IC Markets vs Trading 212 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 Trading 212?
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 Trading 212.
IC Markets scored 4.7/5 and ranks 4 in our all Forex brokers list, whereas Trading 212 has 4.3/5 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 Trading 212 suitable for?
Trading 212 is suitable for beginners thanks to educational materials and a low minimum deposit, and for experienced traders looking for affordability and simplicity
Comparison Table of IC Markets and Trading 212
| Broker | IC Markets | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2007 | 2003 |
| Regulated in Countries | Seychelles, Australia, Cyprus, Kenya | United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Australia, Germany |
| Minimum Deposit |
|
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| Spread | from 0 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:30 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Review | IC Markets Review | Trading 212 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:
Trading 212 Review
Trading 212 is a convenient and modern broker primarily aimed at retail investors and beginner traders. The platform combines ease of use, a low entry threshold, and zero commissions on stocks and ETFs, making it attractive for long-term investing and gradual portfolio building.
The broker is best suited for:
- beginner investors
- users with limited capital
- those who invest in stocks and ETFs
- traders who value a simple interface
Trading 212 is less suitable for active traders and professionals who need tight spreads, advanced platforms (MetaTrader, cTrader), and a wider selection of derivatives.
Pros and Cons of Trading 212
Pros
- Zero commissions on stocks and ETFs.
- Low minimum deposit.
- Convenient and easy-to-use platform.
- Fractional shares.
- No deposit and withdrawal fees.
- Regulation in leading financial jurisdictions.
Cons
- Wide spreads on CFDs.
- No MetaTrader or cTrader.
- Limited analytics.
- No live chat or phone support.
- Currency conversion fee.
Reliability
| Broker | IC Markets | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2007 | 2003 |
| Regulated in Countries | Seychelles, Australia, Cyprus, Kenya | United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Australia, Germany |
| 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.
Trading 212
Trading 212 demonstrates a high level of reliability thanks to regulation in the EU, Australia, and the UK, as well as participation in an investor compensation scheme.
Pros
- Regulated by FCA, ASIC, BaFin, CySEC
- Participation in the FSCS compensation scheme
- Transparent terms and oversight by regulators
Account Opening
| Broker | IC Markets | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| Account Opening | 4.5/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Minimum Deposit |
|
|
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.
Trading 212
Opening an account with Trading 212 is a quick and simple process: registration is fully online, verification takes up to 1 day, and the low minimum deposit makes getting started highly accessible.
Pros
- Fully online registration
- Fast verification
- Low minimum deposit
Cons
- Mandatory KYC verification
- Verification delays are possible
Account Types
| Broker | IC Markets | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| Account Types | 3.8/5 | 4/5 |
| Trading Accounts |
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| Minimum Deposit |
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| Spread | from 0 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:30 |
| 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
Trading 212
Trading 212 account types cover the main use cases—trading and investing. The lineup is simple and convenient, but it lags behind competitors in flexibility and lacks specialized accounts.
Pros
- CFD and Invest accounts are available
- Suitable for beginners and investors
- Demo account available
Cons
- Limited account variety
- ISA is available only in the UK
Commissions
| Broker | IC Markets | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| Commissions | 4.5/5 | 4/5 |
| Spread | from 0 points | from 0 points |
| Average Spread (EURUSD) | 0.62 | 1.2 |
| 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.
Trading 212
Trading 212's fees are below average thanks to zero commissions on Invest, but spreads and currency conversion reduce the overall attractiveness, especially for active CFD trading.
Pros
- Zero commissions on Invest/ISA
- No deposit/withdrawal fees
- Transparent fee structure
Cons
- CFD spreads are above average
- Currency conversion fee
Deposit and Withdrawal
| Broker | IC Markets | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Trading 212
Deposits and withdrawals at Trading 212 are convenient and cost-effective: a wide range of methods with no fees and fast processing. A minor drawback is the lack of cryptocurrencies.
