When it comes to choosing between Forex.com and IC Markets, traders must evaluate key areas like regulation, spreads, trading platforms, and leverage. Forex.com, backed by StoneX Group, offers a regulated and globally trusted environment. IC Markets is a top-tier ECN broker known for ultra-tight spreads and lightning-fast execution. This guide helps you decide which one aligns with your trading goals.
Broker Review Contents
Broker overview
Forex.com is one of the most established forex brokers globally. Launched in 2001, it’s owned by the publicly listed StoneX Group and regulated in major financial jurisdictions.
IC Markets, founded in 2007 in Sydney, Australia, is highly regarded for raw spread trading, institutional-grade execution, and excellent trading conditions for scalpers and algo traders.
| Feature | Forex.com | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2001 | 2007 |
| Headquarters | USA | Australia |
| Regulation | FCA, NFA, ASIC, IIROC, CySEC | ASIC, CySEC, FSA |
| Parent Company | StoneX Group (NASDAQ: SNEX) | IC Markets Group |
| Client Focus | Global Retail & Institutional | Scalpers, Algo Traders, Global |
Regulatory coverage
Forex.com is regulated by:
- FCA (UK)
- NFA/CFTC (USA)
- ASIC (Australia)
- IIROC (Canada)
- CySEC (EU)
IC Markets holds licenses from:
- ASIC (Australia)
- CySEC (EU)
- FSA (Seychelles)
Forex.com stands out for its regulatory strength in North America and Europe, while IC Markets is well-positioned for international and offshore clients.
Trading platforms
Forex.com offers:
- MetaTrader 4 and 5
- Advanced Trading Platform (desktop)
- WebTrader
- TradingView integration
IC Markets supports:
- MetaTrader 4 and 5
- cTrader (desktop, web, mobile)
- Raw pricing infrastructure
- FIX API for institutional access
IC Markets goes beyond the standard offering with cTrader and FIX API — ideal for serious algorithmic traders. Forex.com stands out with TradingView integration and a proprietary desktop platform.
Tradable assets
| Asset Type | Forex.com | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 80+ | 60+ |
| Indices | Yes | Yes |
| Commodities | Yes | Yes |
| Metals | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrencies | Yes | Yes |
| Stock CFDs | Yes | Yes |
| ETFs | Yes | No |
| Futures | No | No |
Forex.com offers a broader range of instruments, particularly with ETFs and a wider selection of forex pairs. IC Markets offers all key CFDs with deep liquidity.
Account types and minimum deposits
Forex.com provides:
- Standard
- Commission
- DMA (Direct Market Access)
- Islamic (swap-free)
IC Markets provides:
- Standard
- Raw Spread (ECN-style)
- Islamic (swap-free)
Minimum deposit:
- Forex.com: $100
- IC Markets: $200
IC Markets’ Raw Spread account is popular among professionals for tight pricing. Forex.com appeals to both beginners and pros with flexible account types.
Spreads and pricing
Forex.com:
- Standard account: spreads from 1.0 pip
- Commission account: from 0.2 pip + $5 per lot
- No deposit fees
- Inactivity fee after 12 months
IC Markets:
- Standard: spreads from 1.0 pip
- Raw Spread: 0.0 pip + $3.5/lot per side
- No deposit or withdrawal fees
- No inactivity fee
IC Markets consistently provides some of the tightest spreads in the industry, especially on the Raw account, which benefits scalpers and high-frequency traders.
Leverage and margin
| Region | Forex.com | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| UK/EU Retail | Up to 1:30 | Up to 1:30 |
| USA | Up to 1:50 | Not available |
| Global Pro | Up to 1:200 | Up to 1:500 |
IC Markets offers higher leverage options for non-EU/non-AU clients, up to 1:500. Forex.com remains within stricter regulatory frameworks but provides safety and stability.
Tools and research
Forex.com includes:
- Trading Central
- Autochartist
- Economic calendar
- Strategy optimizer
- Daily market insights
IC Markets includes:
- Autochartist
- Trading Central
- cTrader depth of market tools
- VPS for EAs
- Market analysis blog
Both brokers offer excellent third-party tools. IC Markets emphasizes execution and customization, while Forex.com focuses on user experience and educational resources.
Mobile trading
Forex.com:
- Native mobile app
- Integrated TradingView
- News, charting, alerts
IC Markets:
- MT4/MT5 apps
- cTrader mobile
- Real-time execution with low latency
IC Markets is ideal for traders using cTrader on mobile. Forex.com’s mobile app suits multi-asset traders looking for broader usability.
Customer support
Forex.com:
- 24/5 multilingual support
- Live chat, phone, email
- Fast verification and onboarding
IC Markets:
- 24/7 support
- Email, phone, and live chat
- Helpful for tech and API queries
IC Markets offers round-the-clock service, a major win for international traders in different time zones.
Comparison summary
| Feature | Forex.com | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation | Tier-1 (USA, UK, AUS) | ASIC, CySEC, FSA |
| Platform Options | MT4, MT5, TradingView | MT4, MT5, cTrader, FIX API |
| Market Coverage | Wide (incl. ETFs) | Forex-focused, strong liquidity |
| Min Deposit | $100 | $200 |
| Spread Quality | From 0.2 pip (commission) | From 0.0 pip (Raw) |
| Max Leverage | Up to 1:200 | Up to 1:500 |
| Tools & Research | Strong with analytics | Strong with execution tools |
| Mobile Trading | Feature-rich app | cTrader mobile, fast execution |
| Best for Beginners | Yes | Yes |
| Best for Scalpers | DMA or Commission Account | Raw Spread or FIX API |
Who should choose Forex.com?
Forex.com is the better option if:
- You are based in the USA, UK, Canada, or Australia
- You want extensive market coverage including ETFs
- You prefer a proprietary platform with integrated tools
- You are a long-term investor or occasional trader
Who should choose IC Markets?
IC Markets is ideal if:
- You are a scalper or EA trader needing raw spreads
- You prefer cTrader or require FIX API access
- You want high leverage (up to 1:500) for global accounts
- You trade high volume and need deep liquidity
