Two CFD focused brokers compete in crypto CFD exposure under regulated frameworks. They diverge on asset depth and platform ecosystems, shaping your crypto access and trading style.
IC Markets edges FXTM on the editorial score, driven by higher category ratings and broader platform support. The gap is modest but meaningful for those weighing regulation, fees, and platforms.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose FXTM if…
Choose FXTM if you want a very low $10 minimum deposit and MT4/MT5 access. It supports beginners and developing-market traders with extensive educational resources and CySEC/FCA regulation plus FSCS and ICF protection across its platforms.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you want no inactivity fee and multi platform crypto CFD access across MT4/MT5, cTrader, and TradingView. It also suits active traders with tighter crypto spreads and the option to trade from a single account, backed by ASIC and CySEC oversight.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
IC Markets is best for security due to ASIC oversight alongside CySEC.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | $10▼ lower | $200 |
| Spreads From | 1.5 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Taker Fee | N/A | 7.00% |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | FXTM | 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 | 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 |
The scores are close: FXTM rates 3.7/5 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 FXTM's 1.5. 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.
FXTM has $10, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes FXTM more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
Both FXTM 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: FXTM requires a lower minimum deposit ($10), lowering the barrier to entry, and both exchanges provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
FXTM 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 FXTM 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.
FXTM 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.
IC Markets wins for low fees with tighter crypto spreads.
FXTM is best for beginners due to low $10 minimum and strong educational resources.
Equally matched; neither offers DeFi access or NFT trading.
| N/A |
| 0.7 pips |
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPay | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerPayPal |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPay | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA FSCA CySEC FSC | FSCA ASIC CySEC |
|---|
| Cold Storage | No | No |
|---|
| Proof of Reserves | No | No |
|---|
| Staking | No | No |
|---|
| DeFi Integration | No | No |
|---|
| NFT Trading | No | No |
|---|
| 500+ Coins | No | No |
|---|
| P2P Trading | No | No |
|---|
| Crypto Earn / Savings | No | No |
|---|
| Token Launchpad | No | No |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.7 / 5
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