Forex.com vs IC Markets Stock Broker Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of Forex.com and IC Markets across regulation, commissions, platforms, and editorial scoring.
FOREX.com offers share CFDs on 220+ global stocks via MT4, MT5, and its proprietary platform under NFA, FCA, and CFTC regulation - a well-regulated US-focused broker with integrated equity CFD access for active multi-asset traders.
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 Forex.com's 3.9/5. 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 Forex.com with a higher editorial score (4.1/5 vs 3.9/5), 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.
Forex.com vs IC Markets: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
| Editorial score | 3.9/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $100 | $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 ASIC CFTC MAS NFA IIROC | FSCA ASIC CySEC |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 cTrader TradingView |
| Visit broker | Visit Forex.com | Visit IC Markets |
Forex.com vs IC Markets Stock Broker Pros & Cons
- NFA, CFTC, and FCA regulated - accessible to US residents who cannot use most CFD brokers
- Share CFDs on MT4, MT5, and proprietary Web Trader from a single account
- Reuters news and integrated economic calendar in the Web Trader
- No inactivity fee for actively funded accounts
- Narrowest stock selection (220+) among regulated multi-platform equity CFD brokers
- Share CFDs only - no real ownership, ISA, or dividend entitlement
- US regulatory framework limits leverage relative to FCA/CySEC brokers
- Higher minimum deposit ($100) than some competitors
- 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
Forex.com vs IC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Forex.com | 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 |
Forex.com vs IC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our independent editorial scoring, IC Markets ranks higher with a score of 4.1/5 vs 3.9/5 for Forex.com. The best choice still depends on your needs — commissions, features like fractional shares, and regulatory coverage all matter.
Neither Forex.com 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 Forex.com 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.
Forex.com has a lower minimum deposit of $100, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes Forex.com more accessible for traders starting with limited capital.
Forex.com supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile 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: Forex.com has a lower minimum deposit ($100); 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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