Broker comparison

IC Markets vs XTB Comparison

Compare trading conditions, commissions and platforms of Forex brokers IC Markets and XTB. 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

XTB
Rating
4.2/5
Rank
#62
Register

69-80% 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 XTB?

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
XTB
Rating: 4.2/5Rank: #62

IC Markets

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

XTB

Minimum deposit · USD
1 USD
Different platforms
  • xStation

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

Full broker ranking

Comparison Table of IC Markets and XTB

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Overview: comparison of IC Markets, XTB
BrokerIC MarketsXTB
Foundation Year20072002
Regulated in CountriesSeychelles, Australia, Cyprus, KenyaBelize, Poland, United Kingdom, Spain, United Arab Emirates, Germany
Minimum Deposit
  • 200 AUD
  • 200 CHF
  • 200 EUR
  • 200 GBP
  • 1500 HKD
  • 30000 JPY
  • 200 NZD
  • 200 SGD
  • 200 USD
  • 1 USD
Spreadfrom 0 pointsfrom 0.5 points
Max Leverage1:5001:500
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
  • Bonds
  • Cryptocurrency
Trading Platforms
  • MetaTrader 5
  • MetaTrader 4
  • cTrader
  • TradingView
  • xStation
ReviewIC Markets ReviewXTB 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:

XTB Review

XTB Logo
Register69-80% 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 Bonds Cryptocurrency
Trading Platforms
xStation
compare XTB trading accounts

XTB is a highly regulated broker with licenses from leading bodies such as the FCA, reinforcing its reliability and transparency. This broker offers a wide range of trading products, including currencies, indices, commodities, stocks, and cryptocurrencies, making it a flexible choice for traders of different levels and interests. Various deposit options and advanced analytical support further enhance its appeal against competitors.

XTB suits traders who value regulation and security, those looking for various trading tools, and those who want access to extensive analytical resources. The broker will especially suit active traders who maximize low spreads and product diversity.

Pros and Cons of XTB

Pros

  1. Regulated by several leading financial authorities.
  2. Variety of methods to deposit funds.
  3. Wide range of trading assets.
  4. Extensive analytical tools and resources.

Cons

  1. Withdrawal methods are limited.
  2. Lack of educational materials.

Reliability

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Reliability: comparison of IC Markets, XTB
BrokerIC MarketsXTB
Reliability
5/5
5/5
Foundation Year20072002
Regulated in CountriesSeychelles, Australia, Cyprus, KenyaBelize, Poland, United Kingdom, Spain, United Arab Emirates, 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.

XTB

XTB is quite reliable, considering regulation in several authoritative jurisdictions.

Account Opening

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

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.

XTB

The account opening process at XTB is simple and clear, but takes some time.

Pros

  1. Easy registration and data verification.
  2. Flexibility regarding the minimum deposit.
  3. Adherence to KYC and AML standards.

Cons

  1. Verification can take time.
  2. Need to provide a large volume of personal data.

Account Types

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Account Types: comparison of IC Markets, XTB
BrokerIC MarketsXTB
Account Types
3.8/5
3.5/5
Trading Accounts
  • Standard
  • Raw Spread cTrader
  • Raw Spread
  • Standard
  • Swap Free
Minimum Deposit
  • 200 USD
  • 200 EUR
  • 200 CHF
  • 200 GBP
  • 200 AUD
  • 200 NZD
  • 200 SGD
  • 1500 HKD
  • 30000 JPY
  • 1 USD
Spreadfrom 0 pointsfrom 0.5 points
Max Leverage1:5001:500
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
  • Bonds
  • Cryptocurrency
Trading Platforms
  • MetaTrader 5
  • MetaTrader 4
  • cTrader
  • TradingView
  • xStation
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

XTB

XTB’s account types cover the core needs of most traders and investors: a Standard and Swap-Free account for CFD trading plus a separate investment account for real stocks and ETFs, though the overall choice is less diverse than some rivals.

Pros

  1. Simple lineup: Standard, Swap-Free and Investment account.
  2. Access to real stocks and ETFs with one broker.
  3. Unified xStation platform for trading and investing.

Cons

  1. Fewer account types than some competitors.
  2. No specialized “pro” accounts for niche strategies.

Commissions

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Commissions: comparison of IC Markets, XTB
BrokerIC MarketsXTB
Commissions
4.5/5
3.5/5
Spreadfrom 0 pointsfrom 0.5 points
Average Spread (EURUSD)0.621.4
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.

