Trading Instruments
Platforms & Tools
Fees
Security & Fairness
Deposit & Withdrawal
Customer Service
Broker Overview
IC Markets pairs world-class platforms — MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader — with ultra-low spreads and lightning-fast execution.
Pricing on majors is among the most competitive in the industry, order execution is reliable, and deposits/withdrawals are smooth with transparent processing.
If you want institutional-grade conditions, deep liquidity, and powerful trading tools, IC Markets is an easy broker to recommend.
My top takeaways for IC Markets in 2025:
- Global multi-platform access. IC Markets supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, offering advanced charting, algorithmic trading, and copy-trading solutions.
- Ultra-tight spreads. EUR/USD spreads from 0.0 pips on Raw accounts plus low commissions make IC Markets one of the most cost-effective brokers for active traders.
- Low entry & flexible funding. The minimum deposit is just $200, with fee-free deposits/withdrawals on most methods, including bank transfer, cards, e-wallets, and crypto.
- Regulation & security. IC Markets is regulated by ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus), SCB (Bahamas), and FSA (Seychelles), giving strong oversight depending on your region.
- Advanced tools & execution. Servers in NY4/LD5 data centers, low-latency connectivity, and deep liquidity pools ensure fast execution for scalpers and algorithmic traders.
- Strong education & resources. IC Markets offers webinars, video tutorials, and market analysis, plus built-in trading tools to support all levels of traders.
- Trade-offs. No proprietary trading platform (only MT4/MT5/cTrader). While spreads are very tight, stock CFD coverage is smaller compared to large multi-asset brokers.
Our editorial team opens and funds real trading accounts, then measures platforms, pricing, and execution in live markets. Every data point in our reviews is gathered first-hand—not copied from marketing pages.
We independently verify regulation and entity protections with public registers (ASIC, CySEC, SCB and others) and track 100+ variables across fees, spreads, platforms, funding, education, and support. Findings are peer-reviewed before ratings go live.
We’re reader-supported: if you use a partner link (for example, when opening an account with IC Markets), we may earn a commission at no extra cost. This never affects our scores or recommendations. Learn more in how we test.
Our IC Markets review is based on live-account testing across pricing, spreads, execution speed, and platform usability on MT4, MT5, and cTrader. We independently verify regulation, leverage, deposits/withdrawals, and instrument availability for your country—the table above summarizes those key facts. Next, the Pros & Cons section distills strengths and trade-offs at a glance to help you decide if IC Markets fits your strategy.
IC Markets pros & cons
- Access to MT4, MT5, and cTrader — all major platforms under one broker.
- Ultra-tight spreads (from 0.0 pips) and low commissions on Raw Spread accounts.
- Regulated by multiple top-tier authorities (ASIC, CySEC, SCB) with strong protections.
- Very fast execution speed, suitable for scalpers and algorithmic trading.
- Broad asset coverage: forex, indices, commodities, bonds, crypto, and stocks/CFDs.
- No proprietary trading platform; only MT4, MT5, and cTrader are offered.
- Educational resources are limited compared to research-heavy competitors.
- No fixed spread accounts — spreads are variable only.
- Crypto availability depends on region and regulatory restrictions.
- Customer support is strong but can be slower during peak trading hours.
*Availability, fees, and leverage depend on your account type and country. Always consider whether you can afford the high risk of loss.*
Regulation & Security
IC Markets is a globally regulated broker. The entity you open your account with depends on your country of residence.
IC Markets operates under several top-tier and mid-tier regulators. These include the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), and the Securities Commission of The Bahamas (SCB). Protections such as leverage limits, compensation schemes, and product availability vary by entity.
Client funds are held in segregated accounts with reputable banks, separate from IC Markets’ operational funds. The broker applies strict KYC/AML procedures, SSL/TLS encryption, and offers two-factor authentication to secure client accounts and transactions.
EU clients under CySEC benefit from ESMA protections such as leverage caps, marketing restrictions, and negative balance protection. Australian and Bahamian entities offer higher leverage but with fewer investor-compensation schemes. Always confirm which IC Markets entity will serve you before funding your account.
- Segregated funds at leading banks
- Regulated by ASIC, CySEC, and SCB
- Negative balance protection for EU clients (CySEC)
Trading Platforms
IC Markets gives traders access to professional-grade platforms across web, desktop, and mobile.
MetaTrader 4 (MT4) is the most popular platform at IC Markets, offering fast execution, advanced charting, and full support for Expert Advisors (EAs). IC Markets is known for its raw spreads on MT4, making it ideal for scalpers and algorithmic traders.
