IC Markets and Spreadex sit at opposite ends of the forex broker spectrum in this comparison. The key tension is raw ECN pricing versus spread betting and platform choices.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose if…
Choose IC Markets for 24/5 live chat and access to MT4, MT5 and cTrader.
Choose if…
Choose Spreadex for TradingView integration and FCA regulated UK spread betting.
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▲ | 4.5 / 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 | Spreadex |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| Proprietary platform | Fail | Pass |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Fail |
IC Markets rates 4.7/5 versus 4/5 for Spreadex. 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 Spreadex's 0.6 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
Spreadex has no minimum deposit, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes Spreadex more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both IC Markets and Spreadex 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: Spreadex 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.
IC Markets lists maximum leverage of 500:1, while Spreadex 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 Spreadex are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4, while Spreadex supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView. Both provide TradingView. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. Spreadex has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
IC Markets offers tighter spreads from 0.00 pips vs 0.60 pips for Spreadex, reducing trading costs.
IC Markets wins due to multiple regulators (ASIC, CySEC, FSCA) and segregated funds.
IC Markets attracts active traders with ECN pricing and multiple platforms.
IC Markets is better suited for scalpers: raw/ECN spreads available, tighter spreads from 0.00 pips.
IC Markets offers MT4, MT5 and cTrader for platform flexibility.
Spreadex offers zero minimum deposit and FCA regulation for easier start.
Spreadex provides around 10,000 instruments, more than IC Markets.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 5.0 / 5▲ | 4.2 / 5 |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.6 / 5▲ | 4.0 / 5 |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.5 / 5▲ | 4.1 / 5 |
|---|
| Founded | 2007 | 1999 |
|---|
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia | St Albans, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom |
|---|
| Min Deposit | $200 | No minimum▼ 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 card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | ASIC CySEC FSCA | FCA |
|---|
| Platforms | cTrader MetaTrader 5 TradingView MetaTrader 4 | Proprietary Web/Mobile TradingView |
|---|
| 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
FCA-regulated (190941) UK spread betting on 10,000+ financial markets
TradingView integration for browser-based charting and order execution
UK capital gains tax-free profits on spread bets under current HMRC rules
Unique dual financial and sports spread betting from one FCA account
No minimum deposit and no commission on spread bets
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
Mobile trading app available
Proprietary trading platform available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
Phone support available
Cons
Not available to US residents
Higher minimum deposit than IG/OANDA
No proprietary platform
Cons
UK residents only - no international client access
No MT4 or MT5 available
Research tools minimal
Not suitable for traders who need raw ECN execution
No raw spread account option
No MetaTrader support
No 24/5 live chat
Support available in limited languages
IC Markets is the editorial winner with a 4.7/5 score versus Spreadex at 4.0/5. The gap reflects stronger regulation reach and platform coverage.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
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