XTB

XTB offers an average level of commissions.

Pros

  1. Cashback system helps to offset some of the commissions.

Cons

  1. Fee for account inactivity.

Deposit and Withdrawal

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Deposit and Withdrawal: comparison of IC Markets, XTB
BrokerIC MarketsXTB
Rating
4.5/5
4/5
Account Funding Methods
  • PayPal
  • Neteller
  • Skrill
  • Bpay
  • FasaPay
  • Klarna
  • Swift
  • SEPA
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • UnionPay
  • POLi
  • Rapidpay
  • Neteller
  • Skrill
  • PaySafeCard
  • Bank Transfer
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • Maestro

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.

XTB

XTB provides convenient methods for depositing funds without a commission, but has limited withdrawal options.

Pros

  1. Wide selection of deposit methods.
  2. No commission for depositing funds.
  3. No commission for withdrawals over $50.

Cons

  1. The only available withdrawal method is bank transfer.
  2. Commission of $30 for withdrawals less than $50.

Markets and Products

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Markets and Products: comparison of IC Markets, XTB
BrokerIC MarketsXTB
Markets and Products
5/5
5/5
Forex6157
Precious Metals79
Energy Carriers55
Soft Commodities810
Indices2535
Stocks21751997
ETF38177
Bonds103
Cryptocurrency2141

IC Markets

IC Markets offers various trading instruments, including currency pairs, CFDs on metals, energy resources, commodities, indices, stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies.

XTB

XTB offers an extensive range of markets and products for trading, including currency pairs, indices, commodities, stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies.

Trading Platforms

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Trading Platforms: comparison of IC Markets, XTB
BrokerIC MarketsXTB
Rating
5/5
4.2/5
Trading Platforms
  • MetaTrader 5
  • MetaTrader 4
  • cTrader
  • TradingView
  • xStation

IC Markets

IC Markets provides powerful and functional trading platforms suitable for various trader categories.

XTB

XTB offers its functional and user-friendly trading platform xStation 5, well-suited for market analysis.

Pros

  1. A multitude of analytical tools.
  2. Customizable terminal interface.
  3. Android mobile app available.

Cons

  1. Lack of choice between different trading platforms.
  2. No platform version for iOS devices.
  3. No desktop version of the platform.

Analytics

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Analytics: comparison of IC Markets, XTB
BrokerIC MarketsXTB
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.

XTB

XTB offers superior analytics with a rich set of tools available to all users, making them one of the leaders in this area.

Pros

  1. In-depth analytics, including forecasts from experts and news.
  2. A wide range of analysis tools, including an economic calendar and trading schedules.
  3. Analytics available to all users, not only company clients.

Education

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Education: comparison of IC Markets, XTB
BrokerIC MarketsXTB
Rating
5/5
3/5

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.

XTB

XTB's educational materials are limited.

Pros

  1. Basic trading information is provided.

Cons

  1. Lack of webinars and detailed video tutorials.
  2. Not suitable for beginners seeking comprehensive education.

Customer Support

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Customer Support: comparison of IC Markets, XTB
BrokerIC MarketsXTB
Rating
4.7/5
4.5/5
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

XTB

XTB's technical support is generally good, available 24/5.

Pros

  1. Operates 24/5.
  2. Contact options include phone and email.
  3. Responses to inquiries are received within a reasonable timeframe.

Cons

  1. Lack of messaging channels for communication.

Comparisons of IC Markets and XTB with other brokers

Conclusion

When choosing between IC Markets and XTB, 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 XTB?

IC Markets ranks higher than XTB 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 XTB?

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 XTB?

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 XTB?

IC Markets: MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, cTrader, TradingView. XTB: xStation. See the “Platforms” section for details and selection tips.

What markets can you trade with IC Markets and XTB?

IC Markets: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Soft Commodities, Indices, Stocks, ETF, Bonds, Cryptocurrency. XTB: 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 IC Markets and XTB?

IC Markets: Standard, Raw Spread cTrader, Raw Spread. XTB: Standard, Swap Free. See “Account Types” for a side-by-side comparison.

What deposit and withdrawal methods are supported by IC Markets and XTB?

IC Markets: PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, Bpay, FasaPay, Klarna, Swift, SEPA, Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, POLi, Rapidpay. XTB: Neteller, Skrill, PaySafeCard, Bank Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Maestro. Check method-specific fees/settlement times.

Which broker is safer — IC Markets or XTB — 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.