IC Marketsvs
Windsor BrokersStock Broker Comparison
IC Markets and Windsor Brokers frame a clash between broad equity access and long‑standing regulatory credibility. The balance hinges on whether global reach or stability matters most.
Our Verdict
IC Markets winsClear Winner
IC Markets edges Windsor Brokers on editorial score due to broader exchange access and stronger regulatory coverage. Windsor remains credible with a long operating history and compensation fund up to EUR 20,000.
IC Markets
4.1/5
Windsor Brokers
3.4/5
Key Differences
- 1IC Markets provides 24/5 live chat support.
- 2IC Markets connects to 12 exchanges while Windsor connects to 5.
- 3Windsor Brokers offers ICF compensation up to EUR 20,000.
Who should choose IC Markets vs Windsor Brokers?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you want 24/5 live chat support and access to 12 global exchanges.
Choose Windsor Brokers if…
Choose Windsor Brokers if you value a 35+ year track record and ICF compensation up to EUR 20,000.
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
IC Markets has tier-1 regulatory coverage for equity CFDs.
Best for active traders
Recommended
IC Markets vs Windsor Brokers: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 3.4/ 5 |
| Min deposit | $200 | $100▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission / lot | $7/lot▼ lower | $8/lot |
IC Markets vs Windsor Brokers 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 Windsor Brokers: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
1
IC Markets
criteria win
0
Windsor Brokers
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | IC Markets | Windsor Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
IC Markets vs Windsor Brokers: Frequently Asked Questions
IC Markets rates 4.1/5 versus 3.4/5 for Windsor Brokers. IC Markets edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Both IC Markets and Windsor Brokers 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.
Windsor Brokers has $100, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes Windsor Brokers more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both IC Markets and Windsor Brokers 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: Windsor Brokers requires a lower minimum deposit ($100), 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 Windsor Brokers lists up to 500:1. 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 Windsor Brokers's $8 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 Windsor Brokers supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and TradingView.
Neither IC Markets nor Windsor Brokers 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 Windsor Brokers 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.
