Which broker is better for North Macedonia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For retail traders in North Macedonia, choosing between FXTM and IG is a key decision in 2026. FXTM, with a score of 4.3/5, is known for its user-friendly platforms and support for local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making deposits and withdrawals seamless. IG, scoring 4.2/5, offers a vast range of markets and advanced tools, appealing to traders seeking depth. Both brokers are regulated internationally, providing a secure trading environment for North Macedonian clients. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced trader, this comparison highlights the unique strengths of each broker to help you align with your trading goals. Local factors like currency conversion costs and platform accessibility in Macedonia are also considered to guide your choice.
| Instrument | FXTM | 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 | $200 | $0 | IG |
When comparing trading costs for North Macedonia traders, FXTM often has an edge on spreads, especially on its ECN account where EUR/USD spreads start from 0.1 pips. IG’s standard spreads are slightly higher, around 0.6 pips on major pairs, but its commission-free structure can be cost-effective for smaller trades. For high-volume traders in North Macedonia, FXTM’s lower spreads reduce overall costs, while IG’s platform offers more predictable pricing. Both brokers are transparent about fees, but FXTM’s zero-commission option on certain accounts may appeal to budget-conscious traders.
| Account Type | FXTM | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✓ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $200 | $0 |
| Entity / Asset | FXTM | IG |
|---|---|---|
| North Macedonia (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 |
| Asset Class | FXTM | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FXTM |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FXTM |
| Crypto CFDs | ✗ | 20+ | FXTM |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | IG |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | FXTM | IG |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✓ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
FXTM provides the MetaTrader 4 and 5 platforms, which are widely used by North Macedonia traders for their reliability and advanced charting tools. IG offers its proprietary web platform and MetaTrader 4, along with the ProRealTime platform for technical analysis. For traders in North Macedonia who prefer mobile trading, both brokers have robust apps, but IG’s platform is more feature-rich for multi-asset trading. FXTM’s simplicity is ideal for beginners, while IG’s tools suit experienced traders.
| Factor | FXTM | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | IG |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | FXTM |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
FXTM provides fast execution with low latency, averaging under 50 ms on its ECN accounts, which is beneficial for scalpers in North Macedonia. IG also offers reliable execution with no requotes, but its speed can vary during high volatility. For day traders, FXTM’s execution quality is slightly better for forex pairs, while IG’s execution is consistent across multiple asset classes. Both brokers use No Dealing Desk (NDD) models to minimize slippage.
| Safety Factor | FXTM | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
FXTM is regulated by the FCA (UK) and CySEC, while IG is regulated by the FCA and ASIC (Australia). For North Macedonia traders, this means both brokers adhere to strict financial standards, offering client fund segregation and negative balance protection. The local financial regulator does not directly oversee these brokers, but international oversight ensures a high level of security. Traders should verify licensing details and consider that IG’s FCA regulation may offer stronger protection for UK-based entities, while FXTM’s multi-regulatory status provides broader coverage.
| Payment Method | FXTM | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✗ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✗ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | 24 hours (often in 30 minutes),Credit / Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard): 1 to 3 business days. | 1 to 5 business days |
Depositing and withdrawing funds as a North Macedonia trader is straightforward with both brokers, but FXTM offers more local-friendly options. FXTM supports Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, with USDT TRC20 being particularly popular for fast, low-cost crypto transactions. IG accepts Bank Transfer and Skrill but does not support Neteller or USDT TRC20, which may limit flexibility. FXTM processes most deposits instantly, while withdrawals via Bank Transfer can take 1-3 business days. IG’s withdrawal times are similar, but the lack of crypto options could be a drawback for traders preferring digital assets. Both brokers have no deposit fees, but currency conversion costs may apply when depositing in MKD or USD.
| Islamic Account Feature | FXTM | 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 FXTM and IG offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in North Macedonia who require interest-free trading. FXTM provides Islamic accounts on request with no swap charges on overnight positions, applicable to most account types. IG also offers swap-free accounts for specific accounts, but they may have limited availability for certain instruments. Traders should contact support to confirm eligibility and any conditions, such as minimum deposit requirements. This feature ensures compliance with Sharia law while accessing global markets.
| Support Feature | FXTM | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FXTM |
FXTM offers 24/5 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with multilingual agents including English and regional languages. IG provides similar 24/5 support but also has a 24/7 phone line for urgent queries. For North Macedonia traders, FXTM’s support is more accessible during local trading hours, while IG’s extended hours can assist with after-hours issues. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections on their websites.
| Mobile Feature | FXTM | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | FXTM |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | FXTM |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✓ | IG |
| Resource | FXTM | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FXTM |
Choose FXTM if you...
Choose IG if you...
For North Macedonia traders, FXTM edges ahead with a 4.3/5 rating due to its superior support for local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making financial management seamless. Its lower spreads and beginner-friendly platforms cater well to retail traders. IG, scoring 4.2/5, is a strong choice for experienced traders seeking diverse markets and advanced tools, though its limited payment options may be a hurdle. Both brokers are regulated internationally, ensuring security under the local financial regulator’s framework. Ultimately, FXTM is the better fit for most North Macedonia traders prioritizing convenience and cost-efficiency, while IG suits those with more complex trading needs.