Deriv vs IC Markets Comparison: Which Is Better for Traders?
We test brokers on real accounts using our own methodology, evaluating the quality of order execution, trading conditions, platforms and customer support.
Who is better - Deriv or IC Markets?
Our pick: IC Markets
Based on multiple factors - spreads and fees, available assets and instruments, execution quality, platform usability, support level, and educational resources - IC Markets looks preferable to Deriv.
IC Markets scored 4.7/5 and ranks 3 in our all Forex brokers list, whereas Deriv has 4.3/5 and ranks 23.
This is not financial advice. See the full comparison below.
Who is Deriv suitable for?
Deriv may be suitable for beginners looking for a user-friendly platform, a low entry threshold, and the opportunity to trade binary options or CFDs.
Who is IC Markets suitable for?
IC Markets is suitable for traders looking for low spreads and ECN accounts and the ability to scalp and use expert advisors.
Comparison Table of Deriv and IC Markets
| Broker | Deriv | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2020 | 2007 |
| Regulated in Countries | Malaysia, British Virgin Islands, Vanuatu, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Jersey, Malta | Seychelles, Australia, Cyprus, Kenya |
| Minimum Deposit |
|
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| Spread | from 0.5 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:4000 | 1:500 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
|
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Review | Deriv Review | IC Markets Review |
Deriv Review
Deriv is an appealing choice for a wide array of traders, particularly those who are just beginning or are at an intermediate level. Its user-friendly approach, diverse platforms, and low-cost structure make it ideal for individuals seeking a straightforward trading experience. While it may not fully satisfy the needs of highly advanced traders due to some limitations in educational and analytical resources, Deriv's overall offering is solid, making it a reliable and accessible broker for most trading requirements.
Pros and Cons of Deriv
Pros
- Simple and fast account opening process.
- A wide variety of account types cater to different trading needs.
- Low commission structure.
- A wide range of trading platforms.
- High-quality technical support with fast and effective responses.
Cons
- Some essential asset classes are absent, and a limited number of CFDs on stocks exist.
- Educational materials are confined to a blog and lack comprehensive learning resources.
Deriv is in the top 10 of the following ratings:
IC Markets Review
IC Markets 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.
Pros and Cons of IC Markets
Pros
- A wide range of trading assets.
- Low spreads.
- Variety of trading platforms.
- Quality educational materials.
- Efficient customer support service.
Cons
- High minimum deposit.
IC Markets is in the top 10 of the following ratings:
Reliability
| Broker | Deriv | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | 4.2/5 | 5/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2020 | 2007 |
| Regulated in Countries | Malaysia, British Virgin Islands, Vanuatu, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Jersey, Malta | Seychelles, Australia, Cyprus, Kenya |
| Regulators | LFSA LFSA BVIFSC BVIFSC VFSC VFSC SVGFSA SVGFSA JFSC JFSC MFSA MFSA | SFSA SFSA ASIC ASIC CySEC CySEC CMA CMA |
Deriv
Broker Deriv is relatively reliable, with licenses from various global regulators.
IC Markets
IC Markets operates under the regulation of several jurisdictions, including ASIC in Australia, CySEC in Cyprus, and SFSA in the Seychelles, indicating a high degree of regulation.
Account Opening
| Broker | Deriv | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Account Opening | 5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Minimum Deposit |
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|
Deriv
The account opening process at Deriv brokerage is quite simple and fast.
IC Markets
The account opening process at IC Markets is well-thought-out, transparent, and detailed, ensuring convenience and ease for clients. However, the high minimum deposit may deter many beginners.
Account Types
| Broker | Deriv | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Account Types | 4.5/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Trading Accounts |
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| Minimum Deposit |
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| Spread | from 0.5 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:4000 | 1:500 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
|
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Demo Account | ||
| Swap-free Account |
Deriv
A wide variety of accounts on Deriv satisfies the needs of different traders, although there are certain limitations.
Pros
- A sufficiently wide selection of account types.
- The ability to trade binary options and multipliers.
Cons
- No accounts with fixed spreads.
IC Markets
IC Markets' accounts are mainly aimed at experienced and professional traders.
Pros
- ECN accounts
- Ability to copy trades
- Access to VPS
Cons
- No cent accounts
- No fixed spread accounts
Commissions
| Broker | Deriv | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Commissions | 4.3/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Spread | from 0.5 points | from 0 points |
| Average Spread (EURUSD) | 0.5 | 0.62 |
| Commission per Lot | $3.5 |
Deriv
Deriv's commissions are low.
Pros
- No commission for account funding and withdrawal.
- Low spreads and swaps on Financial type accounts.
Cons
- Fee for account inactivity.
IC Markets
IC Markets has low commissions. Fees for transactions on ECN accounts and spreads are acceptable to most traders, and the absence of charges for deposits/withdrawals and account inactivity is a significant advantage.
Deposit and Withdrawal
| Broker | Deriv | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Account Funding Methods |
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Deriv
Broker Deriv offers various convenient methods for account funding and withdrawal without commission.
IC Markets
IC Markets offers multiple options for depositing and withdrawing funds, but possible fees from banks and payment systems should be considered, along with some restrictions on withdrawal methods.
