Which broker is better for Philippines traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Philippines traders looking to enter forex trading, choosing between EasyMarkets and IC Markets is a common decision. Both brokers accept PHP deposits via GCash, PayMaya, bank transfer, and USDT, catering to mobile-first traders and OFW remittance investors. EasyMarkets (score 3.4/5) offers a user-friendly mobile platform and fixed spreads, ideal for beginners. IC Markets (score 4.8/5) provides ultra-low spreads, ECN execution, and advanced MT4/MT5 mobile apps, suiting active traders. While neither is regulated by SEC Philippines, they are internationally licensed. This comparison focuses on costs, platforms, local payment methods, and regulatory considerations to help you decide.
| 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 it comes to trading costs, IC Markets clearly outperforms EasyMarkets for Philippines traders. IC Markets offers raw spreads from 0.0 pips with a $3.50 commission per lot, while its standard account has spreads from 0.6 pips with no commission. EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads, typically 1.2 pips on EUR/USD, with no commission. For high-volume traders in the Philippines, IC Markets can save significant costs. However, EasyMarkets’ fixed spreads provide predictability, which some beginners prefer. Overall, if cost is a priority, IC Markets is the better choice.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Philippines (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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer mobile-friendly platforms suited for Philippines traders who prefer trading on smartphones. IC Markets supports MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 on iOS and Android, along with cTrader for advanced charting. These platforms are fast and customizable, ideal for scalping and analysis. EasyMarkets offers its own proprietary web and mobile app plus MT4. Its app is intuitive but less feature-rich than MT4/MT5. For OFW traders needing reliable mobile execution, IC Markets’ platform ecosystem is superior. EasyMarkets’ app is simpler and better for casual traders.
| 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 true ECN/STP execution with speeds under 40ms, ideal for scalping and high-frequency trading. EasyMarkets uses market execution with a no-dealing desk model but may have occasional requotes. For Philippines traders on mobile internet, IC Markets’ faster execution and lower latency are beneficial. EasyMarkets is reliable for regular orders but less suited for rapid trades. Overall, IC Markets wins on execution quality.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | ASIC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a key concern for Philippines traders as neither broker is licensed by the SEC Philippines. IC Markets is regulated by the Australian ASIC, Cyprus CySEC, and Seychelles FSA. EasyMarkets is regulated by CySEC, ASIC, and the British Virgin Islands FSC. While international regulation provides some protection, traders should note that the Philippine SEC does not oversee these brokers. It is essential to use trusted brokers and understand that dispute resolution may involve foreign regulators. Always deposit amounts you can afford to risk.
| 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 |
For Philippines traders, deposit and withdrawal options are critical. EasyMarkets directly supports GCash, PayMaya, local bank transfer (PHP), and USDT. Deposits via GCash and PayMaya are instant with no fees. IC Markets accepts bank transfer (PHP) and USDT, but GCash and PayMaya may be available through third-party payment processors like TrueLayer or online transfer services. Both brokers allow withdrawals via the same methods. EasyMarkets has an edge for traders who want seamless local e-wallet transactions. IC Markets is better for those using USDT or bank wires. Minimum deposits: EasyMarkets from $100 (about 5,500 PHP), IC Markets from $200 (11,000 PHP).
| 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 the Philippines. EasyMarkets provides a dedicated Islamic account that eliminates overnight swap fees entirely, available on request. IC Markets also offers swap-free accounts upon request for clients who follow Sharia law. No additional costs are applied. This makes both brokers suitable for the significant Muslim population in the Philippines, especially in Mindanao. Traders should confirm swap-free status with customer support before 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 for Philippines traders in English. IC Markets offers 24/7 live chat, email, and phone support, with fast response times. EasyMarkets provides 24/5 live chat (weekdays) and email support, also in English. Both have Filipino-friendly hours due to time zone overlap. IC Markets’ round-the-clock support is advantageous for OFW traders in different time zones. EasyMarkets’ support is adequate but limited to trading 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 Philippines traders, IC Markets is the stronger choice overall due to its superior trading costs, faster execution, and higher trust rating (4.8 vs 3.4). It suits active traders, OFWs, and those using USDT or bank transfers. EasyMarkets appeals to beginners and traders who rely on GCash or PayMaya for deposits, offering a simpler mobile experience and fixed spreads. However, its regulatory framework and overall value lag behind IC Markets. Always consider that neither broker is regulated by SEC Philippines, so use caution and start with small amounts. For most Filipinos, IC Markets provides better long-term value.