IC Markets Review
IC Markets is a reliable and highly regulated Forex broker known for its competitive trading fees. It provides access to a wide variety of financial instruments and holds an impressive trust score of 94 out of 99.
Broker | IC Markets |
Minimum Deposit | 200 USD |
Inactivity Fee | None |
Regulation and Licenses | ASIC, CySEC, FSA, SCB |
Ease of Use Rating | 5/5 |
Bonuses | None |
Support Hours | 24/7 |
Open an Account | Click Here |
IC Markets Review – In-Depth Analysis of Key Features
- Overview
- Detailed Summary
- Security Measures
- Account Types
- How to Open an Account
- Trading Platforms and Software
- Fees, Spreads, and Commissions
- Available Markets
- Leverage and Margin
- Deposits and Withdrawals
- Educational Resources
- Pros and Cons
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Overview
Founded in 2007 in Sydney, Australia, IC Markets has established itself as a leading online forex and CFD broker. Known for its transparency and commitment to providing a secure trading environment, the firm caters to both novice and experienced traders.
IC Markets operates under the strict supervision of several prominent financial regulators, including ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus), and the FSA (Seychelles), ensuring that the broker maintains high standards of trustworthiness and reliability.
The broker’s key strength lies in its wide array of financial instruments, offering forex, commodities, indices, bonds, cryptocurrencies, and stocks. This extensive selection meets the diverse needs of traders and allows for effective portfolio diversification.
A standout feature of IC Markets is its use of the Electronic Communication Network (ECN) model, which facilitates direct market access and enhances the overall trading experience.
Detailed Summary
Broker | IC Markets |
Established Year | 2007 |
Regulation and Licenses | ASIC, CySEC, FSA, SCB |
Ease of Use Rating | 5/5 |
Bonuses | None |
Support Hours | 24/7 |
Trading Platforms | MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, IC Social, Signal Start, ZuluTrade |
Account Types | cTrader, Raw Spread, Standard |
Base Currencies | AUD, USD, JPY, EUR, NZD, SGD, GBP, CAD |
Spreads | From 0.0 pips EUR/USD (Raw Spread Account) |
Leverage | 1:500 |
Currency Pairs | 64+ |
Minimum Deposit | 200 USD |
Inactivity Fee | None |
Website Languages | English, Spanish, Russian, Thai, Malay, Vietnamese, Italian, Portuguese, and several others |
Fees and Commissions | Spreads from 0.0 pips, commissions from $3.5 |
Affiliate Program | Yes |
Banned Countries | United States, Canada, Iran, Yemen, and OFAC countries |
Scalping | Yes |
Hedging | Yes |
Trading Instruments | Forex, Commodities, Indices, Bonds, Cryptocurrencies, Stocks, Futures |
Open an Account | Click Here |
Security Measures
IC Markets places a strong emphasis on safeguarding its customers’ assets and personal information.
As a regulated entity, IC Markets complies with stringent regulatory standards set by prominent financial authorities, including the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), among others.
A key aspect of their security framework is the segregation of client funds from the company’s operating capital, ensuring that customer investments are used solely for their intended purpose.
In addition, IC Markets offers negative balance protection, which ensures that customers cannot lose more than their deposited funds, providing crucial protection during volatile market conditions. The broker also carries an insurance policy to cover clients in the unlikely event of default.
IC Markets utilizes industry-leading encryption protocols to safeguard customer data and financial transactions. Their servers are hosted at the LD5 IBX Equinix Data Center, a secure facility that supports fast, reliable, and safe trading operations.
With servers located in a data center renowned for its security and reliability, IC Markets effectively shields the trading environment from potential digital threats.
IC Markets Account Types
Broker | cTrader | Raw Spread | Standard |
Availability | All traders. Only available on cTrader | All. Ideal for scalpers, day traders, active traders | All. Ideal for beginners and casual traders |
Markets | All | All | All |
Commissions | $3 per side, $6 per round turn | $3.5 per side, $7 per round turn | None; only the spread is charged |
Platforms | cTrader | MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 | MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 |
Trade Size | From 0.01 lots – 2,000 lots | From 0.01 lots – 200 lots | From 0.01 lots – 200 lots |
Leverage | 1:500 | 1:500 | 1:500 |
Minimum Deposit | 200 USD | 200 USD | 200 USD |
cTrader Account
IC Markets’ cTrader Account is designed for traders who require advanced technical tools and fast execution speeds. With powerful charting features, a wide selection of indicators, and Level II pricing, it’s perfect for algorithmic trading and scalping strategies.
Professional traders appreciate its comprehensive order management and quick market entry/exit options. The platform is also known for its lightning-fast execution times and robust risk management features, which experienced traders find essential.
