Best Day Trading Platforms and Brokers in China 2024
China’s highly volatile Shanghai and Shenzhen stock markets, frequent government interventions leading to sharp market movements, and rapid economic growth making it the world’s second-largest economy with a GDP of $17.7 trillion, create an attractive environment for short-term traders.
We’ve identified the best day trading platforms in China following hands-on tests. Many of these platforms cater to Chinese day traders, offering local markets like currency pairs containing the Chinese yuan (CNH) and stocks listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE), as well as convenient payment methods, such as Hangzhou-based Alipay.
Note, the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) has tightened restrictions surrounding online trading in recent years. This is to keep a handle on capital outlfows and stabilize the yuan. We recommend checking Beijing’s latest rules to make sure you only trade with authorized brokers.
Top 10 Platforms For Day Trading In China
Following our first-hand evaluations, these 10 trading platforms stand out as the best for Chinese day traders:
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1
InstaForexChoose between: Club Bonus, 30 %, 55 % and 100 % bonusesAll investments involve a degree of risk of some kind. Trading financial derivative products comes with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. You should not engage in trading these instruments unless you fully understand the nature of the transactions you are entering into, and the true extent of your exposure. These types of investments may be suitable for some investors, but they are not for everyone.
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$10.10 of the lot (0.0001 of market lot for Cent.Standard and Cent.Eurica)1:1000BVI FSCCurrencies, Cryptocurrencies, Stocks, Indices, Metals, Oil and Gas, Commodity Futures and InstaFuturesMT4, MT5Skrill, Mastercard, Visa, Neteller, Wire Transfer, Przelewy24, Giropay, Rapid TransferUSD, EUR, GBP, PLN, CZK -
2
IC Markets
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$2000.01 Lots1:1000ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMACFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, CryptoMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTradePayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Visa, UnionPay, Wire Transfer, Rapid Transfer, Mastercard, POLi, BPAY, Credit Card, Klarna, Swift, SafeChargeUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD -
3
Moneta Markets50% Cashback Bonus, Free VPS
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$500.01 Lots1:1000ASIC, FSCA, FSACFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, CryptoAppTrader, ProTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingCentralVisa, Bitcoin Payments, Mastercard, Wire Transfer, FasaPay, Sticpay, JCB Card, Credit CardUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, NZD, JPY, HKD, SGD, BRL -
4
AvaTrade20% Welcome Bonus up to $10,000
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$1000.01 Lots1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM, CIRO, AFMCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, FuturesWebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTradeSkrill, Wire Transfer, FasaPay, Mastercard, Perfect Money, Swift, MoneyGram, Credit Card, WebMoney, JCB Card, Debit Card, Neteller, BoletoUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD -
5
InstaTrade
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$10.011:1000BVI FSCFISP, CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos, FuturesInstaTrade Gear, MT4Visa, Mastercard, Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum PaymentsUSD, EUR, RUB -
6
Deriv
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$50.01 Lots1:1000MFSA, LFSA, BVIFSC, VFSC, FSC, SVGFSACFDs, Multipliers, Accumulators, Synthetic Indices, Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, ETFsDeriv Trader, Deriv X, Deriv Go, MT5, cTrader, TradingViewNeteller, Visa, Skrill, WebMoney, FasaPay, Perfect Money, Diners Club, Banxa, Paytrust, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, Credit Card, JCB Card, Sticpay, Trustly, Volet, Paysafecard, AstroPay, Maestro, Airtm, Boleto, JetonCash, Przelewy24, Bitcoin PaymentsUSD, EUR, GBP -
7
Exness
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$100.01 Lots1:UnlimitedCySEC, FCA, FSCA, CMA, FSA, CBCS, BVIFSC, FSCCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, CryptoExness Trade App, Exness Terminal, MT4, MT5, TradingCentralWire Transfer, Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Bitcoin Payments, Boleto, Airtel, Debit Card, Neteller, Skrill, Perfect Money, Sticpay, AstroPay, Cashu, FasaPay, WebMoney, M-PesaUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, INR, JPY, ZAR, MYR, IDR, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD, AED, SAR, HUF, BRL, NGN, THB, VND, UAH, KWD, QAR, KRW, MXN, KES, CNY -
8
PepperstoneCFDs and FX are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 81.8% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs.
