Global Prime vs IC Markets for Norway Traders (2026)

For Norwegian traders, trading costs directly impact profitability. IC Markets offers raw spreads starting from 0.0 pips on its Raw Spread account, with a commission of $3.5 per lot (round turn). Global Prime’s standard account has spreads from 1.0 pips without commission. For a trader executing 10 lots per month in EUR/USD, IC Markets can save up to $100 in spread costs compared to Global Prime. However, Global Prime’s commission-free model may suit lower-volume traders. Both brokers have no deposit fees, and USDT TRC20 deposits are free of charge.

IC Markets provides MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, giving Norwegian traders flexibility for algorithmic trading and custom indicators. Global Prime also offers MT4 and MT5, but lacks cTrader. For traders who value advanced charting tools and fast order execution, cTrader on IC Markets is a plus. Both platforms are available on desktop, web, and mobile, ensuring seamless trading from Norway. The lack of a proprietary platform is not a drawback, as MT4/MT5 are widely trusted.

IC Markets is known for its low-latency execution, with servers located in Equinix NY4 and LD4, and a reported average execution speed of under 40ms. Global Prime also offers fast execution, but its infrastructure is less optimized for high-frequency trading. For Norwegian traders, especially those using EAs or scalping strategies, IC Markets’ execution quality can be a deciding factor. Global Prime is still reliable for standard trading and manual strategies.

Global Prime is regulated by the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). IC Markets is regulated by ASIC, the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), and the Financial Services Authority (FSA) of Seychelles. Neither broker is regulated by Norway’s local financial regulator, Finanstilsynet. This means Norwegian traders do not have access to investor compensation schemes from the Norwegian government. However, both brokers have strong reputations and client fund segregation policies. Traders should assess their risk tolerance before depositing.

Norwegian traders can fund their accounts at both Global Prime and IC Markets using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. For example, a deposit of $1,000 via USDT TRC20 is instant with no fees, while Bank Transfer may take 1-3 business days and incur intermediary bank charges. IC Markets also supports credit/debit cards and PayPal, offering more variety. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and USDT, but Bank Transfer can take 2-5 business days. Global Prime has a minimum deposit of $100, while IC Markets requires $200. Both brokers handle USD accounts, avoiding NOK conversion issues if traders use USD deposits.

For Norwegian Muslim traders, both Global Prime and IC Markets provide swap-free Islamic accounts. IC Markets offers Islamic accounts on all account types (Standard, Raw Spread, and cTrader) with no swap charges on overnight positions. Global Prime’s Islamic account is available on request for standard accounts only. It is important to note that Islamic accounts may have longer holding periods before swap exemption applies. Traders should confirm eligibility and any conditions with customer support before opening.

Customer support for Norwegian traders is available in English via live chat, email, and phone. IC Markets offers 24/7 support on weekdays and has a dedicated support team for technical issues. Global Prime’s support operates 24/5 and is responsive, but may be slower during weekends. Neither broker offers Norwegian language support, which could be a drawback for traders who prefer local assistance. Both brokers have extensive FAQ sections and knowledge bases.