Exness vs IC Markets Stock Broker Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of Exness and IC Markets across regulation, commissions, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Exness offers share CFDs on 100+ global stocks via MT4, MT5, and the Exness Terminal under CySEC and FCA regulation - an accessible multi-platform entry point for share CFD exposure with ultra-low minimum deposits.
IC Markets offers Shares CFDs on 2,000+ global stocks via MT5 and IRESS, combining its benchmark ECN infrastructure with direct equity access - a strong complement to its core forex offering for active traders who also need equity exposure.
IC Markets edges ahead with a score of 4.1/5 vs Exness's 3.6/5. A narrow margin, so review the breakdown below to see where each broker has a clear advantage.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Both brokers show an equally strong safety profile across regulation, fund protection, and client safeguards.
IC Markets has the edge for active traders: more platform options, advanced charting.
IC Markets edges out Exness with a higher editorial score (4.1/5 vs 3.6/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new stock investors.
Commission data is not yet available for this pair. Check each broker's pricing page to compare trading costs directly.
Long-term investing feature data (fractional shares, dividend reinvestment, IPO access) is not yet available for this pair.
Exness vs IC Markets: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
| Editorial score | 3.6/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $1 | $200 |
| Commission-free | No | No |
| Fractional shares | No | No |
| Dividend reinvestment | No | No |
| Extended hours | No | No |
| IPO access | No | No |
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
| Regulators | FCA FSCA CySEC OJK | FSCA ASIC CySEC |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 cTrader TradingView |
| Visit broker | Visit Exness | Visit IC Markets |
Exness vs IC Markets Stock Broker Pros & Cons
- Ultra-low minimum deposit ($1) - most accessible regulated equity CFD entry point
- Instant withdrawal processing - meaningful for traders in emerging markets
- CySEC and FCA regulated with negative balance protection for EU/UK clients
- Share CFDs on MT4, MT5, and Exness Terminal with social trading integration
- Narrowest stock selection (100+) in the regulated multi-platform tier
- Share CFDs only - no real ownership, ISA, or dividend entitlement
- Seychelles FSA international entity provides significantly lighter regulatory protection
- Platform analytical depth below CMC, IG, or Pepperstone for equity research
- 2,000+ share CFDs across US, UK, ASX, European, and Asian exchanges on MT5 and IRESS
- IRESS provides genuine DMA access to ASX and major global equity markets
- Commission-transparent pricing: USD 0.02/share on US stocks, no spread markup
- ASIC and CySEC regulated - tier-1 regulatory coverage for equity CFD trading
- CFDs only - no real share ownership, ISA wrapper, or dividend reinvestment programme
- 2,000+ stock range narrower than CMC Markets (10,000+) or Interactive Brokers
- IRESS monthly fee makes DMA access uneconomical for low-frequency traders
- Not available to US residents; 5:1 leverage cap applies on retail share CFDs
Exness vs IC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Exness | 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 | 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 |
Exness vs IC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our independent editorial scoring, IC Markets ranks higher with a score of 4.1/5 vs 3.6/5 for Exness. The best choice still depends on your needs — commissions, features like fractional shares, and regulatory coverage all matter.
Neither Exness 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.
Both Exness and IC Markets hold top-tier regulatory licences, indicating a high standard of investor protection. Confirm each broker's specific regulatory bodies and compensation scheme coverage to ensure they apply in your jurisdiction.
Exness has a lower minimum deposit of $1, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes Exness more accessible for traders starting with limited capital.
Exness supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and IC Markets offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView. Platform availability affects the tools, charting, and order types available to you. If you rely on a specific platform like MetaTrader or a proprietary web app, confirm compatibility before opening an account.
For beginners: Exness has a lower minimum deposit ($1); IC Markets has a higher overall editorial score. Also compare educational resources, customer support quality, and the simplicity of each broker's platform before deciding.
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