Forex.comvs
IC MarketsCrypto Exchange Comparison
This comparison pits two regulated brokers against each other in the crypto CFD space. The tension centers on asset depth and platform capabilities.
Our Verdict
IC Markets winsby 0.2 pts
Forex.com and IC Markets are closely matched, with IC Markets offering a broader crypto CFD selection (20 vs 6).
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1IC Markets offers 20 crypto CFDs vs Forex.com's 6.
- 2IC Markets has no inactivity fee while Forex.com charges inactivity fees.
- 3Forex.com provides a proprietary platform; IC Markets uses MT4/MT5, cTrader, TradingView.
Who should choose Forex.com vs IC Markets?
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose Forex.com if…
Choose Forex.com if you want US-regulated crypto CFDs under NFA/CFTC and FCA oversight.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose Forex.com if you prefer a proprietary platform plus MT4/MT5 and strong research tools. Choose IC Markets if you want a broad coin selection of 20+ crypto CFDs and four platform options. Choose IC Markets if you want no inactivity fee and 24/7 support.
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
Forex.com wins for security due to US NFA/CFTC and FCA oversight.
Best for low fees
Recommended
Forex.com vs IC Markets: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  Forex.com |  IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.9/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | $100▼ lower | $200 |
| Spreads From | 1 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Taker Fee | 7.00% | 7.00% |
Forex.com vs IC Markets Crypto Exchange Pros & Cons
Pros
- NFA/CFTC and FCA regulated, highest regulatory standard available for crypto CFDs
- Advanced charting platforms including TradingView integration
- Strong institutional research and market analysis tools
Cons
- US leverage caps (10:1 on crypto) significantly lower than offshore alternatives
- Commission structure adds up for high-frequency crypto traders
Forex.com vs IC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
0
Forex.com
criteria wins
2
IC Markets
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | Forex.com | 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 | Fail | 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 |
Forex.com vs IC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: Forex.com 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 Forex.com'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.
Forex.com has $100, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes Forex.com more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
Both Forex.com 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: Forex.com requires a lower minimum deposit ($100), lowering the barrier to entry, and both exchanges provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Forex.com offers up to 50:1 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.
Both Forex.com and IC Markets charge the same commission of $7 per trade on applicable accounts. 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.
Forex.com supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. Forex.com has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile. 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.
