FXTM and IC Markets battle over regulation, platform quality, and global stock access. The matchup tests whether broader equity reach outweighs a broader regulatory footprint.
IC Markets is the editorial winner, with higher scores across trust, fees, platforms, and support than FXTM.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose FXTM if…
FXTM: Choose FXTM if you value a zero minimum deposit and FXTM Invest copy trading for equity strategies. IC Markets: Choose IC Markets if you want 2,000+ stock CFDs with DMA access via IRESS and multiple platforms.
Choose IC Markets if…
FXTM: Choose FXTM if you value a zero minimum deposit and FXTM Invest copy trading for equity strategies. IC Markets: Choose IC Markets if you want 2,000+ stock CFDs with DMA access via IRESS and multiple platforms.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
IC Markets holds ASIC and CySEC licenses with tier-1 regulation.
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $200 |
| Spreads from | 1.5 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $7/lot |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | FXTM | 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 |
The scores are close: FXTM rates 3.7/5 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 FXTM's 1.5. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
FXTM has no minimum deposit, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes FXTM more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both FXTM 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: FXTM has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
FXTM 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.
IC Markets charges $7 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for FXTM 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.
FXTM supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and TradingView.
Neither FXTM 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 FXTM 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.
IC Markets wins with 2,000+ stock CFDs and DMA access.
IC Markets offers lower per-share pricing and DMA access.
Equally matched; neither offers stock ownership or dividend reinvestment.
| N/A |
| 0.7 pips |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPay | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerPayPal |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPay | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| 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 | FSCA FCA CySEC FSC | FSCA ASIC CySEC |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 | cTrader MetaTrader 5 TradingView MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.7 / 5
Personalised recommendation
Answer 6 quick questions and we’ll match you with the brokers that best fit your trading style, experience level, and country.
Find my broker