Which broker is better for North Macedonia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For retail traders in North Macedonia, choosing between IG and Libertex is a critical decision that impacts trading costs, platform experience, and overall profitability. IG, with a strong score of 4.2/5, is a globally recognized broker known for its comprehensive market access, advanced tools, and tight spreads. Libertex, scoring 3.7/5, appeals to traders seeking a simpler interface and cryptocurrency trading options. Both brokers accept clients from North Macedonia and support popular local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 (Libertex only). This comparison will help you evaluate which broker aligns with your trading style—whether you prioritize low costs, regulatory safety, or ease of use—in the context of North Macedonia's evolving forex landscape.
| Instrument | IG | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Libertex |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Libertex |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Libertex |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Libertex |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $0 | $10 | IG |
When comparing trading costs for North Macedonia traders, IG generally offers lower spreads on major forex pairs, such as EUR/USD starting from 0.6 pips, compared to Libertex's 1.0 pip. For high-volume traders, this difference can result in substantial savings. IG also charges no commission on standard accounts, while Libertex's spreads are slightly wider to compensate. However, Libertex provides zero spreads on some crypto instruments, which may appeal to digital asset traders. Overall, IG is more cost-effective for traditional forex trading, while Libertex may suit those focused on cryptocurrencies.
| Account Type | IG | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $0 | $10 |
| Entity / Asset | IG | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| North Macedonia (offshore) | Up to 1:30 | Up to 1:999 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:30 | 1:999 |
| 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 | IG | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | IG |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | IG |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | IG |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | 1,000+ | ✗ | Libertex |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | IG | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✓ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
IG provides the powerful IG Trading Platform and MetaTrader 4 (MT4), both offering advanced charting, automated trading, and extensive analysis tools—ideal for North Macedonia traders who require professional-grade features. Libertex offers its proprietary web platform and mobile app, which are user-friendly but less customizable. For traders in North Macedonia who value flexibility and depth, IG's platforms are superior. Libertex's simplicity may appeal to beginners or those trading on the go.
| Factor | IG | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Libertex |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | IG |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
IG offers fast execution with no dealing desk intervention on most orders, ensuring minimal slippage for North Macedonia traders. Libertex uses a market maker model, which can lead to slightly slower execution and potential requotes during volatile markets. IG's execution is superior for scalpers and day traders who rely on speed and accuracy.
| Safety Factor | IG | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✗ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
IG is regulated by top-tier authorities including the FCA (UK) and ASIC (Australia), ensuring high standards of client fund segregation and compensation schemes. Libertex is regulated by CySEC (Cyprus), which offers investor protection up to €20,000 under the ICF. Neither broker is directly supervised by the local financial regulator in North Macedonia, but IG's stronger regulatory oversight provides greater security for local traders. Libertex's regulation is adequate but less stringent, making IG the safer choice for risk-averse traders.
| Payment Method | IG | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✗ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✗ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 1 to 5 business days | 5 business days |
North Macedonia traders can fund their accounts at both IG and Libertex using Bank Transfer, Skrill, and Neteller. Libertex additionally supports USDT TRC20, a popular crypto deposit method that offers fast, low-cost transfers—particularly useful for local traders who prefer digital assets. IG requires a minimum deposit of $250, while Libertex starts at $50. Withdrawals are processed within 1-3 business days for e-wallets and bank transfers. IG does not charge deposit fees, but bank transfer fees may apply. Libertex is free for deposits via Skrill and Neteller, but crypto deposits may incur network fees. Overall, Libertex offers more flexible and lower-cost deposit options for North Macedonia traders.
| Islamic Account Feature | IG | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| 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 IG and Libertex offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in North Macedonia, in compliance with Sharia law that prohibits interest (Riba). These accounts eliminate overnight swap fees on positions held past market close. Traders must request the account via customer support and may need to provide proof of faith. IG's Islamic account is available on request, while Libertex offers it automatically upon account opening. Both brokers ensure that trading conditions remain fair, with no hidden charges. For North Macedonia's Muslim community, this feature allows participation in forex trading without religious conflict.
| Support Feature | IG | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | IG |
IG provides 24/5 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with English-speaking agents available. Libertex offers similar channels but with limited hours during weekends. For North Macedonia traders, IG's support is more responsive and reliable, especially during peak trading times. Both brokers offer multilingual support, but IG's overall service quality is higher.
| Mobile Feature | IG | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | IG |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | IG |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✓ | ✗ | IG |
| Resource | IG | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | IG |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | IG |
Choose IG if you...
Choose Libertex if you...
For retail traders in North Macedonia, IG is the overall winner with a score of 4.2/5, offering lower spreads, superior regulation, and advanced platforms. It is ideal for serious forex traders who value cost efficiency and security. Libertex (3.7/5) is a viable alternative for beginners or those heavily involved in crypto trading, thanks to its low minimum deposit and USDT TRC20 support. However, for most North Macedonia traders, IG's reliability and comprehensive offering make it the better choice. Consider your trading style, deposit preferences (Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, USDT TRC20), and need for regulatory oversight before deciding.