FP Markets 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 - FP Markets or IC Markets?
Our pick: FP Markets
Based on multiple factors - spreads and fees, available assets and instruments, execution quality, platform usability, support level, and educational resources - FP Markets looks preferable to IC Markets.
FP Markets scored 4.7/5 and ranks 3 in our all Forex brokers list, whereas IC Markets has 4.7/5 and ranks 4.
This is not financial advice. See the full comparison below.
Who is FP Markets suitable for?
FP Markets is optimal for scalpers and algorithmic traders with ECN spreads of 0 pips, active Forex traders, as well as investors interested in copy trading and DMA stocks.
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 FP Markets and IC Markets
| Broker | FP Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2005 | 2007 |
| Regulated in Countries | Australia, Cyprus, South Africa, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles | Seychelles, Australia, Cyprus, Kenya |
| Minimum Deposit |
|
|
| Spread | from 0 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:500 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
|
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| Trading Platforms |
|
|
| Review | FP Markets Review | IC Markets Review |
FP Markets Review
Pros and Cons of FP Markets
Pros
- Robust regulation, serious fund protection plus segregated accounts in AA banks.
- Competitive trading conditions: spreads from 0 pip, commission 6 USD/lot; execution ≈ 20 ms on the NY4 server.
- Rich selection of trading platforms.
- Wide range of instruments.
- Numerous deposit/withdrawal methods.
- Strong analytics and education.
- 24/7 support.
Cons
- Lack of cent accounts and fixed spread accounts.
- Some analytical materials and software are accessible only with a deposit or trading volume.
FP Markets is in the top 10 of the following ratings:
IC Markets Review
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 | FP Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2005 | 2007 |
| Regulated in Countries | Australia, Cyprus, South Africa, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles | Seychelles, Australia, Cyprus, Kenya |
| Regulators |
|
|
FP Markets
Multi-tier licenses from ASIC, CySEC and FSCA, fund segregation, and a spotless regulatory history make FP Markets a reliable partner.
Pros
- Tier-1/Tier-2 licenses (ASIC, CySEC)
- Funds held in AA bank accounts, negative balance protection
- Independent order execution audits
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 | FP Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Account Opening | 5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Minimum Deposit |
|
|
FP Markets
Opening an account completely online: registration in up to 5 minutes, verification within an hour, minimum deposit of 100 AUD — you can start trading on the same day.
Pros
- Fast registration and KYC
- Verification in less than one business day
- Commission-free deposit starting from 100 AUD
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 | FP Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Account Types | 4.3/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Trading Accounts |
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| Minimum Deposit |
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| Spread | from 0 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:500 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Demo Account | ||
| Swap-free Account |
FP Markets
The FP Markets account lineup is nearly universal — RAW, Standard, Islamic, Iress DMA, demo, and copy trading services meet the needs of most traders, all starting from 100 AUD.
Pros
- Accounts suitable for every trading style
- Free VPS and copy trading
Cons
- No cent/micro account
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 | FP Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Commissions | 4/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Spread | from 0 points | from 0 points |
| Average Spread (EURUSD) | 1.2 | 0.62 |
| Commission per Lot | $3 | $3.5 |
FP Markets
Transparent pricing: an average ECN commission of $6 per lot, market spreads of ≈1.2 pips on the Standard account, free deposits, and no inactivity charges make the conditions attractive for most traders.
Pros
- No fees for deposits and withdrawals
- No account inactivity fees
Cons
- The Standard account does not offer ultra-narrow spreads
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 | FP Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Account Funding Methods |
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FP Markets
You can fund your account instantly and commission-free via any convenient method, and withdrawals are processed within one business day.
Pros
- 0% commission on all deposits
- Cards, e-wallets, crypto, local banks
- Withdrawals processed in less than one business day
Cons
- 0.5–1% commission on currency conversion
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 | FP Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Markets and Products | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Forex | 81 | 61 |
| Precious Metals | 17 | 7 |
| Energy Carriers | 5 | 5 |
| Soft Commodities | 7 | 8 |
| Indices | 18 | 25 |
| Stocks | 566 | 2175 |
| ETF | 58 | 38 |
| Bonds | 2 | 10 |
| Cryptocurrency | 12 | 21 |
FP Markets
The FP Markets range covers 700+ CFDs — from 80 currency pairs to DMA stocks on Iress, making portfolio diversification relatively straightforward.
Pros
- 80+ currency pairs, metals, indices, soft commodities
- 500+ CFDs on stocks from Europe, the UK, and the USA
- Leverage up to 1:500 for professional clients
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 | FP Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Trading Platforms |
|
|
FP Markets
MT4/5, cTrader, TradingView, and Iress provide FP Markets with an almost complete arsenal: from algorithmic trading to DMA stocks. The versatility and fast NY4 connectivity put FP Markets’ platform suite among the best.
Pros
- 4 platforms, including TradingView and Iress DMA
- Execution ≈ 0.02 sec on NY4, supports bots and API
- Mobile and web versions of MT4/5 plus a proprietary application
Cons
- Iress is fee-based without turnover ≥150 AUD
- No browser-based cTrader Web
IC Markets
IC Markets provides powerful and functional trading platforms suitable for various trader categories.
Analytics
| Broker | FP Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
FP Markets
FP Markets offers a rich analytics suite — Trading Central, Autochartist, Traders Toolbox, TradeMedic, and a daily blog — which covers technical, fundamental, and behavioral analysis; access to some tools requires a deposit/trading volume.
Pros
- Trading Central and Autochartist with alerts
- 12-module Traders Toolbox + TradeMedic
- Economic calendar and daily trading ideas
Cons
- Paid access required for some 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 | FP Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
FP Markets
FP Markets offers courses, webinars, podcasts, and e-books ranging from basic to advanced, making its educational resources nearly universal.
Pros
- Regular webinars + an extensive video library
- Online courses for traders of various levels
- Numerous e-books
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 | FP Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Email Support |
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| Hotline Phones |
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| Social Media |
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
LinkedIn
YouTube
Telegram
WhatsappFP Markets
FP Markets’ customer support responds within seconds, operates 24/7, and usually resolves issues on the first contact.
Pros
- 24/7 support
- Multiple support channels
- High support rating
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 FP Markets and IC Markets with other brokers
Conclusion
FP Markets stands out as the better overall pick, while IC Markets trails on aggregate criteria.
FP Markets scored 4.7/5 and ranks 3 in our rating; IC Markets has 4.7/5 and ranks 4.
We explain the reasons above in detail — fees, platforms, reliability, support, and more.
FAQ
Which broker is better: FP Markets or IC Markets?
FP Markets comes out ahead by overall rank (score 4.7/5, position 3) versus IC Markets (score 4.7/5, position 4).
Which broker is better for beginners: FP Markets or IC Markets?
FP 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) — FP Markets 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 FP Markets and IC Markets?
FP Markets: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView. IC Markets: MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, cTrader, TradingView. See the “Platforms” section for details and selection tips.
What markets can you trade with FP Markets and IC Markets?
FP Markets: 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 FP Markets and IC Markets?
FP Markets: Standard, Raw. 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 FP Markets and IC Markets?
FP Markets: Neteller, Skrill, SticPay, FasaPay, Virtual Pay, Perfect Money, Pagsmile, Dragonpay, Swift, Rapid Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Asia Banks, Rapyd. 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 — FP Markets 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.
