Alpari Internationalvs
IC MarketsStock Broker Comparison
This comparison pits two brokers offering stock CFDs on regulation, exchange coverage, and cost structure. The stakes hinge on whether a lower minimum deposit or broader equity access matters most.
Our Verdict
IC Markets winsClear Winner
IC Markets is the editorial winner, backed by stronger regulation, broader exchange access, and a compensation scheme; Alpari International remains a lower-entry option with MT4/MT5 support for automated equity strategies.
IC Markets
4.1/5
Alpari International
3.3/5
Key Differences
- 1IC Markets accesses 12 exchanges, Alpari covers 5.
- 2IC Markets provides a compensation scheme.
- 3Alpari International operates offshore FSC Mauritius regulation.
Who should choose Alpari International vs IC Markets?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose Alpari International if…
Choose Alpari International if you want the lowest entry barrier with a $5 minimum deposit.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you want broader exchange access and a compensation scheme.
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
Recommended
IC Markets wins safety & regulation with ASIC, CySEC, FSCA oversight.
Best for active traders
Recommended
Alpari International vs IC Markets: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.3/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
| Min deposit | $5▼ lower | $200 |
| Spreads from | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission / lot | $6/lot▼ lower | $7/lot |
Alpari International vs IC Markets Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- $5 minimum deposit, lowest barrier to entry for stocks CFD access
- MT4/MT5 with full EA support for automated equity strategies
- Wide global reach across CIS, Asian, and emerging markets
Cons
- Offshore regulation (FSC Mauritius), minimal investor protection
- Limited stock selection vs dedicated equity brokers
Alpari International vs IC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
0
Alpari International
criteria wins
3
IC Markets
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | Alpari International | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Fail | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Fail | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Fail | 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 |
Alpari International vs IC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
IC Markets rates 4.1/5 versus 3.3/5 for Alpari International. IC Markets edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Both Alpari International and IC Markets start from the same spread of 0. For stock trading, also compare per-trade or per-share commissions to determine the total cost per transaction.
Alpari International has $5, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes Alpari International more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
IC Markets holds top-tier regulation (FSCA, ASIC, CySEC), providing stronger investor protections. Alpari International may be regulated but does not hold top-tier status in our data. Verify regulatory status on each regulator's public register before depositing funds.
For beginners, two factors stand out: Alpari International requires a lower minimum deposit ($5), lowering the barrier to entry, and IC Markets provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Alpari International lists maximum leverage of 1000:1, 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.
Alpari International 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.
Alpari International 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.
Neither Alpari International 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.
IC Markets scores higher on investor protection criteria, with compensation scheme coverage and segregated client funds. For stock investors, confirming compensation scheme coverage ensures your assets are protected up to a defined limit if the broker becomes insolvent.
