EasyMarkets vs IC Markets 2026 – Comparison for North Macedonia Traders
Which broker is better for North Macedonia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Quick Verdict — North Macedonia Traders
For traders in North Macedonia, choosing between EasyMarkets and IC Markets is a decision that affects trading costs, platform experience, and access to local payment methods. EasyMarkets (overall score 3.4/5) is known for its user-friendly platform, fixed spreads, and risk management tools, making it appealing for beginners. IC Markets (4.8/5) is a globally recognized ECN/STP broker offering raw spreads from 0.0 pips, ultra-fast execution, and deep liquidity – ideal for active and experienced retail traders. Both brokers accept clients from North Macedonia and support local deposit options such as Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. However, regulation differs: EasyMarkets is regulated by CySEC and ASIC, while IC Markets is regulated by ASIC, CySEC, and the FCA. North Macedonia traders should consider the local financial regulator’s guidelines, as neither broker holds a license specifically from the Macedonian Securities Commission. This comparison focuses on trading costs, platforms, deposit methods, and regulatory safety to help you decide.
Overall Scores Comparison
Trading Costs - Spreads & Commissions
| Instrument | EasyMarkets | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | IC Markets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | IC Markets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | IC Markets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | IC Markets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $25 | $200 | IC Markets |
For North Macedonia traders, trading costs are crucial due to the impact on net profits, especially with USD-denominated accounts. IC Markets offers significantly lower spreads: the Raw Spread account provides spreads from 0.0 pips on EUR/USD with a $7 commission per standard lot. EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads that average 1.2 pips on EUR/USD, with no commission. On a typical 10-lot monthly volume, IC Markets costs around $70 in commission plus variable spreads, whereas EasyMarkets would cost $1,200 in spread alone – a massive difference. Swap rates also favor IC Markets for long-term positions. For scalpers or day traders in North Macedonia, IC Markets is far more cost-effective.
Account Types Comparison
| Account Type | EasyMarkets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $25 | $200 |
Leverage Comparison - North Macedonia Traders
| Entity / Asset | EasyMarkets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| North Macedonia (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:5000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 1:5000 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
Trading Instruments - Assets Available
| Asset Class | EasyMarkets | IC Markets | 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 | ✗ | ✗ | IC Markets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
Platforms Comparison
| Platform | EasyMarkets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✓ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
EasyMarkets offers its proprietary web-based platform and WebTrader, along with MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) – but the proprietary platform is best for beginners. IC Markets provides MT4, MT5, and cTrader, with full compatibility on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. For North Macedonia traders, IC Markets’ platforms offer advanced charting, algorithmic trading, and copy trading via Myfxbook and ZuluTrade. EasyMarkets’ platforms are simpler but lack the depth for serious analysis. Both support multiple languages, including local language options for the region.
Execution Quality - Speed & Slippage
| Factor | EasyMarkets | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | IC Markets |
| 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 |
IC Markets is renowned for its low-latency execution using Equinix NY4 servers and no requotes, with execution speeds under 40ms. EasyMarkets uses dealing desk execution with fixed spreads, which can lead to requotes in volatile markets – though it offers guaranteed stop loss. For scalpers and EA traders in North Macedonia, IC Markets’ ECN/STP execution is superior. For long-term position traders using fixed spreads, EasyMarkets’ execution is acceptable but less transparent.
Regulation & Safety for North Macedonia Traders
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | ASIC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
EasyMarkets is regulated by CySEC (Cyprus) and ASIC (Australia). IC Markets holds licenses from ASIC (Australia), CySEC, and the FCA (UK). Neither broker is directly supervised by North Macedonia’s local financial regulator, the Securities and Exchange Commission of North Macedonia. However, both comply with EU standards (CySEC) which offer negative balance protection and segregation of client funds. For North Macedonia traders, IC Markets’ additional FCA regulation provides an extra layer of security, though both are considered safe. Traders should verify the legal status of forex trading locally and ensure they use regulated entities.
Deposits & Withdrawals for North Macedonia
| Payment Method | EasyMarkets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | E-wallets instant-24hrs; Cards 3-5 business days (up to 10); Int'l bank wire up to 14 days |
Both EasyMarkets and IC Markets support the payment methods most used in North Macedonia: Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. IC Markets additionally accepts credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) and PayPal. Deposits via Skrill and Neteller are processed instantly with minimal fees; USDT TRC20 deposits are fast and secure, often arriving within minutes. Withdrawals: EasyMarkets processes withdrawals via the same method, typically within 1-3 business days for bank transfers and within 24 hours for e-wallets and USDT. IC Markets offers same-day processing for e-wallets and cryptocurrency withdrawals, but bank transfers may take 2-5 days. Minimum deposits: EasyMarkets requires $100; IC Markets $200. North Macedonia traders should note that while both accept MKD-denominated transfers via bank, trading accounts are in USD.
Islamic Accounts - Swap-Free for North Macedonia Muslims
| Islamic Account Feature | EasyMarkets | IC 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 North Macedonia, both brokers offer swap-free (Islamic) accounts that comply with Sharia law by removing overnight interest. EasyMarkets provides a dedicated Islamic account with no swap fees on all instruments, available upon request. IC Markets also offers Islamic accounts without swap charges, though some exotic pairs may incur administrative fees. IC Markets requires a simple request via support; EasyMarkets can be set up during registration. Both brokers allow switching from standard accounts. North Macedonia traders should confirm the specific conditions for major forex pairs and indices before opening an Islamic account.
Customer Support Comparison
| Support Feature | EasyMarkets | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | EasyMarkets |
Customer support is available 24/5 from both brokers, aligning with North Macedonia trading hours (UTC+1/+2). EasyMarkets offers live chat, email, and phone support, with quick responses in English and sometimes local languages. IC Markets provides 24/7 live chat, phone support (with local numbers in some countries), and email – but North Macedonia traders may face longer wait times for phone calls. IC Markets also has a comprehensive FAQ and community forum. Both are responsive via live chat, but EasyMarkets is slightly more accessible for beginners.
Mobile App Comparison
| Mobile Feature | EasyMarkets | IC Markets | 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 |
Education & Research Tools
| Resource | EasyMarkets | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | EasyMarkets |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | EasyMarkets |
Real User Reviews - Trustpilot
Pros & Cons of Each Broker
EasyMarkets
IC Markets
Who Should Use Which Broker? - North Macedonia Guide
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
- are a beginner trader in North Macedonia looking for a simple platform with fixed spreads.
- need guaranteed stop-loss protection for risk management.
- prefer a lower minimum deposit ($100) to start trading.
- want an Islamic account without any administrative fees.
Choose IC Markets if you...
- are an active or experienced trader seeking ultra-tight spreads and low commissions.
- use automated strategies or scalping with fast execution.
- prefer advanced platforms like cTrader and MT5 for technical analysis.
- need reliable local payment options like Skrill, Neteller, or USDT TRC20 for quick deposits and withdrawals.
FAQ - EasyMarkets vs IC Markets in North Macedonia
Final Verdict - North Macedonia 2026
For most North Macedonia retail traders, IC Markets is the clear winner with a 4.8/5 rating, offering competitive ECN spreads, fast execution, and a wider range of local payment methods (Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, USDT TRC20). It suits both beginners and advanced traders, especially those trading high volumes or using EAs. EasyMarkets (3.4/5) is a safer bet for novices who prefer fixed costs and simple risk management, but it falls short on cost efficiency. While neither broker is regulated by North Macedonia’s local financial regulator, both hold reputable international licenses. We recommend IC Markets as the primary choice, with EasyMarkets as an alternative for complete beginners or those needing guaranteed stop losses.