Which broker is better for Norway traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
When choosing between FxOpen and Plus500, Norway traders must consider their trading style, costs, and local payment preferences. Both brokers score 3.7/5, but they cater to different needs. FxOpen is a well-established ECN/STP broker with tight spreads and advanced trading platforms like MT4 and MT5, ideal for active forex traders. Plus500 is a user-friendly CFD platform popular among retail traders for its simplicity and zero-commission structure. For Norway traders, local factors like support for Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 deposits are crucial. Additionally, both brokers are regulated by top-tier authorities, ensuring safety for Norwegian clients. This comparison will help you decide which broker aligns with your trading goals in 2025.
| Instrument | FxOpen | 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 | $100 | $100 | Tie |
For Norway traders, trading costs are a key differentiator between FxOpen and Plus500. FxOpen offers spreads from 0.0 pips on its ECN accounts with a small commission, making it cheaper for high-volume traders. Plus500 uses a spread-only model, with no commissions, but spreads can be wider, especially on minor pairs like EUR/NOK. On a standard lot trade, FxOpen’s costs are often 30-50% lower than Plus500’s. If you trade frequently or in large volumes, FxOpen is more cost-effective. For occasional traders, Plus500’s simplicity may offset slightly higher spreads.
| Account Type | FxOpen | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $100 |
| Entity / Asset | FxOpen | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Norway (offshore) | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:300 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:500 | 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 | FxOpen | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FxOpen |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FxOpen |
| Crypto CFDs | ✗ | 20+ | FxOpen |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | 1,000+ | 1,700+ | Plus500 |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | FxOpen | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✓ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✗ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✗ |
FxOpen provides MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, giving Norway traders access to advanced charting tools, automated trading via Expert Advisors, and custom indicators. Plus500 offers its proprietary web-based platform and mobile app, which are intuitive and great for beginners but lack the depth of MT4/MT5. For Norway traders who value advanced analysis and algorithmic trading, FxOpen is superior. However, if you prefer a straightforward, commission-free experience, Plus500’s platform is more user-friendly.
| Factor | FxOpen | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Plus500 |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | FxOpen |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
FxOpen offers fast execution with no requotes, thanks to its ECN/STP model, with average execution speeds under 50ms. Plus500 uses a market maker model, which can lead to slippage during volatile conditions. For Norway traders trading major pairs like EUR/USD or USD/NOK, FxOpen’s execution is more reliable, especially for scalping or news trading. Plus500 is fine for longer-term positions.
| Safety Factor | FxOpen | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both FxOpen and Plus500 are regulated by respected authorities, including the FCA and CySEC, which provide a high level of protection for Norway traders. While the local financial regulator in Norway does not directly oversee these brokers, their regulation ensures compliance with EU standards. FxOpen also holds additional licenses in Australia and South Africa. For Norway traders, this means your funds are held in segregated accounts, and you have access to investor compensation schemes. Always verify the specific entity you sign up with to ensure maximum protection.
| Payment Method | FxOpen | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✗ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✗ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | 24 hours | 1 to 3 business day |
Norway traders can fund their accounts at FxOpen and Plus500 using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. FxOpen also accepts credit/debit cards and cryptocurrencies, while Plus500 offers PayPal and iDEAL. Deposits via Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 are usually instant, while bank transfers take 1-3 business days. Withdrawals at FxOpen are processed within 1-2 days, while Plus500 may take up to 3 days. Both brokers charge no fees for deposits, but Plus500 may deduct a small fee for certain withdrawal methods. Ensure you use the same method for deposits and withdrawals to avoid delays.
| Islamic Account Feature | FxOpen | 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 |
Both FxOpen and Plus500 offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Norway’s Muslim traders. These accounts comply with Sharia law by not charging or paying overnight swap fees. FxOpen provides Islamic accounts on all account types, while Plus500 offers them upon request. However, keep in mind that some brokers may charge a small administrative fee after a holding period. For Norway traders seeking ethical trading, both brokers are suitable, but FxOpen gives more flexibility with account types.
| Support Feature | FxOpen | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FxOpen |
FxOpen offers 24/5 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with response times under 2 hours. Plus500 provides 24/7 support through live chat and email, which is better for after-hours trading. For Norway traders, both brokers offer support in English, but Plus500’s 24/7 availability is a plus for weekend traders. FxOpen’s support is more responsive during market hours.
| Mobile Feature | FxOpen | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | FxOpen |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | FxOpen |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✓ | ✗ | FxOpen |
| Resource | FxOpen | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | ✗ | FxOpen |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FxOpen |
Choose FxOpen if you...
Choose Plus500 if you...
For Norway traders, the choice between FxOpen and Plus500 depends on your experience and trading style. FxOpen is the better option for active forex traders who need low spreads, advanced platforms, and flexible deposit methods like Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Its ECN/STP model ensures fast execution and fair pricing. Plus500 is ideal for beginners or casual traders who want a straightforward, commission-free experience with 24/7 support. Both brokers are regulated and safe for Norwegian clients. If you trade frequently or in large volumes, FxOpen will save you money. If you prefer simplicity, start with Plus500.