Which broker is better for China traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For China traders seeking international exposure through offshore brokers, the choice between Plus500 and Libertex is a common dilemma. Both platforms score 3.7/5 in our ratings, but cater to different trading styles. Plus500 is a well-established CFD broker with a simple, user-friendly platform, while Libertex offers a broader range of assets including over 200 cryptocurrencies and stocks. China traders often use USDT deposits or international bank transfers to fund accounts, as local CNY deposits are not directly supported. Both brokers are regulated by CySEC and other tier-2 authorities, but neither is supervised by the CSRC, meaning traders must be aware of local capital controls. This comparison will help you decide which broker aligns with your trading goals, whether you prioritize low spreads, diverse assets, or ease of deposit via USDT.
| Instrument | Plus500 | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Libertex |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Libertex |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Libertex |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Libertex |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $100 | $10 | Libertex |
When comparing trading costs for China traders, Plus500 typically offers tighter spreads on major forex pairs like EUR/USD (from 0.6 pips) and popular indices like the DAX. Libertex, on the other hand, advertises zero commission on many instruments but may have wider spreads. For high-volume traders, Plus500's fixed spreads can be more predictable, while Libertex's variable spreads may increase during volatile markets. China traders should also consider that Plus500 charges overnight funding fees on leveraged positions, whereas Libertex offers swap-free accounts for Islamic traders. Overall, Plus500 is more cost-effective for frequent traders, while Libertex suits those who prefer commission-free trading with lower minimum deposits.
| Account Type | Plus500 | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| China (offshore) | Up to 1:300 | Up to 1:999 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:300 | 1:999 |
| 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 | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | Plus500 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | Plus500 |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | Plus500 |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | 1,000+ | ✗ | Libertex |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | Plus500 | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✗ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✗ | ✓ |
Plus500 provides a proprietary web and mobile platform known for its simplicity and ease of use, ideal for China traders who value quick execution and straightforward charting. Libertex offers a more advanced platform with integrated Trading Central analysis and a wider range of order types. Both platforms are available in English and Chinese, but Libertex's interface may feel more cluttered. For mobile traders, both apps have high ratings, but Plus500's platform is more intuitive for beginners. China traders who need advanced tools like automated trading may prefer Libertex's MT4/MT5 integration, though Plus500 does not support these platforms.
| Factor | Plus500 | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Libertex |
| 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 maker model with instant execution and no requotes, which is suitable for China traders who need fast order placement. Libertex also offers market execution but may have slippage during high volatility. Both brokers report average execution speeds under 0.1 seconds. For scalpers, Plus500's fixed spreads and no requotes are advantageous, while Libertex's variable spreads may cause unexpected costs. China traders trading during Asian session will find both brokers reliable, but Plus500's execution is more consistent.
| Safety Factor | Plus500 | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✗ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Plus500 is regulated by the FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), and ASIC (Australia), while Libertex is regulated by CySEC and the FSC (Belize). For China traders, neither broker is regulated by the CSRC, meaning they operate as offshore entities. This is common for international brokers serving Chinese clients. However, Plus500's FCA regulation offers stronger investor protection (up to £85,000) compared to Libertex's CySEC coverage (€20,000). China traders should verify the legal status of offshore trading with local authorities and ensure they use compliant deposit methods like USDT to avoid currency controls. Both brokers segregate client funds, but Plus500's regulatory framework is more robust.
| Payment Method | Plus500 | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✗ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✗ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 1 to 3 business day | 5 business days |
For China traders, both brokers support USDT (Tether) deposits and international bank transfers. Plus500 accepts USDT via third-party processors with a minimum deposit of $100, while Libertex directly accepts USDT with a $50 minimum. Bank transfers are available but may take 1-3 business days and incur intermediary bank fees. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours for USDT and 1-3 days for bank transfers. Plus500 does not charge deposit fees, but Libertex may apply a small fee for certain withdrawal methods. China traders should note that USDT deposits are instant and avoid currency conversion costs. Both brokers allow withdrawals to the same method used for deposit, ensuring compliance with anti-money laundering rules.
| Islamic Account Feature | Plus500 | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Libertex offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in China. Plus500 automatically converts accounts to Islamic after 30 days of no trading activity, while Libertex requires a manual request to customer support. These accounts have no overnight swap fees but may have slightly wider spreads to compensate for the cost of carrying positions. Neither broker charges additional administrative fees for Islamic accounts. China Muslim traders should be aware that swap-free accounts are available for all instruments, but some brokers may restrict certain asset classes. Both brokers comply with Sharia law principles by not charging or paying interest.
| Support Feature | Plus500 | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | Plus500 |
Plus500 provides 24/7 live chat and email support in English and Chinese, with phone support available during business hours. Libertex also offers 24/5 support via live chat and email, with a dedicated Chinese-language team. Response times are similar, averaging under 5 minutes for live chat. However, Plus500's phone support is more reliable for urgent issues. China traders may prefer Libertex's multilingual support for complex inquiries, but Plus500's faster response times make it better for quick problem resolution.
| Mobile Feature | Plus500 | Libertex | 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 | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | ✗ | 50+ videos | Libertex |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | Plus500 |
Choose Plus500 if you...
Choose Libertex if you...
For China traders, both Plus500 and Libertex offer valid offshore trading options, but the best choice depends on your priorities. If you value regulatory safety and low spreads on major markets, Plus500 is the safer bet with its FCA oversight and predictable costs. If you want diverse asset access, including a large crypto selection, and prefer a lower entry barrier, Libertex is more flexible. Both brokers accept USDT and international bank transfers, making deposits easy for Chinese clients. However, neither is CSRC-regulated, so you must trade within local capital control limits. For most China traders seeking international exposure, Plus500 edges ahead due to its stronger regulation and tighter spreads, but Libertex is a strong alternative for crypto enthusiasts. Check the latest promotions and account types on each site before opening an account.