FBS vs IC Markets Stock Broker Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of FBS and IC Markets across regulation, commissions, platforms, and editorial scoring.
FBS offers stocks CFDs with a $1 minimum deposit and MT4/MT5 support - an accessible entry to equity markets for traders in CIS and Asian markets, primarily regulated offshore.
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 comes out ahead with an editorial score of 4.1/5 compared to FBS's 3.3/5.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
IC Markets has a stronger safety profile: top-tier regulation, compensation scheme, segregated funds, negative balance protection.
IC Markets has the edge for active traders: more platform options, advanced charting.
IC Markets edges out FBS with a higher editorial score (4.1/5 vs 3.3/5), 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.
FBS vs IC Markets: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
| Editorial score | 3.3/ 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 | FSCA CySEC IFSC | FSCA ASIC CySEC |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 cTrader TradingView |
| Visit broker | Visit FBS | Visit IC Markets |
FBS vs IC Markets Stock Broker Pros & Cons
- $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
- Offshore regulation (IFSC Belize) - minimal investor protection
- Limited stock selection vs dedicated equity brokers
- No real share ownership - CFDs only
- 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
FBS vs IC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| 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
Based on our independent editorial scoring, IC Markets ranks higher with a score of 4.1/5 vs 3.3/5 for FBS. The best choice still depends on your needs — commissions, features like fractional shares, and regulatory coverage all matter.
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 our regulatory safety criteria, with top-tier regulatory oversight, segregated client funds, compensation scheme coverage. For stock investors, regulatory safety is critical — always confirm a broker's specific licences and investor protections before depositing funds.
FBS has a lower minimum deposit of $1, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes FBS more accessible for traders starting with limited capital.
FBS 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: FBS has a lower minimum deposit ($1); IC Markets offers negative balance protection; 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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