EasyMarkets vs IC Markets for Zambia Traders (2026)

For Zambia traders, trading costs directly impact profitability, especially when dealing with volatile currency pairs. IC Markets offers significantly lower spreads through its Raw Spread account, where spreads on EUR/USD can be as low as 0.0 pips with a commission of $3.50 per lot round turn. EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads starting from 1.0 pips for major pairs with no commission, but these spreads are wider and not as competitive for high-volume traders. IC Markets' variable spreads can tighten during liquid sessions, benefiting Zambia traders who trade during peak hours. Over 100 lots per month, the cost difference can amount to hundreds of dollars, making IC Markets the more cost-effective choice for active traders.

When it comes to trading platforms, IC Markets dominates with support for MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, all available on desktop, web, and mobile. These platforms offer advanced charting, algorithmic trading via Expert Advisors (EAs), and deep liquidity. EasyMarkets offers its proprietary web-based platform and mobile app, which are intuitive but lack the depth of MT4/5. For Zambia traders who rely on automated strategies or need robust analysis tools, IC Markets is the clear winner. EasyMarkets' platform is simpler and may be preferable for those new to forex trading.

Execution quality is where IC Markets excels, offering true ECN/STP execution with no dealing desk intervention and average order fill speeds under 40 milliseconds. EasyMarkets, while reliable, uses a market maker model with fixed spreads and may experience re-quotes during volatile markets. For Zambia traders who prioritise fast fills and minimal slippage, especially on news events, IC Markets is the superior choice.

Regulation is a key concern for Zambia traders given the absence of a local forex regulator with direct oversight. EasyMarkets is regulated by CySEC (Cyprus) and ASIC (Australia), while IC Markets is regulated by ASIC and the FSA (Seychelles) for international clients. Both brokers offer negative balance protection and client fund segregation. However, IC Markets' ASIC regulation provides a higher level of scrutiny. For Zambia traders, trading with an ASIC-regulated broker like IC Markets adds an extra layer of security, though neither is directly supervised by the local financial regulator. Always verify the broker's licensing and consider using segregated accounts.

Zambia traders can fund their accounts at both EasyMarkets and IC Markets using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. EasyMarkets has a minimum deposit of $100 (or equivalent in USDT) and processes withdrawals within 1 business day. IC Markets has a $200 minimum deposit and also supports these methods, with USDT TRC20 deposits being instant and fee-free. Both brokers accept USD as base currency. For withdrawals, Skrill and Neteller are typically processed within 24 hours, while bank transfers may take 1-3 business days. USDT TRC20 offers the fastest option with near-instant settlement, ideal for Zambia traders who prefer crypto transactions. Note that IC Markets does not charge deposit fees, but EasyMarkets may have fees on certain methods.

Both EasyMarkets and IC Markets offer swap-free Islamic accounts for Muslim traders in Zambia who require Sharia-compliant trading. EasyMarkets provides Islamic accounts with zero swap on all positions, and they are automatically available upon request. IC Markets also offers swap-free accounts, but traders must request activation via support. IC Markets' Islamic accounts maintain the same low spreads and execution conditions as standard accounts, making them attractive for active Muslim traders. EasyMarkets' Islamic accounts also come with no additional costs, but traders should check if any holding period restrictions apply.

Customer support is available 24/5 for both brokers, with IC Markets offering 24/7 support via live chat, email, and phone. EasyMarkets support is also responsive but limited to weekday hours. For Zambia traders, IC Markets' round-the-clock support is beneficial when trading during non-standard hours. Both brokers provide support in English, which is widely understood in Zambia.