Which broker is better for Norway traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Norway traders seeking a reliable forex broker, XM Group and FP Markets are two top-tier contenders, both scoring an impressive 4.7/5 in our review. While each broker serves retail traders globally, their offerings differ significantly in spreads, platforms, and local payment support. Norway traders can benefit from both brokers' acceptance of local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making deposits and withdrawals convenient. However, it's important to note that neither broker is regulated by the local Norwegian financial regulator (Finanstilsynet), so traders should review their regulatory licenses (CySEC, ASIC, FSA) and choose accordingly. This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide which broker aligns with your trading style and local needs.
| Instrument | XM Group | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | FP Markets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | FP Markets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | FP Markets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | FP Markets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $5 | $100 | FP Markets |
When comparing trading costs for Norway traders, FP Markets generally offers lower spreads on major forex pairs, especially on its Raw ECN account where spreads start from 0.0 pips with a small commission. XM Group's standard account has spreads starting from 1.0 pips on EUR/USD, which is slightly higher but still competitive. For high-volume traders, FP Markets provides a clear cost advantage, while XM Group's zero-commission model may appeal to smaller retail traders who prefer simplicity. Consider your average trade size and frequency to determine which cost structure suits you best.
| Account Type | XM Group | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $5 | $100 |
| Entity / Asset | XM Group | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Norway (offshore) | Up to 1:1000 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:1000 | 1:500 |
| 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 | XM Group | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | XM Group |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | XM Group |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | XM Group |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | FP Markets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | XM Group | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✓ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✓ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms, which are widely used by Norway traders for their advanced charting, automated trading, and custom indicators. XM Group also provides its proprietary XM WebTrader and mobile apps, while FP Markets offers IRESS for advanced forex traders. For Norway traders who value flexibility, both brokers deliver robust platform options, but FP Markets' IRESS integration is a standout for those needing advanced order types and depth of market.
| Factor | XM Group | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FP Markets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | XM Group |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
Execution quality is a key differentiator. FP Markets boasts average execution speeds of under 30ms on its ECN accounts, making it ideal for scalpers and high-frequency traders. XM Group offers reliable execution with minimal slippage, but speeds are slightly slower due to its market maker model. For Norway traders who prioritize fast order execution, especially during volatile market conditions, FP Markets has the edge.
| Safety Factor | XM Group | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | ASIC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a critical factor for Norway traders. XM Group is regulated by CySEC (Cyprus), ASIC (Australia), and the FSA (Belize), while FP Markets is regulated by ASIC, CySEC, and the FSA. Neither broker is supervised by the local Norwegian financial regulator (Finanstilsynet), which means traders do not have access to the Norwegian investor compensation scheme. However, both brokers offer negative balance protection and segregated client funds as standard. Norway traders should ensure they understand the regulatory protections offered by each broker's primary regulator before opening an account.
| Payment Method | XM Group | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | Visa/Mastercard and e-wallets near-instant to 1-2 business days; bank wire several days | 24 hours |
Depositing and withdrawing funds is straightforward for Norway traders at both brokers. XM Group and FP Markets accept Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Bank Transfers are reliable but may take 1-3 business days, while Skrill and Neteller deposits are instant and free of charge. USDT TRC20 deposits are also instant and offer low fees, making them an attractive option for crypto-savvy traders. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and crypto, while Bank Transfers may take 2-5 business days. Both brokers do not charge deposit fees, but Norway traders should check for any intermediary bank charges on Bank Transfers.
| Islamic Account Feature | XM Group | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
For Muslim traders in Norway, both XM Group and FP Markets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts that comply with Sharia law. These accounts do not charge or pay swap/interest on overnight positions, allowing traders to hold positions without incurring riba (interest). XM Group requires a request for an Islamic account via customer support, while FP Markets offers it as a standard option. Both brokers may require proof of faith (e.g., a declaration) to activate the account. This feature ensures that Norway's Muslim traders can trade in accordance with their religious beliefs.
| Support Feature | XM Group | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | XM Group |
Customer support is available 24/5 for both brokers, with XM Group offering live chat, phone, and email support in Norwegian and English. FP Markets provides similar support channels but with a slightly faster response time on live chat. For Norway traders, XM Group's Norwegian-language support is a clear advantage, while FP Markets' English support is still highly responsive and professional.
| Mobile Feature | XM Group | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | XM Group |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | XM Group |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✓ | FP Markets |
| Resource | XM Group | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | XM Group |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | XM Group |
Choose XM Group if you...
Choose FP Markets if you...
Both XM Group and FP Markets are excellent choices for Norway traders, each scoring 4.7/5. XM Group is ideal for retail traders who value educational support, Norwegian-language customer service, and a simple account structure. FP Markets suits more experienced traders who prioritize low spreads, fast execution, and advanced trading tools. When considering local payment methods, both brokers support Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, ensuring convenient deposits and withdrawals. However, note that neither broker is regulated by the local Norwegian financial regulator (Finanstilsynet), so traders should review their chosen broker's regulatory protections. Ultimately, your decision should align with your trading style, volume, and need for local support.