FBSvs
IC MarketsForex Broker Comparison
This matchup pits two well-known brokers against each other across regulation, pricing, and platforms. The tension hinges on safety promises versus execution quality and instrument breadth.
Our Verdict
IC Markets winsClear Winner
IC Markets edges out FBS on the editorial score thanks to top-tier regulation, compensation coverage, and a broader platform stack. FBS trails on investor protection and instrument variety.
IC Markets
4.7/5
FBS
3.9/5
Key Differences
- 1IC Markets has top-tier regulators with compensation scheme.
- 2IC Markets offers true ECN with raw 0.0 pip spreads.
- 3IC Markets lists 2200 instruments vs 550 for FBS.
Who should choose FBS vs IC Markets?
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose FBS if…
Choose FBS if you want a $1 minimum deposit and Cent accounts.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you want true ECN spreads with 0.0 pips and investor compensation scheme coverage.
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
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
Both brokers offer spreads from 0.00 pips.
Best for safety & regulation
Recommended
FBS vs IC Markets: Side-by-Side Forex Broker Comparison
Score
= highlighted score shows which broker leads in that category| Editorial score | 3.9/ 5 | 4.7/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 3.5 / 5 | 4.6 / 5▲ |
FBS vs IC Markets Forex Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
Very low $1 minimum deposit on Cent accounts
MT4 and MT5 on all account types
Multiple account types including Cent, Zero Spread, and ECN
Widely available across Southeast Asia, MENA, and Africa
Client funds held in segregated accounts
FBS vs IC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
0
FBS
criteria wins
3
IC Markets
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | FBS | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Fail | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS) | Fail | 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 | Fail | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
FBS vs IC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
IC Markets rates 4.7/5 versus 3.9/5 for FBS. IC Markets edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Both FBS and IC Markets start from 0 pips, making them equivalent on this metric. Compare commissions and account types to evaluate total trading costs.
FBS has $1, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes FBS more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
IC Markets holds top-tier regulation (ASIC, FSCA, CySEC), providing stronger investor protections. FBS may be regulated but does not hold top-tier status in our data. Verify regulatory status on each regulator's public register before depositing funds.
For beginners, two factors stand out: FBS requires a lower minimum deposit ($1), lowering the barrier to entry, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
FBS lists maximum leverage of 3000:1, 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, lower than FBS's $20 per lot. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day.
FBS supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and TradingView.
