FP Markets vs IC Markets Stock Broker Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of FP Markets and IC Markets across regulation, commissions, platforms, and editorial scoring.
FP Markets offers direct-access share CFD trading via IRESS alongside standard MT4/MT5/cTrader share CFDs - a differentiated dual-model approach under ASIC and CySEC regulation that suits both ECN forex traders and equity-focused clients.
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.
FP Markets and IC Markets are extremely closely matched with scores of 4.1/5 and 4.1/5. The right choice depends on your individual trading priorities.
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.
FP Markets has the edge for active traders: more platform options, advanced charting.
Both brokers share the same editorial score of 4.1/5, but FP Markets requires a lower minimum deposit ($100 vs $200 for IC Markets), making it more accessible for new 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.
FP Markets vs IC Markets: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 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 | ASIC CySEC | FSCA ASIC CySEC |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 cTrader TradingView IRESS | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 cTrader TradingView |
| Visit broker | Visit FP Markets | Visit IC Markets |
FP Markets vs IC Markets Stock Broker Pros & Cons
- IRESS platform provides genuine DMA access to ASX, NYSE, LSE, and other exchanges
- 10,000+ share CFDs available on MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView
- ASIC and CySEC regulation - among the strongest regulatory profiles for a mid-tier broker
- No platform fee for standard share CFD trading (IRESS fee only for DMA users)
- IRESS DMA incurs a monthly fee (~AUD 55) - uneconomical for low-frequency traders
- CFD-only for most share access; DMA limited to IRESS users
- IRESS has a steeper learning curve than MetaTrader or TradingView
- Not available to US residents
- 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
FP Markets vs IC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | FP Markets | 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 | Pass | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
FP Markets vs IC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
FP Markets and IC Markets share the same editorial score of 4.1/5. The right choice depends on your priorities: commissions, fractional shares, account features, or regulatory safety.
Neither FP Markets 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 FP Markets 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.
FP Markets has a lower minimum deposit of $100, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes FP Markets more accessible for traders starting with limited capital.
FP Markets supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView, IRESS 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: FP Markets has a lower minimum deposit ($100). Also compare educational resources, customer support quality, and the simplicity of each broker's platform before deciding.
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