ActivTradesvs
IC MarketsStock Broker Comparison
In this comparison, ActivTrades and IC Markets square off over stock CFDs, platform breadth, and regulation. The tension centers on exchange access versus entry requirements.
Our Verdict
IC Markets winsby 0.4 pts
IC Markets edges ActivTrades on the overall editorial score, driven by stronger category ratings and broader exchange access, while ActivTrades offers a $0 minimum deposit but a smaller 10-exchange reach and a proprietary platform.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Minimum deposit difference: ActivTrades $0 vs IC Markets $200.
- 2Proprietary platform: ActivTrades has ActivTrader; IC Markets relies on non-proprietary platforms.
- 3Exchange coverage: ActivTrades 10 exchanges vs IC Markets 12.
Who should choose ActivTrades vs IC Markets?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose ActivTrades if…
Choose ActivTrades if you prefer a $0 minimum deposit and supplemental fund protection up to GBP 1,000,000. You also access ActivTrader across 600+ share CFDs.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you want 2,000+ share CFDs and DMA access via IRESS. You also get a broad platform suite with MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for safety & regulation
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
IC Markets earns top-tier regulation with ASIC and CySEC, plus strong trust ratings.
Best for active traders
Recommended
ActivTrades vs IC Markets: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $200 |
| Spreads from | 0.5 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $7/lot |
ActivTrades vs IC Markets Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- Supplemental private insurance up to GBP 1,000,000 per client, above FSCS standard limit
- FCA regulated with ActivTrader volatility protection for equity CFD risk management
- 600+ share CFDs across ActivTrader and MT4 with no minimum deposit
- No commission on standard accounts; no inactivity fee
Cons
- Stock range (600+) narrower than CMC, IG, or Saxo
ActivTrades vs IC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | ActivTrades | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Fail |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
ActivTrades vs IC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: ActivTrades rates 3.7/5 and IC Markets rates 4.1/5. 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 lists tighter spreads from 0, compared with ActivTrades's 0.5. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
ActivTrades has no minimum deposit, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes ActivTrades more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both ActivTrades and IC Markets 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: ActivTrades 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.
ActivTrades lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while IC Markets lists up to 5:1. 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 trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for ActivTrades are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
ActivTrades supports MetaTrader 4, ActivTrader, while IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. ActivTrades has exclusive access to ActivTrader. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and MetaTrader 5 and TradingView.
Neither ActivTrades nor IC Markets is listed as offering commission-free trading in our data. Compare each broker's commission schedule directly, as fees vary by account type and the markets you trade.
Both ActivTrades and IC Markets are covered by a compensation scheme according to our data, providing an additional safety net for your stock investments. Confirm the specific scheme and coverage limit that applies to your account before depositing.