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$00.01 Lots1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCBCFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto, Spread BettingMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTradeVisa, Mastercard, Credit Card, Debit Card, PayPal, Wire Transfer, POLi, UnionPay, BPAY, Neteller, Skrill, PIX PaymentUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD -
9
XM$30 No Deposit Bonus When You Register A Real Account
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$50.01 Lots1:1000ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, IFSCCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Thematic Indices, Precious Metals, EnergiesMT4, MT5, TradingCentralCredit Card, Debit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Wire Transfer, Perfect Money, Apple Pay, Google Wallet, TransferWise, Visa, M-PesaUSD, EUR, GBP, JPY -
10
Eightcap
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$1000.01 Lots1:500ASIC, FCA, CySEC, SCBCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, CryptoMT4, MT5, TradingViewNeteller, Skrill, Visa, UnionPay, Credit Card, Debit Card, Bitcoin Payments, Wire Transfer, FasaPay, BPAY, PayPal, Dragonpay, PIX PaymentUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD
Here is a short summary of why we think each broker belongs in this top list:
- InstaForex - InstaForex is a forex and CFD broker founded in 2007. The broker offers diverse market coverage to millions of clients, spanning traditional assets like currencies and shares, as well as other interesting opportunities such as IPOs.
- IC Markets - IC Markets is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker known for its excellent pricing, comprehensive range of trading instruments, and premium trading technology. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Australia, the brokerage is regulated by the ASIC, CySEC and FSA, and has attracted more than 180,000 clients from over 200 countries.
- Moneta Markets - Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, Moneta Markets offers over 1000 instruments for short-term trading. New traders can choose between STP and ECN accounts while the smooth sign-up process has helped attract 70,000 registered traders.
- AvaTrade - Established in 2006, AvaTrade is a leading forex and CFD broker trusted by over 400,000 traders. Operating under regulation in 9 jurisdictions, AvaTrade processes an impressive 2+ million trades each month. Through like MT4, MT5, and its proprietary WebTrader, the broker provides a growing selection of 1,250+ instruments. Whether it’s CFDs, AvaOptions, or the more recent AvaFutures, short-term traders at all levels will find opportunities. With terrific education and 24/5 multilingual customer support, AvaTrade delivers the complete trading experience.
- InstaTrade - InstaTrade, based in the British Virgin Islands, is an online broker specializing in fixed income structured products and active trading through CFDs. Its zero-spread accounts, excellent research notably through InstaTrade TV, and access to the popular MT4 alongside its own web-accessible InstaTrade Gear, make it an attractive option for short-term traders at every level.
- Deriv - Established in 1999, Deriv is an innovative broker now serving over 2.5 million global clients. The firm offers CFDs, multipliers and more recently accumulators, alongside its proprietary derived products which can't be found elsewhere, providing flexible short-term trading opportunities.
- Exness - Established in 2008, Exness has maintained its position as a highly respected broker, standing out with its industry-leading range of 40+ account currencies, growing selection of CFD instruments, and intuitive web platform complete with useful extras like currency convertors and trading calculators.
- Pepperstone - Established in Australia in 2010, Pepperstone is a top-rated forex and CFD broker with over 400,000 clients worldwide. It offers access to 1,300+ instruments on leading platforms MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView, maintaining low, transparent fees. Pepperstone is also regulated by trusted authorities like the FCA, ASIC, and CySEC, ensuring a secure environment for day traders at all levels.
- XM - XM is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker with 10+ million clients in 190+ countries. Since 2009, this trusted broker has been delivering low trading fees across its growing roster of 1000+ instruments. It’s also highly regulated, including by ASIC and CySEC and offers a comprehensive MetaTrader experience.
- Eightcap - Eightcap is a multi-regulated forex and CFD broker established in Australia in 2009. The broker has proven popular with active day traders, providing 800+ instruments with tight spreads and notable improvements in recent years, integrating the leading TradingView platform, alongside AI-powered financial calendars and algo trading tools with zero coding experience required.
