Which broker is better for Israel traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For experienced retail traders in Israel, choosing the right forex broker is critical to managing costs and execution quality. IC Markets and Oanda are two globally recognized brokers, but they cater to different trader profiles. IC Markets, with a strong 4.8/5 rating, is known for its ultra-low spreads, deep liquidity, and fast execution—ideal for active traders who prioritize cost efficiency. Oanda, scoring 3.6/5, offers a user-friendly platform and robust research tools, making it suitable for traders who value simplicity and analysis. Both brokers accept Israeli clients and support deposits via Bank Transfer and Credit Card, though they are not regulated by the ISA Israel. This comparison examines spreads, platforms, regulation, and local payment methods to help you decide which broker aligns with your trading style in the Israeli market.
| Instrument | IC Markets | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Oanda |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Oanda |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Oanda |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Oanda |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $200 | $0 | Oanda |
For Israel traders, trading costs are a major factor, especially for high-frequency or scalping strategies. IC Markets offers raw spreads from 0.0 pips on its True ECN account with a commission of $3.50 per lot per side, while its standard account has spreads from 0.6 pips with no commission. Oanda’s spreads start from 0.6 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD, but they can widen during volatile sessions. For a trader executing 10 lots per month, IC Markets can save hundreds of shekels in spread costs compared to Oanda. The lower cost structure makes IC Markets the clear winner for active Israel traders.
| Account Type | IC Markets | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $200 | $0 |
| Entity / Asset | IC Markets | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Israel (offshore) | Up to 1:5000 | Up to 1:100 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:5000 | 1:100 |
| 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 | IC Markets | Oanda | 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 | ✗ | ✗ | Oanda |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | IC Markets | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✓ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
IC Markets offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, all of which are popular among experienced Israel traders for advanced charting, automated trading, and custom indicators. Oanda provides its proprietary web and mobile platforms, plus MT4, but lacks cTrader. For Israel traders who rely on algorithmic trading or need deep customization, IC Markets’ platform suite is superior. Oanda’s platform is intuitive and great for manual trading, but it lacks the advanced features that experienced traders often demand.
| Factor | IC Markets | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Oanda |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | IC Markets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
IC Markets is known for its ultra-fast execution, with average speeds below 40ms and no dealing desk intervention, making it ideal for scalpers and high-frequency traders in Israel. Oanda uses a no-dealing desk model as well but has slightly slower execution, averaging around 50-60ms. For experienced traders who need precise order fills and minimal slippage, IC Markets’ execution quality is superior.
| Safety Factor | IC Markets | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Neither IC Markets nor Oanda is regulated by the ISA Israel, which means Israeli traders do not have the same level of local investor protection as with an ISA-licensed broker. However, IC Markets is regulated by top-tier authorities like ASIC (Australia) and CySEC (Cyprus), while Oanda is regulated by the FCA (UK), CFTC (US), and others. For Israel traders, this means relying on international regulation. It’s important to verify that the broker accepts Israeli clients and complies with local anti-money laundering laws. Both brokers have a strong global reputation, but the lack of ISA oversight is a key consideration.
| Payment Method | IC Markets | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✗ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✗ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | E-wallets instant-24hrs; Cards 3-5 business days (up to 10); Int'l bank wire up to 14 days | 1 to 5 business days |
Depositing and withdrawing funds as an Israel trader is straightforward with both brokers. IC Markets supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard), Skrill, Neteller, and PayPal, with no deposit fees and fast processing. Oanda also accepts Bank Transfer and Credit Card, along with PayPal and wire transfers. Bank Transfer is the most common method for larger deposits, while Credit Card offers instant processing for smaller amounts. Withdrawals are processed within 1-3 business days for both brokers, though IC Markets is known for faster withdrawal times. Israel traders should note that bank transfers may incur intermediary fees, so Credit Card or e-wallets are often more cost-effective.
| Islamic Account Feature | IC Markets | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 IC Markets and Oanda offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in Israel who require Sharia-compliant trading. IC Markets provides swap-free accounts on all account types upon request, with no additional fees, though holding positions for extended periods may be restricted. Oanda also offers Islamic accounts but applies a small administrative fee for swap-free status and limits the number of days positions can be held. For Israel traders seeking a truly swap-free experience with fewer restrictions, IC Markets is the better option.
| Support Feature | IC Markets | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | IC Markets |
IC Markets offers 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with multilingual agents including Hebrew support. Oanda provides 24/5 support via phone and email, with live chat during business hours. For Israel traders, IC Markets’ round-the-clock support is advantageous, especially during volatile market hours. Both brokers have responsive teams, but IC Markets’ extended availability gives it an edge.
| Mobile Feature | IC Markets | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | IC Markets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | IC Markets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✓ | Oanda |
| Resource | IC Markets | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | IC Markets |
Choose IC Markets if you...
Choose Oanda if you...
For experienced Israel traders, IC Markets is the clear winner with its 4.8/5 rating, lower spreads, faster execution, and superior platform selection. While Oanda offers a reliable platform and strong regulation, its higher costs and slower execution make it less suitable for active trading. Israel traders can deposit via Bank Transfer or Credit Card with both brokers, but IC Markets provides better value for high-volume strategies. The lack of ISA regulation is a shared concern, but IC Markets’ global reputation and cost efficiency make it the top choice for serious traders in Israel. If you prioritize low costs and advanced tools, IC Markets is the recommended broker.