FXOpenvs
IC MarketsStock Broker Comparison
Two brokers contrast on platform access, exchange coverage, and pricing for stock CFDs. The matchup tests cost, regulation, and scope of global market access.
Our Verdict
IC Markets winsby 0.5 pts
IC Markets provides broader exchange coverage and DMA equity access, while FXOpen offers FSCS protection and a proprietary platform.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1FXOpen offers a proprietary platform; IC Markets relies on MT4/MT5.
- 2IC Markets provides access to 12 exchanges; FXOpen covers 5.
- 3IC Markets offers 24/5 live chat; FXOpen does not.
Who should choose FXOpen vs IC Markets?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose FXOpen if…
Choose FXOpen if you want a proprietary platform and ECN/STP stock CFD pricing. You also gain access to 5 exchanges and strong FCA/ASIC regulation.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you value IREAD DMA access to 2,000+ shares and 12 exchanges. You also benefit from transparent USD 0.02 per US-share pricing.
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
FXOpen wins for FSCS protection and FCA oversight.
Best for active traders
Recommended
FXOpen vs IC Markets: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.6/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
| Min deposit | $100▼ lower | $200 |
| Spreads from | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission / lot | $3/lot▼ lower | $7/lot |
FXOpen vs IC Markets Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- FCA and ASIC regulated, dual tier-1 regulatory coverage with FSCS protection
- ECN/STP execution with competitive stock CFD pricing
- MT4/MT5 and TickTrader for professional equity trading
Cons
- Limited stock selection vs dedicated equity platforms
- No real share ownership or dividend entitlement
FXOpen vs IC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
0
FXOpen
criteria wins
1
IC Markets
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | FXOpen | 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 | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
FXOpen vs IC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: FXOpen rates 3.6/5 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.
Both FXOpen 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.
FXOpen has $100, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes FXOpen more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both FXOpen 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: FXOpen 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.
FXOpen lists maximum leverage of 500:1, 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.
FXOpen charges $3 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.
FXOpen supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide cTrader and MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. IC Markets has exclusive access to TradingView.
Neither FXOpen 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 FXOpen 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.
