IC Marketsvs
VantageCrypto Exchange Comparison
IC Markets and Vantage compete for crypto CFD exposure across multiple platforms. The matchup tests platform breadth and fee handling against regulator reach.
Our Verdict
IC Markets winsby 0.2 pts
IC Markets and Vantage are closely matched overall, with IC Markets offering no inactivity fee while Vantage charges after dormancy.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Coin count differs: IC Markets offers 20 tokens, Vantage offers 25.
- 2No inactivity fees on IC Markets; Vantage charges after dormancy.
- 3IC Markets uses transparent pricing; Vantage pricing is less transparent.
Who should choose IC Markets vs Vantage?
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you want ECN-adjacent crypto CFDs and breadth across MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView.
Choose Vantage if…
Choose Vantage if you prefer a lower minimum deposit and a proprietary platform with copy trading.
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
Equally matched; both have strong regulation and segregated funds.
Best for low fees
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
IC Markets wins for low fees due to transparent pricing and ECN-adjacent crypto CFD execution.
IC Markets vs Vantage: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  IC Markets |  Vantage |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 3.9/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | $200 | $50▼ lower |
| Spreads From | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Taker Fee | 7.00% | 6.00%▼ lower |
IC Markets vs Vantage 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 Vantage: 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
Vantage
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | IC Markets | Vantage |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 Vantage: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: IC Markets rates 4.1/5 and Vantage rates 3.9/5. 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.
Both IC Markets and Vantage list the same spread figure of 0. Compare each exchange's full fee schedule, including maker/taker rates and any volume discounts, to evaluate total trading costs.
Vantage has $50, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes Vantage more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
Both IC Markets and Vantage hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each exchange's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, two factors stand out: Vantage requires a lower minimum deposit ($50), lowering the barrier to entry, and both exchanges provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
IC Markets offers up to 2:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus Vantage'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.
Vantage charges $6 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 Vantage supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, DXtrade, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and TradingView. Vantage has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile and DXtrade.
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.
