IC Markets vs FXTM: Which Broker is Best for North Macedonia Traders in 2026?
Which broker is better for North Macedonia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For North Macedonia traders looking to dive into forex trading, choosing the right broker is crucial. IC Markets and FXTM are two leading global brokers, each with distinct strengths. IC Markets boasts a 4.8/5 rating, known for its ultra-low spreads and institutional-grade execution, making it a favorite among active traders. FXTM, with a 4.3/5 score, offers a more accessible platform and educational resources, appealing to newcomers. Both brokers accept North Macedonia residents and support local deposit methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT. However, since North Macedonia’s local financial regulator does not directly oversee these brokers, traders must rely on international licenses (e.g., CySEC, FCA). This comparison will help you decide which broker aligns with your trading goals, whether you prioritize cost efficiency or user-friendly features.
| Instrument | IC Markets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | FXTM |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | FXTM |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | FXTM |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | FXTM |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $200 | $10 | FXTM |
| Inactivity fee | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
When comparing trading costs for North Macedonia traders, IC Markets clearly leads with spreads starting from 0.0 pips on its Raw Spread account, compared to FXTM’s standard spreads from 1.1 pips. For a trader executing 10 standard lots per month in USD pairs, IC Markets can save hundreds of dollars in spreads annually. FXTM’s commission-based accounts offer lower spreads but with a $7 round-turn commission per lot, which may still be higher than IC Markets’ $3.50 commission per lot. For high-volume traders, IC Markets reduces overall costs significantly. FXTM may be more affordable for low-volume traders with its zero-commission standard accounts, but the wider spreads add up over time. Always consider your trading volume and strategy when evaluating costs.
| Account Type | IC Markets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✓ |
| VPS trading | ✓ | ✓ |
| Min deposit | $200 | $10 |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Entity / Asset | IC Markets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| North Macedonia (offshore) | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:2000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:500 | 1:2000 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
| Margin call level | 80% | 80% |
| Stop out level | 50% | 50% |
| Asset Class | IC Markets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | IC Markets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | IC Markets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | IC Markets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | FXTM |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Options | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Futures | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | IC Markets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fixed spreads | ✗ | ✗ |
| Variable spreads | ✓ | ✓ |
Both IC Markets and FXTM offer the popular MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms, which are widely used by North Macedonia traders for their advanced charting and automated trading capabilities. IC Markets also provides cTrader, a modern platform with superior order execution and depth-of-market features, ideal for scalpers. FXTM offers its proprietary FXTM Trader app, which is beginner-friendly and available on mobile. For North Macedonia traders, platform stability and local language support are important; both brokers offer English interfaces, but FXTM provides more localized educational content. IC Markets excels for traders needing raw speed and customization, while FXTM is better for those seeking simplicity and guidance.
| Factor | IC Markets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FXTM |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | IC Markets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Dealing desk | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| News trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
Execution quality is a standout feature for IC Markets, which offers ultra-fast execution with an average speed of 40ms, ideal for scalpers and high-frequency traders in North Macedonia. FXTM’s execution is reliable but slower, averaging around 100ms. IC Markets uses No Dealing Desk (NDD) technology, minimizing slippage and requotes, while FXTM has a hybrid model that may involve dealing desk intervention during volatile periods. For North Macedonia traders trading major pairs like EUR/USD, IC Markets provides more consistent fills, especially during news events.
| Safety Factor | IC Markets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Reg number | #335692 | #600475 |
| Verify registration | Verify ↗ | Verify ↗ |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a key concern for North Macedonia traders, as the local financial regulator does not directly oversee IC Markets or FXTM. IC Markets is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), providing strong investor protection. FXTM is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK and CySEC, along with other international bodies. Both brokers offer negative balance protection and segregated client funds for accounts under CySEC. However, North Macedonia traders should note that regulatory coverage may vary by entity; choosing the CySEC-regulated branch ensures compliance with EU standards. Always verify the specific entity you are trading with to maximize protection.
