Which broker is better for Peru traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Peruvian traders looking to trade forex and CFDs in 2025, the choice between IC Markets and Oanda depends on cost, regional support, and platform preference. IC Markets, rated 4.8 out of 5, is known for its raw spreads, low latency execution, and extensive acceptance of local payment methods like Interbank, USDT, and bank transfers in PEN. Oanda, scoring 3.6, offers a trusted brand with strong research tools but falls short on Peru-specific features. With the Peruvian sol (PEN) as a base currency and increasing retail trading interest, we examine how each broker serves the local market, from regulation by SMV Peru considerations to deposit convenience. Whether you scalp major pairs or swing trade exotics, understanding these differences helps you pick the broker that truly fits your Peruvian trading style.
| 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 |
Cost is a major factor for Peru traders, especially those trading in PEN-denominated accounts. IC Markets consistently offers lower all-in spreads: its Raw Spread account starts from 0.0 pips on EUR/USD with a $3.50 per lot commission, while Oanda’s variable spreads average around 1.0–1.2 pips with no commission. For a Peruvian trader executing 10 standard lots per month, IC Markets can save over $200 in spread costs. Oanda’s spreads tend to widen during news events, impacting scalpers. IC Markets’ transparent cost structure gives Peru traders a clear edge, particularly for volume-based strategies.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Peru (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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer industry-standard platforms. IC Markets provides MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, all fully customizable for Peruvian traders who need advanced charting and automated trading. Oanda offers its proprietary platform plus MT4, but lacks cTrader. For Peru traders who rely on Expert Advisors (EAs) or algorithmic trading, IC Markets’ MT5 and cTrader support richer functionality. Oanda’s web platform is user-friendly for beginners, but IC Markets’ platform suite better serves the technical analysis needs common among active Peruvian retail traders.
| 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 is renowned for its ultra-low latency execution, averaging under 30ms using Equinix NY4 servers. It offers No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution with no requotes, essential for scalpers. Oanda uses a market maker model with occasional slippage during high volatility. For Peruvian traders who need fast fills during local news releases or overnight sessions, IC Markets’ straight-through processing (STP) environment provides more reliable execution quality.
| Safety Factor | IC Markets | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Neither IC Markets nor Oanda is regulated by the SMV Peru, but both operate under robust international frameworks. IC Markets is regulated by ASIC (Australia) and CySEC (Cyprus), while Oanda is regulated by the FCA (UK) and CFTC (US). For Peru traders, this means client funds are segregated and negative balance protection is in place. IC Markets also offers leverage up to 1:500 (subject to account type), which appeals to local traders seeking higher exposure. Oanda’s regulation limits leverage to 1:50 for FCA clients. Peruvian traders should assess which regulatory environment aligns with their risk tolerance.
| 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 |
Deposits and withdrawals in Peru are easiest with IC Markets. It supports direct Interbank transfers (local Peruvian bank transfer), USDT (Tether) for crypto funding, and standard international wire transfers in US dollars. Oanda only accepts bank wires and credit/debit cards, with no direct PEN account funding. IC Markets processes withdrawals to Interbank within 1–2 business days and offers zero deposit fees. For Peruvian traders, IC Markets’ USDT option is a game-changer, enabling near-instant funding without traditional banking delays. Oanda’s withdrawal times are slower (3–5 days) and limited to USD, making IC Markets the clear winner for local convenience.
| 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 brokers cater to Muslim traders in Peru with swap-free Islamic accounts. IC Markets offers Islamic accounts on all account types (Standard and Raw Spread) with no restrictions on trade duration. Oanda also provides swap-free accounts but may limit the feature to certain instruments and requires manual request. IC Markets’ policy is more straightforward and widely used by Peruvian Muslim traders. If you follow Sharia law and trade in Peru, both options are available, but IC Markets offers greater flexibility.
| 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 provides 24/7 live chat, email, and phone support in English and Spanish, including a dedicated line for Latin American clients. Oanda offers 24/5 support with chat and phone, but Spanish support hours are limited. For Peruvian traders operating in different time zones, IC Markets’ round-the-clock assistance and Spanish-language help desk give a clear advantage. Oanda’s response times are slower, especially outside US market hours.
| 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 Peruvian retail traders in 2025, IC Markets is the superior broker overall. Its 4.8 rating reflects lower trading costs, faster execution, and local payment methods like Interbank, USDT, and bank transfers in PEN, which directly address the needs of Peru-based clients. Oanda’s 3.6 rating is adequate for beginners or those who prioritize a well-known brand, but it lacks the cost efficiency and local account flexibility that IC Markets offers. Considering SMV Peru’s stance on unregulated international brokers, IC Markets’ strong reputation and client fund segregation still make it a reliable choice. If you trade actively or want to maximize your capital with low spreads and convenient deposits, IC Markets is the clear winner for Peru.