CMC Markets vs IC Markets Crypto Exchange Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of CMC Markets and IC Markets across security, fees, coin selection, staking, and editorial scoring.
Score 4.1 / 5
CMC Markets offers a broad crypto CFD range on its award-winning Next Generation platform with competitive variable spreads and FCA regulation - one of the stronger regulated CFD options for crypto alongside an established multi-asset offering.
VS
Score 4.1 / 5
IC Markets offers crypto CFDs on 20+ pairs via MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView with ECN-adjacent execution and ASIC/CySEC regulation - a competitive regulated route to digital asset CFD exposure for active traders.
Our Verdict
Too close to call
CMC Markets and IC Markets are extremely closely matched with scores of 4.1/5 and 4.1/5. The right choice depends on your individual trading priorities.
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
Both exchanges show an equally strong security profile across cold storage, proof of reserves, and regulatory oversight.
Best for low fees
Recommended
IC Markets has a lower fee profile: no deposit fee, no inactivity fee.
Best for beginners
Recommended
Both exchanges share the same editorial score of 4.1/5, but CMC Markets requires a lower minimum deposit ($0 vs $200 for IC Markets), making it more accessible for new traders.
Best for coin selection
Insufficient data
Data not yet available
Coin-selection data is not yet available for this pair. Check each exchange's supported assets page to compare the number of tradeable cryptocurrencies.
Best for DeFi & Web3
Insufficient data
Data not yet available
DeFi and NFT feature data is not yet available for this pair. Check each exchange's Web3 product pages directly.
CMC Markets vs IC Markets: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  CMC Markets |  IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial Score | 4.1/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
| Min. Deposit | No minimum | $200 |
| Regulators | ASIC DFSA FCA BaFin FMA | ASIC CySEC FSCA |
| Cold Storage | No | No |
| Proof of Reserves | No | No |
| Staking | No | No |
| DeFi Integration | No | No |
| NFT Trading | No | No |
| 500+ Coins | No | No |
| P2P Trading | No | No |
| Crypto Earn / Savings | No | No |
| Token Launchpad | No | No |
| Visit exchange | Visit CMC Markets | Visit IC Markets |
CMC Markets vs IC Markets Crypto Exchange Pros & Cons
Pros
- 100+ crypto CFDs - one of the widest selections among FCA-regulated brokers
- Next Generation platform with 115+ indicators and client sentiment data
- LSE-listed company with FCA and ASIC regulation
- Competitive variable spreads vs other regulated market-maker crypto offerings
Cons
- CFDs only - no real crypto ownership, staking, or on-chain activity
- Spreads still wider than dedicated crypto exchanges like Kraken or Binance
- 2:1 retail leverage cap applies under ESMA/FCA rules
- Inactivity fee of £10/month after 12 months without a trade
Pros
- ECN-adjacent raw spreads on crypto CFDs - tighter than most retail market makers
- All four platforms (MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView) support crypto CFDs from one account
- ASIC and CySEC regulated with segregated client funds and negative balance protection
- No inactivity fee; 24/7 customer support across multiple channels
Cons
- CFDs only - no real crypto ownership, staking, or on-chain withdrawals
- Narrower coin selection (20+) than dedicated exchanges offering hundreds of tokens
- No DeFi access or NFT trading
- Not available to US residents
CMC Markets vs IC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
0
CMC Markets
criteria wins
1
IC Markets
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | CMC Markets | 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 | Fail | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | 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 |
CMC Markets vs IC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
CMC Markets and IC Markets share the same editorial score of 4.1/5. The right choice depends on your priorities: security features, coin selection, fee structure, or staking options.
CMC Markets and IC Markets show a similar security profile in our data. Both should be evaluated on cold storage practices, proof of reserves, regulatory oversight, and whether client funds are held separately from operational funds.
IC Markets has a lower fee profile, with no deposit fee and no inactivity fee. Always check each platform's trading fee schedule directly, as crypto exchange fees vary by asset, trading volume, and account tier.
Neither CMC Markets nor IC Markets is listed as offering staking in our data. Check each exchange's website directly for the most up-to-date staking offerings, as this feature changes frequently.
CMC Markets has a lower minimum deposit of no minimum required, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes CMC Markets more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
For beginners: CMC Markets has a lower minimum deposit (no minimum). Also consider each exchange's educational resources, customer support quality, and the simplicity of their user interface before deciding.
More Crypto Exchange Comparisons
More CMC Markets comparisons
More IC Markets comparisons
Personalised recommendation
Not sure which broker is right for you?
Answer 6 quick questions and we'll match you with the brokers that best fit your trading style, experience level, and country.
Find my broker