IC Markets Review
IC Markets, established in 2007, is a prominent online forex and CFD broker known for its competitive trading conditions, wide range of instruments, and advanced trading platforms. This article provides a detailed overview of IC Markets, including its pros and cons, account types, trading platforms, and regulatory status.
General Risk Warning
Trading forex and CFDs involves significant risk and may not be suitable for all investors. It is important to understand the risks involved, including the potential for loss of your entire investment. Ensure you fully understand the risks before trading and consider seeking independent financial advice if necessary.
IC Markets Full Review
IC Markets offers a variety of trading instruments, including forex, commodities, indices, cryptocurrencies, and bonds. The broker provides access to multiple trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader. IC Markets is known for its low spreads, fast execution, and excellent customer support.
General Information & First Impressions
IC Markets is headquartered in Sydney, Australia, and has a global presence with clients from over 160 countries. The broker is regulated by multiple reputable financial authorities, ensuring a high level of trust and security. The first impression of IC Markets is positive, with a user-friendly website and a wide range of trading resources available.
IC Markets Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Competitive spreads starting from 0.0 pips
- Fast execution speeds
- Multiple advanced trading platforms
- Strong regulatory framework
- Wide range of tradable instruments
Cons:
- Minimum deposit of $200 may be higher than some other brokers
- Limited educational resources for beginner traders
Who Is IC Markets For?
IC Markets is ideal for both beginner and experienced traders. Beginners can benefit from the user-friendly platforms and low minimum deposit, while experienced traders will appreciate the competitive spreads, fast execution, and advanced trading tools. The broker's wide range of instruments makes it suitable for various trading strategies.
Account Types and Benefits
IC Markets offers three main types of accounts to cater to different trading needs:
Account Type |
Minimum Deposit |
Instruments Available |
Special Features |
Standard Account |
$200 |
Forex, Crypto, Commodities |
No commission, competitive spreads |
Raw Spread Account |
$200 |
Forex, Crypto, Commodities |
Spreads from 0.0 pips, $3.5 commission per lot |
Islamic Account |
$200 |
Forex, Crypto, Commodities |
Swap-free, compliant with Sharia law |
IC Markets Trading Platforms
IC Markets provides access to several advanced trading platforms:
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MetaTrader 4 (MT4): Known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive charting tools.
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MetaTrader 5 (MT5): Offers additional features and improved performance over MT4.
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cTrader: Suitable for advanced traders looking for more sophisticated trading capabilities.
IC Markets Mobile Trading
IC Markets’ mobile trading apps for iOS and Android offer full functionality, allowing traders to manage their accounts, execute trades, and monitor the markets on the go. The mobile apps include all the essential features of the desktop versions, ensuring a seamless trading experience.
IC Markets Trading Features
IC Markets offers several innovative trading features:
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Social Trading: Allows users to follow and copy trades of successful traders.
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Automated Trading: Supports Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader 4 and 5.
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API Trading: For advanced traders who require custom trading solutions.
IC Markets Research & Education
IC Markets provides some educational resources, including market analysis, economic calendars, and trading signals. However, compared to other brokers, the educational offerings are limited, which may require traders to seek additional learning resources elsewhere.
IC Markets Regulations & Licensing
IC Markets operates under multiple regulatory frameworks:
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Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
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Entity: International Capital Markets Pty Ltd
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License Number: 335692
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Regulatory Tier: Tier 1
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Region: Australia
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Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC)
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Entity: IC Markets (EU) Ltd
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License Number: 362/18
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Regulatory Tier: Tier 1
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Region: European Economic Area (EEA)
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Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA)
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Entity: Raw Trading Ltd
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License Number: SD018
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Regulatory Tier: Tier 3
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Region: Global (excluding certain countries)
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Securities Commission of The Bahamas (SCB)
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Entity: IC Markets Ltd
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Regulatory Tier: Not explicitly tiered in the available data
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Region: Global (excluding certain countries)
IC Markets Pricing
IC Markets offers competitive pricing with spreads starting from 0.0 pips on Raw Spread accounts. The broker charges a commission of $3.5 per lot per side on Raw Spread accounts, while Standard accounts are commission-free with slightly higher spreads.
IC Markets Deposits & Withdrawals
IC Markets supports various deposit and withdrawal methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, UnionPay, BPAY, FasaPay, and Poli. Deposits are generally processed quickly, especially through electronic methods, which typically appear instantly in your trading account. Wire transfers may take a few days to process depending on the origin of the transfer.
Method |
Fees |
Processing Time |
Bank Transfer |
Free |
2-5 business days |
Credit/Debit Card |
Free |
Instant |
PayPal |
Free |
Instant |
Skrill |
Free |
Instant |
Neteller |
Free |
Instant |
UnionPay |
Free |
Instant |
BPAY |
Free |
1-2 business days |
FasaPay |
Free |
Instant |
Poli |
Free |
Instant |
Customer Support
IC Markets provides customer support 24/7 via live chat, email, and phone. The support team is known for being responsive and helpful, providing assistance with technical issues, account management, and trading inquiries.
IC Markets Trading Experience
Overall, IC Markets offers a positive trading experience with its robust platforms, competitive pricing, and innovative features. The broker’s low spreads, fast execution speeds, and wide range of instruments make it a popular choice among traders.
