Forex.com vs IC Markets: Malta Broker Comparison 2026

For Malta traders, trading costs are a decisive factor. IC Markets offers raw spreads starting at 0.0 pips on EUR/USD with a commission of $3.50 per lot per side, resulting in total costs around $7 per standard lot. Forex.com’s standard spreads on EUR/USD average 1.0-1.2 pips with no commission, which translates to roughly $10-12 per lot. The difference compounds quickly for active traders: trading 50 lots per month at IC Markets costs about $350 in commissions plus spreads, while Forex.com would cost $500-600. IC Markets also provides volume discounts and lower swap rates for Malta-based traders. Overall, IC Markets is significantly cheaper for retail traders in Malta, especially those using scalping or high-frequency strategies.

Both brokers offer the popular MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms, well-suited to Malta traders who value advanced charting and automated trading. IC Markets additionally supports cTrader, which provides deeper order book visibility and faster execution, ideal for day traders. Forex.com offers its proprietary Web Trader and TradingView integration, appealing to traders who prefer a modern, intuitive interface. For mobile trading, both brokers have robust apps. Malta traders who rely on Expert Advisors (EAs) will find IC Markets more EA-friendly due to its raw ECN environment and lower latency. Platform choice ultimately depends on individual preference, but IC Markets provides more options for professional-level trading.

IC Markets uses raw ECN execution with no requotes and ultra-low latency, processing orders in under 40 milliseconds on average. This is ideal for Malta scalpers and high-frequency traders. Forex.com offers STP execution with occasional slippage during news events, but still reliable for most retail traders. For Malta traders requiring rapid order fills on volatile pairs like EUR/USD, IC Markets provides a clear edge in execution quality and consistency.

Forex.com is regulated directly by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), giving Malta traders the strongest local regulatory oversight. This means client funds are held in segregated accounts with a Maltese credit institution and covered by the Investor Compensation Scheme up to €20,000. IC Markets is regulated by CySEC (Cyprus) under EU MiFID II, which is passported into Malta, so it also offers negative balance protection and client fund segregation. However, IC Markets clients are covered by the Cyprus Investor Compensation Fund (ICF) up to €20,000. Both are safe options, but Forex.com’s direct MFSA licence may appeal to traders who prioritise local supervision and easier dispute resolution within Malta.

Malta traders can fund their accounts using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 at both brokers. IC Markets processes Skrill and Neteller deposits instantly with no fee, while Bank Transfer may take 1-2 business days with possible intermediary bank charges. USDT TRC20 deposits at IC Markets are credited within minutes and have minimal fees. Forex.com accepts the same methods but charges a small fee on some e-wallet deposits. Withdrawals: IC Markets typically processes e-wallet requests within 24 hours, while Forex.com takes 1-3 business days. Bank Transfer withdrawals at both brokers take 2-5 business days. For Malta traders, IC Markets offers slightly faster and cheaper transactions, especially for USDT TRC20 users who value speed and low costs.

Both Forex.com and IC Markets provide Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Malta Muslim traders who wish to trade without earning or paying overnight interest. Forex.com offers these accounts upon request via customer support, with no additional fees but some limitations on holding positions overnight. IC Markets provides swap-free accounts on both Standard and Raw spread accounts, approved for eligible clients from Malta. IC Markets requires a declaration of faith and account activity review to prevent abuse. Overall, both brokers cater well to Islamic traders, but IC Markets’ offering is more transparent and easier to set up directly through the registration process.

IC Markets offers 24/7 multilingual customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with a dedicated team that handles Malta queries in English. Forex.com provides support 24/5 via live chat and phone, with a local Malta office phone number available. IC Markets’ round-the-clock availability is a plus for Malta traders who trade during non-European sessions. Response times at IC Markets are typically under 2 minutes via live chat, while Forex.com may take slightly longer during off-peak hours.