IC Markets and RoboForex square off across regulation, platform choice, and market access. The contest tests whether cost efficiency or breadth of instruments drives value for different trade styles.
IC Markets edges RoboForex on editorial score, supported by top-tier regulation and wider exchange coverage.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you value commission transparent pricing such as USD 0.02 per US share and a compensation scheme.
Choose RoboForex if…
Choose RoboForex if you prefer real stock ownership and a broader instrument universe.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
IC Markets has top-tier regulation and a compensation scheme.
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $200 | $10▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission / lot | $7/lot▼ lower | $20/lot |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | IC Markets | RoboForex |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Fail |
| 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 | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
The scores are close: IC Markets rates 4.1/5 and RoboForex rates 3.8/5. 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 IC Markets and RoboForex 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.
RoboForex has $10, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes RoboForex more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
IC Markets holds top-tier regulation (FSCA, ASIC, CySEC), providing stronger investor protections. RoboForex may be regulated but does not hold top-tier status in our data. Verify regulatory status on each regulator's public register before depositing funds.
For beginners, two factors stand out: RoboForex requires a lower minimum deposit ($10), lowering the barrier to entry, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
IC Markets lists maximum leverage of 5:1, while RoboForex lists up to 20:1. 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, lower than RoboForex's $20 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.
IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4, while RoboForex supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4. Both provide cTrader and MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. IC Markets has exclusive access to TradingView. RoboForex has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Neither IC Markets nor RoboForex 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.
IC Markets scores higher on investor protection criteria, with compensation scheme coverage and segregated client funds. For stock investors, confirming compensation scheme coverage ensures your assets are protected up to a defined limit if the broker becomes insolvent.
RoboForex provides 12,000+ instruments and a proprietary trading platform.
RoboForex requires a $10 minimum deposit, easing initial access.
IC Markets covers 12 exchanges, broader than RoboForex's 10.
IC Markets offers USD 0.02 per US share with no spread markup.
RoboForex offers real stock ownership with dividend entitlement.
| 0.7 pips▼ lower |
| 2 pips |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerPayPal | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerWebMoneyPerfect MoneyCrypto |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerWebMoneyPerfect MoneyCrypto |
|---|
| 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 ASIC CySEC | FSCA CySEC IFSC |
|---|
| Platforms | cTrader MetaTrader 5 TradingView MetaTrader 4 | cTrader MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.8 / 5
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