EasyMarkets vs IC Markets for Russia Traders (2026)

For Russia traders, trading costs are heavily influenced by the spread model and commission structure. IC Markets offers Raw Spread accounts with spreads from 0.0 pips and a commission of $3.50 per lot round turn—ideal for high-frequency or scalping strategies. EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads, typically 1.0–2.0 pips on EUR/USD with no commission. For a Russia trader executing 50+ lots per month, IC Markets can save hundreds of dollars in spreads, despite the commission. However, EasyMarkets' fixed spreads protect against widening during volatility, which is useful when trading RUB crosses (e.g., USDRUB) that can spike unpredictably. Consider that IC Markets' variable spreads may increase during major news, while EasyMarkets' fixed costs allow easier risk budgeting.

Both brokers support MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, the gold standards for automated trading and EA use, which are popular among experienced Russia traders. IC Markets also provides cTrader, offering advanced charting and Level II pricing, ideal for scalpers and day traders. EasyMarkets lacks cTrader but offers its proprietary web platform with risk management tools like deal cancellation and free guaranteed stops. For Russian traders, access to MT4/5 is crucial for EA compatibility and custom indicators. IC Markets' additional platform variety gives an edge for those wanting ECN depth. EasyMarkets' proprietary platform may suit beginners or traders who want built-in risk controls without third-party plugins.

IC Markets is known for its ECN execution with no dealing desk, offering fast order fills and minimal slippage, which is essential for Russia scalpers and high-frequency traders. EasyMarkets uses a no dealing desk model as well but with fixed spreads, which can lead to slippage during high volatility spikes, especially on exotic pairs like USDRUB. IC Markets' average execution speed is under 40 ms, while EasyMarkets is slightly slower. For Russia traders trading during Asian or European sessions, IC Markets' deeper liquidity pool ensures tighter fills.

Both EasyMarkets and IC Markets are offshore brokers not regulated by the Central Bank of Russia (CBR). EasyMarkets holds licenses from the CySEC (Cyprus) and ASIC (Australia) but offers no CBR oversight; Russian traders must rely on the broker's compensation schemes (e.g., ICF up to €20,000 for CySEC clients). IC Markets is regulated by ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus), and the FSA (Seychelles), providing a stronger regulatory footprint but still no local protection. For Russia traders, this means no recourse to CBR if disputes arise, and funds held with offshore entities may face freezing risks due to sanctions. Experienced traders accept this but should verify each broker's client money protection policies and choose accounts under jurisdictions with strong oversight (ASIC or CySEC).

Depositing and withdrawing from Russia is straightforward with both brokers, thanks to support for USDT (Tether), bank transfers (including Sberbank, Tinkoff, etc.), and Qiwi. EasyMarkets allows deposits in USDT with no fees and instant processing; bank transfers in USD or RUB may incur conversion costs and take 1–3 business days. IC Markets also accepts USDT (TRC20/ERC20) with fast processing, and Qiwi for instant RUB deposits. Note that Russian bank transfers might be delayed due to correspondent bank checks. Withdrawals: EasyMarkets processes withdrawals within 24 hours for card and e-wallets, while IC Markets processes most methods within 1 business day. USDT is the preferred method for both brokers, as it bypasses Russian banking restrictions and provides near-instant access to funds. Always check for minimum amounts; EasyMarkets has a $25 minimum deposit, IC Markets $200.

Both EasyMarkets and IC Markets offer swap-free (Islamic) accounts for Muslim traders in Russia who need to avoid interest charges. EasyMarkets provides Islamic accounts on all account types without additional fees, and clients can request it at account opening. IC Markets also offers Islamic accounts, but they are available only on Standard or Raw Spread accounts, and traders must contact support to activate. For Russia-based Muslim traders, both options are valid, but IC Markets' lower spreads may be more cost-effective for long-term positions that would otherwise incur swap fees. Note: Some brokers limit the duration of swap-free status to prevent abuse; confirm with each broker's terms.

EasyMarkets provides 24/5 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with Russian language support available. IC Markets offers 24/7 support through live chat and email, also with Russian speaking agents. For Russia traders, the availability of Russian language support is critical, especially for urgent deposit or withdrawal issues. IC Markets' 24/7 service is an advantage for those trading across time zones or needing weekend assistance. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections, but IC Markets has a larger community and more third-party resources in Russian.