Which broker is better for Iceland traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Iceland traders looking for a reliable forex and CFD broker often compare EasyMarkets and Plus500. Both are licensed by the local financial regulator, but they cater to slightly different trading styles. Plus500 scores 3.7/5 and is known for its intuitive platform, low spreads, and extensive asset list including forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. EasyMarkets scores 3.4/5 and appeals to traders who want unique risk-control tools like DealCancellation, free guaranteed stop-loss, and fixed spreads. For Icelanders using payment methods such as Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, both brokers offer seamless deposit and withdrawal options. This comparison focuses on spreads, regulation, platform features, and support specifically tailored to the Icelandic trading environment, including the impact of the local currency (USD) and tax implications. Whether you are a beginner or an active trader, understanding these differences will help you choose the right broker for your needs in 2025.
| Instrument | EasyMarkets | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Plus500 |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Plus500 |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Plus500 |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Plus500 |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $25 | $100 | Plus500 |
When comparing trading costs for Iceland traders, Plus500 edges ahead with tighter variable spreads on major forex pairs (EUR/USD average 0.6 pips) versus EasyMarkets' floating spreads from 1.0 pips on its standard account. However, EasyMarkets offers fixed spreads on its VIP account, which can be beneficial during high-volatility periods common in Icelandic market hours. Both brokers charge no commission on forex, but Plus500 applies a spread markup on CFDs. For active Iceland traders executing high volumes, Plus500's lower variable spreads may result in lower overall cost. Note that EasyMarkets' DealCancellation fee (1% of trade value) adds cost if used frequently. Always factor in the impact of volume on spreads—higher volume traders will benefit more from Plus500's structure.
| Account Type | EasyMarkets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $25 | $100 |
| Entity / Asset | EasyMarkets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Iceland (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:300 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 1:300 |
| 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 | Plus500 | 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+ | Plus500 |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | EasyMarkets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✗ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✗ |
Iceland traders value ease of use and reliability. Plus500's proprietary web and mobile platform is highly intuitive, with a clean interface, one-click trading, and advanced charting tools—ideal for retail traders who want a straightforward experience. EasyMarkets also offers its own web platform and mobile app, along with MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and TradingView integration. For Icelanders who prefer automated trading or custom indicators, EasyMarkets' MT4 support is a strong advantage. Both platforms are available in English and low latency ensures good execution from Icelandic IPs. Plus500’s platform lacks social trading features, while EasyMarkets provides risk management tools like DealCancellation and guaranteed stop-loss, which can be valuable for those trading volatile Scandinavian markets.
| Factor | EasyMarkets | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Plus500 |
| 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 crucial for Iceland traders. Plus500 uses a straight-through-processing (STP) model with no dealing desk, ensuring fast execution and minimal requotes during normal market conditions. EasyMarkets also operates as a DMA/STP broker, but its unique risk tools like guaranteed stop-loss may cause slight delays in execution during extreme volatility. Both brokers offer negative balance protection. For scalpers and day traders in Iceland, Plus500's execution speed (average 0.1 seconds) gives a slight edge. EasyMarkets' fixed spreads may be preferable during news events if you prioritize cost predictability over speed.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both EasyMarkets and Plus500 are regulated by the local financial regulator (likely the Financial Supervisory Authority of Iceland). This means Iceland traders benefit from client fund segregation, negative balance protection, and access to dispute resolution. Plus500 is also regulated by top-tier bodies like the FCA and CySEC, adding extra layers of security. EasyMarkets holds multiple licenses including ASIC and CySEC. For Icelanders, regulation by the local regulator ensures compliance with local laws and tax reporting requirements. Always check the current license status on the regulator's website. While both brokers are safe, Plus500’s broader regulatory oversight gives a slight edge in investor protection for funds held in segregated accounts.
| Payment Method | EasyMarkets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 3 business day |
Iceland traders can fund accounts at both brokers using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Minimum deposits are $100 for EasyMarkets and $100 for Plus500. Bank transfers are free but can take 1-3 business days due to Icelandic banking hours. Skrill and Neteller deposits are instant with no fee from the broker, though the e-wallet itself may charge conversion fees. USDT TRC20 is a popular choice for crypto-savvy Icelanders, offering fast and low-cost transfers. Withdrawals are processed within 1-2 business days for e-wallets and USDT, while bank transfers take 2-5 days. Plus500 offers free withdrawals once per month, then charges a fee; EasyMarkets allows one free withdrawal per month. Both brokers support USD accounts, which helps Iceland traders avoid currency conversion losses. Ensure to verify identity via KYC before first withdrawal.
| Islamic Account Feature | EasyMarkets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Iceland requiring Sharia-compliant accounts, both EasyMarkets and Plus500 offer swap-free Islamic accounts. EasyMarkets provides a dedicated Islamic account with no interest on overnight positions, available upon request. Plus500 automatically applies a swap-free status for eligible clients, but requires confirmation of Muslim faith. No additional fees are charged for Islamic accounts by either broker. It is important to note that Islamic accounts may have different trading conditions, such as limited leverage or product exclusions. Iceland traders should contact support to ensure the account meets their religious requirements before opening. Both brokers maintain transparency regarding swap-free terms in their account documentation.
| Support Feature | EasyMarkets | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | EasyMarkets |
Iceland traders benefit from 24/5 customer support from both brokers. EasyMarkets offers live chat, email, and phone support in English. Plus500 provides 24/7 live chat and email support, also in English, with occasional Icelandic language assistance via email. Response times are generally under 5 minutes for live chat. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections covering common queries from Icelanders, including deposit methods and regulation. For urgent issues, Plus500's extended hours may be more convenient for traders active during volatile European sessions.
| Mobile Feature | EasyMarkets | Plus500 | 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 |
| Resource | EasyMarkets | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | ✗ | EasyMarkets |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | EasyMarkets |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | EasyMarkets |
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
Choose Plus500 if you...
For Iceland traders in 2025, the choice between EasyMarkets and Plus500 depends on trading style. If you are a retail trader seeking low costs and simplicity, Plus500's 3.7 rating, tight spreads, and robust regulatory oversight make it the stronger option. It supports Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 seamlessly, and its platform is ideal for quick execution. However, if you value risk control and flexibility, EasyMarkets' DealCancellation and fixed spreads (on certain accounts) provide unique benefits, especially for those trading larger volumes or during news events. Both brokers are regulated locally, ensuring safety. Test both with small deposits to see which interface suits you best. Ultimately, Plus500 wins on overall value, while EasyMarkets appeals to traders who prioritize protection over cost.