Freetradevs
IC MarketsStock Broker Comparison
This matchup pits a beginner-friendly, commission-free UK broker against a feature-rich global CFDs platform. The axis is cost, long-term features, and market reach.
Our Verdict
Too close to call0.1 pts apart
Freetrade and IC Markets are closely matched overall. Freetrade offers commission-free stocks and ISA/SIPP wrappers, while IC Markets provides 24/5 live chat and wider exchange access.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Freetrade offers ISA and SIPP wrappers.
- 2Freetrade provides fractional shares.
- 3IC Markets provides 24/5 live chat support.
Who should choose Freetrade vs IC Markets?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose Freetrade if…
Choose Freetrade if you want commission-free trading and ISA/SIPP wrappers.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you want 24/5 live chat, phone support, and broader exchange access.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for low cost trading
Recommended
Freetrade wins for low cost trading due to commission-free stocks.
Best for safety & regulation
Recommended
Freetrade vs IC Markets: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.0/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
| Min deposit | N/A | $200 |
| Spreads from | N/A | 0 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $7/lot |
Freetrade vs IC Markets Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- Commission-free stocks and ETF trading
- Both Stocks & Shares ISA and SIPP available
- Clean, beginner-friendly mobile interface
- FCA regulated with FSCS protection
- No minimum deposit requirement
Cons
- Narrower stock universe than full-service brokers
Freetrade vs IC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
Freetrade
criteria wins
5
IC Markets
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | Freetrade | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Fail | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Pass | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | — |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Pass | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Fail | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Fail | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
Freetrade vs IC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: Freetrade rates 4/5 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 starts from 0. Current spread data is not available for Freetrade. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
IC Markets requires $200. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for Freetrade.
Both Freetrade 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, IC Markets provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
Freetrade lists maximum leverage of 1:1, 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.
IC Markets charges $7 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for Freetrade are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
Freetrade supports Freetrade App, while IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Freetrade has exclusive access to Freetrade App. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and MetaTrader 5 and TradingView and MetaTrader 4.
Freetrade offers commission-free stock trading while IC Markets does not according to our data. Commission-free trading can reduce costs for frequent traders. Always confirm the current fee structure directly on each broker's website.
Both Freetrade 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.
