Hargreaves Lansdownvs
IC MarketsStock Broker Comparison
Two very different approaches meet in this matchup: a broad UK investment platform vs a global CFDs specialist. The tension hinges on ownership, costs, and market reach.
Who should choose Hargreaves Lansdown vs IC Markets?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose Hargreaves Lansdown if you want ISA and SIPP wrappers and a broad UK equity universe.
Choose if…
Choose IC Markets if you want CFDs with DMA access via IRESS and broad global stock coverage.
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
Recommended
Hargreaves Lansdown vs IC Markets: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.3/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
| Min deposit | $1▼ lower | $200 |
| Spreads from | N/A | 0 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $7/lot |
Hargreaves Lansdown vs IC Markets Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- UK's largest retail investment platform with over £150bn AUA
- Broadest UK investment universe including AIM shares inside ISA
- Stocks & Shares ISA and SIPP with full drawdown capability
- Proprietary research team covering UK equities and funds
- FTSE 100-listed, FCA-regulated with FSCS protection
- Proven platform reliability during market stress events
Cons
Hargreaves Lansdown vs IC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
Hargreaves Lansdown
criteria wins
4
IC Markets
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | Hargreaves Lansdown | 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 | Fail | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | — |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Pass | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Fail | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Pass | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Fail | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
Hargreaves Lansdown vs IC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: Hargreaves Lansdown rates 4.3/5 and IC Markets rates 4.1/5. Hargreaves Lansdown 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 Hargreaves Lansdown. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
Hargreaves Lansdown has $1, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes Hargreaves Lansdown more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both Hargreaves Lansdown 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: Hargreaves Lansdown requires a lower minimum deposit ($1), lowering the barrier to entry, and IC Markets provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Hargreaves Lansdown 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 Hargreaves Lansdown 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.
Hargreaves Lansdown supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, while IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Hargreaves Lansdown has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and MetaTrader 5 and TradingView and MetaTrader 4.
Neither Hargreaves Lansdown 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 Hargreaves Lansdown 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.
