Which broker is better for Poland traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.

When comparing IC Markets vs XM Group for Poland traders in 2026, both brokers rank among the top choices, but they cater to slightly different needs. IC Markets scores 4.8/5, praised for its ultra-low spreads, fast execution, and advanced platforms like MetaTrader 4, 5, and cTrader. XM Group, with a 4.7/5 rating, is known for its beginner-friendly approach, no deposit fees, and extensive educational resources. Poland traders benefit from both brokers being regulated by the local financial regulator, ensuring a secure trading environment. The Polish zΕoty (PLN) is supported indirectly via USD accounts, and local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT make deposits easy. Whether you are a scalper or a long-term investor, this comparison will help you decide which broker aligns with your trading style in Poland.

| 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 | β | β | Tie |
For Poland traders, trading costs are a critical factor. IC Markets offers two account types: Standard (spreads from 1.0 pips, no commission) and Raw Spread (spreads from 0.0 pips, commission of $7 per lot round turn). On a typical EUR/USD trade of 1 lot, IC Markets Raw Spread costs about $7 in commission, while XM Group's Standard account charges around $10 in spread cost. For higher-volume traders, IC Markets is cheaper. XM Group's Micro account allows smaller trade sizes, which is ideal for Polish beginners. Both brokers have no hidden fees, but IC Markets' tighter spreads benefit frequent traders.
| Account Type | IC Markets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | β | β |
| ECN / Raw spread | β | β |
| Islamic (swap-free) | β | β |
| Demo account | β | β |
| PAMM / MAM account | β | β |
| Zero spread account | β | β |
| Copy trading | β | β |
| VPS trading | β | β |
| Min deposit | $200 | $5 |
| Neg. balance protection | β | β |
| Entity / Asset | IC Markets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Poland (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) | β | β | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | β | β | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | IC Markets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | IC Markets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | β | β | XM Group |
| ETFs | β | β | Tie |
| Options | β | β | Tie |
| Futures | β | β | Tie |
| Platform | IC Markets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | β | β |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | β | β |
| cTrader | β | β |
| TradingView | β | β |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | β | β |
| Scalping allowed | β | β |
| Hedging allowed | β | β |
| Fixed spreads | β | β |
| Variable spreads | β | β |
IC Markets provides MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, giving Poland traders access to advanced charting tools, automated trading via Expert Advisors (EAs), and fast order execution. cTrader is particularly popular for its intuitive interface and depth of market. XM Group supports MT4 and MT5, plus its own XM WebTrader, which is beginner-friendly. For Poland traders who use EAs or need advanced analysis, IC Markets is the better choice. XM Groupβs platform is simpler and more accessible for those new to forex.
| 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 | β | β | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | β | β | Tie |
| News trading | β | β | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | β | β | Tie |
IC Markets is known for its ultra-low latency execution, with average speeds under 40ms, making it ideal for scalpers and high-frequency traders in Poland. It uses Equinix NY4 servers for fast order processing. XM Group offers reliable execution with no requotes on most accounts, but its speed is slightly slower than IC Markets. For Poland traders who prioritize speed, IC Markets is the better option.
| Safety Factor | IC Markets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | ASIC |
| Reg number | #335692 | #443670 |
| Verify registration | Verify β | Verify β |
| Top-tier regulated | β | β |
| Investor protection | β | β |
| Segregated funds | β | β |
| Neg. balance protection | β | β |
Both IC Markets and XM Group are regulated by the local financial regulator, providing Polish traders with a high level of protection. IC Markets is also regulated by ASIC and CySEC, while XM Group holds licenses from CySEC, FCA, and other authorities. This multi-regulatory oversight ensures client funds are segregated and negative balance protection is in place. For Poland traders, this means your deposits are safe, and you can trade with confidence knowing both brokers comply with strict financial standards. Always check the regulator's website for the latest updates.
| Payment Method | IC Markets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | β | β |
| Visa / Mastercard | β | β |
| Skrill | β | β |
| Neteller | β | β |
| USDT / Crypto | β | β |
| 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 |
Poland traders can fund their accounts using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT at both IC Markets and XM Group. IC Markets has a minimum deposit of $200 via bank transfer and e-wallets, while USDT deposits are processed instantly with no fees. Withdrawals are free and processed within 1 business day for e-wallets. XM Group offers a lower minimum deposit of $5, making it accessible for small accounts. Deposits via Skrill, Neteller, and USDT are instant, and bank transfers take 1-3 days. XM Group does not charge deposit fees, which is a plus for Polish traders. Both brokers support PLN indirectly through USD conversion, so check exchange rates before depositing.
| Islamic Account Feature | IC Markets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | β | β |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | β | β |
| Gold swap-free | β | β |
| Crypto swap-free | β | β |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Both IC Markets and XM Group offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Poland traders who require Sharia-compliant trading. IC Markets provides swap-free accounts on request, with no overnight interest charges, but may apply a fee after 7 days of holding a position. XM Group also offers Islamic accounts with no swap fees, and they allow unlimited holding periods. Polish Muslim traders should verify the specific terms with each broker, as conditions may vary. Both brokers are accommodating to religious requirements.
| Support Feature | IC Markets | XM Group | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | β | β | Tie |
| Phone support | β | β | Tie |
| Email support | β | β | Tie |
| 24/7 support | β | β | Tie |
| 24/5 support | β | β | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | IC Markets |
IC Markets offers 24/7 multilingual customer support via live chat, email, and phone. Polish traders can get assistance in English, but dedicated Polish-language support is not always available. XM Group provides 24/5 support in multiple languages, including Polish, via live chat and phone. For Polish-speaking traders, XM Group has an edge with localized support. Both brokers respond quickly and professionally.
| Mobile Feature | IC Markets | XM Group | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5β | 4.3β | IC Markets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3β | 4.2β | IC Markets |
| Biometric login | β | β | Tie |
| Push notifications | β | β | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | β | β | Tie |
| Mobile deposit/withdrawal | β | β | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | β | β | Tie |
| Dark mode | β | β | Tie |
| Resource | IC Markets | XM Group | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | IC Markets |
| Webinars (live) | β | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | β | β | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | IC Markets |
| Beginner resources | Excellent | Basic | IC Markets |
Choose IC Markets if you...
Choose XM Group if you...
For Poland traders, the choice between IC Markets and XM Group depends on your trading style and experience. IC Markets is the winner for advanced traders who value low spreads, fast execution, and advanced platforms. Its support for USDT deposits and high-volume trading makes it ideal for serious scalpers. XM Group is better for beginners or those with smaller accounts, thanks to its low minimum deposit, no deposit fees, and Polish-language support. Both brokers are regulated by the local financial regulator, ensuring safety. If you trade frequently and prioritize cost, go with IC Markets. If you are just starting or prefer simplicity, XM Group is a solid choice. Ultimately, both are excellent options for Poland traders in 2026.