Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Malta traders seeking a reliable forex broker in 2025 often compare Oanda and Tickmill, two globally recognized brands regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA). Oanda, founded in 1996, offers a robust platform and extensive educational tools, ideal for retail traders new to forex. Tickmill, established in 2014, focuses on low-cost trading with tight spreads and fast execution, appealing to active and experienced traders. Both brokers accept local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making deposits and withdrawals convenient for Malta-based clients. While Oanda scores 3.6/5 in our rating, Tickmill leads with 4/5 due to its superior cost efficiency and execution quality. This comparison will help you choose the right broker based on your trading style, budget, and regulatory needs within Malta’s financial ecosystem.
| 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 Malta traders, trading costs are a key differentiator between Oanda and Tickmill. Oanda’s spread on EUR/USD averages 1.2 pips with no commission, suitable for low-frequency traders. In contrast, Tickmill’s Raw account offers spreads from 0.0 pips plus a $3 per lot commission, significantly reducing costs for high-volume traders. A Malta trader executing 10 standard lots per month would pay approximately $120 in spreads with Oanda, but only $30 with Tickmill (spreads + commission). Tickmill’s lower costs directly benefit active scalpers and day traders, while Oanda may suit those prioritizing simplicity over minimal spreads. Both brokers have no hidden fees, but Tickmill’s pricing model is more competitive for frequent trading.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Malta (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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Oanda provides its proprietary platform alongside MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and TradingView integration, offering advanced charting and automated trading tools. Tickmill also supports MT4 and MT5, with a focus on fast execution and customizable indicators. For Malta traders, Oanda’s platform is more beginner-friendly with educational resources, while Tickmill’s MT4/MT5 environment appeals to experienced users who need algorithmic trading capabilities. Both platforms are available on desktop, web, and mobile, ensuring seamless access from Malta. Oanda’s platform excels in user experience, but Tickmill’s execution speed and order management are superior for active traders.
| 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 |
Tickmill offers superior execution quality with average order execution under 40 milliseconds and no requotes, thanks to its low-latency infrastructure and liquidity providers. Oanda’s execution is reliable but slightly slower, averaging 100 milliseconds, with occasional slippage during volatile markets. For Malta scalpers and day traders, Tickmill’s faster execution reduces slippage and improves trade outcomes. Oanda’s execution is still competitive for swing traders and beginners.
| Safety Factor | Oanda | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both Oanda and Tickmill are authorized and regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), ensuring strict compliance with EU financial laws. Oanda holds MFSA license number C45282, while Tickmill is licensed under C57416. This means Malta traders benefit from negative balance protection, segregated client funds, and access to the Financial Ombudsman Service. Oanda also has additional regulation from the FCA and CFTC, adding an extra layer of security. Tickmill’s regulation in Malta ensures full local oversight, making it a trusted choice for Maltese traders. Both brokers adhere to MiFID II standards, providing transparency and client protection.
| 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. |
Malta traders can fund their accounts at both Oanda and Tickmill using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Oanda also accepts credit/debit cards and PayPal, while Tickmill adds local bank transfers via Maltese banks. Deposits via Skrill and Neteller are instant and fee-free for both brokers, while Bank Transfer may take 1-3 business days with possible intermediary fees. USDT TRC20 deposits are processed within minutes, with low transaction costs—ideal for crypto-savvy traders. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and 2-5 days for bank transfers. Tickmill offers faster withdrawal processing, often completing e-wallet requests within 1-2 hours. Both brokers charge no internal fees, but third-party fees may apply for Bank Transfer.
| 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 provide Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Malta Muslim traders who require Sharia-compliant trading. Oanda offers Islamic accounts on request, with no swap or interest charged on overnight positions, but may apply an administration fee after a holding period. Tickmill automatically provides swap-free accounts for clients from Muslim-majority regions, including Malta, with no extra fees. Tickmill’s Islamic account is more transparent and easier to obtain, making it the preferred choice for Malta’s Muslim traders. Both brokers ensure that Islamic accounts maintain standard trading conditions, including spreads and execution.
| 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 dedicated team for Maltese traders. Tickmill provides 24/5 support through live chat, email, and phone, with faster response times averaging under 30 seconds. Both brokers have local language support, including English and Maltese. Tickmill’s support is more responsive, while Oanda offers comprehensive educational resources. For Malta traders, Tickmill’s quicker resolution times may be more beneficial during active trading hours.
| 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 Malta traders in 2025, Tickmill is the better choice due to its higher overall score (4/5 vs 3.6/5), lower trading costs, and faster execution. Its support for local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, combined with MFSA regulation, makes it ideal for active retail traders. Oanda remains a solid option for beginners and those who value educational tools and a simpler platform. However, for cost-conscious Maltese traders seeking maximum value, Tickmill’s tight spreads and quick order execution provide a clear edge. Consider your trading style and volume before deciding, but Tickmill leads in performance and affordability for Malta’s forex community.