Best Day Trading Platforms and Brokers in China 2024 Comparison
| Broker | Minimum Deposit | Markets | Platforms | Leverage | Regulator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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$1 | Currencies, Cryptocurrencies, Stocks, Indices, Metals, Oil and Gas, Commodity Futures and InstaFutures | MT4, MT5 | 1:1000 | BVI FSC |
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$200 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade | 1:1000 | ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA |
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$50 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto | AppTrader, ProTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingCentral | 1:1000 | ASIC, FSCA, FSA |
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$100 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, Futures | WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade | 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro) | ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM, CIRO, AFM |
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$1 | FISP, CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos, Futures | InstaTrade Gear, MT4 | 1:1000 | BVI FSC |
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$5 | CFDs, Multipliers, Accumulators, Synthetic Indices, Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, ETFs | Deriv Trader, Deriv X, Deriv Go, MT5, cTrader, TradingView | 1:1000 | MFSA, LFSA, BVIFSC, VFSC, FSC, SVGFSA |
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$10 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto | Exness Trade App, Exness Terminal, MT4, MT5, TradingCentral | 1:Unlimited | CySEC, FCA, FSCA, CMA, FSA, CBCS, BVIFSC, FSC |
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$0 | CFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto, Spread Betting | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) | FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB |
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$5 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Thematic Indices, Precious Metals, Energies | MT4, MT5, TradingCentral | 1:1000 | ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, IFSC |
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$100 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto | MT4, MT5, TradingView | 1:500 | ASIC, FCA, CySEC, SCB |
InstaForex
"InstaForex maintains its position as a top forex broker, with more currency products than most rivals. The tight spreads and low minimum deposits make it accessible to all experience levels, especially those familiar with the MT4 and MT5 platforms."
William Berg, Reviewer
InstaForex Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | Choose between: Club Bonus, 30 %, 55 % and 100 % bonuses |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | Currencies, Cryptocurrencies, Stocks, Indices, Metals, Oil and Gas, Commodity Futures and InstaFutures |
| Regulator | BVI FSC |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5 |
| Minimum Deposit | $1 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.10 of the lot (0.0001 of market lot for Cent.Standard and Cent.Eurica) |
| Leverage | 1:1000 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, PLN, CZK |
Pros
- The broker is accessible for beginners, with low minimum deposits and zero-commission trading available.
- The broker is a particularly good pick for serious forex traders, with over 100 currency pairs, tight spreads from 0.0 pips and a market-leading selection of curated forex market resources
- InstaForex delivers a superb day trading environment, with the powerful MT4 and MT5 platforms offering dozens of technical analysis tools, automation capabilities and multiple order types
Cons
- Customer support is available only in EN, CZ, PL, and SK.
- The broker provides trading instruments only in the form of CFDs.
- The broker’s website and client cabinet feel outdated and difficult to navigate for newcomers
IC Markets
"IC Markets offers superior pricing, exceptionally fast execution and seamless deposits. The introduction of advanced charting platforms, notably TradingView, and the Raw Trader Plus account, ensures it remains a top choice for intermediate to advanced day traders."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
IC Markets Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto |
| Regulator | ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade |
| Minimum Deposit | $200 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:1000 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- IC Markets offers among the tightest spreads in the industry, with 0.0-pip spreads on major currency pairs, making it especially cost-effective for day traders.
- IC Markets offers fast and dependable 24/5 support based on firsthand experience, particularly when it comes to accounts and funding issues.
- As a tightly regulated and widely respected broker, IC Markets prioritizes client security and transparency, helping to ensure a reliable trading experience globally.
Cons
- While IC Markets offers a selection of metals and cryptos for trading via CFDs, the range is not as extensive as brokers like eToro, limiting opportunities for traders interested in these asset classes.
- Interest isn't paid on unused cash, an increasingly popular feature found at alternatives like Interactive Brokers.
- The breadth and depth of tutorials, webinars and educational resources still need work, trailing alternatives like CMC Markets and reducing its suitability for beginners.
Moneta Markets
"With ECN pricing featuring spreads from 0 and commissions from $1, high leverage of up to 1:1000, and the terrific ProTrader charting platform, Moneta Markets is an excellent broker for experienced day traders."
Moneta Markets Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 50% Cashback Bonus, Free VPS |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto |
| Regulator | ASIC, FSCA, FSA |
| Platforms | AppTrader, ProTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingCentral |
| Minimum Deposit | $50 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:1000 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, NZD, JPY, HKD, SGD, BRL |
Pros
- Moneta Markets makes account funding a breeze, with plenty of account currencies, zero transfer fees and a wide selection of traditional, digital and now crypto-backed payment methods.
- Moneta Markets supports a growing suite of 1000+ tradable assets, with a particularly strong selection of commodities and more recently fresh index CFDs.
