eTorovs
IC MarketsCrypto Exchange Comparison
In this head-to-head, eToro and IC Markets square off on crypto ownership, platform design, and fee structure, highlighting a tension between real asset access and regulated CFD exposure.
Our Verdict
eToro winsby 0.3 pts
eToro edges IC Markets on the overall score due to real crypto ownership across 100+ coins and segregated crypto custody.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1eToro provides real crypto ownership across 100+ coins.
- 2IC Markets offers ECN-adjacent raw spreads on 20+ crypto CFDs.
- 3Staking is available on eToro only.
Who should choose eToro vs IC Markets?
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose eToro if…
Choose eToro if you want real crypto ownership and staking on a proprietary platform.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you want ECN-adjacent crypto spreads and multi platform access.
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
eToro benefits from broader regulator coverage and segregated custody.
Best for low fees
Recommended
IC Markets offers ECN-adjacent spreads and transparent pricing.
eToro vs IC Markets: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  eToro |  IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.4/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | $50▼ lower | $200 |
| Spreads From | 1 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Taker Fee | N/A | 7.00% |
eToro vs IC Markets Crypto Exchange Pros & Cons
Pros
- Real crypto ownership (not CFDs) for 100+ coins, a rare feature among regulated forex brokers
- Crypto staking available on ETH, ADA, and other eligible assets
- CopyTrader lets you mirror proven crypto portfolio strategies
- FCA, CySEC, and ASIC regulated with segregated crypto custody
Cons
- Crypto spreads average ~1% on BTC, expensive vs dedicated exchanges
eToro vs IC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
1
eToro
criteria win
3
IC Markets
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | eToro | 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 | Fail | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Staking available | Pass | 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 | Fail | Pass |
eToro vs IC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: eToro rates 4.4/5 and IC Markets rates 4.1/5. eToro 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 eToro's 1. 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.
eToro has $50, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes eToro more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
Both eToro 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: eToro requires a lower minimum deposit ($50), lowering the barrier to entry, and both exchanges provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
eToro 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.
IC Markets charges $7 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for eToro are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. 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.
eToro supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, while IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. eToro has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and MetaTrader 5 and TradingView and MetaTrader 4.
IC Markets scores better on fee criteria (no deposit fee, no inactivity fee). Always check both exchanges' current fee schedules, as maker/taker rates and withdrawal fees vary and are subject to change.
eToro offers staking while IC Markets does not according to our data. Staking lets you earn passive yield on your crypto holdings directly through the exchange. Check eToro's supported coins, lock-up terms, and estimated yields before committing.
