IC Marketsvs
SwissquoteStock Broker Comparison
Two well-regulated brokers compete for stock exposure and platform preferences. The tension centers on regulation strength, exchange coverage, and platform tools.
Our Verdict
Swissquote winsby 0.2 pts
Swissquote edges IC Markets on editorial score, bolstered by stronger trust and regulation. IC Markets remains competitive with 2,000+ stock CFDs and multi-regulatory oversight.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1IC Markets offers 24/5 live chat whereas Swissquote does not.
- 2Swissquote covers 60 exchanges vs IC Markets 12.
- 3Swissquote provides a proprietary platform.
Who should choose IC Markets vs Swissquote?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you value 24/5 live chat and non-proprietary platforms.
Choose Swissquote if…
Choose Swissquote if you want a proprietary platform and access to 60 exchanges.
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
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
Swissquote holds FINMA licensing and Swiss depositor protection up to CHF 100,000.
Best for active traders
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
IC Markets vs Swissquote: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 4.3/ 5 |
| Min deposit | $200▼ lower | $1,000 |
| Spreads from | 0 pips▼ lower | 1.7 pips |
| Commission / lot | $7/lot | N/A |
IC Markets vs Swissquote Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- 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
Cons
- CFDs only, no real share ownership, ISA wrapper, or dividend reinvestment programme
IC Markets vs Swissquote: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
1
IC Markets
criteria win
1
Swissquote
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| 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
The scores are close: IC Markets rates 4.1/5 and Swissquote rates 4.3/5. Swissquote 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 lists tighter spreads from 0, compared with Swissquote's 1.7. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
IC Markets has $200, while Swissquote requires at least $1000. This makes IC Markets more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both IC Markets and Swissquote 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: IC Markets requires a lower minimum deposit ($200), 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 Swissquote 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 on commission-based accounts. Commission details for Swissquote 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.
IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4, while Swissquote supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and TradingView. Swissquote has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
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 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.
