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Thomas Wallace's avatar

Thomas Wallace

Last update:

2025/07/16

Forex risk disclaimer:

Trading forex and CFDs carries a high level of risk!

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IC Markets Review 2025

Country:

United States

Year: 2007

Leverage: Up to 1:500

Deposit: From 200 USD

Spread: Low

Broker type: NDD

Website
Regulated

Regulation type:

CySEC, FSA, ASIC

Rating:


Offices: London, Dubai, Limasso

Platforms: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView

Instruments: Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks, Bonds, Cryptocurrency, Futures

Payment Methods:

General Overview

IC Markets, at times referred to as International Capital Markets, has steadily progressed into one of the most prominent CFD and Forex brokerage providers globally. For over a decade, this company has established a wide-reaching reputation for delivering an advanced trading environment featuring swift executions, tight spreads, and a substantial variety of tradable products. Whether an individual is new to the market aiming to build fundamental knowledge or a veteran participant needing specialized analytical capabilities, IC Markets seeks to serve a comprehensive array of trading ambitions.

A pivotal aspect behind IC Markets’ evolution is its concentration on overt transparency and stability. By openly communicating data regarding liquidity avenues, execution protocols, and pricing structures, the broker mitigates uncertainties that could otherwise cloud a trader’s viewpoint. IC Markets further refines its technological infrastructure on an ongoing basis to retain rapid performance, even under heightened volatility. By highlighting lucidity and dependable tech foundations, IC Markets provides a climate well-suited to scalpers, day traders, and swing traders alike.

Beyond its key services, IC Markets offers reliable customer help along with a selection of educational materials oriented toward cultivating careful market participation and measured risk strategies. Through interactive sessions, analytical commentary, and step-by-step tutorials, the broker enables users to continually develop their expertise. This all-inclusive orientation exemplifies how IC Markets stands out in the retail brokerage world, integrating modern technological solutions, cost-efficient structures, and an unwavering spotlight on user welfare.

Pros

  • Low forex fees
  • Easy and fast account opening
  • Free deposit and withdrawal
  • Offers standard and raw spread accounts
  • Supports multiple trading platforms (MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader)
  • Regulated by ASIC and FSA
  • Wide range of account types including Islamic accounts
  • Strong 24/7 customer support

Cons

  • Limited product selection outside forex
  • No investor protection for non-EU clients
  • Slow live chat support
  • High minimum deposit for certain account types
  • Complex fee structure

Trust and Safety

Regulations: CySEC, FSA, ASIC

When considering a broker, security specifications and compliance typically occupy top priority. IC Markets adopts numerous mechanisms to maintain a secure setting for clients’ funds and confidential information, bolstering confidence across a global audience. By keeping deposits separate, working with top-tier financial institutions, and employing potent encryption, IC Markets strives to safeguard both the capital and personal details of its clientele.

Regulatory adherence underpins IC Markets’ day-to-day operations. The company abides by standards instituted by reputable authorities, guaranteeing alignment with strict requirements concerning risk supervision, periodic audits, and deposit protection. Such robust oversight helps deter wrongdoing or inappropriate handling of positions, complications often surfacing at inadequately regulated brokers.

Is IC Markets Regulated?

IC Markets operates under the purview of several respected regulators, most notably the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). ASIC is highly recognized for enforcing stringent stipulations on transparency and operational capital, pressing brokers to enforce acknowledged best practices. Further to that, IC Markets holds licenses with the Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA) and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). Through these multiple frameworks, the broker expands its international influence, permitting traders in different regions to align with the authority pertinent to local guidelines.

Thanks to these licenses, IC Markets undergoes frequent checks and rigorous internal examinations, lessening exposure to financial hazards that may occur amid unfavorable trading environments. Accordingly, traders generally feel assured that the firm must remedy potential issues forthrightly and in observance of prevailing regulations.

Is IC Markets Safe?

