XM Global 
AvaTrade 
RoboForex 
IC Markets 
LiteFinance 
IUX Markets 
FP Markets 
South Africa 
Thailand 
Singapore 
Japan 
Pakistan 
Malaysia 
Philippines 
Brazil 
Bangladesh 
Vietnam 
India 
IC Markets Review 2026
IC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $200, with maximum leverage of up to 1:1000 for international clients under the FSA (Seychelles) entity, and up to 1:30 for traders under ASIC (Australia) and CySEC (Cyprus) regulation. Spreads start from 0.0 pips on Raw Spread accounts and 0.8 pips on Standard accounts. IC Markets is regulated by 5 regulatory bodies — ASIC in Australia, CySEC in Cyprus, FSA in Seychelles, SCB in the Bahamas, and CMA in Kenya serving traders across 200+ countries worldwide.
IC Markets Review 2026 Details
IC Markets is best known for its low trading costs and fast execution. Raw Spread accounts offer spreads from 0.0 pips with a $7 round-trip commission on MT4/MT5 ($6 on cTrader), free VPS hosting for traders meeting monthly volume requirements, and copy trading via ZuluTrade, Myfxbook, IC Social, Signal Start, and cTrader Copy. Trustpilot shows a 4.8/5 rating based on more than 53,000 user reviews, with 91% giving five stars.
There are a few drawbacks worth considering. The $200 minimum deposit is higher than most competitors. Educational resources are basic for a broker of this size. Swap rates run above the industry benchmark, making overnight holding more expensive. The Standard account is only available on MT4 and MT5 — no cTrader or TradingView access. Traders focused on pricing and execution may find IC Markets particularly competitive, fast execution, and advanced trading platforms, IC Markets is a solid option for many traders.
Pros & Cons
- Regulated by ASIC, CySEC, FSA Seychelles, SCB Bahamas, CMA Kenya
- Raw pricing with spreads starting from 0.0 pips; commission $3.50/side = $7.00 round-turn
- Supports MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView
- Five copy trading channels: IC Social, ZuluTrade, Myfxbook AutoTrade, Signal Start, cTrader Copy
- Free VPS hosting
- No deposit/withdrawal fees for bank transfers and cards
- 10 base currencies
- Autochartist and Trading Central
- Scalping, hedging, automated trading permitted
- 24/7 customer support
- MAM/PAMM accounts
- $1 million private indemnity insurance (Seychelles entity)
- $200 minimum deposit
- No cent/micro lot accounts
- Swap rates, educational resources, no proprietary platform, no 2FA, $20 wire fee
- No crypto base currency
- CySEC fines (July 2024)
Regulation and Safety: Is IC Markets Safe?20% weightRegulation & Safety accounts for 20% of the total FX Recap score — the highest weight. Every license number is verified directly against FCA, ASIC, CySEC and other issuing authorities.
| Regulator | Location | License Number | Tier | Key Protection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASIC | Australia | 335692 | Tier-1 | Segregated funds, AFCA dispute access, ASIC oversight |
| CySEC | Cyprus | 362/18 | Tier-1 | ICF compensation up to €20,000 per client |
| SCB | Bahamas | SIA-F214 | Tier-3 | Standard offshore protections |
| CMA | Kenya | 199 | Tier-3 | CMA Kenya framework |
| FSA | Seychelles | SD018 | Tier-3 | Standard offshore protections + $1M private indemnity insurance |
Client funds are held in segregated accounts at top-tier banks, separate from company capital. Negative balance protection is available but varies by entity, so confirm before registering. IC Markets conducts regular third-party audits and follows strict AML and KYC procedures.
Clients registered under the Seychelles entity receive up to $1 million in private indemnity insurance coverage, providing a safety net where no regulatory compensation scheme applies.
Regulatory note: In July 2024, CySEC issued two fines to IC Markets (EU) Ltd totalling €250,000, one for circumventing EU leverage limits and one for best-execution failures. IC Markets disputed both and announced an intention to appeal.
Traders outside Australia, Cyprus and the EU are usually registered under the Seychelles entity, which offers significantly less protection than ASIC or CySEC. UK clients fall under the same Seychelles entity as IC Markets holds no FCA authorisation, confirmed by an FCA public warning. Always confirm which regulatory entity applies to your account before funding it.
