A head-to-head comparison of FP Markets and IC Markets across regulation, trading costs, platforms, and editorial scoring.
True ECN pricing, all three major platforms, strong ASIC regulation, and IRESS integration for share CFDs - a complete package for active traders.
True ECN routing with raw 0.0 pip spreads on majors plus commission, deep liquidity, and the cleanest MT4 / MT5 / cTrader stack we test.
IC Markets edges ahead with a score of 4.7/5 vs FP Markets's 4.5/5. A narrow margin, so review the breakdown below to see where each broker has a clear advantage.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Both brokers offer spreads from 0 pips.
Both brokers show an equally strong safety profile across regulation, fund protection, and client safeguards.
FP Markets offers more exclusive platform options: IRESS.
IC Markets edges out FP Markets with a higher editorial score (4.7/5 vs 4.5/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new traders.
| Editorial score | 4.5/ 5 | 4.7/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.6 / 5 | 4.6 / 5 |
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.5 / 5 | 5.0 / 5▲ |
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.4 / 5 | 4.6 / 5▲ |
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.3 / 5 | 4.5 / 5▲ |
| Founded | 2005 | 2007 |
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia | Sydney, Australia |
| Min deposit | $100 | $200 |
| Spreads from | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission / lot | $6/lot | $7/lot |
| Max leverage | 500:1 | 500:1 |
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
| Regulators | ASIC CySEC | FSCA ASIC CySEC |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 cTrader TradingView IRESS | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 cTrader TradingView |
| Active bonuses | ||
| Visit broker | Visit FP Markets | Visit IC Markets |
Pros
True ECN pricing from 0.0 pips + $6 round-turn commission
Supports MT4, MT5, and cTrader - all three major platforms
IRESS platform for direct-access share CFD trading
Strong ASIC and CySEC regulation
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
Raw spread account available
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
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
IRESS platform has a monthly fee for lower-volume traders
Customer support primarily oriented toward Australian trading hours
Not available to US residents
No proprietary platform
Cons
Not available to US residents
Higher minimum deposit than IG/OANDA
No proprietary platform
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | FP Markets | 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 |
Based on our independent editorial scoring, IC Markets ranks higher with a score of 4.7/5 vs 4.5/5 for FP Markets. The best choice still depends on your individual trading needs; FP Markets and IC Markets may each suit different trader profiles.
Both FP Markets and IC Markets offer spreads starting from 0 pips, making them equivalent on this metric. Consider commissions and account types when evaluating total trading costs.
FP Markets has a lower minimum deposit of $100, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes FP Markets more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both FP Markets and IC Markets hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Both are considered safe. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners: FP Markets has a lower minimum deposit ($100), lowering the barrier to entry; both brokers offer negative balance protection. Also weigh up educational resources and customer support quality before deciding.
FP Markets offers maximum leverage of 500:1, while IC Markets offers up to 500:1. Available leverage varies by account type, instrument, and jurisdiction. Higher leverage amplifies both potential profits and losses. Always use appropriate risk management.
FP Markets charges $6 per lot, lower than IC Markets's $7 per lot. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day.
FP Markets supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView, IRESS and IC Markets offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView; both support MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView; FP Markets exclusively offers IRESS.
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