Which broker is better for China traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For China traders seeking offshore exposure in 2025, choosing between Oanda and FBS Max is a critical decision. Oanda, with a 3.6/5 rating, is a well-established broker known for its robust trading tools and extensive market access. FBS Max, rated 3.7/5, appeals to cost-conscious traders with ultra-low spreads and flexible deposit options like USDT and Bank Transfer (international). Both brokers operate outside CSRC jurisdiction, meaning China traders must use VPNs and international banking for access. The key differences lie in trading costs, platform features, and local payment support. This comparison focuses on what matters most to China traders: deposit convenience, regulatory safety, and overall value. Whether you prioritize Oanda's brand trust or FBS Max's lower fees, understanding these nuances is essential for successful offshore trading.
| Instrument | Oanda | FBS Max | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | FBS Max |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | FBS Max |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | FBS Max |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | FBS Max |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $0 | $0 | Tie |
For China traders, trading costs are a primary concern. Oanda's spreads start at 0.5 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD, with no commission on standard accounts. In contrast, FBS Max offers spreads from 0.0 pips on its ECN accounts, plus a small commission of $3 per lot. For high-volume traders in China, FBS Max's lower spreads can save hundreds of CNY per month, especially on frequent trades. Oanda's variable spreads can widen during volatile Asian sessions, while FBS Max maintains tighter execution. Both brokers are competitive, but FBS Max is better for scalpers and day traders prioritizing minimal costs.
| Account Type | Oanda | FBS Max |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✗ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Entity / Asset | Oanda | FBS Max |
|---|---|---|
| China (offshore) | Up to 1:100 | Up to 1:3000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:100 | 1:3000 |
| 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 | Oanda | FBS Max | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | Oanda |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | Oanda |
| Crypto CFDs | ✗ | 20+ | Oanda |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | FBS Max |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | Oanda | FBS Max |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✓ |
| TradingView | ✓ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Oanda provides its proprietary platform plus MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and TradingView, which are popular among China traders for their charting tools and algorithmic trading capabilities. FBS Max exclusively offers MT4 and MT5, with FBS Max adding advanced order types and hedging. For China traders, MT4/MT5 are preferred due to their compatibility with Expert Advisors (EAs) and custom indicators. Oanda's web platform is user-friendly but less customizable. Both support mobile trading via iOS and Android apps. Overall, FBS Max's MT5 integration gives it an edge for tech-savvy traders.
| Factor | Oanda | FBS Max | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FBS Max |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | Oanda |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
Oanda uses a no-dealing-desk (NDD) model with average execution speeds of 40-60 ms, suitable for most traders. FBS Max boasts execution speeds as low as 20 ms on its ECN accounts, ideal for scalping. Both have high fill rates, but FBS Max's faster execution benefits high-frequency traders. Slippage is minimal for both during normal market conditions.
| Safety Factor | Oanda | FBS Max |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | IFSC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✗ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✗ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Oanda is regulated by top-tier bodies like the FCA (UK) and CFTC (US), offering strong investor protection but limited leverage for China traders (max 1:30). FBS Max is regulated by IFSC (Belize) and CySEC (Cyprus), allowing higher leverage up to 1:1000. Since CSRC does not oversee either broker, China traders rely on the broker's reputation and jurisdiction. Oanda's stricter regulation provides more security, while FBS Max's lighter oversight permits greater flexibility. For offshore traders, FBS Max's higher leverage may be attractive, but Oanda's regulatory strength offers peace of mind.
| Payment Method | Oanda | FBS Max |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✗ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✗ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | 1 to 5 business days | 5 to 7 business days |
China traders can fund both accounts via USDT and Bank Transfer (international). Oanda processes bank transfers in 2-5 business days with no deposit fees, while USDT deposits are instant via crypto wallets. FBS Max supports USDT, Bank Transfer, and also local methods like Alipay and WeChat Pay for some regions. Withdrawals at Oanda are free but take 1-2 business days for bank transfers; FBS Max charges a small fee for bank withdrawals but offers faster crypto payouts. Minimum deposits differ: Oanda requires $1 (or equivalent in CNY), while FBS Max has a $10 minimum. For China traders, FBS Max's crypto-friendly approach is more convenient.
| Islamic Account Feature | Oanda | FBS Max |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✗ | ✗ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Both brokers offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in China. Oanda provides swap-free status upon request, with no additional fees, but requires a minimum balance. FBS Max offers Islamic accounts on all account types without extra requirements, making it more accessible. Both comply with Sharia law by waiving overnight interest. For China Muslim traders, FBS Max's straightforward process is more appealing, while Oanda's process involves a formal request.
| Support Feature | Oanda | FBS Max | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | Oanda |
Oanda offers 24/5 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, but no Mandarin support. FBS Max provides 24/7 live chat and email support with multilingual agents, including Chinese. For China traders, FBS Max's Mandarin support is a significant advantage, ensuring faster resolution of issues.
| Mobile Feature | Oanda | FBS Max | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | Oanda |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | Oanda |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✓ | ✗ | Oanda |
| Resource | Oanda | FBS Max | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | Oanda |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | Oanda |
Choose Oanda if you...
Choose FBS Max if you...
For China traders in 2025, FBS Max slightly outperforms Oanda with a 3.7 vs 3.6 rating, offering lower spreads, higher leverage, and better local payment support including USDT and Bank Transfer. While Oanda's regulatory strength appeals to risk-averse traders, FBS Max's flexibility in deposits and Chinese customer support makes it more practical for offshore trading. Both are viable, but FBS Max is the better choice for cost-conscious traders. Always consider CSRC restrictions and use proper offshore banking methods.