Account Types9% weightAccount Types are scored for variety: ECN, Standard, Islamic, Demo, Micro, PAMM/MAM and VIP accounts all carry separate point values.
| Account | Min. Deposit | Spread From | Commission | Leverage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | $200 | 0.8 pips | None | 1:1000 (FSA) / 1:30 (ASIC/CySEC) | Commission-free trading on MT4 and MT5 |
| Raw Spread (MT4/MT5) | $200 | 0.0 pips | $3.50/side ($7 RT) | 1:1000 (FSA) / 1:30 (ASIC/CySEC) | Scalpers and algo traders on MetaTrader |
| Raw Spread (cTrader) | $200 | 0.0 pips | $3.00/side ($6 RT) | 1:1000 (FSA) / 1:30 (ASIC/CySEC) | cTrader users, day traders, scalpers |
| Raw Pro | $5,000 | 0.0 pips | $1.50/side ($3 RT) | 1:1000 (FSA) / 1:30 (ASIC/CySEC) | Advanced traders seeking lower commissions |
| Raw Pro+ | $100,000 | 0.0 pips | $1.00/side ($2 RT) | 1:1000 (FSA) / 1:30 (ASIC/CySEC) | High-volume traders seeking lower commission costs |
| Islamic | Same as chosen | Same as chosen | Swap-free | Same as chosen | Muslim traders requiring no overnight interest |
| Demo | Free | Real market pricing | None | Configurable | Practice trading |
Which Account Type Suits Which Trader?9% weightAccount Types are scored for variety: ECN, Standard, Islamic, Demo, Micro, PAMM/MAM and VIP accounts all carry separate point values.
| Trader Type | Best IC Markets Account | Why It Fits | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete beginner | Standard | Zero commission, 0.8 avg EUR/USD spread, free demo, 24/7 support | $200 minimum is high for first-time traders; no cent account; no TradingView on Standard |
| Active day trader | Raw Spread (cTrader) | 0.0 pip spreads, $6 RT commission, Level II pricing, one-click trading | cTrader has a learning curve vs MT4 |
| Scalper / algo trader | Raw Spread (MT4/MT5) or Raw Pro | Full EA support, under 40ms execution, no requotes, free VPS at 15 lots/month | VPS threshold requires consistent volume |
| High-volume trader | Raw Pro+ (availability may vary by region) | $2 RT commission — lowest available; Raw Trader Plus rebate programme | Specific rebate amounts not publicly disclosed |
| Swing trader | Standard or Islamic | No inactivity fee, swap-free available, positions held indefinitely without penalty | Swap rates above industry benchmark; overnight holding more expensive than competitors |
| Copy trader | Any (Standard or Raw) | 5 copy trading channels: IC Social, ZuluTrade, Myfxbook, Signal Start, cTrader Copy | No portfolio copy — follows individual traders only |
| Muslim trader | Islamic (any account base) | Swap-free on Standard and all Raw account types; same spreads and commissions | Fixed administrative fee may replace swaps on some instruments |
| Fund manager | MAM/PAMM | Multi-account management, proportional lot allocation, flexible fee structures | Requires separate MAM/PAMM module setup |
How to Open an IC Markets Account7% weightTrading Instruments covers total FX pairs plus access to stocks, commodities, indices, crypto, ETFs, bonds, and copy trading availability.
Opening an IC Markets account is fully digital and takes approximately 10–15 minutes. IC Markets is regulated by the FSA (Seychelles) and accepts traders from most countries worldwide, with a $200 minimum deposit across all live account types. Follow the steps below to get started.
What You’ll Need
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Visit IC Markets’ Official Website
Go to icmarkets.com and click “Start Trading” or “Open Trading Account”. You will be directed to the live account registration form. Make sure you’re on the correct regional site — IC Markets operates under different entities depending on your country (FSA for global clients, ASIC for Australian clients, CySEC for EU clients).
Tip: Use the official IC Markets website for registration to be routed to the correct IC Markets entity for your region and access any available new client offers. -
Enter Your Contact & Personal Details
Provide your email address, then fill in your full name, date of birth, country of residence, and home address. You will also be asked for a valid mobile phone number. Select your preferred account type and base currency at this stage.
New to trading? Start with the Standard account — it’s commission-free with spreads from 0.6 pips and the same $200 minimum as all other account types. Experienced traders who scalp or trade high frequency should choose the Raw Spread account (spreads from 0.0 pips, $3.5/lot commission on MT4/MT5) or the cTrader Raw Spread account ($3.0/lot commission). -
Complete the Trading Experience Survey
IC Markets will ask about your employment status, trading knowledge, annual income, and net worth. A short knowledge quiz follows to assess your understanding of leveraged trading — this is a standard regulatory requirement under IC Markets’ FSA, ASIC, and CySEC licenses. Answer accurately; the survey determines your appropriateness for derivative trading.
