HF 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 - HF Markets 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 HF Markets.
IC Markets scored 4.7/5 and ranks 4 in our all Forex brokers list, whereas HF Markets has 4.3/5 and ranks 23.
This is not financial advice. See the full comparison below.
Who is HF Markets suitable for?
HF Markets is suitable for traders of any level looking for a reliable broker with good trading conditions and support for MetaTrader 4 and 5.
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 HF Markets and IC Markets
| Broker | HF Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2009 | 2007 |
| Regulated in Countries | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, South Africa, Seychelles, Cyprus, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Kenya | Seychelles, Australia, Cyprus, Kenya |
| Minimum Deposit |
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| Spread | from 0 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:2000 | 1:500 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Review | HF Markets Review | IC Markets Review |
HF Markets Review
HF Markets is a reliable and appealing Forex broker, offering a wide selection of trading assets, a variety of account types, and access to the popular trading platforms MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. With its regulation and industry experience, the company has earned a reputation as a dependable partner for traders of varying experience levels.
HF Markets is recommended for those seeking a trustworthy and vetted broker with favorable trading conditions and customer support.
Pros and Cons of HF Markets
Pros
- Regulated by reputable financial authorities.
- Wide selection of trading assets.
- A variety of educational materials and analytical reviews.
Cons
- There is no alternative to MetaTrader.
- High swaps and wide spreads.
HF Markets 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 | HF Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2009 | 2007 |
| Regulated in Countries | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, South Africa, Seychelles, Cyprus, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Kenya | Seychelles, Australia, Cyprus, Kenya |
| Regulators |
HF Markets
HF Markets is highly regulated and provides dependable services, safeguarding its clients' interests.
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 | HF Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Account Opening | 5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Minimum Deposit |
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HF Markets
The account opening process at HF Markets is simple and quick, with a user-friendly interface and standard verification.
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 | HF Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Account Types | 5/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Trading Accounts |
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| Minimum Deposit |
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| Spread | from 0 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:2000 | 1:500 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Demo Account | ||
| Swap-free Account |
HF Markets
The broker offers a range of accounts to satisfy the needs of diverse traders.
Pros
- A wide selection of account types to suit different requirements.
- Specialized accounts, such as Cent and Islamic accounts.
- The opportunity to copy trades from successful traders.
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 | HF Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Commissions | 2/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Spread | from 0 points | from 0 points |
| Average Spread (EURUSD) | 1.5 | 0.62 |
| Commission per Lot | $3 | $3.5 |
HF Markets
HF Markets' commissions are above average for the market.
Pros
- No fees for deposits/withdrawals.
Cons
- Spreads are above average
- High swaps for long-term trading.
- Inactivity fee.
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 | HF Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Account Funding Methods |
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HF Markets
HF Markets provides many deposit and withdrawal methods, making the broker convenient for many traders.
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 | HF Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Markets and Products | 4.5/5 | 5/5 |
| Forex | 53 | 61 |
| Precious Metals | 6 | 7 |
| Energy Carriers | 2 | 5 |
| Soft Commodities | 5 | 8 |
| Indices | 11 | 25 |
| Stocks | 95 | 2175 |
| ETF | 33 | 38 |
| Bonds | 3 | 10 |
| Cryptocurrency | 40 | 21 |
HF Markets
HF Markets offers a wide selection of trading assets, though it has a limited choice of 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 | HF Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 5/5 |
| Trading Platforms |
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HF Markets
HF Markets offers a wide choice of reliable and functional platforms, making it attractive to traders of various levels.
IC Markets
IC Markets provides powerful and functional trading platforms suitable for various trader categories.
Analytics
| Broker | HF Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
HF Markets
HF Markets offers an impressive set of analytical tools and up-to-date news from experts, facilitating 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 | HF Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
HF Markets
HF Markets' educational materials are extensive and in-depth, allowing traders of all levels to improve their skills and strategies.
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 | HF Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.2/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Email Support |
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| Hotline Phones |
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| Social Media |
Facebook
Twitter
Telegram
Instagram
YouTube
LinkedInHF Markets
HF Markets' customer support is efficient, available through various channels, and responds quickly.
Pros
- Variety of communication channels (email, phone, online chat).
- Quick and professional response.
- Positive user feedback.
Cons
- Absence of instant messaging for quick communication.
- Lack of national phone lines.
- Support is limited to working days (24/5).
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 HF Markets and IC Markets with other brokers
Conclusion
IC Markets stands out as the better overall pick, while HF Markets trails on aggregate criteria.
IC Markets scored 4.7/5 and ranks 4 in our rating; HF Markets 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: HF Markets or IC Markets?
IC Markets comes out ahead by overall rank (score 4.7/5, position 4) versus HF Markets (score 4.3/5, position 23).
Which broker is better for beginners: HF Markets 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) — HF 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 HF Markets and IC Markets?
HF Markets: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, WebTrader. IC Markets: MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, cTrader, TradingView. See the “Platforms” section for details and selection tips.
What markets can you trade with HF Markets and IC Markets?
HF 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 HF Markets and IC Markets?
HF Markets: Cent, Premium, Zero, Pro. 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 HF Markets and IC Markets?
HF Markets: Skrill, Perfect Money, FasaPay, BitPay, Bank Transfer, Visa, Mastercard. 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 — HF 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.
