EasyMarkets vs IC Markets for New Zealand Traders (2026)

For New Zealand traders, trading costs can greatly affect profitability, especially on high-volume strategies. IC Markets offers variable spreads starting from 0.0 pips on its Raw Spread account, with a small commission per lot. On pairs like NZD/USD, spreads average 0.1–0.3 pips during peak hours, making it ideal for scalpers. EasyMarkets employs a fixed spread model, typically 1.5–2 pips on major pairs, with no commission. While EasyMarkets provides cost certainty, IC Markets’ lower spreads result in lower overall costs for frequent traders. Kiwi traders should also factor in swap rates, which are more competitive at IC Markets.

IC Markets delivers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, catering to New Zealand traders who need advanced charting, algorithmic trading, and fast execution. The platforms support multiple timeframes and custom indicators, ideal for analyzing NZD pairs during Asian-Pacific hours. EasyMarkets offers its proprietary web-based platform and mobile app, plus MT4 and MT5 via a web trader. While EasyMarkets’ platform is simpler and easier to navigate for beginners, it lacks the depth of cTrader’s order book and backtesting tools. For Kiwi traders who rely on expert advisors or automated strategies, IC Markets is the clear choice.

IC Markets is renowned for its ECN execution, offering near-instant order placement with minimal slippage, even during high-volatility news events. Average execution speed is under 40ms. EasyMarkets operates as a market maker, which can lead to occasional requotes and slippage, though it provides fixed spreads. For New Zealand traders who scalp news events or trade pairs like NZD/USD during economic releases, IC Markets’ superior execution reliability is a significant benefit.

Both EasyMarkets and IC Markets are registered with New Zealand’s Financial Markets Authority (FMA) as overseas providers, meaning they must comply with certain local conduct standards. EasyMarkets is primarily regulated by CySEC (Cyprus) and the FSCA (South Africa), offering negative balance protection and investor compensation up to €20,000 under the ICF. IC Markets is regulated by ASIC (Australia) and the SCB (Seychelles), with ASIC providing strong client fund segregation and leverage limits. For New Zealand traders, IC Markets’ ASIC regulation is often viewed as more robust, while EasyMarkets’ compensation scheme may appeal to those prioritizing deposit security.

New Zealand traders enjoy multiple funding options at both brokers, including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. At IC Markets, deposits via Skrill and Neteller are processed instantly with no fees, though the base currency is USD, so NZD deposits will undergo conversion. USDT TRC20 deposits are particularly fast and cost-effective, with minimal network fees. EasyMarkets also supports these methods, with e-wallet deposits typically credited within minutes. Bank transfers can take 1-3 business days and may incur international wire fees. Withdrawals at both brokers are efficient: e-wallet withdrawals at IC Markets are often processed within 24 hours, while EasyMarkets takes up to 48 hours. For Kiwi traders, the availability of USDT TRC20 provides a low-cost, fast alternative to traditional banking.

Muslim traders in New Zealand can open swap-free Islamic accounts at both EasyMarkets and IC Markets. EasyMarkets requires a signed declaration or proof of Islamic faith, and the account applies no interest or swap charges on overnight positions. IC Markets offers Islamic accounts simply by request through customer support, with no additional paperwork. Both brokers ensure that commission and spreads remain unchanged for these accounts. This makes either broker suitable for New Zealand traders who need to comply with Sharia law. However, IC Markets’ faster approval process and broader platform support may appeal more to active Muslim traders.

IC Markets provides 24/7 live chat, email, and phone support, with a dedicated team that understands the Australian/New Zealand time zone. Response times are generally under 5 minutes via chat. EasyMarkets offers similar channels but with slightly longer wait times, especially outside European hours. For New Zealand traders, IC Markets’ round-the-clock support during local business hours is a clear advantage, ensuring issues are resolved quickly during the Sydney and Tokyo market sessions.