Two well-regulated brokers square off on pricing models and platform ecosystems. The tension revolves around cost clarity, execution, and regulatory protection.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose if…
Choose IC Markets for true ECN pricing with 0.0 pip spreads. You also access MT4, MT5, and cTrader.
Choose if…
Choose Markets.com if you want a proprietary platform alongside MT4/MT5. You also benefit from a $25 minimum deposit.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 4.7/ 5 | 4.0/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.6 / 5▲ | 4.3 / 5 |
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
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | IC Markets | Markets.com |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| 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 | Pass |
| 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 Markets.com. 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 Markets.com's 0.6 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
Markets.com has $25, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes Markets.com more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both IC Markets and Markets.com 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: Markets.com requires a lower minimum deposit ($25), lowering the barrier to entry, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
IC Markets lists maximum leverage of 500:1, while Markets.com lists up to 30:1. 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 Markets.com are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
IC Markets supports TradingView, cTrader, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, while Markets.com supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5. Both provide MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. IC Markets has exclusive access to TradingView and cTrader. Markets.com has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
IC Markets offers tighter spreads from 0.00 pips vs 0.60 pips for Markets.com, reducing trading costs.
Markets.com has four-regulator oversight (CySEC, FCA, ASIC, FSCA) with FSCS and ICF protections.
IC Markets delivers true ECN pricing and deep liquidity.
IC Markets is better suited for scalpers: raw/ECN spreads available, tighter spreads from 0.00 pips.
IC Markets offers MT4, MT5, and cTrader plus TradingView.
Instrument variety is equal at 2200 instruments across both brokers.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 5.0 / 5▲ | 4.1 / 5 |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.6 / 5▲ | 3.9 / 5 |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.5 / 5▲ | 4.0 / 5 |
|---|
| Founded | 2007 | 2009 |
|---|
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia | Limassol, Cyprus |
|---|
| Min Deposit | $200 | $25▼ lower |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0 pips▼ lower | 0.6 pips |
|---|
| Commission / lot | $7/lot | N/A |
|---|
| 0.7 pips | N/A |
| Max Leverage | 500:1▲ higher | 30:1 |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerPayPal | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | ASIC CySEC FSCA | ASIC CySEC FCA FSCA |
|---|
| Platforms | TradingView cTrader MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 | Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 |
|---|
| Active bonuses |
|---|
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
CySEC, FCA, ASIC, and FSCA four-jurisdiction regulation
$25 minimum deposit - lowest among brokers with this regulatory stack
2,200+ instruments including shares CFDs
FSCS protection (UK) and ICF compensation (EU)
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
Proprietary trading platform available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
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
Spread-only pricing, no raw ECN account
Research tools limited, no analyst reports or stock screener
Not available to US clients
Platform analytical depth below Saxo or IG
IC Markets leads on editorial score against Markets.com for stronger overall ratings and true ECN pricing.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4 / 5
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