Which broker is better for Belgium traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Belgium traders looking for a reliable forex broker often compare EasyMarkets and IC Markets. EasyMarkets, rated 3.4/5, is known for its fixed spreads, user-friendly platform, and strong regulatory compliance with CySEC and EU directives. IC Markets, with a high 4.8/5 rating, offers institutional-grade trading conditions: raw spreads from 0.0 pips, lightning-fast execution, and a wide range of platforms including MT4, MT5, and cTrader. For Belgian retail traders, the choice depends on priorities: cost efficiency versus simplicity. Both brokers accept Belgian clients and support local payment methods such as Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. However, IC Markets stands out for active traders seeking low spreads, while EasyMarkets caters to beginners or those who prefer fixed costs. This comparison examines fees, regulation, deposit options, and platform features specifically for Belgium traders in 2025.
| Instrument | EasyMarkets | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | IC Markets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | IC Markets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | IC Markets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | IC Markets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $25 | $200 | IC Markets |
When comparing trading costs for Belgium traders, IC Markets clearly outperforms EasyMarkets. IC Markets offers Raw Spread accounts with EUR/USD spreads from 0.0 pips (plus a $3.5 commission per lot round turn), while its Standard account has spreads from 0.6 pips with no commission. EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads of around 1.2 pips on EUR/USD, which means higher costs per trade, especially for high-volume traders. For a Belgian trader executing 10 lots per week, the difference can amount to hundreds of euros annually. Additionally, IC Markets does not charge swap fees on Islamic accounts, while EasyMarkets’ swap-free accounts may have higher spreads to compensate. Overall, IC Markets is the more cost-effective choice for Belgian traders who trade frequently or in larger volumes.
| Account Type | EasyMarkets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $25 | $200 |
| Entity / Asset | EasyMarkets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:5000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 1:5000 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
| Asset Class | EasyMarkets | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | EasyMarkets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | EasyMarkets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | EasyMarkets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | IC Markets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | EasyMarkets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✓ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Belgian traders have distinct platform preferences, and both brokers cover the essentials. IC Markets provides MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and WebTrader – all fully customizable with advanced charting, algorithmic trading, and real-time news. This suits experienced traders who need speed and flexibility. EasyMarkets offers its proprietary web and mobile platform, plus MT4 and MT5 for basic needs. Its platform is simpler, with built-in risk management tools like 'deal cancellation' and guaranteed stop-loss, which appeal to beginners. For Belgium traders, IC Markets’ cTrader is especially attractive for its depth of market and fast order execution. However, EasyMarkets’ platform is more intuitive for those new to trading. Both platforms are available in English and support the EUR currency for Belgian accounts.
| Factor | EasyMarkets | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | IC Markets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | EasyMarkets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
Execution quality is a key differentiator. IC Markets uses True ECN technology with no dealing desk, offering ultra-low latency (under 1ms) and no requotes. This is ideal for scalpers and algorithmic traders in Belgium. EasyMarkets operates a market maker model with dealing desk intervention, which can lead to slippage and requotes during volatile markets. While EasyMarkets offers guaranteed stop-loss orders, execution speed is slower. For Belgium traders focused on fast, direct market access, IC Markets is the superior choice.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | ASIC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is critical for Belgium traders, and the local financial regulator (the FSMA – Financial Services and Markets Authority) imposes strict rules. EasyMarkets is regulated by CySEC under MiFID II, allowing it to offer services across the EU including Belgium. It adheres to negative balance protection and segregated accounts. IC Markets, on the other hand, is regulated primarily by ASIC (Australia) and the FSA (Seychelles). While ASIC is a reputable regulator, it is not an EU regulator, so IC Markets does not fall under FSMA oversight. Belgian traders should be aware that IC Markets may not offer the same level of investor protection (e.g., EU leverage limits up to 1:30 for retail clients). EasyMarkets complies with ESMA rules, capping leverage at 1:30 for major pairs, which may be safer for inexperienced traders. Both brokers are considered reliable globally, but EasyMarkets offers stronger local regulatory alignment for Belgium.
| Payment Method | EasyMarkets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | Cards 1-2 business days; e-wallets instant-1 business day; bank wire 3-10 business days; overall back-office processing within 1 business day (24h) | E-wallets instant-24hrs; Cards 3-5 business days (up to 10); Int'l bank wire up to 14 days |
Depositing and withdrawing funds is straightforward for Belgian traders at both brokers. They accept Bank Transfer (SEPA), Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 – popular payment methods in Belgium. Additionally, EasyMarkets supports credit/debit cards and PayPal, while IC Markets also accepts UnionPay and other cryptocurrencies. Minimum deposits: EasyMarkets – $100; IC Markets – $200 (or equivalent in EUR). Deposits via Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 are usually instant and fee-free, while bank transfers may take 1-3 business days and sometimes incur intermediary fees. Withdrawals are processed quickly: IC Markets processes e-wallet withdrawals within 24 hours, and EasyMarkets typically within 1 business day. Bank transfers can take longer. Both brokers allow withdrawals to the same method used for deposit where possible. For Belgian traders who prefer crypto, USDT TRC20 is a convenient low-cost option at both brokers.
| Islamic Account Feature | EasyMarkets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
For Belgian Muslim traders requiring Sharia-compliant accounts, both EasyMarkets and IC Markets offer swap-free (Islamic) accounts. EasyMarkets provides Islamic accounts on request with no swap charges, but the spreads may be slightly wider than standard accounts. IC Markets also offers Islamic accounts on its Raw Spread and Standard accounts after contacting support; these accounts are truly swap-free, but commissions or spreads may adjust. However, IC Markets may restrict Islamic accounts on certain instruments like cryptocurrencies or indices. Belgium traders should confirm the exact conditions before opening. Overall, both brokers accommodate Islamic trading, but EasyMarkets’ simple fixed spread structure may be easier to understand for those new to swap-free trading.
| Support Feature | EasyMarkets | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | EasyMarkets |
Customer support is available 24/7 for both brokers. EasyMarkets offers live chat, phone, and email support with multilingual agents, including Dutch and French – a significant advantage for Belgian traders (Flemish and Walloon regions). IC Markets also provides 24/7 support via live chat and email, but primarily in English, with limited Dutch or French options. Response times are similar, typically within minutes for chat. For Belgian traders who prefer support in their native language, EasyMarkets has a clear edge.
| Mobile Feature | EasyMarkets | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | EasyMarkets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | EasyMarkets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | EasyMarkets | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | EasyMarkets |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | EasyMarkets |
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
Choose IC Markets if you...
For Belgian retail traders in 2025, IC Markets is the stronger overall broker due to its low costs, superior execution, and high rating (4.8/5). It is ideal for those who trade actively and want direct market access. EasyMarkets (3.4/5) is a good alternative for beginners or traders who prioritize simplicity and local language support. Consider local factors: the FSMA does not regulate IC Markets directly, but the broker is globally reputable. Deposit methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 are available at both. If low spreads and fast execution matter most, choose IC Markets. If you prefer a regulated EU broker with fixed costs and localised support, EasyMarkets is a viable option.