If you don’t pass the knowledge quiz, IC Markets may direct you to educational resources before proceeding. You can retake it after reviewing the material. -
Verify Your Identity (KYC)
Account verification is required before you can deposit and trade. Upload your documents through the IC Markets Secure Client Area. All documents must be current, clearly legible, and show your full name and address. Documents in languages other than English may require a certified English translation.
- Photo ID — Valid Passport (photo & signature page), National ID card (front & back), or Driver’s License (front & back)
- Proof of residence — Utility bill, bank statement, or government-issued document (not older than 180 days)
- Document must clearly display full name, residential address, and issuer’s name/logo
- IC Markets may also use electronic verification via an independent KYC source
Verification is typically completed within 1 business day. IC does not accept third-party deposits — all payments must come from an account in your own name. -
Fund Your Account
Log in to your IC Markets Secure Client Area and navigate to “Fund Your Account”. Choose from over 15 deposit methods across 10 base currencies. IC Markets charges zero internal fees on deposits and withdrawals — most methods are instant.
- Credit / Debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) — instant
- PayPal — instant
- Neteller, Skrill — instant
- UnionPay — instant
- Cryptocurrency (BTC, ETH, USDT, USDC) — instant
- Wire transfer — 2–5 business days
- Thai & Vietnamese internet banking, BPAY, POLI, Klarna, Rapidpay — region-dependent
- Minimum deposit: $200 across all account types
- Supported base currencies: USD, AUD, EUR, GBP, SGD, NZD, JPY, HKD, CHF, CAD
-
Download a Platform and Start Trading
IC Markets supports four major trading platforms. Download your preferred platform, log in using your IC Markets credentials, and access 1,800–2,250+ instruments including forex, indices, commodities, stocks, bonds, futures, and crypto CFDs.
- MetaTrader 4 (MT4) — desktop, web, iOS & Android
- MetaTrader 5 (MT5) — desktop, web, iOS & Android (recommended)
- cTrader — desktop, web, iOS & Android (ideal for algo traders)
- TradingView — browser-based with advanced charting
- IC Social — mobile app for social/copy trading
IC Markets offers a free unlimited demo account — available on all platforms — preloaded with virtual funds. You can also access free webinars, video tutorials, and IC Insights market analysis from the Education section.Open IC Markets Account Now
Fees and Spreads13% weightFees are live-tested on Standard and ECN accounts during active market hours. We measure EUR/USD spreads, commissions per lot, swap rates, and all secondary charges.
| Pair | IC Markets | XM | Pepperstone |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg | 0.80 pips | 0.70 pips | 0.50 pips |
| EUR/USD (Raw) | 0.10 pips + commission | 0.20 pips + commission | 0.10 pips + commission |
| GBP/USD avg | 0.76 pips | 0.80 pips | 0.60 pips |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 0.12 pips | 0.30 pips | 0.14 pips |
Competitor averages can vary depending on market conditions and testing methodology.
Raw/ECN Account Comparison
| Broker | Commission per lot (RT) | EUR/USD avg spread |
|---|---|---|
| IC Markets (MT4/MT5) | $7.00 | 0.10 pips |
| IC Markets (cTrader) | $6.00 | 0.10 pips |
| IC Markets (Raw Pro+) | $2.00 | 0.10 pips |
| XM Zero | $7.00 | 0.20 pips |
| IUX Raw | $6.00 | 0.10 pips |
| Pepperstone Razor | $6.00 | 0.10 pips |
Stock CFD commission: $0.02 per share on US equities. All index CFD fees are built into the spread — S&P 500 spread is 0.2 points. No deposit fees, no withdrawal fees, no inactivity fees.
Non-Trading Fees13% weightFees are live-tested on Standard and ECN accounts during active market hours. We measure EUR/USD spreads, commissions per lot, swap rates, and all secondary charges.
| Fee | IC Markets | XM | IUX |
| Deposit fee | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Withdrawal fee | $0 (bank wire international: $20) | $0 | $0 |
| Inactivity fee | $0 — no inactivity fee ever | $10/month after 90 days | $0 |
| Account maintenance | $0 | $0 | $0 |
No inactivity fee matters more than most traders realise. XM starts charging $10 per month after 90 days of no activity. IC Markets does not charge inactivity fees at any point. Swap rates on overnight positions are above the industry average — Overnight swap costs can be higher than some competitors, including Exness.