Pros
- No deposit/withdrawal fees
- Convenient methods (cards, PayPal, Apple Pay)
- Fast transactions
Cons
- No cryptocurrencies
- Bank transfers are slower
Markets and Products
| Broker | IC Markets | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| Markets and Products | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Forex | 61 | 35 |
| Precious Metals | 7 | 3 |
| Energy Carriers | 5 | 2 |
| Soft Commodities | 8 | 3 |
| Indices | 25 | 8 |
| Stocks | 2175 | 51 |
| ETF | 38 | 5 |
| Bonds | 10 | - |
| Cryptocurrency | 21 | 22 |
IC Markets
IC Markets offers various trading instruments, including currency pairs, CFDs on metals, energy resources, commodities, indices, stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies.
Trading 212
Trading 212's markets and products cover key assets—stocks, ETFs, Forex, and CFDs. The offering is broad enough for most needs, but the lack of futures and options reduces versatility.
Pros
- Large selection of stocks and ETFs
- Access to international exchanges
- Suitable for investing and trading
Cons
- No futures or options
Trading Platforms
| Broker | IC Markets | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Trading Platforms |
|
|
IC Markets
IC Markets provides powerful and functional trading platforms suitable for various trader categories.
Trading 212
Trading 212's platforms are convenient and easy to understand, suitable for most users. The functionality is sufficient for trading, but the limited choice lowers the score.
Pros
- Simple and user-friendly interface
- Web and mobile versions available
- Suitable for beginners
Cons
- No MetaTrader/cTrader
- Limited features for professionals
Analytics
| Broker | IC Markets | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 3.5/5 |
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.
Trading 212
Trading 212's analytics are suitable for self-directed analysis: there are charts and data. But the lack of news and signals makes this section limited.
Pros
- Convenient charts
- Fundamental data available
- Suitable for basic analysis
Cons
- No news feed
- No expert analysis
Education
| Broker | IC Markets | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 3.7/5 |
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.
Trading 212
Trading 212's education is at a good level: plenty of videos and basic materials. It suits beginners, but it lacks depth and advanced content.
Pros
- Many educational videos
- FAQ and articles available
- Active forum
Cons
- No webinars
- Few advanced materials
Customer Support
| Broker | IC Markets | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.7/5 | 4/5 |
| Email Support |
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| Hotline Phones |
| — |
| Social Media |
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
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
Trading 212
Trading 212 support works 24/7 and is generally effective, but the lack of live chat and a phone line reduces the speed of resolving urgent issues.
Pros
- 24/7 support
- High-quality answers
Cons
- No live chat
- No phone support
Comparisons of IC Markets and Trading 212 with other brokers
Conclusion
IC Markets stands out as the better overall pick, while Trading 212 trails on aggregate criteria.
IC Markets scored 4.7/5 and ranks 4 in our rating; Trading 212 has 4.3/5 and ranks 33.
We explain the reasons above in detail — fees, platforms, reliability, support, and more.
FAQ
Which broker is better: IC Markets or Trading 212?
IC Markets comes out ahead by overall rank (score 4.7/5, position 4) versus Trading 212 (score 4.3/5, position 33).
Which broker is better for beginners: IC Markets or Trading 212?
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 Trading 212?
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 Trading 212?
IC Markets: MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, cTrader, TradingView. Trading 212: Trading 212. See the “Platforms” section for details and selection tips.
What markets can you trade with IC Markets and Trading 212?
IC Markets: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Soft Commodities, Indices, Stocks, ETF, Bonds, Cryptocurrency. Trading 212: 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 Trading 212?
IC Markets: Standard, Raw Spread cTrader, Raw Spread. Trading 212: INVEST, ISA, CFD. See “Account Types” for a side-by-side comparison.
What deposit and withdrawal methods are supported by IC Markets and Trading 212?
IC Markets: PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, Bpay, FasaPay, Klarna, Swift, SEPA, Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, POLi, Rapidpay. Trading 212: Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Bank Transfer, Credit and Debit Cards, Giropay, Dotpay, iDeal. Check method-specific fees/settlement times.
Which broker is safer — IC Markets or Trading 212 — and how was this assessed?
We consider regulation, corporate transparency, fund protection, and incident history. See the “Reliability” section for our findings.
