IC Markets EU Logo

IC Markets EU Review 2024

Last updated Jul 6, 2024
IC Markets EU is trusted. Tested via live trading.

Highlights of IC Markets EU

IC Markets EU Logo
Register70.64% of retail investors lose money when trading CFDs with this broker
Countries of registration:
Regulators:
Trading Assets
ForexIndicesStocksBondsETFPrecious MetalsEnergy CarriersSoft CommoditiesCryptocurrency
Trading Platforms
MetaTrader 5MetaTrader 4cTraderTradingView
Deposit/withdrawal:
PayPal Logo
Neteller Logo
Skrill Logo
Klarna Logo
Swift Logo
SEPA Logo
Visa Logo
Mastercard Logo
Rapid Transfer Logo
compare IC Markets EU trading accounts

IC Markets is a reliable and versatile broker operating in the financial markets. The company offers a wide range of services and tools for trading, including an impressive number of trading instruments, high-quality trading platforms, advanced analytical tools, and valuable educational materials for traders of all levels.

IC Markets is ideal for experienced traders who appreciate deep liquidity, tight spreads, and advanced trading tools. Beginner traders can also benefit from the company's educational materials but should be aware of the additional costs and higher minimum deposits.

Pros and Cons of IC Markets EU

Pros

  1. A wide range of trading assets.
  2. Low spreads.
  3. Variety of trading platforms.
  4. Quality educational materials.
  5. Efficient customer support service.

Cons

  1. High minimum deposit.

IC Markets EU Broker Overview

Foundation Year2007
Official Websitehttps://www.icmarkets.eu
Regulated in CountriesSeychelles, Australia, CyprusMore Details
Minimum Deposit
  • 200 EUR
Spreadfrom 0 points
Max Leverage1:30
Trading Assets
  • Forex
  • Indices
  • Stocks
  • Bonds
  • ETF
  • Precious Metals
  • Energy Carriers
  • Soft Commodities
  • Cryptocurrency
Trading Platforms
  • MetaTrader 5
  • MetaTrader 4
  • cTrader
  • TradingView
Email Support
  • support@icmarkets.eu
Hotline Phones
Social Media

In 2007, a group of professional financiers aimed to bridge the gap between trading conditions offered to retail and institutional clients in Sydney, Australia by creating a new broker. This broker provides all clients access to high liquidity, tight spreads, and fast transaction execution.

IC Markets EU is in the top 10 of the following ratings:

IC Markets EU Review Summary

In our broker reviews, we meticulously apply our broker evaluation methodology, ensuring objectivity and reliability in our analysis. This helps our readers understand the broker's strengths and weaknesses, offerings and services, and how well it meets their needs and preferences.

We are committed to ensuring that our reviews are as detailed and informative as possible, so continue reading to learn more about the opportunities that IC Markets broker offers.

Reliability and Regulation

Rating:5/5
Legal EntityRegulatorReview
IC Markets review
IC Markets AU review
Current review

IC Markets EU, authorised and regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), is a trusted and secure broker for trading in the European Union. As a European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) member, IC Markets EU adheres to strict financial and regulatory standards. These standards include rigorous capital adequacy requirements and regular audits, ensuring the firm's financial stability and integrity.

In compliance with the MiFID Client Money Handling rules, IC Markets EU segregates client funds from the company's operational finances, holding these funds in trust accounts with top-tier European banks. This separation of funds ensures that client assets are used solely for their trading activities, offering an additional layer of security. IC Markets EU's commitment to regulatory compliance is further reinforced by the engagement of an independent external auditor who oversees operational processes and ensures adherence to regulatory norms.

Moreover, IC Markets EU places a high value on the confidentiality of client information. The firm employs robust controls to monitor and restrict the transfer of sensitive client data, ensuring it is shared only on a need-to-know basis within the company or when legally required. This policy underscores IC Markets EU's dedication to protecting the privacy and interests of its clients, making it a reliable and secure choice for traders in the European market.

Account Opening

Rating:4.5/5

The account opening process at IC Markets is well-thought-out, transparent, and elaborately detailed, providing convenience and ease for clients at all registration stages. It consists of four clearly defined steps: entering personal information, selecting the type of account and currency, indicating trading experience, and completing the verification procedure.

