IC Markets vs XM Group 2026: Which Broker Suits Greece Traders Best?
Which broker is better for Greece traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Greece traders seeking a reliable forex broker in 2026 often compare IC Markets and XM Group, two globally recognized platforms. Both brokers are regulated by the local financial regulator, ensuring compliance with Greek and EU standards. IC Markets scores 4.8/5 for its ultra-tight spreads and institutional-grade execution, while XM Group follows closely with 4.7/5, praised for its user-friendly interface and low minimum deposit. For Greek retail traders, key considerations include deposit methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT, as well as the regulatory comfort of a local overseer. This comparison dives into spreads, platforms, and account features tailored to the Greek market, helping you decide which broker aligns with your trading style—whether you prioritize cost efficiency or ease of entry.
| 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 Greece traders, trading costs are a critical factor. IC Markets offers spreads from 0.0 pips on its Raw Spread account with a commission of $3.50 per lot, making it ideal for scalpers and high-volume traders. XM Group’s Zero account starts at 0.6 pips with no commission, while its Standard account has spreads from 1.0 pip. Over 100 lots, IC Markets saves approximately $200 in spread costs compared to XM’s Standard account. However, XM’s fixed spreads are predictable for beginners. Both brokers have no hidden fees for Greek clients, but IC Markets is more cost-effective for active traders.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Greece (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, which are popular among Greece traders for their advanced charting and automated trading. IC Markets also provides cTrader, a platform favored for its depth of market and fast execution. XM Group adds its proprietary XM WebTrader, which runs directly in a browser without installation. For Greek traders who trade on the go, both have mobile apps with full functionality. IC Markets’ cTrader is a standout for those needing raw spreads and ECN access.
| 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 delivers ultra-fast execution with an average speed of 40ms, ideal for scalping Greece traders. XM Group offers reliable execution at around 60ms, with no requotes on its Zero account. IC Markets’ ECN model ensures deep liquidity and minimal slippage, while XM uses a hybrid model that balances speed and stability. For high-frequency traders in Greece, IC Markets is the better choice.
| 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 and XM Group are both regulated by the local financial regulator, providing Greek traders with strong investor protection. IC Markets holds licenses from top-tier bodies like ASIC and CySEC, while XM Group is authorized by CySEC and FCA. For Greece traders, this means compliance with EU MiFID II directives, including negative balance protection and segregated accounts. The local financial regulator oversight adds an extra layer of security, ensuring both brokers adhere to strict capital adequacy and reporting standards.
| 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 |
Greece traders can fund their accounts at both brokers using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT. IC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $200, while XM Group accepts as little as $5. Deposits via Skrill, Neteller, and USDT are instant, while bank transfers take 1-3 business days. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours at both brokers, with XM offering free withdrawals for most methods. IC Markets charges no deposit fees, but some withdrawal methods may incur a small fee. USDT deposits are particularly convenient for crypto-savvy Greek traders, offering low-cost transfers.
| 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 Greece Muslim traders who need Sharia-compliant trading. IC Markets provides swap-free status on all account types without additional fees, while XM offers it on Standard and Micro accounts. At XM, traders must request it after account opening; IC Markets allows it during registration. Both brokers do not charge extra for these accounts, but positions held long-term may incur admin fees. This flexibility makes both brokers suitable for Greece’s Muslim community.
| 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 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with Greek language support available. XM Group provides 24/5 support in multiple languages, including Greek, through live chat, phone, and email. XM’s response times are slightly faster for basic queries, while IC Markets excels in technical support for advanced traders. Both have comprehensive FAQ sections on their Greek-facing websites.
| 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 a scalper or day trader needing ultra-tight spreads from 0.0 pips
- Prefer ECN execution with no dealing desk intervention
- Trade high volumes (over 10 lots per month) and want lower costs
- Use cTrader for advanced order management and depth of market
Choose XM Group if you...
- Are a beginner or casual trader with a low initial deposit (from $5)
- Want fixed spreads for predictable trading costs
- Prefer a wide range of deposit methods including USDT and Skrill
- Value 24/5 Greek-language customer support and educational resources
For Greece traders in 2026, the choice between IC Markets and XM Group depends on your trading style. IC Markets excels with ultra-low spreads and fast execution, making it ideal for active traders who prioritize cost efficiency. XM Group is more accessible with a low minimum deposit and fixed spreads, perfect for beginners or those who trade less frequently. Both brokers are regulated by the local financial regulator and support Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT deposits. If you trade high volumes, choose IC Markets; if you want simplicity and lower entry barriers, go with XM Group.