Global Prime vs IC Markets Forex Broker Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of Global Prime and IC Markets across regulation, trading costs, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Score 4.2 / 5
2 bonusesASIC-regulated NDD/ECN broker with raw spreads from 0.0 pips and one of the most transparent execution reports in retail forex - a strong choice for active traders who prioritise verified execution quality over marketing.
VS
Score 4.7 / 5
4 bonusesTrue ECN routing with raw 0.0 pip spreads on majors plus commission, deep liquidity, and the cleanest MT4 / MT5 / cTrader stack we test.
Our Verdict
IC Markets winsby 0.5 pts
IC Markets edges ahead with a score of 4.7/5 vs Global Prime's 4.2/5. A narrow margin, so review the breakdown below to see where each broker has a clear advantage.
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 pips.
Best for safety & regulation
Recommended
IC Markets has a stronger safety profile: top-tier regulation, compensation scheme, segregated funds, negative balance protection.
Best for platform choice
Recommended
IC Markets offers more exclusive platform options: TradingView, MetaTrader 5.
Best for beginners
Recommended
IC Markets edges out Global Prime with a higher editorial score (4.7/5 vs 4.2/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new traders.
Global Prime 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 | 4.5 / 5 | 4.6 / 5▲ |
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.6 / 5 | 5.0 / 5▲ |
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.2 / 5 | 4.6 / 5▲ |
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.1 / 5 | 4.5 / 5▲ |
| Founded | 2010 | 2007 |
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia | Sydney, Australia |
| Min deposit | $200 | $200 |
| Spreads from | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission / lot | $7/lot | $7/lot |
| Max leverage | 500:1 | 500:1 |
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
| Regulators | ASIC VFSC | FSCA ASIC CySEC |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 cTrader | MetaTrader 4 TradingView MetaTrader 5 cTrader |
| Active bonuses | ||
| Visit broker | Visit Global Prime | Visit IC Markets |
Global Prime vs IC Markets Forex Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
ASIC regulated with published quarterly execution quality reports
Raw spreads from 0.0 pips with $7 round-turn commission
True NDD execution - no internal position matching
MT4 and cTrader available
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
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
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
$200 minimum deposit
Limited product range - forex and major CFD classes only
No proprietary platform or copy trading
No investor compensation scheme
No 24/5 live chat
No phone support
Support available in limited languages
Cons
Not available to US residents
Higher minimum deposit than IG/OANDA
No proprietary platform
Global Prime vs IC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
0
Global Prime
criteria wins
4
IC Markets
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | Global Prime | 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) | 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 | Pass | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Fail | Pass |
Global Prime vs IC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our independent editorial scoring, IC Markets ranks higher with a score of 4.7/5 vs 4.2/5 for Global Prime. The best choice still depends on your individual trading needs; Global Prime and IC Markets may each suit different trader profiles.
Both Global Prime 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.
Both Global Prime and IC Markets require a minimum deposit of $200 to open a live trading account.
Both Global Prime 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: both brokers offer negative balance protection. Also weigh up educational resources and customer support quality before deciding.
Global Prime 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.
Both Global Prime and IC Markets charge the same commission of $7 per lot on applicable accounts.
Global Prime supports MetaTrader 4, cTrader and IC Markets offers MetaTrader 4, TradingView, MetaTrader 5, cTrader; both support MetaTrader 4, cTrader; IC Markets exclusively offers TradingView, MetaTrader 5.
Ready to get started?
Open an account directly with the broker that suits you best.
Score 4.2 / 5
More Broker Comparisons
More Global Prime comparisons
Personalised recommendation
Not sure which broker is right for you?
Answer 6 quick questions and we'll match you with the brokers that best fit your trading style, experience level, and country.
Find my broker