Which broker is better for Zimbabwe traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Zimbabwean traders looking for a reliable forex broker often compare EasyMarkets and IC Markets, two globally recognised names with very different strengths. EasyMarkets (score 3.4/5) is known for its user-friendly platform, fixed spreads, and regulated status under CySEC, while IC Markets (score 4.8/5) dominates with ultra-low spreads, lightning-fast execution, and advanced trading tools like MetaTrader 4/5 and cTrader. Both accept Zimbabwean clients and support deposits in USD via Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 – a crucial factor given Zimbabwe’s currency landscape. However, they differ greatly in cost, platform depth, and regulatory protection. In this comparison, we break down every aspect to help retail traders in Harare, Bulawayo, and across Zimbabwe choose the broker that matches their trading style and local needs.
| 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 Zimbabwe traders, trading costs directly impact profitability, especially when trading USD pairs. IC Markets offers a Raw Spread account with spreads from 0.0 pips and a small commission of $3.50 per lot. In contrast, EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads (e.g., 1.2 pips on EUR/USD) with no commission. On a 1-lot trade, IC Markets costs about $3.50 per side, while EasyMarkets costs around $12 per round turn. Over 50 trades per month, the difference exceeds $400 – significant for retail Zimbabwe traders. Under the local financial regulator’s oversight (which doesn’t directly set spreads), these cost differences matter when trading with limited capital.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe (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 | ✓ | ✓ |
IC Markets provides Zimbabwe traders with a choice of MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader – all robust platforms offering advanced charting, automated trading via Expert Advisors, and fast order execution. EasyMarkets offers its proprietary web platform and mobile app, which are simpler and easier for beginners but lack the depth of algorithmic tools. For Zimbabwe traders who use Expert Advisors or need advanced analytics, IC Markets is the clear winner. However, if you prefer a straightforward, all-in-one platform with built-in risk management tools like dealCancellation, EasyMarkets may be sufficient.
| 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 No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution with servers located in New York and London, providing ultra-low latency and minimal slippage. EasyMarkets operates a dealing desk model, which can lead to requotes and slightly slower execution. For Zimbabwe traders who rely on fast fills, especially during high-impact news events, IC Markets’ execution quality is superior. Average execution speed for IC Markets is under 40ms; EasyMarkets is typically 100-200ms. This difference can matter in scalping or high-frequency strategies.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | ASIC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
EasyMarkets is regulated by CySEC (Cyprus) and the FSA (Seychelles), providing negative balance protection and investor compensation schemes (up to €20,000 under CySEC). IC Markets is regulated by ASIC (Australia), CySEC, and the FSA, with client funds held in segregated accounts. Neither broker is directly regulated by the local financial regulator in Zimbabwe. For Zimbabwe traders, this means you rely on international oversight. While both are reputable, IC Markets’ ASIC regulation is considered particularly strict. Always check the entity you are opening an account with – for Zimbabwe residents, the international entities are typically used, which offer less protection than local regulation but still maintain industry standards.
| 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 |
Zimbabwe traders can fund both EasyMarkets and IC Markets using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Bank transfers are the most traditional method but can take 2-5 business days and incur intermediary fees. Skrill and Neteller are instant, low-cost e-wallets widely used in Zimbabwe. USDT TRC20 is increasingly popular for its near-instant settlement and minimal fees – both brokers accept it. IC Markets also supports credit/debit cards, PayPal, and other cryptocurrencies, while EasyMarkets adds UnionPay. Withdrawals are typically processed within 1 business day for e-wallets and USDT, and 2-5 days for bank transfers. No deposit fees are charged by either broker, but your bank or e-wallet may apply charges. Always check the minimum deposit amounts: EasyMarkets minimum is $25 via most methods, while IC Markets requires $200 for bank transfer but $0 for e-wallets and USDT.
| 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 Zimbabwe Muslim traders who cannot earn or pay interest (Riba). EasyMarkets provides a straightforward swap-free account upon request, with no additional charges for overnight positions. IC Markets also offers Islamic accounts but applies a small administration fee if positions are held for more than a few days – typically $5-10 per lot per day after the initial grace period. Zimbabwe traders should contact each broker’s support to confirm eligibility and any specific terms. Overall, EasyMarkets may be more suitable for long-term Islamic traders, while IC Markets is better for short-term trading even with the Islamic account.
| 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 multilingual agents available. EasyMarkets provides live chat and email support during business hours (Monday to Friday) and phone lines. For Zimbabwe traders in a different time zone (UTC+2), IC Markets’ round-the-clock support is more convenient, especially during evenings or weekends when the US session is active. Response times are generally fast for both, but IC Markets edges ahead with its always-available service.
| 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 vast majority of Zimbabwe retail traders, IC Markets is the better overall broker, backed by its 4.8/5 rating, lower spreads, and broader platform support. EasyMarkets remains a solid choice for absolute beginners or those who value fixed costs and a simpler experience. Both offer essential deposit methods for Zimbabwe – Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 – and operate under international regulation. However, IC Markets’ lower trading costs, faster execution, and 24/7 support give it a clear edge for active traders. If you trade with modest capital and want to minimise fees, IC Markets’ Raw Spread account is hard to beat. Always verify the latest terms with each broker, as local financial regulator oversight in Zimbabwe is absent, so due diligence on the entity you choose is vital.