IC Markets vs Oanda for North Macedonia Traders (2026)
Which broker is better for North Macedonia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Quick Verdict — North Macedonia Traders
Choosing between IC Markets and Oanda is an important decision for forex traders in North Macedonia. Both brokers are well-known globally, but they serve different trader profiles. IC Markets scores 4.8/5 and is especially popular among retail traders in the region due to its low-cost Raw Spread accounts, fast execution, and support for local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Oanda, with a score of 3.6/5, is a solid broker but has higher spreads and fewer deposit options tailored to North Macedonia. This comparison will help you decide which broker fits your trading style, budget, and local needs in 2025.
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 |
Cost is a major factor for North Macedonia traders. IC Markets offers spreads from 0.0 pips on its Raw Spread account with a $7 round-turn commission per lot. Oanda’s spreads are variable and typically higher, often starting from 1.0 pips on major pairs. For a trader in North Macedonia executing 10 standard lots per month, IC Markets can save hundreds of dollars in spreads compared to Oanda. If you trade frequently or in high volumes, IC Markets is the more cost-effective choice.
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 - North Macedonia Traders
| Entity / Asset | IC Markets | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| North Macedonia (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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers provide MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, which are widely used by North Macedonia traders. IC Markets also offers cTrader, a modern platform with advanced charting and faster order execution. Oanda’s proprietary platform is user-friendly but less feature-rich. For traders in North Macedonia who value speed and advanced tools, IC Markets’ platform selection is superior.
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 uses ECN/STP execution with no dealing desk intervention, ensuring fast fills and minimal slippage. Oanda uses a market maker model, which can lead to requotes and slower execution. For North Macedonia traders who prioritize speed and transparency, IC Markets’ execution is clearly superior.
Regulation & Safety for North Macedonia 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 top-tier authorities like the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). Oanda is regulated by multiple bodies including the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). For North Macedonia traders, both brokers offer strong regulatory protection. However, IC Markets’ regulation under CySEC ensures compliance with EU standards, which may provide additional comfort for local traders.
Deposits & Withdrawals for North Macedonia
| 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 is straightforward with both brokers, but IC Markets offers more local-friendly options. North Macedonia traders can use Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 with IC Markets. Oanda primarily supports bank transfers and credit/debit cards, with limited e-wallet support. IC Markets processes withdrawals within 24 hours for most methods, while Oanda may take 2-5 business days. For fast and flexible fund management, IC Markets is the better choice.
Islamic Accounts - Swap-Free for North Macedonia 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 provide Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in North Macedonia. IC Markets offers these accounts automatically upon request, with no swap fees on overnight positions. Oanda also offers Islamic accounts but may require a formal application and proof of faith. IC Markets’ process is simpler and more transparent, making it a preferred option for local traders seeking Sharia-compliant trading.
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 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with fast response times. Oanda provides support during market hours via phone and email. For North Macedonia traders, IC Markets’ round-the-clock support is more convenient, especially for those trading during non-standard hours.
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? - North Macedonia Guide
Choose IC Markets if you...
- Want ultra-low spreads and low commissions for high-volume trading
- Need local payment methods like Skrill, Neteller, or USDT TRC20
- Prefer fast execution with ECN/STP technology
- Value 24/7 customer support and a wide range of platforms including cTrader
Choose Oanda if you...
- Are a beginner looking for a simple, user-friendly platform
- Prefer a broker with strong US and UK regulation
- Do not trade frequently and are less concerned about spread costs
- Want access to Oanda’s proprietary tools and research
FAQ - IC Markets vs Oanda in North Macedonia
Final Verdict - North Macedonia 2026
For most retail traders in North Macedonia, IC Markets is the clear winner. It offers lower trading costs, faster execution, and supports local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. While Oanda is a reliable broker with strong regulation, its higher spreads and limited deposit options make it less suitable for active traders. If you are a cost-conscious trader in North Macedonia looking for a broker that aligns with local needs and the local financial regulator’s framework, IC Markets is the recommended choice for 2025.