FBSvs
IC MarketsCrypto Exchange Comparison
Two CFD brokers compete for crypto traders with different platform ecosystems and regulatory footprints. The axis of tension centers on regulation strength, pricing transparency, and coin selection.
Our Verdict
IC Markets winsClear Winner
IC Markets edges FBS on the editorial score, underpinned by stronger regulation and transparent pricing.
IC Markets
4.1/5
FBS
3.4/5
Key Differences
- 1Coin count: IC Markets lists 20 crypto pairs, FBS lists 6.
- 2Top-tier regulator: IC Markets is regulated while FBS lacks top-tier oversight.
- 3Pricing transparency: IC Markets offers transparent pricing; FBS does not.
Who should choose FBS vs IC Markets?
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose FBS if…
Choose FBS if you want a $1 minimum deposit. You get MT4/MT5 with automated crypto trading.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you want regulated oversight and a multi-platform approach. You get MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView for crypto CFDs.
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
Recommended
IC Markets wins for security due to regulated oversight and protections like segregated funds.
Best for low fees
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
IC Markets offers tighter spreads via ECN-adjacent execution.
FBS vs IC Markets: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  FBS |  IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.4/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | $1▼ lower | $200 |
| Spreads From | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Taker Fee | 20.00% | 7.00%▼ lower |
FBS vs IC Markets Crypto Exchange Pros & Cons
Pros
- $1 minimum deposit, widest accessibility in the industry
- MT4/MT5 with automated crypto trading support
- 24/7 multilingual support popular in Asian markets
Cons
- Offshore regulation (IFSC Belize) for most clients, minimal investor protection
- 3000:1 leverage creates extremely high-risk trading environment
FBS vs IC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
0
FBS
criteria wins
3
IC Markets
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | FBS | 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.) | Fail | Pass |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Fail | 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 |
FBS vs IC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
IC Markets rates 4.1/5 versus 3.4/5 for FBS. IC Markets edges ahead on our composite score, though both exchanges meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Both FBS and IC Markets list the same spread figure of 0. Compare each exchange's full fee schedule, including maker/taker rates and any volume discounts, to evaluate total trading costs.
FBS has $1, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes FBS more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
IC Markets holds top-tier regulation (FSCA, ASIC, CySEC), providing stronger investor protections. FBS may be regulated but does not hold top-tier status in our data. Verify regulatory status on each regulator's public register before depositing funds.
For beginners, two factors stand out: FBS requires a lower minimum deposit ($1), lowering the barrier to entry, and IC Markets provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
FBS 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, lower than FBS's $20 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.
FBS 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.
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.
