IC Markets vs XM Group for Czech Republic Traders (2026)
Which broker is better for Czech Republic traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Czech Republic traders looking to trade forex and CFDs in 2026, IC Markets and XM Group stand out as two of the most popular choices. Both brokers accept clients from the Czech Republic, support deposits via Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT, and offer platforms like MetaTrader 4 and 5. However, they differ significantly in trading costs, execution speed, and account flexibility. IC Markets is known for its institutional-grade spreads and raw pricing, ideal for active and scalping traders. XM Group, with a slightly lower score of 4.7/5, appeals to beginners and those who want a more straightforward trading experience with no minimum deposit on some accounts. This comparison focuses on what matters most to Czech traders: local payment methods, regulatory alignment with the local financial regulator, and cost efficiency in USD-denominated accounts.
| 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 spreads for Czech Republic traders, IC Markets offers a clear cost advantage for high-volume trading. Its Raw Spread account starts from 0.0 pips with a $3.50 commission per lot round turn. XM Group’s standard account has spreads from 1.0 pips with no commission, which is more expensive for traders executing 10+ lots per month. For a 1-lot EUR/USD trade, IC Markets costs about $3.50 in commission plus minimal spread, while XM costs around $10 in spread alone. Czech traders using scalping or algorithmic strategies will benefit from IC Markets’ lower costs. However, for those trading fewer than 5 lots monthly, XM’s zero-commission model may be simpler and cheaper.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Czech Republic (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, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader (IC Markets only) to Czech traders. IC Markets provides cTrader, which is popular among scalpers for its advanced order management and Level II pricing. XM Group focuses on MT4 and MT5 with additional tools like XM WebTrader and a dedicated app. For Czech traders who need automated trading or custom indicators, both brokers support Expert Advisors (EAs) without restrictions. IC Markets’ cTrader is a unique advantage for those who want a modern, fast interface. XM Group’s platforms are more beginner-friendly with built-in educational resources.
| 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 ultra-fast execution, with servers located in London and Frankfurt, offering average execution speeds under 40ms. XM Group also provides fast execution with servers in London, averaging around 50ms. For Czech traders, both brokers offer low latency due to geographic proximity to European data centers. IC Markets has a slight advantage for scalpers and high-frequency traders due to its lower slippage and no requotes policy. XM Group’s execution is reliable for day traders and swing traders.
| 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 CySEC (EU), ASIC (Australia), and the FSA (Seychelles). XM Group is regulated by CySEC, ASIC, and the IFSC (Belize). For Czech Republic traders, CySEC regulation under MiFID II provides a strong level of protection, including negative balance protection and client fund segregation. Both brokers comply with local financial regulator standards when operating through their EU entities. However, traders should note that IC Markets’ international (Seychelles) entity offers higher leverage but fewer protections, while XM’s Cyprus entity offers lower leverage (up to 1:30 for retail) and full EU safeguards. Czech traders should choose the EU entity for maximum security.
| 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 |
Czech Republic traders can fund their accounts at both brokers using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT. IC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $200 for all methods, while XM Group allows deposits as low as $5 via Skrill/Neteller and $50 via bank transfer. Withdrawals at IC Markets are processed within 1-2 business days for Skrill/Neteller and 3-5 days for bank transfers. XM Group processes withdrawals within 24 hours for e-wallets and 2-5 days for bank transfers. Both brokers do not charge internal deposit fees, but bank transfers may incur intermediary charges. USDT deposits (TRC20 or ERC20) are supported by both and processed instantly, making them ideal for Czech traders who prefer crypto-based funding.
| 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 Czech Republic Muslim traders who require compliance with Sharia law. IC Markets provides swap-free accounts upon request after registration, applicable to all account types. XM Group offers automatic swap-free accounts on standard and micro accounts without any additional documentation. Both brokers do not charge or pay overnight interest on Islamic accounts, but IC Markets may apply a small administrative fee after a holding period (e.g., 10 days) on certain instruments. XM Group is more straightforward in this regard, with no hidden fees for swap-free accounts.
| 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 |
IC Markets offers 24/7 multilingual support via live chat, email, and phone, with a dedicated team for Czech-speaking clients. XM Group also provides 24/5 support with Czech language availability during European trading hours. Both brokers respond within minutes on live chat. IC Markets’ support is slightly faster for technical issues, while XM Group excels in educational support with webinars and tutorials in Czech. For Czech traders, both brokers offer adequate support, but IC Markets has an edge for round-the-clock assistance.
| 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...
- Trade high volumes (10+ lots per month) and need the lowest possible spreads.
- Use scalping or algorithmic trading strategies and require fast execution.
- Prefer cTrader for its advanced order management and Level II pricing.
- Are comfortable with a $200 minimum deposit and want raw pricing.
Choose XM Group if you...
- Are a beginner or low-volume trader who wants a low minimum deposit ($5).
- Prefer a zero-commission account with no hidden fees.
- Need a wide range of educational resources and webinars in Czech.
- Want an automatic Islamic account without additional paperwork.
For Czech Republic traders in 2026, the choice between IC Markets and XM Group depends on your trading style and priorities. IC Markets (score 4.8/5) is the better option for active traders who want ultra-low spreads, fast execution, and access to cTrader. Its support for Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT makes it easy to fund accounts in USD. XM Group (score 4.7/5) is ideal for beginners and casual traders who value low minimum deposits, zero-commission trading, and a user-friendly platform. Both brokers are regulated by CySEC, offering strong protection under the local financial regulator. If you trade frequently and cost is your main concern, go with IC Markets. If you prefer simplicity and low entry barriers, choose XM Group.