The entire process is detailed and presented step-by-step, making it simple and understandable for beginners. Although the verification procedure does require some effort to provide income information and trading experience, as well as to upload document scans, these steps are crucial for ensuring security and compliance with regulations. The broker strives to facilitate this process by providing detailed instructions and examples of documents required for verification.

The speed of the process largely depends on the client, but thanks to a straightforward and intuitive interface, opening an account won’t take much time.

However, there is a drawback: compared to IC Markets' competitors, the high minimum deposit of 200 euros may deter many novice traders.

Open an Account with IC Markets

Trader's personal account access is available on any website page via the general toolbar at the top or through the link secure.icmarkets.eu.

IC Markets Account Login
IC Markets Account Login

Within the account, you can deposit and withdraw funds and download the necessary trading platforms.

To open an account and register for a personal cabinet, you can fill out forms in 4 steps. In the first registration stage, you enter your first and last name, email address, phone number, and country of current residence.

IC Markets Registration Form
IC Markets Registration Form

In the second stage, you must select the type of account and fill out forms with your date of birth and residential or registration address.

The second stage of registration at IC Markets
The second stage of registration at IC Markets

The third stage involves choosing a trading platform, the type of trading account, and the account's base currency.

The third stage of registration at IC Markets
The third stage of registration at IC Markets

In the final registration stage, you must indicate your trading experience, set a secret question and answer, and review and confirm the account opening application.

Last stage of registration at IC Markets
Last stage of registration at IC Markets

Once registration is completed, access to your account is sent to the email you provided.

Now, you can open trading, demo accounts, deposit, and withdraw funds. Don’t forget to thoroughly verify your account before trading, as this may assist you in the event of a dispute in the future.

Verification

To verify your account, you must complete a questionnaire about your income.

IC Markets income questionnaire
IC Markets income questionnaire

Next, you must fill in details about your trading experience in Forex, CFDs, or derivatives.

Information about trading experience at IC Markets
Information about trading experience at IC Markets

The last step is to upload scans or photos of documents that verify your identity and place of residence.

Uploading documents to IC Markets
Uploading documents to IC Markets

Documents for Identity Verification:

  • Passport

  • International passport

  • Driver's license

Documents for Address Verification:

  • Utility bill

  • Telephone or internet bill

  • Bank statement

These steps are designed to comply with regulatory requirements and ensure your account's and transactions' security.

IC Markets Minimum Deposit

When opening an account with IC Markets, a vital consideration is the minimum deposit. The broker has set a reasonably accessible requirement - the minimum amount to deposit is 200 euros. This makes IC Markets attractive to investors of different capital levels, including those just starting their journey in financial market trading.

Account Types

Rating:2.3/5

IC Markets offers its clients a range of trading account options that are most suitable for experienced and professional traders. The broker provides ECN accounts, allowing clients to trade with direct market quotes. However, it is essential to note that IC Markets does not offer cent accounts or accounts with fixed spreads. Details about each account type and its features are discussed further in our review.

IC Markets Trading Accounts

IC Markets offers three types of trading accounts to cater to traders with varying experience levels.

StandardRaw Spread cTraderRaw Spread
Account CurrencyEUR, USD, GBP, AUD, CHF, JPY, NZD, SGD, HKD
Minimum Deposit200
Trading PlatformsMetaTrader 5MetaTrader 4cTraderTradingViewMetaTrader 5MetaTrader 4
Spreadfloatingfrom 0.6 pips~ 0.8 pipsfloatingfrom 0 pips~ 0.02 pips
Commission per Tradeper 1 lot3 $per 1 lot3.5 $
Trading AssetsForexIndicesStocksBondsETFPrecious MetalsEnergy CarriersSoft CommoditiesCryptocurrency
Opened Positionsup to 200up to 2000up to 200
Leverage1:1-1:30
Margin Call / Stop Out100% / 50%
Order ExecutionECN
Demo Account
Islamic Account
RegisterRegisterRegister

The Standard account is designed for beginners and traders who prefer discretionary or intuitive trading. Hence, the account does not involve any commissions.

