- Spread:
- 0.8 - 1.0
- Deposit:
- $200
Broker Alarab ReviewAccounts, costs and regulation
IC Markets Review
Review Summary
Overview of IC Markets
IC Markets offers Standard and Raw Spread accounts with MT4, MT5 and cTrader options, by entity and account. Standard builds forex trading costs into the spread, while Raw Spread adds commission. This makes the broker relevant to scalpers and Expert Advisor users comparing frequent-trade costs across platforms.
For an IC Markets Raw Spread vs Standard comparison, calculate spreads and commission for both entry and exit on your chosen instrument. MetaTrader and cTrader use different commission structures, so headline rates are not interchangeable. Check minimum deposit requirements, funding and swap-free conditions, then confirm the leverage and protection offered by the entity accepting you.
Key Strength
Raw accounts and trading platforms designed for active traders
Key Consideration
Commission and minimum deposit should be included in the total trading cost
Who Is It Best For?
- Scalpers
- Day traders
- High-frequency traders
- Traders seeking low spreads
Who May It Not Suit?
- Beginners
- Low-deposit traders
- Long-term investors
- Traders seeking simplicity
Broker Alarab’s view on IC Markets
IC Markets is widely considered by active traders, scalpers and algorithmic traders because of its Raw Spread accounts, low-spread environment and support for MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView.
Its pricing model may be attractive for frequent trading and Expert Advisor strategies, but commissions, deposit requirements and the complexity of advanced accounts make a full cost comparison important before registration.
Rating Breakdown
Each category is rated out of 5.How IC Markets performs across safety, trading costs, platforms, deposits and withdrawals, and customer support, with each category rated out of 5.
Safety & Regulation4.75 / 5
Fees & Spreads4.85 / 5
Trading Platforms4.85 / 5
Deposits & Withdrawals4.45 / 5
Customer Support4.55 / 5
Main Advantages
5Low spreads on major forex pairs
Fast execution with ECN-style pricing
Support for MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader
Strong liquidity from top-tier providers
Suitable environment for scalping and automated trading
Main Disadvantages
3Higher minimum deposit compared to some brokers
Limited educational resources for beginners
Advanced trading setup may not suit new traders
Account Types at IC Markets
Compare the accounts and tap an account name for more details.Compare the available account conditions and open an account page to review its full details.
- Accounts
- 5
- Lowest Deposit
- $200
- Spread:
- 0.0 - 0.1
- Deposit:
- $200
- Spread:
- 0.0 - 0.1
- Deposit:
- $200
- Spread:
- 0.0 - 0.3
- Deposit:
- $200
- Spread:
- 0.0 - 0.3
- Deposit:
- $200
Review the account conditions, availability, and trading costs before registering.
Open an Account with IC MarketsLicenses & Safety at IC Markets
IC Markets operates through regulated entities that include International Capital Markets Pty Ltd, authorised by ASIC under licence number 335692, and IC Markets (EU) Ltd, regulated by CySEC under licence number 362/18. International services are also provided through Raw Trading Ltd, regulated by the Seychelles FSA under licence number SD018, and IC Markets Global Ltd, regulated in the Bahamas. The level of protection at IC Markets depends on the entity serving the client. An ASIC or CySEC account does not necessarily provide the same conditions and rights as an account opened with an international entity, and leverage, complaint procedures, negative-balance protection and available products may differ even when the client uses the same Raw Spread account or platform. Before choosing IC Markets for scalping or algorithmic trading, traders should verify the legal company name and licence number shown during registration. Low spreads, liquidity and execution are important, but they do not determine which entity is responsible for client funds or what legal protection applies if a dispute or account problem occurs.
