In this matchup, IC Markets and Trade Nation clash over pricing structures, platform access, and regulatory coverage. The outcome hinges on which factors traders value most.
IC Markets edges Trade Nation on the editorial score, underpinned by stronger regulation and broader platform coverage with deep liquidity.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you want MT4/MT5/cTrader access.
Choose Trade Nation if…
Choose Trade Nation if you prefer fixed spreads and no minimum deposit.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
IC Markets offers tighter spreads from 0.00 pips vs 0.60 pips for Trade Nation, reducing trading costs.
| Editorial score | 4.7/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.6 / 5▲ | 4.2 / 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 | Trade Nation |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
IC Markets rates 4.7/5 versus 4.1/5 for Trade Nation. 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 Trade Nation's 0.6 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
Trade Nation has no minimum deposit, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes Trade Nation more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both IC Markets and Trade Nation 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: Trade Nation 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 Trade Nation 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 Trade Nation are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4, while Trade Nation supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and MetaTrader 5 and TradingView. Trade Nation has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
IC Markets has ASIC, CySEC, and FSCA with segregated funds and compensation coverage.
IC Markets offers true ECN pricing with deep liquidity suitable for active traders.
IC Markets is better suited for scalpers: raw/ECN spreads available, tighter spreads from 0.00 pips.
IC Markets offers MT4, MT5, and cTrader, satisfying varied platform preferences.
Trade Nation has no minimum deposit and straightforward fixed spreads.
IC Markets provides 2200 instruments, offering broader market access.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 5.0 / 5▲ | 4.2 / 5 |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.6 / 5▲ | 3.9 / 5 |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.5 / 5▲ | 3.9 / 5 |
|---|
| Founded | 2007 | 2014 |
|---|
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia | London, 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 | 500:1 |
|---|
| 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 FSCA CySEC | FCA ASIC |
|---|
| Platforms | cTrader MetaTrader 5 TradingView MetaTrader 4 | Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
| 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
Fixed spreads from 0.6 pips with no commission
No minimum deposit and no inactivity fee
Strong FCA and ASIC multi-region regulation
Simple, transparent cost structure ideal for cost-conscious traders
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
No deposit fees
Mobile trading app available
Proprietary trading platform available
Advanced charting tools included
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
Limited asset classes, no stocks or ETF CFDs
Proprietary platform is basic compared to MT4/MT5
Fixed spreads widen significantly during major news events
No raw spread account option
No MetaTrader support
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4.1 / 5
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