Broker comparison

IC Markets vs Trading 212 Comparison

Compare trading conditions, commissions and platforms of Forex brokers IC Markets and Trading 212. Find out which broker is best for you.

VS summaryScores and ranking at a glance
IC MarketsHigher ranked
Rating
4.7/5
Rank
#6
Register

Trading CFDs carries high risks. You may lose all invested funds

Trading 212
Rating
4.3/5
Rank
#45
Register

72% of retail investors lose money when trading CFDs with this broker

  • Conditions, fees and platforms compared
  • Ratings and ranking positions checked
  • Based on our review methodology
How we compare brokers
Updated

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?

Quick comparison

Key differences between the brokers

Below, we show only the differences in trading conditions covered in our reviews. These may include the minimum deposit, available markets, platforms and account types. Compare these details with your requirements.

Methodology

Ratings and ranks

IC Markets ranks higher in the editorial ranking.
IC Markets
Rating: 4.7/5Rank: #6
Trading 212
Rating: 4.3/5Rank: #45

IC Markets

Minimum deposit · USD
200 USD
Different platforms
  • MetaTrader 5
  • MetaTrader 4
  • cTrader
  • TradingView
Different markets
  • Bonds

Trading 212

Minimum deposit · USD
1 USD
Different platforms
  • Trading 212
Different markets
None listed

This material is not personalized financial advice. Terms and service availability vary by country.

Full broker ranking

Comparison Table of IC Markets and Trading 212

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Overview: comparison of IC Markets, Trading 212
BrokerIC MarketsTrading 212
Foundation Year20072004
Regulated in CountriesSeychelles, Australia, Cyprus, KenyaUnited Kingdom, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Australia, Germany
Minimum Deposit
  • 200 AUD
  • 200 CHF
  • 200 EUR
  • 200 GBP
  • 1500 HKD
  • 30000 JPY
  • 200 NZD
  • 200 SGD
  • 200 USD
  • 1 EUR
  • 1 GBP
  • 1 USD
Spreadfrom 0 pointsfrom 0 points
Max Leverage1:5001:30
Trading Assets (CFDs)
  • Forex
  • Precious Metals
  • Energy Carriers
  • Soft Commodities
  • Indices
  • Stocks
  • ETF
  • Bonds
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Forex
  • Precious Metals
  • Energy Carriers
  • Soft Commodities
  • Indices
  • Stocks
  • ETF
  • Cryptocurrency
Trading Platforms
  • MetaTrader 5
  • MetaTrader 4
  • cTrader
  • TradingView
  • Trading 212
ReviewIC Markets ReviewTrading 212 Review

IC Markets Review

IC Markets Logo
RegisterTrading CFDs carries high risks. You may lose all invested funds
Countries of registration:
Regulators:
Trading Assets
Forex Precious Metals Energy Carriers Soft Commodities Indices Stocks ETF Bonds Cryptocurrency
Trading Platforms
MetaTrader 5MetaTrader 4cTraderTradingView
compare IC Markets trading accounts

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

  1. A wide range of trading assets.
  2. Low spreads.
  3. Variety of trading platforms.
  4. Quality educational materials.
  5. Efficient customer support service.

Cons

  1. High minimum deposit.

IC Markets is in the top 10 of the following ratings:

Trading 212 Review

Trading 212 Logo
Register72% of retail investors lose money when trading CFDs with this broker
Countries of registration:
Regulators:
Trading Assets
Forex Precious Metals Energy Carriers Soft Commodities Indices Stocks ETF Cryptocurrency
Trading Platforms
Trading 212
compare Trading 212 trading accounts

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

  1. Zero commissions on stocks and ETFs.
  2. Low minimum deposit.
  3. Convenient and easy-to-use platform.
  4. Fractional shares.
  5. No deposit and withdrawal fees.
  6. Regulation in leading financial jurisdictions.

Cons

  1. Wide spreads on CFDs.
  2. No MetaTrader or cTrader.
  3. Limited analytics.
  4. No live chat or phone support.
  5. Currency conversion fee.

Reliability

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Reliability: comparison of IC Markets, Trading 212
BrokerIC MarketsTrading 212
Reliability
5/5
5/5
Foundation Year20072004
Regulated in CountriesSeychelles, Australia, Cyprus, KenyaUnited 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

  1. Regulated by FCA, ASIC, BaFin, CySEC
  2. Participation in the FSCS compensation scheme
  3. Transparent terms and oversight by regulators

Account Opening

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Account Opening: comparison of IC Markets, Trading 212
BrokerIC MarketsTrading 212
Account Opening
4.5/5
4.8/5
Minimum Deposit
  • 200 USD
  • 200 EUR
  • 200 CHF
  • 200 GBP
  • 200 AUD
  • 200 NZD
  • 200 SGD
  • 1500 HKD
  • 30000 JPY
  • 1 USD
  • 1 EUR
  • 1 GBP

