IC Markets Review 2026
Pros
- +Industry-leading tight spreads from 0.0 pips
- +Fast execution with low latency
- +Multiple platform choices including cTrader
- +Strong regulation (ASIC, CySEC)
- +No dealing desk intervention
Cons
- βLimited educational resources
- βNo proprietary trading platform
- βCustomer support can be slow during peak times
Overview
IC Markets is an Australian-based forex and CFD broker founded in 2007. Known for its ultra-tight spreads and fast execution, IC Markets has become one of the largest forex brokers globally, processing over $1 trillion in trading volume monthly.
The broker caters primarily to active traders, scalpers, and algorithmic traders who prioritize execution quality and competitive pricing over educational resources.
Regulation & Safety
IC Markets operates under multiple regulatory licenses:
- ASIC (Australia) - Australian Securities and Investments Commission
- CySEC (Cyprus) - Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission
- FSA (Seychelles) - Financial Services Authority
Client funds are held in segregated accounts with top-tier banks including National Australia Bank and Westpac. The broker provides negative balance protection for retail clients.
Trading Platforms
MetaTrader 4 & 5
IC Markets offers both MT4 and MT5 with enhanced features:
- One-click trading
- Full EA support
- Advanced charting tools
- Mobile apps for iOS and Android
cTrader
For traders preferring a more modern interface, cTrader offers:
- Level II pricing
- Advanced order types
- Detachable charts
- cAlgo for automated trading
Fees & Spreads
IC Markets is known for some of the tightest spreads in the industry.
Spread Comparison
| Pair | Standard Account | Raw Spread Account |
|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD | 0.8 pips | 0.0 pips + $3.50/lot |
| GBP/USD | 1.0 pips | 0.1 pips + $3.50/lot |
| XAU/USD | 2.0 pips | 0.5 pips + $3.50/lot |
Other Fees
- Deposit fees: None
- Withdrawal fees: None (bank transfers may incur fees)
- Inactivity fee: None
- Overnight financing: Standard swap rates
Account Types
| Feature | Standard | Raw Spread | cTrader Raw |
|---|---|---|---|
| Min Deposit | $200 | $200 | $200 |
| Spreads | From 0.8 | From 0.0 | From 0.0 |
| Commission | None | $3.50/lot | $3.00/lot |
| Leverage | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:500 |
Deposit & Withdrawal
IC Markets supports various payment methods with no fees charged by the broker:
- Bank transfers: 2-5 business days
- Credit/Debit cards: Instant
- E-wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller): Instant
Withdrawals are typically processed within 24 hours.
Customer Support
Support is available via:
- Live chat (24/5)
- Phone
Response times are generally good, though can be slower during major market events.
Verdict
IC Markets is an excellent choice for serious traders who prioritize execution quality and tight spreads. The Raw Spread accounts offer institutional-grade pricing, making it ideal for scalpers and high-frequency traders.
However, beginners might want to look elsewhere due to the limited educational content. If you’re an experienced trader looking for competitive pricing and reliable execution, IC Markets delivers.
Best For:
- Scalpers and day traders
- Algorithmic traders
- High-volume traders
- Those seeking ECN/Raw spread pricing
Not Ideal For:
- Complete beginners
- Traders seeking extensive education
- Those wanting a proprietary platform
Risk Warning: 74.32% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with IC Markets. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Disclosure: This review may contain affiliate links. Commissions never influence our ratings β see our Editorial Standards. Trading CFDs involves substantial risk of loss.