Which broker is better for Norway traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Norwegian traders seeking reliable forex brokers are often torn between Forex.com and IG. Both are established giants, but they cater differently to Norway's unique trading landscape. Forex.com, with a 3.4/5 rating, offers competitive forex spreads and a straightforward platform. IG, rated 4.2/5, provides a wider product range and advanced tools. For Norwegians, deposit methods such as Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 are available at both brokers, making funding seamless. The Norwegian Financial Supervisory Authority (Finanstilsynet) oversees their operations, ensuring a secure trading environment. This comparison will help you decide which broker aligns with your trading style and local needs.
| Instrument | Forex.com | 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 | $100 | $0 | IG |
When comparing costs for Norwegian traders, IG generally offers tighter spreads on major forex pairs like EUR/USD, starting from 0.6 pips, while Forex.com starts at 1.0 pips on standard accounts. For higher-volume traders, IG's volume discounts can further reduce costs, making it more attractive for active Norwegian investors. Forex.com's RAW account can match IG's pricing but requires a higher minimum deposit. Additionally, IG's commission structure on CFDs is competitive, while Forex.com's non-trading fees like inactivity charges are lower. Overall, IG edges out for most Norwegian traders on cost.
| Account Type | Forex.com | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $0 |
| Entity / Asset | Forex.com | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Norway (offshore) | Up to 1:50 | Up to 1:30 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:50 | 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 | Forex.com | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | Forex.com |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | Forex.com |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | Forex.com |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | IG |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | Forex.com | IG |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✓ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer robust platforms tailored to Norwegian traders. IG provides its proprietary web platform, mobile app, and MetaTrader 4, all with support for Norwegian language. Forex.com offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and its own web platform but lacks Norwegian language support. IG's platform excels in advanced charting and market depth, appealing to tech-savvy Norwegians. Forex.com's platforms are more traditional but reliable. For mobile trading, both apps are highly rated, but IG's app is more feature-rich. Overall, IG offers a superior platform experience for Norwegian users.
| Factor | Forex.com | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | IG |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | Forex.com |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
IG uses a hybrid market maker and STP model, providing fast execution with no requotes for most orders. Forex.com uses NDD (No Dealing Desk) and STP, offering transparent pricing but potentially slower execution during volatile periods. For Norwegian traders, server locations (IG in London, Forex.com in New York and London) mean similar latency. Overall, IG's execution is generally more reliable and consistent for retail traders in Norway.
| Safety Factor | Forex.com | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both Forex.com and IG are regulated by the Norwegian Financial Supervisory Authority (Finanstilsynet), ensuring compliance with local laws. This means Norwegian traders benefit from investor protection schemes, negative balance protection, and segregated client funds. IG also holds additional licenses from top-tier regulators like the FCA and ASIC, adding extra security. Forex.com is regulated in multiple jurisdictions but its Norwegian entity adheres strictly to Finanstilsynet rules. For Norwegian traders, both brokers offer a safe trading environment with strong regulatory oversight.
| Payment Method | Forex.com | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✗ | ✗ |
| Neteller | ✗ | ✗ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | 1 to 3 business days | 1 to 5 business days |
All payment methods popular among Norwegian traders are supported: Bank Transfer (SEPA), Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Forex.com also accepts credit/debit cards, while IG additionally offers PayPal. Deposits via Skrill and Neteller are processed instantly with no fees from the brokers, though Skrill/Neteller may charge a small conversion fee. Bank transfers are free but take 1-3 business days. USDT TRC20 deposits are processed within minutes with low blockchain fees. Withdrawals are handled similarly: Skrill and Neteller are fastest (within 24 hours), while bank transfers take 1-2 days. Forex.com has a $50 minimum withdrawal via bank transfer, while IG sets no maximum but charges a small fee for some methods. Both brokers provide clear, Norwegian-friendly deposit and withdrawal processes.
| Islamic Account Feature | Forex.com | 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 Forex.com and IG offer swap-free Islamic accounts for Muslim traders in Norway. IG's Islamic account is available on its standard CFD accounts without additional conditions, while Forex.com provides it on most account types after a conversion request. Norwegian Muslim traders need to submit a signed declaration confirming their religious beliefs. IG's Islamic account has no extra fees upfront, but Forex.com may charge an administration fee for conversion. Both brokers ensure no interest is charged on overnight positions. For Norwegian Muslim traders, IG's straightforward process and lack of extra fees give it a slight edge.
| Support Feature | Forex.com | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | Forex.com |
IG offers customer support in Norwegian via phone and email, with live chat available during market hours. Forex.com supports English only, which can be a barrier for some Norwegian traders. IG's support team is responsive and knowledgeable about local trading conditions. Both brokers provide extensive FAQs, but IG's Norwegian-language resources are a definite advantage for local traders needing assistance.
| Mobile Feature | Forex.com | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | Forex.com |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | Forex.com |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✓ | IG |
| Resource | Forex.com | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | Forex.com |
Choose Forex.com if you...
Choose IG if you...
For most Norwegian traders, IG is the clear winner with a 4.2/5 rating versus Forex.com's 3.4/5. IG offers tighter spreads, a wider product selection, Norwegian-language support, and a superior platform. Both brokers accept Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making deposits easy. However, Forex.com may suit traders who prioritize lower minimum deposits and MT5 compatibility. Consider your trading style: forex-focused beginners may find Forex.com simpler, while versatile traders will benefit from IG's ecosystem. Regulated by Finanstilsynet, both provide a safe environment for Norwegian traders.