IC Markets Review 2026: Test, Fees and Regulation

## Overview of IC Markets IC Markets is a CFD broker founded in 2007 in Australia. It has established itself as a benchmark for traders seeking ultra-competitive spreads and fast execution. With over 200,000 clients in more than 200 countries, IC Markets provides access to forex, indices, commodities, equities, and cryptocurrency markets via CFDs. The broker is clearly positioned toward active traders and scalpers, with Raw Spread and cTrader accounts designed for professionals. But is it suitable for beginners? Let's take a closer look in 2026. ## Regulation and Security IC Markets is regulated by several top-tier financial authorities: - **ASIC** (Australian Securities and Investments Commission) — License No. 335692 - **CySEC** (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission) — for EEA clients - **SCB** (Securities Commission of the Bahamas) — for international clients Client funds are deposited in segregated accounts with tier-1 banks. The broker participates in the Investor Compensation Fund up to €20,000 (CySEC) and the Australian compensation scheme up to 250,000 AUD. ## Account Types and Fees ### Standard Account - Spreads from 1.0 pip on EUR/USD (no commission) - Minimum deposit: $200 - Ideal for beginners ### Raw Spread Account - Spreads from 0.0 pips on EUR/USD - Commission: $3.50 per lot per side ($7 round trip) - Minimum deposit: $200 - Designed for scalping and algorithmic trading ### cTrader Raw Account - Spreads from 0.0 pips - Commission: $3.00 per lot per side ($6 round trip) - Ultra-fast cTrader execution IC Markets charges no inactivity fees, nor any deposit or withdrawal fees. ## Trading Platforms - **MetaTrader 4 (MT4)**: ideal for automated trading with Expert Advisors - **MetaTrader 5 (MT5)**: advanced version with more timeframes and technical tools - **cTrader**: modern interface, fast execution, copy trading, depth of market Available on desktop, web, and mobile (iOS/Android). ## Available Assets - Forex: 60+ pairs - Indices: 19 (S&P 500, NASDAQ, DAX, CAC 40) - Commodities: 12 (gold, silver, oil, gas) - Equities: 150+ US, European, and Australian stocks - Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple - Bonds and Futures ## Leverage - ASIC/SCB clients: up to 1:500 on forex - CySEC clients (EU): up to 1:30 (in compliance with ESMA) - Indices: 1:200 (ASIC), 1:20 (EU) ## Demo Account Free and unlimited demo account with $10,000 in virtual capital. Available on MT4, MT5, and cTrader. ## Pros and Cons ### Pros - Ultra-competitive spreads on the Raw Spread account - Three platforms (MT4, MT5, cTrader) - No inactivity fee - Unlimited demo account - ASIC and CySEC regulation - Fast execution (latency < 40 ms) ### Cons - $200 minimum deposit (high for beginners) - No cent account on cTrader - Limited French-language support ## Who is IC Markets for? IC Markets is particularly suited for active and experienced traders seeking tight spreads and fast execution. For beginners, the Standard account is acceptable, but the minimum deposit may be a deterrent. If you are starting out, consider exploring prop firms first: check out our [comparateur de prop firms](https://fundedtrader.fr/comparateur-prop-firms). ## IC Markets vs Prop Firms IC Markets is a traditional CFD broker where you trade your own money. Prop firms challenge you to pass an evaluation to access funded capital. Both approaches are complementary: - Trade your own capital with great spreads: IC Markets - Access funded capital without risking your own: [FTMO](https://fundedtrader.fr/blog/ftmo-guide-complet-reussir-challenge-2026) or [WeGetFunded](https://fundedtrader.fr/blog/fiche-wegetfunded) See also [FTMO vs autres prop firms](https://fundedtrader.fr/blog/ftmo-vs-autres-prop-firms-lequel-choisir-2026). ## Articles Related to IC Markets - [IC Markets vs Pepperstone : quel broker pour le scalping en 2026 ?](https://fundedtrader.fr/blog/ic-markets-vs-pepperstone-quel-broker-scalping-2026) - [IC Markets avis 2026 : test complet, spreads et plateformes](https://fundedtrader.fr/blog/ic-markets-avis-2026-test-complet-spreads-plateformes) ## Final Verdict IC Markets is a solid, regulated, and recognized broker that excels in competitive spreads and fast execution. For a risk-free alternative on your own capital, explore our [comparateur de prop firms](https://fundedtrader.fr/).