Comparison of CMC Markets and IC Markets
| Feature | CMC Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Broker | ||
| Year Founded | 1989 | 2007 |
| Broker Type | MM | ECN, DMA |
| Dealing | B-book | A-book |
| Execution | Market | Market |
| Regulation | FCA, BaFin, FMA, KNF, FSAN, CNMV, CIRO, ASIC, NZ FMA, MAS, DFSA | SFSA, ASIC, CySEC, CMA |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 (MT4), CMC Markets | MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), cTrader, TradingView |
| Spread | ⬊ Low | ⬊ Low |
| Maximum Leverage | 1:30 | 1:500 |
| Minimum Deposit | $1 | $200 |
| Base Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, NOK, NZD, PLN, SEK, SGD | USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CHF, JPY, NZD, SGD, HKD |
| Funding Methods | Bank Wire, Credit Card, Debit Card, PayPal | Bank Wire, Credit Card, Debit Card, Neteller, PayPal, Skrill, Bpay, FasaPay, Klarna, POLi, Rapidpay |
| Inactivity Fee | $15 per month after 12 months | ✖ |
| Interest on Margin | ✖ | ✖ |
| Withdrawal Fee | ✖ | ✖ |
| Investor Protection | UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) | Investor Compensation Fund (ICF) |
| Protection Size | £85 000 | €20 000 |
| Segregated Accounts | ✔ | ✔ |
| Negative Balance Protection | ✔ | ✔ |
| Guaranteed Stop Loss | ✔ | ✔ |
| Copy Trading | ✖ | ✔ |
| VPS | ✖ | ✔ |
| MAM/PAMM | ✖ | ✖ |
| Scalping Allowed | ✔ | ✔ |
| EAs/Robots | ✔ | ✔ |
| Depth of Market (DOM) | ✖ | ✔ |
| Tradable Assets (CFDs) | Currencies, Indices, Stocks, ETFs, Bonds, Metals, Energies, Soft Commodities | Currencies, Indices, Stocks, ETFs, Bonds, Cryptocurrencies, Metals, Energies, Soft Commodities |
| Review | CMC Markets Review | IC Markets Review |
About CMC Markets
CMC Markets is a well-established forex and CFD broker founded in 1989, renowned for its robust trading platforms, competitive spreads, and extensive range of tradable assets. With a global presence and regulation in top-tier jurisdictions, the broker caters to both beginners and experienced traders. CMC Markets offers access to forex, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and shares, supported by advanced tools and educational resources to enhance trading experiences.
Pros
- Regulated by top-tier authorities, including the FCA and ASIC
- Comprehensive range of tradable instruments across multiple asset classes
- Intuitive and feature-rich proprietary trading platform, Next Generation
- Competitive pricing with tight spreads and no commission on most trades
- Exceptional educational resources and market research tools
Cons
- Does not offer services to U.S. clients due to regulatory restrictions
- Trading fees can be higher for less active traders
- Limited deposit and withdrawal methods compared to other brokers
About IC Markets
IC Markets is a leading forex and CFD broker, well-known for its exceptional trading conditions and advanced technology. Established in 2007 and regulated by multiple top-tier authorities, including ASIC, CySEC, and the FSA Seychelles, IC Markets has earned a solid reputation among retail and institutional traders alike. The broker is particularly favored by scalpers, day traders, and algorithmic traders for its ultra-tight spreads, fast execution speeds, and no-dealing-desk (NDD) model. With access to powerful platforms like MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, IC Markets offers a seamless trading experience across various asset classes, including forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. Its focus on transparency, competitive pricing, and exceptional liquidity ensures that traders can execute strategies efficiently. However, while IC Markets excels in trading infrastructure, it offers limited educational resources, which may not fully cater to beginners.
