FXCMvs
IC MarketsForex Broker Comparison
Two brokers clash on trust, costs, and platform depth. IC Markets emphasizes raw spreads and multiple platforms, while FXCM highlights regulation and strong API support.
Our Verdict
IC Markets winsClear Winner
IC Markets edges FXCM with a higher editorial score and stronger fees and platforms scores.
IC Markets
4.7/5
FXCM
4.1/5
Key Differences
- 1FXCM has a $50 minimum deposit.
- 2FXCM operates a proprietary Trading Station.
- 3IC Markets offers raw 0.0 pip spreads, cheaper than FXCM.
Who should choose FXCM vs IC Markets?
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose FXCM if…
Choose FXCM if you prefer a low minimum deposit and a proprietary platform.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you want raw spreads and broad platform options.
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 0.40 pips for FXCM, reducing trading costs.
Best for safety & regulation
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
FXCM vs IC Markets: Side-by-Side Forex Broker Comparison
Score
= highlighted score shows which broker leads in that category| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 4.7/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.1 / 5 | 4.6 / 5▲ |
FXCM vs IC Markets Forex Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
Strong APIs (REST, FIX)
Trading Station + MT4
FCA regulated
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
FXCM vs IC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
1
FXCM
criteria win
2
IC Markets
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | FXCM | 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 | 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 |
FXCM vs IC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
IC Markets rates 4.7/5 versus 4.1/5 for FXCM. 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 FXCM's 0.4 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
FXCM has $50, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes FXCM more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both FXCM 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: FXCM requires a lower minimum deposit ($50), lowering the barrier to entry, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
FXCM 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 FXCM are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
FXCM supports ZuluTrade, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, NinjaTrader, while IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. FXCM has exclusive access to ZuluTrade and Proprietary Web/Mobile and NinjaTrader. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and MetaTrader 5 and TradingView.
