FP Marketsvs
IC MarketsStock Broker Comparison
Two regulated brokers clash on stock access and tooling. FP Markets pairs IRESS DMA share access with robust research tools, while IC Markets emphasizes MT4/MT5 and CFD equity access.
Our Verdict
Too close to call
FP Markets and IC Markets are closely matched overall. FP Markets offers more exchanges (15 vs 12), expanding global access.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1FP Markets supports 15 exchanges, IC Markets supports 12.
- 2FP Markets includes researchTools, IC Markets does not.
- 3FP Markets includes stockScreener, IC Markets does not.
Who should choose FP Markets vs IC Markets?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose FP Markets if…
Choose FP Markets if you want broader research tools and more exchanges.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you value broader regulator coverage and DMA access via IRESS.
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
IC Markets has broader regulatory coverage with FSCA in addition to ASIC and CySEC.
Best for active traders
Recommended
FP Markets vs IC Markets: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
| Min deposit | $100▼ lower | $200 |
| Spreads from | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission / lot | $6/lot▼ lower | $7/lot |
FP Markets vs IC Markets Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- 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)
Cons
- IRESS DMA incurs a monthly fee (~AUD 55), uneconomical for low-frequency traders
FP Markets vs IC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
1
FP Markets
criteria win
0
IC Markets
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| 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. One concrete differentiator: FP Markets requires a lower minimum deposit.
Both FP Markets 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.
FP Markets has $100, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes FP Markets more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both FP Markets 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: FP Markets 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.
FP Markets 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.
FP Markets charges $6 per trade, lower than IC Markets's $7 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.
FP Markets supports cTrader, IRESS, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4, while IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide cTrader and MetaTrader 5 and TradingView and MetaTrader 4. FP Markets has exclusive access to IRESS.
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 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.