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

  1. Fully online registration
  2. Fast verification
  3. Low minimum deposit

Cons

  1. Mandatory KYC verification
  2. Verification delays are possible

Account Types

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Account Types: comparison of IC Markets, Trading 212
BrokerIC MarketsTrading 212
Account Types
3.8/5
4/5
Trading Accounts
  • Standard
  • Raw Spread cTrader
  • Raw Spread
  • INVEST
  • ISA
  • CFD
Minimum Deposit
  • 200 USD
  • 200 EUR
  • 200 CHF
  • 200 GBP
  • 200 AUD
  • 200 NZD
  • 200 SGD
  • 1500 HKD
  • 30000 JPY
  • 1 USD
  • 1 EUR
  • 1 GBP
Spreadfrom 0 pointsfrom 0 points
Max Leverage1:5001:30
Trading Assets (CFDs)
  • Forex
  • Precious Metals
  • Energy Carriers
  • Soft Commodities
  • Indices
  • Stocks
  • ETF
  • Bonds
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Forex
  • Precious Metals
  • Energy Carriers
  • Soft Commodities
  • Indices
  • Stocks
  • ETF
  • Cryptocurrency
Trading Platforms
  • MetaTrader 5
  • MetaTrader 4
  • cTrader
  • TradingView
  • Trading 212
Demo Account
Swap-free Account

IC Markets

IC Markets' accounts are mainly aimed at experienced and professional traders.

Pros

  1. ECN accounts
  2. Ability to copy trades
  3. Access to VPS

Cons

  1. No cent accounts
  2. 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

  1. CFD and Invest accounts are available
  2. Suitable for beginners and investors
  3. Demo account available

Cons

  1. Limited account variety
  2. ISA is available only in the UK

Commissions

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Commissions: comparison of IC Markets, Trading 212
BrokerIC MarketsTrading 212
Commissions
4.5/5
4/5
Spreadfrom 0 pointsfrom 0 points
Average Spread (EURUSD)0.621.2
Commissionper 1 lot$3.50No data

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

  1. Zero commissions on Invest/ISA
  2. No deposit/withdrawal fees
  3. Transparent fee structure

Cons

  1. CFD spreads are above average
  2. Currency conversion fee

Deposit and Withdrawal

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Deposit and Withdrawal: comparison of IC Markets, Trading 212
BrokerIC MarketsTrading 212
Rating
4.5/5
4.5/5
Account Funding Methods
  • PayPal
  • Neteller
  • Skrill
  • Bpay
  • FasaPay
  • Klarna
  • Swift
  • SEPA
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • UnionPay
  • POLi
  • Rapidpay
  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay
  • PayPal
  • Bank Transfer
  • Credit and Debit Cards
  • Giropay
  • Dotpay
  • iDeal

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

  1. No deposit/withdrawal fees
  2. Convenient methods (cards, PayPal, Apple Pay)
  3. Fast transactions

Cons

  1. No cryptocurrencies
  2. Bank transfers are slower

Markets and Products

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Markets and Products: comparison of IC Markets, Trading 212
BrokerIC MarketsTrading 212
Markets and Products
5/5
5/5
Forex6135
Precious Metals73
Energy Carriers52
Soft Commodities83
Indices258
Stocks217551
ETF385
Bonds10-
Cryptocurrency2122

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

  1. Large selection of stocks and ETFs
  2. Access to international exchanges
  3. Suitable for investing and trading

Cons

  1. No futures or options

Trading Platforms

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Trading Platforms: comparison of IC Markets, Trading 212
BrokerIC MarketsTrading 212
Rating
5/5
4/5
Trading Platforms
  • MetaTrader 5
  • MetaTrader 4
  • cTrader
  • TradingView
  • Trading 212

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

  1. Simple and user-friendly interface
  2. Web and mobile versions available
  3. Suitable for beginners

Cons

  1. No MetaTrader/cTrader
  2. Limited features for professionals

Analytics

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Analytics: comparison of IC Markets, Trading 212
BrokerIC MarketsTrading 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

  1. Convenient charts
  2. Fundamental data available
  3. Suitable for basic analysis

Cons

  1. No news feed
  2. No expert analysis

Education

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Education: comparison of IC Markets, Trading 212
BrokerIC MarketsTrading 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

  1. Many educational videos
  2. FAQ and articles available
  3. Active forum

Cons

  1. No webinars
  2. Few advanced materials

Customer Support

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Customer Support: comparison of IC Markets, Trading 212
BrokerIC MarketsTrading 212
Rating
4.7/5
4/5
Email Support
Hotline Phones
Social Media

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

  1. Positive reviews about professional support
  2. Multiple channels for support communication
  3. Support is available 24/7

Cons

  1. 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

  1. 24/7 support
  2. High-quality answers

Cons

  1. No live chat
  2. No phone support

Comparisons of IC Markets and Trading 212 with other brokers

Conclusion

When choosing between IC Markets and Trading 212, match their platforms, markets, account types and funding terms to your needs.

Before opening an account, verify fees, regulation, support and service availability for your country in the sections above.

FAQ

Which broker is better: IC Markets or Trading 212?

IC Markets ranks higher than Trading 212 in our editorial ranking. That does not make it a universal choice: compare fees, markets, platforms, account types and support.

Which broker is better for beginners: IC Markets or Trading 212?

Beginners should compare availability in their country, account types, minimum deposit, trading platforms and customer support.

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.

Nikolay is an experienced specialist in financial markets and co-founder of IamForexTrader. He has been successfully trading Forex since 2014 and has been actively involved in the cryptocurrency market since 2017.

He develops investment strategies adaptable to any level of experience and has been actively investing in stocks, bonds and ETFs since 2018.