Which broker is better for North Macedonia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For retail traders in North Macedonia, choosing the right forex broker is critical for long-term success. FxPro, rated 4.1/5, and HYCM, rated 3.6/5, are two well-established international brokers that accept clients from North Macedonia. Both support the local payment methods you need—Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20—and offer accounts in USD. However, they differ significantly in trading costs, platform variety, and regulation. FxPro is known for its tight spreads and fast execution, while HYCM offers fixed spreads and a longer track record. This comparison will help you decide which broker aligns with your trading style and local needs, taking into account the oversight of North Macedonia's local financial regulator.
| Instrument | FxPro | HYCM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | HYCM |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | HYCM |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | HYCM |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | HYCM |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $100 | $20 | FxPro |
For North Macedonia traders, trading costs directly impact profitability. FxPro offers raw spreads from 0.0 pips on its MT4 and MT5 platforms, with a commission of $3.5 per lot per side. HYCM's fixed spreads on major pairs like EUR/USD are typically around 1.2 pips with no commission. For a trader executing 10 standard lots per month, FxPro's cost is approximately $70, while HYCM's is $120. FxPro is clearly more cost-effective for active and high-volume traders in North Macedonia. However, HYCM's fixed spreads can be beneficial during volatile news events, as they do not widen unexpectedly.
| Account Type | FxPro | HYCM |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $20 |
| Entity / Asset | FxPro | HYCM |
|---|---|---|
| North Macedonia (offshore) | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:500 | 1:500 |
| 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 | FxPro | HYCM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FxPro |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FxPro |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | FxPro |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | 1,000+ | ✗ | HYCM |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | FxPro | HYCM |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms, which are widely used by North Macedonia traders. FxPro also provides its own proprietary platform, FxPro Edge, and supports cTrader for direct market access. HYCM offers only MT4 and MT5. For traders in North Macedonia who value advanced charting and algorithmic trading, FxPro's wider platform choice is a clear advantage. Both platforms are available on desktop, web, and mobile, ensuring flexibility for trading on the go.
| Factor | FxPro | HYCM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | HYCM |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | FxPro |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
FxPro offers execution speeds as low as 12 milliseconds with no requotes on most orders, making it ideal for scalpers and algorithmic traders in North Macedonia. HYCM uses a market execution model with speeds around 50 milliseconds. While both are fast, FxPro's superior execution quality reduces slippage, especially during high-impact news events. For traders who rely on precise entries and exits, FxPro is the better choice.
| Safety Factor | FxPro | HYCM |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
FxPro is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), and other top-tier bodies. HYCM is regulated by the FCA and CySEC as well. While North Macedonia's local financial regulator does not directly supervise these brokers, both firms comply with strict capital adequacy and client fund segregation rules. For North Macedonia traders, this means enhanced protection, including negative balance protection and access to investor compensation schemes (up to €20,000 under CySEC). This regulatory framework adds a layer of security that is important for retail traders in the region.
| Payment Method | FxPro | HYCM |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 1 business day | E-Wallets (Skrill, Neteller, WebMoney): 1 hour to 1 business day.Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard): 3 to 5 business days (after broker processing).Bank Wire Transfers: 3 to 7 business days depending on your bank and location. |
Depositing and withdrawing funds is straightforward for North Macedonia traders at both brokers. FxPro and HYCM support Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. For USDT TRC20, deposits are processed within minutes with no fees, making it a popular choice for crypto-savvy traders in North Macedonia. Skrill and Neteller deposits are instant, while bank transfers take 1-3 business days. Withdrawals via e-wallets and USDT are typically processed within 24 hours, while bank transfers take 2-5 days. Both brokers do not charge internal fees, but bank transfer fees may apply from local banks. Minimum deposit at FxPro is $100, while HYCM requires $20, making HYCM more accessible for beginners.
| Islamic Account Feature | FxPro | HYCM |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
For Muslim traders in North Macedonia, both FxPro and HYCM offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts that comply with Sharia law. FxPro provides Islamic accounts on all account types, including raw spread and standard accounts. HYCM offers Islamic accounts upon request, with no swap fees charged on overnight positions. It's important to note that Islamic accounts may have restrictions on certain instruments and may incur a small administration fee after a holding period. Both brokers require a declaration of faith for eligibility. For North Macedonia traders seeking ethical trading, both brokers are suitable, but FxPro offers more flexibility with account types.
| Support Feature | FxPro | HYCM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FxPro |
Customer support is available 24/5 from both brokers in English, which is widely used in North Macedonia. FxPro offers support via live chat, email, and phone, with response times under 5 minutes. HYCM also provides live chat and phone support, but response times can be slower during peak hours. Neither broker offers support in Macedonian, but English support is sufficient for most traders. FxPro's support is more responsive, which is beneficial for time-sensitive issues.
| Mobile Feature | FxPro | HYCM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | FxPro |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | FxPro |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | FxPro | HYCM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | FxPro |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FxPro |
Choose FxPro if you...
Choose HYCM if you...
For retail traders in North Macedonia, FxPro is the recommended broker due to its lower trading costs, faster execution, and broader platform selection. It is particularly suitable for active traders and those who prioritize cost efficiency. HYCM remains a solid alternative for beginners or traders who prefer fixed spreads and a lower entry barrier. Both brokers accept local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, and are regulated by top-tier authorities. While North Macedonia's local financial regulator does not directly oversee these brokers, the international regulation provides adequate protection. Ultimately, your choice depends on your trading style and budget.