IC Markets vs InstaForex Forex Broker Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of IC Markets and InstaForex across regulation, trading costs, platforms, and editorial scoring.
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.
VS
Score 3.6 / 5
2 bonusesFSC BVI-regulated broker with over 17 years of operation, known for cent accounts and accessible entry conditions for beginner traders in Asia and the CIS - regulatory depth is limited under the offshore BVI framework.
Our Verdict
IC Markets winsClear Winner
IC Markets comes out ahead with an editorial score of 4.7/5 compared to InstaForex's 3.6/5.
IC Markets
4.7/5
InstaForex
3.6/5
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 pips vs 1 pips for InstaForex, reducing trading costs.
Best for safety & regulation
Recommended
IC Markets has a stronger safety profile: top-tier regulation, compensation scheme, segregated funds, negative balance protection.
Best for active traders
Recommended
IC Markets has a cost edge: raw/ECN spreads, tighter spreads from 0 pips.
Best for platform choice
Recommended
IC Markets offers more exclusive platform options: MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView.
Best for beginners
Recommended
IC Markets edges out InstaForex with a higher editorial score (4.7/5 vs 3.6/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new traders.
IC Markets vs InstaForex: Side-by-Side Forex Broker Comparison
Score
= highlighted score shows which broker leads in that category| Editorial score | 4.7/ 5 | 3.6/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.6 / 5▲ | 3.2 / 5 |
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 5.0 / 5▲ | 3.4 / 5 |
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.6 / 5▲ | 3.3 / 5 |
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.5 / 5▲ | 3.5 / 5 |
| Founded | 2007 | 2007 |
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia | Road Town, British Virgin Islands |
| Min deposit | $200 | $1 |
| Spreads from | 0 pips | 1 pips |
| Commission / lot | $7/lot | N/A |
| Max leverage | 500:1 | 1000:1 |
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
| Regulators | FSCA ASIC CySEC | FSC BVI CySEC |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 cTrader TradingView | MetaTrader 4 |
| Active bonuses | ||
| Visit broker | Visit IC Markets | Visit InstaForex |
IC Markets vs InstaForex Forex Broker Pros & Cons
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
Pros
17+ years in operation - extensive track record
Cent accounts for micro-lot trading from $1
Very low minimum deposit
Large partner and IB network across Asia and CIS
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
Mobile trading app available
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Cons
Not available to US residents
Higher minimum deposit than IG/OANDA
No proprietary platform
Cons
FSC BVI only - offshore licence, limited investor protection
Spreads not competitive with ECN brokers
Platform limited to MT4 - no MT5, cTrader, or proprietary option
Service quality reviews are mixed on independent forums
No top-tier regulatory licence
Client funds not segregated
No negative balance protection
No investor compensation scheme
No raw spread account option
No MetaTrader support
Limited charting capabilities
Pricing transparency could be improved
IC Markets vs InstaForex: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
8
IC Markets
criteria wins
0
InstaForex
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | IC Markets | InstaForex |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Pass | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Fail |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Fail |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS) | Pass | Fail |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Pass | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Fail |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Fail |
| Proprietary platform | Fail | Fail |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Fail |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
IC Markets vs InstaForex: Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our independent editorial scoring, IC Markets ranks higher with a score of 4.7/5 vs 3.6/5 for InstaForex. The best choice still depends on your individual trading needs; IC Markets and InstaForex may each suit different trader profiles.
IC Markets offers tighter spreads starting from 0 pips, compared to InstaForex's spreads from 1 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, particularly valuable for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
InstaForex has a lower minimum deposit of $1, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes InstaForex more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
IC Markets holds top-tier regulation (FSCA, ASIC, CySEC), providing stronger investor protections. InstaForex may be regulated but does not hold top-tier status in our data. Always verify regulatory status with the broker directly before depositing funds.
For beginners: InstaForex has a lower minimum deposit ($1), lowering the barrier to entry; IC Markets offers negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also weigh up educational resources and customer support quality before deciding.
IC Markets offers maximum leverage of 500:1, while InstaForex offers up to 1000:1. Available leverage varies by account type, instrument, and jurisdiction. Higher leverage amplifies both potential profits and losses. Always use appropriate risk management.
IC Markets charges $7 per lot on commission-based accounts. Commission details for the other broker are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
IC Markets supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView and InstaForex offers MetaTrader 4; both support MetaTrader 4; IC Markets exclusively offers MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView.
Ready to get started?
Open an account directly with the broker that suits you best.
Score 3.6 / 5
More Broker Comparisons
More IC Markets 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