- Number of licenses
- 4
- Top regulator
- ASIC
- Last verified
- 2026-09-15
- Status
- All active
ASICActiveAustralia335692
Active
Australian Securities and Investments Commission
- Country
- Australia
- Legal entity
- International Capital Markets Pty Ltd
CySECActiveCyprus362/18
Active
Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission
- Country
- Cyprus
- Legal entity
- IC Markets (EU) Ltd
FSAActiveSeychellesSD018
Active
Financial Services Authority Seychelles
- Country
- Seychelles
- Legal entity
- Raw Trading Ltd
Client Fund Protection
Regulated IC Markets entities hold eligible client funds in segregated accounts, separate from the capital used for the company’s operations, under the requirements of the relevant regulator. The broker also states that negative balance protection may apply to certain clients and entities under the conditions of the applicable account agreement. Client-fund protection is not identical across the IC Markets group and may differ between the ASIC-regulated Australian entity, the CySEC-regulated European entity and international entities in Seychelles or the Bahamas. Traders should identify the legal company that will hold their funds before choosing a Raw Spread account or making a deposit.
Fees & Trading Costs
A clear overview of IC Markets’s spreads, commissions, and potential trading costs.
Pricing Summary
- Lowest Spread
- 0.0 - 0.1
- Commission Structure
- 4 commission-based accounts
Trading Fees Explained
IC Markets offers three pricing structures. Standard uses commission-free spreads around 0.8–1.2 pips, while MetaTrader Raw Spread tightens pricing to 0.0–0.2 pips with a $7-per-lot commission.
cTrader Raw offers a similar spread range with a $6 commission in our comparison. Accounts start from $200, with Raw pricing particularly suited to scalping, algorithmic and active trading. Swaps and final costs vary by instrument and holding period.
Read more +Show less −
IC Markets offers three pricing structures. Standard uses commission-free spreads around 0.8–1.2 pips, while MetaTrader Raw Spread tightens pricing to 0.0–0.2 pips with a $7-per-lot commission.
cTrader Raw offers a similar spread range with a $6 commission in our comparison. Accounts start from $200, with Raw pricing particularly suited to scalping, algorithmic and active trading. Swaps and final costs vary by instrument and holding period.
Deposits & Withdrawals
Funding Summary
- Payment Methods
- 5
- Minimum Deposit
- $200
- Funding Score
- 4.45 / 5
- Withdrawal Speed
- Fast processing within 24 hours, external timing depends on payment method
Deposit & Withdrawal Details
IC Markets supports account funding through bank transfers, Visa and Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, and other payment options that may be available in the client's region. The exact methods, currencies, limits, and processing conditions depend on the account entity and country of residence.
Electronic deposits are generally credited faster than international bank transfers. IC Markets aims to process eligible withdrawal requests within 24 hours, although the time needed for funds to reach the client depends on the payment method, receiving bank, and any intermediary institutions. External provider or currency-conversion fees may also apply.
Withdrawals remain subject to identity-verification, payment-ownership, and anti-money-laundering checks. The payment method should belong to the account holder, and funds may need to return through the original deposit route. Completing verification early is especially important before requesting a large withdrawal or using several funding methods.
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IC Markets supports account funding through bank transfers, Visa and Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, and other payment options that may be available in the client's region. The exact methods, currencies, limits, and processing conditions depend on the account entity and country of residence.
Electronic deposits are generally credited faster than international bank transfers. IC Markets aims to process eligible withdrawal requests within 24 hours, although the time needed for funds to reach the client depends on the payment method, receiving bank, and any intermediary institutions. External provider or currency-conversion fees may also apply.
Withdrawals remain subject to identity-verification, payment-ownership, and anti-money-laundering checks. The payment method should belong to the account holder, and funds may need to return through the original deposit route. Completing verification early is especially important before requesting a large withdrawal or using several funding methods.
Supported Payment Methods
- Bank transfer
- Visa
- Mastercard
- Skrill
- Neteller
Trading Platforms
A closer look at the trading platforms offered by IC Markets and the overall platform experience.
Platform Access
- Available Platforms
- MT4
- MT5
- cTrader
- TradingView
- Trading Tools
- 5 tools available
- Best For
- Scalping and Raw Spread accounts
Trading Platform Experience
IC Markets offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and TradingView across desktop, web, and mobile, with a platform environment aimed at active traders. These options provide advanced charting, technical indicators, multiple order types, and tools for monitoring pricing and market depth.
MT4 and MT5 support Expert Advisors and strategy testing, while cTrader adds algorithmic tools and depth-of-market functionality. TradingView provides an extensive charting and analytical workspace. The lineup can suit scalping, automated strategies, and Raw Spread account users, although traders should match the platform to the account type and instruments offered by the selected entity.
