What is IC Markets?

IC Markets is a Forex and CFD broker founded in 2007 and incorporated in Sydney, Australia. The broker focuses on an ECN-style setup, offering access to liquidity from a large pool of providers. On major FX pairs, spreads can start from 0.0 pips (depending on account type).

Where is IC Markets based?

IC Markets is headquartered in Australia and also serves clients through other regulated entities. Over time, it has expanded internationally and built support operations for different regions, including Chinese-language support.

Is IC Markets a CFD broker?

Yes. IC Markets offers CFDs across several markets. Execution is built around low-latency routing, with servers located in major financial data centers (New York and London). Product range and trading conditions can vary by entity and instrument.

IC Markets pros and cons

IC Markets has a strong name in retail trading. It offers MT4, MT5, and cTrader, plus free education and 24/7 support. You can choose between standard spread pricing or raw spreads with commission. The instrument list is also wide, so it fits many trading styles.

On the downside, conditions can change by entity, and the offshore branch may offer different protections. Some non-FX spreads can run higher than competitors.

Advantages

• Regulated broker
• Broad CFD offering across popular markets
• Standard and raw spread accounts
• MT4, MT5, and cTrader available
• Works for beginners and advanced traders
• Strong FX pricing (tight spreads and fair commissions)
• Good education and platform-based tools
• 24/7 customer support

Disadvantages

• Terms differ by regulation and entity
• Offshore entity used for some international clients
• Some instruments may have wider spreads than average

IC Markets features (at a glance)

IC Markets in 10 key points

• Regulation: ASIC, CySEC, FSA
• Account types: cTrader Raw Spread, MetaTrader Raw Spread, Standard, Pro, Islamic
• Platforms: cTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView, ZuluTrade
• Instruments: CFDs on Forex, commodities, indices, futures, stocks, bonds, cryptocurrencies
• Minimum deposit: $200
• Average EUR/USD spread: 0.82 pips
• Demo account: Yes
• Base currencies: USD, AUD, EUR, GBP, SGD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, CAD
• Education: webinars, videos, Forex and CFD lessons, podcast, glossary
• Support: 24/7

Who IC Markets is a good fit for

IC Markets works well for many trader types. It’s commonly used by beginners, active day traders, and strategy-focused traders who want platform choice and low FX costs.

It tends to suit:

• New traders who want a demo account and learning content
• Experienced traders who care about spreads and execution
• Australian and European clients who want regulated entities
• International traders (based on eligibility)
• MT4, MT5, or cTrader users
• EA users and algo traders
• Scalping and hedging strategies
• Copy and social trading users

IC Markets summary

IC Markets offers a flexible setup with strong platform choices, fast execution, and competitive FX pricing. You can tailor a lot, including account type, platform, pricing model, and whether you want manual, automated, or copy trading.

Execution and platform stability are usually a highlight. Support is available around the clock, which many traders value.

When IC Markets makes sense

IC Markets can be a strong option if you want:

• A broker with Australian, European, and international entities
• Tight spreads and clear commission pricing
• MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, and social trading options
• 24/7 support
• Higher leverage options through the international entity (up to 1:500)
• Multiple account types (including raw spread accounts)
• VPS access and platform-focused tools

When it might not fit

IC Markets may not match your needs if you:

• Want a broker-built proprietary platform
• Only trade fixed spreads
• Need a large suite of extra research tools outside the platforms
• Live in restricted regions (including the USA)

Regulation and security measures

IC Markets regulatory overview

IC Markets is regulated by ASIC (Australia) and CySEC (Cyprus) for Europe. It also operates under FSA Seychelles for international clients.

International accounts are commonly opened through the offshore entity, so it’s smart to check the exact protections, terms, and leverage rules before signing up. Many traders prefer the Australian or European branches for stricter oversight.

Safety and fund protection

Regulated entities are monitored and audited under their local rules. One key protection is segregation of client funds, which means client money is held separately from company operating funds (based on the regulated entity’s requirements).

IC Markets is also listed as a member of the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) in Australia, which supports external dispute resolution for eligible complaints.

