Broker review · 2026
IC Markets review 2026
Raw-spread pricing with deep liquidity and three pro platforms.
IC Markets is one of the largest true-ECN style brokers by forex volume. Its Raw Spread account pairs near-zero EUR/USD spreads with a flat commission, and it supports MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView, which makes it a default choice for scalpers, EA users and high-volume day traders.
Pros
- Raw spreads averaging around 0.1 pips on EUR/USD
- MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView all supported
- Fast execution suited to scalping and expert advisors
- Regulated by ASIC and CySEC for Australian and EU clients
Cons
- $200 minimum deposit is higher than XM or Exness
- Limited in-house research and education
- Most international clients are onboarded to the Seychelles entity
- Not available to US or UK retail traders
IC Markets overview
Founded in Sydney in 2007, IC Markets built its reputation on institutional-style pricing for retail traders. Rather than marking up spreads, its Raw Spread account passes through prices from a pool of liquidity providers and charges a commission per lot. The result is consistently tight pricing on majors, which is why the broker shows up near the top of most cost-based comparisons.
Is IC Markets safe and regulated?
Australian clients are served by International Capital Markets Pty Ltd under ASIC, and European clients by IC Markets (EU) Ltd under CySEC with negative balance protection and ICF coverage. Traders outside those regions are usually onboarded to the Seychelles FSA or Bahamas SCB entities, where leverage is higher but investor protection is lighter. Check which entity appears on your account agreement.
Tier-1 regulators are shown in bold. Always confirm the licence on the regulator’s own register.
IC Markets spreads and fees
On the MT4/MT5 Raw Spread account you pay $3.50 per side per standard lot ($7 round turn), and cTrader is slightly cheaper at $6 round turn. With EUR/USD averaging around 0.1 pips, the all-in cost of a round-turn lot is roughly $8, among the lowest in the industry. The commission-free Standard account builds the cost into a spread of roughly 0.8 to 1.0 pips.
| Account | EUR/USD spread | Commission (round turn) | Cost per lot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 0.8 pips | $0 | $8.0 |
| Raw / ECN | 0.1 pips | $7 | $8.0 |
Trading platforms
IC Markets is one of the few brokers offering MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader and TradingView side by side. cTrader suits manual traders who want Level II depth and a modern interface, while MT4/MT5 remain the choice for expert advisors. Copy trading is available through IC Social, ZuluTrade and Myfxbook Autotrade.
How IC Markets scores
- Trust & regulation 30%
- 4.4
- Fees & spreads 25%
- 4.9
- Platforms & tools 15%
- 4.7
- Markets & range 10%
- 4.3
- Ease of use 10%
- 3.6
- Research & education 10%
- 3.5
Verdict
If trading cost and execution matter most to you, IC Markets is hard to beat. Beginners may find the education thin and the $200 minimum a step up, but active traders get a professional setup at a very low cost.
Open an account with IC MarketsYou will be taken to icmarkets.com.
IC Markets FAQ
Is IC Markets regulated?
Yes. IC Markets is regulated by ASIC in Australia and CySEC in the EU, with additional entities licensed by the FSA in Seychelles and the SCB in the Bahamas.
What is the IC Markets minimum deposit?
The recommended minimum deposit is $200 (or currency equivalent) for both the Standard and Raw Spread accounts.
Does IC Markets accept US clients?
No. IC Markets does not accept residents of the United States.
Is IC Markets good for beginners?
IC Markets scores 3.6/5 for ease of use. It is better suited to traders with some experience; beginners may prefer these brokers.