Which broker is better for Indonesia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
When choosing a forex broker in Indonesia, traders often compare IC Markets and AvaTrade for their reliability, low costs, and local payment support. IC Markets, scoring 4.8/5, is known for its ultra-low spreads and fast execution, making it a top choice for scalpers and algorithmic traders. AvaTrade, scoring 4.6/5, offers a more beginner-friendly platform with fixed spreads and strong educational resources. Both brokers accept Indonesian clients and support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT, which is crucial for hassle-free deposits and withdrawals. This comparison will help you decide which broker fits your trading style, whether you prioritize low costs or regulatory comfort in Indonesia.
| Instrument | IC Markets | AvaTrade | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | AvaTrade |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | AvaTrade |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | AvaTrade |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | AvaTrade |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $200 | $100 | AvaTrade |
| Inactivity fee | β | β | Tie |
For Indonesia traders, trading costs are a key factor. IC Markets offers spreads from 0.0 pips on its Raw Spread account with a $7 round-turn commission per lot. This is ideal for high-volume traders who execute many trades daily. AvaTrade offers fixed spreads starting from 0.9 pips with no commission, which suits beginners or those who prefer predictable costs. On a standard lot of EUR/USD, IC Markets can save you around $5-10 per trade compared to AvaTrade, depending on market conditions. For Indonesian traders trading multiple lots daily, IC Markets is significantly cheaper.
| Account Type | IC Markets | AvaTrade |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | β | β |
| ECN / Raw spread | β | β |
| Islamic (swap-free) | β | β |
| Demo account | β | β |
| PAMM / MAM account | β | β |
| Zero spread account | β | β |
| Copy trading | β | β |
| VPS trading | β | β |
| Min deposit | $200 | $100 |
| Neg. balance protection | β | β |
| Entity / Asset | IC Markets | AvaTrade |
|---|---|---|
| Indonesia (offshore) | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:400 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:500 | 1:400 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
| Margin call level | 80% | 80% |
| Stop out level | 50% | 50% |
| Asset Class | IC Markets | AvaTrade | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | IC Markets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | β | β | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | β | β | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | IC Markets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | IC Markets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | β | β | AvaTrade |
| ETFs | β | β | Tie |
| Options | β | β | Tie |
| Futures | β | β | Tie |
| Platform | IC Markets | AvaTrade |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | β | β |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | β | β |
| cTrader | β | β |
| TradingView | β | β |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | β | β |
| Scalping allowed | β | β |
| Hedging allowed | β | β |
| Fixed spreads | β | β |
| Variable spreads | β | β |
Both brokers offer platforms tailored to Indonesian traders. IC Markets provides MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, all with full Indonesian language support and local time zone compatibility. AvaTrade offers MT4, MT5, and its proprietary AvaTradeGO app, also available in Bahasa Indonesia. For traders in Indonesia who rely on Expert Advisors (EAs) or algorithmic trading, IC Marketsβ cTrader is a standout. AvaTradeβs platform is more user-friendly for beginners, with integrated educational tools and a demo account that mimics real trading conditions.
| Factor | IC Markets | AvaTrade | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | AvaTrade |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | IC Markets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Dealing desk | β | β | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | β | β | Tie |
| News trading | β | β | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | β | β | Tie |
IC Markets is renowned for its ultra-fast execution, with average speeds under 40 milliseconds and no requotes. This is critical for scalpers and algorithmic traders in Indonesia. AvaTrade offers reliable execution with a market maker model, which means no requotes but potential slippage during volatile news events. For day traders in Indonesia who need instant order fills, IC Markets has the edge.
