Which broker is better for Sweden traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Sweden traders seeking a reliable forex broker, the choice between IC Markets and Plus500 is critical. IC Markets, with a stellar 4.8/5 rating, is renowned for its ultra-low spreads, deep liquidity, and advanced trading platforms like MetaTrader 4 and 5. It caters to retail traders in Sweden who demand professional-grade execution and flexibility. Plus500, scoring 3.7/5, offers a user-friendly, proprietary platform ideal for beginners but with higher trading costs. Both brokers are regulated by the local financial regulator, ensuring a safe trading environment for Swedish residents. Sweden traders can fund accounts using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, or USDT TRC20, making deposits convenient. This comparison will help you decide which broker aligns with your trading style and goals in the Swedish market.
| Instrument | IC Markets | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Plus500 |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Plus500 |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Plus500 |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Plus500 |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $200 | $100 | Plus500 |
IC Markets offers Sweden traders some of the lowest spreads in the industry, with EUR/USD spreads from 0.0 pips on Raw Spread accounts and a commission of $3.50 per lot round turn. This is ideal for high-volume retail traders in Sweden who want to minimize costs. Plus500, on the other hand, uses fixed spreads that are wider, typically 0.6-1.0 pips for EUR/USD, and charges overnight funding fees. For Sweden traders executing frequent trades, IC Markets provides a significant cost advantage, especially when trading larger volumes. Plus500’s simplicity comes at a price, making it better suited for occasional traders.
| Account Type | IC Markets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $200 | $100 |
| Entity / Asset | IC Markets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Sweden (offshore) | Up to 1:5000 | Up to 1:300 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:5000 | 1:300 |
| 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 | Plus500 | 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+ | Plus500 |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | IC Markets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✗ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✗ |
IC Markets provides Sweden traders with industry-standard platforms like MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), and cTrader, all known for advanced charting, algorithmic trading, and custom indicators. This suits Swedish retail traders who require depth and automation. Plus500 offers only its proprietary web-based platform, which is intuitive and mobile-friendly but lacks advanced features like expert advisors. For Sweden traders who value flexibility and professional tools, IC Markets is the clear choice, while Plus500 appeals to those preferring simplicity.
| Factor | IC Markets | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Plus500 |
| 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 delivers superior execution quality with ultra-low latency and no requotes, thanks to its Equinix NY4 data center and deep liquidity pool. This is ideal for Sweden traders using automated strategies or scalping. Plus500 uses a market maker model, which can lead to slippage during volatile markets. IC Markets’ execution is more reliable for active Swedish retail traders.
| Safety Factor | IC Markets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both IC Markets and Plus500 are regulated by the local financial regulator in Sweden, ensuring compliance with stringent rules on client fund segregation and transparency. IC Markets is also regulated by top-tier bodies like ASIC and CySEC, adding an extra layer of security for Sweden traders. Plus500 is regulated in multiple jurisdictions but has a history of regulatory issues in some regions. For Sweden traders, both brokers offer a safe environment, but IC Markets’ broader regulatory oversight provides added confidence.
| Payment Method | IC Markets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 3 business day |
Sweden traders can deposit and withdraw funds at both IC Markets and Plus500 using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. IC Markets also supports credit/debit cards and PayPal, with deposits processed instantly and withdrawals typically within 1-3 business days. Plus500 offers similar methods but may have higher withdrawal fees for bank transfers. USDT TRC20 is a modern option for Sweden traders seeking fast, low-cost transfers. Both brokers do not charge deposit fees, but currency conversion fees may apply for USD accounts. Overall, IC Markets provides more flexibility and faster processing for Swedish users.
| Islamic Account Feature | IC Markets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Plus500 offer Islamic accounts (swap-free) for Sweden traders who follow Sharia law. IC Markets provides Islamic accounts on all account types, including Raw Spread and Standard, with no interest charges on overnight positions. Plus500 offers swap-free accounts upon request, but they may have limited availability for certain instruments. For Sweden Muslim traders, IC Markets is more accommodating, with transparent terms and no hidden fees.
| Support Feature | IC Markets | Plus500 | 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 dedicated Swedish-language assistance available. Plus500 provides 24/7 support but primarily through live chat and email, with limited phone support. For Sweden traders, IC Markets’ multilingual team ensures quicker resolution of issues, while Plus500’s support is adequate but less personalized.
| Mobile Feature | IC Markets | Plus500 | 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 | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | IC Markets | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | ✗ | IC Markets |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | IC Markets |
Choose IC Markets if you...
Choose Plus500 if you...
For Sweden traders, IC Markets is the superior choice with a 4.8/5 score, offering lower spreads, advanced platforms, and flexible deposits via Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Its regulation by the local financial regulator and top-tier bodies ensures safety. Plus500 (3.7/5) is simpler but costlier and less flexible. If you are a retail trader in Sweden focused on cost efficiency and professional tools, IC Markets is recommended. For absolute beginners, Plus500 may suffice, but IC Markets provides better long-term value.