IC Markets vs FXTM: Full Comparison for Luxembourg Traders (2026)
Which broker is better for Luxembourg traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Luxembourg traders looking for a reliable forex broker have two excellent choices: IC Markets and FXTM. Both are regulated by the local financial regulator, ensuring a secure trading environment. IC Markets, with a score of 4.8/5, is known for its ultra-low spreads and fast execution, making it a top pick for serious retail traders. FXTM, scoring 4.3/5, offers a more user-friendly experience with strong educational resources. For Luxembourg residents, both brokers support popular local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT, making deposits and withdrawals seamless. Whether you are new to trading or an experienced professional, this comparison will help you choose the right broker for your needs in 2026.
| 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 |
When comparing trading costs for Luxembourg traders, IC Markets clearly leads with spreads starting from 0.0 pips on its Raw Spread account, compared to FXTM's spreads from 1.3 pips on its Standard account. For a trader executing 10 standard lots per month, IC Markets can save you hundreds of euros in spread costs. Both brokers charge low commissions on certain account types, but IC Markets' overall cost structure is more competitive for active traders. FXTM's higher spreads may be acceptable for beginners who prioritize simplicity over cost.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Luxembourg (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 | ✓ | ✓ |
IC Markets offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, providing Luxembourg traders with professional-grade tools for advanced charting and algorithmic trading. FXTM also supports MT4 and MT5, but lacks cTrader. For Luxembourg traders who value customization and speed, IC Markets' cTrader platform is a standout feature. Both brokers offer mobile trading apps, but IC Markets' cTrader mobile app is particularly robust for on-the-go analysis.
| 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, with average latency under 40ms, making it ideal for scalpers and high-frequency traders in Luxembourg. FXTM also offers reliable execution but may have slightly higher slippage during volatile markets. IC Markets' use of Equinix NY4 servers ensures minimal delay for Luxembourg traders connecting via European data centers.
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Both IC Markets and FXTM are regulated by the local financial regulator, which means Luxembourg traders benefit from strict oversight, segregated client funds, and negative balance protection. This regulation ensures that your funds are safe and that the broker operates transparently. While both brokers meet high regulatory standards, IC Markets has a slightly longer track record and higher trust score (4.8/5), giving Luxembourg traders extra confidence in their choice.
| 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 |
Luxembourg traders can easily fund their accounts at both IC Markets and FXTM using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT. Bank transfers are free but may take 1-3 business days, while Skrill and Neteller deposits are instant with minimal fees. USDT deposits are a modern option for crypto-savvy traders. Withdrawals are processed quickly at both brokers—IC Markets typically within 24 hours for e-wallets, while FXTM may take 1-2 business days. Both brokers charge no withdrawal fees for most methods, making it cost-effective for Luxembourg traders to move funds.
| 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 |
For Luxembourg Muslim traders, both IC Markets and FXTM offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts that comply with Sharia law. These accounts do not charge or pay overnight swap fees on positions held beyond the trading day. IC Markets' Islamic account is available on all account types, while FXTM offers it on its Standard and Cent accounts. Traders must request this account type during registration and provide appropriate documentation. Both brokers ensure a halal trading environment.
| 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 fast response times. FXTM also offers 24/5 support with multilingual agents, including English and French for Luxembourg traders. IC Markets' support is slightly more responsive, especially during high-volume trading hours. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections on their websites.
| 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...
- Want the lowest spreads starting from 0.0 pips
- Are an active or high-volume trader
- Prefer advanced platforms like cTrader
- Value ultra-fast execution for scalping
Choose FXTM if you...
- Are a beginner looking for educational resources
- Prefer a user-friendly interface
- Want a broker with strong brand recognition
- Need a wide range of account types including cent accounts
For Luxembourg traders, IC Markets is the superior choice due to its lower spreads, faster execution, and higher trust score (4.8/5 vs 4.3/5). Both brokers are regulated by the local financial regulator and support Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT, making them accessible. However, IC Markets' cost advantage and advanced platform options make it ideal for serious retail traders. FXTM is a solid alternative for beginners who value education and simplicity. Ultimately, your choice depends on your trading style and experience level.