Broker comparison

xChief vs IC Markets Comparison

Compare trading conditions, commissions and platforms of Forex brokers xChief and IC Markets. Find out which broker is best for you.

VS summaryScores and ranking at a glance
xChief
Rating
4.2/5
Rank
#44
Register

Trading CFDs carries high risks. You may lose all invested funds

IC MarketsHigher ranked
Rating
4.7/5
Rank
#6
Register

Trading CFDs carries high risks. You may lose all invested funds

  • Conditions, fees and platforms compared
  • Ratings and ranking positions checked
  • Based on our review methodology
How we compare brokers
Updated

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 - xChief or IC Markets?

Quick comparison

Key differences between the brokers

Below, we show only the differences in trading conditions covered in our reviews. These may include the minimum deposit, available markets, platforms and account types. Compare these details with your requirements.

Methodology

Ratings and ranks

IC Markets ranks higher in the editorial ranking.
xChief
Rating: 4.2/5Rank: #44
IC Markets
Rating: 4.7/5Rank: #6

xChief

Minimum deposit · USD
1 USD
Different platforms
None listed
Different markets
None listed
Cent account
Yes

IC Markets

Minimum deposit · USD
200 USD
Different platforms
  • cTrader
  • TradingView
Different markets
  • Soft Commodities
  • ETF
  • Bonds
Cent account
No

This material is not personalized financial advice. Terms and service availability vary by country.

Full broker ranking

Comparison Table of xChief and IC Markets

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Overview: comparison of xChief, IC Markets
BrokerxChiefIC Markets
Foundation Year20142007
Regulated in CountriesComoros, South Africa, KazakhstanSeychelles, Australia, Cyprus, Kenya
Minimum Deposit
  • 1 USD
  • 200 AUD
  • 200 CHF
  • 200 EUR
  • 200 GBP
  • 1500 HKD
  • 30000 JPY
  • 200 NZD
  • 200 SGD
  • 200 USD
Spreadfrom 0 pointsfrom 0 points
Max Leverage1:10001:500
Trading Assets (CFDs)
  • Forex
  • Precious Metals
  • Energy Carriers
  • Indices
  • Stocks
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Forex
  • Precious Metals
  • Energy Carriers
  • Soft Commodities
  • Indices
  • Stocks
  • ETF
  • Bonds
  • Cryptocurrency
Trading Platforms
  • MetaTrader 4
  • MetaTrader 5
  • MetaTrader 5
  • MetaTrader 4
  • cTrader
  • TradingView
ReviewxChief ReviewIC Markets Review

xChief Review

xChief Logo
RegisterTrading CFDs carries high risks. You may lose all invested funds
Countries of registration:
Regulators:
Trading Assets
Forex Precious Metals Energy Carriers Indices Stocks Cryptocurrency
Trading Platforms
MetaTrader 4MetaTrader 5

xChief offers traders a variety of opportunities and services for successful trading in the Forex market. With a wide selection of trading instruments, reliable trading platforms, contests, and educational materials, the broker creates conditions for developing traders of all experience levels.

Pros and Cons of xChief

Pros

  1. A wide range of trading instruments.
  2. Availability of cent and PAMM accounts.
  3. Tight spreads and low commission per transaction.
  4. Scalping and algorithmic trading allowed.

Cons

  1. Weak analytical section.
  2. No educational courses and webinars for beginner traders.

xChief is in the top 10 of the following ratings:

IC Markets Review

IC Markets Logo
RegisterTrading CFDs carries high risks. You may lose all invested funds
Countries of registration:
Regulators:
Trading Assets
Forex Precious Metals Energy Carriers Soft Commodities Indices Stocks ETF Bonds Cryptocurrency
Trading Platforms
MetaTrader 5MetaTrader 4cTraderTradingView

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

  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 is in the top 10 of the following ratings:

Reliability

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Reliability: comparison of xChief, IC Markets
BrokerxChiefIC Markets
Reliability
4/5
5/5
Foundation Year20142007
Regulated in CountriesComoros, South Africa, KazakhstanSeychelles, Australia, Cyprus, Kenya
Regulators

xChief

xChief’s reliability can be rated as average. The group holds MISA, FSCA, and AFSA licences, but most retail clients are served by the offshore entity XCHIEF LTD, which provides a limited level of protection.

Pros

  1. The group includes several regulated entities.
  2. Holds FSCA and AFSA licences.

Cons

  1. Most retail accounts are regulated by MISA.

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

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Account Opening: comparison of xChief, IC Markets
BrokerxChiefIC Markets
Account Opening
5/5
4.5/5
Minimum Deposit
  • 1 USD
  • 200 USD
  • 200 EUR
  • 200 CHF
  • 200 GBP
  • 200 AUD
  • 200 NZD
  • 200 SGD
  • 1500 HKD
  • 30000 JPY

xChief

Opening an account with Forex Chief is simple and fast thanks to a clear registration and verification process.

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

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Account Types: comparison of xChief, IC Markets
BrokerxChiefIC Markets
Account Types
5/5
3.8/5
Trading Accounts
  • CENT
  • Classic+
  • DirectFX
  • xPRIME
  • Standard
  • Raw Spread cTrader
  • Raw Spread
Minimum Deposit
  • 1 USD
  • 200 USD
  • 200 EUR
  • 200 CHF
  • 200 GBP
  • 200 AUD
  • 200 NZD
  • 200 SGD
  • 1500 HKD
  • 30000 JPY
Spreadfrom 0 pointsfrom 0 points
Max Leverage1:10001:500
Trading Assets (CFDs)
  • Forex
  • Precious Metals
  • Energy Carriers
  • Indices
  • Stocks
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Forex
  • Precious Metals
  • Energy Carriers
  • Soft Commodities
  • Indices
  • Stocks
  • ETF
  • Bonds
  • Cryptocurrency
Trading Platforms
  • MetaTrader 4
  • MetaTrader 5
  • MetaTrader 5
  • MetaTrader 4
  • cTrader
  • TradingView
Demo Account
Swap-free Account

xChief

Forex Chief offers a variety of account types, satisfying the needs of different traders, from beginners to professionals.

