FXOpenvs
IC MarketsCrypto Exchange Comparison
In this comparison, FXOpen and IC Markets face off as regulated ECN-style crypto CFD brokers, with tension between cost, platforms, and regulatory coverage.
Our Verdict
IC Markets winsby 0.5 pts
IC Markets edges FXOpen on the editorial score. IC Markets shows stronger trust/regulation and platforms/tools metrics, contributing to 4.1 vs 3.6.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Live chat availability: IC Markets offers 24/5 live chat, FXOpen does not.
- 2Coin list depth: IC Markets lists 20+ coins vs FXOpen's 8.
- 3Proprietary platform: FXOpen provides TickTrader option; IC Markets uses standard platforms.
Who should choose FXOpen vs IC Markets?
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose FXOpen if…
Choose FXOpen if you want a lower entry barrier with a TickTrader option.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you want broader coin coverage and 24/5 live chat 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
IC Markets wins for security with higher trust/regulation scores (4.6 vs 3.9) and robust oversight.
Best for low fees
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
IC Markets offers tighter spreads based on higher Fees & Spreads score (4.3 vs 3.8).
FXOpen vs IC Markets: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  FXOpen |  IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.6/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | $100▼ lower | $200 |
| Spreads From | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Taker Fee | 3.00%▼ lower | 7.00% |
FXOpen vs IC Markets Crypto Exchange Pros & Cons
Pros
- FCA and ASIC regulated, strong dual regulatory coverage
- ECN/STP execution with low crypto spreads
- MT4/MT5 with TickTrader proprietary platform option
Cons
- Smaller brand vs tier-1 competitors
- Limited proprietary research or educational content
FXOpen vs IC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
0
FXOpen
criteria wins
2
IC Markets
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | FXOpen | 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 | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
FXOpen vs IC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: FXOpen rates 3.6/5 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.
Both FXOpen 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.
FXOpen has $100, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes FXOpen more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
Both FXOpen 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: FXOpen 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.
FXOpen 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.
FXOpen charges $3 per trade, lower than IC Markets's $7 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.
FXOpen supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide cTrader and MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. IC Markets has exclusive access to 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.
