AMarketsvs
IC MarketsStock Broker Comparison
Two brokers compete for stock CFDs with different risk profiles and regulatory footprints. The clash tests whether offshore flexibility outweighs stronger regulation and wider market access.
Our Verdict
IC Markets winsClear Winner
IC Markets outperforms AMarkets on regulation, exchange access, and compensation, with ASIC/CySEC/FSCA oversight, 12 exchanges, and a compensation scheme, while AMarkets remains offshore with SVG/FSA and no such protection.
IC Markets
4.1/5
AMarkets
3.2/5
Key Differences
- 1IC Markets is regulated by ASIC, CySEC and FSCA, while AMarkets uses SVG/FSA.
- 2IC Markets provides access to 12 exchanges, vs AMarkets with 4.
- 3IC Markets offers a compensation scheme; AMarkets does not.
Who should choose AMarkets vs IC Markets?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose AMarkets if…
Choose AMarkets if you are comfortable with offshore SVG/FSA regulation and very high leverage up to 3000:1 on stock CFDs. You benefit from ECN pricing on stocks via MT4/MT5 and a low $100 minimum deposit.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you value stronger regulation and broader stock access. It offers 2,000+ share CFDs across US, UK, ASX, European, and Asian exchanges on MT5 and IRESS with genuine DMA access to ASX and major global markets 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 leads with ASIC, CySEC, FSCA regulation and a compensation scheme, unlike AMarkets.
Best for active traders
Recommended
AMarkets vs IC Markets: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.2/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
| Min deposit | $100▼ lower | $200 |
| Spreads from | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission / lot | $6/lot▼ lower | $7/lot |
AMarkets vs IC Markets Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- Stocks CFDs with ECN pricing and competitive spreads
- MT4/MT5 with copy trading integration
- Broad product range including equity CFDs alongside forex
Cons
- Offshore regulation (SVG/FSA), minimal investor protection
- No real share ownership, CFDs only
AMarkets vs IC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
0
AMarkets
criteria wins
3
IC Markets
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | AMarkets | 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 |
AMarkets vs IC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
IC Markets rates 4.1/5 versus 3.2/5 for AMarkets. IC Markets edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Both AMarkets 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.
AMarkets has $100, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes AMarkets more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
IC Markets holds top-tier regulation (FSCA, ASIC, CySEC), providing stronger investor protections. AMarkets 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: AMarkets requires a lower minimum deposit ($100), 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.
AMarkets lists maximum leverage of 3000:1, 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.
AMarkets 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.
AMarkets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide cTrader and MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. IC Markets has exclusive access to TradingView.
Neither AMarkets 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.
