Choose IC Markets if you want…
Active scalpers, algorithmic traders, and high-volume traders who prioritise execution quality and tight raw spreads.
IC Markets
⭐ 4.7 / 5
VS
XTB
⭐ 4.6 / 5
IC Markets vs XTB — which broker is better in 2026?
We compared IC Markets and XTB across five core criteria: regulation, minimum deposit, spreads, platform choice, and overall user rating. IC Markets 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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| IC Markets | XTB | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.7 / 5 | ⭐ 4.6 / 5 | IC Markets |
| Regulators | ASIC, CySEC, FSA Seychelles, SCB Bahamas | FCA, CySEC, KNF Poland, DFSA, BaFin, IFSC Belize | XTB |
| Min. deposit | $200 | $0 (no minimum) | XTB |
| Spreads from | 0.0 pips (Raw Spread) | 0.5 pips (Standard) | IC Markets |
| Max. leverage | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:500 (offshore) | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:500 (offshore) | — |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView | xStation 5, xStation Mobile, MT4 | IC Markets |
| Founded | 2007 | 2002 | — |
| HQ | Sydney, Australia | Warsaw, Poland | — |
Pros & cons compared
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
XTB pros
- ✓ Listed on Warsaw Stock Exchange (XTB) — audited financials
- ✓ FCA + CySEC + KNF + DFSA + BaFin regulation
- ✓ Proprietary xStation 5 platform consistently ranked #1 in EU broker surveys
- ✓ Zero commission on real stocks/ETFs up to €100K/month
- ✓ No minimum deposit
Cons
- ✗ Spreads on Standard account (0.5–1.0 pips) wider than pure ECN brokers
- ✗ MT4 supported but xStation is the primary platform
- ✗ No cTrader option
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Which one should you choose?
Choose XTB if you want…
EU traders wanting an LSE-listed, multi-regulated broker with the best proprietary platform in retail and a strong stock-trading complement.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better — IC Markets or XTB?
Based on five comparison criteria (regulation, deposit, spreads, platforms, overall rating), IC Markets wins 3 categories. That makes it the stronger default choice — though both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
Is IC Markets more regulated than XTB?
IC Markets holds licenses from: ASIC, CySEC, FSA Seychelles, SCB Bahamas. XTB holds licenses from: FCA, CySEC, KNF Poland, DFSA, BaFin, IFSC Belize. XTB has more regulatory licenses, giving it broader geographic coverage.
What are the spreads at IC Markets vs XTB?
IC Markets spreads start from 0.0 pips (Raw Spread). XTB spreads start from 0.5 pips (Standard). Actual spreads vary by account type and market conditions.
Which has a lower minimum deposit, IC Markets or XTB?
IC Markets: $200. XTB: $0 (no minimum). XTB has the lower entry barrier.