Often acknowledged as a sound alternative within the retail trading field, IC Markets benefits from a series of protections that foster customer assurance. By compartmentalizing traders’ deposits from the company’s resources, it averts problematic intermingling. Moreover, sophisticated encryption plus tiered safety frameworks cut the likelihood of hacking or data breaches. Concurrently, connections with established banks fortify the broker’s liquidity pool, ensuring swift access to user funds.

The company also enjoys a reputation for responsive user support and client-centric policies. This spans rapid handling of withdrawal requests or identity verifications, guaranteeing potential stumbling blocks are resolved swiftly. Paired with strict regulatory coverage, these traits make IC Markets a comparatively lower-risk avenue for traders looking for a clear-cut, trustworthy trading interface.

Trading Platforms

MetaTrader 4 | MetaTrader 5 | cTrader | TradingView

Visit Platforms

IC Markets addresses varying user requirements through four principal systems: MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), cTrader, and WebTrader. Each platform targets specific preferences—MT4 for its user base and reliability, MT5 for additional tools, cTrader for advanced interface plus market depth, and WebTrader for a browser-friendly experience with no extra installations.

By updating servers continuously and engaging top-tier data centers, IC Markets provides stable conditions for real-time data flows. This reliability assists algorithmic patterns depending on precise market updates. Whether a trader employs manual drawing tools or automates execution via EAs, these platforms are crafted to meet diverse operational requirements.

MetaTrader 4 (MT4)

Long hailed as a retail Forex mainstay, MT4 is recognized for user-friendliness and its wide marketplace of add-on indicators and Expert Advisors (EAs). Accompanied by IC Markets’ liquidity advantage, MT4 effectively supports strategies needing minimal latency and precise trade entries, such as scalping. Its enduring popularity attests to a well-established, robust framework for traders of all skill levels.

MetaTrader 5 (MT5)

As an enhanced successor to MT4, MT5 provides added timeframes, deeper analytical tools, and an optimized environment for backtesting. Traders wishing to explore multi-asset classes might prefer MT5, which accommodates more than just currency pairs. Elements like a built-in economic feed and partial order fills give systematic or algorithmic strategists an extra degree of control.

cTrader

cTrader garners acclaim for its sleek layout and comprehensive charting, appealing to market participants who value level-two market depth. The platform’s cAlgo environment fosters coding and launching automated scripts. When fused with IC Markets’ expedited order handling, cTrader stands out as an effective solution for systematic, detail-oriented trading approaches.

WebTrader

IC Markets’ WebTrader represents a web-based adaptation that circumvents program installations. While keeping core MT4 functionalities—live charts, real-time quotes, plus direct trade buttons—it may not support as many plugins or EAs as the desktop client, yet it remains adequate for individuals prioritizing cross-device accessibility and swift usage.

Tradable Instruments

Instruments: Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks, Bonds, Cryptocurrency, Futures

IC Markets maintains an extensive repertoire of tradable offerings, letting clients diversify into multiple asset categories without juggling different broker relationships. This singular source approach benefits those who prefer moving between Forex, indices, commodities, metals, cryptos, and share CFDs in response to market fluctuations. Although currency pairs are central, the broker backs a variety of extra CFD products too.

Such breadth enables on-the-fly adjustments—like shifting from currency pairs into metals if macro data suggests rising demand for safe-havens. Equally, those who wish to speculate on corporate or global economic developments can employ share or index CFDs for direct exposure.

Forex

IC Markets boasts a robust Forex catalog, including major, minor, and exotic pairs. Aggregated liquidity from leading providers often yields narrower spreads, particularly on heavily traded pairs like EUR/USD. Considering the market’s continuous 24-hour cycle, traders may capitalize on overlapping sessions to benefit from quicker fills and potentially lower quotes.

Indices

IC Markets facilitates CFDs on multiple large-scale indices, ranging from the Dow Jones to Germany’s DAX 30, giving traders a window onto overarching economic trends without dissecting individual shares. In times of unexpected news, these indices can move sharply, granting short-term tactical potential. Because of historically tight spreads, indices can suit those who operate intraday or position-trade broader market narratives.

