ActivTradesvs
IC MarketsForex Broker Comparison
This comparison contrasts ActivTrades and IC Markets on regulation, pricing, and platform choices. The axis centers on cost, execution quality, and platform breadth.
Our Verdict
IC Markets winsby 0.4 pts
IC Markets edges ActivTrades on the editorial score (4.7 vs 4.3). The higher overall score stems from better Fees & Spreads and Platforms & Tools.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1IC Markets lists more instruments (2200 vs 1000).
- 2ActivTrades offers proprietary platform with volatility protection.
- 3IC Markets provides raw ECN spreads with $7/lot commission.
Who should choose ActivTrades vs IC Markets?
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose ActivTrades if…
Choose ActivTrades if you value a proprietary platform with volatility protection. You benefit from strong southern European support.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you want raw spreads and broad platform access. You can trade on MT4, MT5, and cTrader.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Best for low cost trading
Recommended
IC Markets offers tighter spreads from 0.00 pips vs 0.50 pips for ActivTrades, reducing trading costs.
Best for safety & regulation
ActivTrades vs IC Markets: Side-by-Side Forex Broker Comparison
Score
= highlighted score shows which broker leads in that category| Editorial score | 4.3/ 5 | 4.7/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.5 / 5 | 4.6 / 5▲ |
ActivTrades vs IC Markets Forex Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
FCA regulated with supplemental insurance up to GBP 1,000,000 per client
ActivTrader's volatility protection feature is a genuine risk management differentiator
No minimum deposit
Strong southern European presence, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese support
Client funds held in segregated accounts
ActivTrades vs IC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
1
ActivTrades
criteria win
1
IC Markets
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | ActivTrades | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS) | Pass | Pass |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Fail | Pass |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Pass |
| Proprietary platform | Pass | Fail |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
ActivTrades vs IC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: ActivTrades rates 4.3/5 and IC Markets rates 4.7/5. 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 starts from 0 pips, tighter than ActivTrades's 0.5 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
ActivTrades has no minimum deposit, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes ActivTrades more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both ActivTrades and IC Markets hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, two factors stand out: ActivTrades has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
ActivTrades lists maximum leverage of 400:1, while IC Markets lists up to 500:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
IC Markets charges $7 per lot on commission-based accounts. Commission details for ActivTrades are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
ActivTrades supports MetaTrader 4, ActivTrader, while IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. ActivTrades has exclusive access to ActivTrader. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and MetaTrader 5 and TradingView.
