Which broker is better for Saudi Arabia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Saudi Arabia traders seeking a reliable forex broker, the choice between IG and Oanda is critical, especially given the unique local requirements such as CMA Saudi compliance, Islamic account availability, and local payment methods like STC Pay. IG, with a score of 4.2/5, stands out for its comprehensive platform, extensive market research, and strong regulation, making it ideal for high-net-worth traders. Oanda, scoring 3.6/5, is known for its low spreads and user-friendly interface but has fewer local features. Both brokers accept Saudi residents and offer Islamic accounts, but IG provides better support for SAR deposits and withdrawals via Bank Transfer, STC Pay, and Credit Card. This 2025 comparison will help you decide which broker aligns with your trading goals in the Saudi market.
| 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 |
When comparing trading costs for Saudi Arabia traders, Oanda generally offers lower spreads on major forex pairs, starting from 0.6 pips for EUR/USD, while IG's spreads begin at 0.8 pips. However, IG's volume-based pricing can reduce costs significantly for high-net-worth traders executing large trades. For SAR-based pairs, both brokers offer competitive rates, but IG has a slight edge in commission-free trading on certain accounts. Oanda's transparent pricing is beneficial for scalpers, while IG's tiered structure suits long-term investors. Consider your trading volume and frequency to choose the most cost-effective option.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia (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 | ✓ | ✓ |
IG provides a robust trading platform with advanced charting tools, integrated news, and a customizable interface, ideal for sophisticated Saudi traders. Oanda's platform is simpler and more intuitive, perfect for beginners or those who prefer a streamlined experience. Both offer mobile apps for trading on the go, but IG's platform supports more order types and automated trading via MetaTrader 4. For Saudi traders, IG's platform includes local market analysis and Arabic language support, while Oanda offers limited localization. Choose IG for advanced features or Oanda for ease of use.
| 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 |
IG provides fast execution with no requotes on most trades, leveraging its deep liquidity pool. Oanda also offers reliable execution with minimal slippage, but IG's execution speed is slightly better for high-volume traders. Both brokers use straight-through processing (STP) for order routing. For Saudi traders trading during volatile market hours, IG's execution quality ensures consistent fills, while Oanda's execution is adequate for standard trading.
| Safety Factor | IG | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both IG and Oanda are regulated by top-tier authorities like the FCA and ASIC, ensuring high standards of client fund protection. For Saudi Arabia traders, compliance with CMA Saudi regulations is crucial, and both brokers are registered with the CMA to operate legally. IG's regulation by the FCA provides additional security through the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), while Oanda offers negative balance protection. Saudi traders can trade with confidence knowing both brokers adhere to strict regulatory requirements, but IG's FCA oversight offers an extra layer of safety for high-net-worth individuals.
| 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 |
For Saudi Arabia traders, depositing and withdrawing funds is straightforward with both IG and Oanda. IG supports Bank Transfer, STC Pay, and Credit Card, with STC Pay offering instant deposits in SAR without fees. Oanda also accepts Bank Transfer and Credit Card but has limited STC Pay integration, requiring conversion to major currencies. IG processes withdrawals within 1-2 business days, while Oanda takes 2-3 days. For high-net-worth traders, IG's local SAR bank transfer option is more convenient, reducing currency conversion costs. Both brokers have no deposit fees, but check for any withdrawal charges.
| 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 |
Islamic accounts are essential for Saudi Arabia Muslim traders, and both IG and Oanda offer swap-free options. IG provides dedicated Islamic accounts with no overnight interest on any instrument, making it a top choice for Sharia-compliant trading. Oanda offers swap-free accounts upon request, but availability may vary by jurisdiction. IG's Islamic accounts also include access to a wider range of markets and lower minimum deposits, while Oanda's accounts are simpler but may have restrictions. For Saudi traders prioritizing Islamic finance, IG is the better option due to its transparent and comprehensive offering.
| 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 offers 24/7 customer support via phone, email, and live chat, with Arabic language support available during business hours. Oanda provides 24/5 support with English-only options, which may be a limitation for Arabic-speaking Saudi traders. IG's dedicated account managers for high-net-worth clients add value, while Oanda's support is more standard. For Saudi traders, IG's local support is more accessible and responsive.
| 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 Saudi Arabia traders, IG emerges as the stronger choice due to its higher overall score (4.2/5), comprehensive Islamic account, and support for local payment methods like STC Pay and Bank Transfer. Its advanced platform and FCA regulation make it ideal for high-net-worth individuals seeking a robust trading environment. Oanda, with a score of 3.6/5, is a solid alternative for traders prioritizing low spreads and simplicity, but it lacks the local features that Saudi traders often need. Considering CMA Saudi compliance and the need for Sharia-compliant accounts, IG offers a more tailored experience. For the best trading experience in 2025, choose IG for its local advantages and superior support.