Which broker is better for Norway traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
When comparing IC Markets vs TMGM for retail traders in Norway, the choice is clear: IC Markets dominates with a 4.8/5 rating against TMGM’s 3.3/5. Norwegian traders face unique conditions, including a regulated environment under the Norwegian Financial Supervisory Authority (Finanstilsynet). While neither broker is locally regulated, both accept Norwegian clients and offer the same popular payment methods: Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. However, IC Markets excels in offering tighter spreads, faster execution, and a more extensive selection of trading platforms. This comparison focuses on key aspects like trading costs, regulatory compliance, deposit/withdrawal efficiency, and customer support specifically for Norway. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced retail trader, understanding these differences will help you choose the right broker for your forex and CFD trading needs in Norway.
| Instrument | IC Markets | TMGM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | TMGM |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | TMGM |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | TMGM |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | TMGM |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $200 | $100 | TMGM |
For Norway traders, trading costs are a critical factor, and IC Markets clearly outperforms TMGM. IC Markets’ raw spread account offers spreads from 0.0 pips on EUR/USD with a commission of $3.50 per lot (round turn). TMGM’s standard account starts at 1.0 pips with no commission, but the total cost is higher. For a Norwegian trader executing 10 lots per day, IC Markets saves approximately $150 monthly compared to TMGM. Additionally, IC Markets does not charge deposit fees for Skrill, Neteller, or USDT TRC20, while TMGM may apply a 1% fee on Skrill deposits. Overnight swap rates are also competitive at IC Markets, with no hidden costs for positions held longer than a day.
| Account Type | IC Markets | TMGM |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $200 | $100 |
| Entity / Asset | IC Markets | TMGM |
|---|---|---|
| Norway (offshore) | Up to 1:5000 | Up to 1:1000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:5000 | 1:1000 |
| 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 | TMGM | 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+ | 20+ | IC Markets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | TMGM |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | IC Markets | TMGM |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, which are popular among Norwegian traders for their advanced charting and automated trading capabilities. IC Markets also provides cTrader, a platform favored by ECN traders for its depth of market and fast order execution. TMGM lacks cTrader and only offers MT4/MT5 and its own web trader. For Norway traders who rely on Expert Advisors (EAs) or scalp high-frequency strategies, IC Markets’ compatibility with all three platforms and its low-latency servers in London and New York offer a distinct advantage. TMGM’s platforms are adequate but suffer from occasional slippage during news events.
| Factor | IC Markets | TMGM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | TMGM |
| 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 is superior at IC Markets, with an average execution speed of 40ms and a 99.9% fill rate on limit orders. TMGM’s execution averages 100ms with lower fill rates and occasional requotes during volatile sessions. For Norwegian traders using scalping or EAs, IC Markets’ low-latency infrastructure (data centers in LD5, NY4) ensures minimal slippage. TMGM’s execution is adequate for slower day trading but lags behind for high-frequency strategies.
| Safety Factor | IC Markets | TMGM |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | ASIC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✗ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a top concern for Norway traders, even though both brokers operate internationally. IC Markets is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). While ASIC provides strong client protection, it does not have direct jurisdiction in Norway. However, Finanstilsynet recognizes ASIC’s oversight for cross-border services, giving IC Markets a compliant status. TMGM is regulated by ASIC and the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC), the latter being a less stringent offshore regulator. For Norwegian traders, IC Markets offers greater security with its adherence to strict ASIC rules, including client fund segregation and negative balance protection. TMGM’s VFSC regulation provides weaker safeguards, making IC Markets the safer choice.
| Payment Method | IC Markets | TMGM |
|---|---|---|
| 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 4 business days to process, with internal processing typically completed within 1 business day. |
Depositing and withdrawing funds is straightforward for Norway traders at both brokers, but IC Markets offers a smoother experience. Both accept local methods: Bank Transfer (NOK to EUR/USD conversion required), Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. IC Markets processes Skrill and Neteller deposits instantly with zero fees, and USDT TRC20 deposits are credited within minutes. Bank transfers take 1-3 business days. TMGM also supports these methods but charges a 1% fee on Skrill/Neteller deposits and may delay USDT TRC20 deposits for manual verification. Withdrawals at IC Markets are processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and 3-5 days for bank transfers, with no fees. TMGM’s withdrawal times can extend to 5-7 days, and they charge a $15 fee for bank wire withdrawals. For Norwegian traders prioritizing speed and low costs, IC Markets is the better option.
| Islamic Account Feature | IC Markets | TMGM |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Muslim traders in Norway who require Sharia-compliant accounts, both IC Markets and TMGM offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts. IC Markets provides swap-free accounts on any account type upon request, with no swap charges on overnight positions. There is no minimum deposit requirement, and no hidden fees are added. TMGM also offers Islamic accounts but demands a minimum deposit of $100 and may impose an administration fee if positions are held for more than 10 days. Both brokers require clients to confirm their Muslim faith. IC Markets’ Islamic accounts are more flexible and cost-effective for Norwegian traders, making them the preferred choice for those adhering to Islamic finance principles.
| Support Feature | IC Markets | TMGM | 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 is available 24/7 in English from both brokers, but IC Markets offers faster response times via live chat and email, typically within 30 seconds. TMGM’s support is also available 24/5 with slower email responses (2-4 hours). Neither broker provides dedicated Norwegian-language support, which may be a drawback for traders who prefer Norwegian. IC Markets, however, has a better knowledge base and FAQ section covering topics relevant to Norway traders, including local payment methods and tax implications.
| Mobile Feature | IC Markets | TMGM | 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 | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | IC Markets | TMGM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | IC Markets |
Choose IC Markets if you...
Choose TMGM if you...
For Norway traders, IC Markets is the unequivocal winner with a 4.8/5 rating against TMGM’s 3.3/5. It offers tighter spreads, faster execution, better regulatory oversight (ASIC), and superior support for local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. TMGM’s higher trading costs, weaker VFSC regulation, and slower withdrawals make it less suitable for most Norwegian retail traders. While TMGM may appeal to complete novices who prefer a simple, commission-free account, IC Markets provides a comprehensive, cost-efficient solution that aligns with the needs of serious traders in Norway. When you factor in the recognition by the Norwegian Financial Supervisory Authority (Finanstilsynet) for ASIC-regulated brokers, IC Markets stands out as the safer, more transparent choice. Whether you are day trading, swing trading, or using automated strategies, IC Markets delivers the performance and reliability that Norwegian traders deserve.