In a head-to-head review, IC Markets and Vantage compete on regulation, cost, and platform depth. The gap between their offerings tests whether higher scores translate into real trading advantages.
IC Markets edges Vantage on the editorial score, outperforming it in trust, fees/spreads, and platforms.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you want true ECN pricing with raw 0.0 pip spreads and deep liquidity.
Choose Vantage if…
Choose Vantage if you want a low $50 minimum and access to a raw spread account plus copy trading.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Both brokers offer spreads from 0.00 pips.
| Editorial score | 4.7/ 5 | 4.2/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.6 / 5▲ | 4.3 / 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 | Vantage |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
IC Markets rates 4.7/5 versus 4.2/5 for Vantage. IC Markets edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Both IC Markets and Vantage start from 0 pips, making them equivalent on this metric. Compare commissions and account types to evaluate total trading costs.
Vantage has $50, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes Vantage more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both IC Markets and Vantage 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: Vantage requires a lower minimum deposit ($50), 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 Vantage lists up to 2000:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
Vantage charges $6 per lot, lower than IC Markets's $7 per lot. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day.
IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4, while Vantage supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, DXtrade, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and TradingView. Vantage has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile and DXtrade.
Equally matched; both have tier-1 regulators and segregated client funds.
Best for active traders: Vantage, thanks to 2000:1 leverage and copy trading.
Vantage is better suited for scalpers: lower commission ($6/lot).
Best for platform choice: IC Markets wins with MT4/MT5 and cTrader breadth.
Best for beginners: Vantage, due to a low $50 minimum deposit and educational content.
Best for instrument variety: IC Markets offers 2200 instruments versus 1000 at Vantage.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 5.0 / 5▲ | 4.3 / 5 |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.6 / 5▲ | 4.1 / 5 |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.5 / 5▲ | 3.9 / 5 |
|---|
| Founded | 2007 | 2009 |
|---|
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia | Sydney, Australia |
|---|
| Min Deposit | $200 | $50▼ lower |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0 pips | 0 pips |
|---|
| Commission / lot | $7/lot | $6/lot▼ lower |
|---|
| 0.7 pips | 0.6 pips▼ lower |
| Max Leverage | 500:1▲ higher | 2,000:1 |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerPayPal | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerPayPal |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | ASIC FSCA CySEC | FCA ASIC CIMA |
|---|
| Platforms | cTrader MetaTrader 5 TradingView MetaTrader 4 | MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile DXtrade 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
Low $50 minimum deposit
Copy trading via Vantage Social
Good educational content and market analysis
ASIC, FCA, and CIMA regulation
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
Raw spread account available
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Proprietary trading platform available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
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
Cayman Islands entity used for offshore clients offers fewer protections
Proprietary app is still maturing compared to MT4/MT5
Not available to US residents
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4.2 / 5
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