IC Marketsvs
OctaFXCrypto Exchange Comparison
IC Markets and OctaFX square off on regulation, coin coverage, and platform choices, revealing divergent strengths that shape a crypto trader's decision. The comparison highlights how regulatory oversight and asset depth diverge between the two.
Our Verdict
IC Markets winsClear Winner
IC Markets earns the higher editorial score overall, due to stronger regulation and broader platform options than OctaFX.
IC Markets
4.1/5
OctaFX
3.3/5
Key Differences
- 1IC Markets is regulated by ASIC and CySEC; OctaFX uses SVG-based offshore regulation.
- 2IC Markets lists 20 coins; OctaFX lists 4.
- 3OctaFX uses a proprietary OctaTrader platform.
Who should choose IC Markets vs OctaFX?
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you want ASIC/CySEC oversight and access to four platforms from one account.
Choose OctaFX if…
Choose OctaFX if you want a $25 minimum deposit and a proprietary OctaTrader.
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 security due to ASIC and CySEC oversight plus negative balance protection.
Best for low fees
Recommended
IC Markets vs OctaFX: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  IC Markets |  OctaFX |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 3.3/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | $200 | $25▼ lower |
| Spreads From | 0 pips▼ lower | 0.6 pips |
| Taker Fee | 7.00% | N/A |
IC Markets vs OctaFX 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 OctaFX: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
4
IC Markets
criteria wins
0
OctaFX
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | IC Markets | OctaFX |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
IC Markets vs OctaFX: Frequently Asked Questions
IC Markets rates 4.1/5 versus 3.3/5 for OctaFX. 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 OctaFX's 0.6. 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.
OctaFX has $25, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes OctaFX 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. OctaFX 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: OctaFX requires a lower minimum deposit ($25), 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 OctaFX'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 OctaFX 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 OctaFX supports OctaTrader, MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and TradingView. OctaFX has exclusive access to OctaTrader.
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.
