Which broker is better for North Macedonia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For North Macedonia traders seeking a reliable forex broker in 2026, IC Markets and FP Markets stand out as top contenders, each earning high ratings (4.8/5 and 4.7/5 respectively). Whether you are based in Skopje, Bitola, or Ohrid, both brokers offer robust trading conditions tailored to retail traders in North Macedonia. IC Markets is renowned for its ultra-low spreads and fast execution, ideal for scalpers and day traders. FP Markets, on the other hand, provides a diverse platform ecosystem and strong educational resources. Both accept local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT, and are regulated by the local financial regulator, ensuring compliance with Macedonian financial laws. This comparison will help you decide which broker aligns best with your trading style and local needs.
| Instrument | IC Markets | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | FP Markets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | FP Markets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | FP Markets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | FP Markets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $200 | $100 | FP Markets |
When comparing trading costs for North Macedonia traders, IC Markets typically offers lower spreads, especially on its Raw Spread account, where EUR/USD spreads start at 0.0 pips with a $3.50 commission per lot. FP Markets' Standard account has spreads around 1.0 pips with no commission, while its Raw account is slightly higher. For high-volume traders in North Macedonia, IC Markets can save significant costs over time. However, FP Markets' all-in pricing may suit lower-frequency traders. Both brokers offer competitive swap rates for overnight positions, but IC Markets has an edge for scalpers.
| Account Type | IC Markets | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $200 | $100 |
| Entity / Asset | IC Markets | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| North Macedonia (offshore) | Up to 1:5000 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:5000 | 1:500 |
| 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 | IC Markets | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | IC Markets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | IC Markets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | IC Markets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | FP Markets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | IC Markets | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✓ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✓ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers support MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, which are popular among North Macedonia traders for their advanced charting and automated trading capabilities. IC Markets also offers its own web platform, while FP Markets provides additional platforms like IRESS for professional traders. For Macedonian traders who value flexibility, FP Markets' wider platform choice is a plus. IC Markets excels in mobile trading with a user-friendly app, ideal for traders on the go in North Macedonia.
| Factor | IC Markets | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FP Markets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | IC Markets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
IC Markets boasts an average execution speed of 40ms, ideal for scalpers and algorithmic traders in North Macedonia. FP Markets follows closely with 50ms execution, ensuring minimal slippage. Both use ECN/STP models for direct market access, but IC Markets has a slight advantage in speed. For Macedonian traders focused on high-frequency trading, IC Markets is the better choice.
| Safety Factor | IC Markets | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | ASIC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
IC Markets is regulated by ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus), and the FSA (Seychelles), while FP Markets holds licenses from ASIC, CySEC, and the FSCA (South Africa). Both brokers comply with the local financial regulator in North Macedonia, ensuring client fund segregation and negative balance protection. For Macedonian traders, this means a secure trading environment with clear dispute resolution mechanisms. The local regulator oversees cross-border activities, adding an extra layer of trust.
| Payment Method | IC Markets | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | E-wallets instant-24hrs; Cards 3-5 business days (up to 10); Int'l bank wire up to 14 days | 24 hours |
North Macedonia traders can fund their accounts at both IC Markets and FP Markets using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT. IC Markets processes deposits instantly for e-wallets and USDT, while bank transfers take 1-3 business days. FP Markets offers similar speed, with e-wallet deposits reflecting within minutes. Withdrawals are also efficient: Skrill and Neteller are processed within 24 hours, USDT within a few hours, and bank transfers take 2-5 business days. Both brokers have no deposit fees, and IC Markets charges no withdrawal fees for most methods, while FP Markets may apply a small fee for bank transfers. Minimum deposits start at $200 for both, making them accessible for retail traders in North Macedonia.
| Islamic Account Feature | IC Markets | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
For Muslim traders in North Macedonia, both IC Markets and FP Markets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts that comply with Sharia law by eliminating interest on overnight positions. IC Markets requires a request to activate the account, while FP Markets provides it automatically for eligible clients. Both brokers ensure no hidden fees, and accounts are available on all platforms (MT4, MT5, cTrader). This makes them excellent choices for Macedonian traders seeking halal trading options.
| Support Feature | IC Markets | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | IC Markets |
IC Markets offers 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with quick response times. FP Markets also provides 24/5 support with a dedicated account manager for VIP clients. For North Macedonia traders, both brokers offer English-language support, and FP Markets has a slight edge with local phone numbers in some regions. IC Markets' live chat is faster for urgent queries.
| Mobile Feature | IC Markets | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | IC Markets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | IC Markets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✓ | FP Markets |
| Resource | IC Markets | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | IC Markets |
Choose IC Markets if you...
Choose FP Markets if you...
Both IC Markets and FP Markets are excellent choices for North Macedonia traders, but the decision hinges on your trading style. IC Markets wins on cost efficiency and execution speed, making it ideal for active traders who rely on tight spreads. FP Markets offers greater platform variety and educational support, suiting beginners and professional traders alike. Both accept local payments like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT, and are regulated by the local financial regulator, ensuring a safe trading environment. For most retail traders in North Macedonia, IC Markets' 4.8/5 rating and superior spreads give it a slight overall advantage.