IC Markets vs XM Group: Which Broker is Best for Croatia Traders in 2026?
Which broker is better for Croatia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Croatia traders looking for a reliable forex broker often compare IC Markets and XM Group, two globally recognized brands. IC Markets, with a score of 4.8/5, is known for its ultra-low spreads and high-speed execution, making it a favorite among experienced retail traders. XM Group, scoring 4.7/5, offers a more comprehensive educational suite and a lower minimum deposit, appealing to beginners. Both brokers accept Croatian clients and support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT. Whether you trade from Zagreb, Split, or Rijeka, this comparison will help you decide which broker aligns with your trading goals. Considering Croatia's growing interest in forex trading, both platforms provide robust tools and regulatory oversight from top-tier authorities like ASIC and CySEC, ensuring a secure trading environment for local traders.
| 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 |
When comparing trading costs, IC Markets offers a clear advantage for Croatia traders, especially those who trade frequently. The Raw Spread account provides spreads from 0.0 pips with a commission of $3.50 per lot round turn, while the Standard account has spreads from 0.6 pips with no commission. XM Group's Standard account has spreads from 1.0 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD, with no commission. For a Croatia trader executing 10 lots per month, IC Markets can save up to $50 in spread costs compared to XM Group. However, XM Group offers occasional zero-spread promotions that can reduce costs for short-term traders. Overall, cost-conscious traders in Croatia will benefit more from IC Markets' pricing model.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Croatia (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 industry-leading platforms tailored to Croatia traders. IC Markets provides MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, all available on desktop, web, and mobile. cTrader is particularly popular for its advanced charting and fast order execution. XM Group offers MT4 and MT5, plus its proprietary XM WebTrader, which is user-friendly and accessible without downloads. For Croatia traders, the choice depends on preference: IC Markets is better for algorithmic trading and scalping, while XM Group's platforms are more intuitive for beginners. Both support Croatian language in their platforms and provide local customer support during European trading hours.
| 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 |
Execution quality is a differentiator for IC Markets, which boasts an average execution speed of 40ms using Equinix NY4 servers. XM Group offers execution speeds around 100ms, still competitive but slower. For Croatia traders who scalp or trade news events, IC Markets' faster execution reduces slippage and improves trade outcomes. XM Group's execution is reliable for standard trading but may experience minor delays during peak volatility. Both brokers use No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution, ensuring transparency and no requotes.
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a key consideration for Croatia traders. IC Markets is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). XM Group is regulated by CySEC, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). Neither broker is regulated by the local Croatian financial regulator (HANFA), but they operate under EU regulations, providing investor protection up to €20,000 through CySEC. For Croatia traders, this means a high level of security, though they should verify the specific entity they are trading with. Both brokers segregate client funds and participate in compensation schemes, ensuring funds are protected.
| 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 |
Depositing and withdrawing funds is straightforward for Croatia traders at both brokers. IC Markets supports Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT, along with credit/debit cards and PayPal. Minimum deposit is $200 for standard accounts. XM Group also accepts Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT, with a lower minimum deposit of $5. Withdrawals are processed within 1-2 business days for e-wallets and USDT, while bank transfers take 2-5 days. Both brokers do not charge deposit fees, but XM Group offers free withdrawals for the first withdrawal each month. For Croatia traders using USDT, both brokers support TRC-20 and ERC-20 networks, though XM Group has slightly faster processing times. Skrill and Neteller are ideal for instant deposits, while Bank Transfer is best for larger sums.
| 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 provide Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in Croatia. These accounts eliminate swap fees on overnight positions, aligning with Sharia law. IC Markets offers swap-free accounts on all account types, including Raw Spread and Standard. XM Group also offers Islamic accounts with no swap fees, but they may charge a small administrative fee after a holding period. Croatia traders should request these accounts during registration and provide necessary documentation. Both brokers ensure that Islamic accounts are available for all major currency pairs and CFDs, making them suitable for long-term traders who prefer not to pay interest.
| 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 |
Customer support is available in English and Croatian at both brokers. IC Markets offers 24/7 live chat, email, and phone support, with response times under 5 minutes. XM Group provides 24/5 support via live chat, email, and phone, with Croatian-speaking agents available during European hours. Both brokers have extensive FAQ sections and educational resources. For Croatia traders, XM Group's multilingual support and local phone number may be more convenient, while IC Markets' round-the-clock availability is beneficial for night 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 experienced trader seeking ultra-low spreads and fast execution.
- Use automated trading strategies like Expert Advisors (EAs) on MT4/MT5.
- Prefer cTrader for advanced charting and order management.
- Trade high volumes and want to minimize costs.
Choose XM Group if you...
- Are a beginner or intermediate trader looking for educational resources.
- Prefer a lower minimum deposit of $5 to start trading.
- Want access to a wider range of payment methods including WebMoney.
- Value local customer support in Croatian and a user-friendly web platform.
For Croatia traders, both IC Markets and XM Group are top-tier brokers, but the best choice depends on your trading style. IC Markets excels in low-cost, high-speed trading, making it ideal for active traders and scalpers. XM Group offers a more beginner-friendly experience with lower barriers to entry and comprehensive educational materials. Considering local factors like support for Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT, both brokers perform well. However, if you prioritize regulatory protection, XM Group's FCA regulation may offer additional peace of mind. Ultimately, IC Markets is better for cost-conscious, experienced traders, while XM Group suits those starting their trading journey in Croatia.