Forex.comvs
IC MarketsStock Broker Comparison
Forex.com and IC Markets clash on cost, platforms, and exchange access, setting up a tension between regulation and equity reach.
Our Verdict
IC Markets winsby 0.2 pts
Forex.com and IC Markets are closely matched overall. The clearest differentiator is exchange coverage, with IC Markets offering 12 exchanges versus Forex.com's 8.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Forex.com provides integrated research tools for traders.
- 2IC Markets covers more exchanges (12) than Forex.com.
- 3Forex.com has a proprietary platform.
Who should choose Forex.com vs IC Markets?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose Forex.com if…
Choose Forex.com if you value US-resident access and a $100 minimum deposit. You get share CFDs on MT4/MT5 and a proprietary Web Trader.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you want broad exchange access and DMA capability. You get 2,000+ share CFDs and DMA via IRESS with USD 0.02/share pricing on US stocks.
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
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
Forex.com wins for safety & regulation due to multi-jurisdiction oversight.
Best for active traders
Recommended
Forex.com vs IC Markets: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.9/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
| Min deposit | $100▼ lower | $200 |
| Spreads from | 1 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | $7/lot | $7/lot |
Forex.com vs IC Markets Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- 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
Cons
- Narrowest stock selection (220+) among regulated multi-platform equity CFD brokers
Forex.com vs IC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| 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
The scores are close: Forex.com rates 3.9/5 and IC Markets rates 4.1/5. IC Markets has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
IC Markets lists tighter spreads from 0, compared with Forex.com'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.
Forex.com has $100, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes Forex.com more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both Forex.com 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: Forex.com requires a lower minimum deposit ($100), lowering the barrier to entry, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Forex.com lists maximum leverage of 20:1, 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.
Both Forex.com and IC Markets charge the same commission of $7 per trade on applicable accounts. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
Forex.com supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. Forex.com has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and TradingView.
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 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.
