Two regulation-backed forex brokers are pitted against each other on cost, platform breadth, and access to instruments. The tension centers on platform ecosystem and minimum deposit requirements.
IC Markets earns the edge on editorial score (4.7 vs 4.1) due to broader platforms and stronger overall rating. Axi remains solid with zero minimum deposit and robust regulation.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose Axi if…
Choose Axi if you want zero minimum deposit and clear, transparent pricing, backed by strong ASIC, FCA, and DFSA regulation. You also benefit from MT4 with EA-friendly tools and DXtrade for a modern web trading experience.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you value true ECN execution with raw 0.0 pip spreads paired with deep liquidity from 25+ tier-1 sources. You also access MT4, MT5, and cTrader alongside TradingView for a diverse trading platform suite.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Both brokers offer spreads from 0.00 pips.
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 4.7/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.2 / 5 | 4.6 / 5▲ |
Pros
No minimum deposit
Strong ASIC, FCA, and DFSA regulation
MT4-focused with excellent EA and algorithmic trading support
No inactivity fee
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Axi | 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 | Pass | 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 | Pass | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
IC Markets rates 4.7/5 versus 4.1/5 for Axi. IC Markets edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Both Axi and IC Markets start from 0 pips, making them equivalent on this metric. Compare commissions and account types to evaluate total trading costs.
Axi has no minimum deposit, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes Axi more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both Axi 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: Axi 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.
Axi lists maximum leverage of 500:1, 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.
Both Axi and IC Markets charge the same commission of $7 per lot on applicable accounts.
Axi supports DXtrade, MetaTrader 4, while IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. Axi has exclusive access to DXtrade. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and MetaTrader 5 and TradingView.
IC Markets wins for regulation with CySEC and FSCA among its regulators.
IC Markets wins due to true ECN execution and deep liquidity from multiple tier-1 sources.
Both brokers offer equivalent ECN conditions including raw spread accounts, commissions, and spread levels.
IC Markets wins with MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView across a broader platform suite.
Axi wins for beginners with a zero minimum deposit and straightforward MT4 setup.
IC Markets wins for instrument variety with 2200 tradable assets versus 220 at Axi.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.2 / 5 | 5.0 / 5▲ |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 3.9 / 5 | 4.6 / 5▲ |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 3.9 / 5 | 4.5 / 5▲ |
|---|
| Founded | 2007 | 2007 |
|---|
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia | Sydney, Australia |
|---|
| Min Deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $200 |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0 pips | 0 pips |
|---|
| Commission / lot | $7/lot | $7/lot |
|---|
| 0.7 pips | 0.7 pips |
| Max Leverage | 500:1 | 500:1 |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerPayPal |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA ASIC DFSA | ASIC FSCA CySEC |
|---|
| Platforms | DXtrade MetaTrader 4 | cTrader MetaTrader 5 TradingView MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
| Active bonuses |
|---|
Investor compensation scheme coverage
Raw spread account available
No deposit fees
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Pros
True ECN routing with raw 0.0 pip spreads
All three major platforms (MT4, MT5, cTrader)
Deep liquidity from 25+ tier-1 sources
Regulated by top-tier authorities (FCA, ASIC, CySEC)
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Cons
No MT5 or cTrader support
Pro account commission of $7/lot is above some ECN peers
Research and education tools are more limited than some peers
No proprietary platform
Cons
Not available to US residents
Higher minimum deposit than IG/OANDA
No proprietary platform
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4.1 / 5
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