Two crypto brokers clash over access models: IC Markets provides regulated crypto CFDs across four platforms, while MEXC offers a broad token market. The axis is security versus asset depth.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose if…
Choose IC Markets if you want ASIC/CySEC regulation with segregated client funds and 24/7 support.
Choose if…
Choose MEXC if you want access to thousands of coins and zero maker fees on limit orders.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 3.6/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | $200 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads From | 0 pips | N/A |
| Taker Fee | 7.00% | 0.10%▼ lower |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | IC Markets | MEXC |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Fail | Pass |
| Proof of reserves published | Fail | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Fail |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Pass | Fail |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Staking available | Fail | Pass |
| DeFi integration | Fail | Fail |
| NFT trading | Fail | Fail |
| 500+ coins listed | Fail | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
The scores are close: IC Markets rates 4.1/5 and MEXC rates 3.6/5. 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 MEXC. Check both exchanges' full fee schedules, including maker/taker rates, for up-to-date pricing.
MEXC has no minimum deposit, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes MEXC 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. MEXC 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: MEXC 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.
IC Markets offers up to 2:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus MEXC's 200:1 cap. Margin and futures trading carry higher risk than spot crypto; confirm product availability and jurisdiction-specific limits on each exchange's website.
MEXC charges $0.1 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.
IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4, while MEXC supports MEXC. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and MetaTrader 5 and TradingView and MetaTrader 4. MEXC has exclusive access to MEXC.
MEXC 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 MEXC's supported coins, lock-up terms, and estimated yields before committing.
MEXC lists 500+ coins while IC Markets does not meet this threshold in our data. For traders who want access to many altcoins, MEXC has the broader selection. Confirm specific coin availability for your region on each exchange's website.
IC Markets wins for security due to ASIC/CySEC regulation and segregated funds with negative balance protection.
MEXC wins for low fees with 0% maker fees and 0.10% taker fees.
IC Markets is better for beginners due to regulated status and 24/7 support.
MEXC offers staking and yield-earning options while IC Markets does not, making MEXC the better choice for holders who want to earn passive income on their crypto.
Equally matched.
| 0.7 pips |
| N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerPayPal | CryptoP2PCredit cardDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | CryptoP2P |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Network fee only |
|---|
| Regulators | ASIC CySEC FSCA | — |
|---|
| Cold Storage | No | Yes |
|---|
| Proof of Reserves | No | No |
|---|
| Staking | No | Yes |
|---|
| DeFi Integration | No | No |
|---|
| NFT Trading | No | No |
|---|
| 500+ Coins | No | Yes |
|---|
| P2P Trading | No | Yes |
|---|
| Crypto Earn / Savings | No | Yes |
|---|
| Token Launchpad | No | Yes |
|---|
| Active bonuses | None | 2 offers |
|---|
IC Markets edges ahead with a 4.1/5 score and ASIC/CySEC regulation with segregated funds; MEXC trails as a non-regulated native crypto exchange.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.6 / 5
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