Commodities

For commodities enthusiasts, IC Markets furnishes CFD contracts in energy and agriculture—like crude oil, natural gas, sugar, and more. Supply-demand variables, weather conditions, and geopolitical facets can provoke price swings, supporting both brief trades and extended directional plays, subject to personal market outlooks.

Metals

Precious metals, predominantly gold (XAU) and silver (XAG), retain appeal as stabilizing assets. Including them in its product suite, IC Markets caters to hedges against currency devaluation or political turbulence. The broker’s upgraded technology framework helps limit slippage, which is invaluable given how swiftly metal prices can realign when notable announcements transpire.

Cryptocurrencies

In keeping with present market trends, IC Markets offers CFDs on key digital tokens like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Ripple. While these instruments can feature volatile price shifts, they also harbor prospective gains for knowledgeable traders. Since one can go long or short, there is no necessity for specialized wallets. Nevertheless, caution is essential in light of minimal regulation and considerable fluctuation in crypto valuations.

Shares

IC Markets also covers share CFDs originating from recognized global exchanges, letting participants speculate on firm-specific moves—be they immediate profit expansions or sector-wide transformations. CFDs enable short trades along with traditional long exposures, permitting flexible responses to bullish or bearish signals.

Bonds

Government bonds are likewise part of the broker’s portfolio, facilitating additional ways for traders to hedge or diversify. Bond prices generally invert in relation to interest rates, offering strategic counterweights during times of equity volatility or interest policy changes. While not as widespread among many retail accounts, they can maintain a stabilizing function.

Futures

Despite not matching the scope of derivative-specialist firms, IC Markets delivers a set of futures-oriented CFDs pegged to prominent indices, commodity prices, or alternative underlyings. These choices cater to long-range viewpoints or to hedging objectives, mirroring the actual futures price motions without demanding a dedicated futures account. The broker’s focus on straightforward quotes and timely processing extends here, too.

Account Types

Reflecting a wide-ranging clientele, IC Markets provides multiple account formats, each spotlighting distinct pricing methods or special provisions. Whether minimal spreads, zero commissions, or a Sharia-compliant framework is desired, the broker ensures consistent perks—fast order implementations and varied product options—across all accounts. Discrepancies primarily concern cost distributions and certain account conditions.

Additionally, clients can choose among several base currencies, potentially sidestepping conversion charges for those not using USD. Some accounts grant step-based commission discounts for high-volume trading, attractive to algorithmic or frequent practitioners. Irrespective of the specific account chosen, IC Markets typically requires identity verification to align with mandates and maintain user security.

Standard Account

The Standard Account integrates the broker’s income into the spread, negating a separate commission. This straightforward billing design benefits newcomers reluctant to track both spread and commission. Although the spreads can begin near 1.0 pip on key pairs, they remain sufficiently competitive for traders honing methods.

Raw Spread Account

Engineered for busy scalpers or volume-driven participants, the Raw Spread Account upholds ultralow spreads coupled with a moderate commission. Spreads can sink to 0.0 pips on primary pairs during top-liquidity phases. Adding a commission—commonly around USD 3.5 each way per lot—overall costs might still be highly favorable for rapid trading styles, as the straightforward format clarifies real trading expenses.

Pro Account

Occasionally marketed for larger-scale deposits or consistently high turnover, a Pro or VIP arrangement can deliver improved fee levels, personalized care, or other extras. The criteria usually involve a substantial balance and steadier trade volume. Prospective enrollees can verify specifics with IC Markets to see if they qualify for these advanced benefits.

Islamic Account

For adherents to Islamic financial principles, IC Markets extends an Islamic (swap-free) account, exempting traders from interest-based overnight charges. Alternatively, an administrative charge applies if trades exceed certain holding windows. This ensures compliance with the prohibition on interest. Otherwise, it closely mirrors the terms found in either the Standard or Raw Spread selections, minus any swap accrual.

