FBS vs IG for North Macedonia Traders (2026): Complete Comparison

For North Macedonia traders, trading costs are a key factor. IG's spreads start from 0.1 pips on EUR/USD, compared to FBS's 0.2 pips. Over 100 trades per month, IG saves you approximately $10 in spread costs. IG also charges lower commissions on its raw spread accounts. FBS offers fixed spreads on some accounts, which can be beneficial during volatile markets. However, for most traders, IG's lower variable spreads result in better overall cost efficiency, especially when trading larger volumes.

IG provides the advanced L2 Dealer platform and MetaTrader 4 (MT4), while FBS offers MT4 and its proprietary FBS Trader app. For North Macedonia traders, IG's platforms are more feature-rich, with better charting tools and automated trading options. FBS's MT4 is simpler but sufficient for beginners. IG also offers a web-based platform that works well on slower internet connections common in some parts of North Macedonia. Both brokers have mobile apps, but IG's is more comprehensive.

IG uses straight-through processing (STP) with no dealing desk intervention, ensuring fast execution with minimal slippage. FBS also offers STP execution but may experience occasional requotes during high volatility. For North Macedonia traders, IG's execution is more reliable, especially for scalping and news trading. IG's average execution speed is under 40ms, while FBS averages around 100ms.

IG is regulated by top-tier authorities like the FCA (UK) and ASIC (Australia), offering strong client protection. FBS is regulated by the IFSC (Belize) and CySEC (Cyprus), which provides less stringent oversight. For North Macedonia traders, neither broker is directly regulated by the local financial regulator. However, IG's FCA regulation means client funds are held in segregated accounts and covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £85,000. FBS offers negative balance protection but lacks such robust compensation schemes. This makes IG the safer choice for risk-averse traders.

Depositing and withdrawing funds is straightforward for North Macedonia traders at both brokers. FBS supports Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, with a minimum deposit of $5. IG also accepts these methods plus credit/debit cards and PayPal, with a minimum deposit of $250. Withdrawals are processed within 1-3 business days for both. FBS offers faster processing for e-wallets (same day), while IG's bank transfers may take 2-5 days. USDT TRC20 is a convenient option for crypto-friendly traders, with low fees and near-instant transfers. Always check for any additional bank charges from your local bank.

For Muslim traders in North Macedonia, both FBS and IG offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts. IG provides them automatically for eligible clients who request it, with no additional fees. FBS requires a written request and may charge a small administration fee for opening the account. Both accounts comply with Sharia law by not charging or paying swap fees on overnight positions. However, IG's Islamic account is more transparent and easier to set up. Traders should confirm eligibility based on their country of residence and account type.

IG offers 24/7 customer support via live chat, phone, and email, with a dedicated team for North Macedonia traders. FBS provides support in multiple languages, including Macedonian, via live chat and email, but phone support is limited. IG's support is generally faster and more knowledgeable, especially for complex issues. FBS's support is adequate for basic queries but may lag during peak hours.