FBS vs IG for Norway Traders (2026): Full Comparison
Which broker is better for Norway traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Quick Verdict — Norway Traders
For retail traders in Norway, choosing between FBS and IG means balancing cost, regulation, and payment convenience. FBS, with a score of 3.7/5, appeals to those seeking low entry barriers and crypto-friendly deposits like USDT TRC20. IG, scoring 4.2/5, is a globally trusted broker with tighter spreads, advanced platforms, and strong regulatory oversight from the FCA and ASIC. Both brokers accept Norwegian clients and support local payment methods such as Bank Transfer, Skrill, and Neteller. However, IG’s reputation and execution quality make it the preferred choice for serious traders, while FBS offers flexibility for smaller accounts. This comparison will help you decide which broker aligns with your trading style and local needs in Norway.
Overall Scores Comparison
Trading Costs - Spreads & Commissions
| Instrument | FBS | 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 | $5 | $0 | IG |
For Norway traders, IG offers more competitive spreads on major forex pairs like EUR/USD, with standard spreads from 0.8 pips and raw spreads as low as 0.1 pips for active traders. FBS standard spreads start at 1.0 pips, but it provides a zero-spread account with a $6 commission per lot. Over 100 trades per month, IG’s lower spreads can save Norway traders approximately 20-30% in costs compared to FBS. Both brokers have no hidden fees, but IG’s pricing is more transparent for high-volume strategies.
Account Types Comparison
| Account Type | FBS | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $5 | $0 |
Leverage Comparison - Norway Traders
| Entity / Asset | FBS | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Norway (offshore) | Up to 1:3000 | Up to 1:30 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:3000 | 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 |
Trading Instruments - Assets Available
| Asset Class | FBS | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FBS |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FBS |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | FBS |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | IG |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
Platforms Comparison
| Platform | FBS | IG |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✓ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
IG provides the industry-standard MetaTrader 4 (MT4) along with its proprietary web platform, which offers advanced charting and risk management tools tailored for experienced traders. FBS also offers MT4 and MT5, but its proprietary platform is less sophisticated. For Norway traders who value mobile trading, IG’s app has higher ratings and better functionality. Both brokers support automated trading via Expert Advisors, but IG’s platform ecosystem is more robust for serious retail traders.
Execution Quality - Speed & Slippage
| Factor | FBS | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | IG |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | FBS |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
IG boasts an average execution speed of 30-50 milliseconds, with no requotes on major pairs, thanks to its direct market access (DMA). FBS execution averages 100-150 milliseconds, with occasional slippage during volatile periods. For Norway traders using scalping or news trading strategies, IG’s faster execution provides a clear advantage.
Regulation & Safety for Norway Traders
| Safety Factor | FBS | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | IFSC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✗ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
IG is regulated by top-tier authorities including the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), offering strong client fund segregation and compensation schemes. FBS operates under the International Financial Services Commission (IFSC) of Belize and CySEC in Europe, which provide less comprehensive investor protection. While neither broker is directly regulated by the local financial regulator (Finanstilsynet) in Norway, IG’s higher regulatory standing gives Norway traders greater confidence in fund safety and dispute resolution.
Deposits & Withdrawals for Norway
| Payment Method | FBS | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✗ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✗ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | Electronic Wallets / Systems: Credited immediately to 30 minutes (processed 24/7 by the financial department).Cryptocurrency: Instant, though subject to blockchain network confirmations.Credit / Debit Cards: Average of 3 to 4 business days (internal processing takes 15–20 minutes, plus bank clearance).Bank Transfers: Usually processed within 7 to 10 business days. | 1 to 5 business days |
Norway traders can deposit using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 at FBS, with a minimum deposit of just $10. IG supports Bank Transfer, Skrill, and Neteller but does not accept USDT TRC20, and its minimum deposit is $250. FBS processes withdrawals within 24 hours for e-wallets, while IG may take 1-2 business days. Bank transfers at both brokers can incur intermediary fees (typically $10-20), but e-wallet transactions are free. FBS’s crypto option offers instant, low-cost transfers for tech-savvy Norway traders.
Islamic Accounts - Swap-Free for Norway Muslims
| Islamic Account Feature | FBS | 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 FBS and IG offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in Norway. FBS provides swap-free status on all account types automatically upon request, with no additional fees. IG offers Islamic accounts but only on standard accounts, and traders must contact support to activate it. Both accounts comply with Sharia law by eliminating interest charges on overnight positions. For Norway’s growing Muslim community, FBS offers easier access, while IG requires a bit more administrative effort.
Customer Support Comparison
| Support Feature | FBS | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FBS |
IG provides 24/5 customer support via live chat, phone, and email, with a dedicated Norwegian-language team available during business hours. FBS offers 24/7 live chat and email support but lacks Norwegian-language assistance. For Norway traders, IG’s localised support ensures quicker resolution of issues, especially during European trading hours.
Mobile App Comparison
| Mobile Feature | FBS | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | FBS |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | FBS |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✓ | IG |
Education & Research Tools
| Resource | FBS | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FBS |
Real User Reviews - Trustpilot
Pros & Cons of Each Broker
FBS
IG
Who Should Use Which Broker? - Norway Guide
Choose FBS if you...
- Want to start trading with a low minimum deposit of $10
- Prefer depositing with cryptocurrency like USDT TRC20
- Need an Islamic account with instant activation
- Are a beginner looking for a simple platform and 24/7 support
Choose IG if you...
FAQ - FBS vs IG in Norway
Final Verdict - Norway 2026
For most retail traders in Norway, IG is the superior choice due to its lower spreads, faster execution, stronger regulation, and localised support. However, FBS is a viable alternative for those with smaller capital or a preference for crypto deposits like USDT TRC20. Both brokers accept Bank Transfer, Skrill, and Neteller, but FBS’s lower minimum deposit makes it more accessible. If you prioritise security and cost efficiency, go with IG. If you want flexibility and low barriers, FBS works. Always check the local financial regulator’s guidelines before trading.