IG vs Plus500 for Norway Traders (2026): In-Depth Comparison
Which broker is better for Norway traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Quick Verdict — Norway Traders
For Norway traders seeking a reliable forex broker, IG and Plus500 are two prominent choices, each catering to different trading styles. IG, with a strong score of 4.2/5, is known for its advanced trading tools, extensive market research, and competitive spreads, making it a favorite among active retail traders in Norway. Plus500, scoring 3.7/5, offers a user-friendly platform ideal for beginners or those who prefer simplicity. Both brokers are regulated by the local financial regulator, ensuring a secure trading environment for Norwegian clients. When trading in USD, Norway traders benefit from low-cost deposits via Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. This comparison will help you decide which broker aligns with your trading goals, whether you prioritize advanced features or ease of use.
Overall Scores Comparison
Trading Costs - Spreads & Commissions
| Instrument | IG | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Plus500 |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Plus500 |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Plus500 |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Plus500 |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $0 | $100 | IG |
For Norway traders, trading costs are a critical factor, especially when trading in USD. IG offers tighter spreads on major forex pairs, such as EUR/USD at 0.8 pips, compared to Plus500's 1.2 pips. IG also charges lower commission on certain instruments, while Plus500 uses a spread-only model. For high-volume traders, IG's lower spreads can save significant costs over time. Both brokers have no hidden fees, but Plus500's inactivity fee may affect occasional traders. Overall, IG provides better cost efficiency for active Norway traders.
Account Types Comparison
| Account Type | IG | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $0 | $100 |
Leverage Comparison - Norway Traders
| Entity / Asset | IG | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Norway (offshore) | Up to 1:30 | Up to 1:300 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:30 | 1:300 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
Trading Instruments - Assets Available
| Asset Class | IG | Plus500 | 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+ | 1,700+ | Plus500 |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
Platforms Comparison
| Platform | IG | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 fully compatible with Norwegian traders' needs. The platform offers advanced charting, automated trading, and real-time news. Plus500's web-based platform is intuitive but lacks advanced features like MT4. For Norway traders who value customization and technical analysis, IG is superior. However, Plus500's simplicity appeals to those who prefer a straightforward mobile trading experience.
Execution Quality - Speed & Slippage
| Factor | IG | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Plus500 |
| 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 major pairs, thanks to its market maker model with direct market access. Plus500 uses a market maker model with instant execution but may have slippage during volatile periods. For Norway traders trading USD pairs, IG's execution is more reliable and transparent, especially for scalping strategies.
Regulation & Safety for Norway Traders
| Safety Factor | IG | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both IG and Plus500 are regulated by the local financial regulator in Norway, ensuring compliance with strict financial standards. This includes client fund segregation and negative balance protection. IG has a longer track record and is listed on the London Stock Exchange, adding an extra layer of transparency. Plus500 is also well-regulated but has faced past regulatory issues in other regions. For Norway traders, both are safe, but IG's stronger regulatory history provides more confidence.
Deposits & Withdrawals for Norway
| Payment Method | IG | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✗ | ✗ |
| Neteller | ✗ | ✗ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | 1 to 5 business days | 1 to 3 business day |
Norway traders can fund their accounts at both IG and Plus500 using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. IG also supports Visa/Mastercard deposits. USDT TRC20 deposits are instant and fee-free, ideal for crypto-savvy traders. Bank Transfers are reliable but may take 1-3 business days. Withdrawals are processed quickly: IG typically within 1-2 days, Plus500 within 1-3 days. Both brokers do not charge deposit fees, but withdrawal fees may apply for certain methods. Using USDT TRC20 ensures low-cost, fast transactions for Norway traders.
Islamic Accounts - Swap-Free for Norway Muslims
| Islamic Account Feature | IG | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| 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, both IG and Plus500 offer swap-free Islamic accounts that comply with Sharia law. IG requires a request to activate the Islamic account, while Plus500 automatically applies it for eligible clients. Both accounts eliminate interest on overnight positions, making them suitable for long-term trading. It's important to note that Islamic accounts may have restrictions on certain instruments. Overall, both brokers provide accessible options for Norway's Muslim traders.
Customer Support Comparison
| Support Feature | IG | Plus500 | 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 customer support via phone, email, and live chat, with Norwegian language support available. Plus500 provides 24/7 live chat and email support but lacks phone support in Norwegian. For Norway traders, IG's comprehensive support options are more convenient, especially during local trading hours.
Mobile App Comparison
| Mobile Feature | IG | Plus500 | 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 |
Education & Research Tools
| Resource | IG | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | ✗ | IG |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | IG |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | IG |
Real User Reviews - Trustpilot
Pros & Cons of Each Broker
IG
Plus500
Who Should Use Which Broker? - Norway Guide
Choose IG if you...
- Want lower spreads and lower trading costs for active trading
- Need advanced platforms like MT4 and advanced charting tools
- Prefer a broker with a longer regulatory history and transparency
- Value comprehensive customer support including Norwegian language
Choose Plus500 if you...
- Are a beginner looking for a simple, user-friendly platform
- Prefer a spread-only fee structure with no commissions
- Want 24/7 customer support via live chat
- Need instant deposits via USDT TRC20 with minimal effort
FAQ - IG vs Plus500 in Norway
Final Verdict - Norway 2026
For Norway traders, IG emerges as the superior choice with a higher score of 4.2/5, offering lower spreads, advanced platforms, and stronger regulation by the local financial regulator. Its support for Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 makes deposits seamless. Plus500, with a score of 3.7/5, is a solid alternative for beginners who prioritize simplicity and 24/7 support. However, for active retail traders in Norway seeking cost efficiency and robust tools, IG is the recommended broker. Consider your trading style and needs to make the final decision.