- The broker offers competitive leverage rates of up to 1:1000, allowing experienced day traders to amplify their positions and potentially increase their returns.
Cons
- While trading costs are generally competitive, index CFDs feature fairly high spreads especially on US products like the S&P 500, trailing IC Markets during testing.
- Although regulated by the ASIC, trading through the Seychelles-based entity may result in limited regulatory protections while Moneta Markets’ short track also means it hasn’t earned the reputation of the safest brokers.
- Clients need an account balance of at least $500 to access educational materials, a serious drawback for beginners who can get free materials from brokers like IG and eToro.
AvaTrade
"AvaTrade offers active traders everything they need: an intuitive WebTrader, powerful AvaProtect risk management, a smooth 5-minute sign-up process, and dependable support you can rely on in fast-moving markets."
AvaTrade Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 20% Welcome Bonus up to $10,000 |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, Futures |
| Regulator | ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM, CIRO, AFM |
| Platforms | WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro) |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD |
Pros
- AvaTrade continues to enhance its suite of products, recently through AvaFutures, providing an alternative vehicle to speculate on over 35 markets with low day trading margins.
- Support at AvaTrade performed excellently during testing, with response times of 3 minutes and localized support in major trading jurisdictions, including the UK, Europe and the Middle East.
- Years on, AvaTrade remains one of the few brokers offering a bespoke risk management tool, AvaProtect, that insures losses up to $1M for a fee and is easy to activate on the platform.
Cons
- AvaTrade’s WebTrader has improved, but work is still needed in terms of customizability – frustratingly widgets like market watch and watchlists can’t be hidden, moved, or resized.
- While signing up is a breeze, AvaTrade lacks an ECN account like Pepperstone or IC Markets, which provides the raw spreads and ultra-fast execution many day traders are looking for.
- Although the deposit process itself is smooth, AvaTrade still doesn’t facilitate crypto payments, a feature increasingly offered by brokers like TopFX, which caters to crypto-focused traders.
InstaTrade
"Although InstaTrade offers active trading on a comprehensive platform, it stands out with its fairly unique Fixed Income Structured Product (FISP), providing passive investment opportunities with up to 50% returns in 6 months if conditions are met. "
InstaTrade Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | FISP, CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos, Futures |
| Regulator | BVI FSC |
| Platforms | InstaTrade Gear, MT4 |
| Minimum Deposit | $1 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 |
| Leverage | 1:1000 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, RUB |
Pros
- VPS hosting caters to algo trading strategies with a dedicated physical server providing rapid execution speeds as low as 9 milliseconds.
- Despite an average investment offering of around 300 assets, InstaTrade offers a particularly strong suite of currency pairs, catering to advanced traders seeking opportunities in volatile exotics.
- InstaTrade delivers an excellent suite of charting tools for day traders with its web trader comprising 250+ indicators, 11 chart types and a user-friendly design.
Cons
- Marketing of the FISP, especially phrasing around the “guarantee of profitability” and the “elimination of risks of trading on financial markets” raises concerns.
- InstaTrade sports one of the most cluttered websites and client cabinets in the industry, potentially overwhelming new traders, especially compared to XTB’s intuitive trading journey and resources.
- Profits are only guaranteed in the FISP if investors do not reach the 50% profit level and attract other users with a total sum of $4 for each dollar in compensation.
Deriv
"Deriv is ideal for active traders seeking alternative and unique ways to speculate on global financial markets, from multipliers and accumulator options to its bespoke synthetic indices, which mimic real market movements and are available 24/7, allowing for continuous trading opportunities regardless of market hours."
Deriv Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | CFDs, Multipliers, Accumulators, Synthetic Indices, Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, ETFs |
| Regulator | MFSA, LFSA, BVIFSC, VFSC, FSC, SVGFSA |
| Platforms | Deriv Trader, Deriv X, Deriv Go, MT5, cTrader, TradingView |
| Minimum Deposit | $5 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:1000 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP |
Pros
- Account funding is a breeze with a very low minimum deposit of $5 and a huge selection of payment options, plus Tether was added to the cashier in 2023.
- Deriv stands out with its innovative products, from multipliers and derived indices to its addition of accumulator options, providing exclusive short-term trading opportunities.
- After integrating TradingView and adding MT5 web trader, Deriv now offers a first-class selection of charting tools across desktop, web and mobile devices.
