eTorovs
IC MarketsStock Broker Comparison
In a head to head on stock access and pricing, eToro and IC Markets trade different approaches. The setup builds anticipation for the verdict.
Our Verdict
Too close to call
eToro and IC Markets are closely matched overall. However, eToro's commission-free real stock trading and fractional shares contrast with IC Markets' per-share pricing and DMA style equity access.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Commission model: eToro offers commission-free stock trading; IC Markets charges per share.
- 2Fractional shares available on eToro; IC Markets has no fractional shares.
- 3Proprietary platform: eToro uses its own platform; IC Markets relies on MT4/MT5.
Who should choose eToro vs IC Markets?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose eToro if…
Choose eToro if you want commission-free real stock trading and fractional shares.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you need direct equity access via IRESS DMA and advanced charting.
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
eToro wins for low cost trading due to commission-free real stock trades.
Best for safety & regulation
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
eToro vs IC Markets: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
| Min deposit | $50▼ lower | $200 |
| Spreads from | 1 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $7/lot |
eToro vs IC Markets Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- Commission-free real stock trading
- Fractional shares from $10
- Strong social and copy-trading community
- Regulated by FCA, CySEC, and ASIC
- Clean, beginner-friendly interface
Cons
- USD-only accounts mean FX conversion costs for non-US investors
eToro vs IC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
eToro
criteria wins
3
IC Markets
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | eToro | 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 | Pass | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Fail | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Fail | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
eToro vs IC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
eToro and IC Markets share the same editorial score of 4.1/5. One concrete differentiator: eToro requires a lower minimum deposit.
IC Markets lists tighter spreads from 0, compared with eToro's 1. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
eToro has $50, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes eToro more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both eToro 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: eToro requires a lower minimum deposit ($50), lowering the barrier to entry, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
eToro lists maximum leverage of 1:5, 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 eToro 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.
eToro supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, while IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. eToro has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and MetaTrader 5 and TradingView and MetaTrader 4.
eToro 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 eToro 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.
