Which broker is better for China traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For China traders seeking international exposure, choosing between Oanda and Tickmill is a critical decision. Both brokers are well-regarded globally, but they cater to different needs. Oanda, with a score of 3.6/5, is a veteran broker known for its robust research tools and regulatory oversight in multiple jurisdictions. Tickmill, scoring 4.0/5, is a newer but rapidly growing broker that excels in low-cost trading and flexible deposit options. For Chinese traders operating offshore, the ability to deposit via USDT and international bank transfers is a key factor. While the CSRC does not regulate these brokers directly, both are licensed by top-tier regulators like the FCA and FSA. This comparison focuses on what matters most to China-based traders: local payment methods, spreads, platform usability, and regulatory safety. Whether you prioritize cost or brand trust, this guide will help you decide.
| Instrument | Oanda | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Tickmill |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Tickmill |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Tickmill |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Tickmill |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $0 | $100 | Oanda |
For China traders, trading costs are a major consideration, especially when trading high volumes. Tickmill offers significantly lower spreads on its Pro account, with EUR/USD spreads starting at 0.0 pips plus a $3 commission per lot. Oanda’s spreads are variable and typically start at 0.8 pips with no commission. Over 100 lots, Tickmill can save a Chinese trader $800 or more in spread costs. However, Oanda’s no-commission model may appeal to smaller traders who prefer predictable costs. Both brokers offer competitive swap rates, but Tickmill’s lower spreads make it the clear winner for cost-conscious Chinese traders.
| Account Type | Oanda | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| China (offshore) | Up to 1:100 | Up to 1:1000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:100 | 1:1000 |
| 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 | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | Oanda |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | Oanda |
| Crypto CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | Oanda |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | Tickmill |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | Oanda | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✓ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both Oanda and Tickmill provide the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform, which is widely used by Chinese traders for its advanced charting and automated trading capabilities. Oanda also offers its proprietary fxTrade platform, which features superior charting tools and a web-based interface. Tickmill supports MT4 and MT5, giving traders more flexibility. For China traders who rely on Expert Advisors (EAs) and custom indicators, both brokers deliver reliable performance. Oanda’s fxTrade is better for manual traders who need advanced analytics, while Tickmill’s MT4/MT5 suite is ideal for algorithmic trading.
| Factor | Oanda | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Tickmill |
| 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 |
Both brokers offer fast execution speeds, but Tickmill has a slight edge with an average execution time of 0.2 seconds on its Pro account. Oanda’s execution is also reliable, averaging 0.3 seconds, with no requotes on most trades. For Chinese traders using scalping or high-frequency strategies, Tickmill’s faster execution and lower latency provide a competitive advantage. Oanda’s execution is still excellent for day traders and swing traders. Overall, Tickmill is better for execution-focused traders.
| Safety Factor | Oanda | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Oanda is regulated by the FCA (UK), CFTC (US), and ASIC (Australia), providing a high level of investor protection. Tickmill is regulated by the FCA, CySEC, and FSA (Seychelles). For China traders, the CSRC does not oversee these offshore brokers, so regulatory trust is crucial. Oanda’s multiple top-tier licenses offer stronger fund segregation and negative balance protection. Tickmill’s FCA regulation also provides similar safeguards, but its FSA license offers less protection. Chinese traders should prioritize brokers with FCA or equivalent oversight for added security.
| Payment Method | Oanda | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✗ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✗ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 1 to 5 business days | Most withdrawals 1 business day; bank wire 1-3 days, Credit/Debit Cards: Up to 8 working days. |
For China traders, deposit and withdrawal methods are a top priority. Oanda supports international bank transfers and credit/debit cards, but does not accept USDT. Tickmill, on the other hand, accepts USDT (Tether) deposits, which is a game-changer for Chinese traders who face capital controls and slow bank transfers. Bank transfers at both brokers can take 3-5 business days and incur fees, while USDT deposits at Tickmill are instant and low-cost. Withdrawals are similarly processed, with USDT offering faster access to funds. For Chinese clients, Tickmill’s USDT support makes it the more convenient option.
| Islamic Account Feature | Oanda | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Tickmill offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in China. Oanda provides Islamic accounts upon request, waiving overnight swap fees on eligible trades. Tickmill automatically offers swap-free accounts for clients from predominantly Muslim regions, including China. These accounts comply with Sharia law, ensuring no interest is earned or paid. For Chinese Muslim traders, both brokers are suitable, but Tickmill’s automatic provision simplifies the process. Note that Islamic accounts may have restrictions on long-term holding to prevent abuse.
| Support Feature | Oanda | Tickmill | 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, with a knowledge base in multiple languages. Tickmill provides 24/5 support through live chat and email, with a focus on English and Chinese-speaking agents. For China traders, Tickmill’s dedicated Chinese support team is a plus, offering assistance in Mandarin during Asian trading hours. Oanda’s support is responsive but may not always have Chinese-speaking representatives. Both brokers offer adequate support, but Tickmill edges ahead for Chinese-speaking clients.
| Mobile Feature | Oanda | Tickmill | 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 | Tickmill | 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 Tickmill if you...
For China traders, the choice between Oanda and Tickmill ultimately depends on your priorities. Tickmill’s higher score (4.0 vs 3.6), lower spreads, and USDT deposit support make it the better option for cost-conscious traders seeking international exposure. Oanda’s regulatory strength and proprietary platform appeal to those who prioritize safety and advanced tools. Given the CSRC’s restrictions on domestic forex, both brokers offer viable offshore solutions, but Tickmill’s local payment methods and Chinese support give it an edge. If you trade frequently or in large volumes, Tickmill is the clear winner. For beginners or those valuing brand reputation, Oanda remains a solid choice.