IC Markets
IC Markets Review 2026
IC Markets’ global company (IC, run by Raw Trading Ltd under the FSA in Seychelles) has no minimum deposit and offers leverage up to 1:5000 on forex, while its Australian company needs $200 and, like its EU company, limits retail leverage to 1:30 on major pairs. Spreads start from 0.0 pips on Raw Spread accounts and 0.8 pips on Standard. The group holds licences from ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus), the FSA (Seychelles), the SCB (Bahamas) and the CMA (Kenya).
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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 IC Social, cTrader Copy, ZuluTrade and Signal Start.
There are a few drawbacks worth considering. The Australian company requires a $200 deposit, although the global company has no minimum. Educational resources are basic for a broker of this size. The Standard account is only available on MT4 and MT5, not cTrader or TradingView. And the global company’s risk warning says losses can, in some cases, exceed the amount deposited. For traders focused on pricing and execution, IC Markets is a solid option.
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
- Four copy trading channels: IC Social, cTrader Copy, ZuluTrade, Signal Start
- Free VPS hosting
- No deposit/withdrawal fees for bank transfers and cards
- 10 base currencies
- Trading Central and TradingView
- Scalping, hedging, automated trading permitted
- 24/7 customer support
- MAM/PAMM accounts
- Client money insurance up to US$1,000,000 (global company)
- $200 minimum deposit on the Australian (ASIC) company
- No cent/micro lot accounts
- Basic education; international wires can take up to 14 days; swap-free accounts carry an overnight holding 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 | Licence Number | Company | Key Protection |
| ASIC | Australia | 335692 | International Capital Markets Pty Ltd | ASIC oversight; retail leverage capped at 1:30 |
| CySEC | Cyprus | 362/18 | IC Markets (EU) Ltd | Investor Compensation Fund (lower of 90% of the claim and €20,000) |
| SCB | Bahamas | SIA-F214 | IC Markets Ltd | Offshore regulation |
| CMA | Kenya | 199 | IC Markets (KE) Limited | CMA Kenya framework |
| FSA | Seychelles | SD018 | Raw Trading Ltd (IC, IC Markets Global) | Offshore regulation; client money insurance up to US$1,000,000 |
Client funds are held in segregated accounts at top-tier banks, separate from company capital, and IC says it uses an independent external auditor. Protection differs by company: the global company’s risk warning says losses may, in some cases, exceed the amount deposited, so check the terms for your account before trading.
IC says clients of its global company are covered by client money insurance of up to US$1,000,000, including open CFD positions, with no opt-in or extra cost (policy number TT2602110).
Regulatory note: On 1 July 2024, CySEC fined IC Markets (EU) Ltd €200,000 for taking part in activities that circumvented CySEC’s rules on initial margin protection for retail CFD clients (the leverage limits), and €50,000 for best-execution failures, inadequate execution arrangements and unclear cost disclosures. IC Markets (EU) Ltd has applied for judicial review of both decisions.
Traders outside Australia and the EU are generally served by the global company, Raw Trading Ltd, regulated by the FSA in Seychelles, which offers less protection than ASIC or CySEC. The EU company’s website says it is not intended for UK residents. Always confirm which company will hold 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 | $0 ($200 ASIC) | 0.8 pips | None | 1:5000 (FSA) / 1:30 (ASIC/CySEC) | Commission-free trading on MT4 and MT5 |
| Raw Spread (MT4/MT5) | $0 ($200 ASIC) | 0.0 pips | $3.50/side ($7 RT) | 1:5000 (FSA) / 1:30 (ASIC/CySEC) | Scalpers and algo traders on MetaTrader |
| Raw Spread (cTrader) | $0 ($200 ASIC) | 0.0 pips | $3.00 per $100k per side ($6 RT) | 1:1000 (FSA) / 1:30 (ASIC/CySEC) | cTrader and TradingView users |
| Raw Pro (early access) | $5,000 | 0.0 pips | $1.50/side ($3 RT) | 1:5000 (FSA) | Advanced traders seeking lower commissions |
| Raw Pro+ (early access) | $100,000 | 0.0 pips | $1.00/side ($2 RT) | 1:5000 (FSA) | High-volume traders |
