GO Markets and IC Markets face off on true ECN pricing, platform options, and regulation. The tension lies between cost transparency and instrument depth.
IC Markets has the higher editorial score (4.7 vs 4.0), making it the overall winner.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose GO Markets if…
Choose GO Markets if you value ASIC regulation and true ECN pricing with a $5/lot commission.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you want the widest instrument range and access to MT4, MT5, and cTrader with raw spreads.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Both brokers offer spreads from 0.00 pips.
| Editorial score | 4.0/ 5 | 4.7/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.0 / 5 | 4.6 / 5▲ |
Pros
True ECN execution with three platform options
ASIC-regulated with a clean Australian track record since 2006
Competitive $5 round-turn ECN commission
Good for Australia and Asia-Pacific timezone traders
Client funds held in segregated accounts
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | GO 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 |
IC Markets rates 4.7/5 versus 4/5 for GO Markets. IC Markets edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Both GO Markets and IC Markets start from 0 pips, making them equivalent on this metric. Compare commissions and account types to evaluate total trading costs.
Both GO Markets and IC Markets require a minimum deposit of $200 to open a live trading account.
Both GO Markets 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, both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
GO Markets lists maximum leverage of 500:1, 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.
GO Markets charges $5 per lot, lower than IC Markets's $7 per lot. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day.
GO Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide cTrader and MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. IC Markets has exclusive access to TradingView.
Equally matched for safety and regulation across ASIC and CySEC.
IC Markets wins due to deeper liquidity and raw 0.0 pip spreads.
GO Markets is better suited for scalpers: lower commission ($5/lot).
IC Markets wins with MT4, MT5, cTrader plus TradingView.
GO Markets suits beginners with ASIC regulation and clear pricing.
IC Markets offers a far broader instrument universe.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.2 / 5 | 5.0 / 5▲ |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 3.9 / 5 | 4.6 / 5▲ |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 3.8 / 5 | 4.5 / 5▲ |
|---|
| Founded | 2006 | 2007 |
|---|
| Headquarters | Melbourne, Australia | Sydney, Australia |
|---|
| Min Deposit | $200 | $200 |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0 pips | 0 pips |
|---|
| Commission / lot | $5/lot▼ lower | $7/lot |
|---|
| 0.5 pips▼ lower | 0.7 pips |
| Max Leverage | 500:1 | 500:1 |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerPayPal | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerPayPal |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | ASIC CySEC FSC | ASIC FSCA CySEC |
|---|
| Platforms | cTrader MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 | cTrader MetaTrader 5 TradingView MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
| Active bonuses |
|---|
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
$200 minimum deposit is higher than many ECN peers
Less brand recognition outside Australia and Asia-Pacific
CySEC entity is offshore for non-AU clients
No proprietary platform
Cons
Not available to US residents
Higher minimum deposit than IG/OANDA
No proprietary platform
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4 / 5
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