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IC Markets offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and TradingView across desktop, web, and mobile, with a platform environment aimed at active traders. These options provide advanced charting, technical indicators, multiple order types, and tools for monitoring pricing and market depth.
MT4 and MT5 support Expert Advisors and strategy testing, while cTrader adds algorithmic tools and depth-of-market functionality. TradingView provides an extensive charting and analytical workspace. The lineup can suit scalping, automated strategies, and Raw Spread account users, although traders should match the platform to the account type and instruments offered by the selected entity.
Available Trading Tools
- Expert Advisors
- Strategy testing
- cTrader Algo
- Depth of market
- TradingView integration
Download MetaTrader Platforms
Final Verdict
Overall Rating
4.69 / 5
Final Verdict
Excellent
Our verdict on IC Markets
Overall, IC Markets is a strong candidate for active traders, scalpers and algorithmic users seeking low-spread pricing, fast execution and a choice of MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView. Its Raw Spread structure can be attractive for frequent trading, provided commissions are included when comparing the total cost. The advanced setup and deposit requirement may be less comfortable for new traders. Account eligibility, platform access and regulatory protection should be verified for the client’s country.
Read more +Show less −
Overall, IC Markets is a strong candidate for active traders, scalpers and algorithmic users seeking low-spread pricing, fast execution and a choice of MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView. Its Raw Spread structure can be attractive for frequent trading, provided commissions are included when comparing the total cost. The advanced setup and deposit requirement may be less comfortable for new traders. Account eligibility, platform access and regulatory protection should be verified for the client’s country.
Key Strength
Raw accounts and trading platforms designed for active traders
Main Limitation
Commission and minimum deposit should be included in the total trading cost
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the typical spreads on IC Markets accounts like Standard and Raw?
On IC Markets, Standard accounts usually have spreads starting from around 0.8 to 1.0 pips, while Raw Spread accounts offer spreads from 0.0 pips with a commission, making them more suitable for active trading strategies.
How much commission does IC Markets charge on Raw accounts?
IC Markets charges around $3.5 per lot on MetaTrader Raw Spread accounts, while cTrader accounts typically have a lower commission of about $3 per 100k traded.
What is the minimum deposit required to open an IC Markets account?
The minimum deposit on IC Markets is generally $200 across most account types, which is higher than some brokers and may not be ideal for traders starting with small capital.
What is the maximum leverage offered by IC Markets and is it risky?
IC Markets offers leverage up to 1:500 for retail traders, depending on the entity. While leverage can increase trading opportunities, it also significantly raises the risk of losses if not managed properly.
How many account types does IC Markets offer and which one is best?
IC Markets offers several account types including Standard, Raw Spread, and cTrader accounts. Raw accounts are typically preferred by active traders due to lower spreads, while Standard accounts are simpler for general trading.
Show more questions (5)Hide additional questions
Is IC Markets suitable for scalping and high-frequency trading?
Yes, IC Markets is widely used for scalping due to its low spreads, fast execution, and ECN-style pricing, making it suitable for high-frequency trading strategies.
Does IC Markets use ECN or market maker execution?
IC Markets operates using an ECN-style model that connects traders to liquidity providers, offering market execution with minimal intervention, which is preferred by professional traders.
How stable are IC Markets spreads during high volatility or news?
While IC Markets offers low spreads under normal conditions, spreads can widen during major news events or periods of low liquidity, which is standard across most ECN brokers.
What trading platforms does IC Markets support?
IC Markets supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, providing advanced charting tools, automated trading capabilities, and flexibility for different trading styles.
What is the main drawback of trading with IC Markets?
The main drawback is the relatively high minimum deposit and the advanced trading environment, which may not be suitable for beginners compared to more user-friendly brokers.
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Risk Warning
The information on this page is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Broker Alarab does not provide trading services or hold client funds. Trading forex, CFDs and other leveraged products involves a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. You may lose part or all of your invested capital. Trading conditions, leverage and investor protection may vary according to the broker, regulatory entity and client jurisdiction.