Which broker is better for Taiwan traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For experienced retail traders in Taiwan, choosing between XM Group and Plus500 is a critical decision. XM Group, with a stellar 4.7/5 rating, is known for its low spreads, extensive educational resources, and flexible account types. Plus500, rated 3.7/5, offers a user-friendly, commission-free platform ideal for traders who prefer simplicity. Both brokers accept Taiwan clients and support local payment methods like Bank Transfer and Credit Card deposits in TWD. However, they are not regulated by the FSC Taiwan, meaning traders rely on offshore licenses (e.g., CySEC for XM, FCA for Plus500). This comparison dives into trading costs, platforms, regulation, and more to help you decide which broker aligns with your trading style in 2026.
| Instrument | XM Group | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Plus500 |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Plus500 |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Plus500 |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Plus500 |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $5 | $100 | Plus500 |
When comparing trading costs for Taiwan traders, XM Group clearly outperforms Plus500. XM offers spreads as low as 0.1 pips on its Zero account and no commissions on standard accounts, making it cost-effective for high-volume traders. Plus500 uses variable spreads that average 1.0-1.5 pips on major pairs, with no separate commission but wider spreads that can eat into profits. For a Taiwan trader executing 10 lots per month, XM Group can save hundreds of USD in costs compared to Plus500. Additionally, XM Group has no deposit or withdrawal fees, while Plus500 may charge inactivity fees after 3 months. Overall, XM Group is the more affordable choice for active traders.
| Account Type | XM Group | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $5 | $100 |
| Entity / Asset | XM Group | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Taiwan (offshore) | Up to 1:1000 | Up to 1:300 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:1000 | 1:300 |
| 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 | Plus500 | 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+ | 20+ | XM Group |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | Plus500 |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | XM Group | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✗ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✗ |
Both brokers offer robust platforms tailored to different needs. XM Group provides MetaTrader 4 and 5, which are industry standards for experienced traders, offering advanced charting tools, custom indicators, and automated trading via Expert Advisors (EAs). Plus500 uses its proprietary web-based platform, which is intuitive and responsive but lacks the depth of MT4/5. For Taiwan traders who rely on algorithmic trading or in-depth analysis, XM Group is superior. Plus500 is better for those who prefer a clean, mobile-friendly interface with one-click trading. Both platforms are available in Chinese language, ensuring ease of use for local traders.
| Factor | XM Group | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Plus500 |
| 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 |
Execution quality varies between the two brokers. XM Group uses Straight Through Processing (STP) with no dealing desk intervention, offering fast execution speeds of under 1 second on 99% of orders. Plus500 operates as a market maker, meaning it may have occasional requotes or slippage, especially during high volatility. For Taiwan traders who prioritize precision and speed, XM Group is the better choice. Plus500's execution is adequate for casual traders but may frustrate scalpers or news traders.
| Safety Factor | XM Group | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a key concern for Taiwan traders since neither broker is licensed by the FSC Taiwan. XM Group is regulated by multiple authorities including CySEC (Cyprus), ASIC (Australia), and IFSC (Belize), providing strong investor protection and negative balance protection. Plus500 is regulated by the FCA (UK), CySEC, and ASIC, with a strong track record of compliance. However, without FSC Taiwan oversight, traders must understand that disputes are handled under the regulators' jurisdictions. Both brokers offer segregated client funds, but XM Group's multiple licenses and compensation schemes (e.g., ICF up to €20,000) give it a slight edge in safety. Taiwan traders should verify the broker's regulatory status before depositing.
| Payment Method | XM Group | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 1 to 3 business day |
Depositing and withdrawing funds is straightforward for Taiwan traders at both brokers. XM Group supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, and e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller, with no deposit fees and instant processing for most methods. The minimum deposit is $5 for standard accounts. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours and are free for amounts over $100. Plus500 also accepts Bank Transfer and Credit Card deposits, with a minimum of $100. Withdrawals are typically processed within 3-5 business days and may be subject to a fee if using Bank Transfer. For Taiwan traders, XM Group offers faster, cheaper, and more flexible payment options, making it the preferred choice for managing funds in TWD.
| Islamic Account Feature | XM Group | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Plus500 offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in Taiwan. XM Group provides swap-free accounts on request for all account types, including Standard and Zero, with no time limit. Plus500 automatically applies swap-free status to clients from Islamic countries, including Taiwan, and does not charge overnight interest. However, XM Group's policy is more transparent and accommodates traders who need long-term swap-free positions. Taiwan Muslim traders should confirm eligibility with both brokers before opening an account.
| Support Feature | XM Group | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | XM Group |
Customer support is critical for Taiwan traders. XM Group offers 24/5 multilingual support via live chat, email, and phone, with Chinese-speaking agents available. Plus500 provides 24/7 support via live chat and email, also in Chinese. XM Group's support is more personalized and faster due to dedicated account managers for active traders. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections, but XM Group's responsiveness gives it an edge for Taiwan clients needing urgent assistance.
| Mobile Feature | XM Group | Plus500 | 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 | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | ✗ | XM Group |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | XM Group |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | XM Group |
Choose XM Group if you...
Choose Plus500 if you...
For experienced Taiwan traders, XM Group is the clear winner with a 4.7/5 rating, lower costs, and superior platforms. It offers better value through low spreads, fast execution, and flexible payments like Bank Transfer and Credit Card. Plus500, while simpler and commission-free, has higher spreads and fewer features, making it less suitable for active traders. Both brokers lack FSC Taiwan regulation, so due diligence is essential. Ultimately, XM Group aligns better with the needs of Taiwan's experienced retail traders seeking cost-efficiency and advanced tools in 2026.