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:
-
1Moneta Markets50% Cashback Bonus, Free VPS
Ratings
$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 -
2IC Markets
Ratings
$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 -
3AvaTrade20% Welcome Bonus up to $10,000
Ratings
$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 -
4Deriv
Ratings
$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 -
5Exness
Ratings
$100.01 Lots1:2000CySEC, 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 -
6PepperstoneCFDs 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
$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 -
7XM$30 No Deposit Bonus When You Register A Real Account
Ratings
$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 -
8Eightcap
Ratings
$1000.01 Lots1:500ASIC, FCA, CySEC, SCB, CNMVCFDs, 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 -
9RoboForex$30 No Deposit BonusRoboForex Ltd and its affiliates do not target EU/EEA/UK clients. Please be aware that you are able to receive investment services from a third-country firm at your own exclusive initiative only, taking all the risks involved.
Ratings
$100.01 Lots1:2000IFSCCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, FuturesR StocksTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingViewVisa, iDeal, Trustly, Neteller, Skrill, Giropay, Sofort, Wire Transfer, Rapid Transfer, Alipay, POLi, Perfect Money, MoneyGram, Cashu, SafeCharge, WeChat Pay, Vietcombank Transfer, Volet, ecoPayz, AstroPayUSD, EUR -
10eToro51% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading with this provider. eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.
Ratings
$100$10FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSA, FSRA, MFSA, CNMV, AMFCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, ETFs, Smart Portfolios, Commodities, Futures, Crypto, NFTseToro Web, CopyTrader, TradingCentralVisa, Skrill, Neteller, Wire Transfer, Rapid Transfer, Swift, Debit Card, iDeal, Klarna, Sofort, Trustly, Przelewy24USD, EUR, GBP
Here is a short summary of why we think each broker belongs in this top list:
- 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.
- 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.
- AvaTrade - AvaTrade is a leading forex and CFD broker, established in 2006 and regulated across 9 jurisdictions. Over 400,000 users have signed up with the broker which processes over 2 million trades each month. The firm offers multiple trading platforms, including MT4, MT5, and a proprietary WebTrader. 1250+ financial instruments are available for day trading, from CFDs to AvaOptions and now AvaFutures, alongside a comprehensive education center and multilingual customer support.
- 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.
- RoboForex - RoboForex is an online broker, established in 2009 and registered with the IFSC in Belize. Traders can choose from five accounts (Prime, ECN, R StocksTrader, ProCent, Pro) catering to different needs with trades from 0.01 lots and spreads from 0 pips. RoboForex has also enhanced its offering over the years, adding CFD instruments and launching its stock trading platform, plus the CopyFX system.
- eToro - eToro is a top-rated multi-asset platform which offers trading services in thousands of CFDs, stocks and cryptoassets. Launched in 2007, the brand has millions of active traders globally and is authorized by tier one regulators, including the FCA and CySEC. The brand is particularly popular for its comprehensive social trading platform. Cryptoasset investing is highly volatile and unregulated in the UK and some EU countries. No consumer protection. Tax on profits may apply. 51% of retail CFD accounts lose money.
Best Day Trading Platforms and Brokers in China 2024 Comparison
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."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
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
- Registering for an account with Moneta Markets is quick and easy through the digital sign-up process, taking just a few minutes with an accessible $50 minimum deposit.
- 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.
- 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
- Whilst TradingView-backed ProTrader is intuitive, there are limitations compared to the full TradingView platform, notably time frames lack seconds or ranges, and community scripts can’t be added.
- 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.
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
- As a tightly regulated and widely respected broker, IC Markets prioritizes client security and transparency, helping to ensure a reliable trading experience globally.
- You have access to over 2,250 CFDs across various markets, including forex, commodities, indices, stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies, allowing for diversified trading strategies.
- IC Markets offers fast and dependable 24/5 support based on firsthand experience, particularly when it comes to accounts and funding issues.
Cons
- There are fees for certain withdrawal methods, including a $20 wire charge, which can eat into profits, especially for frequent withdrawals.
- 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.
- The breadth and depth of tutorials, webinars and educational resources still need work, trailing alternatives like CMC Markets and reducing its suitability for beginners.
AvaTrade
"AvaTrade offers the full package for short-term traders. There is powerful charting software, reliable execution, transparent fees, and fast account opening with a low minimum deposit."
Jemma Grist, Reviewer
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
- WebTrader is well-suited to beginners and features a strong suite of technical analysis tools and market research for day traders
- Day traders can access stable spreads and zero commissions with no hidden fees
- Recently introduced AvaFutures offers an alternative vehicle to speculate on over 35 markets with low day trading margins
Cons
- It’s a shame that there are no rebate schemes for serious traders looking for additional perks - CMC Markets would be a better choice here
- There’s an above-average $50 inactivity fee after three months, though this won't impact active day traders
- A high $2000 minimum investment is required to use DupliTrade, which will be out of reach for many beginners
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."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
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
- After integrating TradingView and adding MT5 web trader, Deriv now offers a first-class selection of charting tools across desktop, web and mobile devices.
