ATFXvs
IC MarketsForex Broker Comparison
Two regulated forex brokers face off over trust, costs, and execution. ATFX relies on MT4 with zero deposit and standard spreads, while IC Markets offers ECN routing and multiple platforms.
Our Verdict
IC Markets winsby 0.5 pts
IC Markets edges ATFX on editorial score, 4.7 vs 4.2, reflecting its stronger overall rating. This difference positions IC Markets as the clearer editorial winner in this comparison.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Advanced charting available on IC Markets; ATFX lacks advanced charting.
- 2IC Markets offers ~2200 instruments vs ATFX's 300.
- 3IC Markets provides true ECN routing with raw 0.0 pip spreads.
Who should choose ATFX vs IC Markets?
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose ATFX if…
Choose ATFX if you want a zero minimum deposit.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you want true ECN spreads and multi platform support.
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 1.80 pips for ATFX, reducing trading costs.
Best for safety & regulation
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
ATFX vs IC Markets: Side-by-Side Forex Broker Comparison
Score
= highlighted score shows which broker leads in that category| Editorial score | 4.2/ 5 | 4.7/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.3 / 5 | 4.6 / 5▲ |
ATFX vs IC Markets Forex Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
FCA (UK), CySEC (EU), and FSCA (SA) licensing
300+ instruments including ETF CFDs and bond CFDs
FSCS protection up to GBP 85,000 for UK clients
No minimum deposit, no inactivity fee
Client funds held in segregated accounts
ATFX vs IC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
0
ATFX
criteria wins
2
IC Markets
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | ATFX | 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 | Fail | Fail |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Fail | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
ATFX vs IC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
IC Markets rates 4.7/5 versus 4.2/5 for ATFX. IC Markets edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
IC Markets starts from 0 pips, tighter than ATFX's 1.8 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
ATFX has no minimum deposit, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes ATFX more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both ATFX 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: ATFX 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.
ATFX 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 ATFX are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
ATFX supports MetaTrader 4, while IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and MetaTrader 5 and TradingView.
