Choose Forex.com if you want…
US-resident traders + multi-jurisdictional traders wanting a major publicly-listed broker with deep market access.
Forex.com
⭐ 4.5 / 5
VS
IC Markets
⭐ 4.7 / 5
Forex.com vs IC Markets — which broker is better in 2026?
We compared Forex.com and IC Markets across five core criteria: regulation, minimum deposit, spreads, platform choice, and overall user rating. Forex.com wins on more criteria (3 categories vs 2), making it the stronger default for most traders. Both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
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| Forex.com | IC Markets | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.5 / 5 | ⭐ 4.7 / 5 | IC Markets |
| Regulators | CFTC/NFA, FCA, ASIC, FSA Japan, MAS, CIMA, FSCA | ASIC, CySEC, FSA Seychelles, SCB Bahamas | Forex.com |
| Min. deposit | $100 | $200 | Forex.com |
| Spreads from | 0.8 pips (Standard) / 0.0 pips (RAW) | 0.0 pips (Raw Spread) | IC Markets |
| Max. leverage | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:50 (US) | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:500 (offshore) | — |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, Web Trader, TradingView, MotiveWave | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView | Forex.com |
| Founded | 2001 | 2007 | — |
| HQ | Bedminster, New Jersey / London | Sydney, Australia | — |
Pros & cons compared
Forex.com pros
- ✓ Tier-1 regulated in 7 jurisdictions including US CFTC/NFA
- ✓ Part of StoneX Group (NASDAQ-listed) — audited financials
- ✓ Multi-platform: MT4, MT5, Web Trader, TradingView, MotiveWave
- ✓ 5,000+ instruments incl. share CFDs from 30+ global exchanges
- ✓ Strong institutional research + market analysis
Cons
- ✗ Spreads on Standard account wider than RAW + commission accounts
- ✗ $100 minimum deposit
- ✗ Inactivity fee of $15/month after 12 months dormant
IC Markets pros
- ✓ Industry-leading raw spreads (0.0 pips on EUR/USD typical)
- ✓ Three platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader — one of few brokers offering cTrader
- ✓ Equinix NY4 server location — sub-millisecond execution for HFT/scalpers
- ✓ ASIC + CySEC dual-tier-1 regulation
- ✓ No restrictions on scalping, EAs, or hedging
Cons
- ✗ $200 minimum deposit — higher than budget brokers
- ✗ EU leverage capped at 1:30 retail (ESMA)
- ✗ Educational content thinner than XM / eToro
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Which one should you choose?
Choose IC Markets if you want…
Active scalpers, algorithmic traders, and high-volume traders who prioritise execution quality and tight raw spreads.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better — Forex.com or IC Markets?
Based on five comparison criteria (regulation, deposit, spreads, platforms, overall rating), Forex.com wins 3 categories. That makes it the stronger default choice — though both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
Is Forex.com more regulated than IC Markets?
Forex.com holds licenses from: CFTC/NFA, FCA, ASIC, FSA Japan, MAS, CIMA, FSCA. IC Markets holds licenses from: ASIC, CySEC, FSA Seychelles, SCB Bahamas. Forex.com has more regulatory licenses, giving it broader geographic coverage.
What are the spreads at Forex.com vs IC Markets?
Forex.com spreads start from 0.8 pips (Standard) / 0.0 pips (RAW). IC Markets spreads start from 0.0 pips (Raw Spread). Actual spreads vary by account type and market conditions.
Which has a lower minimum deposit, Forex.com or IC Markets?
Forex.com: $100. IC Markets: $200. Forex.com has the lower entry barrier.