Which broker is better for Greece traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Greece traders looking for a reliable forex broker often compare IC Markets and Hantec Markets, two well-established names in the industry. IC Markets, with a 4.8/5 score, is known for its ultra-low spreads, fast execution, and extensive product range, making it a top choice for retail traders in Athens, Thessaloniki, and beyond. Hantec Markets, scoring 3.6/5, offers a more traditional trading experience with competitive spreads and strong regulation under the FCA and CySEC. For Greek traders, both brokers accept local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, simplifying deposits and withdrawals in USD. The Greek financial regulator, the Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC), oversees compliance for EU-based brokers, ensuring client funds are protected. This comparison examines key factors—trading costs, platforms, regulation, and local payment support—to help you decide which broker suits your trading style in 2026.
| Instrument | IC Markets | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Hantec Markets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Hantec Markets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Hantec Markets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Hantec Markets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $200 | $10 | Hantec Markets |
For Greek traders, trading costs are critical, especially when trading EUR/USD or USD pairs. IC Markets offers spreads from 0.0 pips on its Raw Spread account with a commission of $3.50 per lot per side, while Hantec Markets charges spreads averaging 1.2 pips with no commission. For a Greek trader executing 50 lots per month, IC Markets saves approximately $150 in spread costs compared to Hantec Markets. IC Markets also has lower swap rates, beneficial for holding positions overnight. Both brokers offer competitive costs, but IC Markets is clearly more cost-effective for active retail traders in Greece.
| Account Type | IC Markets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $200 | $10 |
| Entity / Asset | IC Markets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Greece (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 | Hantec Markets | 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 | ✗ | 1,700+ | Hantec Markets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | IC Markets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
IC Markets provides MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, offering advanced charting, algorithmic trading, and custom indicators—ideal for Greek scalpers and day traders. Hantec Markets supports MT4 and its proprietary WebTrader, which is simpler but less feature-rich. For Greece traders who prioritize speed and customization, IC Markets’ cTrader platform is a standout, offering depth of market and one-click trading. Hantec Markets’ platforms are reliable but lack the advanced tools that active traders often need.
| Factor | IC Markets | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Hantec Markets |
| 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 offers ultra-fast execution with an average speed of 40ms, using Equinix NY4 and LD5 servers, ideal for scalping and high-frequency trading. Hantec Markets has slower execution, averaging 100ms, which may cause slippage during volatile markets. For Greek traders requiring precision, IC Markets is the clear leader.
| Safety Factor | IC Markets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
IC Markets is regulated by CySEC (Cyprus) and the FCA (UK), providing strong client protection under MiFID II for Greek traders. Hantec Markets holds FCA regulation and is authorized by the Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC) as a third-country firm. Both brokers offer negative balance protection and segregated client funds. However, IC Markets’ CySEC license ensures direct EU oversight, which may give Greek traders extra confidence. Hantec Markets’ FCA regulation also meets high standards, but its Greek-specific presence is less established.
| Payment Method | IC Markets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Crypto / USDT: 1 to 3 hours (for eligible wallets)E-wallets: Within hours up to 1 dayBank / Wire Transfers: 2 to 5 business days |
Greek traders can fund their accounts using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 with both brokers. IC Markets processes deposits instantly with no fees for Skrill and Neteller, while Bank Transfers take 1-3 business days and may incur bank charges. Hantec Markets also supports these methods but charges a 1% fee on Skrill and Neteller deposits. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours for e-wallets at IC Markets, while Hantec Markets takes 1-2 days. USDT TRC20 is a fast, low-cost option for both, with IC Markets offering no deposit fee and Hantec Markets charging a small network fee. Minimum deposits are $200 for IC Markets and $500 for Hantec Markets.
| Islamic Account Feature | IC Markets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Both IC Markets and Hantec Markets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Greek Muslim traders who require Sharia-compliant trading. IC Markets provides swap-free accounts upon request, with no interest charged on overnight positions, though some instruments may have a small administrative fee after a holding period. Hantec Markets offers automatic Islamic accounts with no swap fees on all instruments. Greek traders should note that IC Markets’ Islamic account is available for all account types, while Hantec Markets limits it to Standard accounts. Both brokers require a declaration of faith for eligibility.
| Support Feature | IC Markets | Hantec Markets | 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 provides 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with Greek language assistance available during European trading hours. Hantec Markets offers support Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM Greek time, with email and phone options. IC Markets’ round-the-clock support is advantageous for Greek traders who trade during Asian or US sessions.
| Mobile Feature | IC Markets | Hantec Markets | 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 | Hantec Markets | 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 Hantec Markets if you...
For Greece traders in 2026, IC Markets is the superior choice thanks to its 4.8/5 rating, lower spreads, faster execution, and broader payment support including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Its CySEC regulation aligns with the Hellenic Capital Market Commission’s oversight, offering strong client protection. Hantec Markets (3.6/5) is a reliable alternative for those who prefer a no-commission model and automatic Islamic accounts, but its higher costs and slower execution make it less competitive for active retail traders. If you trade frequently or value low costs, IC Markets is the clear winner for Greece.