IC Markets Spreads
Instrument |
Spread (Standard) |
Spread (Raw Spread) |
EUR/USD |
From 1.0 pips |
From 0.0 pips |
GBP/USD |
From 1.3 pips |
From 0.3 pips |
AUD/USD |
From 1.0 pips |
From 0.0 pips |
Gold |
From 0.3 pips |
From 0.1 pips |
IC Markets Swap Fees
Instrument |
Swap Long |
Swap Short |
EUR/USD |
-0.45 |
0.25 |
GBP/USD |
-0.55 |
0.35 |
AUD/USD |
-0.35 |
0.15 |
Gold |
-0.15 |
0.05 |
Available Languages
IC Markets’ website and customer support are available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, Chinese, and more, catering to a global clientele.
Charts Available
IC Markets provides various types of charts, including line charts, bar charts, and candlestick charts, all accessible through MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader.
Order Types
IC Markets supports multiple order types:
- Market Order
- Stop Loss
- Trailing Stop
- Limit Order
Order Execution Model
IC Markets uses a No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution model, ensuring fast and reliable order execution with minimal intervention.
MetaTrader 4 and 5
IC Markets offers both MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, providing advanced trading tools, automated trading capabilities, and comprehensive charting options.
Islamic Account
IC Markets offers Islamic accounts that comply with Sharia law, ensuring no swap fees on overnight positions.
Maximum Leverage by Asset Class
Asset Class |
Maximum Leverage |
Forex |
1:500 |
Commodities |
1:200 |
Indices |
1:200 |
Stocks |
1:20 |
What Can You Trade with IC Markets?
IC Markets offers a wide range of tradable instruments, including:
- Forex
- Cryptocurrencies
- Commodities
- Indices
- Stocks
- Bonds
Tradable Instruments
Instrument Type |
Examples |
Forex |
EUR/USD, GBP/USD |
Cryptocurrencies |
Bitcoin, Ethereum |
Commodities |
Gold, Silver |
Indices |
S&P 500, FTSE 100 |
Stocks |
Apple, Google |
Bonds |
US Treasury, German Bund |
Is IC Markets a Scam Broker?
IC Markets is a well-regulated and established broker with a solid track record. It operates under the regulations of ASIC, CySEC, FSA, and SCB, ensuring a high level of security and transparency. These regulatory bodies enforce strict standards for financial transparency, client fund segregation, and overall business conduct, making IC Markets a reliable and secure broker for global traders. The broker’s long-standing presence in the industry and positive user reviews further attest to its credibility.
Broker Details
IC Markets, established in 2007, has grown to become one of the largest forex and CFD brokers globally. It offers a wide range of trading instruments, including forex, commodities, indices, cryptocurrencies, and bonds. The broker is known for its competitive pricing, fast execution speeds, and advanced trading platforms.
Contact Info
For any inquiries or support, you can contact IC Markets via:
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Email: [email protected]
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Phone: +61 (0)2 8014 4280
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Live Chat: Available on their website
IC Markets vs. eToro
When comparing IC Markets to eToro, several key differences stand out:
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Platform: eToro offers a unique social trading platform, while IC Markets uses MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader.
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Minimum Deposit: IC Markets has a lower minimum deposit requirement of $200, compared to eToro's $200.
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Spreads: IC Markets offers competitive spreads starting from 0.0 pips on Raw Spread accounts, while eToro’s spreads can be higher.
IC Markets in 2024: What’s New?
In 2024, IC Markets continues to enhance its trading platform with new features and tools. The broker has expanded its range of tradable instruments and introduced new educational resources to help traders improve their skills. Additionally, IC Markets has improved its mobile trading app, offering a seamless experience for traders on the go.
FAQ
Is IC Markets a safe broker?
Yes, IC Markets is regulated by ASIC, CySEC, FSA, and SCB, ensuring a high level of security and transparency.
What platforms does IC Markets offer?
IC Markets provides MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader platforms.
Does IC Markets charge commissions?
Yes, IC Markets charges commissions on Raw Spread accounts, while Standard accounts are commission-free.
Can I trade cryptocurrencies with IC Markets?
Yes, IC Markets offers a variety of cryptocurrencies for trading, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin.
What is the minimum deposit for IC Markets?
The minimum deposit for IC Markets is $200 USD for all account types.
How can I contact IC Markets customer support?
You can contact IC Markets customer support via email at [email protected], by phone at +61 (0)2 8014 4280, or through live chat available on their website.
Does IC Markets offer a demo account?
Yes, IC Markets offers a free demo account that allows traders to practice and familiarize themselves with the trading platform and features without risking real money.
What are the deposit and withdrawal options with IC Markets?
IC Markets supports various deposit and withdrawal methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, UnionPay, BPAY, FasaPay, and Poli. Fees and processing times vary.
Method |
Fees |
Processing Time |
Bank Transfer |
Free |
2-5 business days |
Credit/Debit Card |
Free |
Instant |
PayPal |
Free |
Instant |
Skrill |
Free |
Instant |
Neteller |
Free |
Instant |
UnionPay |
Free |
Instant |
BPAY |
Free |
1-2 business days |
FasaPay |
Free |
Instant |
Poli |
Free |
Instant |
Is IC Markets regulated?
Yes, IC Markets is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), the Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA), and the Securities Commission of The Bahamas (SCB).
What leverage does IC Markets offer?
IC Markets offers leverage up to 1:500 for forex trading, depending on the asset class and account type.
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