For more experienced market participants who prefer to use expert advisors and engage in scalping, the Raw Spread account type is the optimal choice.

The Raw Spread cTrader account is specifically developed for trading on the cTrader platform and is suitable for scalpers and day traders. It charges a commission of 3 US dollars.

Demo Account

The IC Markets demo account offers an excellent opportunity to practice trading in the Forex market without the risk of losing personal funds. To open a training account, complete the registration form with all data entered in Latin letters.

If you already have a demo account with this broker, you can open a second one by specifying a new email address in the application.

Commissions

Rating:4.5/5

IC Markets has low commissions. Transaction fees on ECN accounts and spreads are acceptable to most traders, and the lack of fees for deposits/withdrawals and account inactivity is a significant advantage.

Trading Fees

Trading commissions are an integral part of working with a broker. IC Markets offers a transparent system that consists of transaction fees and spreads.

Commission per lot

The transaction fee is a fixed charge the broker levies on each trade conducted on the trading account.

IC Markets charges a commission on both Raw Spread cTrader and Raw Spread accounts. For each lot on the Raw Spread cTrader account, a fee of 3 dollars is assessed, and on the Raw Spread account, the fee is 3.5 dollars. These are average commissions in the market.

Below is the commission per lot for the EURUSD pair at different Forex brokers.

BrokerPepperstone EURazorFxPro EUcTraderIC Markets EURaw SpreadAdmirals EUZero.MT5
Commission per lot$3.5$3.78$3.5$3

Spreads

Spreads represent the difference between the bid and ask quotes of a currency pair or another financial instrument. It is another way brokers earn from their services.

IC Markets offers very low spreads. The table below presents the average spreads for IC Markets for major currency pairs.

AssetAverage spreadSwap longSwap short
AUDUSD0.8 pips-3.46 pips1.30 pips
EURUSD0.8 pips-6.25 pips2.56 pips
GBPUSD0.8 pips-1.99 pips-0.37 pips
NZDUSD1.4 pips-1.38 pips-1.03 pips
USDCAD1.3 pips-0.96 pips-4.94 pips
USDCHF0.8 pips4.02 pips-12.99 pips
USDJPY1.0 pips12.46 pips-25.92 pips

It's important to note that spreads can vary depending on current market conditions and liquidity.

Swap fees should also be considered for long-term trading. This is a charge or credit for carrying an open position to the next trading day. Swaps vary for different currency pairs and depend on the type of position—long or short.

The cost of swaps at IC Markets is also highly competitive, making the broker attractive to traders who prefer long-term trading strategies.

Deposit and Withdrawal

Rating:4.5/5

IC Markets provides many options for depositing and withdrawing funds, but it's important to consider possible fees from banks and payment systems and specific withdrawal method restrictions.

Account Funding Methods

The broker advises conducting deposits and withdrawals through the trader's cabinet to expedite the funds' crediting process.

Payment SystemCurrenciesDeposit FeeOperation Limit
PayPalPayPal
USDEURGBP
0%
NetellerNeteller
USDEURGBP
0%
SkrillSkrill
USDEURGBP
0%
KlarnaKlarna
EUR
0%
SwiftSwift
USDEURGBP
0%
SEPASEPA
EUR
0%
VisaVisa
USDEURGBP
0%
MastercardMastercard
USDEURGBP
0%
Rapid TransferRapid Transfer
EURGBP
0%

Withdrawal Methods

Payment SystemCurrenciesWithdrawal FeeOperation Limit
Bank TransferBank Transfer
USDEURGBP
0%

IC Markets EU efficiently processes withdrawal requests within 24 hours, with funds typically reaching clients' bank accounts in 2-5 business days. However, transactions involving intermediary banks might incur additional fees, for which clients are responsible. It's important to note that any delays in processing beyond the control of IC Markets EU will not be the broker's responsibility. This approach ensures a balance between swift transaction handling and adherence to security measures to protect client funds.

Markets and Products

Rating:5/5

IC Markets offers various trading instruments, including currency pairs, Contracts for Difference (CFDs) on metals, energy resources, commodities, indices, stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies. This variety enables traders with different interests and strategies to find suitable instruments for their trading needs.

What markets are available?

