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FXTM vs IC Markets (2026): Which Broker Is Actually Better?
We compare FXTM 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: FXTM 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.
FXTM
Welcome Bonus$500 Welcome Bonus Reward Points
Use code HELLOFXTM on first deposits to unlock up to $500 in reward points after trading targets.
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: On Par — Both Are Strong Picks
Both FXTM and IC Markets are strong, well-regulated brokers and the matchup is essentially a tie on our weighted scoring. FXTM is ideal for african & asian traders & copy trading users, while IC Markets excels for scalpers, ea traders & low-latency algorithmic trading. Your choice should depend on whether you prioritize fca and cysec regulated or consistently deepest liquidity and tightest raw spreads (0.0), not on a meaningful quality gap.
FXTM vs IC Markets: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2011 | 2007 |
| Overall Rating | 4.4/5.0 | 4.6/5.0 |
| Minimum Deposit | $10 | $200 |
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.0 pips (ECN) | 1.5 pips (Standard) | 0.0 pips (Raw) | 0.8 pips (Standard) |
| Maximum Leverage | 1:2000 | 1:1000 (Global) | 1:30 (Retail) |
| MetaTrader 4 | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 | Yes | Yes |
| cTrader | No | Yes |
| TradingView | No | Yes |
| Copy Trading | Yes (FXTM Invest) | Yes |
| Forex Pairs | 60+ | 61 |
| Deposit Methods | Card, Bank, Skrill, Neteller, Local | Card, PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, Wire, Broker-to-Broker |
| Withdrawal Speed | 24 hours | 24-48 hours |
| Execution Type | ECN / STP | True ECN |
FXTM vs IC Markets: Fee Breakdown
When comparing the trading costs between FXTM 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. FXTM offers pricing characterized by $2/lot (ECN Zero) alongside 0.0 pips (ECN) | 1.5 pips (Standard) 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, either broker provides the superior cost-efficiency curve.
| Fee Type | FXTM | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.0 pips (ECN) | 1.5 pips (Standard) | 0.0 pips (Raw) | 0.8 pips (Standard) |
| Commission Defaults | $2/lot (ECN Zero) | $3.50/lot (Raw Spread) |
| Execution Model | ECN / STP | True ECN |
| Deposit Fees | None | None |
| Withdrawal Speed | 24 hours | 24-48 hours |
Safety & Regulation: Is FXTM or IC Markets Safer?
Trust is paramount in forex trading. Both FXTM and IC Markets are highly regulated entities, but their jurisdictional footprints differ. FXTM is armed with 2 Tier-1 licenses and has been securing client funds since 2011. IC Markets, licensed since 2007, counters with 2 Tier-1 regulatory bodies overseeing its operations. They are evenly matched in terms of top-tier trust metrics. Both brokers employ strict client fund segregation.
FXTM
Tier 1- Regulators:FCA (UK)CySEC (Cyprus)FSCA (South Africa)FSC (Mauritius)
- Investor Protection: £85,000 (FSCS) / €20,000 (ICF)
- Licensed Since: 2011
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. FXTM equips its clients with MT4, MT5, FXTM Trader App. 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 | FXTM | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 | ||
| MetaTrader 5 | ||
| cTrader | ||
| TradingView | ||
| Proprietary Environment | Yes (FXTM Trader) | |
| Copy Trading Network | Yes (FXTM Invest) |
Pros & Cons: FXTM vs IC Markets
FXTM
Pros
- FCA and CySEC regulated
- Low $10 minimum deposit
- FXTM Invest copy trading
- Excellent local support in Africa
- Multiple account types
Cons
- High swap rates on some pairs
- ECN account has higher minimum deposit
- No cTrader or TradingView
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: FXTM vs IC Markets
When we place FXTM and IC Markets side-by-side, we observe two distinct philosophies in client servicing. FXTM, licensed since 2011, has carved out a massive niche focusing on african & asian traders & copy trading users. Their execution model heavily leans into ECN / STP, and their platform environment highlights MT4.
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 fca and cysec regulated, and you intend to start with a minimum of $10, FXTM 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.
FXTM 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