Which broker is better for Belarus traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Choosing between EasyMarkets and IG as a Belarus trader involves weighing cost, regulation, and available payment methods. EasyMarkets, with a score of 3.4/5, appeals to beginners with its fixed spreads and straightforward platform. IG, rated 4.2/5, is a global giant offering tighter spreads, a vast range of markets, and advanced tools. Both brokers accept Belarus residents and support local payment options such as Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 – a key advantage for fast deposits. However, IG has an edge with stronger regulation (FCA, ASIC) and lower trading costs. In this comparison, we evaluate spreads, platforms, deposit methods, Islamic accounts, and regulatory implications specifically for retail traders in Belarus. Whether you trade forex, indices, or crypto, understanding these differences helps you choose the broker that aligns with your experience level and trading style.
| Instrument | EasyMarkets | 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 | $25 | $0 | IG |
For Belarus traders, IG offers lower trading costs overall, with variable spreads starting from 0.6 pips on EUR/USD and no commission on standard accounts. EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads (around 1.2 pips on EUR/USD) which protect against gap risk but are wider in normal conditions. If you trade high volumes, IG’s lower spreads directly impact your profitability. EasyMarkets also charges a small inactivity fee after 90 days, while IG has no inactivity fee but applies a small exchange fee for non-base currency deposits. Consider your typical trade size – for smaller retail accounts, EasyMarkets’ fixed costs may simplify budgeting.
| Account Type | EasyMarkets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Belarus (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:30 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 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 | EasyMarkets | IG | 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 | ✗ | 1,700+ | IG |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | EasyMarkets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✓ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
IG provides its own advanced web platform, plus MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and ProRealTime, all of which work well for Belarus traders needing robust charting and order management. EasyMarkets offers a simpler web trader and mobile app with basic technical indicators, plus a proprietary 'deal cancellation' feature that lets you reverse a losing trade within 1 hour – useful for risk-averse Belarus users. IG also supports API trading for automated strategies. If you are a beginner, EasyMarkets’ user-friendly interface may be less intimidating; for experienced traders seeking depth, IG’s platforms are superior.
| Factor | EasyMarkets | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | IG |
| 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 |
IG uses straight-through processing (STP) and electronic communication network (ECN) execution, providing fast order fills with minimal re-quotes. EasyMarkets operates a market maker model with fixed spreads, which can lead to slippage during news events but offers no dealing desk intervention. For Belarus traders executing scalping strategies or high-frequency trades, IG’s execution is superior. EasyMarkets is better for position traders who value no slippage guarantees.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
EasyMarkets is regulated by CySEC (EU) and ASIC (Australia), while IG holds licenses from the FCA (UK), ASIC, and others. Neither broker is regulated by the local Belarusian financial regulator, which means you are trading under international oversight. IG’s FCA regulation offers strong investor protection (up to £85,000 under FSCS) and negative balance protection – important for Belarus traders concerned about capital safety. EasyMarkets offers negative balance protection as well, but its compensation scheme is limited. Always verify that the broker’s license aligns with your risk tolerance.
| Payment Method | EasyMarkets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 1 to 5 business days |
Belarus traders can fund both accounts using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. EasyMarkets deposits via USDT TRC20 are processed instantly with no fee, while bank transfers take 1-3 business days. IG also supports these methods plus PayPal and credit cards. Minimum deposits: EasyMarkets $250, IG no minimum. Withdrawals are free at EasyMarkets (via same methods) and IG offers one free withdrawal per month. USDT TRC20 is especially convenient for Belarusians because it bypasses banking delays and currency conversion fees. Ensure you verify your identity before withdrawing – this can take up to 48 hours for first-time requests.
| Islamic Account Feature | EasyMarkets | 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 EasyMarkets and IG offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Belarus Muslim traders who cannot earn or pay interest. EasyMarkets provides swap-free status on request for all account types, with no extra charges. IG offers Islamic accounts only on its standard platform and requires you to contact support; there may be a limited time period before swaps are applied again. If you are a long-term Muslim trader in Belarus, EasyMarkets may be more accommodating. Note that Islamic accounts often have restrictions on certain instruments or holding periods – read terms carefully.
| Support Feature | EasyMarkets | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | EasyMarkets |
IG offers 24/5 customer support via live chat, phone, and email, with Russian-language assistance available – a plus for Belarus traders. EasyMarkets provides support 24/5 via chat and email, but phone support is limited. IG’s service is generally more responsive and comprehensive. For time-sensitive issues like USDT TRC20 deposit confirmations, IG’s faster support can make a difference.
| Mobile Feature | EasyMarkets | IG | 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 | ✗ | ✓ | IG |
| Resource | EasyMarkets | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | EasyMarkets |
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
Choose IG if you...
For Belarus retail traders, IG edges out EasyMarkets with its higher 4.2 rating, lower spreads, wider platform choices, and superior regulation. Both brokers accept popular local payment methods including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making deposits easy. However, IG’s FCA regulation provides added security for capital. EasyMarkets remains a solid alternative for beginners or those who want fixed spreads and a straightforward user experience. Consider your trading style: if you prioritize cost and advanced tools, go with IG; if simplicity and risk control matter more, EasyMarkets is a valid choice. Neither is regulated by the local Belarusian financial regulator, so always trade within your personal risk appetite.