IC Markets vs FXTM: Complete Comparison for Kuwait Traders (2026)
Which broker is better for Kuwait traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Kuwait traders seeking a reliable forex broker in 2026 often compare IC Markets and FXTM as top contenders. IC Markets holds a strong 4.8/5 rating, known for ultra-low spreads and high-speed execution, making it ideal for active retail traders in Kuwait who trade major pairs like EUR/USD or USD/KWD. FXTM, with a 4.3/5 rating, offers a more educational approach with robust analysis tools and a user-friendly platform suitable for beginners. Both brokers support local payment methods including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT, ensuring seamless deposits and withdrawals for Kuwait clients. While neither broker is directly regulated by a local Kuwaiti financial regulator, they operate under respected international licenses, providing a secure trading environment. This comparison will help Kuwait traders decide which broker aligns best with their trading style, budget, and local needs, considering factors like spreads, platforms, and Islamic account availability.
| Instrument | IC Markets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | FXTM |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | FXTM |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | FXTM |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | FXTM |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $200 | $10 | FXTM |
| Inactivity fee | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
For Kuwait traders, trading costs are a key factor, especially when trading frequently. IC Markets offers a Raw Spread account with spreads from 0.0 pips and a commission of $3.50 per lot per side, while FXTM’s standard account has spreads starting from 1.3 pips with no commission. For a Kuwait trader executing 50 lots per month on EUR/USD, IC Markets costs approximately $175 in commissions versus FXTM’s $650 in spread costs, saving $475 monthly. FXTM’s Zero Account is more competitive with spreads from 0.0 pips but a higher commission of $4 per lot. Overall, IC Markets is more cost-effective for volume traders in Kuwait, while FXTM suits those who prefer no-commission simplicity.
| Account Type | IC Markets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✓ |
| VPS trading | ✓ | ✓ |
| Min deposit | $200 | $10 |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Entity / Asset | IC Markets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Kuwait (offshore) | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:2000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:500 | 1:2000 |
| 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 | FXTM | 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+ | ✗ | IC Markets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | FXTM |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Options | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Futures | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | IC Markets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fixed spreads | ✗ | ✗ |
| Variable spreads | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), which are popular among Kuwait traders for their advanced charting and automated trading capabilities. IC Markets also provides cTrader, a platform with enhanced order execution and depth of market, appealing to scalpers and algorithmic traders in Kuwait. FXTM offers its proprietary FXTM Trader app, which is mobile-friendly and includes social trading features, ideal for Kuwait traders who want to copy experts. For Kuwait retail traders, IC Markets’ cTrader offers superior speed, while FXTM’s app provides ease of use and educational integration.
| Factor | IC Markets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FXTM |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | IC Markets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Dealing desk | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| News trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
IC Markets is known for its ultra-fast execution speeds, averaging under 40 milliseconds, thanks to its Equinix NY4 data center and low-latency infrastructure. This is ideal for Kuwait scalpers and high-frequency traders. FXTM offers reliable execution with speeds around 100 milliseconds, which is still competitive for most retail traders. For Kuwait traders who prioritize speed and minimal slippage, IC Markets is the superior choice, while FXTM provides sufficient execution for swing and position traders.
| Safety Factor | IC Markets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Reg number | #335692 | #600475 |
| Verify registration | Verify ↗ | Verify ↗ |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
IC Markets is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), while FXTM holds licenses from CySEC, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, and the Financial Services Commission (FSC) in Mauritius. Neither broker is directly regulated by a local Kuwaiti financial regulator, but both comply with international standards that protect client funds through segregation and negative balance protection. For Kuwait traders, this means their funds are secure, though they should verify the specific entity they trade with to ensure appropriate investor compensation coverage.
| Payment Method | IC Markets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | Cards instant (up to 2h EU); e-wallets instant-2h; bank/local transfer 1 business day; crypto up to 24h |
| Min withdrawal | $50 | $50 |
Kuwait traders can fund their accounts at both IC Markets and FXTM using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT. For Bank Transfer, IC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $200, while FXTM accepts as low as $10, making FXTM more accessible for beginners. Skrill and Neteller deposits are processed instantly with no fees from the broker, though payment providers may charge a small fee. USDT (Tether) deposits are supported on both platforms, offering a fast and low-cost alternative for Kuwait traders who prefer cryptocurrency. Withdrawals are typically processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and USDT, while bank transfers take 1-3 business days. Both brokers do not charge withdrawal fees, but Kuwait traders should check with their local bank for any incoming transfer charges.
| Islamic Account Feature | IC Markets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| Gold swap-free | ✓ | ✓ |
| Crypto swap-free | ✓ | — |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Both IC Markets and FXTM offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Kuwaiti Muslim traders who need to comply with Sharia law, which prohibits earning or paying interest (Riba). These accounts eliminate overnight swap charges on positions held beyond a day. IC Markets provides Islamic accounts on all account types, while FXTM offers them on standard and cent accounts. Kuwait traders can request an Islamic account during registration by contacting support, and both brokers maintain the same trading conditions without additional fees. This ensures that Kuwait traders can trade forex ethically without compromising on spreads or execution quality.
| Support Feature | IC Markets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| 24/5 support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | IC Markets |
IC Markets provides 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with agents available in English and Arabic, which is beneficial for Kuwait traders. FXTM also offers 24/5 support with live chat and phone, plus a dedicated Arabic-speaking team. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections and educational resources. For Kuwait traders, IC Markets’ 24/7 availability is an advantage for round-the-clock trading, while FXTM’s localized support is helpful for beginners.
| Mobile Feature | IC Markets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5★ | 4.3★ | IC Markets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3★ | 4.2★ | IC Markets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Mobile deposit/withdrawal | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Dark mode | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Resource | IC Markets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | IC Markets |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | IC Markets |
| Beginner resources | Excellent | Basic | IC Markets |
Choose IC Markets if you...
- Are an active or high-volume trader in Kuwait who wants the lowest spreads and commissions.
- Use scalping or algorithmic trading strategies that require ultra-fast execution.
- Prefer advanced platforms like cTrader alongside MT4/MT5.
- Need 24/7 customer support and are comfortable with a global broker.
Choose FXTM if you...
- Are a beginner or intermediate trader in Kuwait looking for educational resources and analysis.
- Prefer a low minimum deposit ($10) to start trading with minimal risk.
- Want a proprietary mobile app with social trading features.
- Value localized Arabic support and a more guided trading experience.
For Kuwait traders in 2026, IC Markets is the better choice overall due to its higher rating (4.8/5), lower trading costs, and superior execution speed, especially for active and algorithmic traders. It supports local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT seamlessly, and offers Islamic accounts for Muslim traders. FXTM remains a strong contender for beginners and those who prioritize education and a lower entry barrier. While neither broker is regulated by a local Kuwaiti financial regulator, both operate under reputable international bodies, ensuring safety. Ultimately, IC Markets wins for cost efficiency and performance, while FXTM excels in accessibility and support for Kuwait retail traders.