IC Markets Leverage

In some instances, IC Markets may offer leverage up to 1:500 on chosen pairs, although actual caps depend on which regulatory branch supervises the account. While higher leverage magnifies returns, it equally augments potential drawdowns, emphasizing the importance of stringent margin management. Monitoring margin levels is crucial, notably during pivotal economic announcements known to spur abrupt market shifts. Certain locales impose tighter leverage constraints to shield less seasoned traders from substantial losses.

Deposits and Withdrawals

Catering to a world-spanning user base, IC Markets accommodates an array of deposit and withdrawal channels, spanning from bank wires, credit and debit cards, and PayPal to e-wallets like Skrill, plus various localized solutions. This ensures that traders in different regions can fund accounts or withdraw proceeds with relative ease. Also, the broker’s minimum deposit tends to stay modest, suitable for beginners and advanced operators alike.

Transaction times differ among methods: e-wallet and card transfers are usually resolved quickly, whereas bank wires can stretch across multiple working days, contingent on interbank processes. In every scenario, IC Markets applies high-level encryption and compliance procedures to protect users. Meeting AML and KYC norms, the company may request identification or proof of address prior to clearing larger withdrawals, strengthening the platform’s security layer.

IC Markets Deposit Options and Fees

Deposits submitted to IC Markets usually proceed swiftly, particularly when using major e-wallets or cards. The broker itself often refrains from deposit fees, although external banks or service providers might enforce charges outside IC Markets’ control. Whenever the account base currency differs from the one deposited, conversions come into play, potentially incurring costs that some traders avoid by choosing a matching currency.

Deposit Method Processing Time Fees
Credit/Debit Cards Instant or up to 1 hour 0 - Minimal
PayPal Instant 0
Skrill/Neteller Instant 0
Bank Wire Transfer 1-3 business days Varies by bank

Before transferring sizable sums, traders should confirm all verification requirements—commonly a government-issued ID plus a proof of residency—are in order. By satisfying these steps, one meets official obligations while ensuring only rightful account users handle future deposits and withdrawals.

IC Markets Withdrawals Options and Fees

Withdrawals at IC Markets are reputedly smooth, with a same-day turnaround if submissions precede the daily cut-off. Actual arrival spans hinge on the withdrawal channel: e-wallets or card refunds can be immediate or take a few hours, whereas bank wires might go on for two to five business days.

  • Minimal or no withdrawal charges across many services
  • Same-day processing if requests beat the cut-off
  • Credit/Debit cards: Up to five days for completion
  • Bank wires: Typically two-to-five days, reliant on intermediary steps

To comply with anti-fraud measures, withdrawals normally return to the original funding pathway until that sum is reimbursed. This keeps a clear financial record and certifies that only authorized owners retrieve funds. Any remainder can be requested through another route within the broker’s AML framework.

Poli

Visa

Skrill

Mastercard

Klarna

Fees and Commissions

A central draw for many is IC Markets’ cost-effective orientation, emphasizing minimal spreads and moderate commissions. Regardless of whether one conducts short-term trades or employs a multi-day stance, cost-effectiveness profoundly influences net profitability. IC Markets caters to differing pricing preferences by offering varied account schemes, each shaped around distinct fee priorities.

On top of spreads and commissions, the broker publicizes other incidental costs, like charges for inactivity, processing fees, or currency conversion. By curbing hidden or unnecessary fees, IC Markets highlights its devotion to openness. This structure particularly favors traders who engage in frequent transactions, in addition to those retaining positions for lengthier periods.

IC Markets Trading Fees

IC Markets categorizes trading fees into spreads and commissions. The precise arrangement depends on which account model is preferred. The Raw Spread option, for instance, may present spreads starting as low as 0.0 pips on key currency sets, combined with a commission typically around USD 3.5 per lot, per side. Conversely, the Standard account incorporates the broker’s margin within marginally higher spreads, commonly initiating around 1.0 pip for EUR/USD, while excluding any explicit commission.