| Safety Factor | IC Markets | AvaTrade |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | CBI |
| Reg number | #335692 | #C53877 |
| Verify registration | Verify β | Verify β |
| Top-tier regulated | β | β |
| Investor protection | β | β |
| Segregated funds | β | β |
| Neg. balance protection | β | β |
IC Markets is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). AvaTrade is regulated by multiple authorities including the Central Bank of Ireland, ASIC, and the Financial Services Commission (FSC) in the British Virgin Islands. Neither broker is directly regulated by the local financial regulator in Indonesia, but they operate legally under international licenses. For Indonesian traders, this means your funds are held in segregated accounts with reputable banks, offering a layer of security. AvaTradeβs multiple licenses provide additional comfort for risk-averse traders.
| Payment Method | IC Markets | AvaTrade |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | β | β |
| Visa / Mastercard | β | β |
| Skrill | β | β |
| Neteller | β | β |
| USDT / Crypto | β | β |
| Deposit fee | None | None |
| Withdrawal time | E-wallets instant-24hrs; Cards 3-5 business days (up to 10); Int'l bank wire up to 14 days | Card/e-wallet 24-48hrs after approval; Wire Transfer up to 7-10 business days |
| Min withdrawal | $50 | $50 |
Indonesian traders can fund their accounts using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT at both IC Markets and AvaTrade. IC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $200 (or equivalent in USDT) and processes withdrawals within 1 business day for e-wallets. AvaTrade has a lower minimum deposit of $100 and also supports the same methods. Bank transfers typically take 1-2 business days for deposits and 2-5 days for withdrawals. USDT deposits are processed instantly and are popular among Indonesian traders for their speed and low fees. Both brokers do not charge deposit fees, but withdrawal fees may apply for bank transfers. Skrill and Neteller withdrawals are usually free at IC Markets, while AvaTrade may charge a small fee.
| Islamic Account Feature | IC Markets | AvaTrade |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | β | β |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | β | β |
| Gold swap-free | β | β |
| Crypto swap-free | β | β |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Both IC Markets and AvaTrade offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Indonesian Muslim traders who follow Sharia law. IC Markets provides swap-free accounts on request for all account types, including Raw Spread and Standard accounts. AvaTrade offers Islamic accounts automatically for eligible clients, with no swap fees on overnight positions. Itβs important to note that Islamic accounts may have holding period limits (e.g., 10-14 days) to prevent abuse. Indonesian traders should check with support for specific terms. Both brokers are transparent about their swap-free policies, making them suitable for religiously observant traders.
| Support Feature | IC Markets | AvaTrade | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | β | β | Tie |
| Phone support | β | β | Tie |
| Email support | β | β | Tie |
| 24/7 support | β | β | Tie |
| 24/5 support | β | β | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | IC Markets |
IC Markets offers 24/7 live chat and email support in English, with limited Bahasa Indonesia support during business hours. AvaTrade provides 24/5 live chat, phone, and email support in multiple languages, including Bahasa Indonesia. For Indonesian traders, AvaTradeβs local language support is a clear advantage. However, IC Marketsβ 24/7 availability is better for those trading overnight or during weekends.
| Mobile Feature | IC Markets | AvaTrade | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5β | 4.3β | IC Markets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3β | 4.2β | IC Markets |
| Biometric login | β | β | Tie |
| Push notifications | β | β | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | β | β | Tie |
| Mobile deposit/withdrawal | β | β | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | β | β | Tie |
| Dark mode | β | β | Tie |
| Resource | IC Markets | AvaTrade | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | IC Markets |
| Webinars (live) | β | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | β | β | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | IC Markets |
| Beginner resources | Excellent | Basic | IC Markets |
Choose IC Markets if you...
Choose AvaTrade if you...
For Indonesia traders, the choice between IC Markets and AvaTrade depends on your trading style. IC Markets excels with low spreads, fast execution, and support for USDT deposits, making it ideal for active traders. AvaTrade offers a more regulated environment with fixed spreads and local language support, suiting beginners and risk-averse traders. Both accept Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT, ensuring easy deposits and withdrawals. While neither is directly regulated by the local financial regulator, both operate under reputable international licenses. If you want to minimize trading costs and maximize speed, go with IC Markets. If you prefer a simpler, more supported experience, choose AvaTrade.