LeverageLeverage and margin requirements vary by regulation and account type.
| Asset Class | ASIC / CySEC (Retail) | FSA Seychelles / IC Markets Global |
|---|---|---|
| Forex major pairs | 1:30 | Up to 1:1000 |
| Forex minor pairs | 1:20 | Up to 1:200 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:20 | Up to 1:500 |
| Indices | 1:20 | Up to 1:200 |
| Commodities | 1:10 | Up to 1:200 |
| Cryptocurrencies (CFD) | 1:2 | Up to 1:20 |
| Stock CFDs | 1:5 | Up to 1:20 |
Leverage under FSA Seychelles reaches up to 1:1000 on forex major pairs. Traders in Australia and Europe face ASIC/CySEC caps of 1:30 on forex majors. Check your regulatory entity before opening an account, as leverage limits vary significantly.
Tradable Instruments7% weightTrading Instruments covers total FX pairs plus access to stocks, commodities, indices, crypto, ETFs, bonds, and copy trading availability.
| Asset Class | Instruments | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 61 pairs | Major, minor, and exotic currency pairs |
| Stock CFDs | 2,100+ companies | US, EU, UK, Asian equities — CFD only, no real ownership |
| Indices | 25 | S&P 500, DAX, FTSE, Nikkei, Hang Seng, and all major global indices |
| Commodities | 22+ | Gold, Silver, Oil, Gas, Agricultural — relatively low spreads on oil and gold |
| Cryptocurrencies (CFD) | 21 coins | BTC, ETH, LTC, XRP, SOL, and more — 24/7 trading available |
| Bond CFDs | 9 government bonds | US, EU, UK, Japanese government bonds |
| Futures CFDs | 5 | DXY, VIX, Brent Crude, WTI Crude, Gold Futures |
Order ExecutionThis section covers important details about this broker.
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Average execution speed | IC Markets reports average execution speeds around 35ms, while independent testing often records sub-40ms execution. |
| Server locations | Equinix NY4 (New York) and LD5 (London) |
| VPS latency to co-located server | Under 1 millisecond |
| Daily trading volume processed | Official figures and reporting periods vary, with recent reports showing significantly higher trading volumes than earlier estimates. |
| Requotes | None — confirmed in live testing |
| Slippage | Positive and negative slippage both possible under ECN model |
| Liquidity providers | 25+ institutional providers |
Expert Advisors (EA) and ScalpingThis section covers important details about this broker.
| Feature | IC Markets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | Supported on MT4 and MT5 | No restrictions on EA type or frequency |
| cBots | Supported on cTrader | Full algorithmic support via cTrader Automate (C#/.NET) |
| Scalping | Permitted | All account types; no minimum distance requirements |
| Hedging | Permitted | All account types; no FIFO rule enforced |
| Free VPS hosting | Available | Requires 15+ standard lots/month (Forex and Metals only); 4 providers: Commercial Network Services, Forex VPS, Beeks FX VPS, NYC Servers |
| API access | cTrader only | FIX API via cTrader; not available on MT4/MT5 |
| Strategy tester | Built-in | Full back-testing and optimisation on MT4, MT5, and cTrader |
| MAM/PAMM | Available | Multi-account management for fund managers and IB partners |
| MT4 Advanced Tools | Available | 20 additional trading tools as an upgrade package |
VPS Hosting ConditionsThis section covers important details about this broker.
IC Markets offers sponsored VPS hosting for qualifying traders — a feature not offered by every retail broker. VPS service is provided through four external providers: Commercial Network Services, Forex VPS, Beeks FX VPS, and New York City Servers. IC Markets sponsors the subscription cost for accounts completing at least 15 standard lots (round turn) per month on Forex pairs and Precious Metals only.
