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CMC Markets vs IC Markets (2026): Which Broker Is Actually Better?
We compare CMC Markets against IC Markets across spreads, regulations, platforms, and trading costs. Read our algorithmic breakdown and expert verdict to find out which broker suits your trading style in 2026.
Which is better: CMC Markets or IC Markets?
Sources & References
- IC Markets Trading Accounts— IC Markets
- BrokerAnalysis ranking methodology— BrokerAnalysis
- BrokerAnalysis data sources— BrokerAnalysis
- BrokerAnalysis editorial policy— BrokerAnalysis
Verified promotions on this matchup
We keep this factual and secondary to safety, pricing, and platform fit. Terms still matter.
CMC Markets
No verified active promotion right now.
IC Markets
Cashback / RebateUp to $2.50/Lot Rebate + 21% Comm Off
Raw Trader Plus rebate up to $2.50/lot. Save ~$1.50/lot with 21% lifetime commission discount.
Verdict: IC Markets Holds a Slight Edge
After side-by-side testing, **IC Markets** holds a slight edge over CMC Markets in this matchup. The gap is small and CMC Markets remains an excellent choice — especially for advanced chartists & uk spread bettors — but IC Markets edges it on consistently deepest liquidity and tightest raw spreads (0.0) and payout reliability.
CMC Markets vs IC Markets: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1989 | 2007 |
| Overall Rating | 4.6/5.0 | 4.6/5.0 |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $200 |
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.7 pips | 0.0 pips (Raw) | 0.8 pips (Standard) |
| Maximum Leverage | 1:30 (Retail) | 1:500 (Pro) | 1:1000 (Global) | 1:30 (Retail) |
| MetaTrader 4 | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 | No | Yes |
| cTrader | No | Yes |
| TradingView | No | Yes |
| Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| Forex Pairs | 300+ | 61 |
| Deposit Methods | Card, Bank Transfer | Card, PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, Wire, Broker-to-Broker |
| Withdrawal Speed | 1-2 business days | 24-48 hours |
| Execution Type | Market Maker | True ECN |
CMC Markets vs IC Markets: Fee Breakdown
When comparing the trading costs between CMC Markets and IC Markets, it's essential to look beyond just the advertised spreads. We must factor in commissions, swap rates, and non-trading fees like deposit or inactivity charges. CMC Markets offers pricing characterized by $0 (Spread only for Forex/Indices CFDs) alongside 0.7 pips spreads. In contrast, IC Markets utilizes a model with $3.50/lot (Raw Spread) and 0.0 pips (Raw) | 0.8 pips (Standard) spreads. For active, high-volume traders, IC Markets provides the superior cost-efficiency curve.
| Fee Type | CMC Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.7 pips | 0.0 pips (Raw) | 0.8 pips (Standard) |
| Commission Defaults | $0 (Spread only for Forex/Indices CFDs) | $3.50/lot (Raw Spread) |
| Execution Model | Market Maker | True ECN |
| Deposit Fees | None | None |
| Withdrawal Speed | 1-2 business days | 24-48 hours |
Safety & Regulation: Is CMC Markets or IC Markets Safer?
Trust is paramount in forex trading. Both CMC Markets and IC Markets are highly regulated entities, but their jurisdictional footprints differ. CMC Markets is armed with 4 Tier-1 licenses and has been securing client funds since 1989. IC Markets, licensed since 2007, counters with 2 Tier-1 regulatory bodies overseeing its operations. CMC Markets holds a slight edge in absolute tier-1 licenses. Both brokers employ strict client fund segregation.
CMC Markets
Tier 1- Regulators:FCA (UK)ASIC (Australia)BaFin (Germany)MAS (Singapore)
- Investor Protection: £85,000 (FSCS UK)
- Licensed Since: 1989
IC Markets
Tier 1- Regulators:ASIC (Australia)CySEC (Cyprus)Seychelles FSASCB (Bahamas)
- Investor Protection: ASIC client money rules & European ICF
- Licensed Since: 2007
Platform & Tools Comparison
The software you trade on dictates your execution speed and analytical depth. Both brokers provide industry stalwarts, but divergencies exist. CMC Markets equips its clients with Next Generation, MT4. IC Markets, on the other hand, grants access to MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView. If you rely on cTrader capabilities, this section heavily dictates your broker choice.
| Feature | CMC Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 | ||
| MetaTrader 5 | ||
| cTrader | ||
| TradingView | ||
| Proprietary Environment | Yes (Next Generation) | |
| Copy Trading Network |
Pros & Cons: CMC Markets vs IC Markets
CMC Markets
Pros
- Award-winning Next Generation platform
- 12,000+ instruments
- No minimum deposit
- Excellent charting with 115+ indicators
- Listed on LSE
Cons
- No MT5 or cTrader
- Inactivity fee after 12 months
- No copy trading feature
IC Markets
Pros
- Consistently deepest liquidity and tightest raw spreads (0.0)
- Servers located in NY4 & LD5 datacenters for <40ms latency
- No restrictions on scalping, hedging, or EAs
- Excellent support for cTrader and TradingView
- Massive global trading volume
Cons
- Customer service can be slower during peak times
- Protection and leverage depend heavily on your account entity
- Basic research and educational material
Expert Verdict: CMC Markets vs IC Markets
When we place CMC Markets and IC Markets side-by-side, we observe two distinct philosophies in client servicing. CMC Markets, licensed since 1989, has carved out a massive niche focusing on advanced chartists & uk spread bettors. Their execution model heavily leans into Market Maker, and their platform environment highlights Next Generation.
Conversely, IC Markets, operational out of Sydney, Australia, has architected its infrastructure predominantly for scalpers, ea traders & low-latency algorithmic trading. Their $3.50/lot (Raw Spread) commission structure combined with 0.0 pips (Raw) | 0.8 pips (Standard) spreads makes them a formidable competitor.
The Bottom Line: If your primary directive is award-winning next generation platform, and you intend to start with a minimum of $0, CMC Markets is the logical path forward. If, however, you value consistently deepest liquidity and tightest raw spreads (0.0) and require MT4, IC Markets edges out the competition and earns our recommendation.
CMC Markets vs IC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
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Risk Warning: Forex and CFD trading involves significant risk of loss. 68–80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.|Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive compensation from the brokers listed on this page. This does not influence our rankings or reviews, which are based on independent analysis.
Comparison data updated August 2026. Broker terms, spreads, and conditions vary by region and account type. See our methodology | Editorial Policy | Data Sources | Full Disclaimer | Privacy Policy