HFMvs
IC MarketsForex Broker Comparison
Two brokers clash over regulation, costs, and platform breadth. The matchup tests whether fees or tools carry more weight for traders.
Our Verdict
IC Markets winsClear Winner
IC Markets edges out HFM on editorial score, reflecting stronger Fees & Spreads and Platforms & Tools.
IC Markets
4.7/5
HFM
4.1/5
Key Differences
- 1Leverage: HFM up to 2000:1; IC Markets up to 500:1.
- 2Platform breadth: IC Markets uses MT4/MT5 and cTrader; HFM uses MT4/MT5.
- 3Instruments: IC Markets offers 2200; HFM offers 1000.
Who should choose HFM vs IC Markets?
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose HFM if…
HFM suits you if you want a zero minimum deposit and HFcopy copy trading. IC Markets suits you if you want true ECN pricing and broad platform support.
Choose IC Markets if…
HFM suits you if you want a zero minimum deposit and HFcopy copy trading. IC Markets suits you if you want true ECN pricing and broad platform support.
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 0.00 pips.
Best for safety & regulation
HFM 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▲ |
HFM vs IC Markets Forex Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
No minimum deposit required to open an account
Copy trading via HFcopy platform
FCA, CySEC, and FSCA regulation
High leverage up to 2000:1 on offshore entity
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
HFM vs IC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | HFM | 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 |
HFM vs IC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
IC Markets rates 4.7/5 versus 4.1/5 for HFM. IC Markets edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Both HFM and IC Markets start from 0 pips, making them equivalent on this metric. Compare commissions and account types to evaluate total trading costs.
HFM has no minimum deposit, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes HFM more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both HFM 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: HFM has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
HFM lists maximum leverage of 2000:1, 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.
HFM charges $6 per lot, lower than IC Markets's $7 per lot. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day.
HFM supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and TradingView.