Key VPS facts:
- Latency to IC Markets’ MT4/MT5 server (NY4): under 1 millisecond
- Latency to IC Markets’ cTrader server (LD5, London): under 1 millisecond
- VPS allows 24/7 EA and cBot operation without requiring your computer to remain online
- No proprietary VPS — all services are through third-party VPS providers approved by IC Markets
- Traders not meeting the 15-lot threshold must arrange and pay for VPS independently (typically $20–$50/month)
| Broker | Free VPS | Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| IC Markets | Yes | 15 standard lots/month (Forex & Metals only) |
| XM | Yes | $500 balance + 2 standard lots/month |
| Exness | Yes | $1,000 balance (or $500 + $500,000 monthly volume) |
| Pepperstone | Yes | High-volume Pro clients only (contact required) |
| IUX | No | Not available |
Copy Trading and Social TradingThis section covers important details about this broker.
| Platform | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IC Social | Proprietary mobile app | Powered by Pelican Trading; iOS and Android; available via FSA Seychelles entity — confirm regional availability |
| ZuluTrade | Third-party | 100,000+ signal providers; direct MT4 integration |
| Myfxbook AutoTrade | Third-party | Copy trading connected directly to MT4/MT5 accounts |
| Signal Start | Third-party | Copy trading marketplace for signal followers |
| cTrader Copy | Built into cTrader | Native copy trading within the cTrader platform |
| Feature | IC Markets | IUX | XM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copy trading available | Yes (5 channels) | No | Yes |
| Proprietary copy platform | IC Social | No | Yes (own platform) |
| Third-party platforms | ZuluTrade, Myfxbook, Signal Start | No | ZuluTrade |
| Built-in platform copy | cTrader Copy | No | No |
Trading Platforms and Tools12.5% weightPlatforms are tested hands-on across desktop, web, iOS and Android. Points awarded for automation, charting depth, 2FA security, API access, and third-party integrations.
| Platform | Available | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Industry-standard platform; full EA support; 30 built-in indicators; web, desktop, mobile |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Advanced multi-asset platform; enhanced charting; 38 built-in indicators; strategy tester; 52 languages |
| cTrader | Yes | Premium ECN platform; Level II pricing; FIX API; cBots; 1-click trading; cTrader Copy built-in |
| TradingView (integrated) | Yes | World-class charting; 400+ indicators; accessed via TradingView platform connected to IC Markets cTrader Raw account; cTrader Raw account required |
Mobile Trading App3% weightMobile Apps are scored on app store ratings, download volume, price alert functionality, and built-in indicators available on mobile.
| Feature | IC Markets | XM | IUX |
|---|---|---|---|
| App Store Rating | Unverified — check current listing | Unverified — check current listing | Unverified — check current listing |
| Google Play Rating | Unverified — check current listing | Unverified — check current listing | Unverified — check current listing |
| Platforms on Mobile | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView | MT4, MT5, XM App | IUX App, MT5 |
| Copy Trading on Mobile | Yes (IC Social, ZuluTrade) | Yes (XM App) | No |
| Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Indicators | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 2FA on Mobile | No | No | Yes |
| EA / Automated Trading on Mobile | No | No | No |
| TradingView on Mobile | Yes (via TradingView mobile app) | No | No |
Deposit Methods10% weightDeposit & Withdrawal covers accepted payment methods, base currencies, processing speed, and all transaction fees — tested with real funded accounts.
| Method | Processing Time | Deposit Fee (IC Markets) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank Card (Visa/Mastercard) | Instant | None | Possible card issuer fee |
| PayPal | Instant | None | PayPal conversion fee may apply |
| Skrill | Instant | None | Skrill conversion fee may apply |
| Neteller | Instant | None | Neteller conversion fee may apply |
| UnionPay | Instant | None | RMB only |
| Cryptocurrency (BTC, ETH, USDC, USDT) | Instant | None | Network fees may apply |
| Bank Wire Transfer | 2–5 business days | None (IC Markets side) | Receiving bank may charge |
| Broker to Broker | 2–5 business days | None | Multi-currency supported |
| BPay | 12–48 hours (AU only) | None | AUD only |
| POLi | Instant (AU only) | None | AUD only |
| Thai Internet Banking | 15–30 minutes | None | USD only |
| Vietnamese Internet Banking | Instant | None | USD only |
| Klarna | Up to 2 business days | None | EUR and GBP only |
| Rapidpay | Up to 2 business days | None | EUR and GBP only |
Minimum deposit: $200 for all live accounts. Base currencies: USD, AUD, EUR, GBP, SGD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, CAD (10 options). No deposit fee charged by IC Markets.
