Charles Schwabvs
IC MarketsStock Broker Comparison
This comparison pits a US focused broker against a CFD centric global trader, testing cost structures, features, and market access.
Who should choose Charles Schwab vs IC Markets?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose Charles Schwab if you want commission-free US stock trading. It also offers fractional shares and strong research.
Choose if…
Choose IC Markets if you want global stock CFDs with DMA access.
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
Charles Schwab vs IC Markets: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.6/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
| Min deposit | N/A | $200 |
| Spreads from | N/A | 0 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $7/lot |
Charles Schwab vs IC Markets Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- Commission-free US stock and ETF trading with no account minimum
- thinkorswim, most powerful retail trading platform available at zero cost
- Fractional shares (Schwab Slices) from $5 for any S&P 500 company
- Broadest research stack in US retail (Morningstar, Argus, CFRA, proprietary)
- Regulated by SEC and FINRA; $9 trillion in client assets
- Schwab Intelligent Portfolios robo-adviser with no management fee
Charles Schwab vs IC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
6
Charles Schwab
criteria wins
2
IC Markets
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | Charles Schwab | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Fail | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Fail | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Pass | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | — |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Pass | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Pass | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Pass | Fail |
| IPO access | Pass | 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 | Pass | Pass |
Charles Schwab vs IC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
Charles Schwab rates 4.6/5 versus 4.1/5 for IC Markets. Charles Schwab edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
IC Markets starts from 0. Current spread data is not available for Charles Schwab. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
IC Markets requires $200. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for Charles Schwab.
Both Charles Schwab 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, IC Markets provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
Charles Schwab lists maximum leverage of 1:4, 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 Charles Schwab 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.
Charles Schwab supports thinkorswim, Proprietary Web/Mobile, while IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Charles Schwab has exclusive access to thinkorswim and Proprietary Web/Mobile. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and MetaTrader 5 and TradingView and MetaTrader 4.
Charles Schwab 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.
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.