Pros
- Regulated by top-tier authorities (ASIC, CySEC)
- Tight spreads starting from 0.0 pips on Raw Spread accounts
- No dealing desk (NDD) model ensures transparent and fast execution
- Excellent platforms: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader
- High liquidity and competitive pricing ideal for scalping and algorithmic trading
- Wide range of tradable assets, including cryptocurrencies
- Dedicated 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Restricted availability in some regions due to regulatory constraints
- Withdrawal fees may apply for certain methods
CMC Markets & IC Markets Regulation
| Feature | CMC Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
Companies | CMC Markets UK plc, CMC Markets Germany GmbH, CMC Markets Canada Inc, CMC Markets Asia Pacific Pty Ltd, CMC Markets NZ Limited, CMC Markets Singapore Pte Ltd, CMC Markets Middle East Ltd | Raw Trading Ltd, International Capital Markets Pty Ltd, IC Markets (EU) Ltd, IC Markets (KE) Limited |
Countries | United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, United Arab Emirates | Seychelles, Australia, Cyprus, Kenya |
Regulators | FCA, BaFin, FMA, KNF, FSAN, CNMV, CIRO, ASIC, NZ FMA, MAS, DFSA | SFSA, ASIC, CySEC, CMA |
Investor Protection | UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) | Investor Compensation Fund (ICF) |
Investor Protection Size | £85 000 | €20 000 |
Publicly Traded | ||
Segregated Accounts | ||
Guaranteed Stop Loss | ||
Negative Balance Protection |
Companies
CMC Markets
CMC Markets UK plc, CMC Markets Germany GmbH, CMC Markets Canada Inc, CMC Markets Asia Pacific Pty Ltd, CMC Markets NZ Limited, CMC Markets Singapore Pte Ltd, CMC Markets Middle East Ltd
IC Markets
Raw Trading Ltd, International Capital Markets Pty Ltd, IC Markets (EU) Ltd, IC Markets (KE) Limited
Countries
CMC Markets
United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, United Arab Emirates
IC Markets
Seychelles, Australia, Cyprus, Kenya
Regulators
CMC Markets
FCA, BaFin, FMA, KNF, FSAN, CNMV, CIRO, ASIC, NZ FMA, MAS, DFSA
IC Markets
SFSA, ASIC, CySEC, CMA
Investor Protection
CMC Markets
UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)
IC Markets
Investor Compensation Fund (ICF)
Investor Protection Size
CMC Markets
£85 000
IC Markets
€20 000
Publicly Traded
CMC Markets
IC Markets
Segregated Accounts
CMC Markets
IC Markets
Guaranteed Stop Loss
CMC Markets
IC Markets
Negative Balance Protection
CMC Markets
IC Markets
Account Types
| Account | CMC Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
Market Maker Account | ||
| Account Name | CFD | — |
| Min Deposit | $1 | — |
| Lot Size | 0.01 | — |
| Spread Type | Floating | — |
| Execution | Market | — |
| Min Spread | 0.7 | — |
| Fee | No | — |
| Max Leverage | 1:30 | — |
| Stop Out | 50% | — |
| Margin Call | 80% | — |
ECN Account | ||
| Account Name | — | Standard |
| Min Deposit | — | $200 |
| Lot Size | — | 0.01 |
| Spread Type | — | Floating |
| Execution | — | Market |
| Min Spread | — | 0.6 |
| Fee | — | No |
| Max Leverage | — | 1:500 |
| Stop Out | — | 50% |
| Margin Call | — | 100% |
Zero Account | ||
| Account Name | — | Raw Spread |
| Min Deposit | — | $200 |
| Lot Size | — | 0.01 |
| Spread Type | — | Floating |
| Execution | — | Market |
| Min Spread | — | 0 |
| Fee | — | $7 per 1 lot |
| Max Leverage | — | 1:500 |
| Stop Out | — | 50% |
| Margin Call | — | 100% |
| Additional Features | ||
| Demo Account | ||
| VIP Account | ||
| Swap-Free Account | ||
| Copy Trading | ||
| VPS | ||
| PAMM/MAM Accounts | ||
Market Maker Account
Account Name
CMC Markets
CFD
IC Markets
—
Min Deposit
CMC Markets
$1
IC Markets
—
Lot Size
CMC Markets
0.01
IC Markets
—
Spread Type
CMC Markets
Floating
IC Markets
—
Execution
CMC Markets
Market
IC Markets
—
Min Spread
CMC Markets
0.7
IC Markets
—
Fee
CMC Markets
No
IC Markets
—
Max Leverage
CMC Markets
1:30
IC Markets
—
Stop Out
CMC Markets
50%
IC Markets
—
Margin Call
CMC Markets
80%
IC Markets
—
ECN Account
Account Name
CMC Markets
—
IC Markets
Standard
Min Deposit
CMC Markets
—
IC Markets
$200
Lot Size
CMC Markets
—
IC Markets
0.01
Spread Type
CMC Markets
—
IC Markets
Floating
Execution
CMC Markets
—
IC Markets
Market
Min Spread
CMC Markets
—
IC Markets
0.6
Fee
CMC Markets
—
IC Markets
No
Max Leverage
CMC Markets
—
IC Markets
1:500
Stop Out
CMC Markets
—
IC Markets
50%
Margin Call
CMC Markets
—
IC Markets
100%
Zero Account
Account Name
CMC Markets
—
IC Markets
Raw Spread
Min Deposit
CMC Markets
—
IC Markets
$200
Lot Size
CMC Markets
—
IC Markets
0.01
Spread Type
CMC Markets
—
IC Markets
Floating
Execution
CMC Markets
—
IC Markets
Market
Min Spread
