FBS 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 - FBS 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 FBS.
IC Markets scored 4.7/5 and ranks 3 in our all Forex brokers list, whereas FBS has 4.3/5 and ranks 21.
This is not financial advice. See the full comparison below.
Who is FBS suitable for?
FBS is suitable for beginners thanks to educational materials, as well as for experienced traders who value MetaTrader and reliability.
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 FBS and IC Markets
| Broker | FBS | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2007 | 2007 |
| Regulated in Countries | Belize, Cyprus, Australia, South Africa | Seychelles, Australia, Cyprus, Kenya |
| Minimum Deposit |
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| Spread | from 0.7 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:3000 | 1:500 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Review | FBS Review | IC Markets Review |
FBS Review
FBS is a reliable choice for traders who value a secure and regulated trading environment, complemented by a robust selection of educational resources and trading tools. It is particularly well-suited for those new to trading or looking to expand their knowledge and experienced traders focusing on a diverse range of assets. Despite its limitations in account types and currency options, FBS's strengths in providing competitive trading conditions and comprehensive support make it a commendable broker for a broad spectrum of traders.
Pros and Cons of FBS
Pros
- Regulated by major international organizations.
- Low spreads and commissions.
- Wide range of trading assets.
- Extensive database of educational materials and analytical tools.
- Support for various trading platforms.
Cons
- Limited choice of trading accounts.
- Limited choice of account currency.
FBS 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 | FBS | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2007 | 2007 |
| Regulated in Countries | Belize, Cyprus, Australia, South Africa | Seychelles, Australia, Cyprus, Kenya |
| Regulators | BFSC BFSC CySEC CySEC ASIC ASIC FSCA FSCA | SFSA SFSA ASIC ASIC CySEC CySEC CMA CMA |
FBS
FBS is a reliable and regulated broker, overseen by several international bodies, ensuring client security and transparency.
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 | FBS | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Account Opening | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Minimum Deposit |
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|
FBS
The account opening process at FBS is fast, clear, and relatively simple, although the verification procedure may take some time.
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 | FBS | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Account Types | 3/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Trading Accounts |
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| Minimum Deposit |
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| Spread | from 0.7 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:3000 | 1:500 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Demo Account | ||
| Swap-free Account |
FBS
FBS offers only one trading account but with additional services.
Pros
- Availability of demo accounts for practice.
- The possibility of automated trading.
Cons
- Lack of investment accounts (PAMM, copy trading).
- Insufficient variety of trading accounts.
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 | FBS | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Commissions | 3.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Spread | from 0.7 points | from 0 points |
| Average Spread (EURUSD) | 0.9 | 0.62 |
| Commission per Lot | $3.5 |
FBS
FBS's commissions are average for the market.
Pros
- Low spreads.
Cons
- Possible withdrawal fees in the absence of trading activity.
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 | FBS | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Account Funding Methods |
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FBS
FBS offers many deposit and withdrawal methods with high flexibility and accessibility.
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 | FBS | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Markets and Products | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Forex | 43 | 61 |
| Precious Metals | 8 | 7 |
| Energy Carriers | 3 | 5 |
| Indices | 11 | 25 |
| Stocks | 480 | 2175 |
| Cryptocurrency | 5 | 21 |
| Soft Commodities | - | 8 |
| ETF | - | 38 |
| Bonds | - | 10 |
FBS
FBS provides a broad spectrum of trading assets, albeit with a limited selection of stocks and cryptocurrencies.
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 | FBS | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 5/5 |
| Trading Platforms |
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FBS
FBS has a wide choice of trading platforms, meeting the needs of different traders.
IC Markets
IC Markets provides powerful and functional trading platforms suitable for various trader categories.
Analytics
| Broker | FBS | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
FBS
FBS offers extensive and high-quality analytical tools that contribute to effective trading.
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 | FBS | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
FBS
FBS provides comprehensive educational materials suitable for traders at all levels.
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 | FBS | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Email Support |
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| Hotline Phones |
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| Social Media |
Messenger
Viber
Line
Telegram
Whatsapp
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
Twitter
LinkedInFBS
The technical support of FBS operates 24/7, is multilingual, and offers prompt problem resolution.
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 FBS and IC Markets with other brokers
Conclusion
IC Markets stands out as the better overall pick, while FBS trails on aggregate criteria.
IC Markets scored 4.7/5 and ranks 3 in our rating; FBS has 4.3/5 and ranks 21.
We explain the reasons above in detail — fees, platforms, reliability, support, and more.
FAQ
Which broker is better: FBS or IC Markets?
IC Markets comes out ahead by overall rank (score 4.7/5, position 3) versus FBS (score 4.3/5, position 21).
Which broker is better for beginners: FBS 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) — FBS 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 FBS and IC Markets?
FBS: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, FBS Trader. IC Markets: MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, cTrader, TradingView. See the “Platforms” section for details and selection tips.
What markets can you trade with FBS and IC Markets?
FBS: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Indices, Stocks, 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 FBS and IC Markets?
FBS: Standard. 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 FBS and IC Markets?
FBS: Neteller, Skrill, Perfect Money, SticPay, Visa, Mastercard, Maestro. 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 — FBS 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.
