Which broker is better for Saudi Arabia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Saudi Arabia traders evaluating Libertex vs Oanda in 2025, the choice hinges on local trading needs, including Islamic account availability, deposit methods, and regulatory comfort. Libertex, with a score of 3.7/5, is a well-established broker offering a user-friendly platform, zero-commission trading, and dedicated Islamic accounts—key for Muslim traders in the Kingdom. Oanda, scoring 3.6/5, is renowned for its advanced charting tools, tight spreads, and strong regulatory oversight from top-tier bodies like the FCA and CFTC, but lacks a specific Islamic account and has fewer local payment integrations. Both brokers accept Saudi clients and support SAR deposits via Bank Transfer, STC Pay, and Credit Card, but Libertex’s local focus and higher overall score make it a compelling choice for high-net-worth individuals and Islamic account seekers. This comparison breaks down trading costs, platforms, regulation, and more to help you decide which broker aligns with your trading style in Saudi Arabia.
| Instrument | Libertex | 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 | $10 | $0 | Oanda |
When comparing trading costs for Saudi Arabia traders, Oanda generally offers tighter spreads, especially on major forex pairs like EUR/USD, with raw spreads starting from 0.1 pips on its premium accounts. Libertex has slightly higher spreads, averaging 0.3-0.5 pips on standard accounts, but compensates with zero commission on most trades. For high-volume traders in Saudi Arabia, Oanda’s lower spreads can reduce overall costs, while Libertex’s commission-free model benefits smaller traders who trade less frequently. Both brokers have transparent fee structures, but Oanda’s variable spreads may widen during volatile market hours, affecting cost predictability for Saudi traders.
| Account Type | Libertex | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✗ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $10 | $0 |
| Entity / Asset | Libertex | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia (offshore) | Up to 1:999 | Up to 1:100 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:999 | 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 | Libertex | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | Libertex |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | Libertex |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | Libertex |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | Oanda |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | Libertex | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✓ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Libertex offers a proprietary web and mobile platform that is intuitive and beginner-friendly, with integrated educational resources and social trading features—ideal for Saudi traders new to forex. Oanda provides the widely respected MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and its own advanced web platform with powerful charting tools, custom indicators, and automated trading via API. For Saudi Arabia traders who prioritize advanced analysis and algorithmic trading, Oanda’s platform is superior. However, Libertex’s simplicity and mobile app are better suited for traders who want a hassle-free experience on the go.
| Factor | Libertex | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Oanda |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | Libertex |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
Oanda is known for its fast and reliable execution, with no requotes and minimal slippage, thanks to its direct market access (DMA) model. Libertex also offers good execution speed, but occasional slippage can occur during high volatility. For Saudi traders who trade frequently or use scalping strategies, Oanda’s execution quality is superior. Libertex’s execution is adequate for most retail traders but may not meet the needs of high-frequency traders.
| Safety Factor | Libertex | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✗ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Neither Libertex nor Oanda is directly regulated by the Capital Market Authority (CMA Saudi), so Saudi traders must ensure compliance with local laws by using brokers that accept Saudi residents. Libertex is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, offering protection under European investor compensation schemes. Oanda is regulated by top-tier authorities including the FCA, CFTC, and ASIC, providing strong oversight and client fund segregation. For Saudi traders, Oanda’s multiple Tier-1 regulations offer greater peace of mind, but both brokers are considered reputable and safe for international trading.
| Payment Method | Libertex | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✗ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✗ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 5 business days | 1 to 5 business days |
Both Libertex and Oanda support the three key payment methods for Saudi Arabia traders: Bank Transfer, STC Pay, and Credit Card. Libertex processes deposits instantly via STC Pay and Credit Card with no fees, while bank transfers take 1-2 business days and may incur intermediary charges. Oanda also accepts STC Pay and Credit Card deposits, but bank transfers are slower (2-5 days) and may include conversion fees if depositing in SAR (converted to USD). Withdrawals at both brokers are processed within 1-3 business days, with Libertex offering free withdrawals via STC Pay and Credit Card, while Oanda may charge a small fee for bank transfers. For Saudi traders, Libertex’s faster processing and lower fees on local payment methods give it an edge.
| Islamic Account Feature | Libertex | 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 |
Libertex offers dedicated Islamic accounts (swap-free) for Saudi Arabia traders, ensuring no overnight interest is charged on positions, fully compliant with Sharia law. Oanda does not provide a standard Islamic account, but may offer swap-free conditions on request for certain account types, though this is not guaranteed. For Saudi Muslim traders who require a guaranteed Sharia-compliant trading environment, Libertex is the clear choice. Oanda’s lack of a dedicated Islamic account is a significant drawback for many traders in the Kingdom.
| Support Feature | Libertex | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | Libertex |
Libertex offers 24/5 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with Arabic language support available—a key advantage for Saudi traders. Oanda provides 24/7 support via live chat, email, and phone, but Arabic support is limited. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections, but Libertex’s Arabic support makes it more accessible for Saudi traders who prefer to communicate in their native language.
| Mobile Feature | Libertex | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | Libertex |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | Libertex |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✓ | Oanda |
| Resource | Libertex | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | Libertex |
Choose Libertex if you...
Choose Oanda if you...
For most Saudi Arabia traders, Libertex is the better overall choice due to its higher score (3.7 vs 3.6), dedicated Islamic accounts, and superior local payment support via STC Pay and Bank Transfer. Oanda remains a strong contender for advanced traders who need tight spreads, powerful platforms, and top-tier regulation, but its lack of a dedicated Islamic account and limited Arabic support are drawbacks for the Saudi market. If Sharia compliance and local deposit convenience are priorities, Libertex is the winner. However, for traders focused on low costs and advanced tools, Oanda is worth considering. Both brokers are reliable and accept Saudi clients, so your final decision should align with your trading style and religious requirements.