Which broker is better for Norway traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For retail traders in Norway, choosing between AvaTrade and Plus500 is a key decision that impacts trading costs, platform experience, and deposit flexibility. AvaTrade scores 4.6/5, reflecting its strong offering of over 1,250 instruments, advanced platforms like MetaTrader 4 and AvaTradeGO, and local payment support including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Plus500 scores 3.7/5, appealing to traders who prefer a simplified, web-based platform with no commission on most trades. Both brokers are regulated and accept Norway clients, but differences in spreads, account types, and customer support matter. This comparison helps Norway traders decide which broker aligns with their trading style and local needs, including the ability to deposit in Norwegian Krone via popular methods.
| Instrument | AvaTrade | 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 | $100 | $100 | Tie |
When comparing trading costs for Norway traders, AvaTrade offers tighter spreads on major forex pairs like EUR/NOK and EUR/USD, often starting from 0.9 pips. Plus500’s spreads can be 1.2 pips or wider, especially during low liquidity. For high-volume traders in Norway, AvaTrade’s lower spreads reduce costs significantly. Plus500 charges no commission but may apply overnight fees. Both brokers have swap rates, but AvaTrade’s are more competitive. Overall, AvaTrade provides better value for active Norway traders.
| Account Type | AvaTrade | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✓ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $100 |
| Entity / Asset | AvaTrade | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Norway (offshore) | Up to 1:400 | Up to 1:300 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:400 | 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 | AvaTrade | Plus500 | 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+ | Plus500 |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | AvaTrade | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✗ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✗ |
AvaTrade provides MetaTrader 4, AvaTradeGO, and web trader, giving Norway traders advanced charting, automated trading, and mobile access. Plus500 offers a proprietary web and mobile platform that is user-friendly but lacks advanced tools like EA support. For Norway traders who value technical analysis and customization, AvaTrade is superior. Plus500 suits beginners who want simplicity.
| Factor | AvaTrade | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Plus500 |
| 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 |
AvaTrade uses STP execution with no dealing desk, offering fast order fills and minimal slippage for Norway traders. Plus500 uses market maker execution, which can lead to requotes during volatile markets. AvaTrade’s execution is more reliable for active traders in Norway.
| Safety Factor | AvaTrade | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CBI | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both AvaTrade and Plus500 are regulated by top-tier authorities, including the Central Bank of Ireland and FCA, which also cover Norway clients. They comply with local financial regulations, ensuring segregated client funds and negative balance protection. For Norway traders, this means a safe trading environment. AvaTrade’s longer regulatory track record adds extra confidence.
| Payment Method | AvaTrade | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 3 business day |
Norway traders can deposit at AvaTrade via Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, with no deposit fees and fast processing. Plus500 accepts Bank Transfer, Skrill, and Neteller but not USDT TRC20. Withdrawals at both brokers are processed within 1-3 business days, though AvaTrade’s crypto option offers faster funding. Minimum deposits are low: $100 for AvaTrade and $100 for Plus500. For Norway traders using cryptocurrency, AvaTrade is more convenient.
| Islamic Account Feature | AvaTrade | 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 AvaTrade and Plus500 offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in Norway. These accounts eliminate interest charges on overnight positions, complying with Sharia law. AvaTrade provides Islamic accounts on request with no extra fees, while Plus500 also offers them but with limited instrument availability. Norway Muslim traders can trade forex and CFDs without riba.
| Support Feature | AvaTrade | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | AvaTrade |
AvaTrade offers 24/5 multilingual customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with Norwegian language assistance available. Plus500 provides 24/7 support but only via live chat and email, with no phone support. For Norway traders, AvaTrade’s phone support is a key advantage for urgent issues.
| Mobile Feature | AvaTrade | Plus500 | 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 | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | ✗ | AvaTrade |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | AvaTrade |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | AvaTrade |
Choose AvaTrade if you...
Choose Plus500 if you...
For most retail traders in Norway, AvaTrade is the better choice with a higher score (4.6/5), tighter spreads, and broader deposit options including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. It also offers advanced platforms and local customer support. Plus500 (3.7/5) is simpler but less flexible. Considering local factors like regulatory compliance and payment convenience, AvaTrade provides a superior trading experience for Norway traders. However, if you prioritize simplicity and commission-free trading, Plus500 remains a viable option.