Which broker is better for Serbia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Serbia's retail trading scene is growing, with traders in Novi Sad and Belgrade increasingly accessing global forex and CFD markets. Two top contenders—IC Markets (rated 4.8/5) and FP Markets (4.7/5)—offer competitive conditions for Serbian traders, but they differ in key areas. Both brokers accept local deposit methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT, making funding easy. IC Markets is known for its ultra-tight spreads and fast execution, ideal for scalpers and day traders. FP Markets, on the other hand, provides a broader product range including over 10,000 tradable instruments, plus robust educational resources. This comparison focuses on what matters most to Serbia traders: costs, regulation, platforms, and local payment support. Whether you are new to trading or experienced, understanding these differences will help you choose the right broker for your 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 |
For Serbia traders, trading costs are a decisive factor. IC Markets offers spreads from 0.0 pips on its True ECN account with a $3.5 commission per lot round turn. FP Markets' Raw account also starts from 0.0 pips but charges $3 per side ($6 round turn). On a standard 1-lot EUR/USD trade, IC Markets saves you $2.5 per lot. For high-volume scalpers trading 50 lots per month, this translates to $125 in savings. FP Markets' Standard account has higher spreads (1.2 pips) but no commission, suitable for smaller traders. Overall, IC Markets is more cost-effective for active Serbia traders, while FP Markets suits those who prefer commission-free trading.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Serbia (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 offer MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, the most popular platforms among Serbia traders due to their advanced charting and automated trading capabilities. IC Markets also provides cTrader, a platform with deeper liquidity access and faster order execution, favored by algorithmic traders. FP Markets offers IRESS, a professional-grade platform for equities and CFDs. For Serbia traders, MT4/MT5 are sufficient for forex and CFDs, but cTrader gives IC Markets an edge for ECN-style trading. FP Markets' IRESS is a bonus for those trading Australian shares or complex portfolios.
| 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 on its True ECN servers, ideal for scalpers in Serbia. FP Markets executes trades in under 50ms, which is still excellent for most retail traders. Both use tier-1 liquidity providers, but IC Markets' multiple data centers (New York, London, Tokyo) ensure lower latency for global markets. For Serbia traders, IC Markets offers a marginal edge in speed, critical for high-frequency strategies.
| 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 CySEC (Cyprus), ASIC (Australia), and FSA (Seychelles), ensuring strict client fund segregation and negative balance protection. FP Markets is regulated by ASIC, CySEC, and FSCA (South Africa). For Serbia traders, neither broker is regulated by the local financial regulator, meaning deposits lack local investor protection. However, both adhere to international standards. IC Markets' ASIC regulation is considered more robust for retail traders, while FP Markets' FSCA oversight offers a less stringent framework. Serbia traders should prioritize brokers with top-tier regulation like ASIC for added security.
| 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 |
Serbia traders can fund both IC Markets and FP Markets using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT. IC Markets processes deposits within minutes for e-wallets and USDT, with no fees. Bank transfers take 1-3 business days and are free. FP Markets also supports these methods but charges a 1-2% fee on Skrill and Neteller deposits. Withdrawals at IC Markets are free for Skrill/Neteller/USDT, while bank transfers to Serbian accounts incur a $20 fee. FP Markets charges similar withdrawal fees but offers faster processing for USDT (within 24 hours). Both brokers require account verification before withdrawals, so Serbia traders should submit documents early to avoid delays.
| 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 Serbia's Muslim traders, both IC Markets and FP Markets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts that comply with Sharia law by eliminating overnight interest. IC Markets provides swap-free status on all account types (Standard, True ECN, cTrader) upon request, with no additional fees. FP Markets limits Islamic accounts to its Standard account type and requires a minimum deposit of $200. Both brokers request a declaration of faith or proof of Muslim identity. IC Markets' broader availability makes it more attractive for Serbia's Muslim traders seeking flexibility in account choice.
| 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 live chat, email, and phone support in English, with response times under 5 minutes. FP Markets provides similar support but with more limited hours on weekends. For Serbia traders, IC Markets' round-the-clock availability is advantageous for after-hours trading. Neither broker offers Serbian language support, but English proficiency is generally sufficient among local traders.
| 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...
For Serbia traders, IC Markets (4.8/5) is the stronger choice for active traders focused on cost efficiency and execution speed, especially with its compatibility with local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT. Its True ECN account and cTrader platform are ideal for scalpers and algorithmic traders. FP Markets (4.7/5) excels for traders who want a broader product range and educational support, making it suitable for those new to trading or diversifying into equities. Both brokers are not regulated by the local financial regulator, so Serbia traders should prioritize ASIC or CySEC oversight for safety. Ultimately, IC Markets wins on cost and speed, while FP Markets wins on variety and learning tools. Your decision should align with your trading style and goals.