Which broker is better for Norway traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
When comparing IC Markets vs IG for Norway traders in 2026, the decision often comes down to trading costs versus brand reliability. IC Markets, rated 4.8/5, is known for its ultra-low spreads and fast execution, making it a favorite among active retail traders in Norway who prioritize cost-efficiency. In contrast, IG, rated 4.2/5, is a well-established broker with strong local regulation by the Norwegian financial regulator, offering a wider range of educational tools and a user-friendly platform for beginners. Both brokers accept Norwegian clients and support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT, providing flexibility for deposits and withdrawals. Whether you are a seasoned trader in Oslo or a newcomer in Bergen, this comparison will help you choose the right broker based on your specific trading style and needs in the Norwegian market.
| 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 |
For Norway traders, trading costs are a critical factor when choosing between IC Markets and IG. IC Markets offers raw spreads from 0.0 pips on its True ECN account with a commission of $3.50 per lot per side, which is highly competitive for frequent traders. IG, on the other hand, has spreads starting from 0.8 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD without commission, but these spreads can widen during news events. For a Norway trader executing 50 lots per month, IC Markets can save up to 30% in overall trading costs compared to IG. If you trade high volumes, IC Markets provides better value, while IG's fixed spreads may appeal to those who prefer predictable costs.
| 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 |
| Entity / Asset | IC Markets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Norway (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 |
| 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 |
| Platform | IC Markets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✓ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer robust trading platforms tailored to Norway traders. IC Markets provides MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, which are ideal for algorithmic trading and advanced charting, popular among Norwegian scalpers and day traders. IG offers its proprietary web platform, plus MetaTrader 4 and ProRealTime, with a focus on user-friendly design and integrated news feeds. For Norway traders who value automation and flexibility, IC Markets' cTrader platform offers superior order management, while IG's platform is better for those who prefer a simplified experience with educational resources built-in.
| 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 |
Execution quality is a standout feature for IC Markets, which offers ultra-fast execution speeds of under 40ms on its True ECN servers located in London and New York. IG's execution is reliable but slightly slower, averaging 50-60ms, which may impact scalpers. For Norway traders who trade volatile pairs like EUR/NOK, IC Markets' low-latency execution provides a clear advantage in slippage reduction.
| Safety Factor | IC Markets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a key consideration for Norway traders, as both brokers operate under different frameworks. IG is directly regulated by the local financial regulator in Norway, providing strong client protection and negative balance protection, which is reassuring for retail traders. IC Markets is regulated by top-tier bodies like ASIC and CySEC but not directly by the Norwegian authority, meaning it operates under international standards. While both are legal for Norway traders, IG's direct local regulation offers an extra layer of security for those concerned about compliance with Norwegian financial laws.
| 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 |
For deposits and withdrawals, Norway traders have several convenient options with both brokers. IC Markets supports Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT, with Skrill and Neteller deposits being instant and fee-free for Norwegian kroner conversions. IG also accepts Bank Transfer, Skrill, and Neteller, but does not support USDT, which may be a drawback for crypto traders. Withdrawals at IC Markets are processed within 24 hours via e-wallets, while IG may take 1-2 business days. For Norway traders who prefer using USDT for faster transactions, IC Markets is the better choice, while IG offers more traditional banking options.
| 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 accounts (swap-free) for Muslim traders in Norway who require compliance with Sharia law. IC Markets provides Islamic accounts on its Standard and True ECN accounts, with no swap fees on overnight positions, and the application process is simple via customer support. IG also offers swap-free accounts, but they are available only upon request and may have restrictions on certain instruments. For Norway's Muslim traders, IC Markets is generally more accommodating with fewer restrictions and faster approval times.
| 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 |
Customer support is available 24/5 for both brokers, but IC Markets offers 24/7 live chat support, which is beneficial for Norway traders in different time zones. IG provides support in Norwegian and English via phone and email, with a local helpline for Norwegian clients. IC Markets' support is more responsive for technical issues, while IG's local language support adds convenience for Norwegian-speaking traders.
| 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 |
| 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 |
Choose IC Markets if you...
Choose IG if you...
In the IC Markets vs IG comparison for Norway traders, the choice ultimately depends on your trading priorities. IC Markets excels with lower spreads, faster execution, and support for USDT deposits, making it ideal for active and cost-conscious traders. IG offers stronger local regulation by the Norwegian financial regulator and a more beginner-friendly experience, which appeals to those new to trading. Both brokers support Bank Transfer, Skrill, and Neteller, but IC Markets' additional USDT option provides more flexibility. For most retail traders in Norway, IC Markets' 4.8/5 rating reflects its superior value, while IG's 4.2/5 rating is solid for those seeking regulatory peace of mind. Assess your trading style and choose accordingly.