Withdrawal Review10% weightDeposit & Withdrawal covers accepted payment methods, base currencies, processing speed, and all transaction fees — tested with real funded accounts.
| Method | Withdrawal Time | IC Markets Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank Card (Visa/Mastercard) | 3–5 business days (up to 10 in rare cases) | None | Must return to original deposit card |
| PayPal | Subject to PayPal processing timelines | None | Must have deposited via PayPal first |
| Skrill | Subject to Skrill processing timelines | None | Must have deposited via Skrill first |
| Neteller | Subject to Neteller processing timelines | None | Must have deposited via Neteller first |
| Bank Wire Transfer | Up to 14 business days | None | Intermediary and beneficiary bank fees may apply |
| FasaPay | 3–5 business days | None | Withdrawn via bank wire; may incur bank charges |
| POLi / BPay | 2–3 business days (AU domestic) | None | Withdrawn via domestic bank wire; no extra charges for AU domestic |
| Rapidpay | 3–5 business days | None | Withdrawn via bank wire; may incur charges |
| Klarna | 3–5 business days | None | Withdrawn via bank wire; may incur charges |
| Thai Internet Banking | 1 business day | None | Requires bank book upload for first withdrawal |
Key rules confirmed from official page:
- Withdrawal requests before 12:00 AEST/AEDT are processed same business day; after that, next business day.
- IC Markets charges no internal withdrawal fees on any method.
- E-wallet withdrawals (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller) must go back to the same account used for deposit.
- Card withdrawals exceeding the deposited amount must use another previously used method or bank wire.
- Crypto is available for deposits only — not confirmed as a withdrawal method.
- A processing fee may apply if deposited funds have not been used for trading before withdrawal.
Education and Research Tools12.5% weightPlatforms are tested hands-on across desktop, web, iOS and Android. Points awarded for automation, charting depth, 2FA security, API access, and third-party integrations.
IC Markets’ educational offering is useful for beginners but less comprehensive than some competitors the research tools available. It covers the basics for beginners but is not structured or progressive enough for intermediate or advanced traders.
| Resource | Available | Quality |
| Video tutorials and webinars | Yes | Basic; standard quality |
| Written guides (forex, CFD basics) | Yes | Beginner to intermediate level |
| The Modern Guide to Trading (ebook) | Yes | Comprehensive beginner guide |
| Economic calendar | Yes | Standard via third-party integration |
| Market news feed | Yes | Daily articles, technical and fundamental commentary |
| IC Your Trade series | Yes | High-quality video market analysis — produced with Bloomberg Media Studios; one of the more developed research resources available through IC Markets |
| Autochartist | Yes | Included across all platforms; strong for pattern recognition and trade opportunity alerts |
| Trading Central | Yes | Daily analyst commentary and technical forecasts |
| MT5 built-in indicators | Yes | 38+ built-in indicators; full strategy tester |
| TradingView charts | Yes | Full TradingView charting via integrated web platform |
| Structured course progression | No | No proprietary academy; no progressive curriculum |
| Live trading sessions | No | Not available |
Bonuses and PromotionsThis section covers bonuses, promotions and special offers. Always read full T&Cs — bonus conditions vary between brokers.
| Programme | Type | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Trader Rebates – Tier 1 | Volume-based cashback | $1.50/lot — from 100 closed FX/Metals lots/month |
| Raw Trader Rebates – Tier 2 | Volume-based cashback | $2.25/lot — over 1,000 closed FX/Metals lots/month |
| Raw Trader Rebates – Tier 3 | Volume-based cashback | $2.50/lot — from 2,000 closed FX/Metals lots/month |
| Free VPS | Volume reward | Sponsored VPS hosting for 15+ standard lots/month |
| Refer-a-Friend | Cash reward | $100 via IB/referral programme after trading 50 lots, select regions |
| IB Commission Discount | Via Introducing Brokers | Up to 21.5% off commissions through select IB partners |
| Welcome / Deposit Bonus | N/A | No permanent standard bonus programme |
Customer Support2.5% weightCustomer Support is scored by channels available, verified response times, and multilingual coverage.
IC Markets runs 24/7 support across multiple channels, including weekends — one of the fewer brokers offering support throughout the weekend.
| Channel | Available | Typical Response |
| Live Chat | Yes | Under 2 minutes (weekdays); reasonable on weekends |
| Phone | Yes | 24/7 including weekends; varies by region |
| Yes | Within a few hours on business days; may be slower on weekends | |
| IC Markets Blog / Help Centre | Yes | Self-service articles and platform guides |
| Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn | Yes | Varies |
Weekend support via phone and live chat is a useful feature for traders active during weekends. Email response can slow on weekends. There is no callback form, which some traders miss when dealing with complex withdrawal or account issues. Support agents are multilingual — available in English, Spanish, French, German, Arabic, Chinese, Indonesian, Thai, and more.