Pros

  1. Wide selection of accounts: DirectFX, Classic+, cent, and Islamic.
  2. Demo accounts are available for novice traders.
  3. Investment accounts available: PAMM accounts and copy trading.

IC Markets

IC Markets' accounts are mainly aimed at experienced and professional traders.

Pros

  1. ECN accounts
  2. Ability to copy trades
  3. Access to VPS

Cons

  1. No cent accounts
  2. No fixed spread accounts

Commissions

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Commissions: comparison of xChief, IC Markets
BrokerxChiefIC Markets
Commissions
4.2/5
4.5/5
Spreadfrom 0 pointsfrom 0 points
Average Spread (EURUSD)0.70.62
Commissionper 1 lot$2.50per 1 lot$3.50

xChief

Forex Chief offers attractive commissions and tight spreads, although swaps are average for the market. Rebates add extra benefits for active traders.

Pros

  1. Low commission per trade.
  2. Tight spreads.
  3. No inactivity fees and no withdrawal fees.

Cons

  1. High swaps.

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

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Deposit and Withdrawal: comparison of xChief, IC Markets
BrokerxChiefIC Markets
Rating
5/5
4.5/5
Account Funding Methods
  • Skrill
  • Neteller
  • Volet
  • WebMoney
  • FasaPay
  • SEPA
  • Credit and Debit Cards
  • Online banking
  • PayPal
  • Neteller
  • Skrill
  • Bpay
  • FasaPay
  • Klarna
  • Swift
  • SEPA
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • UnionPay
  • POLi
  • Rapidpay

xChief

ForexChief offers a wide range of deposit and withdrawal methods without any fees on their part, with fast processing of requests.

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

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Markets and Products: comparison of xChief, IC Markets
BrokerxChiefIC Markets
Markets and Products
4/5
5/5
Forex3961
Precious Metals27
Energy Carriers35
Indices1025
Stocks1002175
Cryptocurrency521
Soft Commodities-8
ETF-38
Bonds-10

xChief

Forex Chief offers a respectable variety of trading instruments.

Pros

  1. Wide range of currency pairs and CFDs.
  2. Access to cryptocurrency trading.
  3. Flexible margin requirements.

Cons

  1. Lack of soft commodities.
  2. Limited number of stock CFDs.

IC Markets

IC Markets offers various trading instruments, including currency pairs, CFDs on metals, energy resources, commodities, indices, stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies.

Trading Platforms

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Trading Platforms: comparison of xChief, IC Markets
BrokerxChiefIC Markets
Rating
4/5
5/5
Trading Platforms
  • MetaTrader 4
  • MetaTrader 5
  • MetaTrader 5
  • MetaTrader 4
  • cTrader
  • TradingView

xChief

Forex Chief offers widely used and functional MT4 and MT5 platforms, providing convenience and accessibility for traders.

Pros

  1. Use of popular and proven MT4 and MT5 platforms.
  2. Availability of platforms on various OS (Windows, iOS, Android).

Cons

  1. Lack of proprietary unique platform.
  2. Limited selection of platforms compared to some competitors.

IC Markets

IC Markets provides powerful and functional trading platforms suitable for various trader categories.

Analytics

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Analytics: comparison of xChief, IC Markets
BrokerxChiefIC Markets
Rating
3/5
5/5

xChief

ForexChief offers basic analytical tools, but they are generally insufficient for serious trading.

Pros

  1. Current central bank interest rates.
  2. Convenient trader's calculator.

Cons

  1. Outdated economic articles.
  2. Insufficient variety of analytical tools.

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

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Education: comparison of xChief, IC Markets
BrokerxChiefIC Markets
Rating
3/5
5/5

xChief

ForexChief's educational materials cover the basics, but do not offer in-depth training.

Pros

  1. Wide range of article topics for beginners.
  2. Various trading strategies and indicators are presented.

Cons

  1. Lack of more advanced materials.
  2. No video tutorials or webinars.

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

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xChief

ForexChief support is well-organized and easily accessible, but has limited operating hours.

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

  1. Positive reviews about professional support
  2. Multiple channels for support communication
  3. Support is available 24/7

Cons

  1. Only international call option is available

Comparisons of xChief and IC Markets with other brokers

Conclusion

When choosing between IC Markets and xChief, match their platforms, markets, account types and funding terms to your needs.

Before opening an account, verify fees, regulation, support and service availability for your country in the sections above.

FAQ

Which broker is better: xChief or IC Markets?

IC Markets ranks higher than xChief in our editorial ranking. That does not make it a universal choice: compare fees, markets, platforms, account types and support.

Which broker is better for beginners: xChief or IC Markets?

Beginners should compare availability in their country, account types, minimum deposit, trading platforms and customer support.

Who has lower typical trading costs (spreads/commissions) — xChief 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 xChief and IC Markets?

xChief: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5. IC Markets: MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, cTrader, TradingView. See the “Platforms” section for details and selection tips.

What markets can you trade with xChief and IC Markets?

xChief: 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 xChief and IC Markets?

xChief: CENT, Classic+, DirectFX, xPRIME. 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 xChief and IC Markets?

xChief: Skrill, Neteller, Volet, WebMoney, FasaPay, SEPA, Credit and Debit Cards, Online banking. 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 — xChief 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.

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.