Admiralsvs
IC MarketsCrypto Exchange Comparison
Two regulated CFD brokers compete for crypto exposure. Admirals offers 30+ crypto CFDs on MT4/MT5, while IC Markets provides multi platform access.
Our Verdict
IC Markets winsby 0.2 pts
Admirals and IC Markets remain closely matched across regulation and platforms, with IC Markets edging ahead on pricing transparency.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Coin count differs: Admirals offers 30 crypto CFDs, IC Markets 20.
- 2Pricing transparency differs: IC Markets provides transparent pricing, Admirals does not.
- 3Platform breadth differs: IC Markets supports MT4/MT5/cTrader/TradingView; Admirals uses MT4/MT5.
Who should choose Admirals vs IC Markets?
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose Admirals if…
Choose Admirals if you want 30+ crypto CFDs on MT4/MT5 under FCA, CySEC, and ASIC regulation.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you value multi-platform crypto CFD trading across MT4/MT5, cTrader, and TradingView with ECN-adjacent pricing.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
Best for security
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
Admirals earns the edge with FSCS protection up to GBP 85,000 for UK retail clients.
Best for low fees
Recommended
Admirals vs IC Markets: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  Admirals |  IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.9/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $200 |
| Spreads From | 0.5 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Taker Fee | 6.00%▼ lower | 7.00% |
Admirals vs IC Markets Crypto Exchange Pros & Cons
Pros
- 30+ crypto CFDs on MT4 and MT5 under FCA, CySEC, and ASIC regulation
- MetaTrader Supreme Edition plugin adds enhanced charting and sentiment tools
- No minimum deposit; FSCS protection up to GBP 85,000 for UK retail clients
- Broad multi-asset offering, crypto alongside forex, equities, ETFs, and commodities
Cons
- CFDs only, no real crypto ownership, staking, or on-chain access
Admirals vs IC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
0
Admirals
criteria wins
1
IC Markets
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | Admirals | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Fail | Fail |
| Proof of reserves published | Fail | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Fail | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Staking available | Fail | Fail |
| DeFi integration | Fail | Fail |
| NFT trading | Fail | Fail |
| 500+ coins listed | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
Admirals vs IC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: Admirals rates 3.9/5 and IC Markets rates 4.1/5. IC Markets has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
IC Markets lists a lower spread from 0, compared with Admirals's 0.5. Crypto trading costs are typically quoted as a percentage of the trade value; check each exchange's full fee schedule, as maker/taker rates and volume discounts vary.
Admirals has no minimum deposit, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes Admirals more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
Both Admirals and IC Markets hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each exchange's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, two factors stand out: Admirals has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and both exchanges provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Admirals offers up to 2:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus IC Markets's 2:1 cap. Margin and futures trading carry higher risk than spot crypto; confirm product availability and jurisdiction-specific limits on each exchange's website.
Admirals charges $6 per trade, lower than IC Markets's $7 per trade. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day. Crypto fees are typically quoted as maker/taker rates rather than fixed per-trade commissions; check each exchange's fee schedule for volume-based discounts.
Admirals supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and TradingView.
