FXCMvs
IC MarketsCrypto Exchange Comparison
FXCM and IC Markets clash over regulation, platforms, and crypto asset breadth. The tension centers on platform tools versus coin selection and fee policies.
Our Verdict
IC Markets winsby 0.3 pts
IC Markets edges FXCM overall, driven by higher scores across regulation, fees, platforms, and support. FXCM remains a regulated, long-standing option but trails in total score.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1IC Markets lists 20+ coins; FXCM lists 4.
- 2FXCM has a proprietary Trading Station, IC Markets relies on standard platforms.
- 3IC Markets has no inactivity fee, FXCM charges inactivity fees.
Who should choose FXCM vs IC Markets?
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose FXCM if…
Choose FXCM if you value a proprietary platform and a low minimum deposit.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you want MT4/MT5/cTrader/TradingView across all crypto CFDs and no inactivity fee.
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
IC Markets is stronger on security due to multiple regulators and clear protections.
Best for low fees
Recommended
IC Markets offers tighter crypto spreads with ECN-adjacent pricing.
FXCM vs IC Markets: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  FXCM |  IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.8/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | $50▼ lower | $200 |
| Spreads From | 0.4 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Taker Fee | N/A | 7.00% |
FXCM vs IC Markets Crypto Exchange Pros & Cons
Pros
- FCA and ASIC regulated, high regulatory standard with FSCS protection
- Trading Station with professional quantitative analysis tools (FXCM Apps)
- Long track record since 1999 in institutional-grade retail trading
Cons
- Banned from US market (CFTC action 2017), not available to US clients
- Crypto selection is limited to major pairs
FXCM vs IC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
0
FXCM
criteria wins
1
IC Markets
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | FXCM | 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 |
FXCM vs IC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: FXCM rates 3.8/5 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 FXCM's 0.4. 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.
FXCM has $50, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes FXCM more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
Both FXCM 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: FXCM 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.
FXCM 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 FXCM 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.
FXCM supports ZuluTrade, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, NinjaTrader, while IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. FXCM has exclusive access to ZuluTrade and Proprietary Web/Mobile and NinjaTrader. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and MetaTrader 5 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.
