Two brokers present contrasting models: a native exchange vs a CFD-focused broker. The tension centers on asset depth, regulation, and platform breadth.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose if…
Choose HTX if you want a native exchange with 600+ coins and proof of reserves.
Choose if…
Choose IC Markets if you prefer regulated crypto CFDs across multiple platforms and segregated funds.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.8/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $200 |
| Spreads From | N/A | 0 pips |
| Taker Fee | 0.20%▼ lower | 7.00% |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | HTX | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Pass | Fail |
| Proof of reserves published | Pass | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Fail | Pass |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Fail | Pass |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Staking available | Pass | Fail |
| DeFi integration | Fail | Fail |
| NFT trading | Fail | Fail |
| 500+ coins listed | Pass | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
The scores are close: HTX 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 spread from 0. Current spread data is not available for HTX. Check both exchanges' full fee schedules, including maker/taker rates, for up-to-date pricing.
HTX has no minimum deposit, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes HTX more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
IC Markets holds top-tier regulation (ASIC, CySEC, FSCA), providing stronger investor protections. HTX 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: HTX has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and IC Markets provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
HTX offers up to 200:1 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.
HTX charges $0.2 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.
HTX supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, while IC Markets supports TradingView, cTrader, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5. HTX has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile. IC Markets has exclusive access to TradingView and cTrader and MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5.
HTX offers staking while IC Markets does not according to our data. Staking lets you earn passive yield on your crypto holdings directly through the exchange. Check HTX's supported coins, lock-up terms, and estimated yields before committing.
HTX lists 500+ coins while IC Markets does not meet this threshold in our data. For traders who want access to many altcoins, HTX has the broader selection. Confirm specific coin availability for your region on each exchange's website.
IC Markets wins for security with segregated funds, regulated oversight, and negative balance protection.
HTX wins for low fees with competitive futures fees and no deposit fees.
HTX wins for coin selection with 600+ listed tokens and depth in Asian markets.
IC Markets is better for beginners due to regulated environment and familiar trading platforms.
HTX offers staking and yield-earning options while IC Markets does not, making HTX the better choice for holders who want to earn passive income on their crypto.
Equally matched in DeFi & Web3 since both lack DeFi access.
| N/A |
| 0.7 pips |
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | CryptoBank transferCredit cardDebit card | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerPayPal |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | CryptoBank transfer | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Network fee only | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | VARA CIMA AUSTRAC | ASIC CySEC FSCA |
|---|
| Cold Storage | Yes | No |
|---|
| Proof of Reserves | Yes | No |
|---|
| Staking | Yes | No |
|---|
| DeFi Integration | No | No |
|---|
| NFT Trading | No | No |
|---|
| 500+ Coins | Yes | No |
|---|
| P2P Trading | No | No |
|---|
| Crypto Earn / Savings | No | No |
|---|
| Token Launchpad | No | No |
|---|
| Active bonuses | 2 offers | None |
|---|
IC Markets edges HTX on the editorial score due to stronger regulation, broader platform options, and higher support quality. HTX remains a long-operating native exchange with 600+ assets but lacks top-tier regulation and segregated funds.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.8 / 5
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