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IC Markets vs Markets.com (2026): Which Broker Is Actually Better?
We compare IC Markets against Markets.com 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: IC Markets or Markets.com?
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.
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.
Markets.com
Welcome BonusUp to $5,000 Trading Rewards
New-client trading rewards up to $5,000 by tier. Terms apply; eligibility varies by region.
Verdict: IC Markets Holds a Slight Edge
After side-by-side testing, **IC Markets** holds a slight edge over Markets.com in this matchup. The gap is small and Markets.com remains an excellent choice — especially for beginner-to-intermediate multi-asset cfd traders who value research tools — but IC Markets edges it on consistently deepest liquidity and tightest raw spreads (0.0) and payout reliability.
IC Markets vs Markets.com: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2007 | 2008 |
| Overall Rating | 4.6/5.0 | 4.7/5.0 |
| Minimum Deposit | $200 | $100 |
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.0 pips (Raw) | 0.8 pips (Standard) | 0.6 pips |
| Maximum Leverage | 1:1000 (Global) | 1:30 (Retail) | 1:30 (UK/EU/AU retail) | up to 1:300 (Intl) |
| MetaTrader 4 | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 | Yes | Yes |
| cTrader | Yes | No |
| TradingView | Yes | No |
| Copy Trading | Yes | No |
| Forex Pairs | 61 | 67 |
| Deposit Methods | Card, PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, Wire, Broker-to-Broker | Bank, Card, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller |
| Withdrawal Speed | 24-48 hours | 1-2 business days |
| Execution Type | True ECN | Market Execution |
IC Markets vs Markets.com: Fee Breakdown
When comparing the trading costs between IC Markets and Markets.com, 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. IC Markets offers pricing characterized by $3.50/lot (Raw Spread) alongside 0.0 pips (Raw) | 0.8 pips (Standard) spreads. In contrast, Markets.com utilizes a model with $0 (spread-based on most CFDs) and 0.6 pips spreads. For active, high-volume traders, IC Markets provides the superior cost-efficiency curve.
| Fee Type | IC Markets | Markets.com |
|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.0 pips (Raw) | 0.8 pips (Standard) | 0.6 pips |
| Commission Defaults | $3.50/lot (Raw Spread) | $0 (spread-based on most CFDs) |
| Execution Model | True ECN | Market Execution |
| Deposit Fees | None | None |
| Withdrawal Speed | 24-48 hours | 1-2 business days |
Safety & Regulation: Is IC Markets or Markets.com Safer?
Trust is paramount in forex trading. Both IC Markets and Markets.com are highly regulated entities, but their jurisdictional footprints differ. IC Markets is armed with 2 Tier-1 licenses and has been securing client funds since 2007. Markets.com, licensed since 2008, counters with 3 Tier-1 regulatory bodies overseeing its operations. Markets.com holds a slight edge with more top-tier authorities. Both brokers employ strict client fund segregation.
IC Markets
Tier 1- Regulators:ASIC (Australia)CySEC (Cyprus)Seychelles FSASCB (Bahamas)
- Investor Protection: ASIC client money rules & European ICF
- Licensed Since: 2007
Markets.com
Tier 1- Regulators:FCA (UK)CySEC (Cyprus)ASIC (Australia)FSCA (South Africa)FSA (BVI)
- Investor Protection: FSCS (UK) up to £85k; ICF (EU) up to €20k
- Licensed Since: 2008
Platform & Tools Comparison
The software you trade on dictates your execution speed and analytical depth. Both brokers provide industry stalwarts, but divergencies exist. IC Markets equips its clients with MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView. Markets.com, on the other hand, grants access to Marketsx, MT4, MT5. If you rely on TradingView charting, this section heavily dictates your broker choice.
| Feature | IC Markets | Markets.com |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 | ||
| MetaTrader 5 | ||
| cTrader | ||
| TradingView | ||
| Proprietary Environment | Yes (Marketsx) | |
| Copy Trading Network |
Pros & Cons: IC Markets vs Markets.com
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
Markets.com
Pros
- Strong tier-1 regulation (FCA, CySEC, ASIC)
- Easy-to-use Marketsx platform with sentiment tools
- Investment Strategy Builder & 'Blends'
- Very low 0.6 pip EUR/USD spread
- Backed by Finalto / Playtech (FTSE 250)
Cons
- Inactivity fee after just 3 months
- 0.6% currency conversion fee
- High overnight financing on some positions
- Fewer platform options vs pure ECN brokers
Expert Verdict: IC Markets vs Markets.com
When we place IC Markets and Markets.com side-by-side, we observe two distinct philosophies in client servicing. IC Markets, licensed since 2007, has carved out a massive niche focusing on scalpers, ea traders & low-latency algorithmic trading. Their execution model heavily leans into True ECN, and their platform environment highlights MT4.
Conversely, Markets.com, operational out of Limassol, Cyprus, has architected its infrastructure predominantly for beginner-to-intermediate multi-asset cfd traders who value research tools. Their $0 (spread-based on most CFDs) commission structure combined with 0.6 pips spreads makes them a formidable competitor.
The Bottom Line: If your primary directive is consistently deepest liquidity and tightest raw spreads (0.0), and you intend to start with a minimum of $200, IC Markets is the logical path forward. If, however, you value strong tier-1 regulation (fca, cysec, asic) and require Marketsx, Markets.com edges out the competition and earns our recommendation.
Explore Each Broker in Detail
IC Markets vs Markets.com: 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
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How we measured this — IC Markets vs Markets.com
IC Markets publishes the tighter EUR/USD spread at 0.1 pips against Markets.com's 1.0 pips, a difference of 0.9 pips. Both figures are taken from the broker's own published specification.
- EUR/USD spread difference
- 0.9 pips
- Brokers measured
- 2
- Linked to broker spec
- 2 of 2
- Data as of
- 2026-11-12
Figures compiled by BrokerAnalysis from each broker's own published specification where available, otherwise from our broker catalogue. Per-broker spreads, minimum deposits and regulators are listed in the comparison table on this page. Spreads are typical, not guaranteed, and change with market conditions.
Sources: markets.com · icmarkets.com