Which broker is better for Italy traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
When choosing a forex broker in Italy, retail traders often weigh EasyMarkets against IC Markets. Both are well-known globally, but they cater to different styles. EasyMarkets, with a Trustpilot-like score of 3.4/5, offers a beginner-friendly platform and fixed spreads, appealing to those who prefer predictable costs. IC Markets, scoring 4.8/5, is favored by active traders for its ultra-low spreads and high-speed execution. For Italian traders, local factors matter: both accept EUR deposits and support SEPA bank transfers. However, IC Markets has a stronger reputation for low-latency trading, which is crucial when trading major pairs like EUR/USD or GBP/JPY. EasyMarkets, on the other hand, provides a simpler experience with integrated risk tools. This comparison examines spreads, platforms, regulation, and payment methods tailored to Italy.
| 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 offers two main account types: Standard with spreads from 0.6 pips and no commission, and Raw Spread with spreads from 0.0 pips plus a $3.5 commission per lot round turn. For Italian traders trading 5 lots daily on EUR/USD, IC Markets’ Raw Spread account can be over 50% cheaper than EasyMarkets’ fixed spreads. EasyMarkets’ spreads start at around 1.2 pips on EUR/USD and remain fixed, which protects against slippage but increases costs over high volumes. If you trade frequently or in larger sizes, IC Markets clearly wins on cost.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Italy (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 MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, all of which are popular among Italian traders for advanced charting and automated trading. These platforms are fully compatible with Windows, Mac, and mobile. EasyMarkets offers its proprietary web platform and mobile app, plus MT4 and MT5. For Italian traders who want flexibility and custom indicators, IC Markets’ cTrader offers superior order execution and depth of market. Beginners may prefer EasyMarkets’ intuitive interface, but IC Markets gives professionals more control.
| 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 boasts execution speeds under 40ms on its cTrader platform, using Equinix NY4 data centers. This low latency is ideal for scalping and automated strategies. EasyMarkets uses market execution with a typical speed of 100-150ms, which is adequate for most retail traders but not for high-frequency trading. For Italian traders who need fast fills on news events, 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
EasyMarkets is regulated by CySEC (Cyprus) and complies with ESMA rules, meaning Italian traders get negative balance protection and leverage capped at 1:30 for major pairs. IC Markets is regulated by the SCB (Bahamas) and CYSEC-licensed entities, but its international client base faces higher leverages up to 1:500. For Italian traders, neither broker is directly regulated by CONSOB, but both must follow EU standards when serving retail clients from Italy. Always verify the specific entity you register with.
| 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 |
Italian traders can fund accounts via SEPA bank transfer, regular bank transfer, or PostePay (prepaid card). EasyMarkets accepts PostePay directly for deposits, while IC Markets accepts it indirectly via Visa/Mastercard debit cards linked to PostePay. SEPA transfers are free and processed within 1-2 business days for both. Withdrawals are typically via bank transfer back to your account. EasyMarkets may charge a small fee for withdrawals under €100, whereas IC Markets offers up to one free withdrawal per month. Minimum deposits are €100 for EasyMarkets and €200 for IC Markets.
| 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 brokers offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Italian Muslim traders. EasyMarkets provides swap-free accounts upon request for all account types, with no hidden charges. IC Markets offers Islamic accounts on Standard and Raw Spread accounts, but they require a written request and approval. Swap-free accounts are available indefinitely, but IC Markets may apply a holding period for certain positions. Italian traders should confirm the conditions with each broker’s support team before opening.
| 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 |
IC Markets offers 24/7 multilingual support via live chat and email, with a strong reputation for fast responses. EasyMarkets provides support 24/5 via live chat, phone, and email, with Italian-language assistance available during European hours. For urgent trading issues, IC Markets’ round-the-clock service is more reliable for Italian traders who trade outside standard 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 Italian retail traders, IC Markets is the better choice due to its lower costs, faster execution, and robust platform ecosystem. Its support for SEPA transfers and compatibility with PostePay via debit cards makes it accessible for local depositors. EasyMarkets remains an option for complete beginners who prioritize simplicity and fixed costs. However, with no CONSOB regulation and higher overall fees, IC Markets’ 4.8 rating reflects its clear edge. Italian traders concerned about regulation should note that both brokers follow ESMA guidelines when serving EU clients, ensuring negative balance protection and fair trading conditions.