Which broker is better for Spain traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Spain traders seeking a reliable forex broker have two well-known options: EasyMarkets (score 3.4/5) and IC Markets (score 4.8/5). Both accept Spanish residents and support EUR accounts, but they differ dramatically in trading costs, platform flexibility, and user experience. IC Markets is recognized globally for ultra-low spreads and raw execution from 0.0 pips, making it ideal for active traders who need precision and scalping capabilities. EasyMarkets, on the other hand, appeals to beginners with its simple web platform, fixed spreads, and risk management features like Deal Cancellation. Spanish traders can deposit with SEPA, bank transfer, or Bizum at both brokers, but the regulatory landscape is similar — each operates under EU-compliant licenses (CySEC for EasyMarkets, CySEC and ASIC for IC Markets). While the CNMV does not directly supervise these brokers, ESMA leverage caps apply. This comparison breaks down every aspect relevant to a Spanish retail trader, from costs and platforms to local payment methods and customer support in Spanish.
| 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 |
For Spain traders, the biggest cost difference is spreads. IC Markets offers a raw spread account with spreads as low as 0.0 pips on EUR/USD (plus $3.5 per lot commission), while its standard account starts from 0.6 pips. EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads, typically 1.0–2.0 pips on majors. Over 50 trades per month, a Spanish scalper trading 1 lot each time would pay roughly €50–€100 more with EasyMarkets. IC Markets also has no hidden swap charges on standard accounts, and its execution is commission-based for raw accounts, which can work out cheaper than EasyMarkets’ built-in spread markup. For high-volume traders, IC Markets is clearly the cost-effective 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Spain (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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Spain traders expect diverse platform support, and IC Markets delivers with MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader — the latter offering advanced customization and fast order execution. These platforms are available on desktop, web, and mobile with full Spanish language options. EasyMarkets offers a proprietary web-based platform tailored for simplicity, along with mobile apps, but lacks direct MT4/MT5 support. For Spanish traders who rely on automated trading (Expert Advisors) or advanced charting, IC Markets is far superior. EasyMarkets is better suited for complete beginners who want an easy, straightforward trading experience without installing software.
| 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 is known for its high-speed execution using Equinix NY4 servers and low latency connections, making it ideal for scalpers and algorithmic traders in Spain. The broker offers no dealing desk (NDD) execution with raw spreads. EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads and a market maker model, which can result in requotes during volatile news events. For active Spanish traders prioritizing fast fills and minimal slippage, IC Markets is clearly superior. EasyMarkets may offer more predictable pricing for less experienced traders.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | ASIC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Neither EasyMarkets nor IC Markets is regulated by the CNMV (Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores) in Spain. However, both brokers hold licenses that allow them to serve EU clients under MiFID II passporting. EasyMarkets is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), license no. 079/07, and IC Markets operates under CySEC license no. 143/11 as well as ASIC in Australia. For Spain traders, this means standard ESMA protections: negative balance protection, retail leverage capped at 30:1 for forex majors, and client funds segregation. The lack of direct CNMV oversight is common among international brokers, but both have strong regulatory track records and compensate via investor compensation schemes (ICF in Cyprus).
| 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 |
Depositing and withdrawing in euros is straightforward at both brokers. Spain traders can use SEPA bank transfer for free, with funds arriving within 1–2 business days. Both brokers also support Bizum — a mobile-based instant payment system popular in Spain — for deposits (and withdrawals at some brokers). EasyMarkets requires a minimum deposit of €25 via Bizum or SEPA, while IC Markets sets the bar at €200 (waivable with proof of funds). Bank transfers are available as well, with similar processing times. Card deposits (Visa/Mastercard) are also accepted but may be subject to issuer fees. Withdrawals at IC Markets are processed within 24 hours for most methods, while EasyMarkets can take 1–3 days. Notably, IC Markets does not charge withdrawal fees, while EasyMarkets may apply a small fee on bank transfers.
| 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 |
Spanish Muslim traders can use swap-free (Islamic) accounts at both brokers. EasyMarkets offers Islamic accounts upon request with no swap charges on overnight positions, and the account functions identically to a standard account. IC Markets also provides swap-free accounts, but traders need to request them after registration; for raw spread accounts, positions held for more than three trading days may incur a small administration fee. Both brokers comply with Sharia law by not charging or paying interest. Spanish traders should confirm terms when opening the account, as some conditions may differ between brokers.
| 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 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with Spanish-speaking agents available during European hours. EasyMarkets provides live chat, email, and phone support from 7 AM to 8 PM CET on weekdays, with Spanish language support. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections in Spanish. IC Markets’ extended hours and multiple contact channels give it a slight edge for Spanish traders who trade outside normal market 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 the majority of retail traders in Spain, IC Markets is the clear winner with its industry-low spreads, extensive platform support (including cTrader and MetaTrader), and robust execution speeds. It caters well to active traders who need cost efficiency and flexibility. EasyMarkets remains a viable choice for absolute beginners who value simplicity, fixed costs, and risk management features — though its higher spreads and limited platform options hold it back. Both brokers accept Spanish payment methods like SEPA, Bank Transfer, and Bizum, and neither is directly regulated by the CNMV but operates under EU-compliant licenses. Considering the overall score (4.8 vs 3.4) and local trader feedback, IC Markets is the recommended broker for Spain, provided you meet the €200 minimum deposit.