IC Markets vs Swissquote Stock Broker Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of IC Markets and Swissquote 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.
Swissquote offers real shares and share CFDs on 60,000+ instruments across 60 exchanges under a FINMA Swiss banking licence - an institutional-grade equity platform combining the deepest international stock access with banking-grade regulation and custody.
Swissquote edges ahead with a score of 4.3/5 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.
IC Markets has the edge for active traders: more platform options, advanced charting.
Swissquote edges out IC Markets with a higher editorial score (4.3/5 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.
Long-term investing feature data (fractional shares, dividend reinvestment, IPO access) is not yet available for this pair.
IC Markets vs Swissquote: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 4.3/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $200 | $1,000 |
| 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 | FCA DFSA FINMA |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 cTrader TradingView | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile |
| Visit broker | Visit IC Markets | Visit Swissquote |
IC Markets vs Swissquote 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
- FINMA Swiss banking licence - strongest institutional-grade regulation in retail equity access
- Real share ownership on 60,000+ instruments across 60 exchanges in Swiss bank custody
- Swiss Depositor Protection up to CHF 100,000 - stronger than FSCS or MiFID schemes
- Full range: stocks, ETFs, options, futures, bonds, forex in one Swiss banking account
- Commission significantly higher than retail competitors (from USD 5 + 0.1% for US shares)
- High minimum deposit - not suited for beginner or small-capital investors
- Platform complexity creates a steep learning curve
- Cost premium is not justified for smaller accounts vs Interactive Brokers or XTB
IC Markets vs Swissquote: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | IC Markets | Swissquote |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
IC Markets vs Swissquote: Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our independent editorial scoring, Swissquote ranks higher with a score of 4.3/5 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 Swissquote 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 Swissquote 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 Swissquote requires at least $1000. This makes IC Markets more accessible for traders starting with limited capital.
IC Markets supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView and Swissquote offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile. 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); Swissquote 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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