| Swap Free | As chosen account | As chosen account | Flat overnight holding fee instead of swap | As chosen account | Traders who cannot pay or earn interest |
| Demo | Free | Live 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 | No commission, spreads from 0.8 pips, free demo, 24/7 support | No cent account; the ASIC company needs $200 |
| Active day trader | Raw Spread (cTrader) | 0.0 pip spreads, $6 round-trip commission, depth of market | cTrader has a learning curve vs MT4 |
| Scalper / algo trader | Raw Spread (MT4/MT5) | EA support, no minimum order distance, free VPS from 15 lots a month | VPS needs consistent volume |
| High-volume trader | Raw Pro or Raw Pro+ | $3 or $2 round-trip commission; Raw Trader Plus rebates | $5,000 / $100,000 minimums; early access |
| Swing trader | Standard or Raw | Positions can be held overnight | Swaps apply; swap-free accounts pay a holding fee |
| Copy trader | Standard or Raw | IC Social, cTrader Copy, ZuluTrade, Signal Start | Check each service’s fees |
| Muslim trader | Swap Free | No swap or interest on Standard and Raw accounts | A flat holding fee per lot applies overnight |
| Fund manager | MAM/PAMM | Multi-account management | Deposit bonus not available on MAM/PAMM |
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. Most traders outside Australia and the EU open with the global company, IC (Raw Trading Ltd, FSA Seychelles), which has no minimum deposit; the Australian company requires $200. Follow the steps below to get started.
What You’ll Need
Step-by-Step Guide
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Visit IC Markets’ Official Website
Go to ic.com (icmarkets.com now redirects there) 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 0.8 pips and no minimum deposit at the global company. 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 times vary. 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: none at the global company ($200 at the Australian company)
- Supported base currencies: USD, AUD, EUR, GBP, SGD, NZD, JPY, HKD, CHF, CAD
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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 up to 2,250 instruments on MetaTrader (IC says 2,850+ in total), 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 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 / account | IC Markets (official) |
| EUR/USD, Raw Spread | 0.1 pip average + $3.50 per side |
| EUR/USD, Standard | From 0.8 pips, no commission |
| Indices | From 0.4 points, no commission |
Figures are IC’s own published numbers. Compare live spreads in the platform before trading.
Raw/ECN Account Comparison
| IC Markets account | Commission per lot (round trip) | Minimum deposit |
| Raw Spread (MT4/MT5) | $7.00 | $0 ($200 ASIC) |
| Raw Spread (cTrader) | $6.00 | $0 ($200 ASIC) |
| Raw Pro | $3.00 | $5,000 |
| Raw Pro+ | $2.00 | $100,000 |
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 |
| Deposit fee | $0 | $0 |
| Withdrawal fee | $0 (bank and intermediary fees may apply on wires) | $0 |
| Unused deposits | A processing fee may apply if deposits were not used for trading | Not listed |
| Inactivity fee | Not listed on IC’s pages | $10 a month after 90 days |
IC’s withdrawal page lists no withdrawal fees of its own, but it may apply a processing fee if deposited funds were not used for trading, and international wires can carry intermediary and beneficiary bank fees. Swap-free accounts pay a flat holding fee per lot on positions held overnight.
LeverageLeverage and margin requirements vary by regulation and account type.
| Asset Class | ASIC / CySEC (Retail) | IC global (FSA Seychelles) |
| Forex majors | 1:30 | Up to 1:5000 (tiered by position size) |
| Forex minors and exotics | 1:20 | Up to 1:5000 (tiered) |
| Gold | 1:20 | Metals up to 1:2000 |
| Major indices | 1:20 | Up to 1:200 |
| Energies | 1:10 | Up to 1:500 |
| Cryptocurrencies (CFD) | 1:2 | Up to 1:500 |
| Stock CFDs | 1:5 | Up to 1:20 |
IC’s global company offers leverage from 1:1 up to 1:5000 on forex, applied in tiers so that larger positions get lower leverage (for example 1:5000 on the first 25 lots, 1:3000 on the next 25 and 1:1000 above 50 lots), with higher margin requirements during some periods. The cTrader account is capped at 1:1000. Traders with the Australian or EU companies are capped at 1:30 on major pairs.
