IC Markets vs XM Group for Vietnam Traders (2026)
Which broker is better for Vietnam traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Vietnam traders in 2026, choosing between IC Markets and XM Group is a common dilemma. Both brokers rank highly globally (4.8/5 vs 4.7/5) and cater well to the local market. IC Markets is known for its ultra-low spreads and institutional-grade execution, making it a favorite among experienced day traders and scalpers in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. XM Group, on the other hand, offers a more accessible entry point with a $5 minimum deposit, extensive educational materials in Vietnamese, and a user-friendly interface that appeals to retail traders new to forex. Both brokers support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT, and operate under reputable international licenses. While the local financial regulator does not directly oversee these offshore brokers, Vietnamese traders can still trade legally with both. This comparison will help you decide which broker aligns better with your trading style, budget, and goals in the Vietnam 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 |
When comparing trading costs, IC Markets generally offers lower spreads for Vietnam traders. On its Raw Spread account, spreads start from 0.0 pips with a commission of $3.50 per lot round turn. XM Group’s standard account has spreads from 1.0 pips with no commission. For a Vietnam trader executing 10 standard lots per month, IC Markets would cost around $35 in commissions versus $100 in spreads on XM Group. However, XM Group’s Micro account allows trading with smaller lot sizes, which can be cost-effective for beginners. Both brokers offer competitive swap rates, but IC Markets’ lower spreads make it more suitable for high-frequency and volume traders in Vietnam.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam (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 IC Markets and XM Group offer MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), which are the most popular platforms among Vietnam traders. IC Markets also provides cTrader, a platform known for its advanced charting and fast execution, favored by scalpers. XM Group includes XM WebTrader, a browser-based platform that requires no download, ideal for traders using shared computers in Vietnam. Both brokers support mobile trading apps for iOS and Android, ensuring you can trade on the go. For Vietnam traders, the choice depends on whether you prefer the advanced features of cTrader (IC Markets) or the convenience of a web platform (XM Group).
| 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 renowned for its fast execution, with an average speed of under 40 milliseconds and no requotes on its Raw Spread account. This is ideal for Vietnam scalpers and algorithmic traders. XM Group’s execution is also reliable, with an average speed of under 100 milliseconds and no requotes on standard accounts. For most retail traders, both brokers offer excellent execution, but IC Markets has an edge for those who need ultra-low latency.
| 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 the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), and the Financial Services Authority (FSA) of Seychelles. XM Group holds licenses from CySEC, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, and the International Financial Services Commission (IFSC) of Belize. Neither broker is directly regulated by the local financial regulator in Vietnam, but both operate under strict international standards. For Vietnam traders, this means your funds are held in segregated accounts with top-tier banks, and you have access to investor compensation schemes (e.g., up to €20,000 under CySEC). Always verify the specific entity you open an account with, as the level of protection varies by jurisdiction.
| 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 |
Vietnam traders can fund their accounts using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT with both brokers. IC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $200 for bank transfers and $50 for e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller. USDT deposits are processed instantly with no fees. XM Group has a lower minimum deposit of just $5, making it more accessible for beginners. Withdrawals are processed within 1-2 business days for e-wallets and 3-5 days for bank transfers. Both brokers do not charge deposit fees, but XM Group covers withdrawal fees for certain methods. For Vietnam traders, using USDT or Skrill is the fastest way to move funds, while bank transfers are best for larger amounts. Note that the local financial regulator may require Vietnamese banks to comply with foreign exchange controls, so e-wallets are often preferred for speed and convenience.
| 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 Vietnam Muslim traders. IC Markets provides swap-free accounts on request for all account types, including Raw Spread and Standard accounts. XM Group automatically offers Islamic accounts for clients from predominantly Muslim countries, including Vietnam, with no additional paperwork. These accounts comply with Sharia law by not charging or paying overnight interest (swap) on positions held beyond the daily rollover. However, both brokers may apply a small administrative fee for positions held open for extended periods (e.g., over 10 days). Vietnam Muslim traders should confirm the terms with each broker’s support team to ensure full compliance with their religious requirements.
| 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 English as the primary language. XM Group provides multilingual support in Vietnamese, which is a significant advantage for local traders. XM Group also offers local phone numbers and a Vietnamese-language website. While IC Markets’ support is responsive, XM Group’s Vietnamese-speaking team makes it easier for traders who prefer assistance in their native language.
| 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 focused on scalping or high-frequency trading
- Want the tightest spreads available (from 0.0 pips) and don’t mind paying a commission
- Prefer advanced platforms like cTrader alongside MT4/MT5
- Trade in high volumes and need fast execution under 40 milliseconds
Choose XM Group if you...
- Are a beginner or retail trader with a smaller starting capital (minimum $5 deposit)
- Prefer customer support in Vietnamese and educational resources in your language
- Want a no-commission account with competitive spreads (from 1.0 pips)
- Value a web-based platform (XM WebTrader) for easy access without downloads
For Vietnam traders in 2026, both IC Markets and XM Group are solid choices, but the best broker depends on your trading style. IC Markets (4.8/5) is the winner for experienced, high-volume traders who prioritize low spreads and fast execution. Its support for Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT deposits, combined with cTrader, makes it ideal for scalpers and algorithmic traders. XM Group (4.7/5) is better for beginners and retail traders due to its $5 minimum deposit, Vietnamese-language support, and educational resources. While the local financial regulator does not directly supervise these brokers, both operate under reputable international licenses. If you trade frequently and want to minimize costs, go with IC Markets. If you value ease of use and local language support, XM Group is your pick.