Which broker is better for North Macedonia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
North Macedonia traders seeking a reliable online broker face two established names: AvaTrade and EasyMarkets. With a score of 4.6/5, AvaTrade leads in overall features, while EasyMarkets (3.4/5) offers a streamlined experience. Both brokers accept clients from North Macedonia, support USD accounts, and provide local payment methods such as Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. The local financial regulator oversees operations, ensuring a secure trading environment. AvaTrade appeals to experienced retail traders with tight spreads, advanced platforms, and a wide asset range. EasyMarkets, on the other hand, focuses on simplicity with fixed spreads, guaranteed stop loss, and a beginner-friendly interface. This comparison examines each broker’s costs, platforms, regulation, and local support to help North Macedonia traders choose the best fit for their strategies.
| Instrument | AvaTrade | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | EasyMarkets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | EasyMarkets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | EasyMarkets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | EasyMarkets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $100 | $25 | AvaTrade |
Trading costs are a critical factor for North Macedonia traders. AvaTrade offers variable spreads starting from 0.9 pips on EUR/USD with no commission, making it cost-effective for high-volume traders. EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads averaging 1.2 pips on EUR/USD, which are predictable but higher. For example, a trader executing 10 lots per month on EUR/USD would pay approximately $90 in spreads with AvaTrade versus $120 with EasyMarkets. Additionally, AvaTrade’s low-cost CFD pricing on indices and commodities further benefits active traders. EasyMarkets charges a small commission on some platforms but includes guaranteed stop loss at no extra cost, a trade-off some North Macedonia traders may value.
| Account Type | AvaTrade | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✓ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $25 |
| Entity / Asset | AvaTrade | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| North Macedonia (offshore) | Up to 1:400 | Up to 1:2000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:400 | 1:2000 |
| 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 | AvaTrade | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | AvaTrade |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | AvaTrade |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | AvaTrade |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | EasyMarkets |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | AvaTrade | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Platform choice matters for North Macedonia traders. AvaTrade provides MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, WebTrader, an AvaTrader app, and AvaOptions for forex options. These platforms suit both desktop and mobile users with advanced charting, automated trading via Expert Advisors, and copy trading through DupliTrade. EasyMarkets offers its own web-based platform and a mobile app, both designed for ease of use with one-click trading, risk management tools, and a clean interface. While EasyMarkets lacks MetaTrader, its platform is ideal for beginners. For North Macedonia traders who need algorithmic trading or social trading, AvaTrade’s platform ecosystem is superior.
| Factor | AvaTrade | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | EasyMarkets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | AvaTrade |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
Execution quality impacts profitability. AvaTrade uses a market execution model with no dealing desk intervention, offering average execution speeds of under 200 ms. EasyMarkets employs a hybrid model: market execution for most orders but with a dealing desk for guaranteed stop loss orders. While EasyMarkets’ guaranteed stop loss prevents slippage (a feature unique to the broker), it can result in requotes during volatile conditions. For scalpers and high-frequency traders in North Macedonia, AvaTrade’s faster execution and fewer requotes are preferable. EasyMarkets suits position traders who prioritize risk control over speed.
| Safety Factor | AvaTrade | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CBI | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is paramount for North Macedonia traders. Both AvaTrade and EasyMarkets are authorized by the local financial regulator, ensuring compliance with Macedonian securities laws. Internationally, AvaTrade is regulated by the FSCA (South Africa), CySEC (Cyprus), and ASIC (Australia), while EasyMarkets holds licenses from the CySEC and FSCA. Client funds are segregated in top-tier banks, and both brokers offer negative balance protection. For North Macedonia traders, this multi-layer regulation means additional safety: if one jurisdiction changes policies, the brokers can operate under others. Always verify the current license status on the official websites before depositing funds.
| Payment Method | AvaTrade | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | Card/e-wallet 24-48hrs after approval; Wire Transfer up to 7-10 business days | Cards 1-2 business days; e-wallets instant-1 business day; bank wire 3-10 business days; overall back-office processing within 1 business day (24h) |
Depositing and withdrawing funds is straightforward for North Macedonia traders. Both AvaTrade and EasyMarkets support Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Bank transfers are processed in EUR or USD with typical 1-3 business day delays; local Macedonian banks may charge conversion fees if sending in MKD. Skrill and Neteller deposits are instant with no fee from either broker, though Skrill may impose a small 1% currency conversion. USDT TRC20 is a fast, low-cost option (0.1 USDT network fee) and settled within minutes. The minimum deposit is $100 for both brokers. Withdrawals follow the same methods: Skrill and Neteller are processed within 24 hours; bank transfers take 2-5 business days. AvaTrade and EasyMarkets do not charge withdrawal fees, but third-party bank fees may apply.
| Islamic Account Feature | AvaTrade | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| 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 North Macedonia, interest-free trading is essential. AvaTrade offers Islamic (swap-free) accounts upon request; the broker reviews the application and typically approves it within 24 hours. No overnight fees are charged on positions held beyond one day. EasyMarkets provides swap-free accounts automatically without additional conditions, making it slightly more accessible. Both brokers ensure that Muslim traders can trade forex, CFDs, and commodities without incurring riba. EasyMarkets’ simpler approval process may be preferable for North Macedonia Muslims seeking an immediate swap-free account, while AvaTrade’s feature-rich platforms still accommodate Islamic trading after approval.
| Support Feature | AvaTrade | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | AvaTrade |
Customer support in North Macedonia is available from both brokers via live chat, email, and phone. AvaTrade offers 24/5 multilingual support in English and other European languages, with response times under 2 minutes for live chat. EasyMarkets provides 24/5 support and also includes a call-back service. Neither broker has a dedicated Macedonian-language team, but English proficiency is common among local traders. For urgent issues, EasyMarkets’ 24/7 phone line (for existing clients) is a plus. Overall, both deliver adequate support, though AvaTrade’s broader hours and live chat responsiveness edge ahead.
| Mobile Feature | AvaTrade | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | AvaTrade |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | AvaTrade |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | AvaTrade | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | AvaTrade |
Choose AvaTrade if you...
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
For most North Macedonia retail traders, AvaTrade is the stronger choice. Its higher score (4.6 vs 3.4), lower spreads, superior platform selection, and robust regulation align with the needs of active and advanced traders. The availability of local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 ensures hassle-free deposits and withdrawals. EasyMarkets, however, remains a solid option for beginners or those who prioritize fixed, predictable costs and automatic swap-free accounts. Both brokers are legally accessible under the local financial regulator, so traders can choose based on their trading style. If you aim for cost efficiency and flexibility, AvaTrade leads; if simplicity and risk guarantees matter more, EasyMarkets is worth consideration.