantly via GCash with no fees. Global Prime accepts Bank Transfer and USDT, but lacks GCash and PayMaya—a drawback for mobile-first users. Both support PHP via Bank Transfer, but conversion fees may apply. Withdrawals at EasyMarkets are processed within 1-2 days to GCash or PayMaya, while Global Prime takes 2-5 days via Bank Transfer or USDT. For speed and convenience, EasyMarkets wins.
| Islamic Account Feature | Global Prime | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| 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 the Philippines, both brokers offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts. Global Prime provides Islamic accounts automatically for clients who request them, with no swap fees on overnight positions. EasyMarkets also offers Islamic accounts on request, with the same swap-free conditions. These accounts comply with Sharia law, which prohibits earning or paying interest. Philippines traders should confirm with support before opening, as terms may vary by entity. Both brokers are accommodating, but Global Prime's process is slightly more straightforward.
| Support Feature | Global Prime | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | Global Prime |
Customer support for Philippines traders is available 24/5 from both brokers. Global Prime offers live chat, email, and phone support in English—no Filipino language support. EasyMarkets provides 24/5 live chat and email, also in English. Response times are under 5 minutes for live chat. Neither broker has a local office in the Philippines, but EasyMarkets' support is slightly more responsive based on user reviews. For urgent issues, both are reliable.
| Mobile Feature | Global Prime | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | Global Prime |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | Global Prime |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | Global Prime | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | ✗ | 50+ videos | EasyMarkets |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | Global Prime |
Choose Global Prime if you...
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
For Philippines traders, the choice between Global Prime and EasyMarkets depends on your priorities. Global Prime (3.6/5) excels in low costs and execution—ideal for active traders who can use Bank Transfer or USDT. EasyMarkets (3.4/5) wins on local payment convenience with GCash and PayMaya, plus a beginner-friendly mobile app. Neither is regulated by SEC Philippines, but both hold reputable licenses. If you trade frequently and value tight spreads, choose Global Prime. If you prefer simplicity and local payment options, EasyMarkets is better. Consider your trading volume, payment method, and experience level to make the right choice.