Markets and Products
| Broker | Deriv | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Markets and Products | 3.8/5 | 5/5 |
| Forex | 57 | 61 |
| Precious Metals | 11 | 7 |
| Energy Carriers | 2 | 5 |
| Indices | 63 | 25 |
| Stocks | 57 | 2175 |
| ETF | 31 | 38 |
| Cryptocurrency | 31 | 21 |
| Soft Commodities | - | 8 |
| Bonds | - | 10 |
Deriv
A wide range of assets in many segments.
Pros
- A large selection of assets for trading.
- Ability to trade synthetic indices 24/7.
Cons
- Absence of some important asset classes.
- Limited number of CFDs on stocks.
IC Markets
IC Markets offers various trading instruments, including currency pairs, CFDs on metals, energy resources, commodities, indices, stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies.
Trading Platforms
| Broker | Deriv | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Trading Platforms |
|
|
Deriv
Broker Deriv offers a wide range of trading platforms to meet the needs of traders of different levels.
Pros
- A variety of platforms for different types of trading.
- The ability to build trading robots without programming knowledge.
- Has its own mobile application.
IC Markets
IC Markets provides powerful and functional trading platforms suitable for various trader categories.
Analytics
| Broker | Deriv | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.5/5 | 5/5 |
Deriv
Deriv offers robust analytics with practical calculators and insightful market analysis, yet there's room for more real-time data tools.
Pros
- Detailed market insights on the Deriv Blog.
- Convenient risk management calculators.
Cons
- Lack of an economic calendar.
- Limited real-time data analytics.
IC Markets
IC Markets provides its clients with an extensive set of analytical tools and materials, which can assist them in successful trading in the financial markets.
Education
| Broker | Deriv | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 2.5/5 | 5/5 |
Deriv
Deriv's educational materials are limited to a blog, which restricts opportunities for comprehensive learning.
IC Markets
IC Markets offers a wide range of educational resources, from interactive video lessons to webinars and podcasts, demonstrating care for their clients and a commitment to providing all the necessary resources for successful trading.
Customer Support
| Broker | Deriv | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Email Support |
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| Hotline Phones | — |
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| Social Media |
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube
Facebook
InstagramDeriv
Technical support at Deriv operates at a high level, providing fast and quality responses.
Pros
- Wide selection of communication channels.
- Quality and constructive responses.
Cons
- No information on the support schedule is available on the website.
- Some clients complain about the technical support service.
IC Markets
IC Markets provides a variety of communication channels, ensuring support service accessibility for clients. Numerous client reviews indicate the support team's quick response and high professionalism.
Pros
- Positive reviews about professional support
- Multiple channels for support communication
- Support is available 24/7
Cons
- Only international call option is available
Comparisons of Deriv and IC Markets with other brokers
Conclusion
IC Markets stands out as the better overall pick, while Deriv trails on aggregate criteria.
IC Markets scored 4.7/5 and ranks 3 in our rating; Deriv has 4.3/5 and ranks 23.
We explain the reasons above in detail — fees, platforms, reliability, support, and more.
FAQ
Which broker is better: Deriv or IC Markets?
IC Markets comes out ahead by overall rank (score 4.7/5, position 3) versus Deriv (score 4.3/5, position 23).
Which broker is better for beginners: Deriv or IC Markets?
IC Markets is often a smoother start thanks to simpler onboarding and stronger baseline metrics. Still, your tools and budget should drive the final choice.
Who has lower typical trading costs (spreads/commissions) — Deriv or IC Markets?
It depends on the instrument and account type. Compare the live conditions in the “Commissions” section on this page — we break down the nuances category by category.
What trading platforms are available with Deriv and IC Markets?
Deriv: MetaTrader 5, Deriv X, cTrader. IC Markets: MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, cTrader, TradingView. See the “Platforms” section for details and selection tips.
What markets can you trade with Deriv and IC Markets?
Deriv: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Indices, Stocks, ETF, Cryptocurrency. IC Markets: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Soft Commodities, Indices, Stocks, ETF, Bonds, Cryptocurrency. Full lists and differences are in the “Markets” section.
What account types are offered by Deriv and IC Markets?
Deriv: MT5 Financial, MT5 Derived, Deriv X, Deriv cTrader. IC Markets: Standard, Raw Spread cTrader, Raw Spread. See “Account Types” for a side-by-side comparison.
What deposit and withdrawal methods are supported by Deriv and IC Markets?
Deriv: FasaPay, Perfect Money, Skrill, Neteller, WebMoney, PaySafeCard, Jeton, SticPay, Airtm, Boleto, Paylivre, OnlineNaira, Beyonic, AstroPay, 1foryou, Volet, Swift, Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Diners Club, JCB, PayTrust88, Help2pay, DragonPhoenix, ZingPay, Ngan Luong, Trustly. IC Markets: PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, Bpay, FasaPay, Klarna, Swift, SEPA, Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, POLi, Rapidpay. Check method-specific fees/settlement times.
Which broker is safer — Deriv or IC Markets — and how was this assessed?
We consider regulation, corporate transparency, fund protection, and incident history. See the “Reliability” section for our findings.