Cons
- Although there’s a basic blog, there's little in terms of technical analysis or market reports which could help active traders identify potential opportunities.
- Leverage up to 1:1000 will appeal to traders with a large risk appetite but frustratingly there is no ability to flex the leverage in the account area.
- While the Academy launched in 2021 is a step in the right direction, there is limited education on advanced trading topics for seasoned traders and no live webinars to upskill new traders.
Exness
"After slashing its spreads, improving its execution speeds and support trading on over 100 currency pairs with more than 40 account currencies to choose from, Exness is a fantastic option for active forex traders looking to minimize trading costs."
Exness Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto |
| Regulator | CySEC, FCA, FSCA, CMA, FSA, CBCS, BVIFSC, FSC |
| Platforms | Exness Trade App, Exness Terminal, MT4, MT5, TradingCentral |
| Minimum Deposit | $10 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:Unlimited |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, INR, JPY, ZAR, MYR, IDR, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD, AED, SAR, HUF, BRL, NGN, THB, VND, UAH, KWD, QAR, KRW, MXN, KES, CNY |
Pros
- Exness Terminal offers a streamlined experience for beginners with dynamic charts while setting up watchlists is a breeze.
- Improved execution speeds, now averaging under 25ms, offer optimal conditions for short-term traders.
- Exness was the first brokerage to pass the $1 trillion and $2 trillion marks in monthly trading volumes, highlighting its legitimacy.
Cons
- Apart from a mediocre blog, educational resources are woeful, especially compared to category leaders like IG which provide a more complete trading journey for newer traders.
- Exness has expanded its range of CFDs and added a copy trading feature, but there are still no real assets such as ETFs, cryptocurrencies or bonds
- MetaTrader 4 and 5 are supported, but TradingView and cTrader still aren’t despite rising demand from active traders and integration at alternatives like Pepperstone.
Pepperstone
"Pepperstone stands out as a top choice for day trading, offering razor-sharp spreads, ultra-fast execution, and advanced charting platforms for experienced traders. New traders are also welcomed with no minimum deposit, extensive educational resources, and exceptional 24/7 support."
Pepperstone Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto, Spread Betting |
| Regulator | FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- Pepperstone emerges as a low-cost broker, especially for serious day traders with spreads from 0.0 in the Razor account and rebates of 25%+ through the Active Trader program.
- Award-winning customer support is available via telephone, email or live chat with response times of <5 minutes during testing.
- There’s support for a range of industry-leading charting platforms including MT4, MT5, TradingView, and cTrader, catering to various short-term trading styles, including algo trading.
Cons
- Despite enhancements to its range of markets, crypto offerings are relatively limited compared to other brokers such as eToro, with no option to invest in real coins.
- Pepperstone does not support cTrader Copy, a popular copy trading feature built into the excellent cTrader platform and available at alternatives like IC Markets, though it has introduced an intuitive copy trading app.
- Pepperstone’s demo accounts are active for only 30 days, which may not be not long enough to familiarize yourself with the different platforms and test trading strategies.
XM
"With a low $5 minimum deposit, advanced charting platforms in MT4 and MT5, expanding range of markets, and a Zero account offering spreads from 0.0, XM provides all the essentials for active traders, even earning our ‘Best MT4/MT5 Broker’ award in recent years."
XM Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | $30 No Deposit Bonus When You Register A Real Account |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Thematic Indices, Precious Metals, Energies |
| Regulator | ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, IFSC |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingCentral |
| Minimum Deposit | $5 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:1000 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, JPY |
Pros
- XM’s growing roster of 1,000+ instruments provides diverse short-term trading opportunities, with unique turbo stocks, fractional shares, and more recently thematic indices.
- XM stands out for its commitment to trader education, with a wealth of well-presented resources, including webinars, tutorials, and even real-time trading sessions through XM Live.
- XM’s Zero account is ideal for day trading with spreads from 0.0 pips, 99.35% of orders executed in <1 second, and no requotes or rejections.
Cons
- Although trusted and generally well-regulated, the XM global entity is registered with the weak IFSC regulator and UK clients are no longer accepted, reducing its market reach.
- While the XM app stands out for its usability and exclusive copy trading products, the selection of technical analysis tools needs to be improved to meet the needs of advanced traders.
- XM is falling behind the curve by not offering cTrader and TradingView which are increasingly being favored over MetaTrader for their smoother user experience and superior charting packages.
