Which broker is better for Norway traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Choosing the right forex broker is a critical decision for retail traders in Norway, especially when comparing established names like EasyMarkets and FBS Max. Both brokers provide access to global markets, but they cater to slightly different trading styles and needs. EasyMarkets, with a score of 3.4/5, is known for its simplicity, fixed spreads, and user-friendly platform, making it a popular choice for beginners. FBS Max, scoring 3.7/5, stands out with its tighter variable spreads, a broader range of account types, and more flexible deposit options. For Norway traders, the ability to fund accounts via Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 is a key advantage for both brokers. While neither is regulated by the local Norwegian financial regulator, they operate under international licenses. This comparison will help you decide which broker better aligns with your trading goals in the Norwegian market.
| Instrument | EasyMarkets | FBS Max | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | FBS Max |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | FBS Max |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | FBS Max |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | FBS Max |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $25 | $0 | FBS Max |
For Norway traders, trading costs are a major factor, and FBS Max has a clear edge with lower variable spreads, starting from 0.1 pips on major forex pairs. EasyMarkets offers fixed spreads, which provide predictability but are generally higher, often around 1-2 pips. If you trade high volumes or frequently, FBS Max's tighter spreads will significantly reduce your costs. EasyMarkets charges no commission on standard accounts, while FBS Max uses a spread-only model for its standard accounts. For a Norway trader executing 10 standard lots per month on EUR/USD, the difference in spread costs could be substantial, making FBS Max the more cost-effective option.
| Account Type | EasyMarkets | FBS Max |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $25 | $0 |
| Entity / Asset | EasyMarkets | FBS Max |
|---|---|---|
| Norway (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:3000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 1:3000 |
| 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 | EasyMarkets | FBS Max | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | EasyMarkets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | EasyMarkets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | EasyMarkets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | FBS Max |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | EasyMarkets | FBS Max |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✓ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
EasyMarkets offers its proprietary web-based platform and a mobile app, both designed for simplicity and ease of use, which is ideal for Norway beginners. FBS Max provides the industry-standard MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms, offering advanced charting tools, automated trading, and a wide range of indicators. For Norway traders who value advanced analysis or algorithmic trading, FBS Max is the better choice. However, if you prefer a straightforward, no-fuss trading experience, EasyMarkets' platform is more intuitive.
| Factor | EasyMarkets | FBS Max | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FBS Max |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | EasyMarkets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
EasyMarkets uses a market execution model with no dealing desk intervention, offering instant execution for most orders. FBS Max also uses market execution, but with a focus on low latency and high-speed order processing, which is beneficial for scalpers and high-frequency traders. For Norway traders, FBS Max generally provides faster execution speeds, reducing slippage. EasyMarkets' execution is reliable but can be slower during high volatility.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | FBS Max |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | IFSC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✗ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✗ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Neither EasyMarkets nor FBS Max is regulated by the local Norwegian financial regulator, but both hold licenses from reputable international bodies. EasyMarkets is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), while FBS Max is regulated by the International Financial Services Commission (IFSC) of Belize. For Norway traders, this means your funds are not covered by the Norwegian investor compensation scheme. It is important to understand the regulatory protections offered by these offshore licenses and to trade with caution. Both brokers offer negative balance protection, which is a key safety feature.
| Payment Method | EasyMarkets | FBS Max |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | 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) | 5 to 7 business days |
Norway traders have convenient deposit and withdrawal options at both brokers, including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. EasyMarkets processes deposits instantly for e-wallets and crypto, while bank transfers may take 1-3 business days. Withdrawals are typically processed within 1-2 business days. FBS Max also supports these methods, with instant processing for e-wallets and crypto, and offers additional options like local bank transfers. FBS Max generally has faster withdrawal processing, often within 24 hours. Both brokers do not charge deposit fees, but Norway traders should check for any bank intermediary charges on bank transfers. USDT TRC20 deposits are particularly fast and low-cost for both brokers.
| Islamic Account Feature | EasyMarkets | FBS Max |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Norway Muslim traders requiring swap-free accounts, both EasyMarkets and FBS Max offer Islamic account options. EasyMarkets provides a dedicated Islamic account that automatically has no swap or rollover interest on overnight positions, making it a straightforward choice. FBS Max also offers swap-free accounts, but you may need to request it through customer support. Both brokers require adherence to Islamic trading principles, and the accounts are available for all trading instruments. This makes both brokers suitable for Norway traders seeking Sharia-compliant trading.
| Support Feature | EasyMarkets | FBS Max | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | EasyMarkets |
EasyMarkets offers 24/5 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with support available in English and several other languages. FBS Max provides 24/7 support, which is a significant advantage for Norway traders who may trade outside standard hours. FBS Max also offers support in Norwegian, making it easier for local traders to communicate. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections on their websites.
| Mobile Feature | EasyMarkets | FBS Max | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | EasyMarkets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | EasyMarkets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | EasyMarkets | FBS Max | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | EasyMarkets |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | EasyMarkets |
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
Choose FBS Max if you...
For Norway retail traders, FBS Max (3.7/5) emerges as the stronger choice overall, thanks to its lower spreads, faster execution, and superior platform options. The ability to deposit via Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 is a key commonality, but FBS Max's faster processing and additional support in Norwegian give it an edge. EasyMarkets (3.4/5) remains a solid option for beginners who value simplicity and fixed costs. However, both brokers operate outside the local Norwegian financial regulator's oversight, so you should be aware of the reduced regulatory protections. If you prioritize cost-efficiency and advanced features, FBS Max is the recommended broker for Norway traders in 2025.