EasyMarkets vs IC Markets: Which is Better for Norway Traders in 2026?

For Norway traders, trading costs are a critical factor, especially when trading in USD. EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads that average around 1.2 pips on EUR/USD, with no commission, but this can be expensive for high-volume or scalpers. IC Markets, on the other hand, offers Raw Spread accounts with spreads from 0.0 pips and a commission of $3.50 per lot per side. The difference becomes significant as volume increases: a Norway trader executing 10 lots per day on EUR/USD could save $30–50 daily with IC Markets. Swap rates also differ—IC Markets provides competitive overnight financing while EasyMarkets tends to have higher costs. For cost-sensitive traders in Norway, IC Markets is the clear winner.

Norway traders have diverse platform needs. EasyMarkets provides a proprietary web-based platform with a clean layout, one-click trading, and integrated risk management tools like deal cancellation. It lacks MetaTrader, which may limit advanced traders. IC Markets offers the full suite: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader—all accessible on desktop, web, and mobile. cTrader is particularly popular for its depth of market, fast order execution, and algorithmic trading support. IC Markets also supports VPS hosting for automated strategies, a key advantage for Norway traders using Expert Advisors. Overall, IC Markets caters better to traders who require flexibility and advanced tools.

Execution quality is a key differentiator. IC Markets operates as a true ECN broker with ultra-low latency execution, average execution speeds under 40ms, and no requotes. EasyMarkets, as a market maker, may have occasional slippage and requotes, especially during news events. For Norway traders who scalp or use automated strategies, IC Markets’ execution is superior. EasyMarkets offers guaranteed stop-loss orders, which some traders value for risk management despite higher spreads.

Neither EasyMarkets nor IC Markets is regulated by the Norwegian Financial Supervisory Authority (Finanstilsynet). EasyMarkets holds licenses from CySEC (Cyprus) and FSA Seychelles; IC Markets is regulated by ASIC (Australia), CySEC, and FSA Seychelles. For Norway traders, this means they are not protected under the Norwegian deposit guarantee scheme or securities legislation. However, both brokers adhere to client fund segregation and negative balance protection under their respective licenses. It is crucial for Norwegian traders to understand that they are using offshore brokers and should assess the regulatory risk accordingly. IC Markets’ ASIC regulation offers a strong regulatory framework, while EasyMarkets’ CySEC license provides EU-level investor protection.

Both brokers offer convenient deposit and withdrawal options for Norway traders. You can fund your account via Bank Transfer (SEPA), Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. EasyMarkets processes deposits instantly for e-wallets and crypto, while bank transfers take 1–3 business days. IC Markets similarly supports instant e-wallet and crypto deposits, and also accepts credit/debit cards, PayPal, and UnionPay. Withdrawals are generally faster at IC Markets, often processed within 24 hours for e-wallets, while EasyMarkets may take 1–2 business days. Bank transfer fees vary—IC Markets typically covers one withdrawal per month, while EasyMarkets charges a small fee. For Norway traders using USDT TRC20, both brokers offer zero internal fees, making it a cost-effective method.

For Muslim traders in Norway requiring swap-free accounts, both EasyMarkets and IC Markets provide Islamic accounts with no interest on overnight positions. EasyMarkets offers Islamic accounts upon simple request, with no additional conditions, making it easy to set up. IC Markets also provides Islamic accounts but may apply an administration fee if positions are held beyond a certain period (e.g., 10 days). Traders should check current policies before opening. Both brokers maintain the same spreads and execution on Islamic accounts as on standard ones. For Norwegian Muslim traders who hold positions long-term, EasyMarkets may be simpler; for short-term traders, IC Markets offers more flexibility.

Customer support is available in English for both brokers. IC Markets offers 24/7 live chat, phone, and email support, with fast response times. EasyMarkets provides support Monday to Friday during business hours plus limited weekend chat. Neither broker offers Norwegian-language support, but English proficiency is high in Norway. For urgent issues, IC Markets’ round-the-clock support is advantageous for Norway traders trading during European or US sessions.