FBSvs
IC MarketsStock Broker Comparison
In this stocks CFD comparison, FBS and IC Markets square off on regulation, market access, and investor protections. The tension centers on safety versus accessibility and how it shapes value.
Our Verdict
IC Markets winsClear Winner
IC Markets edges ahead of FBS on overall editorial score and safety features. Its top-tier regulation, compensation scheme, and negative balance protection contrast with FBS's offshore status and lighter investor safeguards.
IC Markets
4.1/5
FBS
3.3/5
Key Differences
- 1IC Markets provides access to 12 exchanges, while FBS covers 3.
- 2IC Markets offers a compensation scheme; FBS does not.
- 3Negative balance protection exists at IC Markets but not at FBS.
Who should choose FBS vs IC Markets?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose FBS if…
Choose FBS if you want a $1 minimum deposit. You use FBS's proprietary platform with MT4/MT5 EA support.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you want stock CFDs across 12 exchanges. You benefit from compensation scheme and negative balance protection under multi regulator oversight.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for safety & regulation
Recommended
IC Markets is regulated by ASIC, CySEC, and FSCA with a compensation scheme.
Best for active traders
Recommended
FBS vs IC Markets: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.3/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
| Min deposit | $1▼ lower | $200 |
| Spreads from | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission / lot | $20/lot | $7/lot▼ lower |
FBS vs IC Markets Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- $1 minimum deposit, widest accessibility for equity CFD markets
- MT4/MT5 with full EA support for automated stock strategies
- 24/7 multilingual support across Asian and CIS markets
Cons
- Offshore regulation (IFSC Belize), minimal investor protection
- Limited stock selection vs dedicated equity brokers
FBS vs IC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
0
FBS
criteria wins
3
IC Markets
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | FBS | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Fail | 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 |
| 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 |
FBS vs IC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
IC Markets rates 4.1/5 versus 3.3/5 for FBS. IC Markets edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Both FBS and IC Markets start from the same spread of 0. For stock trading, also compare per-trade or per-share commissions to determine the total cost per transaction.
FBS has $1, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes FBS more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
IC Markets holds top-tier regulation (FSCA, ASIC, CySEC), providing stronger investor protections. FBS may be regulated but does not hold top-tier status in our data. Verify regulatory status on each regulator's public register before depositing funds.
For beginners, two factors stand out: FBS requires a lower minimum deposit ($1), lowering the barrier to entry, and IC Markets provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
FBS lists maximum leverage of 3000:1, 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, lower than FBS's $20 per trade. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
FBS supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and TradingView.
Neither FBS 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.
