IC Markets vs Oanda: Which Broker is Better for Romania Traders in 2026?
Which broker is better for Romania traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Quick Verdict — Romania Traders
For Romania traders navigating the growing retail trading community, choosing between IC Markets and Oanda is a critical decision. IC Markets, with a stellar 4.8/5 score, offers low spreads, fast execution, and support for local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Credit Card, and Skrill, making it ideal for active traders in RON. Oanda, scoring 3.6/5, is a well-known US broker but faces challenges in Romania due to higher costs and fewer deposit options. In 2025, Romania traders seek brokers that balance cost, regulation, and accessibility. While both are legal under ASF Romania, IC Markets stands out for its competitive pricing and tailored features, though Oanda remains a solid choice for beginners. This comparison covers spreads, platforms, regulation, and local payment methods to help you decide.
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 |
When comparing trading costs for Romania traders, IC Markets clearly outperforms Oanda. IC Markets offers raw spreads from 0.0 pips on major forex pairs like EUR/USD, with a commission of $3.50 per lot per side, making it ideal for high-volume traders in Romania. Oanda's spreads are variable and often higher, averaging 1.2-1.5 pips on EUR/USD without commission, which can eat into profits for active traders. For Romania traders executing multiple lots daily, IC Markets can save hundreds of RON per month. Oanda's cost structure is simpler but less competitive, especially for scalpers or day traders in the growing Romanian retail community.
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 - Romania Traders
| Entity / Asset | IC Markets | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Romania (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, and cTrader, all popular among Romania traders for their advanced charting and automated trading capabilities. Oanda offers its proprietary platform and MetaTrader 4, but lacks cTrader. For Romania traders who value algorithmic trading or custom indicators, IC Markets is the better choice. Oanda's platform is user-friendly for beginners but may frustrate experienced traders seeking more tools. Both platforms are available in English, but IC Markets' broader ecosystem suits the diverse needs of Romania's growing retail community.
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 is renowned for its low-latency execution, with servers located in New York and London, offering average execution speeds under 40ms. This is ideal for Romania traders who scalp or use automated strategies. Oanda's execution is reliable but slower, with average speeds around 100ms, which can lead to slippage during high volatility. For Romania traders prioritizing speed, IC Markets is the clear winner.
Regulation & Safety for Romania Traders
| Safety Factor | IC Markets | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a key concern for Romania traders, and both brokers operate differently. IC Markets is regulated by the ASIC (Australia) and CySEC (Cyprus), not directly by the ASF Romania, but it is legal for Romanian residents to use. Oanda holds a CySEC license, which allows it to offer services within the EU, including Romania, under MiFID II. ASF Romania does not prohibit either broker, but traders should verify tax obligations. IC Markets' higher regulatory trust score (4.8/5) reflects its strong financial oversight, while Oanda's 3.6/5 score indicates some past regulatory issues. For Romania traders, IC Markets offers greater peace of mind despite lacking local regulation.
Deposits & Withdrawals for Romania
| 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 seamless for Romania traders at IC Markets, which accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, and Skrill. Bank Transfers in RON are processed within 1-3 business days, while Credit Card and Skrill deposits are instant. IC Markets has a minimum deposit of $200, which is accessible for most traders. Oanda accepts Credit Card and Bank Transfer but does not support Skrill, limiting options for Romania traders who prefer e-wallets. Withdrawals at both brokers are efficient, but IC Markets offers faster processing for Skrill users. For Romania traders prioritizing flexibility, IC Markets is the better choice due to its support for multiple local payment methods.
Islamic Accounts - Swap-Free for Romania 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 Romania Muslim traders. IC Markets provides swap-free accounts upon request, with no additional fees, making it ideal for those adhering to Sharia law. Oanda also offers swap-free accounts, but may charge administrative fees after a holding period (e.g., 30 days). For Romania traders in the growing Muslim community, IC Markets is more accommodating due to its transparent terms and no hidden costs. Oanda's Islamic accounts are available but less flexible, potentially adding costs for long-term positions.
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 Romanian language support available on request. Oanda provides 24/5 support through similar channels but lacks Romanian language options. For Romania traders, IC Markets' round-the-clock assistance and potential local language support are significant advantages, especially during volatile trading hours. Oanda's support is reliable but less accessible for non-English speakers.
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? - Romania Guide
Choose IC Markets if you...
- Are a high-volume trader seeking low spreads from 0.0 pips on forex pairs like EUR/USD.
- Prefer using MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, or cTrader for advanced charting and automated trading.
- Want flexible deposits via Bank Transfer, Credit Card, and Skrill in RON.
- Value fast execution under 40ms for scalping or algorithmic strategies.
Choose Oanda if you...
- Are a beginner trader looking for a simple, user-friendly platform with no commission.
- Prefer a broker with a long-standing reputation and CySEC regulation for EU compliance.
- Need a low minimum deposit of $1 to start trading with minimal risk.
- Do not require e-wallet deposits like Skrill and are comfortable with Bank Transfer or Credit Card.
FAQ - IC Markets vs Oanda in Romania
Final Verdict - Romania 2026
For Romania traders in 2025, IC Markets is the superior choice over Oanda, thanks to its lower spreads, faster execution, and support for local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Credit Card, and Skrill. With a 4.8/5 score, it caters to the growing retail community seeking cost-effective and flexible trading. Oanda, scoring 3.6/5, is a reliable alternative for beginners but falls short on cost and deposit options. While ASF Romania does not directly regulate either broker, IC Markets' higher trust score and 24/7 support make it the preferred option. For active Romania traders, IC Markets delivers better value, while Oanda suits those prioritizing simplicity and low entry barriers.