Track record and reliability

IC Markets is generally seen as reliable, with a long operating history. Traders often point to pricing and execution quality as strengths. Some users report occasional withdrawal delays or platform issues, but these tend to be addressed through support.

Account types and benefits

IC Markets offers three core live accounts:

• Standard
• MetaTrader Raw Spread
• cTrader Raw Spread

Extra options can include:

• Islamic (swap-free) accounts (availability depends on entity)
• Pro accounts for eligible European professional clients

You can also open a demo account on MT4, MT5, or cTrader. Base currency options cover a wide set of major currencies, which can help reduce conversion costs.

Standard account

This account is built for spread-only pricing (no added commission). It’s available on MetaTrader.

• Minimum deposit: $200
• Spreads: from 0.8 pips
• Best for: traders who want simple pricing and longer-term strategies

cTrader Raw Spread account

This account targets active traders who want tight spreads and low-latency execution.

• Minimum deposit: $200
• Spreads: from 0.0 pips
• Commission: $3.0 per side (or $6.0 per USD 100k round turn)
• Available on: cTrader (and TradingView for some entities)

MetaTrader Raw Spread account

Raw spreads on MT4 and MT5 with separate commission pricing.

• Minimum deposit: $200
• Spreads: from 0.0 pips
• Commission: $3.5 per side (or $7.0 per lot round turn)

Restricted regions

IC Markets doesn’t accept clients in certain countries due to local rules. Common restrictions include:

• USA
• Canada
• Brazil
• Israel
• New Zealand
• Belgium
• United Kingdom
• Iran
• North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea)

Availability can change by entity, so confirm during sign-up.

Cost structure and fees

IC Markets is known for clear pricing. Costs depend on the account type, platform, and entity you register under. Pricing follows an ECN-style model, with quotes sourced from external liquidity providers.

Spreads

• Raw Spread accounts: from 0.0 pips
• Standard account: from 0.8 pips
• Average EUR/USD: 0.82 pips (as listed)

Spreads still move with market conditions, time of day, and volatility.

Commissions

• MetaTrader Raw: $3.5 per side
• cTrader Raw: $3.0 per side
• Standard: no commission (spread-only)

Swaps and overnight fees

Overnight financing applies when you hold positions past the daily cutoff. The amount depends on the instrument and whether you’re long or short. Swap-free accounts may be available where offered.

Extra fees

The broker typically doesn’t add deposit or withdrawal fees, but third parties can. For international bank wires, bank charges may apply (for example, around AUD 20, deducted from the withdrawal amount, based on the broker’s notes).

Trading platforms and tools

IC Markets supports:

• MetaTrader 4
• MetaTrader 5
• cTrader
• TradingView (availability depends on entity)
• ZuluTrade (social trading, available through the Australian entity)

MT4 and MT5 are popular for charting, indicators, and Expert Advisors. cTrader is often preferred by active traders for order handling and interface design.

Web trading

IC Markets offers WebTrader for MT4 and MT5, so you can trade in a browser without installing desktop software. It includes core charting, live pricing, and order management.

Desktop platforms

• MT4: solid for FX trading, indicators, and EA automation
• MT5: adds more markets, more order types, and a built-in economic calendar
• cTrader: supports one-click trading, advanced order types, and automation via cAlgo

Mobile trading

Mobile apps are available for iOS and Android through the platform providers. You can monitor charts, place trades, manage orders, and set alerts. Push notifications and price alerts help you track moves without staying glued to the screen.

Trading instruments

IC Markets offers broad market access across several asset classes. According to the broker’s figures, there are 2,250+ instruments, including:

• 61+ currency pairs (major, minor, exotic)
• Commodities CFDs (energies, metals, more)
• 25 indices
• 9+ bonds
• Crypto CFDs (BTC, ETH, LTC, XRP, others)
• 2,100+ stock CFDs (AU and US listings)
• Global futures CFDs (limited set)

Crypto trading

Crypto is available as CFDs, so you speculate on price moves without owning coins. Listed leverage depends on platform and entity, such as 1:5 on cTrader and TradingView, and higher limits on MetaTrader (up to 1:200, as stated).

