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IC Markets vs XM (2026): Which Broker Is Actually Better?
We compare IC Markets against XM 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 XM?
Sources & References
- IC Markets Trading Accounts— IC Markets
- XM Account Types— XM
- 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.
XM
No-Deposit Bonus$30 No-Deposit Bonus for New Clients
$30 no-deposit bonus for new clients. Profits withdrawable after meeting volume requirements.
Verdict: On Par — Both Are Strong Picks
Both IC Markets and XM are strong, well-regulated brokers and the matchup is essentially a tie on our weighted scoring. IC Markets is ideal for scalpers, ea traders & low-latency algorithmic trading, while XM excels for beginners, education-focused traders & low deposit users. Your choice should depend on whether you prioritize consistently deepest liquidity and tightest raw spreads (0.0) or outstanding daily webinars and educational courses, not on a meaningful quality gap.
IC Markets vs XM: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2007 | 2009 |
| Overall Rating | 4.6/5.0 | 4.7/5.0 |
| Minimum Deposit | $200 | $5 |
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.0 pips (Raw) | 0.8 pips (Standard) | 0.6 pips (Ultra Low) | 1.6 pips (Standard) |
| Maximum Leverage | 1:1000 (Global) | 1:30 (Retail) | 1:1000 |
| MetaTrader 4 | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 | Yes | Yes |
| cTrader | Yes | No |
| TradingView | Yes | No |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Forex Pairs | 61 | 55+ |
| Deposit Methods | Card, PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, Wire, Broker-to-Broker | Bank, Card, Skrill, Neteller |
| Withdrawal Speed | 24-48 hours | 24 hours |
| Execution Type | True ECN | Market Execution |
IC Markets vs XM: Fee Breakdown
When comparing the trading costs between IC Markets and XM, 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, XM utilizes a model with $0 (Spread only on most accounts) and 0.6 pips (Ultra Low) | 1.6 pips (Standard) spreads. For active, high-volume traders, IC Markets provides the superior cost-efficiency curve.
| Fee Type | IC Markets | XM |
|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.0 pips (Raw) | 0.8 pips (Standard) | 0.6 pips (Ultra Low) | 1.6 pips (Standard) |
| Commission Defaults | $3.50/lot (Raw Spread) | $0 (Spread only on most accounts) |
| Execution Model | True ECN | Market Execution |
| Deposit Fees | None | None |
| Withdrawal Speed | 24-48 hours | 24 hours |
Safety & Regulation: Is IC Markets or XM Safer?
Trust is paramount in forex trading. Both IC Markets and XM 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. XM, licensed since 2009, 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.
IC Markets
Tier 1- Regulators:ASIC (Australia)CySEC (Cyprus)Seychelles FSASCB (Bahamas)
- Investor Protection: ASIC client money rules & European ICF
- Licensed Since: 2007
XM
Tier 1- Regulators:CySEC (Cyprus)ASIC (Australia)DFSA (Dubai)IFSC (Belize)
- Investor Protection: Up to €20,000 (EU ICF)
- Licensed Since: 2009
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. XM, on the other hand, grants access to MT4, MT5, XM App. If you rely on TradingView charting, this section heavily dictates your broker choice.
| Feature | IC Markets | XM |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 | ||
| MetaTrader 5 | ||
| cTrader | ||
| TradingView | ||
| Proprietary Environment | ||
| Copy Trading Network |
Pros & Cons: IC Markets vs XM
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
XM
Pros
- Outstanding daily webinars and educational courses
- No deposit or withdrawal fees
- Strict no re-quotes policy with 99.35% execution in <1s
- Generous loyalty program and promotions
- Micro accounts available for low-risk testing
Cons
- Spreads on Standard account are wider than competitors
- No crypto trading on weekends
- Inactivity fee of $15 applies after 90 days
Expert Verdict: IC Markets vs XM
When we place IC Markets and XM 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, XM, operational out of Cyprus, has architected its infrastructure predominantly for beginners, education-focused traders & low deposit users. Their $0 (Spread only on most accounts) commission structure combined with 0.6 pips (Ultra Low) | 1.6 pips (Standard) 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 outstanding daily webinars and educational courses and require MT4, XM edges out the competition and earns our recommendation.
IC Markets vs XM: 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