Oanda vs XM Group: Which Broker is Best for North Macedonia Traders in 2026?
Which broker is better for North Macedonia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Quick Verdict — North Macedonia Traders
For retail traders in North Macedonia, choosing the right forex broker is critical to long-term success. Oanda and XM Group are two globally recognized brokers, but they cater to different trader profiles. Oanda, with a score of 3.6/5, is a well-established broker known for its strong regulatory oversight and advanced trading tools. However, its higher costs and limited local payment options may not suit all Macedonian traders. XM Group, scoring 4.7/5, offers a more accessible entry point with lower minimum deposits, tighter spreads, and support for local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. This comparison will help you decide which broker aligns best with your trading goals in North Macedonia's evolving forex market.
Overall Scores Comparison
Trading Costs - Spreads & Commissions
| Instrument | Oanda | XM Group | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | XM Group |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | XM Group |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | XM Group |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | XM Group |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $0 | $5 | Oanda |
For North Macedonia traders, trading costs are a key factor. Oanda's spreads on EUR/USD average around 1.2 pips on standard accounts, while XM Group's Ultra Low account offers spreads from 0.0 pips with a small commission. On a $10,000 monthly volume, Oanda's costs can be 30-40% higher than XM Group's. For traders using the Macedonian denar or USD accounts, XM Group's cost structure is more competitive, especially for higher-frequency or scalping strategies.
Account Types Comparison
| Account Type | Oanda | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $0 | $5 |
Leverage Comparison - North Macedonia Traders
| Entity / Asset | Oanda | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| North Macedonia (offshore) | Up to 1:100 | Up to 1:1000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:100 | 1:1000 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
Trading Instruments - Assets Available
| Asset Class | Oanda | XM Group | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | Oanda |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | Oanda |
| Crypto CFDs | ✗ | 20+ | Oanda |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | XM Group |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
Platforms Comparison
| Platform | Oanda | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| 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 North Macedonia traders. Oanda also provides its proprietary platform with advanced charting and analytics, ideal for technical traders. XM Group focuses on MT4/MT5 with additional tools like XM WebTrader. For Macedonian traders who prefer simplicity and mobile access, XM Group's platform suite is well-optimized. Oanda's platform is better for traders who need in-depth analysis and customization.
Execution Quality - Speed & Slippage
| Factor | Oanda | XM Group | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | XM Group |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | Oanda |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
Both brokers offer fast execution with no requotes. XM Group uses a market execution model with average execution speeds under 0.4 seconds. Oanda also provides reliable execution but occasionally experiences slippage during volatile markets. For North Macedonia traders, XM Group's consistent execution is more favorable for scalping and day trading.
Regulation & Safety for North Macedonia Traders
| Safety Factor | Oanda | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | ASIC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Oanda is regulated by top-tier authorities including the FCA, ASIC, and CFTC, offering strong client protection. XM Group is regulated by CySEC, FSC, and DFSA, with negative balance protection and investor compensation funds. For North Macedonia traders, the local financial regulator does not directly oversee these brokers, but both operate legally. Oanda's stricter regulation provides higher safety, while XM Group offers adequate protection with a more flexible trading environment.
Deposits & Withdrawals for North Macedonia
| Payment Method | Oanda | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✗ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✗ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | 1 to 5 business days | Visa/Mastercard and e-wallets near-instant to 1-2 business days; bank wire several days |
Depositing and withdrawing funds as a North Macedonia trader is more convenient with XM Group. XM supports Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, with instant processing for e-wallets and crypto. Oanda only accepts Bank Transfer and credit/debit cards, which can take 1-3 business days. XM Group's USDT TRC20 option is particularly useful for traders seeking fast, low-cost transfers. Both brokers process withdrawals within 24 hours, but XM Group's wider range of methods reduces friction for local users.
Islamic Accounts - Swap-Free for North Macedonia Muslims
| Islamic Account Feature | Oanda | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Oanda and XM Group offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for North Macedonia's Muslim traders. XM Group provides Islamic accounts without any additional fees and with immediate eligibility. Oanda offers swap-free accounts upon request, but approval may take time. For Macedonian traders seeking Sharia-compliant trading, XM Group's straightforward process and broader availability make it the more practical option.
Customer Support Comparison
| Support Feature | Oanda | XM Group | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | Oanda |
XM Group offers 24/5 customer support in multiple languages, including English, with live chat and phone support. Oanda provides 24/5 support via email and phone, but response times can be slower. For North Macedonia traders, XM Group's faster, more responsive support is a clear advantage, especially for resolving account or payment issues quickly.
Mobile App Comparison
| Mobile Feature | Oanda | XM Group | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | Oanda |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | Oanda |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✓ | ✗ | Oanda |
Education & Research Tools
| Resource | Oanda | XM Group | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | Oanda |
Real User Reviews - Trustpilot
Pros & Cons of Each Broker
Oanda
XM Group
Who Should Use Which Broker? - North Macedonia Guide
Choose Oanda if you...
- Value top-tier regulation (FCA, ASIC) and maximum client protection.
- Prefer a proprietary platform with advanced charting and analytics.
- Trade with larger capital and can absorb higher spreads.
- Do not need local payment methods like Skrill, Neteller, or USDT TRC20.
Choose XM Group if you...
- Want lower spreads and a lower minimum deposit to start trading.
- Need local payment methods: Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, or USDT TRC20.
- Are a retail trader looking for a user-friendly platform (MT4/MT5).
- Prefer Islamic accounts with immediate availability and no swap fees.
FAQ - Oanda vs XM Group in North Macedonia
Final Verdict - North Macedonia 2026
For most retail traders in North Macedonia, XM Group is the superior choice due to its higher overall score (4.7/5), lower trading costs, and support for local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Its Islamic account offering and faster customer support further strengthen its position. Oanda remains a solid option for traders who prioritize regulatory safety and advanced platform features, but its higher costs and limited payment options make it less practical for the average Macedonian trader. Ultimately, XM Group's combination of affordability, accessibility, and local payment compatibility makes it the recommended broker for North Macedonia traders in 2025.