IC Marketsvs
Trading 212Stock Broker Comparison
Two brokers compete on cost structures, platform choices, and equity access. The axis of tension is how each balances fees, features, and global reach.
Our Verdict
Trading 212 winsby 0.1 pts
IC Markets and Trading 212 are closely matched overall. The clearest differentiator is Trading 212's ISA access and commission-free trades versus IC Markets' broader exchange coverage.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Trading 212 offers Stocks ISA access.
- 2Trading 212 provides commission-free real stock trading.
- 3IC Markets offers access to 12 exchanges, while Trading 212 offers 3.
Who should choose IC Markets vs Trading 212?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you want 12 global exchanges and 24/5 live chat plus short selling.
Choose Trading 212 if…
Choose Trading 212 if you want ISA access, commission-free trading, and fractional shares.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for low cost trading
Recommended
Trading 212 wins for low cost trading due to commission-free stock trading.
Best for safety & regulation
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
IC Markets vs Trading 212: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 4.2/ 5 |
| Min deposit | $200 | $1▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 0 pips | N/A |
| Commission / lot | $7/lot | N/A |
IC Markets vs Trading 212 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 Trading 212: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
4
IC Markets
criteria wins
3
Trading 212
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | IC Markets | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| No deposit fee | — | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Pass |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Pass |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Fail |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Fail |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
IC Markets vs Trading 212: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: IC Markets rates 4.1/5 and Trading 212 rates 4.2/5. Trading 212 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 Trading 212. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
Trading 212 has $1, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes Trading 212 more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both IC Markets and Trading 212 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: Trading 212 requires a lower minimum deposit ($1), 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 Trading 212 lists up to 1:5. 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 Trading 212 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 Trading 212 supports Trading 212 App. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and MetaTrader 5 and TradingView and MetaTrader 4. Trading 212 has exclusive access to Trading 212 App.
Trading 212 offers commission-free stock trading while IC Markets does not according to our data. Commission-free trading can reduce costs for frequent traders. Always confirm the current fee structure directly on each broker's website.
Both IC Markets and Trading 212 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.