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 | Majors, minors and exotics |
| Indices | 25 | Commission-free, spreads from 0.4 points |
| Cryptocurrencies (CFD) | Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP and 90 more | Up to 1:500 leverage |
| Stocks and ETFs (CFD) | Shares on NYSE, NASDAQ, LSE, Xetra and more | Up to 1:20 leverage |
| Commodities, bonds, futures | Energies, metals, agriculture; government bonds; futures CFDs | Listed on IC’s range of products |
| Total | 2,250 on MetaTrader; 2,850+ tradable instruments | IC’s own figures |
Order ExecutionThis section covers important details about this broker.
| Metric | Detail |
| Average execution speed | Under 40 ms, according to IC |
| Server locations | Equinix NY4 (New York, MetaTrader) and LD5 (London, cTrader) |
| VPS latency | Under 1 ms to major VPS providers, according to IC |
| Requotes | None on Raw pricing, according to IC |
| Liquidity | Prices from up to 25 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 | IC VPS free from 15 lots a month (Forex and Metals); partner ForexVPS |
| API access | cTrader only | cTrader Automate (C#) on cTrader |
| 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 | Extra trading tools add-on for MT4 |
VPS Hosting ConditionsThis section covers important details about this broker.
IC offers its own IC VPS free to traders who meet a monthly volume target on forex and precious metals: Standard from 15 lots (1 CPU, 2 GB RAM, 60 GB disk), Pro from 30 lots (2 CPU, 4 GB RAM, 80 GB) and Premium from 75 lots (4 CPU, 6 GB RAM, 90 GB). If the target is missed two months in a row, the subscription is cancelled. IC also recommends ForexVPS, a partner co-located in Equinix data centres.
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)
Copy Trading and Social TradingThis section covers important details about this broker.
| Platform | Type | Notes |
| IC Social | Mobile app (iOS, Android) | Powered by Pelican Trading; connects to an IC MetaTrader 4 live account |
| cTrader Copy | Built into cTrader | Strategy providers can charge up to 40% performance fee (from 4 July 2026) |
| ZuluTrade | Third-party | IC says 100,000 Zulu traders from 192 countries |
| Signal Start | Third-party | Signal service listed by IC |
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 | Multi-asset platform; 38 built-in indicators (MetaQuotes); strategy tester |
| 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 |
| Mobile platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView apps |
| Social trading app | IC Social (iOS, Android) |
| Copy trading on mobile | IC Social, cTrader Copy |
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) | Notes |
| Credit / debit cards | Instant | None | Several currencies |
| PayPal | Instant | None | Several currencies |
| Neteller | Instant | None | |
| Skrill | Instant | None | |
| UnionPay | See funding page | None | |
| Cryptocurrency | See funding page | None | Network fees may apply |
| Bank wire and local methods | Varies | None | Region-dependent |
Minimum deposit: none at the global company ($200 at the Australian company). 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 |
| Education overview and video tutorials | Yes |
| Web TV and webinars | Yes (webinar dates published on IC’s blog) |
| IC Insights market analysis | Yes |
| Trading Central | Yes |
| Economic calendar and forex calculators | Yes |
| TradingView charts | Yes (cTrader Raw account) |
Bonuses and PromotionsThis section covers bonuses, promotions and special offers. Always read full T&Cs — bonus conditions vary between brokers.
