Which broker is better for Ireland traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Ireland traders looking for a reliable forex broker, IC Markets and FxPro are two top contenders. IC Markets, with a 4.8/5 rating, is known for its ultra-low spreads and fast execution, making it a favorite among active retail traders. FxPro, scoring 4.1/5, is a well-established broker regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland, offering a strong local presence and cTrader platform. Both brokers accept Ireland residents and support popular local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT. Whether you trade from Dublin or Cork, understanding their differences in trading costs, platforms, and regulation is key to choosing the right broker for your needs. This comparison will help you decide based on your trading style and preferences.
| Instrument | IC Markets | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | FxPro |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | FxPro |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | FxPro |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | FxPro |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $200 | $100 | FxPro |
IC Markets offers a Raw Spread account with spreads from 0.0 pips and a $3.50 commission per lot, which is ideal for scalpers and high-volume Ireland traders. FxPro’s standard spreads start from 0.6 pips on cTrader and 1.2 pips on MT4/MT5, with no commission. For a typical 10-lot trade, IC Markets costs around $35 in commission, while FxPro’s spread cost can be $60 or more. Over a month of frequent trading, IC Markets saves Ireland traders significant costs, especially if they trade major pairs like EUR/USD or GBP/USD.
| Account Type | IC Markets | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $200 | $100 |
| Entity / Asset | IC Markets | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland (offshore) | Up to 1:5000 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:5000 | 1:500 |
| 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 | IC Markets | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | IC Markets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | IC Markets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | IC Markets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | FxPro |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | IC Markets | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✓ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
IC Markets supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, all popular with Ireland traders for their advanced charting tools and automated trading capabilities. FxPro also offers MT4, MT5, and cTrader, plus its proprietary FxPro Edge platform. Both brokers provide seamless mobile trading via dedicated apps. For Ireland traders who value cTrader’s intuitive interface, FxPro has a slight edge, while IC Markets is better for those who prefer MT4’s vast ecosystem of Expert Advisors.
| Factor | IC Markets | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FxPro |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | IC Markets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
IC Markets boasts an average execution speed of under 40 milliseconds, thanks to its Equinix NY4 data center and low-latency infrastructure. FxPro offers fast execution on its cTrader platform, averaging 50-60 milliseconds, but slightly slower on MT4. For Ireland traders using scalping or high-frequency strategies, IC Markets’ speed advantage can reduce slippage and improve trade outcomes. Both brokers have no requotes, but IC Markets is generally preferred for its superior execution quality.
| Safety Factor | IC Markets | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
IC Markets is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), offering strong client fund protection. FxPro is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, and CySEC, giving Ireland traders the highest level of local oversight. FxPro’s regulation by the Central Bank of Ireland means deposits are protected up to €20,000 under the Investor Compensation Scheme. For Ireland traders, FxPro’s local regulation provides extra peace of mind, though IC Markets also meets strict international standards.
| Payment Method | IC Markets | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | E-wallets instant-24hrs; Cards 3-5 business days (up to 10); Int'l bank wire up to 14 days | 1 business day |
Both IC Markets and FxPro support Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT deposits for Ireland traders. IC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $200 and processes Skrill and Neteller deposits instantly, while Bank Transfer takes 1-2 business days. FxPro has a lower minimum deposit of $100 and also supports these methods with no fees. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and 1-3 days for bank transfers. USDT deposits are available on both brokers, offering a fast, low-cost option for crypto-savvy Ireland traders. Always check for any intermediary bank charges when using Bank Transfer.
| Islamic Account Feature | IC Markets | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
IC Markets offers Islamic (swap-free) accounts on all account types, including Raw Spread and Standard accounts, with no additional fees. FxPro also provides Islamic accounts on request, but they are only available on Standard and cTrader accounts, not on Raw Spread. For Ireland Muslim traders, IC Markets is more flexible as it allows Islamic accounts across all platforms and account types. Both brokers comply with Sharia law by waiving overnight interest, but IC Markets’ broader availability makes it the preferred choice.
| Support Feature | IC Markets | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | IC Markets |
IC Markets offers 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with fast response times. FxPro also provides 24/5 support in English, with a dedicated phone line for Ireland clients. Both brokers have extensive FAQ sections and educational resources. For Ireland traders, FxPro’s local office in Dublin can be an advantage for urgent queries, but IC Markets’ round-the-clock support is better for after-hours trading.
| Mobile Feature | IC Markets | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | IC Markets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | IC Markets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | IC Markets | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | IC Markets |
Choose IC Markets if you...
Choose FxPro if you...
For Ireland traders, IC Markets is the overall winner with a 4.8 rating, offering lower spreads, faster execution, and more flexible Islamic accounts. It is ideal for active traders who prioritize cost and speed. FxPro, with 4.1 rating, is a strong alternative, especially for those who value local regulation by the Central Bank of Ireland and cTrader’s user-friendly platform. Both brokers support Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT deposits, making them accessible for Ireland traders. If you trade frequently and want to minimize costs, choose IC Markets. If you prefer a locally regulated broker with a lower minimum deposit, FxPro is a reliable choice.