Which broker is better for Serbia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For traders in Serbia, choosing between IG and Oanda means weighing two well-established international brokers. IG, scoring 4.2/5, is a multi-asset giant with over 17,000 markets, while Oanda (3.6/5) focuses on forex and CFD trading with a reputation for transparent pricing. Serbian retail traders often trade in USD due to the stable dollar-RSD exchange rate, and both brokers accommodate USD-denominated accounts. Deposit methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, and Neteller are widely used locally, though IG offers broader e-wallet support. The local financial regulator (Securities Commission of Serbia) does not directly oversee these brokers, so traders must rely on offshore regulation. This comparison examines spreads, platforms, payment methods, and regulatory safety specifically for the Serbian market to help you decide where to open an account.
| 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 spreads for Serbia traders, IG generally offers tighter costs. On EUR/USD, IG's Standard account has spreads from 0.6 pips, while Oanda averages 1.0-1.2 pips. For higher volumes, IG's Raw account (commission-based) can go as low as 0.1 pips. Oanda charges no commissions but widens spreads. For Serbian traders trading in USD, the difference is significant: a round-turn lot on IG costs roughly $6-10, while Oanda's cost is $10-12. Oanda also has an inactivity fee of $10/month after 12 months of no trading, which IG waives. If you trade frequently, IG's lower spreads and no inactivity fee are beneficial.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Serbia (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 offers its proprietary web platform, MetaTrader 4 (MT4), and a mobile app, all accessible from Serbia. Oanda provides its own web platform, MT4, and TradingView integration. For Serbian traders, IG’s advanced charting and extensive watchlists may appeal to those who trade multiple assets. Oanda’s platform is cleaner and simpler, ideal for forex-focused traders. Both support Serbian language to some extent, but IG’s platform has more localised features. Mobile app performance is strong on both, with IG slightly better for order execution on the go.
| 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 offer fast execution with no requotes on normal market conditions. IG uses a combination of market maker and ECN models depending on the account, while Oanda is a market maker. For Serbian traders, IG’s execution is generally more reliable during high volatility, with typical execution speed under 50ms. Oanda’s execution is still competitive but may have slight slippage during news events. For scalpers and day traders, IG’s lower spreads and faster fills give an edge.
| Safety Factor | IG | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
IG is regulated by the FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), and IG International (Bermuda). Oanda is regulated by the FCA, ASIC, and Oanda Global Markets (BVI). For Serbia traders, these are all offshore regulators, as the local financial regulator does not supervise either broker. Neither broker holds a license from the Securities Commission of Serbia. However, both have strong global reputations and maintain client fund segregation. IG offers negative balance protection on some entities, while Oanda provides it on all accounts. Serbian traders should be aware that they are protected by the regulations of the broker’s jurisdiction, not local ones.
| 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 Serbian traders, deposit options at IG include Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and credit/debit cards. Oanda accepts Bank Transfer, Skrill, and cards, but not Neteller or USDT TRC20. USDT TRC20 is not directly supported by either broker; if you hold crypto, you would need to convert it to fiat via a local exchange and then deposit via bank or card. Both brokers process withdrawals quickly: IG usually within 1-2 business days for e-wallets, Oanda within 1-3 days. Bank transfers may take 2-5 days. There are no deposit fees from either broker, but banks in Serbia may charge incoming wire fees. Minimum deposits: IG requires $250 for bank transfer (no minimum for e-wallets), Oanda has no minimum deposit.
| 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 |
Both IG and Oanda offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in Serbia who need Sharia-compliant trading. IG provides Islamic accounts on request for its Standard and Raw accounts, with no swap charges on overnight positions. Oanda also offers swap-free accounts on request, but applies a small administration fee for long-term positions. Serbian Muslim traders can use either broker, but IG’s Islamic account is more flexible and widely available. It’s important to note that Islamic accounts may have longer trade duration limits or specific restrictions, so check terms before opening.
| 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 24/5 multilingual customer support via live chat, email, and phone. Oanda also provides 24/5 support but with slightly slower response times. For Serbian traders, neither broker has a local Serbian-language team, but both support English. IG’s live chat is more comprehensive, with dedicated support for trading desk queries. Oanda’s support is efficient but less personalised. If you need quick assistance during European trading hours, IG is slightly better.
| 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 Serbian retail traders, IG (4.2/5) is the stronger overall choice. It offers lower spreads, more deposit methods including Skrill and Neteller, and a wider range of markets. Oanda (3.6/5) is simpler and has no minimum deposit, but its higher spreads and lack of Neteller support are drawbacks. Both brokers are legally accessible via offshore regulation, but IG’s better execution and cost structure make it preferable for active traders. If you use USDT TRC20, neither broker directly supports it, so plan accordingly. Ultimately, IG wins for most Serbia traders, while Oanda suits those who prioritize simplicity and low initial deposits.