IC Marketsvs
XTBForex Broker Comparison
Two established brokers are evaluated on regulation, cost, execution, and platforms. The axis splits between raw spreads and platform ecosystems.
Our Verdict
IC Markets winsby 0.2 pts
IC Markets edges XTB on the overall editorial score due to better fees/spreads and ECN execution.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1IC Markets has no inactivity fee; XTB charges one.
- 2XTB offers a proprietary platform; IC Markets relies on MT4/MT5/cTrader.
- 3Raw spreads available: IC Markets offers 0 pip raw spreads; XTB offers standard, not raw.
Who should choose IC Markets vs XTB?
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you want true ECN pricing and deep liquidity.
Choose XTB if…
Choose XTB if you prefer a zero minimum deposit and robust regulatory coverage.
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 0.80 pips for XTB, reducing trading costs.
Best for safety & regulation
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
IC Markets vs XTB: Side-by-Side Forex Broker Comparison
Score
= highlighted score shows which broker leads in that category| Editorial score | 4.7/ 5 | 4.5/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.6 / 5 | 4.8 / 5▲ |
IC Markets vs XTB 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 XTB: 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
XTB
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | IC Markets | XTB |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| 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 vs XTB: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: IC Markets rates 4.7/5 and XTB rates 4.5/5. IC Markets has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
IC Markets starts from 0 pips, tighter than XTB's 0.8 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
XTB has no minimum deposit, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes XTB more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both IC Markets and XTB 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: XTB 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 XTB 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 XTB are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4, while XTB supports xStation 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and MetaTrader 5 and TradingView. XTB has exclusive access to xStation 5.
