IC Marketsvs
InstaForexCrypto Exchange Comparison
This is a head-to-head on regulation, platform breadth, and protections between two CFD crypto brokers. The axis of tension reveals what traders value most.
Our Verdict
IC Markets winsClear Winner
IC Markets edges InstaForex on editorial score due to stronger regulation, broader platform coverage, and better protections.
IC Markets
4.1/5
InstaForex
3.1/5
Key Differences
- 1IC Markets lists 20 crypto CFDs, InstaForex lists 5.
- 2InstaForex charges inactivity fees.
- 3IC Markets has segregated funds and negative balance protection.
Who should choose IC Markets vs InstaForex?
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you want 20 crypto CFDs across MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView.
Choose InstaForex if…
Choose InstaForex if you want a $1 minimum deposit and MT4 access.
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
Recommended
IC Markets wins for security thanks to ASIC and CySEC oversight and segregated client funds.
Best for low fees
Recommended
IC Markets vs InstaForex: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  IC Markets |  InstaForex |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 3.1/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | $200 | $1▼ lower |
| Spreads From | 0 pips▼ lower | 1 pips |
| Taker Fee | 7.00% | N/A |
IC Markets vs InstaForex Crypto Exchange Pros & Cons
Pros
- ECN-adjacent raw spreads on crypto CFDs, tighter than most retail market makers
- All four platforms (MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView) support crypto CFDs from one account
- ASIC and CySEC regulated with segregated client funds and negative balance protection
- No inactivity fee; 24/7 customer support across multiple channels
Cons
- CFDs only, no real crypto ownership, staking, or on-chain withdrawals
IC Markets vs InstaForex: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
3
IC Markets
criteria wins
0
InstaForex
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | IC Markets | InstaForex |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Fail |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Fail |
| 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 |
IC Markets vs InstaForex: Frequently Asked Questions
IC Markets rates 4.1/5 versus 3.1/5 for InstaForex. IC Markets edges ahead on our composite score, though both exchanges meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
IC Markets lists a lower spread from 0, compared with InstaForex'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.
InstaForex has $1, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes InstaForex more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
IC Markets holds top-tier regulation (FSCA, ASIC, CySEC), providing stronger investor protections. InstaForex 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: InstaForex requires a lower minimum deposit ($1), lowering the barrier to entry, and IC Markets provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
IC Markets offers up to 2:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus InstaForex'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 InstaForex 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.
IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4, while InstaForex supports MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. 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.
