Which broker is better for Norway traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For traders in Norway, choosing between AvaTrade and IG is a critical decision that impacts trading costs, platform experience, and regulatory safety. Both brokers are well-established and regulated by the local financial regulator, ensuring a secure trading environment for Norwegian residents. AvaTrade, with a score of 4.6/5, edges out IG's 4.2/5, largely due to its lower spreads and better support for local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Norwegian retail traders often prioritize cost-efficiency and ease of deposits, especially when trading in USD. AvaTrade's tight spreads on major forex pairs and zero-commission forex trading appeal to active traders, while IG offers a broader range of instruments and advanced charting tools. This comparison breaks down key factors—trading costs, platforms, regulation, deposits, and more—to help you decide which broker suits your Norwegian trading needs best in 2026.
| Instrument | AvaTrade | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | IG |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | IG |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | IG |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | IG |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $100 | $0 | IG |
When comparing trading costs for Norway traders, AvaTrade generally offers tighter spreads on major forex pairs, with EUR/USD spreads from 0.9 pips, while IG averages around 1.0 pip. For volume traders, this difference can lead to significant savings, especially when trading in USD. AvaTrade also provides zero-commission forex trading, whereas IG charges spreads with no commission on standard accounts. Norwegian traders should consider their trading frequency and typical trade sizes, as lower spreads benefit scalpers and day traders. IG's cost structure may be higher for high-volume forex trading, but its wide range of CFDs and indices might offset this for diversified portfolios.
| Account Type | AvaTrade | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✓ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $0 |
| Entity / Asset | AvaTrade | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Norway (offshore) | Up to 1:400 | Up to 1:30 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:400 | 1:30 |
| 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 | IG | 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 | ✗ | 1,700+ | IG |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | AvaTrade | IG |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✓ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer robust platforms tailored to Norwegian traders. AvaTrade provides its proprietary WebTrader, plus MetaTrader 4 and 5, which are popular among experienced traders for their advanced charting and automated trading capabilities. IG offers its own web platform and the popular ProRealTime, along with MetaTrader 4. For Norway traders, AvaTrade's mobile app is highly rated for on-the-go trading, while IG's platform excels in market research and analysis tools. The choice depends on whether you prefer MetaTrader's flexibility (AvaTrade) or IG's integrated news and analysis features.
| Factor | AvaTrade | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | IG |
| 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 is crucial for Norway traders, especially scalpers. AvaTrade uses No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution with STP, providing fast order fills and minimal requotes. IG also offers NDD execution on major forex pairs, with average execution speeds under 100ms. AvaTrade's execution is slightly more consistent during volatile markets, while IG's platform may experience slight delays during high-volume periods. Both brokers deliver reliable execution for retail traders.
| Safety Factor | AvaTrade | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CBI | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both AvaTrade and IG are regulated by the local financial regulator in Norway, ensuring compliance with strict financial standards. This means Norwegian traders benefit from segregated client funds, negative balance protection, and transparent operations. AvaTrade is also regulated by multiple top-tier authorities globally, adding an extra layer of security. IG, a publicly traded company on the London Stock Exchange, adheres to high corporate governance standards. For Norway traders, this regulatory oversight ensures that funds are safe and disputes can be addressed locally.
| Payment Method | AvaTrade | IG |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 1 to 5 business days |
Depositing and withdrawing funds is straightforward for Norway traders at both brokers. AvaTrade and IG support Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, giving Norwegian traders flexible options. Bank transfers are reliable but take 1-3 business days, while Skrill and Neteller offer instant deposits and withdrawals with minimal fees. USDT TRC20 is a fast, low-cost crypto option for those comfortable with digital currencies. AvaTrade has a slight edge with no deposit fees, while IG may charge for certain withdrawal methods. Minimum deposits are low—AvaTrade requires $100, IG $250—making both accessible for retail traders.
| Islamic Account Feature | AvaTrade | IG |
|---|---|---|
| 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 AvaTrade and IG offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Norwegian Muslim traders who require Sharia-compliant trading. AvaTrade provides dedicated Islamic accounts with no overnight interest on forex pairs, available upon request. IG also offers swap-free accounts, but these may have a limited selection of instruments. Norwegian traders should confirm eligibility with each broker's support team, as terms can vary. AvaTrade's Islamic account is more straightforward and widely available, while IG's requires a bit more paperwork.
| Support Feature | AvaTrade | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | AvaTrade |
Customer support for Norway traders is solid with both brokers. AvaTrade offers 24/5 live chat, email, and phone support in English, with Norwegian language support available during business hours. IG provides 24/7 live chat and phone support, plus a comprehensive FAQ section. IG's support is slightly more accessible due to 24/7 availability, but AvaTrade's response times are quick. For Norwegian traders, IG's round-the-clock support may be beneficial for late-night trading.
| Mobile Feature | AvaTrade | IG | 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 | ✗ | ✓ | IG |
| Resource | AvaTrade | IG | 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 IG if you...
For Norway traders in 2026, AvaTrade is the better choice due to its lower spreads, higher overall rating (4.6 vs 4.2), and superior support for local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. It offers a cost-effective trading environment with strong regulation by the local financial regulator, making it ideal for retail traders focusing on forex. IG remains a solid alternative for those who need a broader asset range and advanced analysis tools, but its higher costs and slightly lower score make it less attractive for cost-conscious Norwegian traders. Ultimately, AvaTrade delivers better value for most Norway-based retail traders.