MetaTrader 5 (MT5) expands on MT4 with additional order types, improved back-testing, and access to more instruments including shares. It supports hedging and netting, along with advanced Depth of Market tools.
cTrader is a modern, ECN-style platform that provides advanced order entry, detachable charts, and built-in cAlgo for strategy automation. It is highly customizable and especially popular with traders who want an alternative to MetaTrader.
- All platforms support algorithmic trading
- Low latency and raw spread accounts
- Cross-device access with seamless sync
Account Types
IC Markets provides several account types designed for scalpers, day traders, and algorithmic traders. Availability, spreads, and commissions vary depending on the account type you select.
Traders can choose between Raw Spread (ECN) accounts and a Standard account. All accounts support MT4, MT5, and cTrader, with access to IC Markets’ full range of instruments. Free demo accounts are also available.
- Raw Spread (cTrader) — Ultra-tight spreads starting from 0.0 pips with commissions applied per side. Best for algorithmic and high-frequency traders.
- Raw Spread (MT4/MT5) — Direct market access with raw spreads plus a fixed commission. Ideal for scalpers, day traders, and EA users.
- Standard Account — Spread-only pricing (no commissions). A simpler model suited for beginners or those who prefer all-inclusive pricing.
- Islamic / Swap-Free — Available on request for traders who require swap-free conditions; overnight interest replaced with admin fees on certain instruments.
- Demo Account — Free, unlimited practice on MT4, MT5, or cTrader with live pricing and conditions.
- Raw spreads from 0.0 pips
- Supports scalping, hedging, and EAs
- Free demo accounts on all platforms
Trading Instruments
IC Markets offers multi-asset CFD trading across MT4, MT5, and cTrader. Exact availability, leverage, and restrictions depend on your region and account entity.
Forex
- Wide range of major, minor, and select exotic currency pairs on MT4/MT5 and cTrader.
- Raw spread accounts can show 0.0-pip minimums during liquid sessions; micro-lot sizing (0.01) supported.
- Scalping, hedging, and EAs permitted; depth-of-market and one-click trading available.
Indices
- Global stock indices (U.S., Europe, Asia-Pacific) as CFDs, with both cash and futures-style contracts where offered.
- Typically lower leverage than FX; check symbol specs for trading hours and financing.
Commodities
- Metals (Gold, Silver, etc.), energies (WTI/Brent), and selected soft commodities as CFDs.
- Variable margin requirements by asset; supports short and long positioning.
Shares (Stock CFDs)
- Large list of U.S., Australian, and other regional stocks on MT5 (availability varies by region).
- Corporate actions reflected per CFD terms; overnight financing applies on held positions.
Cryptocurrencies
- Major crypto vs USD as CFDs where permitted by local rules (regional restrictions apply).
- Higher volatility and wider spreads than FX; weekend trading hours may differ by symbol.
ETFs & Futures (CFDs)
- Selected ETF and futures-style contracts offered as CFDs on supported platforms (availability varies).
- Check contract specifications for tick size, session times, and financing.
Fees & Charges
IC Markets’ fee structure is built around ultra-tight spreads and low commissions. Costs depend on whether you choose Raw Spread or Standard account types.
Trading fees
- Spreads: Raw accounts show spreads from 0.0 pips on majors during peak liquidity; Standard accounts have slightly higher all-in spreads.
- Commissions: On Raw Spread accounts, IC Markets charges around $3.5 per side per lot (MT4/MT5), or $3 per side per lot (cTrader).
- Overnight financing (swaps): Applied to CFD positions held past rollover; rates vary by instrument. Swap-free Islamic accounts are available in eligible regions.
- No platform fee: MT4, MT5, and cTrader are provided free of charge.
Funding & non-trading fees
- Deposits: IC Markets does not charge deposit fees; supported via bank wire, cards, e-wallets, and local options.
- Withdrawals: No broker-side withdrawal fee; third-party banks or payment systems may charge processing/network fees.
- Currency conversion: Conversion fees apply if funding in a currency different from your account base currency.
- Inactivity: IC Markets does not currently charge inactivity fees.
How to keep costs low
- Opt for a Raw Spread account if you prefer lower spreads and can accommodate a small commission.
- Trade during peak liquidity hours (e.g., London/New York overlap) for the tightest pricing.
- Match your account currency with your deposit currency to avoid conversion charges.
Always check current spreads, commissions, and swap rates inside your IC Markets account before trading.
