GO Markets vs IC Markets Stock Broker Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of GO Markets and IC Markets across regulation, commissions, platforms, and editorial scoring.
GO Markets offers share CFDs on global equities under ASIC and CySEC regulation - a dual-regulated broker with MT4, MT5, and cTrader for flexible equity CFD trading.
IC Markets offers Shares CFDs on 2,000+ global stocks via MT5 and IRESS, combining its benchmark ECN infrastructure with direct equity access - a strong complement to its core forex offering for active traders who also need equity exposure.
IC Markets comes out ahead with an editorial score of 4.1/5 compared to GO Markets's 3.5/5.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Both brokers show an equally strong safety profile across regulation, fund protection, and client safeguards.
IC Markets has the edge for active traders: more platform options, advanced charting.
IC Markets edges out GO Markets with a higher editorial score (4.1/5 vs 3.5/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new stock investors.
Commission data is not yet available for this pair. Check each broker's pricing page to compare trading costs directly.
Long-term investing feature data (fractional shares, dividend reinvestment, IPO access) is not yet available for this pair.
GO Markets vs IC Markets: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
| Editorial score | 3.5/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $200 | $200 |
| 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 | FSCA ASIC CySEC |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 cTrader | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 cTrader TradingView |
| Visit broker | Visit GO Markets | Visit IC Markets |
GO Markets vs IC Markets Stock Broker Pros & Cons
- ASIC and CySEC dual regulated - tier-1 regulatory coverage
- MT4, MT5, and cTrader - broadest platform choice at this market tier
- Competitive ECN spreads on share CFDs with transparent commission
- $200 minimum deposit - higher than zero-deposit alternatives
- Share CFD selection narrower than dedicated equity brokers
- No real share ownership - CFDs only
- 2,000+ share CFDs across US, UK, ASX, European, and Asian exchanges on MT5 and IRESS
- IRESS provides genuine DMA access to ASX and major global equity markets
- Commission-transparent pricing: USD 0.02/share on US stocks, no spread markup
- ASIC and CySEC regulated - tier-1 regulatory coverage for equity CFD trading
- CFDs only - no real share ownership, ISA wrapper, or dividend reinvestment programme
- 2,000+ stock range narrower than CMC Markets (10,000+) or Interactive Brokers
- IRESS monthly fee makes DMA access uneconomical for low-frequency traders
- Not available to US residents; 5:1 leverage cap applies on retail share CFDs
GO Markets vs IC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
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 |
GO Markets vs IC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our independent editorial scoring, IC Markets ranks higher with a score of 4.1/5 vs 3.5/5 for GO Markets. The best choice still depends on your needs — commissions, features like fractional shares, and regulatory coverage all matter.
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 hold top-tier regulatory licences, indicating a high standard of investor protection. Confirm each broker's specific regulatory bodies and compensation scheme coverage to ensure they apply in your jurisdiction.
Both GO Markets and IC Markets require a minimum deposit of $200 to open a live trading account.
GO Markets supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader and IC Markets offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView. Platform availability affects the tools, charting, and order types available to you. If you rely on a specific platform like MetaTrader or a proprietary web app, confirm compatibility before opening an account.
For beginners: IC Markets has a higher overall editorial score. Also compare educational resources, customer support quality, and the simplicity of each broker's platform before deciding.
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