  • Raw Spread Account Commission: Generally USD 3.5 per lot on each side.
  • Standard Account Commission: No separate commission, but slightly larger spreads.
  • Volume Incentives: Possible benefits for extensive trading volume.

Clients drawn to micro spreads for scalping or fleeting strategies might elect the Raw Spread plan. Others who desire easier cost calculations might lean toward the Standard structure. In either scenario, IC Markets’ flexible framework ensures the fee mechanism can be adapted to a wide range of trading styles and tolerance thresholds.

IC Markets Spreads

One of the more notable aspects of IC Markets is its reliably slim spreads, particularly in Raw Spread accounts. During periods of active market liquidity, major pairs like EUR/USD or GBP/USD frequently exhibit spreads in a 0.0–0.2 pip window. Additional pairs, as well as CFDs, stay comparatively competitive thanks to the broker’s aggregated liquidity from prime institutions.

Instrument Typical Spread (Raw) Typical Spread (Standard)
EUR/USD 0.0 - 0.2 pips 1.0 pips
GBP/USD 0.3 - 0.5 pips 1.2 pips
Gold (XAU/USD) 0.15 - 0.20 0.30

Keeping such slim spreads regularly appeals to cost-conscious traders, particularly those reliant on precise entries. Nevertheless, as with any broker, spreads can broaden amid severe volatility or insufficient liquidity. Traders are thus advised to remain alert to shifting conditions and impose sound risk controls—such as limit orders and mindful leverage—when markets turn turbulent.

IC Markets Non-Trading Fees

As far as non-trading fees are concerned, IC Markets takes a relatively mild approach. The broker rarely imposes account holding fees, and depositing via major credit cards, e-wallets, or bank wires typically bears no direct charge. A handful of withdrawal channels, though, could trigger minimal costs, primarily determined by local guidelines or intermediary banks.

  • No continuous account or platform fees
  • No deposit charges for widely used payment corridors
  • Occasional small withdrawal costs
  • Potential currency exchange fees if deposit currency mismatches the base currency

Furthermore, IC Markets generally avoids inactivity surcharges, which suits individuals who either trade episodically or maintain positions over prolonged spans. Still, confirming the latest policies remains prudent, given the potential for regulatory updates or internal revisions affecting fee structures.

Bonuses and Promotions

Unlike some brokers that routinely spotlight high-profile incentives, IC Markets predominantly champions fine trading conditions over elaborate bonus deals. Nonetheless, it occasionally presents programs, including referral bonuses or deposit-based credits. These usually feature minimum trade volume or holding criteria to ensure actual usage and keep alignment with regulations.

Because promotional guidelines fluctuate by region—some regulators limit or forbid such inducements—the exact offerings hinge on the user’s location and the relevant IC Markets entity. Checking the official website or sending a request to the support crew yields the most reliable, up-to-date promotional information.

Referral Bonus

IC Markets occasionally implements referral plans that reward both existing clients and newly introduced participants. This can entail deposit-driven credits or trading credits launched after the newcomer hits specified deposit or volume prerequisites. The objective is to spur genuine account growth while verifying the newly referred individuals maintain active trading.

Trading Credit Bonus

At intervals, IC Markets extends trading credit connected to deposits. While this bolsters available margin, the release of that credit itself generally hinges on meeting certain volume requirements. It’s vital to carefully understand the provisions if incorporating such a bonus into one’s overall account management approach.

Education

To complement its thorough service lineup, IC Markets invests in comprehensive trader education. This includes guides clarifying platform usage, essential breakdowns for Forex novices, and deeper dives into technical signals or event-based trading. By distributing these resources, the broker helps reduce mistakes and backs methodical activity in rapidly shifting markets.

Also, IC Markets provides a demo account option for individuals to train on real-time quotes without risking tangible funds. Live seminars, whether online or in person, allow direct exposure to the ways experienced participants respond to market-moving developments, such as major announcements, or test novel automated scripts. Further bulletins, blog posts, and a calendar of economic dates keep traders apprised of prospective catalysts that can redirect price action. Altogether, these offerings steer clients toward sounder conclusions and steady refinements to their approaches on the IC Markets platform.

