IC Marketsvs
SkillingForex Broker Comparison
Two recently regulated forex brokers compete on price, platform breadth, and user experience. The matchup pits IC Markets' raw spreads and deep liquidity against Skilling's modern, proprietary platform.
Our Verdict
IC Markets winsClear Winner
IC Markets edges Skilling on editorial score, driven by true ECN 0.0 pip spreads and deep liquidity. IC Markets also benefits from top-tier regulation and segregated client funds.
IC Markets
4.7/5
Skilling
4.1/5
Key Differences
- 1IC Markets offers raw 0 pip ECN spreads with $7/lot.
- 2Skilling provides the proprietary Skilling Trader platform.
- 3IC Markets has 2200 instruments versus Skilling's 1000.
Who should choose IC Markets vs Skilling?
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets for true ECN routing with raw 0.0 pip spreads and $7/lot commissions. You also access 2200 instruments, and phone support is available.
Choose Skilling if…
Choose Skilling if you want the proprietary Skilling Trader platform for a modern trading experience. You also trade on cTrader with 0.0 pip raw spreads and benefit from FCA/CySEC protections.
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 0.70 pips for Skilling, reducing trading costs.
Best for safety & regulation
IC Markets vs Skilling: Side-by-Side Forex Broker Comparison
Score
= highlighted score shows which broker leads in that category| Editorial score | 4.7/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.6 / 5▲ | 4.3 / 5 |
IC Markets vs Skilling 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 Skilling: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
1
IC Markets
criteria win
1
Skilling
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | IC Markets | Skilling |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
IC Markets vs Skilling: Frequently Asked Questions
IC Markets rates 4.7/5 versus 4.1/5 for Skilling. 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 Skilling's 0.7 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
Skilling has $100, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes Skilling more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both IC Markets and Skilling 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: Skilling 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 Skilling 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.
IC Markets charges $7 per lot on commission-based accounts. Commission details for Skilling are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4, while Skilling supports cTrader, Skilling Trader, MetaTrader 4. Both provide cTrader and MetaTrader 4. IC Markets has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and TradingView. Skilling has exclusive access to Skilling Trader.
