GO Markets and IC Markets face off in the equity CFDs arena, weighing regulation, stock access, and platform options. The clash tests breadth of markets against cost and tools.
IC Markets edges GO Markets in editorial score, delivering stronger safety coverage and broader stock access.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose GO Markets if…
Choose GO Markets if you want higher leverage up to 500:1 and you accept access to 6 exchanges.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you want 24/5 live chat and DMA access via IRESS with 2,000+ share CFDs.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
IC Markets, with higher category scores and broader regulator coverage (ASIC, CySEC, FSCA).
| Editorial score | 3.5/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $200 | $200 |
| Spreads from | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission / lot | $5/lot▼ lower | $7/lot |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | GO 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 | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
IC Markets rates 4.1/5 versus 3.5/5 for GO Markets. IC Markets edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Both GO 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.
Both GO Markets and IC Markets require a minimum deposit of $200 to open a live trading account.
Both GO 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, both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
GO Markets 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.
GO Markets charges $5 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.
GO Markets 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 GO 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 GO 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.
IC Markets wins for active traders due to DMA access via IRESS and large stock universe.
Equally matched, as both have similar minimum deposits and no fractional shares or wrappers.
IC Markets wins with 12 exchanges and 2,000+ share CFDs.
IC Markets, due to commission-transparent pricing on US stocks.
Equally matched, as both lack fractional shares and dividend reinvestment options.
| 0.5 pips▼ lower |
| 0.7 pips |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerPayPal | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerPayPal |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | 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 | ASIC CySEC FSC | ASIC FSCA CySEC |
|---|
| Platforms | cTrader MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 | cTrader MetaTrader 5 TradingView MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.5 / 5
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