IC Markets vs Saxo Bank Stock Broker Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of IC Markets and Saxo Bank across regulation, commissions, platforms, and editorial scoring.
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.
Saxo Bank offers institutional-grade market access in a polished web platform, making it ideal for sophisticated investors who want access to global stock markets, options, and bonds in a single account.
Saxo Bank edges ahead with a score of 4.5/5 vs IC Markets's 4.1/5. A narrow margin, so review the breakdown below to see where each broker has a clear advantage.
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.
Saxo Bank is better suited for long-term investing: dividend reinvestment.
IC Markets has the edge for active traders: more platform options, advanced charting.
Saxo Bank edges out IC Markets with a higher editorial score (4.5/5 vs 4.1/5), 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.
IC Markets vs Saxo Bank: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 4.5/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $200 | $2,000 |
| Commission-free | No | No |
| Fractional shares | No | No |
| Dividend reinvestment | No | Yes |
| Extended hours | No | Yes |
| IPO access | No | No |
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
| Regulators | FSCA ASIC CySEC | FCA ASIC JFSA SFC MAS ACPR CNMV DFSA FINMA Finansinspektionen Finanstilsynet FSC CBI KNF Finanstilsynet MFSA CMA |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 cTrader TradingView | Proprietary Web/Mobile SaxoTraderGO |
| Active bonuses | None | 2 offers |
| Visit broker | Visit IC Markets | Visit Saxo Bank |
IC Markets vs Saxo Bank Stock Broker Pros & Cons
- 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
- Access to 60,000+ instruments across 50+ exchanges
- SaxoTraderGO is one of the best web trading platforms available
- Strong multi-jurisdiction regulatory profile (FSA, FCA, MAS)
- Options, bonds, and multi-asset investing in one account
- Professional-grade research and analytics tools
- Higher minimum deposit (£2,000 / €2,000) than most retail brokers
- Commission structure is not the cheapest for smaller accounts
- Complexity of the platform may overwhelm beginner investors
IC Markets vs Saxo Bank: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | IC Markets | Saxo Bank |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Pass |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
IC Markets vs Saxo Bank: Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our independent editorial scoring, Saxo Bank ranks higher with a score of 4.5/5 vs 4.1/5 for IC Markets. The best choice still depends on your needs — commissions, features like fractional shares, and regulatory coverage all matter.
Neither IC Markets nor Saxo Bank 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 IC Markets and Saxo Bank 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.
IC Markets has a lower minimum deposit of $200, while Saxo Bank requires at least $2000. This makes IC Markets more accessible for traders starting with limited capital.
IC Markets supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView and Saxo Bank offers Proprietary Web/Mobile, SaxoTraderGO. 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 lower minimum deposit ($200); Saxo Bank 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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