EasyMarkets vs IC Markets: Which Broker Suits Austria Traders Better in 2026?

Cost is a major factor for Austria traders, and the gap between these brokers is wide. IC Markets offers variable spreads starting from 0.0 pips on its Raw Spread account with a $3.50 commission per lot round turn. On the Standard account, spreads average around 0.6 pips with no commission. EasyMarkets has fixed spreads, typically from 1.2 pips on EUR/USD, with no commission. For traders executing high volume or scalping, IC Markets provides significantly lower per-lot costs. An active trader in Vienna or Linz could save hundreds of euros monthly by choosing IC Markets. However, EasyMarkets' fixed spreads offer predictability that some traders prefer for budgeting.

Austria traders value platform stability and advanced tools. IC Markets supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, all of which offer deep customisation, automated trading via Expert Advisors (EAs), and advanced charting. EasyMarkets provides its proprietary web-based platform and mobile app, which is intuitive but lacks the depth of MT4/MT5. For algorithmic or copy trading, IC Markets is superior. EasyMarkets' platform includes unique features like DealCancellation and FreezeRate, which can be useful for risk management but are not standard in the industry. Austrian traders who rely on third-party indicators or EAs should lean toward IC Markets.

Execution speed is crucial for day traders and scalpers. IC Markets uses Equinix NY4 data centers and low-latency infrastructure, achieving average execution times below 40ms. EasyMarkets also offers decent execution but doesn't compete on speed. IC Markets has no requotes and offers true ECN/STP execution. EasyMarkets often acts as a market maker, which can lead to wider spreads during news events. For Austria traders trading during the European session (overlapping with London), IC Markets provides superior fills and minimal slippage.

Regulation matters for Austrian traders to ensure fund safety. EasyMarkets is regulated by CySEC (Cyprus), which means it complies with MiFID II rules, including negative balance protection and deposit insurance up to €20,000. IC Markets operates through multiple entities: an ASIC-regulated (Australia) entity for retail clients and an international entity regulated by the Seychelles FSA. For Austrian clients, the ASIC entity does not offer the same level of protection as an EU-regulated broker. However, IC Markets still adheres to strict capital adequacy requirements. Austrian traders should weigh the trade-off between lower costs (IC Markets) and stronger EU regulatory oversight (EasyMarkets). The local Austrian regulator (FMA) does not directly supervise these brokers but can issue warnings.

Austrian traders can fund accounts at both brokers using Bank Transfer (SEPA), Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. EasyMarkets also accepts credit/debit cards and PayPal, while IC Markets additionally supports UnionPay and local bank transfers via Rapid Transfer. Deposits are free at both, though bank transfers may incur intermediary fees. Withdrawals via e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller are processed within 24 hours; USDT TRC20 withdrawals are also fast (same day). IC Markets does not charge withdrawal fees, but EasyMarkets may apply a small fee for certain methods. Minimum deposits: EasyMarkets requires $100, while IC Markets requires $200 for the Standard account. Both support euros and U.S. dollars, so Austria traders can choose to deposit in EUR to avoid conversion costs.

For Austrian Muslim traders who require swap-free accounts to comply with Sharia law, both brokers provide Islamic accounts. EasyMarkets offers Islamic accounts on all account types (including VIP) with no swap charges on overnight positions. IC Markets also offers Islamic accounts on its Standard and Raw Spread accounts, but note that spreads may be slightly wider to compensate for the lack of swap income. Both brokers require a request for the Islamic account activation, which is usually processed within one business day. Austrian traders should check with support for any specific documentation needed to verify eligibility.

Customer support is available 24/7 for both brokers, with multilingual options. EasyMarkets offers live chat, email, and phone support in German, which is advantageous for Austria traders. IC Markets primarily supports English but also has German-speaking agents on live chat. Response times are generally fast at both, but EasyMarkets' German-language support is a plus for those who prefer to communicate in their native language. IC Markets' support is efficient but occasionally feels more scripted due to its larger client base.