IC Markets vs XM Group for Brazil Traders (2026)
Which broker is better for Brazil traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Brazil traders looking for a reliable forex broker in 2026 often compare IC Markets and XM Group. Both are globally recognized, with IC Markets scoring 4.8/5 and XM Group 4.7/5 on our platform. For Brazil residents, key factors include spreads, platform usability, local payment methods (Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, USDT), and regulation by the local financial regulator. IC Markets is known for institutional-grade execution and raw spreads from 0.0 pips, making it a top choice for active traders. XM Group offers a user-friendly experience with no withdrawal fees, educational resources, and a lower minimum deposit of $5. Both accept Brazil clients and support trading in USD, with localized support in Portuguese. This comparison helps you decide which broker aligns with your trading style, whether you are a scalper, swing trader, or beginner exploring forex in Brazil.
| Instrument | IC Markets | XM Group | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | XM Group |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | XM Group |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | XM Group |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | XM Group |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $200 | $5 | IC Markets |
| Inactivity fee | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
For Brazil traders, trading costs are critical due to the BRL/USD conversion. IC Markets offers lower spreads starting from 0.0 pips on its Raw Spread account, with a commission of $3.50 per lot per side. XM Group's standard account has spreads from 1.0 pips with no commission, but for high-volume traders, IC Markets is cheaper. On a 10-lot trade, IC Markets costs about $70 in commission, while XM's spread cost is roughly $100 (assuming 1.0 pip). XM's Zero account can reduce spreads to 0.0 pips but charges a higher commission of $5 per lot. Brazil traders should also note that IC Markets passes on swap rates more transparently, while XM Group offers fixed spreads on some accounts, which can help during volatile market hours.
| Account Type | IC Markets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| VPS trading | ✓ | ✓ |
| Min deposit | $200 | $5 |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Entity / Asset | IC Markets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil (offshore) | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:500 | 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 |
| Margin call level | 80% | 80% |
| Stop out level | 50% | 50% |
| Asset Class | IC Markets | XM Group | 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 | ✗ | ✗ | XM Group |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Options | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Futures | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | IC Markets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fixed spreads | ✗ | ✗ |
| Variable spreads | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, the preferred platforms for Brazil traders due to their custom indicators and automated trading. IC Markets also provides cTrader, which is popular for scalping with advanced order types. XM Group adds its own XM WebTrader for browser-based trading without download. For mobile trading, both have responsive apps. Brazil traders benefit from Portuguese-language interfaces on MT4/MT5, though cTrader is primarily in English. IC Markets supports EA hosting on its VPS for $15/month, while XM offers free VPS for active traders with over 5 lots per month. Overall, IC Markets suits tech-savvy traders, while XM Group is better for those wanting a simple, all-in-one platform.
| Factor | IC Markets | XM Group | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | XM Group |
| 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 low-latency execution with an average speed of 40ms, using Equinix NY4 data centers. This suits Brazil scalpers and EA traders. XM Group has an average execution speed of 100ms, still reliable but slower. IC Markets offers no dealing desk (NDD) execution with no requotes, while XM Group uses a mix of NDD and market maker models depending on the account. For Brazil traders trading high-volume strategies, IC Markets is the better choice for speed. XM Group is adequate for most retail traders but may experience slippage during major news events.
| Safety Factor | IC Markets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | ASIC |
| Reg number | #335692 | #443670 |
| 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 XM Group holds licenses from CySEC, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and the International Financial Services Commission (IFSC). For Brazil traders, neither broker is directly regulated by the local financial regulator, but both accept Brazilian clients and comply with international standards. This means Brazil traders are protected by negative balance protection and segregated accounts under CySEC rules. XM Group also offers an investor compensation fund up to €20,000 for EU clients, but Brazil residents may not qualify. Always verify if your chosen broker restricts certain features in Brazil, such as leverage caps or bonus offers.
| Payment Method | IC Markets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Visa/Mastercard and e-wallets near-instant to 1-2 business days; bank wire several days |
| Min withdrawal | $50 | $50 |
Brazil traders can fund their accounts using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT at both IC Markets and XM Group. IC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $200 via bank transfer, but Skrill and Neteller have no minimum. USDT deposits are processed within 1-2 hours. XM Group has a lower minimum deposit of $5 for most methods, making it more accessible for beginners. Withdrawals: IC Markets processes within 1 business day for e-wallets and USDT, while bank transfers take 3-5 days. XM Group offers same-day processing for e-wallets and no withdrawal fees. Both brokers do not charge deposit fees, but Brazil traders should check their bank's conversion rates for BRL to USD. USDT is particularly useful for Brazil traders to avoid high bank conversion fees.
| Islamic Account Feature | IC Markets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| 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 XM Group offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Brazil Muslim traders. IC Markets provides swap-free accounts on all account types (Standard, Raw Spread, cTrader) without requiring a specific request, but notes that after 10 days, some instruments may incur a small fee. XM Group requires traders to contact customer support to activate an Islamic account, and it is available on all account types. Both brokers comply with Sharia law by not charging or paying overnight interest. Brazil Muslim traders should confirm that the swap-free status applies to all currency pairs and CFDs, as some brokers exclude commodities or indices. IC Markets is more transparent about its policy, while XM Group offers a simpler activation process.
| Support Feature | IC Markets | XM Group | 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 |
Both brokers offer 24/5 customer support in Portuguese, which is essential for Brazil traders. IC Markets provides live chat, email, and phone support, with response times under 30 minutes during market hours. XM Group offers similar channels plus a dedicated Brazil phone line. XM Group also has a Portuguese-language FAQ and video tutorials. IC Markets' support is more technical, while XM Group is more beginner-friendly. For urgent issues, both brokers offer quick resolutions, but XM Group's support team is often praised for its patience with new traders.
| Mobile Feature | IC Markets | XM Group | 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 | XM Group | 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 scalper or high-volume trader needing raw spreads from 0.0 pips.
- Prefer cTrader platform for advanced charting and order types.
- Use Expert Advisors (EAs) and need low-latency VPS hosting.
- Want transparent swap rates and a straightforward Islamic account policy.
Choose XM Group if you...
- Are a beginner or low-volume trader wanting a low minimum deposit ($5).
- Need no withdrawal fees and same-day e-wallet processing.
- Prefer a user-friendly platform with educational resources in Portuguese.
- Value a dedicated Brazil phone line and patient customer support.
For Brazil traders in 2026, the choice between IC Markets and XM Group depends on your trading style. IC Markets (4.8/5) wins on low spreads, fast execution, and advanced platforms, making it ideal for serious traders who trade high volumes or use EAs. XM Group (4.7/5) is better for beginners or those who prioritize low barriers to entry, no withdrawal fees, and strong educational support. Both accept Brazil residents, support Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT, and operate under the local financial regulator's oversight. If you trade frequently and want the lowest costs, choose IC Markets. If you are starting out or prefer fee-free withdrawals, XM Group is a solid choice. Consider testing both with a demo account to see which fits your workflow.