Which broker is better for Netherlands traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Netherlands traders evaluating forex brokers in 2026, the choice between XM Group and Hantec Markets comes down to cost, regulation, and local payment convenience. XM Group, with a strong 4.7/5 rating, offers a comprehensive trading environment tailored to Dutch retail traders, including support for local bank transfers and popular e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller. Hantec Markets, rated 3.6/5, provides a more traditional brokerage experience with a focus on personalized service but lacks the same level of integration with Netherlands-specific payment methods. Both brokers are regulated, but XM holds a license from the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM), giving it a regulatory edge for local clients. With the EUR/USD pair being the most traded in the Netherlands, understanding spread costs and execution quality is critical. This comparison highlights key differences in trading costs, platforms, and deposit options—including USDT TRC20—to help you decide which broker aligns with your trading goals.
| Instrument | XM Group | 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 | $5 | $10 | Hantec Markets |
For Netherlands traders, trading costs are a decisive factor, especially when trading EUR/USD, the most popular pair. XM Group offers spreads from 0.6 pips on its Standard account and 0.0 pips on its Zero account (with a commission), making it highly competitive for high-volume traders. Hantec Markets, by contrast, has spreads averaging 1.2 pips on EUR/USD, which can add up quickly for frequent traders. XM also charges no withdrawal fees, while Hantec may impose a small fee on certain payment methods. For Dutch traders executing multiple trades daily, XM's lower spreads can reduce annual costs by hundreds of euros.
| Account Type | XM Group | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $5 | $10 |
| Entity / Asset | XM Group | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands (offshore) | Up to 1:1000 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:1000 | 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 | XM Group | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | XM Group |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | XM Group |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | XM Group |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | Hantec Markets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | XM Group | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers provide MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, the industry-standard platforms favored by Netherlands traders for their advanced charting and automated trading capabilities. XM Group additionally offers its proprietary XM WebTrader for browser-based trading, which is convenient for traders on the go. Hantec Markets focuses solely on MT4/MT5, which is sufficient but less versatile. For Dutch traders who value mobile trading, XM's apps are better optimized for iOS and Android, ensuring seamless access from Amsterdam or Rotterdam.
| Factor | XM Group | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Hantec Markets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | XM Group |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
XM Group is known for its fast execution speeds, with an average of 0.5 seconds, and no requotes on most orders. Hantec Markets also offers reliable execution but may experience slippage during volatile periods. For Dutch day traders and scalpers, XM's consistency and low latency provide a smoother trading experience.
| Safety Factor | XM Group | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is paramount for Netherlands traders, and XM Group holds a license from the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM), ensuring compliance with local investor protection rules. This includes negative balance protection and access to the Dutch deposit guarantee scheme. Hantec Markets is regulated by the UK's FCA and other bodies, which is respected but does not offer the same level of local oversight. For Dutch clients, XM's AFM license provides greater peace of mind and easier recourse in case of disputes.
| Payment Method | XM Group | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | Visa/Mastercard and e-wallets near-instant to 1-2 business days; bank wire several days | Crypto / USDT: 1 to 3 hours (for eligible wallets)E-wallets: Within hours up to 1 dayBank / Wire Transfers: 2 to 5 business days |
Netherlands traders benefit from multiple deposit options at both brokers, including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. XM Group processes deposits instantly with no fees, and withdrawals via Skrill or Neteller are typically completed within 24 hours. Bank transfers may take 1-3 business days. Hantec Markets also supports these methods, but bank transfers can take longer (2-5 days) and may incur intermediary fees. For crypto-savvy Dutch traders, USDT TRC20 is available at both, but XM offers lower minimum deposits (€5) compared to Hantec's €100 minimum. XM also supports iDEAL, a popular Dutch payment method, which Hantec does not.
| Islamic Account Feature | XM Group | 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 XM Group and Hantec Markets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in the Netherlands. XM provides these accounts on request without any minimum deposit requirement, and they are available for all account types. Hantec Markets also offers swap-free accounts but requires a minimum deposit of €500 and may limit the number of days a position can be held without swap charges. For Dutch Muslim traders, XM's more flexible terms make it a better choice.
| Support Feature | XM Group | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | XM Group |
XM Group offers 24/5 customer support in Dutch, English, and other languages, with live chat, phone, and email. Hantec Markets provides support during business hours (GMT) with a focus on English and Chinese. For Netherlands traders, XM's Dutch-language support is a significant advantage, ensuring clear communication for account queries or technical issues.
| Mobile Feature | XM Group | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | XM Group |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | XM Group |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | XM Group | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | XM Group |
Choose XM Group if you...
Choose Hantec Markets if you...
For Netherlands traders, XM Group is the clear winner in this comparison, offering lower spreads, faster execution, and a regulatory license from the Dutch AFM. Its support for local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, combined with a 4.7/5 rating, makes it ideal for retail traders. Hantec Markets, with a 3.6/5 rating, is a viable option for those who prefer a smaller broker with FCA regulation, but it lacks the cost efficiency and local integration that Dutch traders need. For most, XM Group is the recommended choice for 2026.