Which broker is better for Ukraine traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Ukraine traders navigating the forex market in 2025, choosing between IC Markets and Oanda is a pivotal decision. IC Markets, with a stellar 4.8/5 rating, stands out for its ultra-low spreads, robust platform support, and local-friendly payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Oanda, rated 3.6/5, offers a no-dealing-desk model and strong regulatory oversight but lags in local payment integration and overall cost efficiency. Ukraine’s retail traders often face challenges with currency volatility and limited access to global brokers, but both IC Markets and Oanda provide USD-denominated accounts and accept clients from the country. IC Markets excels in trading costs and execution speed, while Oanda appeals to those who value a straightforward, commission-free structure. This comparison dives into spreads, platforms, regulation, and deposit options tailored to Ukraine’s trading environment, helping you decide which broker aligns with your goals.
| 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 |
For Ukraine traders, trading costs are a critical factor, especially when dealing with the Ukrainian hryvnia’s volatility. IC Markets offers a Raw Spread account with spreads from 0.0 pips and a commission of $3.5 per lot per side, making it ideal for high-volume traders. Oanda’s spread-based model starts around 0.6 pips on EUR/USD with no commission, but this can be costlier for frequent scalpers. For a Ukraine trader executing 100 lots monthly, IC Markets could save $200-$300 in spread costs compared to Oanda. IC Markets also supports smaller lot sizes, beneficial for retail traders with limited capital. Overall, IC Markets provides lower trading costs for active Ukraine traders.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Ukraine (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 MetaTrader 4 and 5, which are popular among Ukraine traders for their advanced charting and automated trading capabilities. IC Markets also provides cTrader, a platform known for its intuitive interface and depth of market, appealing to scalpers. Oanda’s proprietary platform, Oanda Trade, is user-friendly but lacks the customization of MT4/5. For Ukraine traders who rely on expert advisors or algorithmic strategies, IC Markets’ full support for MT4/5 and cTrader is a clear advantage. Oanda’s platform is better suited for beginners who prefer simplicity over advanced features.
| 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 offers ultra-fast execution with an average speed of 40ms, thanks to its Equinix NY4 data center and no-dealing-desk model. Oanda’s execution is also fast but averages around 50ms, with a slight delay due to its order routing system. For Ukraine traders engaged in scalping or high-frequency trading, IC Markets’ lower latency can reduce slippage and improve trade outcomes.
| Safety Factor | IC Markets | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
IC Markets is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), offering a strong regulatory framework for international clients. Oanda is regulated by the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and other top-tier bodies. For Ukraine traders, neither broker is regulated by the local financial regulator, meaning deposits are not protected under Ukraine’s deposit guarantee schemes. However, IC Markets’ ASIC regulation provides a higher level of client fund segregation, while Oanda’s FCA oversight offers negative balance protection. Ukraine traders should weigh these protections against local regulatory gaps.
| 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 |
Ukraine traders benefit from IC Markets’ diverse deposit options, including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. USDT TRC20 is particularly attractive for those seeking fast, low-cost transfers, with deposits processed in minutes and no currency conversion fees when using USD. Skrill and Neteller are instant and widely used for forex funding. Oanda supports Bank Transfer and Skrill but lacks Neteller and USDT TRC20, limiting flexibility. Withdrawals at IC Markets are processed within 1-2 business days for digital methods, while Oanda’s bank transfers may take 3-5 days. IC Markets’ local payment integration makes it more convenient for Ukraine traders.
| 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 |
IC Markets offers Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in Ukraine, available on request for all account types. These accounts comply with Sharia law by not charging or paying overnight interest, making them suitable for long-term positions. Oanda does not provide Islamic accounts, which may exclude Ukraine traders who require swap-free trading. For Muslim traders in Ukraine, IC Markets is the only viable option between the two, offering a seamless process to activate the account without additional fees.
| 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 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with agents available in English and Russian, which is beneficial for Ukraine traders. Oanda offers 24/5 support with similar channels but limited language options. IC Markets’ faster response times and multilingual support give it an edge for Ukraine-based traders who may need assistance in their native language.
| 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 Ukraine traders in 2025, IC Markets is the superior choice, offering a 4.8/5 rating, lower trading costs, and local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Its Islamic account option and advanced platforms cater to diverse needs, while Oanda’s 3.6/5 rating reflects limitations in local payment integration and swap-free accounts. Although Oanda’s regulatory oversight is strong, IC Markets’ competitive spreads and execution speed provide better value for retail traders. Considering the local financial regulator’s limited oversight, IC Markets’ client fund segregation offers added peace of mind. Ultimately, IC Markets aligns better with Ukraine traders’ requirements for cost efficiency, convenience, and flexibility.