Admiralsvs
IC MarketsStock Broker Comparison
Two brokers compete on regulated trust, platform choices, and stock access. The axis hinges on cost structures, access to real shares, and exchange coverage.
Our Verdict
Too close to call0.1 pts apart
Admirals and IC Markets are closely matched overall, with Admirals offering access to more exchanges (15 vs 12) as the clearest differentiator.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Admirals provides access to more exchanges (15) than IC Markets (12).
- 2Admirals offers research tools that IC Markets does not provide.
- 3Commission-free real stock ownership is available on Admirals, not IC Markets.
Who should choose Admirals vs IC Markets?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose Admirals if…
Choose Admirals if you want real stock ownership through Invest.MT5 and zero commissions on stock trading. You also gain access to research tools and broader exchange access across 15 markets.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you value DMA access via IRESS and a large stock CFD offering. You also benefit from 2,000+ stock CFDs across US, UK, ASX and global exchanges with transparent USD 0.02 per share pricing on US stocks.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for low cost trading
Recommended
Admirals wins for low-cost stock trading with zero-commission Invest.MT5 real shares.
Best for safety & regulation
Admirals vs IC Markets: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.0/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $200 |
| Spreads from | 0.5 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | $6/lot▼ lower | $7/lot |
Admirals vs IC Markets Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- Real share ownership via Invest.MT5 at zero commission alongside leveraged share CFDs
- 4,500+ stocks and ETFs across MT4 and MT5 with MetaTrader Supreme Edition
- FCA, CySEC, and ASIC regulated, strong multi-jurisdictional profile
- No minimum deposit on standard accounts; FSCS protection for UK clients
Cons
- Invest.MT5 (real shares) and CFD account are separate products, no unified view
Admirals vs IC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
1
Admirals
criteria win
0
IC Markets
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | Admirals | 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 | Pass | 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 |
Admirals vs IC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: Admirals rates 4/5 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 Admirals'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.
Admirals has no minimum deposit, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes Admirals more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both Admirals 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: Admirals 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.
Admirals 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.
Admirals charges $6 per trade, lower than IC Markets's $7 per trade. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
Admirals supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and TradingView.
Admirals offers commission-free stock trading while IC Markets does not according to our data. Commission-free trading can reduce costs for frequent traders. Always confirm the current fee structure directly on each broker's website.
Both Admirals 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.
