IC Markets vs Plus500: Norway Trader Comparison 2026

For Norway traders, trading costs are a critical factor. IC Markets offers raw spreads starting from 0.0 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD, with a commission of $3.50 per lot round turn. This is ideal for high-volume traders who pay lower per-trade costs. Plus500 has variable spreads averaging 0.6-1.2 pips for EUR/USD, with no commission, making it simpler but more expensive for frequent trading. Over 100 lots, IC Markets can save Norwegian traders hundreds of dollars in spread costs. Additionally, IC Markets has no hidden fees, while Plus500 charges inactivity fees after 3 months. For cost-conscious traders in Norway, IC Markets wins on spreads.

IC Markets provides MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, which are industry-standard platforms with advanced charting, automated trading via Expert Advisors (EAs), and custom indicators. This suits Norwegian traders who want full control and algorithmic trading. Plus500 uses a proprietary web-based platform that is intuitive and mobile-friendly, but lacks advanced tools like EAs or depth of market. For Norway traders who prioritize flexibility and automation, IC Markets is better. Beginners may prefer Plus500’s simplicity, but experienced traders will find IC Markets’ platforms more powerful for strategies like scalping or hedging.

IC Markets offers ultra-fast execution with an average speed of 40 milliseconds, using Equinix NY4 data centers and no requotes. This is ideal for scalpers and high-frequency traders in Norway. Plus500 has slower execution speeds, typically around 100-200 milliseconds, and may requote during volatile markets. For Norway traders who need precise entries and exits, IC Markets’ execution is superior. Plus500 is acceptable for longer-term traders but less reliable for fast-moving strategies.

IC Markets is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) and the Financial Services Authority (FSA) of Seychelles. Plus500 is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK and CySEC. While neither broker is directly regulated by the local financial regulator in Norway, both operate under EU directives that ensure client fund segregation and negative balance protection. For Norway traders, this means deposits are safe up to €20,000 under CySEC’s Investor Compensation Fund. Plus500’s FCA regulation offers similar protection. Both brokers are compliant with ESMA leverage limits, which cap retail leverage at 1:30 for major forex pairs.

Norway traders can deposit funds at IC Markets using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Deposits are free and instant for e-wallets, while bank transfers take 1-3 business days. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and 2-5 days for bank transfers. Plus500 also accepts Bank Transfer, Skrill, and Neteller, but does not support USDT TRC20. Plus500 deposits are instant via e-wallets, but withdrawals may take 2-5 business days and can incur fees for bank transfers. For Norway traders who prefer cryptocurrency payments, IC Markets’ USDT TRC20 option is a major advantage, offering fast and low-cost deposits. Both brokers require identity verification before withdrawals.

IC Markets offers Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Norway traders who request them, available on all account types including Standard and Raw Spread. These accounts have no overnight interest charges, making them Sharia-compliant. Plus500 also provides Islamic accounts automatically for eligible clients, with no swap fees on positions held overnight. However, Plus500 may charge an administrative fee for long-term holdings. For Muslim traders in Norway, both brokers are suitable, but IC Markets has a more transparent policy without hidden fees. Ensure you contact support to activate the Islamic account before trading.

IC Markets offers 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with a dedicated team for Norwegian clients. Response times are under 5 minutes for live chat. Plus500 provides 24/7 support via live chat and email, but phone support is limited to specific hours. For Norway traders, IC Markets’ faster response and multilingual support are advantageous. Plus500’s support is adequate for basic queries, but complex issues may take longer to resolve.