Which broker is better for Suriname traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Suriname traders evaluating forex brokers in 2025, IC Markets and Oanda represent two distinct options. IC Markets, scoring 4.8/5, is a leading ECN broker known for low spreads and fast execution, while Oanda (3.6/5) is a trusted name with strong regulatory coverage and user-friendly tools. Both accept clients from Suriname and support trading in USD accounts, which aligns with local preferences. However, key differences matter: IC Markets offers local-friendly deposit methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, and provides lower trading costs. Oanda lacks these payment options and has higher spreads. Suriname’s retail traders, often focused on cost-effective trading and flexibility, will find IC Markets more suitable. This comparison breaks down spreads, platforms, regulation, and account features specifically for traders in Paramaribo and beyond.
| 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 Suriname traders, trading costs directly impact profitability. IC Markets delivers spreads from 0.0 pips on its Raw Spread account, plus a $3.50 commission per lot round-turn – ideal for active scalpers. Oanda’s spreads are variable, averaging 0.9-1.2 pips on EUR/USD with no commission. On a $10,000 monthly trading volume, IC Markets can save a Suriname trader $10-20 per month compared to Oanda. Additionally, IC Markets offers lower swap rates and an Islamic account for Muslim traders. Oanda’s higher spreads and swap charges make IC Markets the cost-effective choice for Suriname’s retail 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Suriname (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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers provide platforms tailored to Suriname traders, but IC Markets offers broader choices. IC Markets supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and WebTrader, all optimized for low latency – beneficial given Suriname’s internet conditions. Oanda offers its proprietary platform, MetaTrader 4 (only for OANDA Global Markets), and TradingView integration. IC Markets’ cTrader appeals to advanced traders with depth of market and algorithmic tools. For Suriname users preferring flexibility and multi-platform access, IC Markets is superior.
| 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 |
Execution quality matters for Suriname traders, especially during news events. IC Markets uses true ECN technology with no dealing desk, offering average execution speed of 40ms and no requotes. Oanda uses a market maker model with occasional requotes and slippage. IC Markets’ execution is superior for scalping and high-frequency trading, while Oanda’s execution is adequate for swing and position traders. For Suriname retail traders seeking rapid order fills, IC Markets is the clear winner.
| Safety Factor | IC Markets | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is critical for Suriname traders seeking fund safety. IC Markets is regulated by ASIC (Australia) and CySEC (Cyprus), with client funds held in segregated accounts. Oanda holds licenses from the FCA (UK), CFTC (USA), and others. Neither broker is directly licensed by Suriname’s local financial regulator (Centrale Bank van Suriname), but both comply with international standards. For Suriname residents, this means no local protection scheme, but the brokers’ reputations and Tier-1 regulations provide a safety net. IC Markets’ ASIC oversight offers robust investor protection.
| 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 |
Suriname traders benefit from IC Markets’ diverse deposit options: Bank Transfer (USD via SWIFT), Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 – the latter enabling fast, low-cost crypto transfers. Minimum deposit is $200 for standard accounts. Oanda accepts only Bank Transfer (wire) and credit/debit cards, with a minimum deposit of $1 (but wire transfers incur fees). Withdrawals at IC Markets are processed within 1 business day for e-wallets and crypto, while Oanda’s bank transfers can take 3-5 days. For Suriname traders, IC Markets’ USDT TRC20 and e-wallet support significantly reduces deposit friction and costs.
| 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 |
For Suriname Muslim traders requiring Sharia-compliant trading, IC Markets offers Islamic (swap-free) accounts on request. These accounts charge no overnight interest on positions, making them suitable for halal trading. Oanda does not offer swap-free accounts – all positions incur swap fees. Suriname’s Muslim retail traders must therefore choose IC Markets to align with their religious principles. IC Markets processes Islamic account requests within 24-48 hours, with no extra fees.
| 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 |
Customer support for Suriname traders is available 24/5 in English from both brokers. IC Markets provides live chat, email, and phone support with quicker response times (under 30 seconds on chat). Oanda offers 24/5 support via phone and email, but its live chat is not always available 24/5. Neither broker has a local office in Suriname. IC Markets’ faster response and multilingual support (including Indonesian, Chinese) gives it an edge for Suriname’s diverse client base.
| 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 Suriname retail traders in 2025, IC Markets outperforms Oanda across most criteria. Its lower spreads, support for local payment methods (Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, USDT TRC20), Islamic accounts, and superior execution make it the better fit. Oanda remains a reputable broker but falls short on cost and payment flexibility. While both operate under reliable international regulations and accept Suriname clients, IC Markets’ 4.8/5 rating reflects its clear advantages. Suriname traders should choose IC Markets for active trading and Oanda only if simplicity and a $1 minimum deposit are priorities.