Which broker is better for Norway traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Norway traders seeking a reliable forex broker in 2026 often compare FP Markets and IG due to their strong global reputations. FP Markets, with a score of 4.7/5, stands out for its ultra-competitive spreads and support for local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. IG, scoring 4.2/5, is a well-established brand offering robust platforms and regulatory oversight from the FCA. For retail traders in Norway, the choice hinges on cost efficiency versus brand trust. Both brokers accept Norwegian clients and provide access to major markets, but FP Markets edges ahead with lower trading costs and faster deposits. The local financial regulator does not directly oversee either broker, so traders should prioritize brokers with strong international licenses. This comparison breaks down spreads, platforms, regulation, and payment options to help Norway traders make an informed decision.
| Instrument | FP Markets | 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 |
For Norway traders, trading costs are a critical factor. FP Markets offers spreads from 0.0 pips on its Raw account with a $7 round-turn commission per lot, making it ideal for scalpers and high-volume traders. IG’s standard account has spreads averaging 0.8 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD, with no commission but wider spreads. Over 100 trades per month, FP Markets can save Norway traders up to 30% in costs. IG’s fixed spreads on indices may appeal to less active traders, but FP Markets consistently delivers lower overall costs for retail traders in Norway.
| Account Type | FP Markets | 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 | FP Markets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Norway (offshore) | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:30 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:500 | 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 | FP Markets | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FP Markets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FP Markets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | FP Markets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | 1,000+ | 1,700+ | IG |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | FP Markets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✓ | ✓ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and proprietary platforms. FP Markets provides MT4, MT5, and cTrader, giving Norway traders flexibility for algorithmic trading and advanced charting. IG’s platform is web-based with a clean interface and integrated news feeds. For Norway traders who value mobile trading and automated strategies, FP Markets’ cTrader support is a standout. IG’s platform is user-friendly but less customizable. Overall, FP Markets offers more platform choices for diverse trading styles.
| Factor | FP Markets | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | IG |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | FP Markets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
FP Markets uses straight-through processing (STP) with no requotes, offering average execution speeds under 30ms. IG also provides fast execution but may experience slippage during high volatility. For Norway traders, FP Markets’ execution is superior for scalping and news trading, while IG is reliable for standard orders.
| Safety Factor | FP Markets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
FP Markets is regulated by ASIC (Australia) and CySEC (Cyprus), while IG is regulated by the FCA (UK), ASIC, and others. For Norway traders, neither broker is directly regulated by the local financial regulator, but both comply with EU standards through CySEC or FCA oversight. IG’s FCA regulation offers strong client protection, including negative balance protection. FP Markets’ ASIC regulation provides similar safeguards. Norway traders should feel secure with both, but IG’s FCA status may offer additional comfort for conservative investors.
| Payment Method | FP Markets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✗ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✗ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | 24 hours | 1 to 5 business days |
Norway traders can fund accounts at both brokers using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. FP Markets processes deposits instantly with no fees for Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, while bank transfers take 1-3 business days. IG also supports these methods but may charge a 1% fee on credit card deposits. Withdrawals at FP Markets are processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and USDT TRC20, making it faster for Norwegian users. IG’s withdrawal times are similar but can be slower for bank transfers. USDT TRC20 is particularly advantageous for Norway traders seeking low-cost, rapid transactions.
| Islamic Account Feature | FP Markets | 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 FP Markets and IG offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Norway Muslim traders. FP Markets provides swap-free accounts on request with no additional fees, applicable to forex and major pairs. IG offers Islamic accounts but may charge a holding fee after 10 days for certain instruments. Norway traders should confirm specific terms, as FP Markets’ policy is more straightforward and cost-effective for long-term positions. Both brokers require documentation to verify eligibility.
| Support Feature | FP Markets | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FP Markets |
FP Markets offers 24/7 multilingual customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with fast response times for Norway traders. IG provides similar support but with slightly longer wait times during peak hours. Both have Norwegian language options on their websites, but FP Markets’ dedicated support team is more responsive for account and technical queries.
| Mobile Feature | FP Markets | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | FP Markets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | FP Markets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Resource | FP Markets | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FP Markets |
Choose FP Markets if you...
Choose IG if you...
For Norway retail traders in 2026, FP Markets is the better choice overall, scoring 4.7/5 versus IG’s 4.2/5. It offers lower spreads, faster execution, and superior support for local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. While IG provides strong FCA regulation and a user-friendly platform, FP Markets delivers better value for active traders. The local financial regulator does not directly oversee either, so FP Markets’ competitive edge in cost and speed makes it the top pick for Norway traders looking to maximize their trading outcomes.