IC Markets vs InstaForex 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 InstaForex?
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 InstaForex.
IC Markets scored 4.7/5 and ranks 3 in our all Forex brokers list, whereas InstaForex has 4.2/5 and ranks 33.
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 InstaForex suitable for?
InstaForex is suitable for beginner traders looking for simple conditions and education but may be unsuitable for professionals with large deposits due to wide spreads and low liquidity.
Comparison Table of IC Markets and InstaForex
| Broker | IC Markets | InstaForex |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2007 | 2007 |
| Regulated in Countries | Seychelles, Australia, Cyprus, Kenya | British Virgin Islands, Cyprus, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
| Minimum Deposit |
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| Spread | from 0 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:1000 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Review | IC Markets Review | InstaForex 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:
InstaForex Review
InstaForex is a popular broker that offers a wide range of trading instruments and specialized accounts. The unique possibility of accruing interest on the account balance, ForexCopy's automatic transaction copying service, and support for cryptocurrency trading make InstaForex an attractive choice for a variety of traders. Customer support is available round the clock, and account replenishment does not charge any commission, which is a significant plus.
InstaForex is suitable for beginner traders and investors interested in passive income through PAMM accounts, as well as for those looking for innovative features such as cryptocurrency trading and automatic trade copying.
Pros and Cons of InstaForex
Pros
- Large selection of trading instruments.
- PAMM accounts and the ForexCopy automatic trade copying service for passive income.
- 24/7 efficient customer support.
- Wide range of methods for depositing and withdrawing funds.
- Decent analytical section.
Cons
- Trading commissions are above average.
- No trading accounts with market execution of orders (ECN or STP).
- Broker commission on fund withdrawals.
InstaForex is in the top 10 of the following ratings:
Reliability
| Broker | IC Markets | InstaForex |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2007 | 2007 |
| Regulated in Countries | Seychelles, Australia, Cyprus, Kenya | British Virgin Islands, Cyprus, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
| Regulators | SFSA SFSA ASIC ASIC CySEC CySEC CMA CMA | BVIFSC BVIFSC CySEC CySEC SVGFSA SVGFSA SVGFSA SVGFSA |
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.
InstaForex
InstaForex operates through multiple legal entities regulated by various financial authorities. However, it should be noted that these are not the strictest or most authoritative market regulators.
Account Opening
| Broker | IC Markets | InstaForex |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
InstaForex
Given the lack of minimum deposit requirements and the option to bypass verification for certain funding methods, it can be said that opening an account with InstaForex is maximally convenient and accessible.
Account Types
| Broker | IC Markets | InstaForex |
|---|---|---|
| Account Types | 3.8/5 | 5/5 |
| Trading Accounts |
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| Minimum Deposit |
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| Spread | from 0 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:1000 |
| 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
InstaForex
InstaForex accounts offer sufficiently flexible conditions to meet the needs of most traders.
Pros
- Cent and Islamic accounts are available
- PAMM accounts and copy trading services are provided
Cons
- No market execution of orders
Commissions
| Broker | IC Markets | InstaForex |
|---|---|---|
| Commissions | 4.5/5 | 2.2/5 |
| Spread | from 0 points | from 0 points |
| Average Spread (EURUSD) | 0.62 | |
| Commission per Lot | $3.5 | $3 |
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.
InstaForex
InstaForex offers its clients trading commissions above average compared to other brokers.
Pros
- Transaction commission slightly below market average
- Commission rebates (rebate) are available
Cons
- Inactivity fee is charged
- Withdrawal fees may apply
- Wide spreads
Deposit and Withdrawal
| Broker | IC Markets | InstaForex |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.7/5 |
| 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.
InstaForex
InstaForex provides various flexible options for depositing and withdrawing funds, although some fees may be higher than those of some competitors. This disadvantage is offset by the company's offer of advantageous deposit bonuses.
Markets and Products
| Broker | IC Markets | InstaForex |
|---|---|---|
| Markets and Products | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Forex | 61 | 108 |
| Precious Metals | 7 | 8 |
| Energy Carriers | 5 | 6 |
| Soft Commodities | 8 | 13 |
| Indices | 25 | 21 |
| Stocks | 2175 | 1448 |
| ETF | 38 | 67 |
| Bonds | 10 | - |
| Cryptocurrency | 21 | 72 |
IC Markets
IC Markets offers various trading instruments, including currency pairs, CFDs on metals, energy resources, commodities, indices, stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies.
InstaForex
A wide range of trading instruments is available on InstaForex, including 110 currency pairs and various Contracts for Difference (CFDs).
Trading Platforms
| Broker | IC Markets | InstaForex |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
InstaForex
InstaForex offers a wide selection of platforms, which can satisfy the needs of the overwhelming majority of traders.
Analytics
| Broker | IC Markets | InstaForex |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 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.
InstaForex
A strong point of InstaForex is its robust analytical section for beginners. The company's analysts publish daily market forecasts, breakdowns of trading situations, and important economic news.
Education
| Broker | IC Markets | InstaForex |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 4.5/5 |
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.
InstaForex
InstaForex provides high-quality and diverse educational materials (video tutorials, courses, webinars), benefiting beginners and advanced traders. However, access to the entire training course is open only to owners of trading accounts.
Customer Support
| Broker | IC Markets | InstaForex |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.7/5 | 5/5 |
| Email Support |
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| Hotline Phones |
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| Social Media |
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
Telegram
Whatsapp
OK
VK
Viber
Skype
MessengerIC 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
InstaForex
The technical support of InstaForex demonstrates good customer service, offering various ways to connect and prompt responses to client inquiries.
Comparisons of IC Markets and InstaForex with other brokers
Conclusion
IC Markets stands out as the better overall pick, while InstaForex trails on aggregate criteria.
IC Markets scored 4.7/5 and ranks 3 in our rating; InstaForex has 4.2/5 and ranks 33.
We explain the reasons above in detail — fees, platforms, reliability, support, and more.
FAQ
Which broker is better: IC Markets or InstaForex?
IC Markets comes out ahead by overall rank (score 4.7/5, position 3) versus InstaForex (score 4.2/5, position 33).
Which broker is better for beginners: IC Markets or InstaForex?
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 InstaForex?
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 InstaForex?
IC Markets: MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, cTrader, TradingView. InstaForex: MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, InstaForex Webtrader. See the “Platforms” section for details and selection tips.
What markets can you trade with IC Markets and InstaForex?
IC Markets: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Soft Commodities, Indices, Stocks, ETF, Bonds, Cryptocurrency. InstaForex: 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 InstaForex?
IC Markets: Standard, Raw Spread cTrader, Raw Spread. InstaForex: Insta.Standard, Insta.Eurica, Cent.Standard, Cent.Eurica. See “Account Types” for a side-by-side comparison.
What deposit and withdrawal methods are supported by IC Markets and InstaForex?
IC Markets: PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, Bpay, FasaPay, Klarna, Swift, SEPA, Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, POLi, Rapidpay. InstaForex: Skrill, Neteller, YooMoney, PayCo, AstroPay, Swift, Visa, Mastercard. Check method-specific fees/settlement times.
Which broker is safer — IC Markets or InstaForex — and how was this assessed?
We consider regulation, corporate transparency, fund protection, and incident history. See the “Reliability” section for our findings.