Who Should Trade with IC Markets?7% weightTrading Instruments covers total FX pairs plus access to stocks, commodities, indices, crypto, ETFs, bonds, and copy trading availability.
| Trader Type | IC Markets Works Well | Potential Gap |
|---|---|---|
| Complete beginner | Free demo; 24/7 support; negative balance protection; $200 gets full platform access | $200 minimum is high for first-time traders; no cent account; education is basic |
| Intermediate retail | Standard account with 0.62 avg EUR/USD spread; zero commission; 2,250+ instruments; Autochartist included | Standard account limited to MT4 and MT5; no TradingView or cTrader on Standard |
| Traders looking to reduce trading costs | Raw Spread from 0.0 pips; $6–$7 RT commission; no deposit, withdrawal, or inactivity fees | $200 minimum for all accounts; $20 bank wire fee |
| EA / algo trader | Full EA support on MT4, MT5, cTrader; FIX/Open API via cTrader; free VPS at 15 lots/month; sub-1ms latency | VPS requires 15 lots/month; no MT4/MT5 API access |
| Day trader / scalper | 0.02 pip EUR/USD on cTrader Raw (Oct 2025); Equinix NY4/LD5; no requotes; scalping fully permitted | Swap rates above industry average for overnight holds |
| Swing trader | No inactivity fee; Islamic account on all types; positions held indefinitely | Swap rates run high; multi-day position financing costs more than competitors |
| Copy trader | 5 channels: IC Social, ZuluTrade, Myfxbook, Signal Start, cTrader Copy | No portfolio copy trading; individual traders only |
| News trader | Autochartist + Trading Central signals; fast ECN execution; no requotes | Spreads widen during NFP, FOMC, CPI; ECN slippage possible |
| High-volume trader | Raw Trader Rebates up to $2.50/lot; Raw Pro+ at $4 RT; free VPS | No formal loyalty bonus; rebates are the only ongoing incentive |
| Mobile trader | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView all on iOS and Android | No 2FA or biometric login on mobile; no automated trading on mobile |
| Multi-asset investor | 2,250+ instruments: 61 forex, 2,100+ stock CFDs, 25 indices, 24 commodities, 21 crypto, 9 bonds, 4 futures | No ETFs; no real stock ownership (CFD only); no forex options |
How IC Markets Compares7% weightTrading Instruments covers total FX pairs plus access to stocks, commodities, indices, crypto, ETFs, bonds, and copy trading availability.
Here is the fully fact-checked comparison table with a verdict on every cell:
| Feature | IC Markets | IUX | XM | Exness | AvaTrade | RoboForex | LiteFinance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2007 | 2016 | 2009 | 2008 | 2006 | 2009 | 2005 |
| Min. Deposit | $200 | $50 | $5 | $10 | $100 | $10 | $50 |
| Spreads From | 0.0 pips | 0.0 pips | 0.6 pips | 0.0 pips | 0.9 pips | 0.0 pips | 0.0 pips |
| Max Leverage | Leverage up to 1:1000. | 1:3000 | 1:1000 | 1:Unlimited | 1:400 | 1:2000 | 1:1000 |
| Platforms | MT4+MT5+cTrader+TV | MT5+own | MT4+MT5 | MT4+MT5+own | MT4+MT5+own | MT4+MT5+cTrader | MT4+MT5 |
| Copy Trading | Yes (5 channels) | No | No | No | Yes | Yes (CopyFX) | Yes |
| Free VPS | Yes (15 lots/mo) | No | Yes (conditions) | No | No | No | No |
| Inactivity Fee | No | No | Yes | No | Yes ($50/qtr) | No | No |
| Islamic Account | Yes | Yes (default) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Neg. Bal. Protection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Prop. Platform | No | Yes (IUX App) | No | Yes | Yes (AvaFutures) | Yes (CopyFX) | No |
| Trustpilot Score | 4.8/5 (53K+ reviews) | 4.2/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.3/5 | 3.9/5 | 4.3/5 | 4.5/5 |
Final VerdictFinal assessment based on all tested parameters. The score reflects real, data-backed performance — not promotional claims.