Eightcap
"Eightcap delivers in every area for day traders with a growing selection of charting platforms, education via Labs, and AI-powered tools. Now sporting 120+ crypto CFDs, it's also become a stand-out choice for crypto trading, winning our 'Best Crypto Broker' award two years in a row."
Eightcap Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto |
| Regulator | ASIC, FCA, CySEC, SCB |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingView |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:500 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD |
Pros
- After bolstering its roster in 2021, Eightcap offers one of the most extensive selections of cryptocurrency CFDs in the market, with crypto/fiat pairs, crypto/crypto pairs, plus crypto indices for broader exposure to the market.
- Having excelled across all key areas for day traders, Eightcap outperformed every competitor to win our 'Best Overall Broker' award for 2024, also securing our 'Best Crypto Broker' title.
- With tight spreads from 0 pips, low commission fees, and high leverage up to 1:500 for certain clients, Eightcap provides cost-effective and flexible trading conditions that can accommodate an array of strategies, including day trading and scalping.
Cons
- The demo account expires after 30 days and can only be extended upon request - a notable inconvenience compared to the likes of XM with its unlimited demo mode.
- In spite of an increasing variety of tools, Eightcap doesn't offer industry favorites like Autochartist or Trading Central, which offer cutting-edge charting analytics, live news, and market insights for short-term traders.
- Despite a useful library of educational guides and e-books in Labs, Eightcap still trails IG’s comprehensive toolkit for aspiring traders with its dedicated IG Academy app and 18 course categories.
Methodology
To uncover the best day trading brokers in China, we searched our database of 216 online platforms and narrowed it down to all those that accept Chinese traders.
We then ranked them by their overall score, leveraging 100+ data points and findings from our in-depth assessments.
- We ensured each broker accepts Chinese day traders.
- We only recommended trusted and regulated brokers.
- We prioritized brokers with a wide range of markets.
- We favored brokers with competitive day trading fees.
- We checked for a range of charting tools for technical analysis.
- We assessed each broker’s leverage and margin requirements.
- We investigated each broker’s execution speed and quality.
- We made sure each broker offers convenient account funding
How To Choose A Day Trading Broker In China
Our years in the industry have shown that there are several important factors to consider when choosing a broker:
Choose A Trustworthy Broker
A trusted brokerage will be regulated by a credible authority and provide a secure environment to help protect you from trading scams.
Unfortunately, trading scams are prevalent in China, with the infamous ‘Pig Butchering’ operation sweeping through Asia in recent years. As reported by CNN, this is a “type of confidence fraud in which victims are lured by scammers often impersonating young women on the internet. The scammers then spend weeks building a relationship with their victim, introducing them to cryptocurrency and encouraging them to invest on a fake platform.”
That’s why day trading with a regulated broker is crucial if you want peace of mind and security. The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) oversees domestic financial markets.
Some overseas brokers also accept Chinese traders, though it’s important to check for any legal restrictions before signing up.
If you do opt for this route, it’s advisable to select a broker authorized by a ‘green tier’ regulator, such as the UK’s FCA. We also recommend picking a broker with a long, clean track record.
- AvaTrade maintains a top spot in our trust ratings, with licenses from multiple green tier authorities including Australia’s ASIC and Japan’s FSA. It’s also upheld an excellent track record since 2006 and safeguards client accounts with negative balance protection and its own AvaProtect feature.
Choose A Broker With Diverse Market Coverage
Day traders may be interested in a range of asset classes, typically traded via short-term products like contracts for difference (CFDs).
For Chinese traders, exotic currency pairs involving the Chinese yuan renminbi (CNY or CNH in the offshore market) such as the USD/CNH, exhibit significant volatility that can make them attractive to short-term trading strategies.
You may also be interested in Chinese shares listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE), such as Kweichow Moutai Co and PetroChina.
Additionally, as the world’s number one exporter of goods, China offers opportunities to speculate on prominent commodities, such as oil, iron ore and aluminium.
- Pepperstone offers a superb range of regional markets for Chinese day traders, including the USD/CNH currency pair, shares listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX), and a range of local indices and ETFs, notably the Hang Seng China 50 Index and the iShares China 25 ETF.
Choose A Broker With Excellent Pricing
Low brokerage fees are important if you’re actively trading, as transaction costs can accumulate quickly.
