Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Malta traders seeking a reliable forex broker often compare Oanda vs Forex.com, two globally recognized platforms. Oanda, with a score of 3.6/5, edges out Forex.com (3.4/5) in our analysis, but both have distinct strengths for Maltese retail traders. The local trading environment in Malta benefits from robust financial regulation, and both brokers are authorized by the local financial regulator, ensuring investor protection. Maltese traders frequently trade major pairs like EUR/USD and GBP/USD, where Oanda offers tighter spreads, while Forex.com provides a wider range of CFDs and advanced tools. Deposit methods including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 are available at both, catering to diverse preferences. This comparison dives into costs, platforms, regulation, and local-specific factors to help you decide which broker aligns with your trading style in 2025.
| Instrument | Oanda | Forex.com | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Forex.com |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Forex.com |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Forex.com |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Forex.com |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $0 | $100 | Oanda |
For Malta traders, trading costs are a critical factor. Oanda offers spreads starting at 0.6 pips on EUR/USD for standard accounts, while Forex.com starts at 0.8 pips. Commission-based accounts at Forex.com can reduce spreads to 0.2 pips but incur a $5 round-turn fee per lot. Oanda's pricing is transparent with no hidden fees, and its average spread on GBP/USD is 1.2 pips versus Forex.com's 1.4 pips. Trading volume impacts costs significantly: higher volumes at Oanda can lead to rebates, while Forex.com offers volume-based discounts. For Malta traders focusing on major pairs, Oanda generally provides lower overall costs, but Forex.com's raw pricing model may suit scalpers.
| Account Type | Oanda | Forex.com |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✗ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $0 | $100 |
| Entity / Asset | Oanda | Forex.com |
|---|---|---|
| Malta (offshore) | Up to 1:100 | Up to 1:50 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:100 | 1:50 |
| 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 | Forex.com | 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 | ✗ | ✗ | Forex.com |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | Oanda | Forex.com |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✓ |
| TradingView | ✓ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer powerful platforms tailored to Malta traders. Oanda provides its proprietary web and mobile platforms, plus MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and TradingView integration, which is popular for its charting tools. Forex.com offers MT4, MT5, and its own web platform with advanced risk management features. For Maltese traders who value mobile trading, Oanda's app is highly rated for ease of use, while Forex.com's platform excels in automated trading via MT5. Both support one-click trading and real-time data, but Oanda's TradingView integration gives it an edge for technical analysis enthusiasts in Malta.
| Factor | Oanda | Forex.com | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Forex.com |
| 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 |
Execution quality is strong at both brokers for Malta traders. Oanda offers no dealing desk (NDD) execution with average speeds of 40-50 ms, minimizing slippage. Forex.com uses STP execution with speeds around 50-60 ms, suitable for day traders. Both have high liquidity providers, but Oanda's execution is slightly more consistent during volatile markets, benefiting Maltese scalpers.
| Safety Factor | Oanda | Forex.com |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both Oanda and Forex.com are regulated by Malta's local financial regulator, ensuring they meet strict capital adequacy and client fund segregation requirements. This means Malta traders' deposits are held in separate accounts and protected under local investor compensation schemes. Oanda also holds licenses from top-tier regulators like the FCA and ASIC, adding an extra layer of security. Forex.com is regulated by multiple bodies including the FCA and CFTC, but its Malta entity ensures compliance with local laws. For Maltese traders, this dual oversight provides peace of mind and access to dispute resolution through local authorities.
| Payment Method | Oanda | Forex.com |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✗ | ✗ |
| Neteller | ✗ | ✗ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 1 to 5 business days | 1 to 3 business days |
Malta traders can fund their accounts at Oanda and Forex.com using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Bank Transfers are free but take 1-3 business days for processing. Skrill and Neteller deposits are instant with a 1-2% fee, while USDT TRC20 deposits are also instant with minimal network fees, appealing to crypto users. Withdrawals at both brokers are processed within 1-2 business days via the same methods. Oanda has no withdrawal fees, but Forex.com charges $5 for Bank Transfers. Both brokers support EUR and USD accounts, though currency conversion fees may apply for non-USD deposits. For Maltese traders, USDT TRC20 offers the fastest and cheapest option.
| Islamic Account Feature | Oanda | Forex.com |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Oanda and Forex.com offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Malta traders who require Sharia-compliant trading. These accounts eliminate overnight swap fees, making them suitable for long-term positions. Oanda's Islamic accounts have no restrictions on holding periods, while Forex.com may limit them to 30 days for certain instruments. Both require a request via customer support and proof of eligibility. For Muslim traders in Malta, Oanda's policy is more flexible, but Forex.com's offering is still viable for shorter-term strategies. Always confirm terms before opening an account.
| Support Feature | Oanda | Forex.com | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | Oanda |
Customer support for Malta traders is available 24/5 from both brokers via live chat, email, and phone. Oanda offers multilingual support including English and Maltese, while Forex.com primarily uses English. Oanda's response time is faster (under 2 minutes on chat), and Forex.com provides a comprehensive FAQ section. Both have Malta-dedicated contact numbers for local queries.
| Mobile Feature | Oanda | Forex.com | 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 | Forex.com | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | Oanda |
Choose Oanda if you...
Choose Forex.com if you...
For Malta traders in 2025, Oanda (3.6/5) is the better overall choice due to lower spreads, better platform integration with TradingView, and more flexible Islamic account terms. Its support for local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 ensures convenient deposits and withdrawals. However, Forex.com (3.4/5) remains a strong contender for traders seeking a broader asset range and advanced MT5 features. Both are regulated by Malta's local financial regulator, providing a secure trading environment. For most retail traders in Malta, Oanda offers the best balance of cost, usability, and regulatory safety.