| Payment Method | IC Markets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✓ |
| Deposit fee | None | None |
| Withdrawal time | E-wallets instant-24hrs; Cards 3-5 business days (up to 10); Int'l bank wire up to 14 days | Cards instant (up to 2h EU); e-wallets instant-2h; bank/local transfer 1 business day; crypto up to 24h |
| Min withdrawal | $50 | $50 |
North Macedonia traders have several convenient deposit and withdrawal options at both IC Markets and FXTM. Bank Transfer is available but may take 2-5 business days, with possible intermediary fees. Skrill and Neteller offer instant deposits and withdrawals, with IC Markets charging no fees and FXTM having small fees for withdrawals. USDT (Tether) deposits are supported by both brokers, enabling fast, low-cost transfers via blockchain, ideal for crypto-savvy traders. IC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $200, while FXTM starts at $10. Withdrawal processing times are 1-2 business days for e-wallets and USDT, and 3-5 days for bank transfers. For active traders, using e-wallets or USDT can reduce delays. Ensure your account is verified to avoid withdrawal issues.
| Islamic Account Feature | IC Markets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| Gold swap-free | ✓ | ✓ |
| Crypto swap-free | ✓ | — |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Both IC Markets and FXTM offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for North Macedonia Muslim traders who wish to trade in accordance with Sharia law. These accounts eliminate swap fees on overnight positions, allowing traders to hold trades indefinitely without interest charges. IC Markets provides Islamic accounts on all account types, including Raw Spread, with the same tight spreads. FXTM also offers swap-free accounts on its Standard and Advantage accounts. To open an Islamic account, North Macedonia traders must submit a request and may need to provide a declaration of faith. FXTM’s process is slightly more streamlined, but both brokers are compliant. Note that some trading instruments may have restrictions, so check with support before trading.
| Support Feature | IC Markets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| 24/5 support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | IC Markets |
Customer support is available 24/5 for both IC Markets and FXTM, with live chat, email, and phone options. IC Markets offers support in English, which may be a barrier for some North Macedonia traders who prefer local languages. FXTM provides multilingual support, including languages spoken in the region, making it more accessible. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections and educational resources. For urgent issues, FXTM’s phone support is more responsive, while IC Markets’ live chat is efficient for technical queries. Overall, FXTM edges ahead for North Macedonia traders needing language assistance.
| Mobile Feature | IC Markets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5★ | 4.3★ | IC Markets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3★ | 4.2★ | IC Markets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Mobile deposit/withdrawal | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Dark mode | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Resource | IC Markets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | IC Markets |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | IC Markets |
| Beginner resources | Excellent | Basic | IC Markets |
Choose IC Markets if you...
- Are an active trader focused on low spreads and high-volume trading to maximize cost efficiency.
- Prefer advanced platforms like cTrader for scalping and algorithmic trading.
- Value ultra-fast execution speed for news and volatility trading.
- Want to use USDT deposits for quick, low-cost transfers without bank delays.
Choose FXTM if you...
- Are a beginner looking for a user-friendly platform and educational resources.
- Need multilingual customer support, including languages accessible in North Macedonia.
- Prefer a lower minimum deposit of $10 to start trading with less capital.
- Want a broker with a strong focus on Islamic accounts and local market materials.
For North Macedonia traders, the choice between IC Markets and FXTM depends on your trading style and priorities. IC Markets wins on cost and execution, making it ideal for active traders who want tight spreads and fast order fills, especially when using USDT deposits. FXTM offers a more beginner-friendly experience with lower entry barriers and better language support. Both brokers accept local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT, ensuring smooth transactions. Since neither is regulated by North Macedonia’s local financial regulator, traders should prioritize brokers with strong international oversight like CySEC. If you trade frequently, IC Markets is the better value; if you are new or value support, FXTM is a solid alternative.