IC Markets vs Oanda for Kazakhstan Traders (2026)
Which broker is better for Kazakhstan traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Quick Verdict — Kazakhstan Traders
For Kazakhstan retail traders in 2025, choosing between IC Markets and Oanda involves comparing cost, platform features, and local payment support. IC Markets, with a 4.8/5 Trustpilot score, is a globally recognized ECN broker known for tight spreads and fast execution. Oanda, scoring 3.6/5, is a US-based broker with a strong brand but higher trading costs. Kazakhstan traders benefit from IC Markets’ support for local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, which are widely used in the region. Oanda lacks these options, making IC Markets more accessible. Both brokers are not directly regulated by the local financial regulator in Kazakhstan, but they hold licenses from top-tier authorities like ASIC and FCA. This comparison will help you decide which broker aligns better with your trading style and local needs.
Overall Scores Comparison
Trading Costs - Spreads & Commissions
| 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 |
IC Markets offers Kazakhstan traders lower trading costs with spreads from 0.0 pips on its Raw Spread account (plus a $3.5 commission per lot). Oanda’s spreads start around 1.0-1.5 pips for EUR/USD, making it more expensive for frequent traders. For a standard lot trade, IC Markets costs about $3.5 per side, while Oanda can cost $10-$15. Over 100 trades per month, IC Markets saves significant money. Kazakhstan traders who trade actively will prefer IC Markets’ cost structure, while Oanda may suit beginners who trade less frequently.
Account Types Comparison
| 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 |
Leverage Comparison - Kazakhstan Traders
| Entity / Asset | IC Markets | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Kazakhstan (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 |
Trading Instruments - Assets Available
| 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 |
Platforms Comparison
| Platform | IC Markets | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✓ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
IC Markets provides MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and a web platform, giving Kazakhstan traders flexibility for algorithmic and manual trading. Oanda offers its proprietary platform and MetaTrader 4, but lacks cTrader. For Kazakhstan traders who use Expert Advisors (EAs) or custom indicators, IC Markets’ MT4/MT5 support is ideal. Oanda’s platform is simpler but less advanced. Both offer mobile apps, but IC Markets has a more comprehensive toolset for retail traders.
Execution Quality - Speed & Slippage
| 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 provides ultra-fast execution with an average speed of 40ms and no requotes, thanks to its ECN infrastructure. Oanda’s execution is reliable but slower, averaging 100-150ms. For Kazakhstan traders using scalping or high-frequency strategies, IC Markets’ speed is critical for minimizing slippage.
Regulation & Safety for Kazakhstan Traders
| Safety Factor | IC Markets | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
IC Markets is regulated by ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus), and FSA (Seychelles), while Oanda is regulated by the FCA (UK), CFTC (US), and ASIC. Neither broker is regulated by the local financial regulator in Kazakhstan, but their international licenses provide strong client fund protection. For Kazakhstan traders, this means funds are segregated and covered by compensation schemes (e.g., FCA up to £85,000). IC Markets’ ASIC regulation is particularly robust, while Oanda’s FCA license offers similar security.
Deposits & Withdrawals for Kazakhstan
| 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 |
Kazakhstan traders can fund IC Markets via Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, with minimum deposits as low as $50 and instant processing for e-wallets and crypto. Oanda supports Bank Transfer and credit/debit cards but does not accept Skrill, Neteller, or USDT TRC20, which are popular in Kazakhstan for fast, low-cost transfers. Withdrawals at IC Markets are processed within 24 hours for e-wallets, while Oanda may take 2-5 business days. For convenience, IC Markets is the better option for local traders.
Islamic Accounts - Swap-Free for Kazakhstan Muslims
| 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 Kazakhstan Muslim traders who follow Sharia law. IC Markets provides swap-free accounts on all account types (Standard, Raw Spread, cTrader) upon request, with no additional fees. Oanda also offers Islamic accounts but only for specific account types and requires identity verification. IC Markets’ policy is more flexible, making it a preferred choice for Kazakhstan’s Muslim retail traders.
Customer Support Comparison
| 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 multilingual support via live chat, email, and phone, with agents available in Russian and English—useful for Kazakhstan traders. Oanda provides 24/5 support with similar channels but limited Russian-language assistance. IC Markets’ round-the-clock service is an advantage for traders in the Almaty time zone.
Mobile App Comparison
| 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 |
Education & Research Tools
| 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 |
Real User Reviews - Trustpilot
Pros & Cons of Each Broker
IC Markets
Oanda
Who Should Use Which Broker? - Kazakhstan Guide
Choose IC Markets if you...
- Want low spreads from 0.0 pips to minimize trading costs.
- Need local payment options like USDT TRC20, Skrill, or Neteller.
- Use MetaTrader 4/5 or cTrader for advanced trading tools.
- Trade high volumes or use scalping strategies.
Choose Oanda if you...
- Prefer a simple, user-friendly proprietary platform.
- Trade occasionally and don’t need ultra-low spreads.
- Want strong FCA regulation with client fund protection.
- Are a beginner looking for educational resources.
FAQ - IC Markets vs Oanda in Kazakhstan
Final Verdict - Kazakhstan 2026
For Kazakhstan retail traders in 2025, IC Markets is the clear winner with a 4.8/5 score, lower costs, and local payment support (Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, USDT TRC20). Its ECN execution and multiple platforms suit active traders, while Oanda’s 3.6/5 score reflects higher costs and fewer local features. Although Oanda has strong regulation, IC Markets offers better value for Kazakhstan users. Consider your trading style: choose IC Markets for efficiency and savings, or Oanda for simplicity. Always check the local financial regulator’s guidelines for international brokers.