IC Markets Vs Hantec Markets: Full Comparison For UK Traders (2026)

For UK traders, trading costs are a key factor. IC Markets offers spreads from 0.0 pips on its Raw Spread account with a $3.50 commission per lot, while Hantec Markets has spreads averaging 1.2 pips on standard accounts with no commission. For a UK trader executing 10 standard lots per month on EUR/USD, IC Markets costs approximately $35 in commission versus Hantec Markets' $120 in spread costs—a saving of $85. IC Markets also has lower swap rates for overnight positions. Volume-based traders will benefit significantly from IC Markets' cost structure, especially when using Faster Payments for funding.

Both brokers offer MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, which are popular among UK traders for their custom indicators and algorithmic trading. IC Markets additionally provides cTrader, a platform favoured by scalpers for its advanced order management and depth of market. Hantec Markets sticks to MT4 and MT5, which is sufficient for most retail traders. IC Markets' platforms are available on desktop, web, and mobile, with faster chart loading and execution. For UK traders needing advanced tools like hedging or copy trading, IC Markets' cTrader is a distinct advantage. Both support UK-based VPS services for low-latency trading.

IC Markets offers No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution with an average order execution speed of 40ms, ideal for scalpers and high-frequency traders. Hantec Markets uses a dealing desk model, which can lead to requotes and slippage during volatile markets. IC Markets' execution is more transparent and faster, especially for UK traders trading major forex pairs during London session. Hantec Markets may offer fixed spreads but at the cost of execution quality.

UK traders can deposit and withdraw using Bank Transfer, PayPal, Skrill, and Faster Payments at both brokers. IC Markets processes PayPal and Skrill deposits instantly, while Bank Transfer via Faster Payments typically clears within hours. Withdrawals at IC Markets are usually processed within 24 hours, with PayPal withdrawals being the fastest. Hantec Markets also supports these methods but may take 1-2 business days for Bank Transfer withdrawals. IC Markets charges no deposit fees, but Hantec Markets may apply a 1% fee on certain card deposits. For UK traders, IC Markets' faster processing and zero fees make it more convenient. Both brokers allow GBP accounts, avoiding currency conversion costs. Minimum deposits are $10 at IC Markets and £100 at Hantec Markets.

IC Markets and Hantec Markets both offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for UK Muslim traders. IC Markets provides swap-free status on all account types (Standard, Raw Spread, cTrader) with no time limit, while Hantec Markets offers it on request but may restrict certain instruments. IC Markets does not charge additional fees for Islamic accounts, whereas Hantec Markets may apply a small administrative fee after a holding period. For UK traders adhering to Sharia law, IC Markets' more flexible and cost-free option is preferable. Both require a declaration of faith to open an Islamic account.

IC Markets offers 24/7 multilingual customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with a UK-dedicated phone line. Hantec Markets provides support during UK trading hours (8am-5pm GMT) via phone and email, with slower response times. IC Markets' live chat is faster, typically under 30 seconds, while Hantec Markets may take several hours for email queries. For UK traders needing immediate assistance, IC Markets is more reliable.