FOREX.com 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 - FOREX.com 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 FOREX.com.
IC Markets scored 4.7/5 and ranks 4 in our all Forex brokers list, whereas FOREX.com has 4.1/5 and ranks 37.
This is not financial advice. See the full comparison below.
Who is FOREX.com suitable for?
FOREX.com is suitable for traders of all levels due to its reliability, wide range of assets, and excellent customer service.
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 FOREX.com and IC Markets
| Broker | FOREX.com | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.1/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2000 | 2007 |
| Regulated in Countries | Cayman Islands, United Kingdom, United States, Cyprus, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Australia | Seychelles, Australia, Cyprus, Kenya |
| Minimum Deposit |
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| Spread | from 0.1 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:50 | 1:500 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Review | FOREX.com Review | IC Markets Review |
FOREX.com Review
FOREX.com is an excellent broker for trading in the Forex and CFD markets. They offer fast execution speeds, a wide selection of currency pairs, and other assets for trading. Their customer service is outstanding, and multiple financial authorities regulate them.
Pros and Cons of FOREX.com
Pros
- Broker with many years of history and a global reputation.
- A variety of deposit methods.
- A wide variety of available markets and products.
- Advanced analytical tools and daily updates from the company's professionals.
- Comprehensive educational materials for all levels of traders.
Cons
- Lack of specialized accounts.
- High transaction fee on DMA Account.
FOREX.com 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 | FOREX.com | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2000 | 2007 |
| Regulated in Countries | Cayman Islands, United Kingdom, United States, Cyprus, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Australia | Seychelles, Australia, Cyprus, Kenya |
| Regulators |
FOREX.com
The company is strictly regulated, has a long-standing market presence, and is open to investors.
Pros
- Broad global regulation.
- Long-term market presence.
- Parent company traded on NASDAQ.
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 | FOREX.com | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Account Opening | 4/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Minimum Deposit |
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FOREX.com
The account opening process at FOREX.com is quite standard but potentially prolonged due to required verification.
Pros
- Transparent registration process.
- Strict verification for security.
Cons
- Verification may take time.
- A lot of information is required.
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 | FOREX.com | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Account Types | 3.5/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Trading Accounts |
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| Minimum Deposit |
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| Spread | from 0.1 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:50 | 1:500 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Demo Account | ||
| Swap-free Account |
FOREX.com
FOREX.com offers standard account types that satisfy most traders, but some essential accounts are missing.
Pros
- Direct Market Access account available.
- Demo account for strategy testing.
- The ability to trade on behalf of a company.
Cons
- No cent accounts.
- No Islamic accounts.
- No options for passive investing.
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 | FOREX.com | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Commissions | 2.2/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Spread | from 0.1 points | from 0 points |
| Average Spread (EURUSD) | 1.3 | 0.62 |
| Commission per Lot | $6.48 | $3.5 |
FOREX.com
FOREX.com's commissions are above average. Conditions can be improved for traders with high volumes.
Pros
- Potential reduction in commissions with increased trading volume.
- Rebate program for major American traders.
- No fees for deposits and withdrawals.
Cons
- High transaction commission on DMA accounts.
- Inactivity fee.
- 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
| Broker | FOREX.com | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Account Funding Methods |
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FOREX.com
FOREX.com provides diverse and convenient methods for depositing and withdrawing funds with low costs and reasonable processing times.
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 | FOREX.com | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Markets and Products | 4.5/5 | 5/5 |
| Forex | 91 | 61 |
| Precious Metals | 16 | 7 |
| Energy Carriers | 14 | 5 |
| Soft Commodities | 22 | 8 |
| Indices | 54 | 25 |
| Stocks | 5500 | 2175 |
| ETF | 318 | 38 |
| Bonds | 14 | 10 |
| Cryptocurrency | 12 | 21 |
FOREX.com
Although its leverage is relatively low, FOREX.com offers an extensive selection of markets and products.
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 | FOREX.com | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Trading Platforms |
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FOREX.com
FOREX.com provides a wide choice of trading platforms, including MT4, its proprietary platform, NinjaTrader, and TradingView, supporting all formats - online, desktop, and mobile applications.
IC Markets
IC Markets provides powerful and functional trading platforms suitable for various trader categories.
Analytics
| Broker | FOREX.com | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
FOREX.com
Analytics at FOREX.com is a powerful tool for traders, providing extensive information and in-depth market analysis.
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 | FOREX.com | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
FOREX.com
FOREX.com offers a rich educational program suitable for all levels of traders, enhancing the user experience.
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 | FOREX.com | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Email Support |
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| Hotline Phones |
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| Social Media |
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
Instagram
LinkedInFOREX.com
FOREX.com provides excellent technical support with fast and professional service, available 24/7.
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 FOREX.com and IC Markets with other brokers
Conclusion
IC Markets stands out as the better overall pick, while FOREX.com trails on aggregate criteria.
IC Markets scored 4.7/5 and ranks 4 in our rating; FOREX.com has 4.1/5 and ranks 37.
We explain the reasons above in detail — fees, platforms, reliability, support, and more.
FAQ
Which broker is better: FOREX.com or IC Markets?
IC Markets comes out ahead by overall rank (score 4.7/5, position 4) versus FOREX.com (score 4.1/5, position 37).
Which broker is better for beginners: FOREX.com 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) — FOREX.com 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 FOREX.com and IC Markets?
FOREX.com: FOREX.com, Ninja Trader, MetaTrader 4, TradingView. IC Markets: MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, cTrader, TradingView. See the “Platforms” section for details and selection tips.
What markets can you trade with FOREX.com and IC Markets?
FOREX.com: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Soft Commodities, Indices, Stocks, ETF, Bonds, 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 FOREX.com and IC Markets?
FOREX.com: Standard, MT4, DMA. 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 FOREX.com and IC Markets?
FOREX.com: Neteller, Skrill, Bank Transfer, Credit and Debit Cards. 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 — FOREX.com 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.
