Which broker is better for China traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For China traders seeking international exposure in forex and CFDs, Plus500 and Hantec Markets represent two distinct paths. Plus500, with a score of 3.7/5, is a global CFD broker known for its user-friendly platform and zero-commission trading. Hantec Markets, scoring 3.6/5, is a UK-regulated broker with a focus on tight spreads and professional trading tools. Both brokers cater to offshore Chinese clients, accepting deposits via USDT and international bank transfers, which are critical given China's capital controls. While neither is regulated by the CSRC, they operate under reputable foreign regulators like the FCA and FSCA. This comparison examines spreads, platforms, and local payment methods to help you decide which broker aligns with your trading goals in 2026.
| Instrument | Plus500 | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Hantec Markets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Hantec Markets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Hantec Markets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Hantec Markets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $100 | $10 | Hantec Markets |
For China traders, trading costs vary significantly between the two brokers. Plus500 operates on a spread-only model with no commissions, but its spreads on EUR/USD average 0.6-1.2 pips, which can be high for scalpers. Hantec Markets offers tighter spreads from 0.0 pips on its ECN account but charges a commission per lot (e.g., $3 per side). For a China trader executing 10 standard lots per month, Plus500's total cost is around $120-240 in spreads, while Hantec Markets with 0.2 pip spreads plus $60 commission totals $100. Hantec Markets is more cost-effective for high-volume traders, while Plus500 suits those who prefer predictable costs.
| Account Type | Plus500 | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $10 |
| Entity / Asset | Plus500 | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| China (offshore) | Up to 1:300 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:300 | 1:500 |
| 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 | Plus500 | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | Plus500 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | Plus500 |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | Plus500 |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | 1,000+ | 1,700+ | Hantec Markets |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | Plus500 | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✗ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✗ | ✓ |
Plus500 provides a proprietary web-based platform and mobile app, known for simplicity and fast execution—ideal for China traders who are new to forex. The platform supports Chinese language and offers 2,000+ instruments. Hantec Markets uses MetaTrader 4 (MT4), a global standard with advanced charting, automated trading via Expert Advisors, and deep liquidity. For China traders who rely on technical analysis or algorithmic strategies, MT4 is superior. Plus500's platform is more accessible on mobile, but lacks custom indicators. The choice depends on whether you need ease of use (Plus500) or advanced tools (Hantec Markets).
| Factor | Plus500 | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Hantec Markets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | Plus500 |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
Plus500 uses a market execution model with no requotes, offering fast execution speeds under 100ms on its proprietary platform. Hantec Markets also provides market execution on MT4, with speeds averaging 50ms due to its liquidity aggregation from multiple banks. For China traders, Hantec Markets' execution is slightly faster and more reliable during volatile sessions, especially for scalping. Plus500's execution is consistent but may have slippage during news events. Both brokers offer negative balance protection, but Hantec Markets' ECN model provides deeper liquidity for larger orders.
| Safety Factor | Plus500 | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Plus500 is regulated by multiple authorities including the FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), and ASIC (Australia), offering strong client fund segregation and negative balance protection. Hantec Markets is regulated by the FCA (UK) and FSCA (South Africa), with similar protections. For China traders, neither broker is regulated by the CSRC, meaning you trade as an offshore client. This is common for international exposure, but you must rely on the broker's foreign regulation for safety. Plus500's FCA oversight is particularly robust, while Hantec Markets' FCA license ensures strict compliance. Always verify the specific entity serving China clients to avoid legal risks.
| Payment Method | Plus500 | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✗ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✗ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 1 to 3 business day | Crypto / USDT: 1 to 3 hours (for eligible wallets)E-wallets: Within hours up to 1 dayBank / Wire Transfers: 2 to 5 business days |
China traders can fund accounts at both brokers using USDT (Tether) and international bank transfers, bypassing local restrictions. Plus500 supports USDT deposits via its partnership with payment processors, with no fees and instant processing. International bank transfers take 2-5 business days and may incur intermediary bank charges. Hantec Markets also accepts USDT and bank transfers, with a minimum deposit of $500 (vs. Plus500's $100). Withdrawals are processed within 1-2 business days for USDT, while bank transfers take longer. Both brokers require KYC verification. For active China traders, USDT is the most efficient method due to speed and lower costs, avoiding China's $50,000 annual foreign exchange limit.
| Islamic Account Feature | Plus500 | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Plus500 and Hantec Markets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for China Muslim traders who need to comply with Sharia law. Plus500 automatically provides swap-free status for clients from countries with Muslim-majority populations, including China, with no additional request needed. Hantec Markets requires traders to contact support to activate the swap-free account, which is available for all account types. Both accounts eliminate overnight interest charges, but may have a holding period limit (e.g., 30 days) before swaps apply. For China Muslim traders, Plus500's automatic setup is more convenient, while Hantec Markets offers flexibility for longer-term positions.
| Support Feature | Plus500 | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | Plus500 |
Plus500 offers 24/7 customer support via live chat and email, with Chinese language available during business hours. Hantec Markets provides support through live chat, phone, and email, also with Chinese-speaking staff. Response times are similar, averaging under 5 minutes for live chat. Plus500's support is more accessible for quick queries, while Hantec Markets offers dedicated account managers for VIP clients. For China traders, both brokers provide adequate support, but Plus500's 24/7 availability is beneficial for those trading across different time zones.
| Mobile Feature | Plus500 | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | Plus500 |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | Plus500 |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | Plus500 | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | ✗ | 50+ videos | Hantec Markets |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | Plus500 |
Choose Plus500 if you...
Choose Hantec Markets if you...
For China traders in 2026, the choice between Plus500 and Hantec Markets hinges on your trading style and priorities. Plus500 (3.7/5) is ideal for beginners and those who value simplicity, offering a robust platform, automatic Islamic accounts, and low deposit barriers via USDT. Hantec Markets (3.6/5) suits experienced traders who prioritize cost efficiency with tighter spreads and MT4's advanced features. Both brokers accept USDT and international bank transfers, bypassing China's capital controls, but neither is CSRC-regulated—trade at your own risk. If you're new to offshore trading, start with Plus500; for professional-grade execution, choose Hantec Markets. Always verify the specific entity serving your region to ensure compliance.