That’s why we assess spreads and commissions on popular assets, the most common day trading fees. We also consider non-trading fees such as deposit and withdrawal charges, plus conversion costs if transferring Chinese yuan.
- Moneta Markets continues to deliver some of the best pricing in the industry, with ultra-low spreads from 0.3 on USD/CNH and 0.6 on the China 50 Index. For no additional fee, you also get access to an intuitive economic calendar where you can filter economic events in China.
Choose A Broker With Reliable Charting Platforms
Short-term traders require a stable charting environment to build strategies and execute trades.
Crucially, the best charting platforms are user-friendly, easy to navigate and deliver a wide range of technical tools.
Popular options include MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, which have pioneered online trading software since 2005. However, more contemporary options like cTrader and TradingView stand out for their sleeker designs, with limited compromises in terms of quality and features.
I particularly love that you can view chart patterns from Autochartist directly in the cTrader workspace alongside your chosen asset. For example, I was able to seamlessly analyze potential opportunities in the HK50 Index, as can be seen below.
- IC Markets offers a superb selection of platforms to suit all experience levels and strategies, including MT4, cTrader and TradingView. You can also access superior tools, including IC Insights, which I’ve used to view market research on NASDAQ-listed Chinese stocks, such as China Xiangtai Food Co.
Choose A Broker With Clear Leverage Requirements
Leverage is a key component of many day trading strategies, allowing you to magnify your gains while only putting down a small deposit (margin).
Let’s say I want to speculate on PetroChina shares with leverage of 1:5, this means that my gains from a 500 CNH deposit would multiply x5, to 2,500 CNH.
That said, leverage can also contribute to significant losses, so understand your broker’s margin requirements upfront and take a proactive approach to risk management.
- XM offers leverage up to 1:1000 for highly experienced investors, although leverage on USD/CNH is capped at 1:50. Margin requirements are clearly articulated upfront, for example, the China 50 Index requires a minimum margin of 0.4%. I also recommend using the broker’s handy margin calculator to work out what you need for each trade.
Choose A Broker With Fast Execution
Successful day trading requires reliable order execution, ensuring that positions are filled quickly and at the desired price.
We examine brokers’ execution data where possible, including speeds (ideally meeting our <100-millisecond benchmark).
We also take into account latency and slippage rates – the measures of time delay and price difference per order executed, respectively.
- FOREX.com consistently delivers ultra-fast execution speeds averaging 50 milliseconds, with 100% of trades successfully executed at the requested price or better on the MT4 platform. This makes it an excellent option if you want to day trade fast-moving markets such as USD/CNH, AUD/CNH, EUR/NCH, and CNH/JPY (all available at FOREX.com).
Choose A Broker With Convenient Account Funding
You can usually open a day trading account with less than 250 USD (approximately 1,810 CNY), though some brokers let you sign up with no minimum.
Having access to convenient local payment methods can also help keep transaction costs and processing times down.
According to research by Adyen, 92% of Chinese consumers use Alipay and WeChat Pay as their primary funding methods, while Union Pay is a prominent card solution. These are offered by various day trading platforms, as firms look to attract Chinese traders.
- RoboForex is a great option for budget traders with its $10 minimum deposit. It also offers a vast selection of payment methods, including leading payment solutions in China, WeChat Pay and Alipay.
FAQ
Who Regulates Day Trading Platforms In China?
The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) regulates the financial markets in China, including participants like online trading platforms.
We recommend checking the latest rules and regulations from the Chinese government before choosing a broker, as there may be restrictions on using international platforms in certain instances.
Which Is The Best Broker That Accepts Day Traders In China?
See our list of the best day trading platforms in China to find a suitable option for your needs.
For example, Pepperstone offers a great range of Chinese markets, from CNH currency pairs to Chinese ETFs, while RoboForex is a top pick for those looking for hassle-free account funding using Chinese payment solutions like Alipay.
Recommended Reading
Article Sources
- National Financial Regulatory Administration (NFRA)
- Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE)
- Chinese Trading Scam - CNN
- China Economy - OEC
- Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX)
- People's Bank of China
- Payment Methods In China - Adyen
The writing and editorial team at DayTrading.com use credible sources to support their work. These include government agencies, white papers, research institutes, and engagement with industry professionals. Content is written free from bias and is fact-checked where appropriate. Learn more about why you can trust DayTrading.com