Offering 64 currency pairs and index CFDs with leverage up to 1:500, along with low $3 per side fees, it’s a great choice for aggressive day traders and scalpers. Additionally, customized Islamic trading conditions are available, making it suitable for a wide range of trader needs.
Raw Spread Account
The IC Markets Raw Spread Account is tailored for traders who prioritize low spread costs.
This account provides access to the widely used MetaTrader 4 and 5 platforms, offering transparent pricing with $3.5 costs per side across a variety of instruments, including the use of expert advisors and algorithmic trading strategies.
With micro-trading capabilities and leverage up to 1:500, this account type is ideal for high-volume traders looking for superior performance control and refined strategies through expert insights into market trends.
cTrader Account
IC Markets’ cTrader Account is designed for traders seeking advanced technical tools and rapid execution. Featuring powerful charting capabilities, an extensive range of indicators, and Level II pricing, it’s ideal for algorithmic trading and scalping strategies.
Professional traders value its robust order management system and fast market entry/exit options. Known for lightning-fast execution speeds and comprehensive risk management tools, it’s tailored to meet the demands of experienced traders.
With access to 64 currency pairs, index CFDs, and leverage up to 1:500, alongside low fees of $3 per side, this account is perfect for aggressive day traders and scalpers. Customized Islamic trading conditions are also available to accommodate a variety of trading needs.
Raw Spread Account
The IC Markets Raw Spread Account is designed for traders focused on minimizing spread costs.
This account offers access to the popular MetaTrader 4 and 5 platforms, with transparent pricing at $3.50 per side across various instruments, and supports expert advisors and algorithmic trading strategies.
With micro-trading options and leverage up to 1:500, the Raw Spread Account is well-suited for high-volume traders looking for optimized performance, offering deeper insights into market trends for refined strategies.
Demo Account
The IC Markets Demo Account offers a risk-free virtual trading environment, allowing users to practice and refine their trading strategies without financial exposure. It mirrors real-market conditions and serves as a valuable tool for both novice and experienced traders.
This demo account remains active indefinitely, only deactivating after 30 days of inactivity. With a virtual balance of up to $5,000,000, traders can practice with substantial amounts of money, boosting their skills and confidence before transitioning to live markets.
Islamic Account
IC Markets offers an Islamic Account that complies with Sharia law, ensuring no exchange fees are charged on overnight positions. Despite this, the account maintains the advanced features and fast execution speeds found in traditional accounts, ensuring optimal trading performance.
The Islamic Account is available on MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader platforms, providing access to a broad range of trading products.
With competitive spreads and high-leverage options, this account highlights IC Markets’ dedication to accommodating the unique needs of Muslim traders.
Professional Account
IC Markets’ Professional Account is designed for experienced traders seeking enhanced trading conditions, including higher leverage and negative balance protection. Tailored for individuals with substantial investment portfolios and extensive market experience, this account type requires significant trading activity and a large portfolio size.
While the Professional Account does not include Investor Compensation Fund coverage, it offers advantages such as segregated client trust accounts for added fund security.
This account type reflects IC Markets’ commitment to providing the advanced conditions and added protections needed by sophisticated traders.
Can I open an Islamic Account?
Yes, IC Markets offers an Islamic Account option, which adheres to Sharia law by eliminating swap fees on overnight positions.
What is the difference between the Raw Spread and Standard Account?
The Raw Spread Account at IC Markets offers spreads starting at 0.0 pips along with a commission fee, whereas the Standard Account has spreads starting at 0.6 pips but does not charge commission fees.
Trading Platforms and Software
MetaTrader 4
MetaTrader 4, offered by IC Markets, is a reliable and versatile trading platform that suits traders seeking a robust and flexible trading environment.
Known for its reliability and user-friendly functionality, this platform provides advanced charting tools, technical analysis features, and the ability to automate trades using Expert Advisors (EAs).
MetaTrader 4’s flexibility allows traders to customize the platform to suit their individual strategies, offering a more personalized experience.
Its continued popularity is due in part to its wide range of indicators, along with compatibility with various scripts and plugins, which enable precise execution of diverse trading strategies efficiently.
MetaTrader 5, offered by IC Markets, is a powerful trading platform designed for traders who require advanced features and a wide range of products.
Building on the foundation laid by MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 enhances analytical capabilities with additional timeframes, improved charting tools, and more advanced indicators. Its multi-asset functionality enables smooth transitions between Forex, stocks, and futures markets.
With robust order management features, in-depth market views, and comprehensive control over trading options, MetaTrader 5 provides traders with valuable insights to make well-informed decisions based on strategic planning and precise objectives.