DEGIRO and IC Markets collide in a cost versus capability showdown. The axis centers on price structure, access to global markets, and platform tools, inviting scrutiny before the verdict.
DEGIRO wins on the editorial score (4.3 vs 4.1). The difference reflects broader access and pricing structure, with IC Markets delivering strong regulatory oversight.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose DEGIRO if…
Choose DEGIRO if you want access to 50 exchanges and a proprietary trading platform.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you need 24/5 live chat and negative balance protection.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
IC Markets wins for safety & regulation with tier-1 coverage, ASIC and CySEC oversight, and multiple watchdogs across jurisdictions.
| Editorial score | 4.3/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | N/A | $200 |
| Spreads from | N/A | 0 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $7/lot |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | DEGIRO | 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 | Fail | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | — |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Pass | 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 | Fail | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
The scores are close: DEGIRO rates 4.3/5 and IC Markets rates 4.1/5. DEGIRO 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 starts from 0. Current spread data is not available for DEGIRO. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
IC Markets requires $200. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for DEGIRO.
Both DEGIRO 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.
DEGIRO lists maximum leverage of 1:1, 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 DEGIRO 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.
DEGIRO supports DEGIRO Platform, while IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. DEGIRO has exclusive access to DEGIRO Platform. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and MetaTrader 5 and TradingView and MetaTrader 4.
Neither DEGIRO 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.
DEGIRO wins for long-term investing with dividend reinvestment and broad market access.
IC Markets wins for active traders with MT4/MT5, DMA access via IRESS, comprehensive stock CFDs, and robust ECN infrastructure.
Equally matched for beginners, as neither offers ISA/SIPP nor fractional shares.
DEGIRO wins for global market access with access to 50 exchanges worldwide.
DEGIRO wins for low-cost trading due to flat-fee pricing and Europe's lowest stock commissions.
| N/A |
| 0.7 pips |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transfer | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerPayPal |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transfer | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | No |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | Yes | No |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | No |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | BaFin AFM | ASIC FSCA CySEC |
|---|
| Platforms | DEGIRO Platform | cTrader MetaTrader 5 TradingView MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
| Active bonuses | 2 offers | None |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4.1 / 5
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