BrokerPepperstone EUIC Markets EUFxPro EU
Forex976169
Precious Metals20713
Energy Carriers456
Soft Commodities1687
Indices262529
Stocks98621751971
ETF10838
Cryptocurrency302128
Bonds10

Leverage

Trading InstrumentMax. Leverage for Retail Traders
Forex
1:30
Precious Metals
1:20
Energy Carriers
1:10
Soft Commodities
1:10
Indices
1:20
Stocks
1:5
ETF
1:5
Bonds
1:5
Cryptocurrency
1:2

Trading Platforms

Rating:5/5

IC Markets provides compelling and functional trading platforms suitable for various categories of traders.

The advantages of trading on IC Markets' terminals include:

  1. Choice of platforms. The broker allows its clients to work on popular and functional platforms, such as MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader. Users also have the option to synchronize their Raw Spread cTrader account with the TradingView online platform. This variety allows traders to choose the platform that best suits their needs and trading style.

  2. Mobile Trading. With mobile versions available for iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac, and Windows, traders can monitor their trades and respond to market changes from anywhere.

  3. Web Versions. For clients who prefer not to download the trading platform, IC Markets offers web versions of MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, which is convenient for those who like to work through a browser.

  4. Control and Transparency. Systems like AutoTrade offer traders complete control over their accounts, commission transparency, and access to signal provider statistics.

  5. Specific Services for Large Market Participants. IC Markets offers FIX API for institutional clients, indicating the broker's flexibility and versatility.

MetaTrader 4 and 5

The broker allows clients with Standard and Raw Spread accounts to work on the most popular and functional MetaTrader platform (MT4 and MT5) with a wide range of instruments and a user-friendly interface. The company's website provides downloadable desktop versions of the terminal and software for iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac, and Windows. If clients prefer not to download the trading platform, web versions of MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 are available on the IC Markets website.

MetaTrader 5
MetaTrader 5

cTrader

The cTrader terminal is a product developed by Spotware Systems Ltd, created explicitly for trading in the Forex market and based on the ECN environment.

In addition to the desktop platform cAlgo and mobile versions for Android or iOS, traders can use cTrader Web, which doesn’t require software installation on a computer and allows for trading directly through a web browser.

cTrader
cTrader

TradingView

TradingView is a financial market analysis and trading platform popular among traders due to its powerful data visualization tools and broad functionality. Users can create and use detailed charts, follow market trends, and communicate with other traders via a built-in social network. TradingView is available both as a web version and as an app for mobile devices and tablets. This platform is ideal for those who are looking for in-depth analysis and want to take advantage of advanced trading strategies.

TradingView
TradingView

Analytics

Rating:5/5

IC Markets provides its clients with a comprehensive suite of analytical tools and materials to assist them in successful trading in financial markets.

Within the broker's cabinet, various tools and services are presented for market forecasts and reviews, identifying technical analysis patterns, and analyzing social activity related to the trading assets.

Trading Central

Trading Central offers a convenient dashboard for market overview, providing insights and analysis that can be integral to a trader's research and decision-making process. When clicking on one of the instruments, the trader will have access to a report and forecast based on the technical analysis of the instrument.

Trading Central at IC Markets
Trading Central at IC Markets

This service predicts market reversal points based on candlestick patterns and indicators.

Featured Ideas at IC Markets
Featured Ideas at IC Markets

Market Buzz

This service allows traders to monitor social activity for trading instruments, which can be used to infer their volatility.

Market Buzz at IC Markets
Market Buzz at IC Markets

Autochartist

Autochartist is a top-rated service among traders for pattern recognition and analysis of an instrument's volatility.

Autochartist at IC Markets
Autochartist at IC Markets

Market Analysis

IC Markets regularly posts market analysis and trading ideas in their blog (in English).

IC Markets Blog
IC Markets Blog

News and Forex Calendar

IC Markets' website also features a calendar with important economic events and a section with the latest Forex news.

IC Markets Economic Calendar
IC Markets Economic Calendar

Education

Rating:5/5

IC Markets offers various educational resources, from interactive video tutorials to webinars and podcasts. This demonstrates IC Markets' commitment to their clients by striving to provide all the necessary resources for successful trading.

