Which broker is better for Ireland traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Ireland traders evaluate EasyMarkets and IC Markets for forex and CFD trading. EasyMarkets scores 3.4/5, IC Markets 4.8/5, reflecting differences in cost, execution, and platform. EasyMarkets appeals with fixed spreads and a proprietary platform, while IC Markets offers razor-thin spreads via ECN/STP execution. Both cater to Irish residents, accepting Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 deposits. The Central Bank of Ireland does not directly regulate these brokers, but they operate under CySEC, FCA, and ASIC licenses, providing EU investor protection. Ireland traders benefit from a choice between simplicity and advanced trading tools.
| 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 |
IC Markets beats EasyMarkets on spreads for Ireland traders, especially active ones. EasyMarkets fixes spreads from 1 pip on major forex pairs, no commission, while IC Markets offers spreads from 0.0 pips with a $7 round-turn commission on its Raw Spread account. For a Ireland trader executing 50 lots per month, IC Markets saves hundreds of dollars. EasyMarkets' fixed spreads protect against volatility but come at a premium. Beginners may prefer predictability, but cost-conscious Irish scalpers will choose IC Markets.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland (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 | ✓ | ✓ |
IC Markets provides MT4, MT5, and cTrader, popular among Irish traders for advanced charting, automated trading, and depth of market. EasyMarkets offers its own web platform plus MT4 and MT5. The EasyMarkets platform is simpler and includes deal cancellation and guaranteed stops, which can appeal to new retail traders in Ireland. However, for algorithmic or high-frequency trading, IC Markets' platform selection and hosting in London and New York deliver lower latency for Irish users.
| 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 |
IC Markets uses ECN/STP execution with no dealing desk, offering ultralow latency and no requotes. EasyMarkets operates as a market maker, meaning it may execute trades against its own inventory. For Ireland scalpers or news traders, IC Markets provides faster fills and better transparency. EasyMarkets' fixed spreads come with guaranteed stop-loss orders but potential slippage in volatile markets. Overall, IC Markets delivers superior execution for active traders.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | ASIC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
EasyMarkets is regulated by CySEC (EU), ASIC, and FCA, while IC Markets holds licenses from ASIC, FCA, and CySEC. For Ireland traders, CySEC regulation means compliance with MiFID II and eligibility for the Investor Compensation Fund (up to €20,000). While neither broker is directly regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland, they can serve Irish clients via EU passporting. Both segregate client funds and offer negative balance protection, adding security for Irish traders.
| 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 |
Ireland traders can fund both brokers using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Bank transfers are free but take 1-3 business days; processing times are similar at both brokers. Skrill and Neteller deposits are instant with no fees from the broker, though Skrill may charge for currency conversion. USDT TRC20 is a fast, low-cost option for crypto users. EasyMarkets has a $100 minimum deposit; IC Markets requires $200. Withdrawals are processed within 1-2 days for e-wallets and crypto, while bank transfers may take 3-5 days. Both brokers charge no withdrawal fees, but third-party fees may apply.
| 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 |
Both EasyMarkets and IC Markets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in Ireland. EasyMarkets provides a dedicated Islamic account option during registration; IC Markets requires a request via support after account opening. Neither charges additional fees for swap-free status, and overnight positions incur no interest. Irish Muslim traders can choose either broker, but EasyMarkets offers a more direct process while IC Markets requires a manual request.
| 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 |
Both brokers offer 24/5 customer support in English via live chat and email. IC Markets additionally provides phone support for Irish traders. EasyMarkets prides itself on 24/7 live chat availability, which can be helpful for weekend queries. Response times are similar, typically within minutes for live chat. Ireland traders can expect knowledgeable support from both brokers, with EasyMarkets offering slightly broader hours.
| 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 most Ireland traders, IC Markets is the superior choice with its 4.8/5 rating, low spreads, fast execution, and multiple platform options. EasyMarkets, rated 3.4/5, suits beginners or those who value fixed spreads and a simpler interface. Both accept local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, and are regulated under CySEC and FCA, offering EU-level investor protection. Consider your trading style: if cost and execution matter, go with IC Markets; if predictability and a gentle learning curve are priorities, EasyMarkets is a solid alternative.