Which broker is better for Monaco traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Monaco traders seeking a reliable forex broker face a choice between two established names: Oanda (rated 3.6/5) and XM Group (rated 4.7/5). Both brokers are accessible from Monaco and cater to retail traders with USD-denominated accounts. However, they differ significantly in trading costs, platform features, and local payment support. Oanda, founded in 1996, is known for its robust trading tools and strong regulatory oversight, while XM Group, established in 2009, offers lower spreads, a wider range of deposit methods including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, and a more comprehensive local support infrastructure. For Monaco traders, the choice often depends on whether they prioritize advanced analytics or cost efficiency and seamless deposits. This comparison examines key factors—spreads, platforms, regulation, and payment methods—to help you decide which broker aligns with your trading style in the Principality.
| Instrument | Oanda | XM Group | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | XM Group |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | XM Group |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | XM Group |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | XM Group |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $0 | $5 | Oanda |
For Monaco traders, trading costs are a critical factor. XM Group offers competitive spreads starting from 0.6 pips on EUR/USD for its Standard account and 0.0 pips on its Ultra Low account, making it more affordable for high-volume traders. Oanda’s spreads start from 0.9 pips on its core account, with no commission on standard trades. Over a typical month of 100 round-turn lots, XM Group’s lower spreads could save Monaco traders $300 or more compared to Oanda. Additionally, XM Group charges no deposit or withdrawal fees for methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, while Oanda may apply bank transfer fees. For Monaco traders focused on minimizing costs, XM Group is the clear winner.
| Account Type | Oanda | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $0 | $5 |
| Entity / Asset | Oanda | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Monaco (offshore) | Up to 1:100 | Up to 1:1000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:100 | 1:1000 |
| 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 | Oanda | XM Group | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | Oanda |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | Oanda |
| Crypto CFDs | ✗ | 20+ | Oanda |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | XM Group |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | Oanda | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✓ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Monaco traders can choose between Oanda’s proprietary platform and XM Group’s MetaTrader 4 and 5. Oanda’s platform offers advanced charting, 70+ indicators, and a customizable interface, ideal for technical analysts. XM Group’s MT4/MT5 provide automated trading via Expert Advisors (EAs) and a broader range of order types, which suit algorithmic traders. Both platforms are available on desktop, web, and mobile. For Monaco traders who need fast execution and EA support, XM Group’s MT4/MT5 are preferable, while Oanda’s platform excels for manual traders who value in-depth analysis tools.
| Factor | Oanda | XM Group | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | XM Group |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | Oanda |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
XM Group boasts an average execution speed of 0.5 seconds with no requotes, thanks to its No Dealing Desk (NDD) model. Oanda uses a market maker model with execution speeds around 1-2 seconds, which may lead to slippage during volatile markets. For Monaco traders trading news events or scalping, XM Group’s faster execution and lower latency provide a clear advantage.
| Safety Factor | Oanda | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | ASIC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Oanda is regulated by multiple top-tier authorities including the FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), and CFTC (US), providing strong investor protection. XM Group is regulated by the CySEC (Cyprus), FCA (UK), and ASIC (Australia), with negative balance protection and investor compensation funds. For Monaco traders, neither broker is directly supervised by the local financial regulator, but both comply with international standards. XM Group’s CySEC regulation offers up to €20,000 compensation per client under the ICF, while Oanda’s FCA regulation provides FSCS protection up to £85,000. Monaco traders should verify which entity they are onboarded with to understand applicable protections.
| Payment Method | Oanda | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✗ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✗ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | 1 to 5 business days | Visa/Mastercard and e-wallets near-instant to 1-2 business days; bank wire several days |
Monaco traders can fund accounts at both brokers using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. XM Group processes deposits instantly for e-wallets and USDT TRC20, with no fees, and supports withdrawals via the same methods within 24 hours. Oanda also accepts these methods, but bank transfers may take 1-2 business days and incur fees of $10-$20. For withdrawals, XM Group offers faster processing (same day for e-wallets) compared to Oanda’s 1-3 business days. Both brokers allow Monaco traders to hold accounts in USD, avoiding conversion costs. USDT TRC20 deposits are particularly convenient for crypto-savvy traders, with XM Group offering a $5 minimum deposit and Oanda requiring $1 minimum.
| Islamic Account Feature | Oanda | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Oanda and XM Group offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Monaco traders who observe Sharia law. XM Group provides swap-free accounts on all account types (Standard, Ultra Low, and Shares) with no additional fees, making it accessible to all Muslim traders. Oanda offers swap-free accounts upon request, but they are limited to specific account types and may require a minimum deposit. Monaco traders should contact each broker’s support to confirm eligibility and any conditions. XM Group’s straightforward policy makes it the better choice for Islamic account holders.
| Support Feature | Oanda | XM Group | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | Oanda |
Monaco traders can access customer support from both brokers via live chat, email, and phone. XM Group offers 24/5 multilingual support with a dedicated team for French-speaking clients, which is beneficial for Monaco’s French-speaking population. Oanda provides 24/5 support in English and limited languages, with response times averaging 2-3 hours. XM Group also offers a comprehensive FAQ and educational resources in French, enhancing the local experience.
| Mobile Feature | Oanda | XM Group | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | Oanda |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | Oanda |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✓ | ✗ | Oanda |
| Resource | Oanda | XM Group | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | Oanda |
Choose Oanda if you...
Choose XM Group if you...
For Monaco traders, XM Group (4.7/5) is the superior choice over Oanda (3.6/5) due to its lower spreads, faster execution, and broader payment support including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. The ability to deposit and withdraw instantly with no fees, combined with French-language support and a clear Islamic account policy, makes XM Group more accessible and cost-effective for retail traders in Monaco. While Oanda offers robust regulation and advanced charting, its higher costs and limited local features make it less ideal for most Monaco-based traders. We recommend XM Group for its overall value and convenience.