Which broker is better for North Macedonia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
North Macedonia traders seeking a reliable forex broker have two compelling options: EasyMarkets and IG. EasyMarkets, with a score of 3.4/5, is known for its easy-to-use platform and fixed spreads, making it attractive for beginners and those who prefer cost certainty. IG, scoring 4.2/5, is a global powerhouse offering tighter variable spreads, advanced trading tools, and extensive market access. Both brokers accept North Macedonia clients and support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. The local financial regulator oversees retail trading, ensuring a compliant environment. This comparison will help you decide which broker aligns with your trading style, risk tolerance, and goals in the Macedonian market.
| 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 North Macedonia traders, trading costs are a critical factor. EasyMarkets charges fixed spreads – for example, EUR/USD from 1.5 pips – which remain stable regardless of market volatility. IG offers variable spreads starting from 0.6 pips on major pairs, but they widen during news events. While EasyMarkets’ fixed spread provides predictability for small accounts, IG’s lower average spread can save significant costs for traders executing high volumes. Additionally, IG has lower commission on share CFDs, while EasyMarkets rolls commission into the spread. For active retail traders in North Macedonia, IG typically yields lower overall trading costs.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| North Macedonia (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 | ✓ | ✓ |
EasyMarkets provides a proprietary web platform and mobile app designed for simplicity, ideal for North Macedonia traders who prefer an uncluttered interface with built-in risk management features like dealCancellation. IG offers the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and its own advanced web platform with ProRealTime charts, plus a mobile app. For traders in North Macedonia who use automated strategies or custom indicators, IG’s MT4 support is a major advantage. EasyMarkets’ platform is better for beginners who want straightforward execution without complexity, while IG suits those who need powerful analysis tools and algorithmic trading capabilities.
| 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 |
EasyMarkets uses a market maker model with fixed spreads and no requotes, ensuring consistent execution. However, slippage can occur during high volatility. IG operates as a straight-through-processing (STP) broker, offering variable spreads and typically faster execution with minimal requotes. For North Macedonia traders trading major forex pairs during active hours, IG’s execution speed and depth of liquidity provide an advantage. EasyMarkets is more predictable but may have slower execution on fast-moving markets.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
EasyMarkets is regulated by CySEC (Cyprus) and ASIC (Australia), with client funds segregated and covered by the Investor Compensation Fund. IG is regulated by multiple authorities including the FCA (UK), ASIC, and DFSA, offering a higher tier of regulatory oversight. For North Macedonia traders, the local financial regulator requires brokers to maintain transparency, but neither broker is directly licensed there. IG’s FCA regulation provides stronger protection, including negative balance protection and access to the UK Financial Ombudsman Service. EasyMarkets still offers adequate safety, but IG’s regulatory framework is more robust for Macedonian clients.
| 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 |
North Macedonia traders can fund accounts using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 at both brokers. EasyMarkets also accepts credit/debit cards and PayPal, while IG supports Apple Pay and Poli. Minimum deposits are low: $100 for EasyMarkets and $250 for IG. Bank transfers may take 1-3 business days, while Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 are usually instant. Withdrawals are processed within one business day at EasyMarkets and up to two days at IG, with no internal fees. USDT TRC20 is especially popular in North Macedonia because it bypasses bank delays and offers low transaction costs, making it ideal for frequent deposits and withdrawals.
| 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 |
Muslim traders in North Macedonia can open Islamic (swap-free) accounts at both EasyMarkets and IG. EasyMarkets provides a straightforward swap-free account without hidden charges, allowing positions to be held overnight without interest. IG also offers Islamic accounts upon request, but the eligibility criteria and instrument restrictions can vary. For example, IG may limit certain CFDs on swap-free accounts. EasyMarkets is often more accommodating for North Macedonia traders seeking a fully compliant Sharia experience, with clear terms and no rebate on spreads. It is recommended to contact support before opening the account to confirm specific conditions.
| 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 |
EasyMarkets offers 24/5 live chat, email, and phone support with multilingual agents, but no Macedonian-specific language option. IG provides 24/6 support (Sunday to Friday) via live chat, phone, and email, with a faster response time. For North Macedonia traders, the absence of local language support may be a drawback for both, but IG’s overall responsiveness and breadth of FAQs give it an edge. EasyMarkets has a smaller support team but is reportedly friendly and patient with beginners.
| 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 North Macedonia traders, IG emerges as the stronger choice overall due to its higher score (4.2/5), tighter spreads, superior regulation, and advanced platforms. It is especially suited for active retail traders who trade in USD and use local payment methods like Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. EasyMarkets remains a solid alternative for beginners or those who prioritize fixed spreads and a straightforward interface. Both brokers comply with the local financial regulator’s requirements. When comparing, consider your trading frequency and platform preferences. For most traders in North Macedonia, IG offers better long-term value, while EasyMarkets is a comfortable starting point.