| Programme | Type | Details |
| Deposit bonus | Bonus credit | 100% on the first deposit, then 50% on later deposits, up to $25,000; not withdrawable (profits are); reduced proportionally on withdrawals; not for MAM/PAMM |
| Raw Trader Plus | Commission rebates | Rebates on trading commissions for active traders |
| Free IC VPS | Volume reward | From 15 lots a month on forex and metals |
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 |
| Live chat | 24/7 |
| Phone | 24/7 (+248 467 19 76) |
| [email protected] | |
| Help Centre | Self-service answers |
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; no minimum deposit at the global company | No cent account; basic education |
| Intermediate retail | Standard account with spreads from 0.8 pips; up to 2,250 instruments on MetaTrader | Standard limited to MT4 and MT5 |
| Cost-focused trader | Raw Spread from 0.0 pips; $6–$7 round-trip commission; no IC deposit or withdrawal fees | Processing fee possible if deposits aren’t traded |
| EA / algo trader | EA support on MT4 and MT5; cBots on cTrader; free IC VPS from 15 lots a month | VPS needs consistent volume |
| Scalper | EUR/USD Raw average 0.1 pip; no minimum order distance; NY4 and LD5 servers | Spreads widen around news |
| Copy trader | IC Social, cTrader Copy, ZuluTrade, Signal Start | Check each service’s fees |
| High-volume trader | Raw Pro+ at $2 round trip; Raw Trader Plus rebates | $100,000 minimum for Raw Pro+ |
| Multi-asset trader | Forex, indices, commodities, crypto, stocks, ETFs, bonds, futures CFDs | CFDs only, no share ownership |
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 how IC Markets compares with two other brokers we have verified on their official sites:
| Feature | IC Markets | XM | Exness |
| Min. Deposit | $0 global / $200 ASIC | $5 | Method minimum ($10 on its ZA site) |
| Spreads From | 0.0 pips | 0.8 pips | 0.0 pips |
| Max Leverage | 1:5000 (FSA) | 1:1000 | Unlimited (eligible) |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView | MT4, MT5, XM App | MT4, MT5, Exness Terminal, Exness Trade app |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | Closed June 2026 |
| Deposit Bonus | Yes | Yes | No |
| Inactivity Fee | Not listed | $10/month after 90 days | None |
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 choice: raw spreads from 0.0 pips, four platforms, free VPS for active traders and four copy trading services, backed by licences from ASIC, CySEC, the FSA, the SCB and the CMA. Its weaknesses are basic education, the $200 minimum at its Australian company and weaker protection at its offshore company, whose risk warning says losses can exceed deposits. In July 2024 CySEC fined IC Markets (EU) Ltd €200,000 over circumventing retail margin protection rules and €50,000 over best execution and cost disclosure; the company has applied for judicial review of both.
People’s Most Asked QueriesThis section covers important details about this broker.
Is IC Markets a legitimate broker?
Yes. IC Markets’ group holds licences from ASIC in Australia (335692), CySEC in Cyprus (362/18), the FSA in Seychelles (SD018), the SCB in the Bahamas (SIA-F214) and the CMA in Kenya (199). Client funds are held in segregated accounts at top-tier banks. The ASIC and CySEC licences carry the most weight; most international clients are served by the Seychelles company.
What is IC Markets’ minimum deposit?
None at the global company: IC says you can open a trading account without any minimum deposit requirement (Raw Pro and Raw Pro+ need $5,000 and $100,000). The Australian company requires $200. The demo account is free.
Does IC Markets charge withdrawal fees?
IC does not charge fees for deposits or withdrawals, but banks may: international wires can take up to 14 days and carry intermediary and beneficiary fees. A processing fee may apply if deposited funds were not used for trading.
What leverage does IC Markets offer?
It depends on the company. IC’s global company offers 1:1 to 1:5000 on forex, tiered by position size (1:1000 on cTrader), with lower caps on other assets. ASIC and CySEC retail clients are limited to 1:30 on major forex pairs.
Does IC Markets have swap-free accounts?
Yes. Swap-free accounts are available on Standard and Raw Spread accounts on MT4, MT5 and cTrader. They pay no swap, but a flat holding fee per lot applies to positions held overnight (for example $10 on EUR/USD), and normal spreads and commissions apply.
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 (EUR/USD average 0.1 pip) with a $7 round-trip commission per standard lot, or $6 on cTrader. The new Raw Pro and Raw Pro+ accounts cut this to $3 and $2 round trip, with $5,000 and $100,000 minimum deposits.
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 IC Social (a mobile app powered by Pelican Trading), cTrader Copy (built into cTrader), ZuluTrade and Signal Start.
Are there reported problems with IC Markets?
CySEC fined IC Markets (EU) Ltd twice in July 2024: €200,000 for taking part in activities that circumvented the initial margin protection rules for retail CFD clients, and €50,000 for best-execution failures, inadequate execution arrangements and unclear cost disclosures. The company has applied for judicial review of both decisions.
How IC Markets compares
See how IC Markets stacks up against the other brokers we've reviewed, head to head on cost, platforms and regulation.
IC Markets guides
Step-by-step guides to IC Markets' accounts, costs and features, checked against official sources.
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