Allowed Countries

Before registering with IC Markets, individuals should verify their country’s eligibility, since IC Markets operates across regions in Asia, Europe, Oceania, and segments of Africa. Even so, certain jurisdictions (e.g., the U.S., Canada, and Iran) bar citizens from enrolling. As these rules may evolve without warning, the broker recommends reviewing local directives or directly contacting support to ensure compliance.

Owing to its multi-entity licensing, IC Markets tends to assign each applicant to the division conforming best with that person’s location. Prospective traders must research relevant caps on leverage, domestic regulatory demands, and other conditions impacting their accounts. This method blends international compliance with the global marketplace access that IC Markets provides.

Excluded Countries

United States

Canada

Israel

Iran

Customer Support

Acknowledging that capable support nurtures trust, IC Markets presents various channels for both standard queries and time-sensitive dilemmas. Coverage commonly spans 24/5, occasionally extending further, facilitating assistance across numerous time zones. The service staff undergoes specialist training, so they can elucidate margin policy, platform specifics, and execution norms in detail.

Phone Support

Phone: +61 2 8014 4280

Real-time phone dialogue is invaluable for critical concerns necessitating fast guidance. Whether dealing with margin warnings or unanticipated connection problems, discussing them verbally with skilled staff can produce prompt resolutions. If deeper expertise is required, staff can forward the matter to dedicated technical or compliance resources.

Email Support

Email channels at IC Markets suit queries demanding records, proofs, or systematic clarifications, such as attachments or identity submissions. Some traders likewise favor a written record for referencing later. Response times vary from a handful of hours to one business day, hinging on difficulty and ticket volume.

Live Chat

Website: www.icmarkets.com

Located on the broker’s homepage, Live Chat delivers near-instant textual interaction akin to a phone call, albeit without speaking aloud. It’s efficient for targeted queries on account utilities or deposit systems. Live Chat agents are commonly proficient in repetitive troubleshooting measures, letting them promptly fix common user requests.

Physical Address

Level 6, 309 Kent Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia

Although the majority of matters are resolved digitally, showing a physical office signals authenticity. This real-world foundation verifies that IC Markets is a registered entity operating from a legitimate corporate premise, not merely an internet-based facade.

Broker Name: IC Markets

Broker Type: NDD

Country: United States

Operating since year: 2007

Regulations: CySEC, FSA, ASIC

Phone: +248 467 19 76

Email: [email protected]

Address: Level 6, 309 Kent Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia.

Broker status: Active

FAQs

Yes, ICMarkets is regulated by reputable financial authorities, including the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), ensuring adherence to strict financial standards.

ICMarkets provides various account types, including the Raw Spread Account, Standard Account, Islamic Account, Micro Account, and Pro Account, designed to suit different trading styles and experience levels.

Yes, ICMarkets offers a demo account with virtual funds, allowing beginners to practice and get comfortable with the platform risk-free.

ICMarkets supports MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), and cTrader, accommodating a range of needs from beginner-friendly features to advanced trading tools.

ICMarkets does not charge deposit fees, and most withdrawal methods are also free. However, traders should check with their payment providers for any additional charges.

ICMarkets offers over 60 forex pairs, commodities (such as gold and silver), indices, cryptocurrencies, and stocks, allowing traders to diversify their portfolios.

No, ICMarkets typically does not provide bonuses or promotions, focusing instead on low fees, competitive spreads, and transparent trading conditions.

To open an account, visit the ICMarkets website, select “Open a Live Account,” and complete the registration form. Once verified, you can fund your account and begin trading.

ICMarkets offers 24/7 customer support through live chat, email, and phone, ensuring assistance is available at any time.

Yes, ICMarkets is beginner-friendly, providing educational resources, a demo account, and a straightforward Standard Account with competitive spreads, making it accessible for new traders.

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