IC Markets vs IFC 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 - IC Markets or IFC 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 IFC Markets.
IC Markets scored 4.7/5 and ranks 4 in our all Forex brokers list, whereas IFC Markets has 4.3/5 and ranks 26.
This is not financial advice. See the full comparison below.
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.
Who is IFC Markets suitable for?
IFC Markets is suitable for traders looking for various trading instruments and platforms but may not be ideal for those who require an ECN account.
Comparison Table of IC Markets and IFC Markets
| Broker | IC Markets | IFC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2007 | 2005 |
| Regulated in Countries | Seychelles, Australia, Cyprus, Kenya | British Virgin Islands, Malaysia |
| Minimum Deposit |
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| Spread | from 0 points | from 0.4 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:400 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Review | IC Markets Review | IFC Markets Review |
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:
IFC Markets Review
IFC Markets is a reliable and licensed broker, offering a broad spectrum of trading instruments and platforms for investors of various experience levels. With multilingual support and extensive educational resources, the company aims to provide its clients with a comfortable and efficient trading environment.
IFC Markets could be a suitable choice for investors seeking a variety of trading instruments and platforms.
Pros and Cons of IFC Markets
Pros
- A wide range of trading assets.
- Variety of trading platforms.
- Educational materials for traders of all experience levels.
- Tools for creating synthetic tools are available.
Cons
- High swaps.
IFC Markets is in the top 10 of the following ratings:
Reliability
| Broker | IC Markets | IFC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | 5/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2007 | 2005 |
| Regulated in Countries | Seychelles, Australia, Cyprus, Kenya | British Virgin Islands, Malaysia |
| Regulators |
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.
IFC Markets
The broker demonstrates high reliability, confirmed by multi-jurisdictional regulation and professional indemnity insurance.
Pros
- Multi-jurisdictional regulation.
- Insurance against professional liability.
Cons
- Lack of regulation in countries with stricter requirements.
Account Opening
| Broker | IC Markets | IFC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Account Opening | 4.5/5 | 5/5 |
| Minimum Deposit |
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|
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.
IFC Markets
Opening an account with IFC Markets is relatively simple and convenient.
Account Types
| Broker | IC Markets | IFC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Account Types | 3.8/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Trading Accounts |
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| Minimum Deposit |
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| Spread | from 0 points | from 0.4 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:400 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Demo Account | ||
| Swap-free 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
IFC Markets
IFC Markets offers a good selection of accounts that meet the requirements of various categories of traders, though there are some limitations.
Pros
- A wide selection of trading accounts.
- Swap-free accounts for Islamic traders.
- PAMM accounts available.
Cons
- Absence of STP and ECN accounts.
Commissions
| Broker | IC Markets | IFC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Commissions | 4.5/5 | 3/5 |
| Spread | from 0 points | from 0.4 points |
| Average Spread (EURUSD) | 0.62 | 1.4 |
| Commission per Lot | $3.5 |
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.
IFC Markets
IFC Markets offers competitive spreads, but high swaps can make long-term trading difficult.
Deposit and Withdrawal
| Broker | IC Markets | IFC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Account Funding Methods |
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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.
IFC Markets
IFC Markets provides numerous methods for depositing and withdrawing funds without additional commissions, ensuring convenience and savings for traders.
Pros
- Wide choice of deposit and withdrawal methods.
- No broker commissions on financial transactions.
Cons
- Withdrawals can only be made through the same method as deposits.
- Withdrawal requests may take up to 2 business days to process.
Markets and Products
| Broker | IC Markets | IFC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Markets and Products | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Forex | 61 | 53 |
| Precious Metals | 7 | 7 |
| Energy Carriers | 5 | 4 |
| Soft Commodities | 8 | 16 |
| Indices | 25 | 12 |
| Stocks | 2175 | 461 |
| ETF | 38 | 4 |
| Bonds | 10 | - |
| Cryptocurrency | 21 | 14 |
IC Markets
IC Markets offers various trading instruments, including currency pairs, CFDs on metals, energy resources, commodities, indices, stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies.
IFC Markets
IFC Markets offers extensive financial instruments, providing flexibility for traders' diverse strategies.
Trading Platforms
| Broker | IC Markets | IFC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Trading Platforms |
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IC Markets
IC Markets provides powerful and functional trading platforms suitable for various trader categories.
IFC Markets
The IFCM platforms include MT4, MT5, and the proprietary NetTradeX terminal, offering a broad selection with advanced features.
Analytics
| Broker | IC Markets | IFC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 4.5/5 |
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.
IFC Markets
IFCM provides a comprehensive analytical toolkit but lacks automated updates for economic news and some tools for self-analysis.
Education
| Broker | IC Markets | IFC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
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.
IFC Markets
The wealth and quality of educational resources presented by IFCM set the broker apart from competitors.
Customer Support
| Broker | IC Markets | IFC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Email Support |
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| Hotline Phones |
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| Social Media |
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
Skype
Telegram
Whatsapp
Messenger
YouTubeIC 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
IFC Markets
Customers highly rate the technical support of IFC Markets for its rapid and professional service, though it is unavailable 24/7.
Comparisons of IC Markets and IFC Markets with other brokers
Conclusion
IC Markets stands out as the better overall pick, while IFC Markets trails on aggregate criteria.
IC Markets scored 4.7/5 and ranks 4 in our rating; IFC Markets has 4.3/5 and ranks 26.
We explain the reasons above in detail — fees, platforms, reliability, support, and more.
FAQ
Which broker is better: IC Markets or IFC Markets?
IC Markets comes out ahead by overall rank (score 4.7/5, position 4) versus IFC Markets (score 4.3/5, position 26).
Which broker is better for beginners: IC Markets or IFC 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) — IC Markets or IFC 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 IC Markets and IFC Markets?
IC Markets: MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, cTrader, TradingView. IFC Markets: NetTradeX, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5. See the “Platforms” section for details and selection tips.
What markets can you trade with IC Markets and IFC Markets?
IC Markets: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Soft Commodities, Indices, Stocks, ETF, Bonds, Cryptocurrency. IFC Markets: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Soft Commodities, Indices, Stocks, ETF, Cryptocurrency. Full lists and differences are in the “Markets” section.
What account types are offered by IC Markets and IFC Markets?
IC Markets: Standard, Raw Spread cTrader, Raw Spread. IFC Markets: NetTradeX Standard Fixed, NetTradeX Standard Floating, NetTradeX Beginner Fixed, NetTradeX Beginner Floating, MT4 Standard Fixed, MT4 Micro Fixed, MT5 Standard Floating, MT5 Micro Floating. See “Account Types” for a side-by-side comparison.
What deposit and withdrawal methods are supported by IC Markets and IFC Markets?
IC Markets: PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, Bpay, FasaPay, Klarna, Swift, SEPA, Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, POLi, Rapidpay. IFC Markets: Volet, WebMoney, Perfect Money, Bank Transfer, Visa, Mastercard. Check method-specific fees/settlement times.
Which broker is safer — IC Markets or IFC Markets — and how was this assessed?
We consider regulation, corporate transparency, fund protection, and incident history. See the “Reliability” section for our findings.
