IC Markets is a CFD broker founded in 2007 in Australia, established as a key reference for traders seeking ultra-competitive spreads and rapid execution. Serving over 200,000 clients across 200 countries, the broker offers access to forex, indices, commodities, stocks, and cryptocurrency CFDs. But in 2026, does IC Markets still deserve its reputation as the benchmark broker for scalping? We thoroughly analyzed fees, regulation, platforms, and trading conditions. Check also our complete IC Markets profile and our 2026 best CFD brokers comparison.
Overview of IC Markets
IC Markets focuses squarely on active traders and scalpers. With Raw Spread and cTrader accounts designed for professionals, the broker targets those seeking minimal transaction costs and execution speed (under 40 ms latency). The broker provides MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader across desktop, web, and mobile (iOS/Android).
Founded in 2007, IC Markets grew steadily to reach over 200,000 clients across 200 countries. Unlike eToro which focuses on social copy trading and simplicity, IC Markets centers on pure technical performance: tight spreads, fast execution, and professional platforms. The broker does not offer social copy trading but provides superior technical execution for active trading.
Regulation and Security
IC Markets is regulated by tier-1 financial authorities:
- ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission) — license No. 335692
- CySEC (Cyprus) — for EEA clients
- SCB (Bahamas) — for international clients
Client funds are segregated in tier-1 banks. The broker participates in the Investor Compensation Fund up to €20,000 (CySEC) and Australian compensation schemes up to 250,000 AUD. This multi-jurisdictional regulation guarantees a secure trading environment. Negative balance protection applies to retail clients, a critical feature for leveraged trading.
Account Types and Fees
IC Markets offers three account types tailored to different trader profiles:
Standard Account
- Spreads from 1.0 pip on EUR/USD (zero commission)
- Minimum deposit: $200
- Ideal for beginners and casual traders
- Available on MT4 and MT5
Raw Spread Account
- Spreads from 0.0 pip on EUR/USD
- Commission: $3.50 per lot per side ($7 round turn)
- Minimum deposit: $200
- Built for scalping and algorithmic trading
- Available on MT4 and MT5
cTrader Raw Account
- Spreads from 0.0 pip
- Commission: $3.00 per lot per side ($6 round turn)
- Ultra-fast cTrader execution with Depth of Market
- Ideal for professional cTrader users
IC Markets charges no inactivity fees, deposit fees, or withdrawal fees. This represents a significant advantage over competitors like eToro ($5 per withdrawal, $10 monthly inactivity) or Vantage ($12 monthly inactivity after 12 months). The absence of hidden costs is a key benefit for long-term traders.
Trading Platforms
IC Markets features three high-grade trading platforms:
- MetaTrader 4 (MT4): The benchmark for automated trading with Expert Advisors, custom indicators, and backtesting capabilities. Ideal for algorithmic strategies.
- MetaTrader 5 (MT5): An advanced version offering more timeframes, built-in economic calendar, and stock CFD trading.
- cTrader: Modern interface, fast execution, copy trading capabilities, and visible Depth of Market. A popular MetaTrader alternative for visually driven traders.
All platforms are available on desktop, web, and mobile (iOS/Android). The demo account is free and unlimited with $10,000 virtual capital across all three platforms.
Available Assets
IC Markets provides a strong asset selection focused on forex and index markets:
- Forex: 60+ currency pairs, one of the broadest offerings in the market
- Indices: 19 indices (S&P 500, NASDAQ, DAX, CAC 40, FTSE 100)
- Commodities: 12 (gold, silver, crude oil, natural gas)
- Stocks: 150+ US, European, and Australian stock CFDs
- Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple
- Bonds and Futures for additional diversification
While the forex catalog is extensive, stock CFD selection is more limited compared to Pepperstone (1,200+ stock CFDs) or eToro (3,000+ instruments including real stocks).
Leverage Offered
- ASIC/SCB clients: up to 1:500 on forex, 1:200 on indices
- CySEC clients (EU): up to 1:30 on forex (per ESMA rules), 1:20 on indices
- Crypto: 1:5 in EU, higher internationally
Demo Account
The IC Markets demo account is free and unlimited, loaded with $10,000 in virtual funds across MT4, MT5, and cTrader. It allows traders to test strategies risk-free without requiring a live account funding step.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Ultra-competitive spreads on Raw Spread account (from 0.0 pip)
- Three top-tier platforms (MT4, MT5, cTrader)
- Zero inactivity, deposit, or withdrawal fees
- Unlimited demo account
- Strong ASIC and CySEC regulation
- Fast execution latency (< 40 ms)
- cTrader Raw commission at just $3 per lot per side
- 60+ forex currency pairs
Cons
- $200 minimum deposit (higher than eToro's $50)
- No cent accounts on cTrader
- CFD stocks only (no real equity ownership)
- Limited crypto selection (4 pairs)
- No social copy trading network
IC Markets vs Competition
To compare IC Markets with alternatives, read our IC Markets vs Pepperstone comparison. For beginner-friendly platforms with copy trading, check our eToro profile. For a broader overview, our 2026 best CFD brokers guide remains the best resource.
Conclusion
IC Markets is a solid, regulated broker excelling in competitive spreads and fast execution. For active traders and scalpers, it stands out as one of the best choices in 2026. However, beginners may find the $200 minimum deposit slightly higher than competitors. To learn more, check our IC Markets vs Pepperstone review and our prop firm comparison tool.
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