Which broker is better for Israel traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
IG and Oanda are two of the most recognized forex brokers globally, and for experienced retail traders in Israel, choosing between them can significantly impact trading performance. Israel’s trading community is sophisticated, often demanding advanced charting, low costs, and reliable regulatory oversight. IG, with a strong 4.2/5 rating, stands out for its comprehensive platform suite (including ProRealTime and MT4) and tighter spreads, while Oanda (3.6/5) attracts traders with its simplicity, flexible position sizing, and minimal deposit requirements. Both brokers accept Israeli clients and support local payment methods like Bank Transfer and Credit Card in ILS. However, with the Israel Securities Authority (ISA) closely monitoring forex activities, traders must consider each broker’s regulatory standing and client protections. This detailed comparison explores costs, platforms, regulation, and local payment options to help Israeli traders make an informed decision for 2025.
| Instrument | IG | 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 | $0 | $0 | Tie |
For Israeli traders, the cost of trading is a critical factor, especially when dealing with high volumes. IG generally offers lower spreads across major pairs like EUR/USD, where raw spreads can start from 0.6 pips on the Direct Market Access (DMA) account, compared to Oanda’s variable spreads averaging 1.0–1.2 pips. On ILS-related pairs such as USD/ILS, both brokers offer competitive rates, but IG’s wider liquidity pool often results in better pricing. Commission structures also differ: IG charges a commission on its raw spread accounts (e.g., $5 per lot), while Oanda operates on a spread-only model. For an Israeli trader executing 50 lots per month on EUR/USD, the annual cost difference can exceed $1,000 in favor of IG. However, Oanda’s no-commission approach suits lower-frequency traders who prefer predictable pricing.
| Account Type | IG | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Entity / Asset | IG | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Israel (offshore) | Up to 1:30 | Up to 1:100 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:30 | 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 | IG | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | IG |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | IG |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | IG |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | 1,000+ | ✗ | Oanda |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | IG | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✓ | ✓ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Experienced Israeli traders demand robust platforms. IG delivers with its proprietary web platform, MetaTrader 4 (MT4), and ProRealTime—a charting powerhouse offering advanced technical analysis, backtesting, and automated trading via ProBuilder. Oanda provides the fxTrade platform (both web and mobile) and MT4, but lacks a third-party charting tool like ProRealTime. For algorithmic traders, IG’s API support is more extensive, while Oanda’s REST API is simpler. On mobile, both apps are well-rated, but IG’s platform offers more order types and risk management features. For Israeli traders who prefer multi-asset trading, IG also includes CFDs on indices, commodities, and shares, whereas Oanda focuses primarily on forex and a limited set of indices.
| Factor | IG | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Oanda |
| 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 |
Both IG and Oanda use market execution models with no requotes under normal conditions. IG’s execution speed averages 40–50 milliseconds on its proprietary platform, while Oanda’s fxTrade is slightly slower at 60–70 milliseconds. For scalping Israeli traders, IG’s faster execution and lower slippage on major pairs provide an edge. IG also offers DMA access for forex, reducing conflict of interest. Oanda’s execution is reliable but can experience more slippage during high-impact news events. Overall, IG edges ahead in execution quality for experienced Israeli traders.
| Safety Factor | IG | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Israel does not have a dedicated forex regulatory framework, but the Israel Securities Authority (ISA) oversees all forex activities indirectly. IG is regulated by top-tier authorities including the UK FCA, Australian ASIC, and US NFA, offering strong client fund segregation and negative balance protection. Oanda is regulated by the FCA, CFTC (US), and other global bodies, providing similar protections but with slightly less coverage in Asia. For Israeli traders, neither broker is directly ISA-licensed, but both comply with stringent international standards. This means that in the event of a dispute, Israeli clients must rely on the broker’s home regulator—IG’s FCA ombudsman is particularly robust. Transparency in execution and annual audits further enhance trust for Israeli users.
| Payment Method | IG | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✗ | ✗ |
| Neteller | ✗ | ✗ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 1 to 5 business days | 1 to 5 business days |
Israeli traders can fund and withdraw from IG and Oanda using Bank Transfer and Credit Card, both in ILS (converted at market rates). Bank Transfers from Israeli banks like Leumi or Hapoalim are processed within 1–3 business days with no fees from the broker, but outgoing banks may charge a flat fee (approx. 10–30 ILS). Credit Card deposits are instant and free of broker charges, but the card issuer may apply a cash advance fee (commonly 0.5–2%). IG supports a higher maximum deposit via Bank Transfer (no cap), while Oanda accepts as little as $1 for credit card deposits. Withdrawals follow the same methods: credit card withdrawals return funds to the same card within 2–5 business days, while bank transfers take 1–3 days. Neither broker charges withdrawal fees for bank transfers, though Oanda may add a small fee for expedited transfers. For larger sums, IG’s faster processing is preferable. Both support netting in ILS, avoiding unnecessary conversion costs for Israeli traders.
| Islamic Account Feature | IG | 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 |
IG and Oanda both provide swap-free (Islamic) accounts for Muslim traders in Israel who need to comply with Sharia law. IG offers these accounts automatically upon request via customer support, with no interest charges on overnight positions. However, after a holding period (typically 10 days), an administrative fee may be applied per day. Oanda also offers Islamic accounts but requires a formal declaration of faith and may restrict certain instruments or leverage. Both brokers keep spreads the same as standard accounts. For Israeli Muslim traders, IG’s process is simpler and more transparent, while Oanda’s account is still a solid alternative. It’s advisable to confirm eligibility and fees before opening an Islamic account.
| Support Feature | IG | Oanda | 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, phone, and email, with dedicated account managers for higher-volume Israeli traders. Oanda also offers 24/5 support but primarily in English and Japanese, with slightly faster email response times. Phone support for both brokers covers international lines, but IG has a local London number that often yields quicker answers for Israel (GMT+2 time zone). Neither broker offers Hebrew-language support, which could be a minor drawback. Overall, IG’s support is more comprehensive and responsive for Israeli clients.
| Mobile Feature | IG | Oanda | 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 | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Resource | IG | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | IG |
Choose IG if you...
Choose Oanda if you...
For experienced Israel traders, IG emerges as the stronger choice in 2025, with a higher overall score (4.2 vs 3.6), tighter spreads, a more advanced platform ecosystem, and broader market access. It also offers superior execution and regulatory protections from bodies like the FCA, which adds trust for ISA-conscious Israeli clients. Oanda remains a viable alternative for those who prioritize simplicity, low entry barriers, and reliable execution without the bells and whistles. Both brokers support local payment methods like Bank Transfer and Credit Card in ILS, making them accessible to Israeli traders. Ultimately, if you value cost efficiency and advanced tools, IG is the better fit; if you prefer straightforward forex trading with minimal complexity, Oanda will serve you well. Consider your trading volume, strategy, and platform preferences before deciding.