IC Markets vs IG for North Macedonia Traders (2026)
Which broker is better for North Macedonia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Quick Verdict — North Macedonia Traders
For retail traders in North Macedonia comparing IC Markets vs IG, the choice often comes down to cost versus brand depth. IC Markets, with a 4.8/5 rating, is renowned for its ultra-low spreads and raw pricing model, making it a favorite among active traders who value tight execution. IG, scoring 4.2/5, is a globally established broker with extensive research and educational content, but its standard account spreads are higher. Both brokers accept North Macedonia clients and support trading in USD, but local preferences for payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT are better accommodated by IC Markets. The local financial regulator does not directly oversee these brokers, but both operate under reputable international licenses, providing a secure trading environment for North Macedonia residents.
Overall Scores Comparison
Trading Costs - Spreads & Commissions
| Instrument | IC Markets | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | IG |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | IG |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | IG |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | IG |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $200 | $0 | IG |
When comparing trading costs for North Macedonia traders, IC Markets clearly outperforms IG on spreads. IC Markets offers Raw Spread accounts with spreads from 0.0 pips on major forex pairs plus a small commission per lot. IG’s standard account spreads start around 0.8 pips on EUR/USD with no commission. For a trader executing 10 standard lots per month, IC Markets can save over $100 in spread costs. This cost advantage is especially important for North Macedonia traders who trade frequently or in larger volumes.
Account Types Comparison
| Account Type | IC Markets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $200 | $0 |
Leverage Comparison - North Macedonia Traders
| Entity / Asset | IC Markets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| North Macedonia (offshore) | Up to 1:5000 | Up to 1:30 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:5000 | 1:30 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
Trading Instruments - Assets Available
| Asset Class | IC Markets | IG | 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+ | IG |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
Platforms Comparison
| Platform | IC Markets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✓ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers provide robust platforms for North Macedonia traders. IC Markets offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, which are highly customizable and support automated trading via Expert Advisors. IG provides its proprietary web platform, plus MetaTrader 4 and ProRealTime. For traders in North Macedonia who prefer algorithmic trading or advanced charting, IC Markets’ cTrader is a standout. IG’s platform is more beginner-friendly with integrated news and analysis.
Execution Quality - Speed & Slippage
| Factor | IC Markets | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | IG |
| 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 is known for its low-latency execution with average speeds under 40ms, thanks to its Equinix NY4 data center and No Dealing Desk (NDD) model. IG also offers fast execution but uses a market maker model for some order types, which can result in slight requotes. For North Macedonia traders focused on scalping or high-frequency trading, IC Markets’ execution is superior.
Regulation & Safety for North Macedonia Traders
| Safety Factor | IC Markets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
IC Markets is regulated by ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus), and the FSA (Seychelles), while IG is regulated by the FCA (UK), ASIC, and other top-tier authorities. Neither broker is directly regulated by the local financial regulator in North Macedonia, but both adhere to strict client fund segregation and negative balance protection under their respective licenses. This means North Macedonia traders can trade with confidence, knowing their funds are safe with either broker.
Deposits & Withdrawals for North Macedonia
| Payment Method | IC Markets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 1 to 5 business days |
North Macedonia traders have several convenient deposit and withdrawal options. IC Markets supports Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT, with no deposit fees and same-day processing for e-wallets. IG accepts Bank Transfer and some e-wallets but does not currently support Skrill or USDT for North Macedonia clients. Both brokers process withdrawals efficiently, but IC Markets’ support for USDT is a significant advantage for crypto-friendly traders. Minimum deposits are low: $200 for IC Markets and $250 for IG.
Islamic Accounts - Swap-Free for North Macedonia Muslims
| Islamic Account Feature | IC Markets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| 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 IC Markets and IG offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in North Macedonia. IC Markets provides swap-free accounts on request for all account types, with no interest charges on overnight positions. IG also offers Islamic accounts, but traders must contact customer support to activate this feature. For North Macedonia traders who follow Sharia law, both brokers are suitable, but IC Markets’ process is slightly more straightforward.
Customer Support Comparison
| Support Feature | IC Markets | IG | 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 multilingual customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with dedicated support for North Macedonia traders in English. IG also provides 24/5 support with a comprehensive FAQ section. Both brokers respond promptly, but IC Markets’ round-the-clock availability is beneficial for traders in different time zones.
Mobile App Comparison
| Mobile Feature | IC Markets | IG | 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 | ✗ | ✓ | IG |
Education & Research Tools
| Resource | IC Markets | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | IC Markets |
Real User Reviews - Trustpilot
Pros & Cons of Each Broker
IC Markets
IG
Who Should Use Which Broker? - North Macedonia Guide
Choose IC Markets if you...
- Are an active or high-volume trader seeking the lowest spreads and commissions.
- Prefer using USDT, Skrill, or Neteller for deposits and withdrawals.
- Want access to cTrader for advanced algorithmic trading and charting.
- Need 24/7 customer support and fast execution for scalping strategies.
Choose IG if you...
- Are a beginner trader who values extensive educational resources and market research.
- Prefer a highly regulated broker with FCA oversight and a long track record.
- Want a user-friendly proprietary platform with integrated news and analysis.
- Trade less frequently and prioritize brand reputation over ultra-low spreads.
FAQ - IC Markets vs IG in North Macedonia
Final Verdict - North Macedonia 2026
For most retail traders in North Macedonia, IC Markets is the better overall choice due to its lower trading costs, support for local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT, and superior execution speed. IG is a solid alternative for beginners who value educational tools and a highly regulated environment, but its higher spreads make it less cost-effective. Considering the local financial regulator’s absence in direct oversight, both brokers offer secure trading, but IC Markets’ flexibility with payment methods and raw pricing gives it a clear edge for North Macedonia traders in 2026.