Best Day Trading Platforms and Brokers in China 2025




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 6 Platforms For Day Trading In China
Following our first-hand evaluations, these 6 trading platforms stand out as the best for Chinese day traders:
Here is a short overview of each broker's pros and cons
- 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 - 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.
- XM - XM is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker with 15+ 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Best Day Trading Platforms and Brokers in China 2025 Comparison
Broker | Minimum Deposit | Markets | Platforms | Leverage | Regulator |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Moneta Markets | $50 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto | AppTrader, ProTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingCentral | 1:1000 | ASIC, FSCA, FSA |
IC Markets | $200 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade, Quantower | 1:1000 | ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA |
AvaTrade | $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 |
XM | $5 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Thematic Indices, Precious Metals, Energies | MT4, MT5, TradingCentral | 1:1000 | ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, IFSC |
InstaTrade | $1 | FISP, CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos, Futures | InstaTrade Gear, MT4 | 1:1000 | BVI FSC |
Exness | $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, JSC |
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
- The intuitive ProTrader web platform, powered by TradingView, performed brilliantly during testing, enabling trading directly from charts, plus the easy modification of orders using drag-and-drop functionality.
- Moneta Markets supports a growing suite of 1000+ tradable assets, with a particularly strong selection of commodities and more recently fresh index CFDs.
- 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.
Cons
- 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.
- The best pricing is reserved for traders who deposit $20,000 for the ECN Ultra account, putting it out of reach for most retail investors.
- 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, Quantower |
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.
- IC Markets offers fast and dependable 24/5 support based on firsthand experience, particularly when it comes to accounts and funding issues.
- IC Markets secured DayTrading.com's 'Best MT4/MT5 Broker' in 2025 for its seamless, industry-leading MetaTrader integration, refined over years to maximize the platform experience.
Cons
- There are fees for certain withdrawal methods, including a $20 wire charge, which can eat into profits, especially for frequent withdrawals.
- The breadth and depth of tutorials, webinars and educational resources still need work, trailing alternatives like CMC Markets and reducing its suitability for beginners.
- Interest isn't paid on unused cash, an increasingly popular feature found at alternatives like Interactive Brokers.
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."
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
- AvaTrade launched AvaFutures to offer low-margin access to global markets, then expanded further in 2025 as one of the first brokers to add CME’s Micro Grain Futures - financially settled contracts at 1/10th the size of standard contracts for key commodities like corn, wheat, and soybeans.
- 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.
- The WebTrader excelled in our hands-on tests, sporting a user-friendly interface for beginners, complete with robust charting tools like 6 chart layouts and 60+ technical indicators.
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.
- The AvaSocial app is good but not great – the look and feel, plus the navigation between finding strategy providers and account management needs upgrading to rival category leaders like eToro.
- 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.
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’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’s customer support has delivered over years of testing, with 24/5 assistance in 25 languages, response times of <2 minutes and now a growing Telegram channel.
- 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.
Cons
- XM relies solely on the MetaTrader platforms for desktop trading, so there’s no in-house downloadable or web-accessible solution for a more beginner-friendly user experience with unique features.
- 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.
- 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.
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. "
Christian Harris, Reviewer
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
- InstaTrade TV, consisting of video interviews and valuable market insights spanning equities, cryptos and more, helps identify opportunities and inform short-term trades.
- 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.
- VPS hosting caters to algo trading strategies with a dedicated physical server providing rapid execution speeds as low as 9 milliseconds.
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.
- InstaTrade’s growing educational tools provide valuable information for aspiring traders, but still trail category leaders like eToro with no structured course based on experience level.
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, JSC |
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
- Excellent range of account types for all experience levels, including Cent, Pro plus the introduction of Raw Spread, ideal for day traders.
- Highly competitive spreads, reduced for USOIL and BTCUSD in 2024, are available from 0 pips with low commissions from $2 per side.
- Improved execution speeds, now averaging under 25ms, offer optimal conditions for short-term 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.
- 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.
Methodology
To uncover the best day trading brokers in China, we searched our database of 225 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