IC Marketsvs
Plus500Forex Broker Comparison
IC Markets emphasizes raw ECN spreads and multiple platforms, while Plus500 centers on a simple proprietary platform with zero commissions. The contrast highlights costs, tools, and regulation.
Our Verdict
IC Markets winsClear Winner
IC Markets edges Plus500 on the editorial score and offers true ECN 0.0 pip spreads with commission, supported by MT4/MT5 and cTrader.
IC Markets
4.7/5
Plus500
4.0/5
Key Differences
- 1IC Markets offers MT4/MT5 and cTrader; Plus500 uses proprietary platform.
- 2IC Markets provides true ECN 0.0 pip spreads with $7/lot; Plus500 has zero commissions.
- 3Number of instruments differs: IC Markets 2200 vs Plus500 2000.
Who should choose IC Markets vs Plus500?
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you want MT4/MT5 and cTrader access, plus true ECN spreads.
Choose Plus500 if…
Choose Plus500 if you prefer a simple proprietary platform with zero commissions.
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 0.00 pips vs 0.60 pips for Plus500, reducing trading costs.
Best for safety & regulation
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
IC Markets vs Plus500: Side-by-Side Forex Broker Comparison
Score
= highlighted score shows which broker leads in that category| Editorial score | 4.7/ 5 | 4.0/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.6 / 5▲ | 4.2 / 5 |
IC Markets vs Plus500 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
IC Markets vs Plus500: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
5
IC Markets
criteria wins
1
Plus500
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | IC Markets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Fail |
| Proprietary platform | Fail | Pass |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Fail |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
IC Markets vs Plus500: Frequently Asked Questions
IC Markets rates 4.7/5 versus 4/5 for Plus500. 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 Plus500's 0.6 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
Plus500 has $100, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes Plus500 more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both IC Markets and Plus500 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: Plus500 requires a lower minimum deposit ($100), 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 Plus500 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 Plus500 are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4, while Plus500 supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and MetaTrader 5 and TradingView and MetaTrader 4. Plus500 has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