Leverage by entity

Leverage depends on where your account is registered:

• Australia: up to 1:30
• Europe: up to 1:30
• International: up to 1:500

Leverage can increase gains and losses. Risk controls matter a lot, especially on higher settings.

Deposit and withdrawal options

Deposit methods

IC Markets supports common funding methods, including:

• Bank wire transfers
• Credit and debit cards
• E-wallets (PayPal, Neteller, Skrill)

Processing time depends on the method. Many options fund quickly. IC Markets doesn’t usually add deposit fees, but your provider might.

Minimum deposit

$200 for all main account types.

Withdrawals

Withdrawals can be made through bank transfer, cards, and selected e-wallets (availability varies by region). The broker typically doesn’t charge withdrawal fees, but bank charges can apply to international wires.

Customer support and responsiveness

IC Markets offers 24/7 multilingual support through:

• Live chat
• Email
• Phone

There’s also an FAQ section for common account and platform topics. Support quality can vary a bit depending on the entity you’re under, but feedback is often positive.

IC Markets contact details

The global entity lists region-based phone numbers on the official website. A general contact number shown is +248 467 19 76. For support, one listed email is support@icmarkets.com.

Research and education

Research tools

Research support includes:

• Economic calendar
• Market news updates
• Technical analysis content

IC Markets also integrates third-party tools like Trading Central, which provides analysis, ideas, and signals across several markets. Platform tools in MT4, MT5, and cTrader cover indicators and strategy testing. TradingView is also available for advanced charting where supported.

ZuluTrade adds a social trading layer for traders who prefer following signal providers.

Education

Education is strong and easy to use, including:

• Live webinars
• Video tutorials
• Forex and CFD learning sections
• Podcast content
• Forex glossary

Beginners can start with the demo account and basic lessons, then move into platform training and risk management content.

Portfolio and investment opportunities

IC Markets focuses on trading rather than classic investing, but you can trade stock CFDs, bonds, and futures CFDs. Copy trading is supported through cTrader and ZuluTrade, which lets you mirror other traders.

One limitation is the lack of MAM and PAMM account options, which some investors prefer for managed setups.

Account opening

Opening an account is online and usually quick once documents are approved.

How to open an IC Markets live account

1. Visit the official IC Markets website and choose “Start Trading” or “Open Live Account”.
2. Enter your personal details, then set login credentials.
3. Upload ID and proof of address for verification.
4. Pick your platform, account type, base currency, and preferred leverage.
5. Fund the account using bank transfer, card, or e-wallet.
6. Log in on the chosen platform and start trading once approved.

Demo accounts are also available on MT4, MT5, and cTrader for practice.

Additional tools and features

IC Markets includes a few extras that can help active traders:

• Signal Start for third-party trade signals
• TeamViewer support for remote troubleshooting (availability noted for Australian and global entities)
• VPS hosting for traders who run EAs and need stable connectivity

IC Markets compared to other brokers

IC Markets is often chosen for tight spreads, raw pricing accounts, and a strong mix of platforms. It stacks up well against many competitors, especially for FX and active trading.

• AvaTrade may have higher spreads, but it offers a wide platform lineup and automation tools.
• Exness can be strong on pricing, but its instrument list is smaller than IC Markets.
• FP Markets competes on costs and offers a larger total asset count, depending on the product list.
• IC Markets stands out for platform variety (MT4, MT5, cTrader, plus TradingView and ZuluTrade where available) and its large instrument selection.

Full review summary

IC Markets is a well-known Forex and CFD broker with competitive pricing, strong platform options (MT4, MT5, cTrader), and third-party connections like TradingView and ZuluTrade in supported entities. It lists 2,250+ instruments, offers raw spreads from 0.0 pips on commission accounts, and starts the Standard account at 0.8 pips. The minimum deposit is $200.

Regulation comes through ASIC and CySEC, with an offshore entity used for some international clients. Education is a strong point, with webinars, videos, podcasts, and a glossary. If you want low-cost FX trading with trusted platforms and flexible account types, IC Markets is a solid option.