IC MARKETS at a glance
An established multi-asset broker, reviewed by the Tradelytic team and rated by traders.
Global Scale and Multi-Platform Execution
Andrew Budzinski founded IC Markets in Sydney in 2007. Today, the brokerage serves hundreds of thousands of active traders globally. The firm holds tier-1 licenses from ASIC in Australia and CySEC in Cyprus. It also operates under CMA, SCB, and FSA oversight. Clients can trade over 2,250 CFD instruments across forex, indices, commodities, stocks, bonds, and crypto. The broker routes orders through low-latency Equinix NY4 and LD5 data centers. Traders can choose between MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView, and IC Social. The company fully permits automated EAs, cBots, scalping, hedging, and news trading.
Account Tiers, Pricing, and Capital Security
IC Markets recommends a $200 initial deposit across live account tiers. The commission-free Standard Account offers spreads starting from 0.8 pips. The Raw Spread Account delivers raw interbank spreads from 0.0 pips. It features low commissions of $3.50 per side on MetaTrader and $3.00 on cTrader. The broker holds all client funds in segregated Tier-1 bank accounts. Retail clients receive automatic negative balance protection. Funding options include cards, bank wires, PayPal, and e-wallets. Finally, IC Markets charges zero inactivity fees on dormant accounts.
Our verdict
The Tradelytic editorial assessment — independent of any commercial relationship.
IC Markets is widely recognized as one of the most cost-effective and dependable True ECN CFD brokers in the world. Its dual Tier-1 regulatory backing under ASIC and CySEC guarantees high standards for client safety, transparency, and operational governance. By delivering raw spreads from 0.0 pips, institutional-grade server hosting in Equinix facilities, and native connectivity to MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView, IC Markets creates an ideal environment for scalpers and automated algorithm developers.
However, traders should note a few structural limitations. IC Markets focuses strictly on derivative CFDs rather than physical stock or bond ownership. In addition, traders who maintain overnight swing positions must manage standard interbank financing swap fees. The broker also does not accept residents from the United States or Canada due to regional regulatory restrictions.
Our take: IC Markets is a top choice for high-frequency day traders, algorithmic EA users, and scalpers. Select the Raw Spread account on cTrader or MetaTrader to achieve the lowest trading costs and optimal execution speeds.
Pros & cons
The honest summary, weighed from our testing and trader feedback.
- Regulated by ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus), SCB (Bahamas), CMA (Kenya), and FSA (Seychelles)
- Ultra-tight raw spreads starting from 0.0 pips on Raw Spread accounts
- Diverse software ecosystem: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView, and IC Social
- Lightning-fast execution speeds routed through Equinix NY4 and LD5 server hubs
- All trading strategies welcome: automated EAs, cBots, scalping, hedging, and news trading
- Zero inactivity fees and zero internal deposit or withdrawal charges
- Over 2,250 tradable CFD markets covering Forex, Indices, Commodities, Shares, Bonds, and Crypto
- Segregated client funds held in Tier-1 institutions with retail negative balance protection
- Standard Account spreads carry markups compared to raw interbank pricing
- Recommended $200 initial deposit threshold is higher than brokers offering $0 minimums
- Does not offer physical stock ownership or long-term mutual fund asset custody
- Traders from the United States and Canada are not accepted
Who it's for
Here's how to tell if this broker is right for you.
- Are an active scalper, day trader, or EA developer seeking raw 0.0-pip spreads and low commissions
- Prefer executing orders directly through TradingView charts or cTrader interfaces
- Run high-frequency automated strategies that rely on fast Equinix NY4/LD5 server routing
- Value robust regulatory safety backed by ASIC and CySEC supervision
- Plan to link your live MT4, MT5, or cTrader account to Tradelytic to journal performance metrics
- Reside in the United States or Canada
- Want to buy and hold real physical company shares or bond securities in a custody portfolio
- Demand zero-commission trading while maintaining raw 0.0-pip market spreads
Fees & platforms
What it costs to trade, and what you'll trade on.
IC Markets combines institutional ECN pricing with an expansive multi-platform trading ecosystem. With zero inactivity charges, competitive per-lot commissions, and direct integration with MetaTrader, cTrader, and TradingView, the broker caters effectively to systematic day traders and algorithmic strategies. Below is a complete overview of IC Markets' spreads, account commission tiers, non-trading fees, and supported software.
Spreads
IC Markets operates a dual-pricing model. The Standard Account features all-inclusive variable spreads starting from 0.8 pips with zero added commission. The Raw Spread account routes direct interbank liquidity with spreads starting at 0.0 pips, averaging roughly 0.1 pips on EUR/USD during major London and New York trading sessions.
Commission Fees
Standard accounts charge no separate broker commissions. On Raw Spread accounts, commissions depend on the chosen platform: MetaTrader 4 / MetaTrader 5 / TradingView: $3.50 per side ($7.00 round-turn) per standard lot. cTrader: $3.00 per side ($6.00 round-turn) per $100,000 USD volume traded. Raw Pro / Pro+: High-volume accounts offer discounted commissions down to $1.00 per side.
Inactivity Fee
IC Markets does not charge inactivity fees or recurring maintenance fees on dormant accounts. Unused capital remains fully protected without balance deductions.
Swap Fees
Overnight swap (financing) rates apply to leveraged CFD positions held past 23:59 server time (GMT+2/GMT+3). Swap amounts depend on the benchmark interest rate differential of the currency pair plus a modest broker fee. Islamic (Swap-Free) accounts are available for traders of the Muslim faith.
Withdrawal Fees
IC Markets does not levy internal processing fees on deposits or withdrawals. Digital payouts via debit/credit cards, PayPal, Neteller, and Skrill are free. International bank wire payouts incur no internal broker charge, though third-party intermediary banks may deduct standard transfer fees.
Platforms & Tools
The broker provides full access to MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), cTrader, TradingView, and IC Social across desktop, web, and mobile. Clients receive access to advanced Trading Central market analysis, Autochartist signals, and free VPS sponsorship for eligible active traders.