Deposit & Withdrawal
IC Markets offers fast and fee-free funding. Methods vary by region, but the broker is known for near-instant deposits and quick withdrawals.
Supported methods (region-dependent)
- Bank transfers & cards: local/international wire, Visa, Mastercard.
- E-wallets: Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, FasaPay, plus regional options.
- Others: Broker-to-broker transfer and local bank systems where available.
Processing times & limits
- Deposits: Instant for cards/e-wallets; bank wires take 2–5 business days.
- Withdrawals: E-wallets are often same-day; cards and bank transfers ~2–5 business days.
- Minimum deposit: Typically $200 (or currency equivalent) across all methods.
- Limits: Depend on method and region; large transfers may require compliance checks.
Fees & best practice
- IC Markets does not charge funding fees; third-party or bank charges may apply.
- Withdraw to the same method used for deposit (anti-money laundering policy).
- Match account currency to funding currency to avoid conversion costs.
Check your IC Markets client portal for available methods, limits, and local options.
Customer Support
IC Markets provides 24/7 multilingual support across multiple channels, with quick access to live agents and a comprehensive help center.
Support channels
- Live chat: 24/7 instant access to support via the website.
- Email/ticketing: for account, verification, or technical queries.
- Phone support: available through regional numbers.
- Help Centre & FAQs: detailed guides on funding, trading, and platforms.
Note: Response times may vary during high-volume market hours.
Hours & languages
- Availability: 24/7 support, including weekends.
- Languages: English plus multiple regional languages.
- Global offices: Sydney HQ and international presence ensure localized support.
What to include for faster resolution
- Your registered email and trading account number.
- Platform & version (MT4, MT5, cTrader) and the device/browser used.
- Relevant order IDs, timestamps, and screenshots of any issue.
- Funding queries: include the payment method and transaction reference.
Educational Resources
IC Markets provides a strong set of educational tools for traders of all levels: platform walkthroughs, trading basics, and strategy guides that are easy to follow.
- IC Markets Academy: free video tutorials, articles, and structured lessons on forex and CFD trading.
- Webinars & seminars: live sessions with market experts covering strategies, analysis, and Q&A.
- Blog & market analysis: daily articles, trading insights, and market news updates.
- Demo accounts: unlimited practice accounts on MT4, MT5, and cTrader with real-time market conditions.
Comparison with Competitors
Compared to other brokers, IC Markets stands out.
IC Markets offers one of the most extensive selections of platforms among low-cost brokers. Traders can choose between MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, ensuring flexibility for both beginner and professional traders. Many competitors limit access to just MT4 or a single proprietary terminal.
Pricing is highly competitive with IC Markets’ raw spread accounts starting from 0.0 pips. Even after commissions, overall trading costs are among the lowest in the industry. While some rivals may offer zero-commission accounts with slightly wider spreads, IC Markets appeals strongly to active traders and scalpers seeking institutional-grade conditions.
Where IC Markets differentiates itself is in execution speed and liquidity. With access to deep liquidity pools and servers close to major financial hubs, the broker provides fast order fills that high-frequency traders and algorithmic strategies rely on. On the flip side, IC Markets’ research resources are lighter compared to research-heavy, full-service multi-asset brokers.
Final Verdict
IC Markets is a top choice for traders seeking ultra-tight spreads, fast execution, and access to deep liquidity. With MT4, MT5, and cTrader under one account, it is ideal for scalpers, algo traders, and professionals who demand reliability. Education and research tools are improving, funding is straightforward, and protections depend on the licensed entity serving your country.
Mini FAQ
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Yes—IC Markets operates via multiple licensed entities (e.g., ASIC in Australia, CySEC in the EU, and FSA in Seychelles). Client funds are held in segregated accounts, and 2FA is supported. Protections depend on which entity serves your country.
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MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader are available on web, desktop, and mobile, with support for algorithmic trading and custom indicators.
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Yes—free demo accounts are available on MT4, MT5, and cTrader so you can practice with virtual funds before going live.
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The typical minimum deposit is around $200 (method/region dependent). Withdrawals via e-wallets are often processed the same business day; cards and bank transfers can take ~1–5 business days. Exact times and fees depend on your payment provider and entity.
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Yes—scalping, hedging, and algorithmic strategies (Expert Advisors on MT4/MT5 or cBots on cTrader) are supported.
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Choose between Standard (spread-only) and Raw (institutional-style low spreads + commission). Instrument lists, leverage, and protections vary by entity and your country.