- Deriv stands out with its innovative products, from multipliers and derived indices to its addition of accumulator options, providing exclusive short-term trading opportunities.
- Although response times trail alternatives in our personal experience, Deriv offers 24/7 support and is one of the few brokers to offer WhatsApp assistance.
Cons
- 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.
- Apart from the MFSA in the EU, Deriv lacks top-tier regulatory credentials, reducing the level of safeguards like access to investor compensation.
- 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."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
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 | 1:2000 |
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 was the first brokerage to pass the $1 trillion and $2 trillion marks in monthly trading volumes, highlighting its legitimacy.
- Highly competitive spreads, reduced for USOIL and BTCUSD in 2024, are available from 0 pips with low commissions from $2 per side.
- Excellent range of account types for all experience levels, including Cent, Pro plus the introduction of Raw Spread, ideal for day traders.
Cons
- 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.
- Retail trading services are unavailable in certain jurisdictions, such as the US and the UK, limiting accessibility compared to top-tier brokers like Interactive Brokers.
- 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
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."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
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.
- Pepperstone boasts impressive execution speeds, averaging around 30ms, facilitating fast order processing and execution that’s ideal for day trading.
Cons
- 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.
- 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.
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."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
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 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.
- 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.
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."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
Eightcap Quick Facts
Demo Account | Yes |
---|---|
Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto |
Regulator | ASIC, FCA, CySEC, SCB, CNMV |
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
- 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.
- Eightcap stands out with a selection of powerful trading tools and resources, including MT4 and MT5, the innovative algorithmic trading platform Capitalise.ai, and more recently the 50-million strong social trading network TradingView.
- 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.
Cons
- 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.
- Eightcap needs to continue bolstering its suite of instruments to match category leaders like Blackbull Markets with its 26,000+ assets, featuring a particularly weak selection of commodities.
- 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.
RoboForex
"RoboForex is great if you want a vast range of 12,000+ day trading markets with ECN accounts, powerful charting and loyalty promotions. It also stands out for stock traders with its user-friendly R StocksTrader platform, featuring 3,000+ shares, fees from $0.01 and sophisticated watchlists."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
RoboForex Quick Facts
Bonus Offer | $30 No Deposit Bonus |
---|---|
Demo Account | Yes |
Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures |
Regulator | IFSC |
Platforms | R StocksTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView |
Minimum Deposit | $10 |
Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
Leverage | 1:2000 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR |
Pros
- The broker offers two commission-free withdrawals each month in the Free Funds Withdrawal program, helping day traders to minimize transaction costs.
- RoboForex offers over 12,000 instruments, providing more short-term trading opportunities than the vast majority of online brokers, with forex, stocks, indices, ETFs, commodities, and futures.
- The R Stocks Trader platform rivals leading solutions like MT4, with netting and hedging capabilities, comprehensive backtesting, Level II pricing, and a flexible workspace.
Cons
- RoboForex now restricts base currency options to USD and EUR. This limitation may inconvenience day traders preferring to manage their accounts in other currencies, while potentially leading to conversion fees.
- Despite 15+ years in the industry and registering with the Financial Commission, RoboForex is authorized by one ‘Red-Tier’ regulator – the IFSC in Belize, lowering the level of regulatory protections for traders.
- RoboForex provides a variety of account types, which, while offering flexibility, can be overwhelming for newer traders trying to choose the most suitable option for their trading style. Alternatives, notably eToro, provide a smoother entry into online trading with one retail account.
eToro
"eToro's social trading platform leads the pack with a terrific user experience and active community chat that can help beginners find opportunities. There are also competitive fees on thousands of CFDs and real stocks, plus excellent rewards for experienced strategy providers."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
eToro Quick Facts
Demo Account | Yes |
---|---|
Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, ETFs, Smart Portfolios, Commodities, Futures, Crypto, NFTs |
Regulator | FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSA, FSRA, MFSA, CNMV, AMF |
Platforms | eToro Web, CopyTrader, TradingCentral |
Minimum Deposit | $100 |
Minimum Trade | $10 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP |
Pros
- eToro has bolstered its investment offering, most recently with new crypto assets, now offering over 90 digital currencies
- There's a comprehensive online training academy with accessible resources, from bitesize articles to comprehensive courses
- Charts are powered by TradingView and offer strong technical analysis features, including 9 chart types and over 100 indicators
Cons
- Traders will face currency conversion fees for account denominations other than USD
- There are no guaranteed stop loss orders which would be a useful risk management feature for beginners
- There is a $30 minimum withdrawal amount and a $5 fee, which will affect novices with low capital
Methodology
To uncover the best day trading brokers in China, we searched our database of 265 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