IC Markets vs Trade Nation Forex Broker Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of IC Markets and Trade Nation across regulation, trading costs, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Score 4.7 / 5
4 bonusesTrue ECN routing with raw 0.0 pip spreads on majors plus commission, deep liquidity, and the cleanest MT4 / MT5 / cTrader stack we test.
VS
Score 4.1 / 5
2 bonusesFixed spreads from 0.6 pips with no commission, no minimum deposit, and strong FCA and ASIC regulation - simple, transparent pricing for cost-conscious traders.
Our Verdict
IC Markets winsClear Winner
IC Markets comes out ahead with an editorial score of 4.7/5 compared to Trade Nation's 4.1/5.
IC Markets
4.7/5
Trade Nation
4.1/5
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 pips vs 0.6 pips for Trade Nation, reducing trading costs.
Best for safety & regulation
It's a tie
Both equally suited
Both brokers show an equally strong safety profile across regulation, fund protection, and client safeguards.
Best for active traders
Recommended
IC Markets has a cost edge: raw/ECN spreads, tighter spreads from 0 pips.
Best for platform choice
It's a tie
Both equally suited
Both brokers offer an equivalent platform selection with similar exclusive and proprietary options.
Best for beginners
Recommended
IC Markets edges out Trade Nation with a higher editorial score (4.7/5 vs 4.1/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new traders.
IC Markets vs Trade Nation: 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▲ | 4.2 / 5 |
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 |
| Spreads from | 0 pips | 0.6 pips |
| Commission / lot | $7/lot | N/A |
| Max leverage | 500:1 | 500:1 |
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
| Regulators | FSCA ASIC CySEC | FCA ASIC |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 cTrader TradingView | MetaTrader 4 Proprietary Web/Mobile |
| Active bonuses | ||
| Visit broker | Visit IC Markets | Visit Trade Nation |
IC Markets vs Trade Nation 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
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
IC Markets vs Trade Nation: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
IC Markets
criteria wins
1
Trade Nation
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| 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 vs Trade Nation: Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our independent editorial scoring, IC Markets ranks higher with a score of 4.7/5 vs 4.1/5 for Trade Nation. The best choice still depends on your individual trading needs; IC Markets and Trade Nation may each suit different trader profiles.
IC Markets offers tighter spreads starting from 0 pips, compared to Trade Nation's spreads from 0.6 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, particularly valuable for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
Trade Nation has a lower minimum deposit of no minimum required, 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. Both are considered safe. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners: Trade Nation has a lower minimum deposit (no minimum), lowering the barrier to entry; both brokers offer negative balance protection. Also weigh up educational resources and customer support quality before deciding.
IC Markets offers maximum leverage of 500:1, while Trade Nation offers up to 500:1. Available leverage varies by account type, instrument, and jurisdiction. Higher leverage amplifies both potential profits and losses. Always use appropriate risk management.
IC Markets charges $7 per lot on commission-based accounts. Commission details for the other broker are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
IC Markets supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView and Trade Nation offers MetaTrader 4, Proprietary Web/Mobile; both support MetaTrader 4; IC Markets exclusively offers MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView; Trade Nation exclusively offers Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Ready to get started?
Open an account directly with the broker that suits you best.
Score 4.1 / 5
More Broker Comparisons
More IC Markets comparisons
Personalised recommendation
Not sure which broker is right for you?
Answer 6 quick questions and we'll match you with the brokers that best fit your trading style, experience level, and country.
Find my broker