IC Markets vs XM Group: Hungary Trader Comparison 2026
Which broker is better for Hungary traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Hungary traders seeking a reliable forex broker often compare IC Markets and XM Group. Both are globally recognized, but they cater to slightly different needs. IC Markets, with a 4.8/5 rating, is known for its ultra-low spreads and high-speed execution, appealing to active scalpers and algorithmic traders. XM Group, rated 4.7/5, offers a broader range of platforms and educational resources, making it a favorite among beginners and intermediate traders. For Hungarian clients, both brokers accept local deposits via Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT, ensuring easy funding. The local financial regulator does not directly oversee these brokers, so traders rely on their strong international licenses. This comparison will help you decide which broker aligns with your trading goals in Hungary’s dynamic forex market.
| 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 |
IC Markets offers lower spreads than XM Group, especially for Hungary traders. On the Raw Spread account, spreads start from 0.0 pips with a small commission, ideal for high-volume traders. XM Group’s standard account has spreads from 1.0 pips, with no commission. For a Hungary trader executing 10 lots per month, IC Markets can save up to 30% in trading costs. XM Group’s Micro account is better for small positions. Overall, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Hungary (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 | ✓ | ✓ |
IC Markets provides MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, all popular among Hungary traders. cTrader offers advanced charting and fast order execution. XM Group also offers MT4 and MT5, plus its own XM WebTrader for browser-based trading. XM’s platforms include more built-in indicators and educational tools. For Hungary traders who value speed and customization, IC Markets’ cTrader is a standout. XM Group’s platform range is better for beginners seeking simplicity.
| 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 uses Equinix NY4 servers for ultra-low latency execution, with average speeds under 40ms. XM Group also offers fast execution but may have slight delays during high volatility. For Hungary traders, IC Markets’ execution is superior for scalping and automated trading. XM Group’s execution is reliable for standard trading.
| 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 ASIC (Australia) and CySEC (Cyprus), providing strong client fund segregation. XM Group is regulated by CySEC, FCA (UK), and ASIC, offering multiple layers of oversight. For Hungary traders, neither is regulated by the local financial regulator, but both comply with EU standards through CySEC. This ensures negative balance protection and compensation schemes. XM Group’s FCA regulation adds extra security for UK-based operations. Hungary traders can trust both brokers’ regulatory frameworks.
| 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 |
Hungary traders can fund accounts at both IC Markets and XM Group using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT. IC Markets processes deposits instantly for e-wallets and USDT, with bank transfers taking 1-3 days. Withdrawals are free and processed within 24 hours for e-wallets. XM Group also supports these methods, with no deposit fees and fast processing. USDT deposits are particularly convenient for crypto-savvy Hungarian traders. Both brokers allow withdrawals back to the same method, ensuring smooth fund management. Minimum deposits are low: IC Markets requires $200, while XM Group starts at $5 for Micro accounts.
| 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 Hungary Muslim traders. IC Markets provides swap-free accounts on all account types, with no additional fees. XM Group also offers Islamic accounts, but they may have a time limit on holding positions for certain instruments. For Hungary traders observing Sharia law, IC Markets’ policy is more flexible, with no restrictions. Both brokers require a simple request to activate the account.
| 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 multilingual agents including Hungarian. XM Group also provides 24/5 support with Hungarian language options. IC Markets’ support is faster, with average response times under 2 minutes. XM Group’s support is more comprehensive, including a detailed FAQ. For Hungary traders needing immediate help, IC Markets is better.
| 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...
- Want ultra-low spreads from 0.0 pips to minimize trading costs.
- Prefer fast execution for scalping or algorithmic trading.
- Use cTrader for advanced charting and analysis.
- Trade high volumes and need a cost-effective broker.
Choose XM Group if you...
For Hungary traders, the choice between IC Markets and XM Group depends on your priorities. IC Markets excels in low costs and fast execution, ideal for active traders who use Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, or USDT for funding. XM Group offers a more beginner-friendly experience with lower barriers to entry and robust regulation. Both brokers are reliable and accept Hungarian clients, though neither is regulated by the local financial regulator. If you focus on minimizing spreads and maximizing speed, choose IC Markets. If you prefer a supportive environment with diverse platforms, XM Group is a strong alternative. Consider your trading style and volume before deciding.