Which broker is better for Iceland traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Iceland traders looking to compare forex brokers, IC Markets and Oanda represent two distinct options with different strengths. IC Markets, scoring 4.8/5, is a top-tier broker known for its ultra-low spreads, extensive platform support, and flexibility with local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Oanda, scoring 3.6/5, is a well-established broker with strong regulatory oversight but fewer features tailored to Icelandic traders. Both brokers operate legally in Iceland, but their suitability varies based on trading style and preferences. This comparison focuses on key factors such as trading costs, platforms, regulation, and deposit/withdrawal options to help you decide which broker aligns with your needs as a retail trader in Iceland.
| Instrument | IC Markets | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Oanda |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Oanda |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Oanda |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Oanda |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $200 | $0 | Oanda |
IC Markets offers significantly lower trading costs for Iceland traders, with raw spreads starting from 0.0 pips on its True ECN account and a commission of $3.50 per lot per side. Oanda’s spreads are variable and typically higher, averaging around 1.2 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD. For high-volume traders in Iceland, IC Markets’ lower spreads can result in substantial savings, especially when trading multiple lots daily. Additionally, IC Markets charges no deposit or withdrawal fees, while Oanda may have fees for certain payment methods like wire transfers.
| Account Type | IC Markets | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Iceland (offshore) | Up to 1:5000 | Up to 1:100 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:5000 | 1:100 |
| 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 | Oanda | 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+ | ✗ | IC Markets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | Oanda |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | IC Markets | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✓ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
IC Markets provides Iceland traders with access to MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), and cTrader, all of which are popular for their advanced charting, automated trading, and fast execution. Oanda offers its proprietary platform, fxTrade, along with MT4, but lacks MT5 and cTrader. For Icelandic traders who value flexibility and advanced tools, IC Markets’ multi-platform support is a clear advantage, particularly for those using expert advisors or algorithmic strategies.
| Factor | IC Markets | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Oanda |
| 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 provides ultra-fast execution with no requotes, leveraging its True ECN technology and multiple liquidity providers. Oanda’s execution is reliable but slower due to its market maker model. For Iceland traders who prioritize speed, especially for scalping or high-frequency strategies, IC Markets’ execution quality is superior.
| Safety Factor | IC Markets | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
IC Markets is regulated by multiple authorities including the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), ensuring high standards of client fund segregation and negative balance protection. Oanda is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK and other bodies. For Iceland traders, both brokers offer strong regulatory frameworks, but IC Markets’ alignment with ESMA rules provides additional transparency and investor protection. The local financial regulator in Iceland does not directly oversee these brokers, so traders rely on international regulation.
| Payment Method | IC Markets | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
IC Markets supports a wide range of deposit and withdrawal methods for Iceland traders, including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Deposits are processed instantly for most methods, and withdrawals are typically completed within 24 hours. Oanda, on the other hand, primarily accepts Bank Transfer and credit/debit cards, with no support for Skrill, Neteller, or USDT TRC20. This makes IC Markets far more convenient for Icelandic traders who prefer digital wallets or cryptocurrency-based payments. Both brokers process withdrawals efficiently, but IC Markets offers more flexibility with no additional fees.
| Islamic Account Feature | IC Markets | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Oanda offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Iceland traders who require them, in compliance with Sharia law. IC Markets provides Islamic accounts on both its Standard and True ECN accounts, with no swap fees on overnight positions. Oanda offers Islamic accounts on request, but availability may vary by region. For Muslim traders in Iceland, IC Markets’ Islamic accounts are more straightforward and widely available, making it the preferred choice for swap-free trading.
| Support Feature | IC Markets | Oanda | 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 multilingual agents available, including English and Scandinavian languages. Oanda provides support during market hours via phone and email, but live chat is limited. For Iceland traders, IC Markets’ round-the-clock support ensures quick resolution of issues, which is crucial during volatile trading sessions.
| Mobile Feature | IC Markets | Oanda | 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 | ✗ | ✓ | Oanda |
| Resource | IC Markets | Oanda | 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 Oanda if you...
For Iceland traders, IC Markets is the clear winner with a 4.8/5 score, offering lower spreads, faster execution, and superior support for local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Oanda, with a 3.6/5 score, is a reliable option for those who prioritize regulatory oversight over cost and flexibility. However, given the needs of retail traders in Iceland—such as low costs, multiple deposit options, and advanced platforms—IC Markets is the better choice. Always ensure compliance with the local financial regulator in Iceland before trading.