CMC Markets
—
IC Markets
0
Fee
CMC Markets
—
IC Markets
$7 per 1 lot
Max Leverage
CMC Markets
—
IC Markets
1:500
Stop Out
CMC Markets
—
IC Markets
50%
Margin Call
CMC Markets
—
IC Markets
100%
Additional Features
Demo Account
CMC Markets
IC Markets
VIP Account
CMC Markets
IC Markets
Swap-Free Account
CMC Markets
IC Markets
Copy Trading
CMC Markets
IC Markets
VPS
CMC Markets
IC Markets
PAMM/MAM Accounts
CMC Markets
IC Markets
Funding and Fees
| Feature | CMC Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
Base currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, NOK, NZD, PLN, SEK, SGD | USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CHF, JPY, NZD, SGD, HKD |
Deposit and withdrawal methods | Bank Wire, Credit Card, Debit Card, PayPal | Bank Wire, Credit Card, Debit Card, Neteller, PayPal, Skrill, Bpay, FasaPay, Klarna, POLi, Rapidpay |
Inactivity fee | $15 per month after 12 months | |
Interest on margin | ||
Withdrawal fee |
Base currencies
CMC Markets
USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, NOK, NZD, PLN, SEK, SGD
IC Markets
USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CHF, JPY, NZD, SGD, HKD
Deposit and withdrawal methods
CMC Markets
Bank Wire, Credit Card, Debit Card, PayPal
IC Markets
Bank Wire, Credit Card, Debit Card, Neteller, PayPal, Skrill, Bpay, FasaPay, Klarna, POLi, Rapidpay
Inactivity fee
CMC Markets
$15 per month after 12 months
IC Markets
Interest on margin
CMC Markets
IC Markets
Withdrawal fee
CMC Markets
IC Markets
Trading Platforms and Conditions
| Feature | CMC Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
Trading Platforms | MetaTrader 4 (MT4), CMC Markets | MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), cTrader, TradingView |
Execution Speed | 0 ms | 40 ms |
Scalping | ||
Expert Advisors (EAs) | ||
Depth of Market (DOM) | ||
Spread | low | low |
Trading Platforms
CMC Markets
MetaTrader 4 (MT4), CMC Markets
IC Markets
MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), cTrader, TradingView
Execution Speed
CMC Markets
0 ms
IC Markets
40 ms
Scalping
CMC Markets
IC Markets
Expert Advisors (EAs)
CMC Markets
IC Markets
Depth of Market (DOM)
CMC Markets
IC Markets
Spread
CMC Markets
low
IC Markets
low
Trading Assets
| Asset | CMC Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
Currencies | 336 | 61 |
Indices | 99 | 25 |
Stocks | 10099 | 2175 |
Cryptocurrencies | 336 | 21 |
Bonds | 71 | 10 |
Metals | 19 | 7 |
Energies | 45 | 5 |
Soft Commodities | 58 | 8 |
ETFs | 1200 | 38 |
Currencies
CMC Markets
336
IC Markets
61
Indices
CMC Markets
99
IC Markets
25
Stocks
CMC Markets
10099
IC Markets
2175
Cryptocurrencies
CMC Markets
336
IC Markets
21
Bonds
CMC Markets
71
IC Markets
10
Metals
CMC Markets
19
IC Markets
7
Energies
CMC Markets
45
IC Markets
5
Soft Commodities
CMC Markets
58
IC Markets
8
ETFs
CMC Markets
1200
IC Markets
38
Education and Analytics
| Feature | CMC Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
Economic Calendar | ||
Indicators | ||
Robots | ||
Signals | ||
Autochartist | ||
Expert Analytics | ||
News Feed | ||
Education Articles | ||
Webinars | ||
Seminars |
Economic Calendar
CMC Markets
IC Markets
Indicators
CMC Markets
IC Markets
Robots
CMC Markets
IC Markets
Signals
CMC Markets
IC Markets
Autochartist
CMC Markets
IC Markets
Expert Analytics
CMC Markets
IC Markets
News Feed
CMC Markets
IC Markets
Education Articles
CMC Markets
IC Markets
Webinars
CMC Markets
IC Markets
Seminars
CMC Markets
IC Markets
Customer Support
| Contact | CMC Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
Email | clientmanagement@cmcmarkets.co.uk | support@icmarkets.com |
Phone | — | +2484671976 |
Facebook | ||
LinkedIn | ||
YouTube | YouTube | — |
Instagram | — | |
Twitter |
Email
CMC Markets
IC Markets
Phone
CMC Markets
—
IC Markets
YouTube
CMC Markets
IC Markets
—
Instagram
CMC Markets
—
IC Markets
Which Broker is Better?
After comparing CMC Markets and IC Markets, IC Markets comes out ahead as our overall pick. It ranks higher in our internal scoring and delivers a stronger balance of pricing (spreads/fees), platform experience, and product range. That said, the runner-up may still be a better fit if you prioritize specific needs—like a particular account type, funding method, or niche instruments. This is not financial advice; always choose a broker that matches your goals and local regulatory requirements.
More Comparisons
Andriy Bondarenko
Broker Analyst
Andriy is a seasoned expert in broker reviews with over a decade of experience in finance and trading. Under his leadership, the team produces in-depth and unbiased analyses of leading trading platforms.