Forex.comvs
IC MarketsForex Broker Comparison
Two regulated brokers face off over pricing, platforms, and protections. The tension centers on true ECN access versus broad research tools and US client eligibility.
Our Verdict
IC Markets winsby 0.5 pts
IC Markets edges Forex.com on the editorial score and cost structure, benefiting from true ECN raw spreads and deep liquidity, while Forex.com remains strong on regulation and research tools.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1IC Markets provides true ECN routing with 0.0 pip spreads
- 2Forex.com accepts US retail clients
- 3IC Markets supports cTrader while Forex.com does not
Who should choose Forex.com vs IC Markets?
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose Forex.com if…
Choose Forex.com if you want broad regulator coverage and access for US clients.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you want true ECN routing with 0 pip spreads and deep liquidity.
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 1.00 pips for Forex.com, reducing trading costs.
Best for safety & regulation
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
Forex.com 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▲ |
Forex.com vs IC Markets Forex Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
One of the few brokers accepting US retail forex clients
Deep research tools including macro analysis
Raw spread account with competitive $7 round-turn commission
MT4, MT5 and proprietary platforms
Regulated by top-tier authorities (FCA, ASIC, CySEC)
Forex.com vs IC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
1
Forex.com
criteria win
1
IC Markets
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | Forex.com | 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 | Fail | 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 |
Forex.com vs IC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
IC Markets rates 4.7/5 versus 4.2/5 for Forex.com. 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 Forex.com's 1 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
Forex.com has $100, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes Forex.com more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both Forex.com 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: Forex.com requires a lower minimum deposit ($100), lowering the barrier to entry, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Forex.com lists maximum leverage of 50:1, 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 Forex.com and IC Markets charge the same commission of $7 per lot on applicable accounts.
Forex.com supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. Forex.com has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and TradingView.
