Capital.comvs
IC MarketsStock Broker Comparison
Capital.com and IC Markets compete for stock traders across global exchanges. The tension centers on commission structure, research tools, and DMA access.
Our Verdict
IC Markets winsby 0.2 pts
Capital.com and IC Markets are closely matched, but Capital.com offers commission-free trading while IC Markets applies per-share commissions.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Capital.com offers commission-free stock CFDs; IC Markets charges per-share commissions.
- 2Capital.com offers research tools and a stock screener; IC Markets lacks them.
- 3Capital.com covers 25 exchanges; IC Markets covers 12.
Who should choose Capital.com vs IC Markets?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose Capital.com if…
Choose Capital.com if you want commission-free stock CFDs and access to 25 exchanges with built-in research tools.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you value genuine DMA access via IRESS and transparent per-share US pricing.
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
Capital.com wins for low cost trading due to commission-free stock CFDs.
Best for safety & regulation
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
Capital.com vs IC Markets: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.9/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
| Min deposit | $20▼ lower | $200 |
| Spreads from | 0.6 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $7/lot |
Capital.com vs IC Markets Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- 4,000+ share CFDs across major global exchanges, wider than most regulated multi-asset brokers
- AI trading insights identify behavioural biases in equity trading decisions
- FCA, ASIC, and CySEC regulated with no commission and no minimum deposit
- No inactivity fee; 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Share CFDs only, no real ownership, ISA wrapper, dividends, or voting rights
Capital.com vs IC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
Capital.com
criteria wins
1
IC Markets
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | Capital.com | 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 | Pass | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
Capital.com vs IC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: Capital.com rates 3.9/5 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 Capital.com's 0.6. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
Capital.com has $20, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes Capital.com more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both Capital.com 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: Capital.com requires a lower minimum deposit ($20), lowering the barrier to entry, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Capital.com 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 Capital.com 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.
Capital.com supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, while IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Capital.com has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and MetaTrader 5 and TradingView and MetaTrader 4.
Capital.com 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 Capital.com 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.
