IC Markets vs Saxo Bank Crypto Exchange Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of IC Markets and Saxo Bank across security, fees, coin selection, staking, and editorial scoring.
Score 4.1 / 5
IC Markets offers crypto CFDs on 20+ pairs via MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView with ECN-adjacent execution and ASIC/CySEC regulation - a competitive regulated route to digital asset CFD exposure for active traders.
VS
Score 3.9 / 5
Saxo Bank offers cryptocurrency CFDs on Bitcoin, Ethereum, and select major tokens via SaxoTraderGO - backed by Danish banking regulation and institutional-grade custody, though the selection is narrow and CFD-only with no real coin ownership.
Our Verdict
IC Markets winsby 0.2 pts
IC Markets edges ahead with a score of 4.1/5 vs Saxo Bank's 3.9/5. A narrow margin, so review the breakdown below to see where each broker has a clear advantage.
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
It's a tie
Both equally suited
Both exchanges show an equally strong security profile across cold storage, proof of reserves, and regulatory oversight.
Best for low fees
Recommended
IC Markets has a lower fee profile: no deposit fee, no inactivity fee.
Best for beginners
Recommended
IC Markets edges out Saxo Bank with a higher editorial score (4.1/5 vs 3.9/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new crypto traders.
Best for coin selection
Insufficient data
Data not yet available
Coin-selection data is not yet available for this pair. Check each exchange's supported assets page to compare the number of tradeable cryptocurrencies.
Best for DeFi & Web3
Insufficient data
Data not yet available
DeFi and NFT feature data is not yet available for this pair. Check each exchange's Web3 product pages directly.
IC Markets vs Saxo Bank: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  IC Markets |  Saxo Bank |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial Score | 4.1/ 5 | 3.9/ 5 |
| Min. Deposit | $200 | No minimum |
| Regulators | ASIC CySEC FSCA | JFSA ASIC FSC DFSA CNMV FINMA Finansinspektionen Finanstilsynet CMA SFC MAS FCA CBI Finanstilsynet ACPR KNF MFSA |
| 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 |
| Visit exchange | Visit IC Markets | Visit Saxo Bank |
IC Markets vs Saxo Bank 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
- Narrower coin selection (20+) than dedicated exchanges offering hundreds of tokens
- No DeFi access or NFT trading
- Not available to US residents
Pros
- Danish banking licence - highest regulatory framework among retail crypto providers
- Integrated crypto CFDs on SaxoTraderGO alongside stocks, FX, bonds, and futures
- Audited public accounts provide financial transparency not available from most crypto platforms
- 20+ major crypto CFDs including BTC, ETH, SOL, XRP, and other leading tokens
Cons
- CFDs only - no real crypto ownership, staking, or on-chain access
- Narrower selection (~20 coins) vs dedicated crypto exchanges
- Classic tier spreads (0.5–1.5%) are wider than ECN alternatives
- No inactivity-exempt tier - monthly fees apply to low-balance accounts
IC Markets vs Saxo Bank: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
IC Markets
criteria wins
0
Saxo Bank
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | IC Markets | Saxo Bank |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass | Fail |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | 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 | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
IC Markets vs Saxo Bank: Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our independent editorial scoring, IC Markets ranks higher with a score of 4.1/5 vs 3.9/5 for Saxo Bank. The best choice still depends on your individual needs — security, coin selection, fees, and staking offerings all matter.
IC Markets and Saxo Bank show a similar security profile in our data. Both should be evaluated on cold storage practices, proof of reserves, regulatory oversight, and whether client funds are held separately from operational funds.
IC Markets has a lower fee profile, with no deposit fee and no inactivity fee. Always check each platform's trading fee schedule directly, as crypto exchange fees vary by asset, trading volume, and account tier.
Neither IC Markets nor Saxo Bank is listed as offering staking in our data. Check each exchange's website directly for the most up-to-date staking offerings, as this feature changes frequently.
Saxo Bank has a lower minimum deposit of no minimum required, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes Saxo Bank more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
For beginners: Saxo Bank has a lower minimum deposit (no minimum); IC Markets has a higher overall editorial score. Also consider each exchange's educational resources, customer support quality, and the simplicity of their user interface before deciding.
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