Which broker is better for Romania traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Romania’s growing retail trading community, choosing the right broker is key to success in the forex and CFD markets. EasyMarkets (rated 3.4/5) and IG (rated 4.2/5) are two well-known brokers that serve Romanian clients, but they cater to different trader profiles. EasyMarkets is an industry veteran with a focus on simplicity, offering fixed spreads, a user-friendly web platform, and a strong risk management toolkit. IG, a global market leader, provides advanced trading platforms like ProRealTime and MetaTrader 4 (MT4), tighter spreads, and access to over 17,000 markets including forex, indices, shares, and commodities. Both brokers are regulated under EU frameworks and accept Romanian traders, with support for local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Credit Card, and Skrill, as well as deposits in Romanian Lei (RON). They also adhere to ESMA leverage limits and negative balance protection, ensuring a safe trading environment. This comparison will help you decide which broker better suits your trading style, budget, and local needs, whether you are a beginner seeking simplicity or an experienced trader requiring depth and speed.
| 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 |
When comparing trading costs for Romania traders, IG generally offers lower spreads than EasyMarkets. IG’s variable spreads on EUR/USD start from 0.6 pips during peak hours, while EasyMarkets charges a fixed spread from 1.2 pips on the same pair. For Romania traders who execute high volumes, the difference becomes significant: a 1-lot trade at IG could cost around $6 per round turn, versus $12 at EasyMarkets. IG also has a transparent commission structure on share CFDs and futures, whereas EasyMarkets includes all costs in the spread. However, EasyMarkets’ fixed spreads protect traders from widening during volatile news events – useful for manual position traders. Overall, active Romanian scalpers and day traders will benefit from IG’s lower costs, while EasyMarkets suits those who prefer predictable pricing.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Romania (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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Romania traders have different platform needs, and IG offers a wider choice. IG supports MetaTrader 4 (MT4) – popular among local traders for its custom indicators and automated trading – as well as its own advanced web platform and ProRealTime for charting. EasyMarkets provides only its proprietary web-based platform and mobile apps, which are intuitive but lack the depth of MT4. IG also offers full integration with TradingView charts, while EasyMarkets features a unique DealCancellation tool that allows traders to undo losing trades within a set time (for a fee). For Romania’s growing retail community, IG’s platform flexibility makes it a stronger option, especially for those who rely on expert advisors or advanced analysis. EasyMarkets’ platform is better for beginners who value simplicity and risk management extras.
| 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 |
Execution quality is critical for Romania traders, especially those using MT4 or scalping strategies. IG boasts ultra-fast execution with no requotes on most orders, thanks to its direct market access (DMA) model for forex and CFD indices. EasyMarkets uses a market maker model but claims no requotes and offers slippage protection on its platform. IG’s execution is generally faster and more reliable under volatile conditions, with average execution speeds below 40ms. EasyMarkets is also decent but may occasionally experience slippage during news events. For high-frequency and algorithmic traders in Romania, IG’s execution infrastructure is superior. Casual traders may not notice a significant difference.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a top priority for Romania traders, and both brokers operate under strong oversight. IG is regulated by the FCA in the UK, the ASIC in Australia, and, importantly for Romania, is registered with the Romanian Financial Supervisory Authority (ASF) under the EU passporting regime. EasyMarkets is regulated by CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission) and also complies with ESMA rules. Both offer negative balance protection and client fund segregation as required by ESMA, and they limit leverage to 30:1 for major forex pairs. IG’s connection to London’s regulatory framework and its ASF registration may give Romanian traders extra confidence, whereas EasyMarkets relies on CySEC supervision. Both are legitimate and safe, but IG’s direct ASF recognition is a subtle advantage for local compliance comfort.
| 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 |
Romania traders can fund their accounts at both EasyMarkets and IG using Bank Transfer, Credit Card (Visa/Mastercard), and Skrill. EasyMarkets offers instant deposits via cards and Skrill with no fees, and supports deposits in RON – a major advantage for avoiding conversion costs. IG also accepts deposits in RON for bank transfers (free), and card deposits are processed instantly with no fee from IG, though your bank may charge a small fee. Skrill deposits are also free and instant at IG. Withdrawals at both brokers follow the same methods: EasyMarkets processes withdrawal requests within 1-2 business days, and Skrill withdrawals are typically faster. IG’s withdrawal times are similar, but Skrill withdrawals may incur a 1% fee (subject to change). For Romania traders, EasyMarkets’ RON support and zero-fee Skrill withdrawals make it slightly more convenient for local banking, though IG’s broader payment ecosystem is also competitive.
| 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 Romania traders who require Sharia-compliant trading. EasyMarkets provides Islamic accounts with no swap or interest charges on positions held overnight, and the account can be opened by selecting the Islamic option during registration. IG also offers swap-free accounts to eligible clients, but they may need to request it via customer support. For Romania’s Muslim minority, trading interest-free is essential. EasyMarkets applies the swap-free status to all instruments, while IG may restrict it to standard forex pairs only. Both brokers operate under ESMA regulations, which already limit leverage and protect clients. EasyMarkets’ broader swap-free coverage and straightforward activation make it a slightly better choice for observant Muslim traders in Romania.
| 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 |
Romania traders value localised support. IG offers 24/5 customer service via phone, live chat, and email, with dedicated support in English and limited Romanian-language assistance on some channels. EasyMarkets provides 24/5 support in multiple languages but does not have a dedicated Romanian-speaking team. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections and educational materials. For immediate help, IG’s live chat is faster and more responsive. EasyMarkets is also efficient but may have longer queues. Overall, IG’s broader support infrastructure gives it a slight edge for Romania traders who may need assistance during European trading hours.
| 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 the majority of Romania traders, IG is the stronger choice overall, thanks to its lower trading costs, superior platform variety, direct ASF regulation, and faster execution. It is particularly well-suited to the growing retail trading community in cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timișoara, where demand for professional-grade tools is rising. However, EasyMarkets remains a valid option for beginners or those who prefer fixed spreads, RON deposit support, and simple risk controls. If you value convenience with local payments like Card and Skrill, EasyMarkets’ zero-fee withdrawals and no conversion charges make it attractive. But for long-term cost efficiency and trading power, IG leads. Both brokers are safe under ESMA rules, but IG’s 4.2/5 rating reflects its superior offering for Romanian traders who want to trade more seriously.