IC Markets remains highly competitive in trading costs and platform selection. True ECN, 0.0 pip raw spreads, four platforms, free VPS, and five copy trading channels — supported by regulation from ASIC and CySEC among other entities and a 91% five-star Trustpilot rating from over 53,000 reviews. Its weaknesses are the $200 minimum deposit, limited education, above-average swap rates, and no proprietary mobile app. The CySEC picture is more serious than a single fine: two separate penalties totalling €250,000 were handed down in July 2024 — €200,000 for knowingly routing EU clients through an offshore entity to circumvent the 1:30 leverage cap, and €50,000 for best execution and cost disclosure failures with CySEC explicitly noting the leverage breach was a repeat of a 2021 infringement. IC Markets is appealing both decisions.
People’s Most Asked QueriesThis section covers important details about this broker.
Is IC Markets a legitimate broker?
Yes. IC Markets holds verified licenses from ASIC in Australia (335692), CySEC in Cyprus (362/18), FSA in Seychelles (SD018), SCB in Bahamas (SIA-F214), and CMA in Kenya (#199). Client funds are held in segregated accounts at top-tier banks. The ASIC and CySEC licenses carry significant weight as Tier-1 regulators. Note: the DFSA Dubai license number F004356 listed in some sources belongs to Pepperstone, not IC Markets. IC Markets does not hold a DFSA license and should be removed from this claim.
What is IC Markets’ minimum deposit?
$200 for all live account types — Standard, Raw Spread MT4/MT5, and Raw Spread cTrader. The demo account is free with no deposit required and can be configured with any virtual balance.
Does IC Markets charge withdrawal fees?
IC Markets does not charge internal withdrawal fees for most methods. International bank wire transfers incur a pass-through fee of approximately $20 (AUD 20 equivalent), charged by the broker’s banking institution and deducted from the withdrawal amount. Third-party payment providers or banks may apply their own charges on top.
What leverage does IC Markets offer?
Leverage depends on your regulatory entity. FSA Seychelles (IC Markets Global) clients access up to 1:1000 on forex majors on standard accounts, with some account types reaching 1:1000. ASIC (Australia) and CySEC (Cyprus) retail clients are limited to 1:30 on forex under local regulatory caps. Always confirm which entity applies to your account.
Does IC Markets have swap-free accounts?
Yes. Islamic (swap-free) accounts are available for both Standard and Raw Spread account types. Open your chosen account type first, then request swap-free status. Spread and commission conditions remain unchanged — only overnight swap charges are removed. A fixed administrative fee may apply on some instruments.
Is IC Markets available in Bangladesh?
Yes. Bangladesh is not on IC Markets’ restricted country list. Bangladeshi traders are typically registered under the FSA Seychelles entity. Confirm which entity applies before depositing, as leverage and protection levels differ significantly from the ASIC or CySEC entities.
How does the IC Markets Raw Spread account compare to competitors?
The Raw Spread MT4/MT5 account offers spreads from 0.0 pips with a $7 round-trip commission per standard lot ($6 on cTrader). This is competitive with Pepperstone Razor ($7 MT4/MT5) and XM Zero ($7). The reference to “Raw Pro+ at $4 RT” should be verified directly with IC Markets, as this tier’s availability and pricing vary by region and are not uniformly documented in public sources. The $200 minimum deposit is standard for ECN accounts at comparable brokers.
Does IC Markets support automated trading and Expert Advisors?
Yes. MT4 and MT5 support Expert Advisors with no restrictions. cTrader supports cBots and FIX/Open API access. Hedging and scalping are both permitted. Free VPS hosting is available for accounts trading 15+ standard lots per month, enabling 24/7 automated strategy execution with under 1ms latency to IC Markets’ servers.
Does IC Markets offer copy trading?
Yes. IC Markets offers copy trading through five channels: IC Social (proprietary mobile app, powered by Pelican Exchange), ZuluTrade (100,000+ signal providers), Myfxbook AutoTrade, Signal Start, and cTrader Copy (native within the cTrader platform). IC Social is available in select regions via the Seychelles entity.
Are there reported problems with IC Markets?
IC Markets holds a 4.8/5 Trustpilot score from over 53,000 reviews with 91% giving five stars — maintains a strong Trustpilot rating compared with many major forex brokers. Main recurring feedback concerns swap rates being above average, the $200 minimum deposit being high for beginners, and occasional slower email responses on weekends. In July 2024, IC Markets (EU) Ltd received two separate CySEC fines totalling €250,000 — €200,000 for knowingly circumventing EU leverage limits through an offshore entity (a repeat of a 2021 infringement), and €50,000 for best execution and cost disclosure failures. IC Markets is contesting both decisions and has filed an appeal.