The educational system at IC Markets is tailored for both beginners and professional traders.

  • 10 interactive video lessons introduce the specifics of trading on Forex.
  • Articles on technical and fundamental analysis acquaint you with different types of charts and techniques for working with analytical tools.
  • Several video materials on how to work with trading terminals.
  • Web TV offers trading tips and market news in the format of short video clips.
  • Webinars and podcasts (IC your trade) for more advanced traders are available in English and feature professional investors and traders.
Podcasts on IC Markets (IC Your Trade)
Podcasts on IC Markets (IC Your Trade)

Customer Support

Rating:4.7/5

IC Markets provides a variety of communication channels, ensuring that the support service is accessible to clients. Numerous company customer reviews highlight the support team's fast response and high professionalism.

To contact the support service for general inquiries, call +35725010480 (international call charges may apply).

You can also ask questions via email:

And, of course, you can connect with support on the website via live chat, which operates 24/7.

Conclusion

IC Markets EU is a reliable and versatile broker that offers a wide range of services and tools for trading in the financial markets. The company provides impressive trading instruments, high-quality trading platforms, advanced analytical tools, and valuable education for traders of all levels.

IC Markets is likely most suitable for experienced traders who value deep liquidity, tight spreads, and advanced trading tools. Beginner traders can also benefit from the educational materials offered by the company, but they should be prepared for some additional expenses and a higher minimum deposit requirement.

FAQ

Is IC Markets EU legit?

Yes, IC Markets EU is a legitimate broker. It is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC).

Which country is IC Markets EU from?

IC Markets EU is based in Limassol, Cyprus.

Is IC Markets EU an ECN broker?

Yes, IC Markets EU operates as an ECN (Electronic Communication Network) broker, providing direct access to the market and ensuring tight spreads and deep liquidity.

How does IC Markets EU make money?

IC Markets EU makes money primarily through spreads and commissions on trades. They offer competitive spreads and charge a small commission per lot traded.

Is IC Markets EU good for beginners?

IC Markets EU can be good for beginners due to its comprehensive educational resources and high-quality trading platforms. However, beginners should be aware of the additional costs and higher minimum deposit requirements.

Does IC Markets EU offer a demo account?

Yes, IC Markets EU offers a demo account that allows traders to practice and familiarize themselves with the platform and trading strategies without risking real money.

How can I open an account with IC Markets EU?

To open an account with IC Markets EU, visit their website, complete the online registration form, provide the required identification documents, and fund your account.

How can I delete my IC Markets EU account?

To delete your IC Markets EU account, you need to contact their customer support team, who will guide you through the account closure process.

What is the minimum deposit for IC Markets EU?

The minimum deposit for IC Markets EU is €200.

What is the maximum leverage on IC Markets EU?

The maximum leverage offered by IC Markets EU is up to 1:30 for retail traders.

How do I deposit funds in an IC Markets EU account?

You can deposit funds into your IC Markets EU account using various methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and electronic payment systems such as PayPal, Neteller, and Skrill.

How do I withdraw money from IC Markets EU?

To withdraw money from IC Markets EU, log into your account, navigate to the withdrawal section, select your preferred withdrawal method, and follow the instructions to complete the transaction.

Does IC Markets EU provide VPS?

Yes, IC Markets EU provides Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting services for traders who require a reliable and fast connection for automated trading.

Is IC Markets EU suitable for scalping?

Yes, IC Markets EU is suitable for scalping due to its tight spreads, fast execution, and no restrictions on trading strategies.

Is IC Markets EU suitable for auto-trading?

Yes, IC Markets EU supports auto-trading and offers platforms like MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, which are compatible with various automated trading systems and expert advisors (EAs).

Is IC Markets EU suitable for hedging?

Yes, IC Markets EU allows hedging, enabling traders to open multiple positions on the same instrument in opposite directions.

Visit IC Markets EU70.64% of retail investors lose money when trading CFDs with this broker

Nikolay is an experienced specialist in financial markets and co-founder of IamForexTrader. He has been successfully trading Forex since 2014 and has been actively involved in the cryptocurrency market since 2017.

He develops investment strategies adaptable to any level of experience and has been actively investing in stocks, bonds and ETFs since 2018.